Car light control

Abstract

A system includes a computer for a vehicle, the computer being programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles and to identify one of the vehicles in the convoy as a caboose vehicle. The computer being programmed to deactivate a rear light of the lead vehicle and to instruct activation of a rear light of the caboose vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle lights, and more particularly to vehicle light control for fleet vehicles. Background Art

[0002] One or more computers may be programmed to control a convoy of vehicles on a road. A convoy includes a lead vehicle and a following vehicle. The following vehicle follows the lead vehicle, the lead vehicle being typically the first vehicle in a series of vehicles in the convoy, i.e., the lead vehicle travels ahead of the following vehicle. The convoy vehicles are typically equipped with lights, such as, for example, known exterior lights. However, there is a lack of technical infrastructure for controlling vehicle lights while moving in a convoy. Summary of the invention

[0003] introduction

[0004] A system is disclosed herein that includes a computer for a vehicle that is programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles, identify one of the vehicles in the convoy as a caboose vehicle, deactivate rear lights of the lead vehicle, and instruct activation of rear lights of the caboose vehicle.

[0005] The computer may further be programmed to identify a middle vehicle from among the vehicles in the convoy and to deactivate the headlights and taillights of the middle vehicle.

[0006] The computer may further be programmed to deactivate the brake lights and turn signals of the center vehicle.

[0007] The system may also include a second computer of the intermediate vehicle programmed to receive instructions from the lead vehicle, identify one or more lights of the intermediate vehicle based on the received instructions, and actuate the identified lights of the intermediate vehicle.

[0008] The computer may be further programmed to identify a plurality of intermediate vehicles and determine corresponding light control instructions for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a curvature of the road segment from the lead vehicle to the caboose vehicle.

[0009] The computer may be further programmed to determine a respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a distance of the respective intermediate vehicle to at least one of a next preceding vehicle and a next following vehicle in the same lane.

[0010] The vehicle of the convoy may be in a first lane and a second vehicle may be in a second lane, and the computer may be further programmed to determine light control instructions for each of the intermediate vehicles based on a distance of the corresponding intermediate vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0011] The computer may further be programmed to actuate the lead vehicle's headlights to turn off upon determining that the lead vehicle is stopped at the intersection.

[0012] The computer may be further programmed to transmit at least one of the number of the convoy of three or more vehicles and the distance between the lead vehicle and the caboose vehicle to a second vehicle approaching the lead vehicle in an opposite direction.

[0013] The computer may further be programmed to deactivate the caboose vehicle's headlights.

[0014] The computer may be further programmed to direct activation of the caboose vehicle's rear lights by actuating at least one of a turn signal and a brake light of the caboose vehicle based on the data received from the guided vehicle.

[0015] Further disclosed herein is a method that includes identifying a vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles, identifying one of the vehicles in the convoy as a caboose vehicle, deactivating rear lights of the lead vehicle, and instructing activation of rear lights of the caboose vehicle.

[0016] The method may also include identifying a center vehicle from the vehicles in the fleet, and deactivating headlights and taillights of the center vehicle.

[0017] The method may also include deactivating brake lights and turn signals of the intermediate vehicle.

[0018] The method may further include receiving instructions from the lead vehicle, identifying one or more lights of the intermediate vehicle based on the received instructions, and actuating the identified lights of the intermediate vehicle.

[0019] The method may also include identifying a plurality of intermediate vehicles, and determining a respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a curvature of the road segment from the lead vehicle to the caboose vehicle.

[0020] A respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles is determined based on a distance of the respective intermediate vehicle to at least one of a next preceding vehicle and a next following vehicle in the same lane.

[0021] The method may further include actuating headlights of the leading vehicle to turn off upon determining that the leading vehicle is stopped at the intersection.

[0022] The method may also include transmitting at least one of the number of the convoy of three or more vehicles and the distance between the lead vehicle and the caboose vehicle to a second vehicle approaching the lead vehicle in an opposite direction.

[0023] The method may also include deactivating headlights of the caboose vehicle.

[0024] Further disclosed is a computing device programmed to perform any of the above method steps.

[0025] Still further disclosed is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor to perform any of the above method steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system.

