SMART SHARING OF INFORMATION ABOUT PASSING VEHICLES

Abstract

A unit connected to a focus vehicle, comprising: a sensor that acquires area information about an information area, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol; a controller that generates an assistance result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area;and a display device which displays virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the journey of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This document discloses a system and an associated method for the intelligent sharing of information about passing vehicles.

[0002] Obstacles on two-lane roads can sometimes necessitate single-lane alternating traffic flow, where traffic flows in only one direction at a time and the roadway must be completely clear before traffic can flow in the other direction. Traditionally, if such obstacles are known in advance, alternating traffic flow can be managed by personnel at each end of the obstacle, communicating with each other and directing traffic to switch between the different flow states. For obstacles that may persist for an extended period, automatic traffic lights can be installed at opposite ends and controlled by a traffic light control unit. Vehicle-mounted sensors can be used to indicate a stop position.However, this technique is only applicable if the obstacles are visible, and traffic, including following vehicles, cannot be controlled.

[0003] Providing instructions to vehicles that enable efficient overall traffic flow presents a technological challenge, as simply having vehicles start and stop over long stretches of road that include additional areas or points for vehicles to pass each other can be a suboptimal solution. Improving the efficiency of traffic passing in areas with narrowed lanes leads to savings in human and vehicle time and resources, in addition to reduced travel times. Analyzing the dynamic conditions detected and shared by vehicles and instructing them on the actions they should take in relation to narrowed and widened lane areas is a technically demanding and difficult problem that has not yet been solved.

[0004] A technological challenge is presented in efficiently determining positions where vehicles can pass each other. While current systems can employ some basic algorithms to improve the flow of passing traffic, these algorithms can be wasteful in terms of the information stored in such systems' memories and the network bandwidth used to transmit information to other vehicles. SUMMARY

[0005] This discloses a unit belonging to a focus vehicle, comprising a sensor that acquires area information about an information area, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol; and a controller. The controller generates an assistance result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area.The unit includes a display device that shows virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the focus vehicle, on the vehicle's windshield.

[0006] By taking into account the differences in the distances of vehicles from the information area, the algorithms of the vehicles that comprise the system can be used more effectively and efficiently, leading to increased traffic efficiency and fewer delays. Furthermore, by displaying virtual traffic information clearly and meaningfully to drivers, a sense of safety can be created in multi-vehicle situations, and the possibility of driver error can be reduced.

[0007] Furthermore, a unit belonging to a focus vehicle is disclosed herein, comprising a sensor that acquires area information about an information area, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol; and a controller. In a basic evaluation, the controller generates a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area.The system generates the support result in two modes: a first mode for wide roads, which primarily consist of multiple lanes allowing vehicles to pass each other, but which also contain narrowing sections that block all but one lane; and a second mode for narrow roads, which primarily consist of narrow, single-lane sections that prevent vehicles from passing, but which may contain widening sections where vehicles can pass each other. In the first mode, the system compares the initial distance from the information area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle to select an action for the focus vehicle. The focus vehicle's action could be to bring the focus vehicle to a stop.This results from the fact that the first distance, based on a predefined distance criterion, is much greater than the second distance. The focus vehicle's action may be to continue driving, as the second distance, based on the predefined distance criterion, is much greater than the first. In other cases, the focus vehicle's action may be to coordinate with the oncoming vehicle. The unit may also include a display device that shows virtual traffic information according to the outcome of the selection, which distinguishes between the actions of stopping, continuing, and coordinating for the vehicle.

[0008] By using the various support modes for the vehicles, the system can collect and share only the information necessary to enable efficient interaction between vehicles in pedestrian areas. This efficient use of data can reduce storage requirements on these units and decrease the network traffic required to transmit information to other vehicles.

[0009] Furthermore, a computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit is disclosed herein. The method comprises acquiring area information about an information area with a sensor, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other. The method further comprises transmitting the area information with a transmitter via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol. The method also comprises generating a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle with a controller, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area.The method further includes displaying virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle equipped with a display device.

[0010] Applying a computer-implemented method can offer the technical advantages described above, such as the ability to use the algorithms of the vehicles involved in the system more effectively and efficiently by taking into account the differences in the distances of the vehicles from the information area. This can lead to increased traffic efficiency and fewer delays for vehicles. By displaying virtual traffic information clearly and meaningfully to drivers, as described herein, a sense of safety can be created in driving situations involving multiple vehicles, and the possibility of driver error can be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, a computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit is disclosed herein. The method comprises acquiring area information about an information area with a sensor, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other. The method further comprises transmitting the area information with a transmitter via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol.The procedure further includes, in a basic evaluation operation, the generation of a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle using a controller. The vehicle information comprises first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area. The controller generates the support result in different support modes. One support mode is for wide roads that primarily have multiple lanes allowing vehicles to pass each other, but which also contain narrowing sections that block all but one lane.A second support mode is for narrow roads that primarily consist of narrow, single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which may contain widening sections where vehicles can pass. In the first support mode, the procedure involves comparing a first distance from the information area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle to select an action for the focus vehicle. The focus vehicle's action is to stop if, based on a predefined distance criterion, the first distance is significantly greater than the second distance. The focus vehicle's action is to continue driving if, based on the predefined distance criterion, the second distance is significantly greater than the first distance.In other cases, the action taken by the focus vehicle may include coordinating with the oncoming vehicle. The procedure further includes displaying virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the focus vehicle, on the windshield of the vehicle equipped with a display device.

[0012] The computer-implemented method, using the various support modes for the vehicles, similarly leads to the compilation and sharing of only the information necessary to enable efficient interaction between vehicles in passage areas, which, as stated above, can lead to a reduction in the memory requirements of these units and a decrease in the network traffic required to transmit the information to other vehicles.

[0013] This document discloses a computer product for implementing the system, unit, or procedures described above. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium embodying computer-readable program code for executing procedures on a processor as described herein.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a system and a method are disclosed herein which enable a determination to be made that allows vehicles to pass each other alternately in a fair manner. Here, a vehicle can receive a signal which, based on the determination of whether the focus vehicle is within a drivable area, indicates that it is within the drivable area, thereby enabling it to pass through a blocked area without interruption.

[0015] Advantageously, this can allow groups of vehicles traveling in opposite directions to take turns efficiently and fairly, without imposing unfair delays on any particular vehicle or group of vehicles.

[0016] According to some embodiments, a system and a method are disclosed herein in which the control system determines when a clear area is available behind a narrow blocked area, and, if a determination is made that no space is available, the system always selects the focus vehicle to stop until a determination is made that space is available behind the narrowing blocked area. Advantageously, this approach can prevent a vehicle from attempting to pass an obstacle too early when there is no space on the other side. This can help prevent temporary standstill situations or at least the blocking of the passage area when other vehicles might be able to use it.

