External controlled driving within geographic area

Abstract

Facilitating external control driving in a geographic area by utilizing autonomous driving controlled by an external device is achieved. For example, a system can include a memory storing computer-executable components and a processor executing the computer-executable components stored in the memory, where the computer-executable components include a communication component that, upon entry into a traffic control area, uses a defined vehicle communication protocol and an autonomous driving component that, upon entry into the traffic control area, uses a defined vehicle communication protocol. A vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands are received from an external control device, and the autonomous driving component begins to transition to an external controlled driving mode to allow movement of the vehicle to be controlled by the external control device based on the received vehicle control release request.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed subject matter relates to vehicles (e.g., transportation vehicles), and more particularly, to autonomous traffic navigation optimization. Background Art

[0002] Under busy traffic conditions, unpredictable stops and accelerations can occur. The vehicle in front (e.g., the leading vehicle) may occasionally increase or decrease its respective speed. This unpredictability makes it difficult for a driver (e.g., of a trailing vehicle) to predict safe and effective acceleration and / or braking. Typically, when a trailing vehicle moves by increasing its speed as the leading vehicle accelerates, the leading vehicle may suddenly stop, causing the trailing vehicle to quickly apply the brakes (e.g., slam on the brakes). The foregoing is inefficient and may result in an uncomfortable driving experience for the occupants of the trailing vehicle.

[0003] The foregoing background regarding vehicle traffic conditions is only intended to provide an overview of some current problems and is not intended to be exhaustive. Other context information may become more apparent when the following detailed description is carefully studied. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following provides an overview to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. The summary of the invention is not intended to identify key or core elements or to delineate any scope of particular embodiments or any scope of the claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In one or more embodiments described herein, systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products that facilitate mitigation of road hazard exposure are described.

[0005] As described above, a vehicle or a corresponding vehicle system can be improved in various ways, and various embodiments are described herein for this purpose and / or other purposes.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a system can include a memory storing computer-executable components and a processor executing the computer-executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer-executable components can include a communication component that receives leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle using a defined vehicle communication protocol, wherein the leading vehicle is in front of a trailing vehicle, and an autonomous driving component that autonomously controls the movement of the trailing vehicle based on the leading vehicle telemetry data to follow the leading vehicle while maintaining a threshold distance between the trailing vehicle and the leading vehicle.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable medium can include executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations including: receiving, using a defined vehicle communication protocol, leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle, where the leading vehicle is in front of a trailing vehicle, and autonomously controlling movement of the trailing vehicle to follow the leading vehicle while maintaining a threshold distance between the trailing vehicle and the leading vehicle based on the leading vehicle telemetry data.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment, a method can include: determining, by a system including a processor, leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle, where the leading vehicle is in front of a trailing vehicle, and transmitting, by the system, the leading vehicle telemetry data to the trailing vehicle, where the trailing vehicle is autonomously navigated based on the leading vehicle telemetry data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary system in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0010] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting computer-executable component in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0011] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting vehicle electronic system / device in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0012] Figure 4 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0013] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0014] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary non-limiting scenario in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0015] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating a process associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0016] Figure 8A A block diagram illustrating a process associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0017] Figure 8B A block diagram illustrating a process associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0018] Figure 9 is an exemplary, non-limiting computing environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be implemented.

[0019] Figure 10 is an exemplary, non-limiting network environment in which one or more embodiments described herein can be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the embodiments and / or the application or uses of the embodiments. In addition, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied information presented in the previous background or summary section or detailed description section.

[0021] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout to refer to the same elements. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it is apparent that in various circumstances, one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0022] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" to another element, it can describe one or more different types of coupling, including but not limited to chemical coupling, communication coupling, capacitive coupling, electrical coupling, electromagnetic coupling, inductive coupling, operational coupling, conductive coupling, acoustic coupling, ultrasonic coupling, optical coupling, physical coupling, thermal coupling, and / or other types of coupling. As referenced herein, an "entity" may include a person, a client, a user, a computing device, a software application, an agent, a machine learning model, an artificial intelligence, and / or another entity. It should be understood that such an entity may facilitate the implementation of the present disclosure according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0023] The computer processing systems, computer-implemented methods, apparatus and / or computer program products described herein employ hardware and / or software to solve problems that are highly technical in nature (e.g., mitigating road hazard exposure) that are not abstract and cannot be performed by a human as a set of mental actions.

[0024] In various embodiments herein, for example, it may be desirable to be able to determine the speed of a leading vehicle (e.g., to avoid emergency braking and unnecessary acceleration that waste energy). In various embodiments, a user of a vehicle herein can actuate a traffic control system herein, which can be implemented by the vehicle herein. Upon actuation, the traffic control system can initiate a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication connection with a leading vehicle, an adjacent vehicle, and / or a following vehicle (e.g., and / or one or more of the foregoing vehicles). After a successful connection between vehicles, a trailing vehicle herein can mimic the acceleration and / or braking of the leading vehicle, for example, by receiving acceleration and braking data (e.g., speed data) from the leading vehicle. In various embodiments, the trailing vehicle can also transmit speed data to another trailing vehicle, thereby creating a chain of vehicles with a communication connection. In one embodiment, each vehicle can delay performing the mimicry herein, for example, to achieve a predetermined distance between the current vehicle and the leading vehicle. In one embodiment, once it is determined that traffic has cleared sufficiently, the user of a vehicle herein can release the connection, for example, by actuating the traffic control system to release the connection with other vehicles.

[0025] Turning now to Figure 1 , an exemplary non-limiting system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments herein is shown. System 100 can include computerized tools that can be configured to perform various operations related to optimizing autonomous traffic navigation. According to various exemplary embodiments, system 100 can be deployed on or within a vehicle 102 (e.g., an automobile as Figure 1 shown). Although Figure 1 vehicle 102 is depicted as an automobile, the architecture of system 100 is not limited thereto. For example, system 100 described herein can be implemented with various types of vehicles 102. Exemplary vehicles 102 that can incorporate exemplary system 100 can include, but are not limited to: automobiles (e.g., autonomous vehicles or semi-autonomous vehicles), airplanes, trains, motorcycles, carts, trucks, semi-trucks, buses, boats, recreational vehicles, helicopters, jets, electric scooters, electric bicycles, combinations thereof, and the like. Additionally, it should be noted that system 100 can be implemented in various types of automobiles, such as battery electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, or other suitable types of vehicles.

[0026] As Figure 1 shown, system 100 can include one or more on-vehicle systems 104, which can include one or more input devices 106, one or more other vehicle electronic systems and / or devices 108, and / or one or more computing devices 110. Additionally, system 100 can include one or more external devices 112, which can be connected via one or more networks 114 and / or a direct electrical connection (e.g., as Figure 1One or more computing devices 110 that are communicatively and / or operatively coupled to one or more vehicle systems 104 on board the vehicle, as shown. In various embodiments, one or more of the vehicle system 104 on board the vehicle, the input device 106, the vehicle electronics system and / or device 108, the computing device 110, the external device 112, and / or the network 114 can be communicatively or operatively (e.g., via a bus or wireless network) coupled to each other to perform one or more functions of the system 100.