[0027] Figure 2 It shows the road Figure 1 An exemplary block diagram of multiple vehicles.

[0028] Figure 3 is another exemplary block diagram illustrating multiple vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

[0029] Figure 4 is an exemplary intersection of a road and a train track.

[0030] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is a flow chart of an exemplary process for a vehicle computer to control one or more vehicle lights. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Exemplary System Elements

[0032] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is illustrated. The vehicle 100 may be powered in a variety of ways, for example, using an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 100 is a land vehicle, such as a car, a truck, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 may include a bicycle, such as a motorcycle. The vehicle 100 may include a computer 110, one or more actuators 120, one or more sensors 130, and a human-machine interface (HMI) 140.

[0033] The computer 110 includes a processor and a memory such as is known in the art. The memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the computer 110 for performing various operations, including those disclosed herein.

[0034] The computer 110 may operate the corresponding vehicle 100 in an autonomous, semi-autonomous mode, or a non-autonomous (or manual) mode. For the purposes of this disclosure, the autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which the computer 110 controls each of the propulsion, braking, and steering of the vehicle 100; in the semi-autonomous mode, the computer 110 controls one or both of the propulsion, braking, and steering of the vehicle 100; and in the non-autonomous mode, a human operator controls each of the propulsion, braking, and steering of the vehicle 100.

[0035] The computer 110 may include programming to operate one or more of the following: braking, propulsion (e.g., controlling acceleration of the vehicle by controlling one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid engine, etc.), steering, climate control, interior and / or exterior lights, etc. of a land vehicle, and determine if and when the computer 110 (rather than a human operator) controls such operations. Additionally, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine if and when a human operator controls such operations.

[0036] The computer 110 may include or be communicatively coupled to more than one processor, such as via a vehicle 100 communication bus as further described below, including, for example, a controller in the vehicle for monitoring and / or controlling various vehicle controllers, such as a powertrain controller, a brake controller, a steering controller, etc. The computer 110 is typically arranged for communication over a vehicle communication network, which may include a bus in the vehicle (such as a controller area network (CAN) or the like), and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms.

[0037] Via the vehicle 100 network, the computer 110 may send and / or receive messages to and / or from various devices in the vehicle, such as the actuators 120, the human-machine interface 140, etc. Alternatively or additionally, where the computer 110 actually includes a variety of devices, the vehicle 100 communication network may be used for communication between devices represented in this disclosure as the computer 110. In addition, as described below, various controllers and / or sensors may provide data to the computer 110 via the vehicle communication network.

[0038] In addition, the computer 110 may be configured to communicate with other vehicles 100, for example, via a vehicle-to-vehicle (V-to-V) communication network 170 through a vehicle-to-vehicle wireless communication interface. The V-to-V communication network 170 represents one or more mechanisms by which the computer 110 of the vehicle 100 can communicate with other vehicles 100, and can be one or more of wireless communication mechanisms, including any desired combination of wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or multiple topologies when multiple communication mechanisms are utilized). Exemplary V-to-V communication networks include cellular, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), and / or wide area networks (WANs) that provide data communication services, including the Internet. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 computer 110 may be programmed to communicate with a remote computer 160 (e.g., a cloud computer) via a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V-to-I) communication network 170. The remote computer 160 may be programmed to receive information and / or send instructions to one or more vehicles 100.

[0039] The vehicle 100 actuator 120 is implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic and / or mechanical components that can actuate various vehicle subsystems based on appropriate control messages (e.g., which may be provided to an electronic control unit (ECU) or similar device that activates the actuator 120 via the vehicle 100 network), for example, controlling the braking, acceleration, and steering of the vehicle 100.

