Methods to operate autonomous vehicles to pilot vehicles in groups or convoys

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 837,114 filed Aug. 27, 2015, now pending, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14 / 611,253 filed Feb. 01, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,139,199, issued Sep. 22, 2015; and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 276,895 filed Jan. 10, 2016. Each patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Present Invention[0004]The present invent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a way to control a group of vehicles, with one vehicle acting as a lead and guiding the others along a route. This lead vehicle helps to communicate with the others and keeps them informed of any conditions along the way. This leads to better organization and control of the convoy.

Problems solved by technology

The escorted vehicle may be disabled or unpowered.

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