[0027] One or more input devices 106 can display one or more interactive graphical entity interfaces (“GUI”) that facilitate access to and / or control of various functions and / or applications of the vehicle 102. One or more input devices 106 can display one or more interactive GUIs that facilitate access to and / or control of various functions and / or applications. One or more input devices 106 can include one or more computerized devices, which can include, but are not limited to: personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, cellular phones (e.g., smartphones or mobile devices), computerized tablets (e.g., including a processor), smartwatches, keyboards, touchscreens, mice, combinations thereof, and the like. Entities or users of the system 100 can use one or more input devices 106 to input data into the system 100. Additionally, one or more input devices 106 can include one or more displays that can present one or more outputs generated by the system 100 to an entity. For example, one or more displays can include, but are not limited to: cathode ray tube displays (“CRT”), light emitting diode displays (“LED”), electroluminescent displays (“ELD”), plasma display panels (“PDP”), liquid crystal displays (“LCD”), organic light emitting diode displays (“OLED”), combinations thereof, and the like.

[0028] For example, one or more input devices 106 can include a touch screen that can present one or more graphical touch controls that can respectively correspond to controls for functions, applications, functions of applications, interactive data, hyperlinks to data, etc. for the vehicle 102, where selection and / or interaction with the graphical touch controls via touch activates the corresponding functions. For example, one or more GUIs displayed on one or more input devices 106 can include selectable graphical elements such as buttons or bars corresponding to vehicle navigation applications, media applications, phone applications, rearview camera functions, vehicle settings functions, parking assistance functions, etc. In some embodiments, selection of a button or bar corresponding to an application or function can result in the generation of a new window or GUI that includes additional selectable icons or widgets associated with the selected application. For example, selection of one or more optional options herein can result in the generation of a new GUI or window that includes additional buttons or widgets having one or more optional options. The type and appearance of the controls can vary. For example, graphical touch controls can include icons, symbols, widgets, windows, labels, text, images, combinations thereof, etc.

[0029] One or more input devices 106 can include suitable hardware for registering input events in response to touch (e.g., by finger, stylus, gloved hand, pen, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more input devices 106 can detect the position of an object (e.g., by finger, stylus, gloved hand, pen, etc.) near the touch screen of one or more input devices 106 (e.g., within a few centimeters) without the object touching the screen. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, a reference to "on the touch screen" refers to contact between an object (e.g., a physical finger) and one or more input devices 106, and a reference to "above the touch screen" refers to positioning the object near the touch screen (e.g., a defined distance away from the touch screen) without touching the touch screen.

[0030] The type of input device 106 can vary and can include, but is not limited to: resistive touch screens, surface capacitive touch screens, projected capacitive touch screens, surface acoustic wave touch screens, and infrared touch screens. In various embodiments, one or more input devices 106 can be positioned on the dashboard of the vehicle 102, such as in the centerstack or on or within the center console of the dashboard. However, the location of one or more input devices 106 within the vehicle 102 can vary.

[0031] One or more other vehicle electronic systems and / or devices 108 can (e.g., in addition to one or more input devices 106 and / or computing devices 110) also include one or more additional devices and / or systems of vehicle 102 that can be controlled at least in part based on commands issued by one or more computing devices 110 (e.g., via one or more processing units 116) and / or commands issued by one or more external devices 112 communicatively coupled thereto. For example, one or more other vehicle electronic systems and / or devices 108 can include: seat motors, seat belt systems, airbag systems, displays, infotainment systems, speakers, media systems (e.g., audio and / or video), rearview camera systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, lighting systems, cruise control systems, power lock systems, navigation systems, autonomous driving systems, vehicle sensor systems, telecommunications systems, combinations thereof, and the like. Other exemplary other vehicle electronic systems and / or devices 108 can include one or more sensors that can include distance sensors, seats, seat position sensors, collision sensors, odometers, altimeters, speedometers, accelerometers, engine characteristics and / or components, fuel gauges, flow meters, cameras (e.g., digital cameras, thermal cameras, infrared cameras, etc.), lasers, radar systems, lidar systems, microphones, vibrometers, humidity sensors, thermometers, seat belt sensors, wheel speed sensors, combinations thereof, and the like. For example, the speedometer of vehicle 102 can detect the driving speed of vehicle 102. Additionally, one or more sensors can detect and / or measure one or more conditions external to vehicle 102, such as: whether vehicle 102 is traveling through a rainy environment, whether vehicle 102 is traveling through winter conditions (e.g., snowing and / or icing conditions), whether vehicle 102 is traveling through very hot conditions (e.g., desert conditions), and the like. Exemplary navigation information can include, but is not limited to: the destination of vehicle 102, the location of vehicle 102, the type of vehicle 102, the speed of vehicle 102, the environmental conditions around vehicle 102, the planned route of vehicle 102, the traffic conditions vehicle 102 expects to encounter, the operating state of vehicle 102, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0032] One or more computing devices 110 can facilitate the execution and control of one or more operations of vehicle 102, including one or more operations of one or more input devices 106 and one or more other vehicle electronic systems / devices 108. In this regard, embodiments of system 100 and other systems described herein can include one or more machine-executable components embodied in one or more machines (e.g., embodied in one or more computer-readable storage media associated with one or more machines such as computing device 110). Such components, when executed by one or more machines (e.g., processors, computers, virtual machines, etc.), can cause the one or more machines to perform the described operations.

[0033] For example, one or more computing devices 110 can include or be operatively coupled to at least one memory 118 and / or at least one processing unit 116. The one or more processing units 116 can be any of a variety of available processors. For example, dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be used as processing unit 116. In various embodiments, at least one memory 118 can store software instructions that embody functions and / or applications that facilitate the execution of operations defined by software instructions when executed by at least one processing unit 116. In the illustrated embodiment, these software instructions can include one or more operating systems 120, one or more computer-executable components 122, and / or one or more other vehicle applications 124. For example, one or more operating systems 120 can be used to control and / or allocate resources of one or more computing devices 110. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0034] The one or more computer-executable components 122 and / or one or more other vehicle applications 124 can utilize resource management by one or more operating systems 120 via program modules and program data also stored in one or more memories 118. The one or more computer-executable components 122 can provide various features and / or functions that can facilitate pedestrian accident prevention herein. Exemplary other vehicle applications 124 can include, but are not limited to: navigation applications, media player applications, telephone applications, vehicle settings applications, parking assistance applications, emergency roadside assistance applications, combinations thereof, and the like. The features and functions of the one or more computer-executable components 122 are discussed in more detail below.

