Methods to operate autonomous vehicles to pilot vehicles in groups or convoys
First Claim
1. A method of coordinating vehicles comprising:
- forming a convoy of vehicles with a first vehicle that is an escort vehicle and is autonomous and a second vehicle that is an escorted vehicle,moving the convoy along a route,modifying a location of at least one of the second vehicle and an environmental vehicle by locating the first vehicle in a position observable to a driver of the vehicle that is to have its location modified to expedite movement of the convoy along the route and, establishing a list of zone rules by a zone authority, wherein the list of zone rules established by the zone authority are in effect, the zone rules coordinate the simultaneous actions of multiples vehicles, the zone authority transmits a message to the second vehicle comprising information to cause the second vehicle to enter a mode of operation designed to follow the zone rules.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of controlling autonomous or driverless vehicles in a specific control zone or in a convoy is disclosed. The vehicles enter the zone or form a convoy and come under the control of a zone authority or escort vehicle that coordinates the movements of the vehicles until they leave the zone or convoy. Escort vehicle communicate with central control facilities, each other or escorted vehicles. The behavior of the escorted or controlled vehicles is modified to insure that it matches a set of rules established by the zone authority. Possible zones include parking areas, indoor passages and areas with security concerns. The zone authority or escort vehicle may simultaneously control multiple autonomous vehicles and possible additional driver operated vehicles. Messages establishing control or providing continuing administration of rules or movements of escorted or controlled vehicles may be delivered by any type of communications link.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of coordinating vehicles comprising:
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forming a convoy of vehicles with a first vehicle that is an escort vehicle and is autonomous and a second vehicle that is an escorted vehicle, moving the convoy along a route, modifying a location of at least one of the second vehicle and an environmental vehicle by locating the first vehicle in a position observable to a driver of the vehicle that is to have its location modified to expedite movement of the convoy along the route and, establishing a list of zone rules by a zone authority, wherein the list of zone rules established by the zone authority are in effect, the zone rules coordinate the simultaneous actions of multiples vehicles, the zone authority transmits a message to the second vehicle comprising information to cause the second vehicle to enter a mode of operation designed to follow the zone rules. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of moving a first vehicle on a road comprising:
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forming a convoy of vehicles with the first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the second vehicle is a control vehicle and is autonomous, positioning the second vehicle in a position observable by a driver of the first vehicle to communicate instructions for movement of the first vehicle to expedite the movement of the first vehicle along the road, and establishing a list of zone rules by a zone authority, wherein the list of zone rules established by the zone authority are in effect, the zone rules coordinate the simultaneous actions of multiples vehicles, the zone authority transmits a message to the first vehicle comprising information to cause the first vehicle to enter a mode of operation designed to follow the zone rules. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification