Driver-defined vehicle-to-vehicle communication

Abstract

A method for driver-defined vehicle-to-vehicle communication includes receiving, by a controller of a host vehicle, remote vehicle data from a plurality of remote vehicles. The method also includes identifying, by the controller of the host vehicle, at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles using the remote vehicle data. A remote vehicle with V2X capability is capable of receiving and transmitting V2X communications. The method also includes, in response to identifying the at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle, receiving an input from a vehicle occupant of the host vehicle through a user interface of the host vehicle. The input indicates that the vehicle occupant wants to transmit a pre-recorded voice message to a V2X capable remote vehicle. The method also includes transmitting a pre-recorded voice message to the at least one V2X capable remote vehicle in response to receiving an input from a vehicle occupant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for driver customized vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Background Art

[0002] This subsection generally presents the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this subsection, neither the work of the presently designated inventors nor aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing are explicitly or implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] When a vehicle is traveling, sometimes it is necessary to transmit information to another vehicle. Although a mobile phone can be used to exchange information between vehicles if the vehicle occupants of different vehicles know each other's contact information, the contact information of the vehicle occupants is usually unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method and system for facilitating vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes a method for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes receiving, by a controller of a host vehicle, remote vehicle data from a plurality of remote vehicles. Each of the plurality of remote vehicles is located within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle. The remote vehicle data includes information about which of the plurality of remote vehicles is configured to receive and transmit vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications. The method also includes: using the remote vehicle data to identify, by the controller of the host vehicle, at least one remote vehicle with V2X capabilities among the plurality of remote vehicles. Remote vehicles with V2X capabilities are capable of receiving and transmitting V2X communications. The method also includes: in response to identifying at least one remote vehicle with V2X capabilities, receiving input from a vehicle occupant of the host vehicle through a user interface of the host vehicle. The input indicates that the vehicle occupant wants to transmit a pre-recorded voice message to the remote vehicle with V2X capabilities. The method also includes: in response to receiving the input from the vehicle occupant, transmitting the pre-recorded voice message to the at least one remote vehicle with V2X capabilities. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each program configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include broadcasting a service announcement message to multiple remote vehicles. The service announcement message indicates that the host vehicle supports V2X communication. The input from the vehicle occupant may be a voice command from the vehicle occupant. The user interface of the host vehicle includes a microphone configured to receive a voice command from the vehicle occupant. The user interface includes a touch screen, and the input from the vehicle occupant occurs when the vehicle occupant touches the touch screen. The input may include selecting one or more from multiple remote vehicles with V2X capabilities. The input may include selecting one or more from multiple pre-recorded voice messages. Multiple pre-recorded voice messages are displayed in a drop-down menu presented on a display of the host vehicle. The remote vehicle with V2X capability plays the pre-recorded voice message in response to receiving the pre-recorded voice message from the host vehicle. The method may include receiving a voice reply to the pre-recorded voice message from at least one remote vehicle with V2X capability. Implementations of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes: detecting that the high beam of a remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle is turned on; in response to detecting that the high beam of the remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle is turned on, sending a message to the remote vehicle. The message includes a request to turn off the high beam of the remote vehicle. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatuses, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each of which is configured to perform the actions of the method.

[0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include: automatically turning off high beams of a remote vehicle in response to receiving a message requesting that high beams be turned off. The method may include: determining the luminous intensity of high beams of a remote vehicle moving toward a host vehicle; comparing the luminous intensity of high beams of the remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle with a predetermined intensity threshold to determine whether the luminous intensity of high beams of the remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle is greater than the predetermined intensity threshold; and in response to determining that the luminous intensity of high beams of the remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle is greater than the predetermined intensity threshold, sending a message to the remote vehicle. Each of the plurality of remote vehicles includes one or more high beams. In the method, transmitting the message to the remote vehicle includes issuing a broadcast to the plurality of remote vehicles. The method may also include: determining, by each of the plurality of remote vehicles, whether the message broadcast by the host vehicle is individually applicable to each of the plurality of remote vehicles corresponding to the plurality of remote vehicles to determine a target remote vehicle. The target remote vehicle only sends an in-cabin notification requesting that the plurality of high beams be turned off. The target remote vehicle automatically turns off the plurality of high beams in response to receiving the message broadcast by the host vehicle. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0008] The present disclosure also describes a system for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the system includes a user interface, a transceiver, and a controller in communication with the user interface and the transceiver. The controller is programmed to perform any of the above methods.