[0035] One or more computing devices 110 may also include one or more interface ports 126, one or more communication units 128, and a system bus 130 that communicatively couples various features of one or more computing devices 110 (e.g., one or more interface ports 126, one or more communication units 128, one or more memories 118, and / or one or more processing units 116). One or more interface ports 126 can connect one or more input devices 106 (and other potential devices) and one or more other vehicle electronic systems / devices 108 to one or more computing devices 110. For example, one or more interface ports 126 can include serial ports, parallel ports, game ports, Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), etc.

[0036] One or more communication units 128 can include suitable hardware and / or software that facilitates connecting one or more external devices 112 to one or more computing devices 110 (e.g., via a wireless connection and / or a wired connection). For example, one or more communication units 128 can be operatively coupled to one or more external devices 112 via one or more networks 114. One or more networks 114 can include wired and / or wireless networks, including but not limited to a Personal Area Network (“PAN”), a Local Area Network (“LAN”), a cellular network, a Wide Area Network (“WAN”, e.g., the Internet), etc. For example, one or more external devices 112 can communicate with one or more computing devices 110 (and vice versa) using almost any desired wired or wireless technology, including but not limited to: Wireless Fidelity (“Wi-Fi”), Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (“WiMAX”), Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (Enhanced GPRS), Fifth Generation (“5G”) communication system, Sixth Generation (“6G”) communication system, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (“3GPP2”) Ultra Mobile Broadband (“UMB”), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (“3GPP2”), High Speed Packet Access (“HSPA”), Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and / or traditional telecommunications technologies, Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”), RF4CE protocol, Wireless HART protocol, 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Network), Z-Wave, ANT, Ultra-Wideband (“UWB”) standard protocol, and / or other proprietary and non-proprietary communication protocols. In this regard, one or more communication units 128 can include software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware configured to facilitate wired and / or wireless communication between one or more computing devices 110 and one or more external devices 112. Although, for clarity of illustration, one or more communication units 128 are shown as separate units not stored within the memory 118, it should be understood that one or more (software) components of the communication unit can be stored in the memory 118 and include computer-executable components.

[0037] One or more external devices 112 can include any suitable computing device, including a display and an input device (e.g., a touch screen), which can communicate with one or more computing devices 110 included within the in-vehicle vehicle system 104 and interface with one or more computer-executable components 122 (e.g., using a suitable application programming interface (“API”)). For example, one or more external devices 112 can include, but are not limited to: mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, personal computers (“PCs”), personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), head-up displays (“HUDs”), virtual reality (“VR”) headsets, augmented reality (“AR”) headsets, or another type of wearable computing device, desktop computers, laptop computers, computer tablets, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0038] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary non-limiting computer-executable component 122 that can facilitate autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown. For simplicity, repeated descriptions of similar elements employed in other embodiments described herein are omitted. As Figure 2 shown, one or more computer-executable components 122 can include a communication component 202, an autonomous driving component 204, a traffic determination component 206, an activation component 208, a telemetry data component 210, and / or an externally controlled driving component (not shown).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the communication component 202 can receive leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b) using a defined vehicle communication protocol. In this regard, the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b) can be in front of the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102a). For example, as Figure 4As shown, the leading vehicle 102b can communicate with the trailing vehicle 102a while traveling along a road (e.g., a highway) 404. In various embodiments, the vehicles 102 can utilize vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, which can enable direct communication between the vehicles 102. In various embodiments, the V2V protocol can include one or more of IEEE 802.11p dedicated short-range communication (DSRC), cellular V2X, IEEE 802.11p ITS-G5, or other suitable V2V protocols. In additional embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, vehicle-to-everything (e.g., V2E or V2X) protocols can be used for communication between the vehicles 102, where an intermediate server 502 between the vehicles 102 can be used to relay data between the vehicles 102. Additionally, it should be noted that, as Figure 6 depicted in scenario 600 of, the vehicle 102d can be the leading vehicle with respect to the vehicle 102c. Similarly, the vehicle 102g can be the first leading vehicle with respect to the vehicle 102f, and the vehicle 102h can be the second leading vehicle with respect to the vehicle 102f. In this regard, the vehicle 102h can be the leading vehicle with respect to the vehicle 102g. Additionally, the vehicle 102e traveling in lane 602c can be an adjacent vehicle adjacent to the vehicles traveling in lane 602b or 602d. On highway 604, as Figure 6 shown, lane 602a can be empty, but this is merely an example and lane 602a is not limited thereto.

[0040] It should be noted that the vehicle communication protocol can include various items / fields, vehicle identification, speed data, sensor data, location data, distance data to everything, connected vehicle data (e.g., vehicle identification of connected vehicles or other nearby vehicles). The communication protocol also includes one or more vehicle control commands (e.g., a command to move forward, a command to decelerate, a command to turn right / left and the degree of turning, a stop command, etc.). For example, the infrastructure system can transmit a command to move forward, 5 mph, turn 0 to 15 degrees, turn duration, turn to 0 degrees (e.g., center turn or go straight). Each item or field includes multiple bits or data packets (packets) containing a series of bits. For example, 4 bits can be used to represent the vehicle identification, and 5 bits can be used for each vehicle control command.

[0041] In one aspect, the externally controlled driving component extracts one or more vehicle commands from the vehicle communication protocol. When determining the type of the received command (command to move forward, 5 mph, turn 0 to 15 degrees, turn duration, turn to 0 degrees, etc.), the externally controlled driving component executes each command sequentially or in parallel (e.g., using various components 122 to execute the command).

[0042] It should be noted that the vehicle telemetry data in this document can include, for example, acceleration data (which can be applied to the leading vehicle or another suitable vehicle); braking data (which can be applied to the leading vehicle or another suitable vehicle); or other suitable telemetry data, such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel level, battery charge level, engine / motor temperature, odometer reading, fuel / energy consumption rate, oil pressure, tire pressure, brake status, airbag deployment information, GPS location, acceleration and deceleration data, throttle position, engine fault code (DTC), transmission gear, light or wiper status, cruise control status, autonomous driving status, vehicle door or window status, emission data, etc. Note that the communication component 202 can include the hardware required to implement various communication protocols (e.g., infrared ("IR"), shortwave transmission, near field communication ("NFC"), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution ("LTE"), 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM"), Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA"), satellite, visual cues, radio waves, etc.).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the autonomous driving component 204 is capable of autonomously controlling the movement of a following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) based on leading vehicle telemetry data to follow the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d), while maintaining a threshold distance (e.g., spacing) between the following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) and the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d). Since the foregoing can mitigate or eliminate unnecessary braking and / or acceleration, it can improve efficiency and comfort, and can result in a more comfortable driving experience for the driver or passengers of vehicle 102c. To maintain this spacing or threshold distance, the communication component 202 (e.g., of vehicle 102c) can transmit the following vehicle telemetry data applied to the following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to an adjacent vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102e) traveling in a lane (e.g., lane 602c) adjacent to the lane (e.g., lane 602b) in which the following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) is traveling. In this regard, the following vehicle telemetry data can include an instruction for the adjacent vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102e) not to merge (e.g., into lane 602b) into the spacing between the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) and the following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c). For example, the following vehicle 102c can transmit this instruction (e.g., via the communication component 202) so that vehicle 102c can maintain a defined spacing between itself and the leading vehicle 102d (e.g., via the autonomous driving component 204) to maintain smooth following of vehicle 102d without rapid acceleration or deceleration, which could be interrupted if vehicle 102e enters the spacing between vehicle 102d and vehicle 102c (e.g., in lane 602b). In various embodiments, if vehicle 102e intends to merge into lane 602b, the communication component 202 of vehicle 102e can transmit this intention to vehicles 102d and 102c so that vehicle 102c can widen the spacing between vehicle 102c and vehicle 102d, e.g., to enable vehicle 102e to merge into lane 602b without vehicle 102c experiencing significant resulting acceleration or deceleration.