[0017] Several embodiments provided herein address the technical problem of how to assist vehicles in passing each other in various situations, which may occur on both wide and narrow roads. Since information about a passing location is shared in advance via a vehicle-to-vehicle network, vehicles can be allowed to yield to other vehicles in locations where no obstacles are apparent. Furthermore, since a leading vehicle and following vehicles can be supported, it is possible to assist multiple vehicles approaching from the opposite direction in passing a vehicle alternately, thereby improving the efficiency of traffic flow. List of characters

[0018] This document describes various embodiments relating to different objects. In particular, some embodiments may be described in relation to methods, while other embodiments may be described in relation to devices and systems. However, the person skilled in the art will recognize from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise stated, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of object, any combination of features belonging to different objects, in particular features of methods and features of devices and systems, is also to be considered as disclosed in this document.

[0019] The forms defined above and further forms disclosed herein will become apparent from the examples of one or more embodiments described below and will be explained in relation to the examples of the one or more embodiments, without limiting the invention to them. Various embodiments are described merely by way of example and with reference to the following drawings: Fig. Figure 1 shows a cloud computing environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows abstraction model layers according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a DPS according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating various components of a system for intelligently sharing information about passing vehicles according to some embodiments. Fig. 5A is a pictorial representation of a two-lane road with traffic, which contains blockages, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 5B is a pictorial representation of a single-lane road with traffic and passing areas according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a basic evaluation procedure according to some embodiments. Fig. 6B to Fig. 6E are parts of a process flowchart that illustrate a voting procedure according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A to Fig. Figure 7C are pictorial representations illustrating the basic evaluation procedure according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 8 is a pictorial representation illustrating the voting procedure according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A to Fig. 9C are pictorial representations illustrating a variation of conditions according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a support mode in a one-way traffic segment according to some embodiments. Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B shows pictorial representations illustrating the determination of a drivable area according to some embodiments. Fig. 12A and Fig. Figure 12B are pictorial representations illustrating the passing of a short line of vehicles according to some embodiments. Fig. 13A to Fig. Figure 13H are pictorial representations illustrating the passing of a long line of vehicles with a traffic jam according to some embodiments. Fig. 14A to Fig. Figure 14D are pictorial representations illustrating the passing of a long line of vehicles with traffic lights according to some embodiments. Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B are parts of a flowchart which illustrates a calculation of a possible point where vehicles are to pass each other, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a support mode for passing each other in a narrow street according to some embodiments. Fig. 17A and Fig. Figure 17B contains pictorial representations illustrating the characteristics of a narrow road according to some embodiments. Fig. 17C to Fig. Figure 17F are pictorial representations illustrating how to determine a passing point for vehicles on a narrow road according to some embodiments. Fig. 18A to Fig. Figure 18J are pictorial representations illustrating how lines of vehicles pass each other on a narrow road according to some embodiments. Fig. 19A and Fig. 19B are pictorial representations illustrating a mixture of vehicles implementing a system for intelligent sharing of information about passing vehicles, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 20 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle indicator device for an oncoming vehicle according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 21 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle display device for multiple oncoming vehicles according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 22 is a pictorial representation of a HUD showing instructions for stopping, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 23 is a pictorial representation of a HUD which shows instructions for continuing to drive, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 24 is a pictorial representation of a HUD which shows further instructions for stopping, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To enable vehicles to navigate wide roads with blockages in blockage zones and narrow roads with limited widened areas for vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pass each other in passing zones more efficiently, the vehicles themselves can act as a compiling tool for gathering information about such zones. Zone information obtained in this way can be shared among vehicles and used to facilitate efficient passing. Depending on a vehicle's position relative to a blockage or passing zone, different strategies can be employed, and analysis of this data can lead to instructions displayed to drivers on their windshields, which can be followed to create a much more efficient overall traffic outcome. Reference symbol list

[0021] The following abbreviations can be used below: CD-ROM Compact Disc-ROM CPU Central Processing Unit DPS Data Processing System DVD Digital Versatile Disc EPROM (Eraseable Programmable Read-Only Memory) FPGA field programmable gate arrays GPS Global Positioning System HUD warning indicator device laaS Infrastructure as a Service I / O Input / Output IPL Initial Program Load ISA instruction set architecture LAN Local Network OPAII Information elements outside the distribution area PaaS Platform as a Service PAI Passing Assistance Information (also "Area Information") PDA Personal Digital Assistant PLA Programmable Logic Arrays PP Pass Point PPC Potential PP RAM Direct Access Memory RISC computer with a restricted instruction set ROM Read-only memory SaaS Software as a Service SLA agreement on the scope of services SOI Search Optimization Service SRAM Static Random Access Memory VICS Vehicle Information and Data Exchange System V2VN Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) network WAN Wide Area Network

[0022] The following conventions, definitions, terms and / or expressions may be used here.

[0023] The term “area information” may, in some embodiments, refer to descriptive information about a particular area (also referred to as an “information area,” which is an area to which the area information may refer) and may include at least position, shape, and type information. Position information may include the location of a reference point within the area, such as GPS coordinates, mile marker data, intersections, and / or a relative position to a known / established reference point. Area information may also be defined herein as information about points to assist with passing. It may refer to information or data about a particular area obtained from vehicle sensors as they pass through a particular area and capture various attributes of the area.

[0024] Shape information can, in some embodiments, refer to the shape of the area. In many cases (and typically here), a rectangular shape may be sufficient to describe the shape. In this case, width and length information may suffice. In other cases, the shape may be more complex, and other types of descriptive information may be used. For example, if the shape is a polygon, it may be described by the coordinates of its vertices. If the shape is better described by other mathematical shapes (e.g., a circle, an ellipse, spline-shaped boundaries, etc.), then other information may be used to describe it. Definitions of mathematical shape types and definitions of boundaries can be used via conventional techniques.In some cases, the area here may be an actual area of ​​a blockage, a passing place, and the like; however, in most cases, an area can also include adjacent road segments, and this can generally be determined from the context. For example, an obstacle area may include the passable road segment adjacent to the obstacle, so that a reference to a "vehicle in the obstacle area" can be interpreted as "vehicle in the road segment adjacent to the obstacle."

[0025] In some embodiments, type information may refer to the type of the area in question and may include: • “Obstacle area”, which in some embodiments may refer to a section of a normally wide road where one lane in one direction is blocked by a temporary obstacle not shown on a conventional printed map, but which can appear and be detected dynamically. An obstacle area may occur due to a vehicle parked for an extended period, or it may be an area on a normally wide road containing a blockage or obstruction, also referred to as a “narrow area”. • “Passing area” or “passing point”: also referred to as “wide area”; in some embodiments, it may refer to an area on a normally narrow or single-lane road in which two vehicles can pass each other, or in which it has been detected that two vehicles have passed each other; a passing area or point may also describe road areas adjacent to an obstacle or an obstacle area on a wide road • “Obstruction zone”: in some embodiments, this may refer to an area that is normally intended as a passage zone but is currently blocked and does not allow passage; similar to a narrow area • In some embodiments, “shared area” may refer to areas in which two vehicles can share information and which may be defined relative to one of the vehicles. • In some embodiments, “distribution area” may refer to an area in which an area information element is to be disseminated to other vehicles. • In some embodiments, “stopping area” may refer to an area adjacent to an obstacle in which vehicles in a lane not blocked by the obstacle wait for vehicles coming from the opposite direction to allow them to drive around the obstacle. • In some embodiments, “passable area” may refer to a temporary area in which it is possible for all vehicles in a queue passing a blockage area (where vehicles from the opposite direction are stopped and waiting to pass) to pass the blockage without interruption • In some embodiments, the “holding area” may refer to an area in which an area information element is to be held or retained in the vehicle's database. Such an area is larger than the distribution area and includes the distribution area. For example, the holding area may be an area with a radius of ten kilometers (km) from one end of the road segment or within a distance of ten km along a road where vehicles require assistance to pass each other.