[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the presently disclosed systems and methods are apparent from the detailed description, including the claims and exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a host vehicle including a system for driver customized vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

[0013] Figure 2 A method for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of a display of a vehicle, wherein the display includes a touch screen.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view of a display depicting a drop-down menu with a list of pre-recorded voice messages.

[0016] Figure 5 Another method for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a remote vehicle moving toward a host vehicle with the remote vehicle's high beam turned on. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to several examples of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or similar parts or steps.

[0019] refer to Figure 1, the main vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels and rear wheels 17 and can be referred to as a vehicle system. In the depicted embodiment, the main vehicle 10 includes two front wheels 17a and two rear wheels 17b. The body 14 is arranged on the chassis 12 and generally surrounds the components of the main vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. Each wheel 17 is rotatably connected to the chassis 12 near a corresponding corner of the body 14. The main vehicle 10 includes a front axle 19 coupled to the front wheels 17a and a rear axle 25 coupled to the rear wheels 17b.

[0020] In various embodiments, the host vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle, and the control system 98 is incorporated into the host vehicle 10. The control system 98 may be referred to as a system or a system for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The host vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle that is automatically controlled to transport passengers (e.g., vehicle occupants 15) from one location to another. The host vehicle 10 may be configured as a truck, a sedan, a sports car, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a recreational vehicle (RV), etc. In an embodiment, the host vehicle 10 may be a so-called level 2, level 3, level 4, or level 5 automation system. Level 4 systems represent "high automation" and refer to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in terms of dynamic driving tasks when the human driver does not respond appropriately to the intervention request. Level 5 systems represent "full automation" and refer to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of the dynamic driving task under a variety of road and environmental conditions that can be managed by human drivers. In a level 3 vehicle, the vehicle system performs the entire dynamic driving task (DDT) within its design area. The vehicle operator is only responsible for the DDT takeover when the host vehicle 10 essentially "requires" the driver to take over when a problem occurs or the vehicle is about to leave the area in which it can operate. In Level 2 vehicles, systems provide steering, braking / acceleration support, lane centering and adaptive cruise control. However, even when these systems are activated, the vehicle operator behind the wheel must steer and constantly supervise the automated functions.

[0021] As shown, the main vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, and a communication system 36. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an electric motor such as a traction motor and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The main vehicle 10 may also include a battery (or battery pack) 21 electrically connected to the propulsion system 20. Therefore, the battery 21 is configured to store electrical energy and provide electrical energy to the propulsion system 20. In certain embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine. The transmission system 22 is configured to transfer power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 17 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 17. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include friction brakes, wire control brakes, regenerative braking systems (e.g., motors), and / or other suitable braking systems. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 17 and may include a steering wheel 33. Although depicted as including a steering wheel 33 for purposes of illustration, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel 33 .

[0022] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensors 40 (i.e., sensing devices) that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the host vehicle 10. The sensors 40 communicate with the controller 34 and may include, but are not limited to: one or more radars, one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more odometers, one or more ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensors, one or more steering angle sensors, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) transceiver (e.g., one or more global positioning system (GPS) transceivers), one or more tire pressure sensors, one or more cameras 41, one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more inclinometers, one or more speed sensors, one or more three-dimensional (3D) depth sensors 45, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), thermal imaging sensors, one or more microphones 31, and / or other sensors. Each sensor 40 is configured to generate a signal indicating a sensed observable condition (i.e., sensor data) of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the host vehicle 10. Because the sensor system 28 provides sensor data to the controller 34, the sensor system 28 and its sensors 40 are considered to be information sources (or simply sources).