[0040] The sensors 130 may include a variety of known devices that provide data to the computer 110. For example, the sensors 130 may include one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors 130 disposed on top of the vehicle 100, which provide the relative position, size, and shape of other vehicles 100 around the vehicle 100, including other vehicles 100 traveling beside or behind the vehicle 100 (see Figures 2 to 4 ). As another example, one or more radar sensors 130 fixed to the bumper of the vehicle 100 can provide the location of other vehicles 100 traveling in front of, to the side of, and / or behind the vehicle 100 relative to the location of the vehicle 100. The sensors 130 may further alternatively or additionally include one or more camera sensors 130 (e.g., front view, side view, etc.) that provide images from the area around the vehicle 100. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to receive image data from the one or more camera sensors 130 and be programmed to implement image processing techniques to detect one or more lanes 210, 220, 230 and other objects such as other vehicles 100.

[0041] The computer 110 may further be programmed to determine the current driving lane 210 of the vehicle 100, for example based on global positioning system (GPS) coordinates and / or detected lane markings of the lane 210. Based on the data received from the sensor 130, the computer 110 may determine the relative distance, speed, etc. of an object (such as another vehicle 101) relative to the vehicle 100. As another example, the computer 110 may be programmed to receive data including the relative speed, position coordinates, and / or direction of an object (such as another vehicle 101) via a wireless communication network.

[0042] The human-machine interface 140 may receive input from a human operator during operation of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the human-machine interface 140 may be configured to display information to a user, for example, via visual and / or auditory output. Thus, the human-machine interface 140 may be located in a passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 and may include one or more mechanisms for user input. For example, the human-machine interface 140 may include a turn signal switch, other light switches or buttons, a microphone, a touch screen, etc.

[0043] The vehicle 100 includes various exterior lights 150. For example, the vehicle 100 may include one or more headlights 150A, one or more taillights 150B, one or more turn signals 150C, one or more brake lights 150D, one or more side lights 150E, etc. Depending on the model, size, etc. of the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 may include other exterior lights 150. For example, the vehicle 100 may include parking lights 150, fog lights 150, high beam lights 150, etc. The computer 110 and / or the vehicle 100 user may activate and / or deactivate the exterior lights 150, for example, based on ambient light conditions, weather conditions, the type of road 200, etc.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle 100 computer 110 may be programmed to navigate the vehicle 100 in a convoy of three or more vehicles 100. Typically, the convoy of three or more vehicles 100 travels in the same lane 210 and has a lead vehicle 100A. In one example, the lead vehicle 100A may be driven in a non-autonomous or semi-autonomous mode, while the other vehicles 100 in the convoy (such as vehicles 100B, 100C, 100D) follow the lead vehicle 100A in an autonomous mode.

[0045] The vehicle (such as vehicle 100D) following all other vehicles 100 in the convoy is referred to as the caboose vehicle 100D in this article. The vehicles 100 (e.g., vehicles 100B, 100C) between the lead vehicle 100A and the caboose vehicle 100D are referred to as intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C in this article. The convoy typically includes a single lead vehicle 100A and a single caboose vehicle 100D, but may include one or more intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C, etc. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and not limitation, two intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C are generally involved in the examples herein. The lead vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to send data received from the guide vehicle 100A sensor 130 to the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C and / or the caboose vehicle 100D. The computers 110 of the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C and the caboose vehicle 100D may be programmed to maintain a minimum distance, such as a distance d , from the next vehicle 100 immediately in front of each intermediate vehicle 100B, 100C. 1 ,d 2 The distance d between the front end of the guide vehicle 100A and the rear end of the caboose vehicle 100D is 3 The length of the convoy is referred to herein. In the present disclosure, a distance is defined relative to the edge of the bumper of the vehicle 100 (such as the distance d 1 ,d 2 ,d 3 etc.), optionally, the distance may be relative to any other point in the vehicle 100 (such as a center point, etc.).

[0046] The vehicle 100 computer 110 may be programmed to determine that the vehicle 100 may form a convoy with other vehicles 100 (e.g., vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D) that may move in a convoy, for example, upon determining that vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D are traveling in the same lane 210 and / or requesting to join the convoy. There may be additional requirements for forming a convoy, for example, the distance between any two adjacent vehicles 100 in the lane 210, such as the distance d between vehicles 100A and 100B. 2 is less than a predetermined threshold, such as 50 m. Additionally or alternatively, the headway (i.e., the distance d between the moving vehicles 100A, 100B) may be required. 2 Therefore, the distance d between the vehicles 100A and 100B is less than the predetermined time threshold. 2may increase as their speed increases. Additionally or alternatively, the lead vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to broadcast an invitation to join the convoy, for example via the wireless network 170. In this context, the convoy invitation may include identifiers and / or position coordinates of the lead vehicle 100A and other vehicles 100 in the convoy (e.g., middle vehicles 100B, 100C, and / or caboose vehicle 100D), the speed of the vehicles 100 in the convoy, the lane 210 in which the convoy of vehicles 100 is traveling, the number of vehicles 100 in the convoy, etc.