[0044] In various embodiments, the autonomous driving component 204 can delay the movement of a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) by a defined amount of time. The foregoing can enable vehicle 102c to achieve a defined distance (e.g., spacing) between vehicle 102c and vehicle 102d. In various embodiments, autonomously controlling (e.g., via the autonomous driving component 204) the movement of a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to follow a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) can include (e.g., by vehicle 102c) mimicking the acceleration and braking of the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d). In various embodiments, autonomously controlling (e.g., via the autonomous driving component 204) the movement of a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to follow a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) can include autonomously controlling (e.g., via the autonomous driving component 204) the movement of the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to follow the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) while preventing threshold acceleration or deceleration of the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c). The foregoing can promote the smoothness of the operation of vehicle 102c, which can achieve a more comfortable driving experience for the driver or passengers of vehicle 102c. In additional embodiments, autonomously controlling (e.g., via the autonomous driving component 204) the movement of a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to follow a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) can include autonomously controlling the movement of the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c) to follow the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102d) while preventing threshold jerk of the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102c). The foregoing can promote the smoothness of the operation of vehicle 102c, which can achieve a more comfortable driving experience for the driver or passengers of vehicle 102c.

[0045] In various embodiments, a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102g) can be a first leading vehicle, a second leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102h) can be ahead of the first leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102g), and based on second leading vehicle telemetry data received from the second leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102h), the autonomous driving component 204 can further autonomously control the movement of a following vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102f) to follow the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102g). In this regard, the autonomous driving component 204 of vehicle 102f can anticipate the actions of vehicle 102g based on data received from vehicle 102h and modify the speed of vehicle 102f to account for the anticipated actions of vehicle 102g. For example, if vehicle 102h transmits to vehicle 102f that vehicle 102h is applying its brakes, the autonomous driving component 204 of vehicle 102f can anticipate that vehicle 102g will also apply its corresponding brakes and accordingly reduce the speed of vehicle 102f. Similarly, if vehicle 102h communicates to vehicle 102f that vehicle 102h is accelerating, the autonomous driving component 204 of vehicle 102f can anticipate that vehicle 102g will also accelerate and (e.g., with a defined time delay) accordingly increase the speed of vehicle 102f.

[0046] In various embodiments, the autonomous driving component 204 autonomously controls the movement of the trailing vehicle herein in response to determining that defined activation criteria are met (e.g., via the activation component 208). In one or more embodiments, the defined activation criteria can include an input from a user of the trailing vehicle via a user interface of the trailing vehicle (e.g., the input device 106). For example, a user of the vehicle 102 herein can enable an autonomous traffic navigation optimization mode via the input device 106 of the vehicle 102 via a screen, buttons, instructions, etc. In additional embodiments, the defined activation criteria can include meeting defined traffic congestion criteria. For example, the traffic determination component 206 can determine the traffic conditions applied to the road 404 or the highway 604. The traffic determination component 206 (e.g., the traffic determination component 206 of the vehicle 102 herein) can use GPS data, real-time traffic data (retrieved, e.g., via the communication component 202), traffic information sharing (e.g., via the communication component 202), user feedback, or other suitable traffic determination protocols to determine such traffic conditions. Suitable defined traffic congestion criteria herein can be based on travel time index (TTI), congestion index, vehicle hours of delay (VHD), person hours of delay (PHD), average speed, level of service (LOS), volume to capacity ratio (V / C ratio), peak hour volume, queue length, congestion cost, emission level, lane occupancy data, bottleneck identification, or other suitable traffic congestion criteria. If it is determined (e.g., via the traffic determination component 206) that the defined traffic conditions are met, the activation component 208 can enable the autonomous traffic navigation optimization mode herein. In various embodiments, the autonomous driving component 204 can autonomously stop controlling the movement of the trailing vehicle in response to determining that defined deactivation criteria are met (e.g., via the activation component 208). For example, a user of the vehicle 102 herein can disable the autonomous traffic navigation optimization mode via the input device 106 of the vehicle 102 via a screen, buttons, instructions, etc. In additional embodiments, if it is determined (e.g., via the traffic determination component 206) that the defined traffic conditions are below a defined threshold level according to the defined traffic congestion criteria, the activation component 208 can disable the autonomous traffic navigation optimization mode herein.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a telemetry data component 210 (e.g., of vehicle 102b) can determine leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b). In this regard, the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b) can be ahead of a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102a). Then, a communication component 202 (e.g., of vehicle 102b) can transmit the leading vehicle telemetry data to the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102a). In this regard, the trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102a) can autonomously navigate based on the leading vehicle telemetry data (via its respective autonomous driving component 204). In various embodiments, the leading vehicle telemetry data can include acceleration data applicable to the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b). In additional embodiments, the leading vehicle telemetry data can include braking data applicable to the leading vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102b). Other suitable telemetry data can include one or more of vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel level, battery charge level, engine / motor temperature, odometer reading, fuel / energy consumption rate, oil pressure, tire pressure, brake status, airbag deployment information, GPS location, acceleration and deceleration data, throttle position, engine fault code (DTC), transmission gear, light or wiper status, cruise control status, autonomous driving status, vehicle door or window status, emission data, etc.

[0048] In one aspect, an infrastructure system including the above-described components (e.g., Figure 2 ) is provided to facilitate external control of one or more vehicles, where when a car enters a busy traffic area (e.g., within a geographical area - downtown, school zone, during a specific time zone or both), the vehicle driver is required to release control of the car. Thereafter, the infrastructure system can control all cars to maintain a certain speed and distance to effectively move the cars during busy traffic. For example, when a car enters a school zone, the infrastructure system connects to the car and initiates speed control. The infrastructure system can use car sensors to maintain the distance between cars, and can initiate connections between cars with V2X capabilities to allow all cars connected to the car in front to mimic the speed control. It should be noted that when a car does not have sensor or communication capabilities, other cars increase the sensitivity of their own sensors to maintain a safe distance. Using various communication methods and protocols, a vehicle can receive messages from the infrastructure (e.g., an external device), and the messages are processed by the system components described below to control the vehicle to avoid accidents or contact with other objects near the vehicle. The driver only needs to accept the control, and the infrastructure will navigate the vehicle through the traffic flow by transmitting appropriate commands.