[0023] The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42 that control one or more vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 20, the transmission system 22, the steering system 24, and the braking system 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle features may also include interior and / or exterior vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, doors, trunk, and cabin features such as air, music, lighting, etc.

[0024] The data storage device 32 stores data for automatically controlling the host vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the data storage device 32 stores a defined map of the navigable environment. In various embodiments, the defined map may be predefined by a remote system and obtained from the remote system. For example, the defined map may be assembled by the remote system and transmitted to the host vehicle 10 (wirelessly and / or wired) and stored in the data storage device 32. The data storage device 32 may be part of the controller 34, rerouted from the controller 34, or part of the controller 34 and part of the rerouting system.

[0025] The host vehicle 10 may also include one or more airbags 35 in communication with the controller 34 or another controller of the host vehicle 10. The airbags 35 include inflatable bags and are configured to transition between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to cushion the effects of external forces applied to the host vehicle 10. The sensors 40 may include airbag sensors, such as an IMU, configured to detect external forces and generate signals indicating the magnitude of such external forces. The controller 34 is configured to command the deployment of the airbags 35 based on signals from one or more sensors 40 (e.g., airbag sensors). Thus, the controller 34 is configured to determine when the airbags 35 have been deployed.

[0026] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a non-transitory computer readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 can be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of multiple processors associated with the controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or generally a device for executing instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using multiple storage devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical or combination storage devices capable of storing data used by the controller 34 when controlling the host vehicle 10, some of which represent executable instructions. The controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 may be referred to as a vehicle controller and may be programmed to perform the method 100 described in detail below. Figure 5 ) and / or method 200( Figure 6 ).

[0027] The instructions may include one or more rerouting programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the host vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 to automatically control components of the host vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms. Although Figure 1 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the host vehicle 10 may include multiple controllers 34 that communicate via a suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control functions of the host vehicle 10. In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the controller 34 are embodied in the control system 98.

[0028] The host vehicle 10 includes a user interface 23, which may be a touch screen 43 ( Figure 3). The user interface 23 may include, but is not limited to, an alarm, such as one or more speakers 27 for providing audible sounds, tactile feedback in a vehicle seat or other object, one or more displays 29, one or more microphones 31 (e.g., a microphone array), and / or other devices suitable for providing notifications to a vehicle user of the host vehicle 10. The user interface 23 is in electronic communication with the controller 34 and is configured to receive input from a user (e.g., a vehicle operator or a vehicle occupant). For example, the user interface 23 may include a touch screen and / or buttons configured to receive input from a person (e.g., a vehicle occupant 15). Thus, the controller 34 is configured to receive input from a user via the user interface 23. Although the microphone 31 is in electronic communication with the controller 34, the controller 34 may be configured to receive input from a person (e.g., a vehicle occupant 15). Figure 1 2 as part of the user interface 23, but other microphones 31 may be part of the sensor system 28. The microphone 31 is configured to capture voice commands from the vehicle occupant 15 in the passenger compartment 39 of the host vehicle 10. However, it is contemplated that the microphone 31 may be coupled to other parts of the host vehicle 10. Regardless of its exact location, the microphone 31 is in communication with the controller 34. Thus, the microphone 31 may send sensor data (e.g., voice commands, etc.) to the controller 34.

[0029] The host vehicle 10 may include one or more displays 29 configured to display one or more of the following images. For example, the display 29 may be configured to present information to one or more vehicle occupants 15 within a passenger compartment 39 of the host vehicle 10. The display 29 is in communication with a controller 34. Thus, the controller 34 is configured to control the operation of the display 29.