[0047] As discussed above, one or more vehicle 100 exterior lights 150 (e.g., brake lights 150D, turn signals 150c, etc.) illuminate the exterior of the vehicle and / or provide information to other vehicles 100. In a convoy of vehicles 100, it may be advantageous to deactivate some of the exterior lights 150 and / or synchronize them among the vehicles 100 in the convoy. For example, this may reduce light pollution, reduce energy consumption of vehicles 100 in the convoy, and / or reduce visual distraction for other traffic participants (such as vehicles 100E, 100F outside the convoy). Thus, the lead vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to identify vehicle 100A as a lead vehicle in a convoy of vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and to identify vehicle 100D in the convoy as a caboose vehicle 100D. The computer 110 may further be programmed to deactivate the rear lights 150B of the lead vehicle 100A and instruct activation of the rear lights (eg, lights 150B, 150C, 150D) of the caboose vehicle 100D.

[0048] The computer 110 may further be programmed to identify one or more intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C from the vehicles 100 in the convoy and to deactivate the headlights 150A and taillights 150B of the one or more intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C. As discussed above, the vehicles 100 in the convoy may communicate with each other, for example, providing position coordinates, speed, steering wheel angle, yaw angle, etc. to other vehicles 100 in the convoy. Therefore, although the taillights 150B of the intermediate vehicle 100C are deactivated, the caboose vehicle 100D computer 110 may navigate the vehicle 100D.

[0049] The computer 110 may further be programmed to instruct activation of the caboose vehicle 100D's rear vehicle 100 lights (e.g., lights 150B, 150C, 150D) by actuating at least one of the caboose vehicle 100D's turn signal 150C and brake lights 150D based on data received from the lead vehicle 100A. For example, the lead vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to instruct the caboose vehicle 100D to activate its brake lights 150D (e.g., by sending light control instructions), e.g., upon activation of the lead vehicle 100A brake pedal by a lead vehicle 100A user and / or deceleration of the lead vehicle 100A caused by, for example, sliding. In the context of the present disclosure, a light control instruction is a vehicle-to-vehicle message from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle instructs the second vehicle to control (e.g., activate or deactivate) at least one second vehicle light. Typically, the light control instruction includes a target vehicle 100 identifier, one or more exterior light 150 identifiers (e.g., brake lights 150D), and corresponding one or more commands (e.g., activate or deactivate) for the identified one or more lights. Additionally or alternatively, the light control instruction may include a target vehicle 100 identifier and a maximum power consumption rate (e.g., "low"), as discussed below. The target vehicle 100 refers to the vehicle 100 that is instructed to execute the received light control instruction. As another example, the computer 110 of the lead vehicle 100A may be programmed to determine a lane change, such as from lane 210 to lane 220, and instruct the caboose vehicle 100D computer 110 to activate one or more caboose vehicle 100D turn signals 150C. Thus, advantageously, vehicles 100E, 100F outside the convoy may detect the activated turn signal and thereby determine that the convoy of vehicles 100 intends to change lanes. Additionally or alternatively, the caboose vehicle 100D computer 110 may be programmed to deactivate the headlights 150A of the caboose vehicle 100D.

[0050] The computer 110 may further be programmed to disable the brake lights 150D and turn signals 150C of one or more intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C. In one example, the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C receive brake and / or turn signal data from the lead vehicle 100A and / or other vehicles 100 in the convoy. Thus, the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C may navigate the vehicles 100B, 100C even though the brake lights and / or turn signal lights 150 of the lead vehicle 100A are disabled.