[0049] On the other hand, various automated assistance zones are set up at specified geographical locations, where an infrastructure system is provided such that when a vehicle enters an automated assistance zone, the vehicle transmits a message including various information about the vehicle (e.g., vehicle identification, number of passengers, approval to participate in an assisted driving mode, location information, etc.). Upon receiving the said message, the infrastructure system is able to determine the path the vehicle will occupy, speed, estimated time in the presence zone, etc. Additionally, if the infrastructure system determines that a V2V connection or access to the vehicle sensors is required, the infrastructure system will transmit a vehicle request message to request and / or retrieve sensor data from the vehicle. In one aspect, regardless of brand or manufacturer or model, the vehicle transmits a standardized message that encapsulates a vehicle data response message including sensor data and various other data. Furthermore, control of the vehicle is provided to the infrastructure system. Based on the determined vehicle path, the determined speed, and the data received from the vehicle, the infrastructure system transmits a command to move forward and steering vector information to the vehicle by using one or more vehicle control commands, such that the vehicle travels according to the determined path and at the specified speed. In the case where another vehicle enters an area that may change the determined path or speed, the infrastructure system recalculates a new path and speed and transmits the vehicle control commands accordingly. For example, a first path is selected for a first vehicle. Thereafter, a second vehicle enters the area. The infrastructure system determines a path for the second vehicle, i.e., a second path. If the second path interferes with the first path, the system determines an alternative path for the first vehicle and / or the second vehicle to ensure that both vehicles are present in the area as quickly as possible. In an area where there are vehicles that cannot join the assisted driving (e.g., technology not available in the vehicle) or vehicles that choose not to participate in the assisted driving (e.g., non-participating vehicle A), the infrastructure system utilizes the vehicle sensors to adjust the speed and path to ensure that no collision occurs while the vehicle is under the control of the infrastructure system. Additionally, if V2V communication with non-participating vehicles is possible, the system will request the participating vehicle to establish communication between the participating vehicle (e.g., the first vehicle) and one or more non-participating vehicles (e.g., non-participating vehicle A).

[0050] Figure 3A block diagram of an exemplary non - limiting vehicle electronic system / device 108 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein is shown. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of similar elements employed in other embodiments described herein are omitted. In various embodiments, the vehicle electronic system / device 108 can include a distance sensor 302 (e.g., a sensor external or internal to the vehicle 102 that is arranged to detect the distance between the vehicle 102 and other objects (e.g., other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) and / or determine a potential collision, such as a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a light - emitting diode (LED) sensor, a capacitance sensor, a time - of - flight sensor, a Hall - effect sensor, or an optical sensor, or one or more of another suitable sensor), a light 304, a display 306 (e.g., an infotainment device, a touch - screen display, etc.), a speaker 308, and / or a radio 310, among others.

[0051] Figures 4 - 6 An exemplary non - limiting scenario in accordance with various embodiments described herein is shown. In some embodiments, such a scenario can include a series of events or steps; however, the scenario is presented in a non - limiting sequence and / or one or more steps or scenarios can be added, duplicated, omitted, etc. It should be noted that in Figures 4 - 6 any of the vehicles 102a - 102h can be similar to the vehicle 102 (e.g., and include similar components) and can include a corresponding on - vehicle vehicle system 104.

[0052] In Figure 4 scenario 400 of, an exemplary V2V communication between vehicle 102a and vehicle 102b is depicted. When traveling on road 404, vehicle 102b (e.g., the leading vehicle) can transmit telemetry data applicable to vehicle 102a to vehicle 102a. If vehicle 102a includes V2V or V2E, the telemetry data can be transmitted (e.g., directly via communication component 202) from vehicle 102b to vehicle 102a. In various embodiments, the telemetry data can be transmitted by communication component 202 using short - range communication (such as Bluetooth, ultra - wideband, or millimeter - wave signals, Wi - Fi, or another suitable short - range signal). In Figure 5In scenario 500, an exemplary V2E communication is depicted. When traveling on road 404, vehicle 102b (e.g., the leading vehicle) is capable of transmitting telemetry data applicable to vehicle 102a to vehicle 102a. Vehicle 102b is capable of transmitting the telemetry data to server 502, and server 502 can then relay or transmit the telemetry data to vehicle 102a. In various embodiments, the telemetry data can be transmitted by communication component 202, for example, using a 4G wireless connection, a 5G wireless connection, a 6G wireless connection, or another suitable wireless connection.

[0053] Figure 6 Scenario 600 depicts an exemplary highway 604 on which multiple vehicles 102 can travel. For example, vehicle 102d can be the leading vehicle relative to vehicle 102c. Similarly, vehicle 102g can be the first leading vehicle relative to vehicle 102f, and vehicle 102h can be the second leading vehicle relative to vehicle 102f. In this regard, vehicle 102h can be the leading vehicle relative to vehicle 102g. Additionally, vehicle 102e traveling in lane 602c can be an adjacent vehicle adjacent to vehicles traveling in lane 602b or 602d. On highway 604, as Figure 6 shown, lane 602a can be empty, but this is merely an example and lane 602a is not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 7 FIG. shows a block diagram of a process 700 associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. At 702, process 700 can include receiving leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle (e.g., via communication component 202) using a defined vehicle communication protocol, where the leading vehicle is in front of a trailing vehicle. At 704, if a corresponding autonomous traffic navigation optimization system (e.g., in-vehicle system 104) is activated (e.g., yes at 704), the process can proceed to 706. If at 704, the autonomous traffic navigation optimization system is not activated (e.g., no at 704), the process can return to 702. At 706, process 700 can include autonomously controlling the movement of the trailing vehicle to follow the leading vehicle while maintaining a threshold distance between the trailing vehicle and the leading vehicle based on the leading vehicle telemetry data (e.g., via autonomous driving component 204).

[0055] Figure 8AFIG. 800 is a block diagram of a process associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. At 802, process 800 can include determining leading vehicle telemetry data applicable to a leading vehicle (e.g., via telemetry data component 210) by a system including a processor, where the leading vehicle is ahead of a trailing vehicle. At 804, if the trailing vehicle is within a defined range of the leading vehicle (e.g., yes at 804), the process can proceed to 806. If at 804, the trailing vehicle is not within the defined range of the leading vehicle (e.g., no at 804), the process can return to 802. At 806, process 800 can include transmitting the leading vehicle telemetry data to the trailing vehicle by the system (e.g., via communication component 202), where the trailing vehicle autonomously navigates based on the leading vehicle telemetry data.