[0030] The communication system 36 communicates with the controller 34 and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to other entities such as remote vehicles 48 using, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology. As a non-limiting example, the communication system 36 can send and / or receive information to other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems at remote call centers (e.g., General Motors' ON-STAR), and / or personal electronic devices such as sports phones. Some remote vehicles 48 can also be configured to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from other entities (remote vehicles 48, etc.) using, for example, V2X technology. In the present disclosure, remote vehicles 48 that are capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from other entities (e.g., remote vehicles 48) are referred to as remote vehicles with V2X capabilities. The remote vehicle 48 may include all or some components of the host vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate using the IEEE 802.11 standard or via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as dedicated short range communication (DSRC) channels, are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel designed specifically for automotive use and a set of corresponding protocols and standards. Thus, the communication system 36 may include one or more antennas and / or communication transceivers 37 for receiving and / or transmitting signals, such as collaborative sensing messages (CSM). The communication transceiver 37 may be considered a sensor 40. The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the main vehicle 10 and another vehicle (remote vehicle 48). In addition, the communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the main vehicle 10 and infrastructure.

[0031] As described in detail below, the system 98 is configured for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communications. For example, by using the system 98, a vehicle occupant 15 of the host vehicle can send a message to a remote vehicle 48, such as "turn off the high beams", "you are reversing", "thank you" and / or "sorry". The system 98 allows the vehicle occupant 15 to send two types of messages to the occupants of the remote vehicle 48. First, the system 98 enables the vehicle occupant 15 to broadcast periodic messages, which can be customized for specific vehicle occupants 15 through, for example, the user interface 23. These broadcast messages can include notifications such as "learning driver", "elderly driver", "baby in the car", etc. The message can be sent (i.e., broadcast) to all remote vehicles 48 with V2X capabilities and include the location of the host vehicle 10. The system 98 also allows the vehicle occupant 15 of the host vehicle 10 to send non-periodic messages in a unicast manner. In this case, the vehicle occupant 15 can select the destination and message type through the user interface 23.

[0032] refer to Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 , discloses a method 100 for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The method 100 begins at box 102. At box 102, the controller 34 commands the communication transceiver 37 to broadcast a service announcement to all remote vehicles 48 within the V2X communication range (i.e., a predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10). For example, the communication range may be five hundred meters from the host vehicle 10. In other words, using V2X technology, the host vehicle 10 broadcasts a service announcement. The service announcement message indicates that the host vehicle 10 supports V2X communication.

[0033] In addition, at box 102, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 receives remote vehicle data from a remote vehicle 48 located within a predetermined distance (e.g., five hundred meters) from the host vehicle 10. The remote vehicle data includes information related to which remote vehicle 48 is configured to receive and send vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications (i.e., a remote vehicle 48 with V2X capabilities). Using the remote vehicle data, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 identifies a remote vehicle 48 with V2X capabilities located within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10. As described above, a remote vehicle 48 with V2X capabilities is capable of receiving and sending V2X communications. Then, the method 100 continues to box 104.

[0034] At box 104, the controller 34 creates and maintains a list of remote vehicles 48 that have V2X capabilities. Figure 3 As shown, the display 29 of the user interface 23 may display a map, an icon representing the host vehicle 10, and a plurality of icons representing remote vehicles 48 having V2X capabilities. For example, the display 29 may display all remote vehicles 48, but highlight (e.g., using a different color) the remote vehicles 48 that are capable of receiving and sending V2X communications. The method 100 then proceeds to block 106.

[0035] At box 106, the controller 34 receives input from the vehicle occupant 15 of the host vehicle 10 through the user interface 23. The input indicates that the vehicle occupant 15 wants to transmit a message, such as a pre-recorded voice message, to one or more selected remote vehicles 48 with V2X capabilities. The input includes selecting one or more remote vehicles 48 with V2X capabilities. To this end, the vehicle occupant 15 of the host vehicle 10 can Figure 3 As shown, the user touches one or more icons representing remote vehicles with V2X capabilities in the touch screen 43 using his finger. Alternatively, the input may include a voice command from the vehicle occupant 15. In this case, the microphone 31 ( Figure 1 ) receives a voice command from the vehicle occupant 15. Then, the method 100 continues to box 108.