[0051] As another example, the lead vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to instruct the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C to reduce their respective power consumption rates to below a predetermined maximum power consumption rate (e.g., "very low," "low," or "medium"). Each of the predetermined maximum power consumption rates (e.g., 10 watts (W), 20 W, 30 W, respectively) may be associated with a power consumption rate. The respective computers 110 of the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C may be programmed to activate one or more lights 150 of the respective intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C so that the total power consumption of the exterior lights 150 does not exceed the indicated maximum power consumption rate (e.g., 10 W). In one example, the intermediate vehicle 100B, 100C computer 110 may activate the vehicle 100B, 100C side lights 150E only upon receiving an instruction with a "low" power consumption rate.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine the distance d from the corresponding intermediate vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100B) to at least one of the next preceding vehicle 100 (e.g., leading vehicle 100A) and the next following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100C) in the same lane 210. 1 , to determine corresponding light control instructions (i.e., instructions to activate and / or deactivate the lights 150 of each of the intermediate vehicles 100). For example, the computer 110 of the leading vehicle 100A may be programmed to 1 ,d 2 When at least one of the vehicles 100A, 100C exceeds a distance threshold (e.g., 15 meters (m)), the side lights 150E of the middle vehicle 100B are activated. As a result, the vehicle 100B may become more visible to one or more vehicles 100E, 100F outside the convoy. Advantageously, this may result in avoiding the vehicles 100E, 100F from changing lanes to a position between the vehicles 100A, 100C. Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 may be programmed to activate the side lights 150E of every other middle vehicle while deactivating the side lights 150E of every other vehicle 100.

[0053] Due to the curvature of lane 210, vehicles 100E, 100F outside the convoy may lack visibility of the lights 150 of the lead vehicle 100A and / or the guard vehicle 100D. That is, it can be said that the lights of vehicles 100A and / or 100D are obscured relative to vehicles 100E and / or 100F. The computer 110 may be programmed to identify multiple intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C, and determine the corresponding light control instructions for each of the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C based on the curvature of a portion of the road from the lead vehicle 100A to the guard vehicle 100D. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine the radius of curvature of the lane 210 portion between the lead vehicle 100A and the guard vehicle 100D based on, for example, the map data and position coordinates of the vehicles 100A, 100D. The computer 110 may be programmed to activate, for example, the side lights 150E of the center vehicle 100B, 100C upon determining that the determined radius of curvature is less than a predetermined threshold (eg, 250 meters).

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 of the lead vehicle 100A may be programmed to actuate the vehicle 100A headlights 150A based on, for example, the ambient light intensity received from the vehicle 100 light sensor 130. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to deactivate the high beams 150 and / or increase the intensity of the low beams 150 when it is determined that the ambient light intensity exceeds a light intensity threshold (e.g., in an urban area). Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 of the intermediate vehicle 100B, 100C may be programmed to activate the side lights 150E when it is determined that the intermediate vehicle 100B, 100C is crossing the intersection, for example, to prevent a side collision of the vehicles 100B, 100C.

[0055] The computer 110 may be programmed to determine the distance d from the corresponding intermediate vehicle 100B to the second vehicle 100E in the second lane 220 different from the convoy lane 210. 4 , to determine the corresponding light control instructions for each of the intermediate vehicles (e.g., vehicle 100B). For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine the distance d from the second vehicle 100E in the adjacent lane 220 to the intermediate vehicle 100B. 4 When the distance is less than a threshold value (e.g., 75 m), the lights 150 (such as the side lights 150E of the middle vehicle 100B) are activated. Therefore, when there is no second vehicle 100E located near the middle vehicle 100B in an adjacent lane (such as lane 220), the side lights 150E may be turned off. This may advantageously reduce the power consumption of the middle vehicle 100B.

[0056] Figure 3An exemplary two-way road 200 is shown with lanes 210, 230. Vehicle 100G approaches a convoy of vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D traveling in opposite directions in lane 210. In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to calculate the number of vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D and / or the length d of the convoy. 3 The computer 110 of the second vehicle 100G is thus advantageously programmed to receive a signal based on the number of vehicles 100 in the received convoy and / or the length d of the convoy. 3 , to navigate the second vehicle 100G. For example, the vehicle 100G computer 110 may be programmed to prevent a passing maneuver by the vehicle 100G until the vehicle 100G has passed the caboose vehicle 100D.