[0056] Figure 8B FIG. 810 is a block diagram of a process associated with autonomous traffic navigation optimization in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. At 812, process 810 can include receiving a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device by a system including a processor using a defined vehicle communication protocol. At 814, if the vehicle is entering a traffic control area (e.g., yes at 814), the process can proceed to 816. If at 814, the trailing vehicle is not within the defined range of the leading vehicle (e.g., no at 814), the process can return to 812. At 816, process 810 can include transitioning to an externally controlled driving mode to allow the external control device to control the movement of the vehicle.

[0057] The systems described herein can be (e.g., communicatively, electrically, operationally, optically, inductively, acoustically, etc.) coupled to one or more local or remote (e.g., external) systems, sources, and / or devices (e.g., electronic control units (ECUs), classical and / or quantum computing devices, communication devices, etc.). For example, system 100 (or other systems, controllers, processors, etc.) can be coupled to one or more local or remote (e.g., external) systems, sources, and / or devices using a data cable (e.g., high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard (RS), Ethernet cable, etc.) and / or one or more of the wired networks described below (e.g., communicatively, electrically, operationally, optically, etc.).

[0058] In some embodiments, the systems herein can be coupled (e.g., communicatively, electrically, operationally, optically, inductively, acoustically, etc.) via a network to one or more local or remote (e.g., external) systems, sources, and / or devices (e.g., electronic control units (ECUs), classical and / or quantum computing devices, communication devices, etc.). In these embodiments, such a network can include one or more wired and / or wireless networks, including but not limited to cellular networks, wide area networks (WANs) (e.g., the Internet), and / or local area networks (LANs). For example, system 100 can use such a network to communicate with one or more local or remote (e.g., external) systems, sources, and / or devices, such as computing devices, and such a network can include almost any desired wired or wireless technology, including but not limited to: powerline Ethernet, VHF, UHF, AM, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), fiber optic communication, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (Enhanced GPRS), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and / or legacy telecommunications technologies, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), RF4CE protocol, Wireless HART protocol, L-band voice or data information, 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Network), Z-Wave, ANT, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) standard protocol, and / or other proprietary and non-proprietary communication protocols. In this example, system 100 can thus include hardware (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), transceiver, decoder, antennas (e.g., Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antennas, low power (BLE) antennas, etc.), quantum hardware, quantum processors, etc.), software (e.g., a set of threads, a set of processes, software in execution, quantum pulse scheduling, quantum circuits, quantum gates, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software that facilitates the transfer of information between the systems herein and remote (e.g., external) systems, sources, and / or devices (e.g., computing and / or communication devices, such as smart phones, smart watches, wireless earbuds, etc.).

[0059] The systems herein can include one or more computers and / or machine-readable, writable, and / or executable components and / or instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processing unit 116 that can include a classical processor, a quantum processor, etc.), can facilitate the execution of operations defined by such components and / or instructions. Additionally, in many embodiments, any component associated with the systems herein, as described herein with or without reference to the various figures of the present disclosure, can include one or more computers and / or machine-readable, writable, and / or executable components and / or instructions that, when executed by a processor, can facilitate the execution of operations defined by such components and / or instructions. Thus, according to many embodiments, the systems herein and / or any component associated therewith as disclosed herein can employ a processor (e.g., processing unit 116) to execute such computers and / or machine-readable, writable, and / or executable components and / or instructions to facilitate the execution of one or more operations described herein with reference to the systems herein and / or any such component associated therewith.

[0060] The systems herein can include any type of system, device, machine, apparatus, component, and / or instrument that includes a processor and / or is capable of communicating with one or more local or remote electronic systems and / or one or more local or remote devices via a wired and / or wireless network. All such embodiments are contemplated. For example, a system (e.g., system 100 or any other system or device described herein) can include a computing device, a general-purpose computer, a field-programmable gate array, an AI-accelerator application-specific integrated circuit, a special-purpose computer, an in-vehicle computing device, a communication device, an in-vehicle communication device, a server device, a quantum computing device (e.g., a quantum computer), a tablet computing device, a handheld device, a server-class computer and / or database, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a consumer appliance and / or instrument, an industrial and / or commercial device, a digital assistant, a multimedia Internet-enabled phone, a multimedia player, and / or another type of device.

[0061] To provide additional context for the various embodiments described herein, Figure 9 and the following discussion is intended to provide a brief general description of a suitable computing environment 900 in which the embodiments described herein can be implemented. While the embodiments have been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can also be implemented in combination with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0062] Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that the various methods can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multi-processor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, distributed computing systems, and personal computers (e.g., ruggedized personal computers), field-programmable gate arrays, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices, etc., each of which can be operably coupled to one or more associated devices.

[0063] The illustrated embodiments of the examples herein can also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0064] Computing devices generally include a variety of media, which can include computer-readable storage media, machine-readable storage media, and / or communication media, the two terms being used differently from each other herein as follows. Computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media can be any available storage media accessible by a computer and include both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable or machine-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

[0065] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD) or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic tape cartridges, tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, solid state drives or other solid state storage devices, or other tangible and / or non-transitory media that can be used to store the desired information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or "non-transitory" as applied to storage devices, memory, or computer-readable media herein should be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as a modifier and not to forego rights to all standard storage devices, memory, or computer-readable media that do not consist solely of propagating transitory signals per se.

[0066] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via an access request, query, or other data retrieval protocol, for various operations regarding the information stored by the media.

[0067] A communication medium typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal, such as a modulated data signal, for example, a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery or transmission medium. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, RF, optical, infrared, and other wireless media.

[0068] Referring again to Figure 9 , an example environment 900 for implementing embodiments of the aspects described herein includes a computer 902, which includes a processing unit 904, a system memory 906, and a system bus 908. The system bus 908 couples system components, including but not limited to the system memory 906, to the processing unit 904. The processing unit 904 can be any one of a variety of commercially available processors, field programmable gate arrays, ASICs for AI accelerators, or other suitable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be used as the processing unit 904.

[0069] The system bus 908 can be any one of several types of bus structures, which can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any one of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory 906 includes a ROM 910 and a RAM 912. The basic input / output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which contains basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 902, such as during startup. The RAM 912 can also include high-speed RAM, such as static RAM for caching data. It should be noted that a unified extensible firmware interface can be utilized herein.

[0070] The computer 902 also includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), one or more external storage devices 916 (e.g., a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 916, a memory stick or flash drive reader, a memory card reader, etc.), and an optical disk drive 920 (e.g., capable of reading from or writing to a disk 922 such as a CD-ROM disk, a DVD, a BD, etc.). Although the internal HDD 914 is shown as being located within the computer 902, the internal HDD 914 can also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown). Additionally, although not shown in the environment 900, a solid state drive (SSD) can be used in addition to or instead of the HDD 914. The HDD 914, the external storage device 916, and the optical disk drive 920 can be connected to the system bus 908 via an HDD interface 924, an external storage interface 926, and an optical disk drive interface 928, respectively. The interface 924 for external drive implementation can include at least one or both of a universal serial bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technology. Other external drive connection technologies are contemplated within the embodiments described herein.