[0036] At box 108, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 receives another input from the vehicle occupant 15. In this case, the input includes the selection of one or more pre-recorded voice (audible) messages. Figure 4 As shown, the pre-recorded voice message may be displayed in a drop-down menu 11 presented on the display 29 of the host vehicle 10. The vehicle occupant 15 may touch the touch screen 43 to select a pre-recorded voice message from the drop-down menu 11. As non-limiting examples, the drop-down menu 11 may include the following pre-recorded voice messages, namely: "Thank you"; "Sorry"; "No problem"; "Turn off high beams"; and "You are in reverse." The method 100 then proceeds to block 110.

[0037] At box 110, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 commands the communication transceiver 37 to send the pre-recorded voice message selected at box 108 to the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability selected at box 106. In response, the selected remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability receives the selected pre-recorded voice message. As a non-limiting example, the selected remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability can then transmit the pre-recorded voice message to the vehicle occupants 15 of the selected remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability. As a non-limiting example, the selected remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability can use one or more speakers 27 to play the pre-recorded voice message. Alternatively, the pre-recorded voice message can be converted to text and displayed to the vehicle occupants 15 of the selected remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability via the display 29. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 sends the text message, the remote vehicle 48 displays the text message, and as an alternative, converts the text message to speech and plays it to its occupants. Next, the method 100 continues to box 112.

[0038] At box 112, the vehicle occupant 15 of the remote V2X-enabled vehicle 48 that received the pre-recorded voice message may reply to the pre-recorded voice message using the user interface 23 (via voice commands and / or touching the touchscreen 43). In response, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 receives a reply (e.g., a voice reply) from the remote V2X-enabled vehicle 48 that received the pre-recorded voice message.

[0039] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, discloses a method 200 for driver-customized vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The method 200 may be combined with the method 100. Therefore, the method 100 may include some or all of the steps of the method 200. The method 200 is used in the following situation: the host vehicle 10 is moving in a first direction 50 and the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability is moving toward the host vehicle 10 in a second direction 52. The second direction 52 is opposite to the first direction 50. In this case, the high beam 54 of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability is turned on. The method 200 starts at box 202. At box 202, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 uses sensor data from the sensor 40 (e.g., the camera 41) to detect that the high beam 54 of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability that is moving toward the host vehicle 10 (along the second direction 54) is turned on. Next, the method 200 continues to box 204.

[0040] At box 204, the controller 34 of the host vehicle 10 uses the sensor 40 (e.g., the camera 41) to determine the luminous intensity of the light beam 56 emitted by the high beam 54 of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability that is moving toward the host vehicle 10. The controller 34 then compares the luminous intensity of the light beam 56 emitted by the high beam 54 of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability that is moving toward the host vehicle 10 to a predetermined intensity threshold. If the luminous intensity of the light beam 56 emitted by the high beam of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability that is moving toward the host vehicle 10 is not greater than the predetermined intensity threshold, the method 200 ends. However, if the luminous intensity of the light beam 56 emitted by the high beam of the remote vehicle 48 with V2X capability that is moving toward the host vehicle 10 is greater than the predetermined intensity threshold, the method 200 proceeds to box 206.

[0041] At box 206, the host vehicle 10 sends a message to the remote vehicles 48 within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10. Specifically, the controller 34 commands the communication transceiver 37 to automatically broadcast the message to some or all of the remote vehicles 48 within the predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10. Alternatively, the vehicle occupant 15 can instruct the host vehicle 10 through the user interface 23 to broadcast a message to some or all of the remote vehicles 48 within the predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10. The message includes a request to turn off the high beams 54 of the remote vehicles 48. Then, the method 200 continues to box 208.