[0057] Figure 4 An exemplary intersection 310 is shown where a road 200 intersects a track for a train 300. The vehicle 100 may stop and wait at the intersection 310. The stop at the train intersection 310 may be long, and the headlights 150A of the vehicle 100A may interfere with the vehicle 100H user, and / or the vehicle 100A lights 150A may cause the vehicle 100H user to be unable to distinguish the train 300 due to the lights 150A of the vehicle 100A being seen from between the train 300 crossing the intersection 310. In one example, the computer 110 of the lead vehicle 100A may be programmed to actuate one or more of the lead vehicle 100A headlights 150A to turn off or dim when it is determined that the lead vehicle 100A is stopped at the intersection 310.

[0058] process

[0059] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C is a flow chart of an exemplary process 500 for controlling exterior lights 150 of vehicle 100. For example, any of vehicle 100 computers 110 may be programmed to perform the blocks of process 500.

[0060] refer to Figure 5A , the process 500 begins at block 510, where the computer 110 receives data from other vehicles 100, for example, via vehicle-to-vehicle communications such as described above. For example, vehicle 100A computer 110 may receive data from vehicles 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, etc., including speed, current lane, and / or whether the other vehicles 100 have requested to move in the convoy and / or accepted to become the lead vehicle 100 of the convoy.

[0061] Next, in decision block 515, the computer 110 determines whether the vehicle 100 and one or more of the other vehicles 100 can move in the convoy. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the vehicle 100 and one or more of the other vehicles 100 can move in the convoy after determining that the vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D traveling in the same lane 210 have requested to join the convoy, and / or the distance between any two adjacent vehicles 100 in the lane 210 (e.g., the distance d between the vehicles 100A, 100B) is greater than the distance between the vehicles 100A, 100B. 2 ) is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 50m), it is determined that vehicles 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D can move in a convoy. If computer 110 determines that a convoy is possible, process 500 proceeds to box 520; otherwise, process 500 returns to box 510.

[0062] In block 520 , the computer 110 identifies the lead vehicle 100A, the caboose vehicle 100D, and one or more intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C, etc.

[0063] Next, in decision block 525, the computer 110 of the vehicle 100 determines whether the vehicle 100 is a lead vehicle. In other words, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the computer 110 is disposed in the lead vehicle 100A. If the computer 110 determines that the vehicle 100 is a lead vehicle, the process 500 proceeds to block 530 (see Figure 5B ); otherwise, the process 500 proceeds to decision block 565 (see Figure 5C ).

[0064] Go to Figure 5B , in block 530, the computer 110 broadcasts the convoy invitation. For example, the computer 110 may broadcast the convoy invitation via the wireless network 170. The convoy invitation may include identifiers and / or location coordinates of the lead vehicle 100A and other vehicles 100 in the convoy, speeds of the vehicles 100 in the convoy, lanes 210 in which the convoy of vehicles 100 is traveling, the number of vehicles 100 in the convoy, and the like.

[0065] Next, in block 535, computer 110 sends light control instructions to caboose vehicle 100. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to send an actuation instruction (ie, a light control instruction) to deactivate one or more headlights 150A of caboose vehicle 100D.

[0066] Next, in block 540, the computer 110 sends a light control command to one or more intermediate vehicles 100. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to deactivate the lights 150 of the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C, and / or activate one or more side lights 150E of the intermediate vehicles 100B, 100C. Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 may be programmed to send a light control command based on the curvature of the road 200, the distance d between the vehicles 100, and the distance between the vehicles 100.1 ,d 2 (See Figure 2 ) etc. The computer 110 may be programmed to selectively activate the lights 150 of one or more intermediate vehicles 100. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to activate the side lights 150 of every other intermediate vehicle 100 in the convoy, the side lights 150 of one of three vehicles 100 in the convoy, etc. Thus, advantageously, power consumption in the convoy of vehicles 100 may be reduced.