[0026] In some embodiments, a “predetermined voting completion distance” may refer to a distance from an obstacle or a passage area within which status voting must be completed to avoid the need for the voting vehicles to stop in order to finalize the voting.

[0027] The terms “support result” and “evaluation result” may be used interchangeably herein and may, in some embodiments, refer to a result that may be presented to drivers or associated vehicle units in the form of an instruction regarding passing other vehicles.

[0028] In some embodiments, a simplified "form" can be used. For example, the obstacle area can also be defined as an area of ​​the road that allows a single car to travel in one direction, and a passing area can also be defined as an area of ​​the road that allows two cars to pass each other. In these cases, only a reference point on the road and a length may be sufficient to define the areas, although lane information may also be included.

[0029] When area information is captured and stored by a vehicle sensor of a sensing vehicle, such information may include the time of capture along with information about other circumstances related to the capture. When area information is transmitted by a vehicle, such information may also include information about the transmitting vehicle and / or a pool of information about one or all transmitting vehicles and related data back to the sensing vehicle. Information about aggregated vehicles can help clarify conflicting or incomplete information about a particular area.

[0030] The term "narrow road" can, in some embodiments, refer to a road that is a single-lane road for most of its length, designed under normal use to allow a vehicle to travel in only one direction at any point along the road. Such a road may be marked on a map as a single-lane road and have a width of, for example, at least twelve feet. Such roads intentionally have locally wide sections scattered along them, allowing vehicles traveling in the opposite direction to pull out of the lane to allow a first vehicle to pass. In some embodiments, when a scanning vehicle travels along a narrow road, it is efficient for the vehicle detectors to detect and store the wide sections (which are few / small) and ignore the narrow sections (which are many / large).

[0031] The characteristics of a narrow road can include the following. Within a given segment of a narrow road, passing points may occur alternately. Since the number of vehicles using the road is low, the traffic flow is such that frequently a pair of vehicles passes each other, and occasionally a pair of several vehicles passes each other. The narrow road segment to be processed is a segment with a specific length and narrow width based on map information, and therefore vehicles require passing assistance. The passing points, which determine the basis for this assistance, can be determined based on map information or other geographic information.

[0032] In some implementations, the points where vehicles can pass each other can also be dynamically detected by a user based on actual experience from vehicles that have passed each other. However, such a passing point or area can be blocked and unusable for passing. This can occur, for example, if another vehicle is parked in the passing area, making it unsuitable for passing.

[0033] The term "wide road" may, in some embodiments, refer to a road which, for most of its length, is a two-lane road designed, under normal use, to allow vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pass each other at any point. Such a road may be marked on a map as a multi-lane or multidirectional road and may have a width of, for example, at least twenty-four feet, or may be shown as having mainly multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other. These roads may occasionally have areas that are locally narrow due to an obstacle or the like, and therefore do not allow vehicles to pass each other.In some embodiments, when a scanning vehicle travels along a wide road, it is efficient for the vehicle detectors to detect and store the narrow and blocked areas (which are few / small) and to ignore the wide areas (which are many / large).

[0034] The term "temporarily parked vehicle" can, in some interpretations, refer to a vehicle that has stopped to wait for an oncoming vehicle to pass or that has stopped due to a congestion. Such a vehicle may be able to move again once circumstances permit, for example, a driver or an automatic vehicle control system may move the car when conditions allow. Such a vehicle is generally not considered an obstruction and is generally not regarded as something that another vehicle traveling in the same direction must pass.

[0035] The term "vehicle parked for a long time" can, in some interpretations, refer to a vehicle that has stopped due to a problem with the vehicle itself, such as a breakdown, a missing driver (i.e., intentionally parked), an accident, and the like. Such a vehicle is generally considered an obstruction and something that another vehicle traveling in the same direction must pass.

[0036] The term "focus vehicle" can, in some embodiments, refer to a user's "own vehicle," that is, one that operates the intelligent information-sharing system for passing vehicles and serves as the vehicle for description purposes. Since vehicles in the system are generally assumed to operate according to the same set of rules, a focus vehicle in one context or from one viewpoint / perspective may be a "different vehicle" (e.g., an "oncoming vehicle") in another context or from another viewpoint / perspective. A focus vehicle can be referred to as a reference vehicle.

[0037] The term "vehicle-to-vehicle network" can refer to any known network used for data exchange between vehicles.

[0038] The term "periodic broadcast" can, in some configurations, refer to a broadcast based on a predefined periodic time criterion, such as an absolute time (e.g., "always ten minutes past the hour" or "at 5:00 PM CET" or similar) or a relative time (e.g., "always 10 minutes after the last transmission"). It can also refer to a broadcast based on another predefined broadcast criterion, trigger, and / or event (e.g., "whenever the vehicle stops"). The period of the periodic broadcast and its nature (e.g., its trigger) can be predefined and shared after the V2VN setup or when a new member is added to the V2VN. This allows all vehicles participating in the V2VN to accept the periodic broadcast conditions and recognize when they have missed an expected periodic broadcast.

[0039] The term "passage assistance information" can, in some embodiments, refer to all information that can be used to assist a vehicle in passing another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction when lane conditions on a portion of the road prevent them from passing each other at a particular point on the road. Such lane conditions may include an aspect of the road itself, e.g., a single-lane road, or they may include temporary conditions, e.g., when one of the lanes is blocked. Cloud computing

[0040] It is understood that the implementation of the teachings set forth herein is not limited to a cloud computing environment, although this disclosure includes a detailed description of cloud computing. Instead, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented together with any type of data processing environment, now known or hereafter developed.

[0041] Cloud computing is a service delivery model that enables seamless, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing power, main memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management overhead or interaction with a service provider. This cloud model can include at least five properties, at least three service models, and at least four implementation models. The properties are as follows:

[0042] On-Demand Self-Service: A cloud user can unilaterally and automatically provide data processing functions such as server time and network storage as needed, without requiring human interaction with the service provider.

[0043] Broad Network Access: Functions are available over a network, accessed through standard mechanisms that support use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

[0044] Resource pooling: The provider's data processing resources are pooled to serve multiple users using a multi-tenant model, with various physical and virtual resources being dynamically allocated and reassigned as needed. There is a perceived location independence, as the user generally has no control over or knowledge of the exact location of the provided resources, but may be able to define a location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or data center).

[0045] Rapid Elasticity: Features can be deployed quickly and elastically for rapid scaling (scale out) and released quickly for rapid scaling (scale in), sometimes even automatically. To the user, the available features often appear unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

[0046] Measured Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource usage by employing a measurement function at a certain level of abstraction appropriate for the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, thereby creating transparency for both the provider and the user of the service. The service models are as follows:

[0047] Software as a Service (SaaS): The functionality provided to the user consists of using the provider's applications running in a cloud infrastructure. These applications are accessible from various client devices via a thin-client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including the network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application functions, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

[0048] Platform as a Service (PaaS): The function provided to the user is to deploy applications created or obtained by the user, using programming languages ​​and tools supported by the provider, within the cloud infrastructure. The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and potentially over configurations of the application hosting environment.