[0042] At block 208, the remote vehicles 48 are located within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle 10. Upon receiving the message, each remote vehicle 38 individually determines whether the message broadcast by the host vehicle 10 is applicable to them. To do this, each remote vehicle 45 considers its own state (e.g., heading, light state of the high beams 54, relative position to the source of the message, etc.). If the message broadcast by the host vehicle 10 is applicable to a particular remote vehicle 48, then that particular remote vehicle 48 is considered to be the target remote vehicle 48. The method 200 then continues to block 210.

[0043] At box 210, the target remote vehicle 10 automatically turns off the high beams 54 or the target remote vehicle 48 sends an in-cabin notification requesting that the high beams 54 be turned off. This box applies only to the target remote vehicle 10.

[0044] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the currently disclosed system and method that may not be explicitly described or shown. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being superior to other embodiments or prior art implementations relative to one or more desired characteristics, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to: cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, applicability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as being inferior to other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more features do not exceed the scope of the present disclosure and may be applicable to specific applications.

[0045] The drawings are in simplified form and are not drawn to exact scale. Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, above, above, below, below, rear, and front may be used with respect to the drawings for convenience and clarity only. These and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; certain features may be enlarged or minimized to show the details of a particular component. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the currently disclosed systems and methods in different ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features shown and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings may be combined with the features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments of typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be required for specific applications or implementations.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may implement various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a variety of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] For the sake of brevity, technologies related to signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control and other functional aspects of the system (as well as the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] This description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, comprising: receiving, by a controller of a host vehicle, remote vehicle data from a plurality of remote vehicles, wherein each of the plurality of remote vehicles is located within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle, the remote vehicle data including information regarding which of the plurality of remote vehicles is configured to receive and transmit vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications; identifying, by the controller of the host vehicle, at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle of the plurality of remote vehicles using the remote vehicle data, wherein the at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle is capable of receiving and transmitting V2X communications; receiving, in response to identifying at least one V2X-enabled remote vehicle, input from a vehicle occupant of the host vehicle via a user interface of the host vehicle, wherein the input indicates that the vehicle occupant wants to transmit a prerecorded voice message to the at least one V2X-enabled remote vehicle; as well as In response to receiving the input from the vehicle occupant, transmitting the pre-recorded voice message to the at least one remote V2X-enabled vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising broadcasting a service announcement message to the plurality of remote vehicles, wherein: The service announcement message indicates that the host vehicle supports V2X communication. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the input from the vehicle occupant is a voice command from the vehicle occupant, and the user interface of the host vehicle includes a microphone configured to receive the voice command from the vehicle occupant.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The user interface includes a touch screen, and the input from the vehicle occupant occurs when the vehicle occupant touches the touch screen.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle is a first V2X-capable remote vehicle of a plurality of V2X-capable remote vehicles, and the input includes selecting a remote vehicle from the plurality of V2X-capable remote vehicles.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The user interface includes a display including a touch screen, the prerecorded voice message is a first prerecorded voice message of a plurality of prerecorded voice messages, the input includes selecting the first prerecorded voice message of the plurality of prerecorded voice messages, wherein the plurality of prerecorded voice messages are displayed in a drop-down menu presented on the display of the host vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one V2X-capable remote vehicle plays the pre-recorded voice message in response to receiving the pre-recorded voice message from the host vehicle.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a voice response to the pre-recorded voice message from the at least one remote V2X-enabled vehicle.

9. A method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, comprising: detecting that the high beams of a remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle are turned on; as well as In response to detecting that high beams of a remote vehicle moving toward the host vehicle are turned on, a message is sent to the remote vehicle, wherein the message includes a request to turn off the high beams of the remote vehicle. 10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising automatically turning off high beam lights of the remote vehicle in response to receiving a message requesting that the high beam lights be turned off.

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