[0067] Next, in decision block 545, the computer 110 determines whether the turn signal and / or brake of the vehicle 100A is activated. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the turn signal and / or brake is activated based on data received from the brake pedal sensor 130, the turn signal sensor 130, etc. If the computer 110 determines that the brake and / or turn signal is activated, the process 500 proceeds to block 550; otherwise, the process 500 proceeds to decision block 555.

[0068] In block 550, computer 110 sends light control instructions including brake light and / or turn signal actuation instructions to the caboose vehicle. For example, vehicle 100A computer 110 may be programmed to send instructions to caboose vehicle 100D to activate caboose vehicle 100D brake lights 150D upon determining that the brake pedal in vehicle 100A is actuated.

[0069] In decision block 555, computer 110 determines whether a request to dim lights 150 is received from another vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100G). Figure 3 As shown, the computer 110 may be programmed to receive a dimming request from a vehicle 100G traveling in the opposite direction via the wireless network 170. The dimming request may include a request to reduce the intensity of the headlights 150A and / or change the direction of the headlights 150A. For example, the other vehicle 100G may send a dimming request to improve the view of the road 200 for the user of the vehicle 100G. If the computer 110 determines that a light dimming request is received from another vehicle 100G, the process 500 proceeds to block 560, otherwise the process 500 ends, or alternatively, the process 500 returns to block 510, although Figure 5B Not shown in FIG.

[0070] refer to Figure 5C, in decision block 565, the computer 110 determines whether a light control instruction is received from a lead vehicle. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to receive instructions to activate and / or deactivate the lights 150 of the vehicle 100 via the wireless network 170. The computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the instruction is for the vehicle 100 based on the vehicle 100 identifier included in the instruction. If the computer 110 determines that the instruction is received from the lead vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100A) for the vehicle 100, the process 500 proceeds to block 570; otherwise, the process 500 ends, or alternatively, the process 500 returns to block 510.

[0071] In block 570, the computer 110 identifies one or more vehicle 100 lights 150 to actuate based on the received command. For example, upon receiving a light control command having a "low" power level, the computer 110 may identify one or more vehicle 100 lights 150 (e.g., side lights 150E) that meet the indicated power level. In another example, the computer 110 may be programmed to identify vehicle 100 brake lights 150D, turn signals 150C, etc. based on receiving a command to actuate brake lights 150D, turn signals 150C, etc.

[0072] Next, in box 575, the computer 110 activates the identified vehicle 100 lights 150. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to activate the brake lights 150D based on the received instruction to activate the brake lights 150D. In another example, the computer 110 may be programmed to deactivate the headlights 150A based on the received instruction.

[0073] After block 575, process 500 ends, or optionally returns to block 510, although Figure 5C Not shown in FIG.

[0074] The computing devices discussed herein generally each include instructions that are executable by one or more computing devices such as those identified above and are used to perform the blocks or steps of the above-described processes. The computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, alone or in combination, Java, and / or other programming languages. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, such as from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. A variety of computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data. Files in a computing device are typically collections of data stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a storage medium, a random access memory, etc.).

[0075] Computer-readable media include any media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, etc. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that usually constitutes main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with hole patterns, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH, EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cassettes, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0076] With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring in a sequence in a particular order, such processes may be practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of systems and / or processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the disclosed subject matter.

[0077] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure including the above description and the accompanying drawings and claims is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. By reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but with reference to the claims attached to the present invention and / or included in the non-provisional patent application based on the present invention together with the full scope of equivalents given by such claims. It is expected and hoped that there will be future developments in the field discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is capable of modification and variation.