[0049] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The functionality provided to the user consists of supplying processing, storage, networking, and other basic data processing resources, enabling the user to deploy and run any software, including operating systems and applications. The user does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and potentially limited control over selected network components (e.g., host firewalls). The following are the deployment models:

[0050] Private Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for one organization. It can be managed by the organization or a third party and can be located on the organization's own premises or on external premises.

[0051] Community Cloud: This cloud infrastructure is shared by multiple organizations and supports a specific user community with shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policies, and regulatory compliance considerations). It can be managed by the organizations themselves or a third party and can be located on-premises or external premises.

[0052] Public Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization that sells cloud services.

[0053] Hybrid Cloud: The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community or public) that remain separate entities but are connected by a standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g. cloud audience distribution for load balancing between clouds).

[0054] A cloud computing environment is service-oriented, focusing on state independence, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that comprises a network of interconnected nodes.

[0055] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows the illustrative cloud computing environment 50. As shown, the cloud computing environment 50 has one or more cloud computing nodes 10 with which local data processing units used by cloud users, for example, an electronic assistant (PDA, personal digital assistant) or a mobile phone 54A, a desktop computer 54B, a laptop computer 54C, and / or an automotive computer system 54N, can exchange data. The nodes 10 can exchange data with each other. They can be grouped physically or virtually into one or more networks, e.g., private, community, public, or hybrid clouds, as described above (not shown), or into a combination thereof. This enables the cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms, and / or software as services for which a cloud user does not need to maintain resources on a local data processing unit.It should be noted that the types of in . Fig. The data processing units 54A to N shown in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only, and the data processing nodes 10 and the cloud computing environment 50 can exchange data with any type of computer unit via any type of network and / or any type of network-accessible connection (e.g., using a web browser).

[0056] Now, referring to Fig. 2, is a set of functional abstraction layers represented there by the cloud computing environment 50 ( Fig. 1) be provided. It should be clear from the outset that the in Fig. The components, layers, and functions shown in Figure 2 are for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the invention are not limited to them. As shown, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

[0057] A hardware and software layer 60 comprises hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframe computers 61; servers based on the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture 62; servers 63; blade servers 64; storage units 65; and networks and network components 66. In some embodiments, software components include network application server software 67 and database software 68.

[0058] The virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities can be provided: virtual servers 71, virtual storage 72, virtual networks 73, including virtual private networks, virtual applications and operating systems 74, and virtual clients 75.

[0059] In one example, an administration layer 80 can provide the following functions. Resource provisioning 81 provides the dynamic procurement of data processing resources and other resources used to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and pricing 82 provides cost tracking when using resources within the cloud computing environment and billing for the consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources could include application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud users and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User portal 83 provides users and system administrators with access to the cloud computing environment.Service Scope Management 84 provides the allocation and management of cloud computing resources to ensure that the required service levels are met. Planning and Fulfilling Service Level Agreements (SLAs) 85 provides the preparation and procurement of cloud computing resources for which a future need is anticipated, in accordance with an SLA.

[0060] A workload layer 90 provides examples of functionalities for which the cloud computing environment can be used. Examples of workloads and functions that can be provided by this layer include: mapping and navigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; delivery of training in virtual classrooms 93; data analytics processing 94; transaction processing 95; and mobile desktop 96. Data processing system

[0061] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary DPS according to one or more embodiments. The DPS can be used as a cloud computing node 10. In this illustrative example, the DPS 100 can include a data exchange bus 102, which can provide data exchange between a processor unit 104, a memory 106, a permanent storage device 108, a data exchange unit 110, an I / O unit 112, and a display device 114.

[0062] The processor unit 104 serves to execute instructions for software that can be loaded into memory 106. Depending on the specific implementation, the processor unit 104 can be a number of processors, a multi-core processor, or another type of processor. "Number," as used here in reference to an element, means one or more elements. Furthermore, the processor unit 104 can be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems, with a main processor and secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, the processor unit 104 can be a symmetric multiprocessor system containing multiple processors of the same type.

[0063] Memory 106 and permanent memory 108 are examples of memory units 116. A memory unit can be any piece of hardware capable of storing information, such as, but not limited to, data, program code in functional form, and / or other suitable information, either temporarily or permanently. In these examples, memory 106 can be, for instance, random-access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile memory unit. Permanent memory 108 can take various forms, depending on its specific implementation.

[0064] For example, permanent storage 108 can contain one or more components or units. For example, permanent storage can be a hard disk drive, flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or a combination thereof. The media used by permanent storage 108 can also be interchangeable. For example, a replaceable hard disk drive can be used for permanent storage 108.

[0065] In these examples, the Data Exchange Unit 110 can facilitate data exchange with other DSPs or units. In these examples, the Data Exchange Unit 110 is a network interface card. The Data Exchange Unit 110 can facilitate data exchange through the use of physical and / or wireless data exchange links.

[0066] The input / output unit 112 enables data input and output with other units that can be connected to the DPS 100. For example, the input / output unit 112 can provide a connection for user input via a keyboard, mouse, and / or other suitable input device. Furthermore, the input / output unit 112 can send output to a printer. The display device 114 can provide a mechanism for displaying information to a user.

[0067] Instructions for the operating system, applications, and / or programs can be stored in the memory units 116, which exchange data with the processor unit 104 via the communication bus 102. In these illustrative examples, the instructions are stored in a functional form in the permanent memory 108. These instructions can be loaded into memory 106 for execution by the processor unit 104. The processes of the various embodiments can be carried out by the processor unit 104 using instructions implemented by a computer, which can be stored in a memory such as memory 106.

[0068] These instructions are referred to as program code, computer-usable program code, or computer-readable program code, which can be read by a processor in the processor unit 104. The program code in its various forms can be embodied on various physical or material computer-readable media, such as memory 106 or permanent memory 108.

[0069] The program code 118 can be arranged in a functional form on the computer-readable media 120, which are selectively interchangeable and can be loaded or transferred to the DPS 100 by the processor unit 104 for execution. In these examples, the program code 118 and the computer-readable media 120 can constitute a computer program product 122. In one example, the computer-readable media 120 can be computer-readable storage media 124 or computer-readable signal media 126. Computer-readable storage media 124 can, for example, comprise an optical or magnetic disk, which is inserted into or placed in a drive or other unit that is part of the permanent storage 108 for transfer to a storage unit, e.g., a hard disk drive. The computer-readable storage media 124 can also take the form of permanent storage, e.g.,a hard disk drive, a USB flash drive, or a flash memory device connected to the DPS 100. In some cases, the computer-readable storage media 124 may not be removable from the DPS.

[0070] Alternatively, the program code 118 can be transmitted to the DPS 100 using the computer-readable signal media 126. The computer-readable signal media 126 can be, for example, a common data signal containing the program code 118. For instance, the computer-readable signal media 126 can be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and / or any other suitable signal type. These signals can be transmitted via data exchange links, such as wireless data exchange links, fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, wires, and / or any other suitable type of data exchange link. In other words, the data exchange link and / or the connection can be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples.