[0071] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, etc. For the computer 902, the drives and storage media are adapted to store any data in a suitable digital format. Although the above description of computer-readable storage media refers to the corresponding types of storage devices, those skilled in the art should understand that other types of storage media that are computer-readable (whether currently existing or to be developed in the future) can also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, any such storage media can contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods described herein.

[0072] Many program modules can be stored in the drives and the RAM 912, including an operating system 930, one or more application programs 932, other program modules 934, and program data 936. All or part of the operating system, applications, modules, and / or data can also be cached in the RAM 912. The systems and methods described herein can be implemented using a variety of commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0073] The computer 902 can optionally include emulation technology. For example, a hypervisor (not shown) or other intermediary can emulate the hardware environment of the operating system 930, and the emulated hardware can optionally be different from Figure 9The hardware shown in . In such an embodiment, the operating system 930 can include one of a plurality of virtual machines (VMs) hosted at the computer 902. Additionally, the operating system 930 can provide runtime environments for the application 932, such as the Java runtime environment or the.NET framework. A runtime environment is a consistent execution environment that allows the application 932 to run on any operating system that includes the runtime environment. Similarly, the operating system 930 can support containers, and the application 932 can be in the form of containers, which are lightweight, independent, executable software packages that include, for example, code, runtime, system tools, system libraries, and application settings.

[0074] Furthermore, the computer 902 can be enabled with a security module such as a trusted processing module (TPM). For example, with the TPM, the boot components hash the next boot component before loading it and wait for the result to match a security value. This process can occur at any layer in the code execution stack of the computer 902, e.g., applied at the application execution level or the operating system (OS) kernel level, thus achieving security at any level of code execution.

[0075] The user can input commands and information into the computer 902 through one or more wired / wireless input devices (such as the keyboard 938, the touch screen 940, and a pointing device such as the mouse 942). Other input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a radio frequency (RF) remote control or other remote controls, a joystick, a virtual reality controller and / or virtual reality headset, a gamepad, a stylus, an image input device (such as one or more cameras), a gesture sensor input device, a visual motion sensor input device, an emotion or face detection device, a biometric input device (such as a fingerprint or iris scanner), etc. These and other input devices are typically connected to the processing unit 904 through an input device interface 944 that can be coupled to the system bus 908, but can be connected through other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, interfaces, etc.

[0076] A monitor 946 or other type of display device can also be connected to the system bus 908 via an interface (such as the video adapter 948). In addition to the monitor 946, a computer typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

[0077] Computer 902 is capable of operating in a networked environment using a logical connection to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 950, via wired and / or wireless communication. Remote computer 950 can be a workstation, server computer, router, personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment device, peer device, or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to computer 902, although only memory / storage device 952 is shown for simplicity. The depicted logical connections include wired / wireless connections to a local area network (LAN) 954 and / or a larger network, such as a wide area network (WAN) 956. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are common in offices and companies and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which can be connected to a global communication network, such as the Internet.

[0078] When used in a LAN networking environment, computer 902 can be connected to local network 954 through a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter 958. Adapter 958 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to LAN 954, which can also include a wireless access point (AP) disposed thereon for communicating with adapter 958 in wireless mode.

[0079] When used in a WAN networking environment, computer 902 can include a modem 960 or can be connected to a communication server on WAN 956 via other means for establishing communication on WAN 956, such as via the Internet. Modem 960 can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device and can be connected to system bus 908 via input device interface 944. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to computer 902 or portions thereof can be stored in remote memory / storage device 952. It should be understood that the network connections shown are examples, and other means for establishing a communication link between computers can be used.

[0080] When used in a LAN or WAN networking environment, computer 902 can access a cloud storage system or other network-based storage system to supplement or replace external storage device 916 as described above. Typically, the connection between computer 902 and the cloud storage system can be established, for example, over LAN 954 or WAN 956 via adapter 958 or modem 960, respectively. When connecting computer 902 to an associated cloud storage system, external storage interface 926 can manage the storage provided by the cloud storage system, with the help of adapter 958 and / or modem 960, in the same way as other types of external storage. For example, external storage interface 926 can be configured to provide access to cloud storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to computer 902.

[0081] The computer 902 is operable to communicate with any wireless device or entity operably disposed in wireless communication, such as a printer, scanner, desktop and / or portable computer, portable data assistant, communication satellite, any device or location associated with a wireless detectable tag (e.g., kiosk, newsstand, store shelf, etc.), and a telephone. This can include Wi-Fi and wireless technology. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure like a conventional network or merely an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

[0082] Now referring to Figure 10 , a schematic block diagram of a computing environment 1000 in accordance with the present specification is shown. The system 1000 includes one or more clients 1002 (e.g., computers, smart phones, tablets, cameras, PDAs). The client 1002 can be hardware and / or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). For example, the client 1002 can accommodate network trackers (cookies, i.e., data stored on a user's local terminal) and / or associated context information by adopting a specification.

[0083] The system 1000 also includes one or more servers 1004. The server 1004 can also be hardware or hardware combined with software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). For example, the server 1004 can accommodate threads to perform transformations of media items by adopting aspects of the present disclosure. A possible communication between the client 1002 and the server 1004 can be in the form of data packets suitable for transfer between two or more computer processes, where the data packets can include encoded, analyzed headspaces and / or inputs. For example, the data packets can include network trackers and / or associated context information. The system 1000 includes a communication framework 1006 (e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet), which can be used to facilitate communication between the client 1002 and the server 1004.

[0084] Communication can be facilitated via wired (including fiber optic) and / or wireless technology. The client 1002 is operably connected to one or more client data warehouses 1008, which can be used to store information local to the client 1002 (e.g., network trackers and / or associated context information). Similarly, the server(s) 1004 is operably connected to one or more server data warehouses 1010, which can be used to store information local to the server 1004. In addition, the client 1002 can be operably connected to one or more server data warehouses 1010.

[0085] In one exemplary embodiment, the client 1002 is capable of passing an encoded file (e.g., an encoded media item) to the server 1004. The server 1004 is capable of storing the file, decoding the file, or passing the file to another client 1002. Note that the client 1002 is also capable of passing an uncompressed file to the server 1004, and the server 1004 is capable of compressing and / or transforming the file in accordance with the present disclosure. Similarly, the server 1004 is capable of encoding information and passing the information to one or more clients 1002 via the communication framework 1006.