[0078] According to the present invention, a system is provided having a computer for a vehicle, the computer being programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles; identify one of the vehicles in the convoy as a caboose vehicle; deactivate rear lights of the lead vehicle; and instruct activation of rear lights of the caboose vehicle.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to identify a middle vehicle from among said vehicles in said fleet; and to deactivate headlights and taillights of said middle vehicle.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to deactivate brake lights and turn signals of the intermediate vehicle.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized in that the second computer of the intermediate vehicle is programmed to receive instructions from the lead vehicle; identify one or more lights of the intermediate vehicle based on the received instructions; and actuate the identified lights of the intermediate vehicle.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to identify a plurality of intermediate vehicles; and determine a respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a curvature of a road segment from the lead vehicle to the caboose vehicle.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to determine the respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a distance of the respective intermediate vehicle to at least one of a next preceding vehicle and a next following vehicle in the same lane.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized in that the vehicle of the convoy is in a first lane and the second vehicle is in a second lane, and the computer is further programmed to determine the light control instructions for each of the intermediate vehicles based on the distance of the corresponding intermediate vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to actuate the headlights of the lead vehicle to turn off upon determining that the lead vehicle is stopped at the intersection.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized in that the computer is further programmed to send at least one of the number of the convoy of three or more vehicles and the distance between the lead vehicle and the caboose vehicle to a second vehicle approaching the lead vehicle in an opposite direction.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized in that the computer is further programmed to deactivate the headlights of the caboose vehicle.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the computer is further programmed to direct activation of the rear lights of the caboose vehicle by actuating at least one of a turn signal and a brake light of the caboose vehicle based on data received from the lead vehicle.

[0089] According to the present invention, a method is provided, which has the steps of identifying a vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles; identifying one of the vehicles in the convoy as a caboose vehicle; deactivating rear lights of the lead vehicle; and instructing activation of rear lights of the caboose vehicle.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by identifying a middle vehicle from among the vehicles in the fleet; and deactivating headlights and taillights of the middle vehicle.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by deactivating the brake lights and turn signals of the intermediate vehicle.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by receiving instructions from the lead vehicle; identifying one or more lights of the intermediate vehicle based on the received instructions; and actuating the identified lights of the intermediate vehicle.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by identifying a plurality of intermediate vehicles; and determining a respective light control command for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on a curvature of a section of road from the lead vehicle to the caboose vehicle.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by determining the corresponding light control instruction for each of the plurality of intermediate vehicles based on the distance of the corresponding intermediate vehicle to at least one of a next preceding vehicle and a next following vehicle in the same lane.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by actuating a headlight of the leading vehicle to turn off when it is determined that the leading vehicle is stopped at the intersection.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by transmitting at least one of the number of the convoy of three or more vehicles and the distance between the lead vehicle and the caboose vehicle to a second vehicle approaching the lead vehicle in an opposite direction.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by deactivating the headlights of the caboose vehicle.

Claims

1. A method comprising: identifying the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a convoy of three or more vehicles; identifying one of the vehicles in the fleet as a caboose vehicle; deactivating the rear lights of the leading vehicle; as well as directing activation of rear lights of said caboose vehicle; Also includes: Identify multiple intermediate vehicles; as well as Based on the curvature of the road section from the lead vehicle to the guard vehicle, the corresponding light control instructions for each of the multiple intermediate vehicles are determined, wherein the corresponding light control instructions for each of the multiple intermediate vehicles are determined based on the distance of the corresponding intermediate vehicle to at least one of the next front vehicle and the next rear vehicle in the same lane.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifying a middle vehicle from among the vehicles in the fleet; as well as The headlights and taillights of the intermediate vehicle are disabled.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: The brake lights and turn signals of the intermediate vehicle are deactivated.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving a command from the lead vehicle; identifying one or more lights of the intermediate vehicle based on the received instructions; as well as Actuating the identified light of the intermediate vehicle.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: The light control instructions for each of the intermediate vehicles are determined based on a distance of the respective intermediate vehicle to a second vehicle, wherein the vehicles of the convoy are in a first lane and the second vehicle is in a second lane.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: When it is determined that the leading vehicle is stopped at the intersection, a headlight of the leading vehicle is actuated to be turned off.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: At least one of the number of the convoy of three or more vehicles and the distance between the lead vehicle and the caboose vehicle is transmitted to a second vehicle approaching the lead vehicle in an opposite direction.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The headlights of the caboose vehicle are deactivated.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Activation of the rear lights of the caboose vehicle is instructed by actuating at least one of a turn signal and a brake light of the caboose vehicle based on data received from the lead vehicle.

10. A computing device programmed to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9.

11. A computer storage medium comprising a computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9.

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