[0071] In some illustrative embodiments, the program code 118 for use within the DPS 100 can be downloaded from another unit or DPS via a network to the permanent storage 108 using the computer-readable signal media 126. For example, program code stored on a computer-readable storage medium in a server DPS can be downloaded from the server to the DPS 100 via a network. The DPS providing the program code 118 can be a server computer, a client computer, or another unit capable of storing and transmitting the program code 118.

[0072] The various components illustrated for the DPS 100 are not intended to represent any architectural limitations regarding how different embodiments can be implemented. The various illustrative embodiments can be implemented in a DPS that includes components in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated for the DPS 100. Other components can be used as variations in the illustrated examples, which are described in [reference to relevant documentation]. Fig. 1 are shown.

[0073] If different reference numbers have a common number followed by different letters (e.g. 100a, 100b, 100c), using the reference symbol without the letter (e.g. 100) can refer to the group of elements as a whole, a subgroup thereof, or an example element of the group.

[0074] This document discloses a system and associated method for assisting vehicles in passing each other. This is achieved by sharing information about locations where vehicles can and cannot pass each other via a V2V network. When such information is shared before a vehicle approaches an obstacle (e.g., on a wide road with two lanes for traffic normally flowing in opposite directions, but where an obstacle blocks one lane of unidirectional traffic, thus narrowing the road) or a passing point (e.g.,On a narrow road with one lane for traffic but passing areas (widening to two lanes) allowing vehicles to overtake each other, a vehicle with this information can guide other vehicles past in areas where sensors or similar devices cannot directly detect obstacles. Since it's possible to assist both a leading and following vehicle, it's also possible to assist multiple vehicles traveling in opposite directions, allowing them to pass each other alternately. This approach could be used, for example, at a construction site. overview

[0075] An overview of the disclosure discusses, among other things, the use of a V2VN and / or a V2VN protocol to capture and store area information relating to a road, sharing / distributing the area information with or to other vehicles, processing the area information for a support evaluation, and displaying the results of the support evaluation to a vehicle user.

[0076] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary System 400 for sharing information about passing vehicles. The system may include or contain a DPS 100, as described herein. Although in Fig. While 4 shows a number of exemplary components, only those components that are described in detail in this section will be presented. Fig. 4 are shown shaded. The system 400 can include a vehicle-mounted sensor and a controller 410, e.g., an imaging system capable of detecting various area positions described herein. The sensor 410 can detect road segments and determine whether an obstacle is present or whether there is a narrowing of the lanes. Similarly, the sensor 410 can detect road segments that have passing areas allowing two vehicles to pass each other when the road is normally narrow. In some embodiments, known image recognition techniques can be used to accurately interpret a scene at a given location or area, e.g., detecting lanes and obstructions therein, hazard or warning signs, traffic cones, boundaries between grass and asphalt, etc.The Sensor 410 can utilize any combination of imaging technology, e.g., a CCD camera, distance measuring devices, e.g., RADAR or LIDAR, proximity sensors, and similar devices.

[0077] The system 400 may further comprise a data processor 420, which includes a basic data generation / management section 430, a vehicle queue information generation / management section 422, a passer or obstacle detection and passer determination section 424, an area information evaluation section 426, and an area information database 428, which may contain records for each point of the area information 427 (each record may herein be referred to as an element 427.1 (generally 427.n) of the area information 427). The area information records may contain passer area information 427a, obstacle area information 427b, passer obstacle area information 427c, spread area information 427d, and passable area information 427e. The data processor 420 can also include a space information management section 432.

[0078] The system 400 can further include a data exchange controller 440, which can include a basic data transmission section 444, a recommendation message transmission section 442, a vehicle identification data transmission section 446, a position identification data transmission section 448, and an area information command transmission section 445. The data exchange controller 440 can use a data exchange control library 450 or an operating system service.

[0079] The System 400 may further include a User Interface Controller (UI Controller) 460, which is connected to a UI 461. The UI Controller 460 may include an Area Information Evaluation Result Display Section 462, a Display Control Section 464, and an Input Control Section 466. The UI Controller 460 may work in conjunction with an I / O Unit Controller 480. The Passer or Obstacle Detection and Passer Determination Section 424, the Area Information Evaluation Section 426, the Area Information Database 428, the Area Information Management Section 432, and the Area Information Command Transmission Section 445 may, individually or in any combination, form a “Controller” as described herein. The system components are described below in connection with various operations that can be provided by the System 400. Capturing and storing area information

[0080] Fig. 5A is a pictorial representation of a zone 500, which has a two-lane road 505 with a first lane 505a carrying west-east traffic and a second lane 505b carrying east-west traffic. The second lane 505b contains a series of obstacles 507a to 507c within an obstacle area. A first group of cars 520, located in a first V2VN 560a, is in the first lane 505a, and the first car 520c in the group is approaching the obstacle area from west to east. A second group 530 and a third group 540 of cars are approaching the obstacle area from the opposite east-west direction; these groups 530 and 540 belong to a second V2VN 560b and a third V2VN 560c, respectively. A cross-functional vehicle 530d, 540d is a member of both the second group 530 and the third group 540 of cars and both the second V2VN 560b and the third V2VN 560c.These elements are described in more detail below.

[0081] Fig. Figure 5B is a pictorial representation of a zone 500' which includes a single-lane road 505c on which traffic can flow in opposite directions over a given segment at different times. The lane 505c has a series of passing areas 508a to 508c into which a vehicle 530a can enter to allow another vehicle 520a from the opposite direction to pass. The passing areas 508a to 508c may be located on one side (north, as shown in the figure, or south) or on both sides of the lane 505c. Different rules may apply in different regions of the world regarding which direction of traffic should enter which passing areas.

[0082] Specifically, road segments 500, 500' are generally classified as wide (a road segment 500 that allows two vehicles 520, 530 to pass each other) or narrow (a road segment 500' that does not allow two vehicles 520, 530 to pass each other). Wide road segments 500 have long, wide sections that may be interrupted by narrow sections (e.g., blocked areas 507). Narrow road segments 500' have long, narrow sections where occasional wide sections (e.g., passing areas 508) may be used. These are not absolute definitions, and a road that has an equal number of wide and narrow segments will not necessarily fit one designation or the other. Similarly, a road segment that is initially considered to be a wide road may in fact have more narrow segments.However, the designation as a wide or narrow road can simply be a condition indicating to a scanning vehicle whether it is more efficient to gather information about narrow sections or information about wide sections. In some embodiments, information about both narrow and wide sections can be gathered, and under these conditions, it may be unnecessary to designate a particular road as a wide or narrow road. Similarly, if wide sections are known for a road, it is possible to determine which sections of the road are narrow (i.e., the zones of the road that are not wide), and vice versa. With such flexibility, a correct interpretation of the road conditions can be made in the various embodiments described herein without becoming entangled in the semantics of the road's nature as a whole.