[0086] The aspects shown in the present disclosure can also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

[0087] The above description includes non-limiting examples of various embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe every possible combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing the disclosed subject matter, and those skilled in the art will recognize that further combinations and permutations of the various embodiments are possible. The disclosed subject matter is intended to cover all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0088] Regarding the various functions performed by the above-described components, devices, circuits, systems, etc., unless otherwise specified, the terms used to describe such components (including references to “means”) are also intended to include any structure that performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even if not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. Moreover, although a particular feature of the disclosed subject matter may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0089] As used herein, the terms “exemplary” and / or “illustrative” are intended to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. To avoid doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as superior or advantageous to other aspects or designs, nor does it mean excluding equivalent structures and techniques known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, to the extent that the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and other similar words are used in the detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “including” as an open transitional word—and do not exclude any additional or other elements.

[0090] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". For example, the phrase "A or B" is intended to include instances of A, B, and both A and B. Additionally, the words "a", "an", and "the" as used in this application and the appended claims are generally to be construed to mean "one or more", "one or more kinds", and "one or more", respectively, unless otherwise specified or clearly indicated from the context to be in the singular form.

[0091] As used herein, the term "set" does not include the empty set, i.e., a set with no elements. Thus, a "set" in the present disclosure includes one or more elements or entities. Similarly, the term "group" as used herein refers to a collection of one or more entities.

[0092] The description of the illustrated embodiments of the present subject matter provided herein, including what is described in the abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications can be made as would be recognized by those skilled in the art, and such modifications are considered to be within the scope of such embodiments and examples. In this regard, while the subject matter has been described in connection with the embodiments and the corresponding drawings, it should be understood that, where applicable, other similar embodiments can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter without departing therefrom. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in accordance with the breadth and scope of the following appended claims.

[0093] Other aspects of the present invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0094] 1. A system, comprising: a memory that stores computer-executable components; and a processor that executes the computer-executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer-executable components include: a communication component that receives a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol when entering a traffic control area; and an autonomous driving component that, based on the received vehicle control release request, begins to transition to an externally controlled driving mode to allow the external control device to control the movement of the vehicle.

[0095] 2. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising: an externally controlled driving component that extracts the one or more vehicle control commands from the vehicle communication protocol and executes the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0096] 3. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication component transmits an indication of conversion to the externally controlled mode and periodically monitors the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0097] 4. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more vehicle control commands include a forward movement command to move the vehicle at a first speed.

[0098] 5. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more vehicle control commands include a request to reduce the movement command.

[0099] 6. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more vehicle control commands include a steering movement command for adjusting the vehicle trajectory.

[0100] 7. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication component receives a vehicle sensor data transmission request.

[0101] 8. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication component transmits a plurality of vehicle sensor data to the external device.

[0102] 9. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication component receives a vehicle-to-vehicle connection request.

[0103] 10. The system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the communication component establishes a vehicle-to-vehicle connection using a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

[0104] Any suitable combination that can implement a subset of the corresponding clauses 1-10.

[0105] 11. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, including executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate the execution of operations, the operations including: when entering a traffic control area, receiving a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol; and converting to an externally controlled driving mode to allow the external control device to control the movement of the vehicle.

[0106] 12. The non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, further including: extracting the one or more vehicle control commands from the vehicle communication protocol and executing the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0107] 13. The non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, further including: transmitting an indication of conversion to the externally controlled mode and periodically monitoring the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0108] 14. The non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the one or more vehicle control commands include a forward movement command to move the vehicle at a first speed and a request to reduce the movement command.

[0109] 15. The non-transitory machine-readable medium according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising: establishing a vehicle-to-vehicle connection using a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

[0110] Any suitable combination capable of implementing a subset of the corresponding clauses 11-15.

[0111] 16. A method, comprising: receiving, by a system including a processor, a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol when entering a traffic control area; and converting, by the system, to an externally controlled driving mode to allow the external control device to control the movement of the vehicle.

[0112] 17. The method according to clause 16, further comprising: extracting, by the system, the one or more vehicle control commands from the vehicle communication protocol and executing the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0113] 18. The method according to clause 17, further comprising: transmitting, by the system, an indication of conversion to the externally controlled mode and periodically monitoring the one or more vehicle control commands.

[0114] 19. The method according to clause 17, further comprising: establishing, by the system, a vehicle-to-vehicle connection using a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

[0115] 20. The method according to clause 16, further comprising: receiving, by the system, a vehicle sensor data transmission request; transmitting, by the system, a plurality of vehicle sensor data to the external device; and receiving, by the system, a vehicle-to-vehicle connection request.

[0116] 23. The method according to clause 16 above, having any set of combinations of the methods of clauses 17-23 above.

[0117] Any suitable combination capable of implementing a subset of the corresponding clauses 1-23.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a memory storing computer executable components; and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components include: a communication component that receives a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol when entering a traffic controlled area; and The automatic driving component, based on the received vehicle control release request, initiates a transition to an externally controlled driving mode to allow movement of the vehicle to be controlled by the external control device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: An externally controlled driving component extracts the one or more vehicle control commands from the vehicle communication protocol and executes the one or more vehicle control commands.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein: The communication component transmits an indication of transitioning to the externally controlled mode and periodically monitors the one or more vehicle control commands.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein: The one or more vehicle control commands include a forward movement command to move the vehicle at a first speed.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein: The one or more vehicle control commands include a request to reduce movement command.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein: The one or more vehicle control commands include a steering movement command for adjusting a vehicle trajectory.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein: The communication component receives a vehicle sensor data transmission request.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein: The communication component transmits a plurality of vehicle sensor data to the external device.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein: The communication component receives a vehicle-to-vehicle connection request.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the communication component establishes the vehicle-to-vehicle connection using a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

11. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising: receiving a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol upon entering a traffic controlled area; and Switching to the externally controlled driving mode allows the movement of the vehicle to be controlled by the external control device.

12. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 11 , further comprising: The one or more vehicle control commands are extracted from the vehicle communication protocol and the one or more vehicle control commands are executed.

13. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 12, further comprising: An indication of transitioning to the externally controlled mode is transmitted, and the one or more vehicle control commands are periodically monitored.

14. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The one or more vehicle control commands include a forward movement command to move the vehicle at a first speed and a request to reduce movement command.

15. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, further comprising: A vehicle-to-vehicle connection is established using the vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

16. A method comprising: upon entering a traffic controlled area, receiving, by a system including a processor, a vehicle control release request and one or more vehicle control commands from an external control device using a defined vehicle communication protocol; and The system switches to an externally controlled driving mode to allow movement of the vehicle to be controlled by the external control device.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The system extracts one or more vehicle control commands from the vehicle communication protocol and executes the one or more vehicle control commands.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: An indication of transitioning to the externally controlled mode is transmitted by the system, and the one or more vehicle control commands are periodically monitored.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: A vehicle-to-vehicle connection is established by the system using a vehicle-to-vehicle protocol.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, by the system, a vehicle sensor data transmission request; transmitting, by the system, a plurality of vehicle sensor data to the external device; and A vehicle-to-vehicle connection request is received by the system.

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