[0083] Information about road conditions that can be detected by and exchanged between vehicles can be broadly categorized into the following three types and can be collectively referred to as "area information" 427: narrow road information (or passing information) 427a, wide road information (or obstacle information) 427b, and passing obstacle information 427c. The first type of information, narrow road information 427a, can include information collected for narrow road segments 500'. On such narrow roads, wide areas 508 (passing areas) form places where vehicles 520, 530 can pass each other. This passing information 427a can thus include wide area information 427a for the narrow road segment 500'.This information may include, among other things, a location, width and length, a shape, an attribute and a time of acquisition for each point, in addition to other descriptive sections herein or as explained by them.

[0084] The second type of information, wide road information, may include information for wide road segments 500 relating to narrow areas 507 (obstacle areas) where vehicles cannot pass each other (i.e., obstacle area information 427b). This second type of information may include obstacle area information 427b for the wide road segment 500. The information may include a location, width and length, lane identifier, attribute, and capture time for each point, in addition to other descriptive sections herein or as explained by these.

[0085] The third type of information, obstruction information, may include information for narrow road segments 500' in relation to normally wide areas 508 (passing areas) that are temporarily blocked (i.e., obstruction information 427c). The obstruction information 427c is information about mapped (or dynamically captured) passing areas 508 that normally allow vehicles 520, 530 to pass each other, but which are currently unavailable as passing areas 508 due to an obstruction. The information includes a location, latitude and longitude, attribute, and capture time for each point. The location may be represented by a latitude and longitude or by a road identifier and distance from a starting point of the road, in addition to other descriptive sections herein or as explained therein.The detection of the different types of areas can be carried out by passage or obstacle detection and passage determination section 424.

[0086] Several other cases are presented here. In one case involving the use of a wide road, the focus vehicle 520 is located on a road that is represented on a map as a wide road 500. Being on a wide road can mean that the focus vehicle 520 is coded to detect and record obstacle areas or narrow areas 507 (as opposed to being on a narrow road 500', as described below, where the focus vehicle may be coded to detect and record passage areas or wide areas 508).

[0087] Obstacle area information 427b can be obtained using a sensor or imaging unit 405 of a vehicle 520, which is used to acquire information about the obstacle area 507 and thus to identify an unavailable lane 505b within the obstacle area 507. Information about a road segment with construction work or about a lane restriction due to an accident can be available from externally supplied information, e.g., a VICS, a unit application, or the like. It may also be possible to allow users to input information about an obstacle area 507, e.g., using a user interface 460 or audio input. These information sources can be used herein in various embodiments.

[0088] If an obstruction is detected as a Vehicle 520, it may be possible to distinguish between a stopped vehicle that is temporarily parked and one that is parked for a long time. According to some embodiments, a temporarily parked vehicle can be identified by its response to a query about its parking status (i.e., it can respond that it is either temporarily parked or parked for a long time, or it can provide other information, e.g., accident / damage information, that can be translated into its parking status). However, even if the stopped vehicle does not support any embodiment of the system described herein, the status of the stopped vehicle can be determined based on captured or user-entered information, such as...The detection may be based on the flashing of a hazard warning light, the status of brake lights or brake signals, a warning triangle or a warning light, an engine status (running or not), or it may be detected by image processing in a passing vehicle using a camera (e.g., detecting a damaged vehicle and the like) or from externally supplied information, as described above.

[0089] In a case involving the use of a narrow road, the focus vehicle is located on a road that is represented on a map as a narrow road 500'. Being on a narrow road can mean that the focus vehicle 520 is coded to detect and record passage areas or wide areas 508 (as opposed to being on a wide road 505, where the focus vehicle may be coded to detect and record blocked areas or narrow areas 507, as described above).

[0090] Passing area information 427a can be obtained using a sensor or imaging unit 405 of a vehicle, which is used to detect the passing area information 427a and thus to identify a passing area 508. Such information can also be available from maps or from externally supplied information, e.g., a VICS, a unit application, or the like. Furthermore, it may be possible to allow users to input information about locations where vehicles can pass each other, e.g., using a user interface 461.

[0091] Passing area information 427a can be obtained using information about where vehicles 520, 530 have actually passed each other, even if there is no other information confirming the location as a passing area 508. In such situations, caution may be advised, as information about two small or narrow vehicles 520, 530 passing each other cannot necessarily be generalized to two larger or wider vehicles 520, 530 passing each other. As an example, a location on a curve / corner of a road may simply be a passing area 508 for a Smart car. ®form, but do not form a passage area 508 for a pickup truck. For this purpose, it may be possible to access and / or store vehicle information about the size, shape, and other characteristics associated with various vehicle types that can be taken into account. Thus, in some embodiments, a passage area 508 for one vehicle need not be a passage area 508 for another, and therefore the marking of certain areas can vary depending on the vehicle type. Sharing area information and V2VN data exchange. New V2VN and new vehicle participating in the V2VN.

[0092] Technical details of known V2VN technologies are not described herein. If a first vehicle 520a and a second vehicle 520b meet the required criteria for forming a V2VN, then they can form a first V2VN 560a. Once the first V2VN 560a is formed, the first vehicle 520a can be determined as a periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a based on a defining criterion for a broadcasting vehicle, which can be determined using one or more variables, e.g., position, relative position, available data exchange bandwidth and / or processing power, and the like. Periodic broadcasting

[0093] In a V2VN 560, a single vehicle (e.g. the first or periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a) can serve as a periodic broadcast transmitter, which periodically broadcasts the area information 427 stored in its memory in a distribution area 503.

[0094] The periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a can periodically broadcast all area information 427 that it has stored to other vehicles in the first V2VN 560a. The second vehicle 520b can be designated as a non-periodically broadcasting vehicle 520b. Although the second vehicle 520b does not automatically broadcast its area information 427, it can still share its area information 427 based on other criteria. The role of the periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a can be reconfigured at any time and for one of numerous reasons, e.g., if the current periodically broadcasting vehicle leaves the road, goes out of range, etc.

[0095] After receiving area information 427 from the first (broadcasting) vehicle 520a, the second vehicle 520b merges the received area information 427 with its own area information. During the merging process, the second vehicle 520b may determine that it has area information 427 that is newer than the area information 427 it received, for example, updated area information 427 about an area already present in its database, or area information 427 about a new area. If this occurs, the second vehicle 520b may perform an update broadcast to share its updated area information 427 with others in the first V2VN 560a. Furthermore, during the merging process, the second vehicle 520b may update its own area information 427 about areas that are newer than those currently stored in its data store.This procedure can be described herein as data exchange case C. The other vehicles 520 in the first V2VN 560a can similarly update their own area information data stores 427 in response to both the periodic broadcast and the update broadcast (performing their own update broadcast when they have newer area information).

[0096] If the second (non-periodically broadcasting) vehicle 520b has not received a broadcast according to the periodic broadcasting conditions (e.g., within an expected time period), it can assume the role of the periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a. In some embodiments, a random timer or another network collision prevention measure can be used to prevent multiple non-periodically broadcasting vehicles in a network from simultaneously attempting to assume the role of the periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a. In this scenario, the other vehicles can assign this role to a first reporting vehicle in the network.Thus, in some embodiments, if a plurality of vehicles 520 attempt to perform a periodic roundabout essentially simultaneously, the vehicle that first performed the periodic roundabout becomes the periodically roundabout vehicle 520a (i.e., the first one becomes the winner). Information update

[0097] A Vehicle 520 can receive updated information from its own collection of new area information or receive updated information from another vehicle's broadcast (a periodic broadcast or an update broadcast).

[0098] Regarding the updating of area information from its own detection, a vehicle 520, when it detects a specific area for which it receives area information 427 (e.g., clearance area information 427a or clearance obstacle information 427c if it is on a narrow road, or obstacle information 427b if it is on a wide road), can collect the relevant area information 427 from its sensors. The vehicle 520 can also receive area information either from a periodic broadcast or an update broadcast from another vehicle.

[0099] In any case, the vehicle can determine whether the newly received area information 427 is newer than area information 427 it currently possesses. This may involve updating area information for an existing area or adding area information for an area that does not yet exist in its area information database. An update may involve removing information, for example, deleting obstacle area information 427b for a previously reported obstacle that is recorded as no longer existing. If this is the case, then the vehicle 520 can store the updated area information 427 in its own area information data store and then proceed to broadcast an update to other vehicles. This can be described herein as Data Exchange Case A / B.

[0100] Each of the vehicles 520 that has received a periodic broadcast can perform the following area information update operation. The vehicle 520 can compare the received area information 427 with area information 427 already stored in its memory. If the area information is the same, the vehicle performs no further processing with respect to the area information. If the area information is not the same, the vehicle combines the newer area information and performs an update broadcast, if necessary. In one implementation, a periodically broadcasting vehicle 520a does not need to perform a periodic broadcast if it has no new area information to exchange.If, in this case, another vehicle 520b in the V2V network has new area information 427 to be exchanged, this vehicle 520b can become the periodic broadcaster to share the information in the V2VN 560. If a vehicle 520 determines that it is the only vehicle in the V2VN, it does not need to perform periodic broadcasting in some embodiments and does not need to perform update broadcasting in other embodiments.

[0101] A vehicle 520 can reach an area for which it has area information 427. If the vehicle detects that the situation in this area has changed (e.g., construction work has finished, allowing vehicles to pass each other), the vehicle 520 can create a new area information element 427.n, which modifies the existing area information element 427.n, and can store the new area information element 427.n by replacing the existing element with the new one. If the situation has not changed, the vehicle does not need to update its existing area information element 427.n. However, in some embodiments, the vehicle 520 can update a timestamp or expiration information for this area information element 427.n.Such a timestamp update can be based on timestamp update logic, which, for example, triggers a timestamp update when the validity period of this element is about to expire. In cases where the area information element 427.n relates to a wide road, the timestamp of such an element is not updated in some embodiments (because, in the case described above where "the situation has changed," such an area information element 427.n may have been created to delete information about an area where vehicles cannot pass each other. In this situation, this area information element 427.n should be deleted when its validity period expires).If a vehicle 520 that has generated / updated its area information 427 belongs to a V2VN 560, the vehicle 520 can perform an update broadcast (according to case A and case B). Update broadcast

[0102] The update broadcast referred to above may occur in the following cases: a) when a vehicle 520 in a V2VN 560 has detected a point where vehicles may or may not pass each other and has generated new area information 427; b) when a vehicle 520 in a V2VN 560 has detected a point where vehicles may or may not pass each other and has updated existing area information 427 according to changes in the status of the road 505; c) when a vehicle 520 in a V2VN has received broadcast information (either periodic or update information) from another vehicle, has combined this information with its own area information 427, and as a result of the combination has determined that an update is advantageous or necessary;and d) if a vehicle 530d / 540d belonging to a plurality of V2VNs 560b, 560c has received broadcast information from one of the plurality of V2VNs 560b and has disseminated this information to another of the plurality of V2VNs 560c.;

[0103] A vehicle 520 that has received an update broadcast (or a periodic broadcast) can perform the following operations: the vehicle 520 can merge the received area information 427 with its own stored area information 427 using the merge operation described herein, if it is determined that the received area information 427 is newer than its own. If the vehicle 530d / 540d belongs to a plurality of V2VNs 560b, 560c, it can perform an update broadcast for a different V2VN 560c than the V2VN 560b from which it received the area information 427 (case D above). Gathering information about locations to support passing each other

[0104] If area information (P) received in a periodic broadcast or an update broadcast differs from the area information 427 (Q) stored in the (receiving) focus vehicle 520, a merging operation can be performed in some embodiments as follows. An area information element contained only in P (received) can be integrated (added) to the area information 427 (Q) stored in the focus / receiving vehicle 520. An area information element 427.n that is present only in Q (i.e., not received in P) can remain unchanged in the stored area information 427. If the received area information element P is identical to the stored area information element Q 427.n (except for the timestamp and certain other associated metadata, e.g.,(Based on the vehicle identifier of the vehicle collecting the information, etc.), the area information element with a more recent timestamp can be added or retained in the focus / receiving vehicle, and the area information element with an older timestamp can be discarded. The focus vehicle can determine whether area information elements match 427.n based on their positions. If an area information element (P) received from the broadcast differs from the result of the merging, the focus vehicle can perform an update broadcast (corresponding to case C of the update broadcast described herein). In this case, information outside the broadcast area is not used in determining whether to perform an update broadcast. Information dissemination between two V2VNs

[0105] The area information 427 can be disseminated using a command transmitted by a vehicle 520 in the V2VN 560 via the area information command transmission section 445. A command can include a data identifier (data ID) along with the area information 427. Data identifiers can be generated to be unique. For example, a data identifier can be generated based on a combination of position, time, and vehicle identifier, preventing another vehicle 520 from generating a confusingly similar command.

[0106] In various embodiments, map-registered information about areas or points where vehicles can or cannot pass each other is not disseminated. This can serve the purpose of minimizing the amount of data traffic transmitted within the V2VN 560 and avoiding data duplication. The content / attributes of the area information 427 can be assigned based on the sensors 410 used to obtain the area information 427, the type of road 505, 505' (e.g., single-lane / narrow, multi-lane / wide), and the type of detected object (e.g., obstacle, passage area). A validity period for the area information 427 can be determined depending on the respective attribute.

[0107] If a receiving vehicle 530b receives a periodic broadcast of area information 427 from a periodically broadcasting vehicle 530a in a V2VN Y ​​560b and determines that this received area information 427 has not been shared in the V2VN Y ​​560b, the receiving vehicle 530b can, in some embodiments, perform an update broadcast in the V2VN Y ​​560b (Case C). This ensures, for example, that if the receiving vehicle 530b joined the V2VN Y ​​just before the periodic broadcast, it can immediately access information shared in the V2VN Y. In other embodiments, other non-periodically broadcasting vehicles 530c in the V2VN Y ​​560b can perform the update procedure described above after receiving the updated area information 427.

[0108] If a vehicle 530d / 540d is a dual member of two different networks, V2VN Y ​​560b and V2VN Z 560c, and has received area information 427 from the periodic broadcast transmitter 530a in one network, e.g., V2VN Y ​​560b, after updating its stored area information 427, it can perform an update broadcast in the other network, V2VN Z 560c (Case D). The other vehicles 540a, 540b, and 540c in the other network, V2VN Z 560c, can likewise perform the update procedure as described above. In this way, new area information 472 can be disseminated via V2VNs 560. An update broadcast can also be performed for V2VN X 560a using the procedure described above. In some embodiments, vehicles 530, 540 may attempt to join other / any available networks, even if they are already members of one or more networks. Area information to be exchanged in periodic circulars / update circulars, and distribution area

[0109] For each area information element 427.n, a distribution area 427d can be determined. When a vehicle 520 performs a periodic broadcast / update broadcast, in some embodiments the vehicle 520 does not need to transmit all area information elements 427.n held in the memory area (e.g., the area information database 428) of the vehicle 520, but can instead transmit only those area information elements 427.n that are within a distribution area 427.d. A “road segment in which vehicles must be assisted to pass each other,” as described below, corresponds to the smallest of this area. Based on the current position of a vehicle 520a, which acts as a broadcast transmitter, and the distribution areas 427d of area information elements 427.n, the vehicle 520a can determine which area information elements 427.n to transmit.When a vehicle 520b, which has received a broadcast, performs merging processing, the vehicle 520b may retain certain area information elements 427.n (Out-of-Distribution Information Elements (OPAII)) that are outside the distribution areas 427d for these elements. In some embodiments, the vehicle 520b does not use the OPAII when determining whether to make an update broadcast. Holding area information

[0110] A vehicle 520 that has received area information 427 (or a vehicle that has detected an area about which information is to be collected and has generated the area information) can, in some embodiments, continue to retain this area information 427 without discarding it, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions can include spatial and temporal conditions and can further include other elements. In an illustrative example according to one embodiment, the vehicle is in the holding area 504. A validity period of a timestamp of the area information element 427.n has not yet expired. Each area information element 427.n can be assigned a validity period, which can be based on an attribute of the element.Just as an example, area information defined by a user may be valid for one year; vehicle information captured by a sensor may be valid for one day, while pollution and fallen trees detected by a sensor may be valid for two weeks; traffic system information about an accident may be valid for one day, while traffic system information regarding roadworks may be valid for two weeks; and data from actual vehicles that have passed each other may be valid for two weeks. The timestamp can thus be associated with an expiration date / time, after which the area information element 427.n is no longer considered valid or at least is considered to have entered a different state, e.g., no longer included in an update or the like.

[0111] For example, regarding information about a point where vehicles cannot pass each other temporarily due to a stopped vehicle used to transport objects (e.g., a delivery van), the validity period may be one day, based on the assumption that loading / unloading the entire contents of the vehicle will not take longer. At the end of the day, area information regarding the presence of the stopped vehicle may be assumed to have expired. When it is recorded that such a stopped vehicle has moved, the area information element 427.n belonging to the stopped vehicle may be deleted or marked as expired, even before its validity period ends. Expired data may be discarded from the vehicle's area information database 428 once it has expired.

[0112] Not all area information elements 427.n need to be discarded according to the same criterion. When vehicle 520 leaves a holding area 504, it can discard area information elements 427.n whose validity period has expired, while retaining other elements 427.n that have not yet expired. This allows vehicle 520 to disseminate information that has not yet expired when it returns to the holding area. Processing area information for a support evaluation Basic evaluation 600

[0113] Fig. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a basic evaluation procedure 600 according to some embodiments. A supplementary evaluation can be provided to the vehicles via the area information evaluation section 426. It can also be accessed Fig. 7A to Fig. Reference is made to section 7C, which contains pictorial representations illustrating the basic evaluation procedure according to some implementation procedures. The basic evaluation can ultimately lead, for example, to an action by the focus vehicle, selected from stopping the focus vehicle, continuing with the focus vehicle, and coordinating with the oncoming vehicle. In operation 602, a determination can be made as to whether there is still space available in a space area 505a1 in the area in front of a blockage area 507. Referring to Fig. In operation 7A, where vehicle 520 is used as the focus vehicle and its normal lane (first lane) 505a is a west-to-east lane, the question is whether there is space in space area 505a1, located in front of (east of) the obstacle 507 in first lane 505a, or whether this region is clear to allow the focus vehicle 520 to pass the blockage without interference. The lack of space in space area 505a1 could be caused by a traffic jam or another blockage. If there is no space in space area 505a1 (602: NO), then operation 620 may produce the result of the basic evaluation that it is impossible to pass the blocked area, and a "Stop / No Space" evaluation may be generated. In this situation, if the lack of space is caused by traffic, it may be possible to proceed once the traffic has cleared the area.

[0114] If there is space in area 505a1 (602: YES), then operation 604 identifies the position of a vehicle 530 in the opposite lane (second lane, from east to west) 505b. If there is no oncoming vehicle 530 in operation 606 (606: NO), then operation 616 can generate the result of the basic evaluation that it is possible to pass the blocked area, and a "Continue" evaluation can be generated. If there is an oncoming vehicle 530 (606: YES), then operation 608 determines whether the oncoming vehicle is in the first lane 505a adjacent to the blocked area 507 (Y ≤ 0). If this is the case (608: YES), then the result of the basic evaluation in operation 618 can be generated, indicating that it is impossible to pass the blocked area, and a "Stop" evaluation can be generated.In this situation, it may be possible to continue driving once the oncoming vehicle 530 has cleared the lane adjacent to the blockage area 507.

[0115] If there is no oncoming vehicle in the lane adjacent to the blockage area 507 (608: NO), then operation 610 determines whether, according to predefined criteria, X « Y, meaning that the focus vehicle 520 is much closer to the blockage 507 than the oncoming vehicle 530. In one implementation, these criteria might be a determination of whether the focus vehicle 520 can safely pass the blockage 507 without interfering with the oncoming vehicle 530. If X « Y (610: YES), as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7A, operation 616 can be performed as described above. If this is not the case, then operation 612 determines whether X >> Y. If this is the case (612: YES), as shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7C, operation 618 can be performed as described above. However, if X >> Y is not true (612: NO), then this implies that X ≈ Y, as in Fig. 7B illustrates this, and a voting procedure 620 is implemented (the other conditions described above do not require voting).

[0116] The "Continue," "Vote," and "Stop" indicators can be provided on a display device in the vehicle 520, such as a head-up display (HUD). This display device is described in more detail below. These indicators can be displayed as text and / or other display formats may be used. In some implementations, color may be used—for example, green may indicate "Continue," yellow may indicate "Vote," and red may indicate "Stop." Vote 620

[0117] Fig. 6B to Fig. 6E are parts of a flowchart illustrating a voting procedure according to some embodiments. Fig. 6B is a flowchart providing an overview of the coordination procedure 620. Operation 622 determines whether the coordination with the oncoming vehicle 530 is complete. If so (622: YES), then in Operation 624, the results of the vehicle from the focus vehicle 520 and the oncoming vehicle 530 are accepted. If the coordination is not complete (622: NO), then the execution or continuation of three separate procedures can be initiated simultaneously. These procedures can include: a main coordination procedure 630, a procedure for monitoring the N-queue of oncoming vehicles 650, and a coordination monitoring procedure 670. Main voting procedure 630

[0118] Fig. 6C is a flowchart illustrating the main voting procedure 630. As revealed herein, a voting state can be represented by N-xxxx and voting stages can be represented by <xn>are represented, where X represents a broad operation category and n is a sequence number within that category. Vehicles 520 and 530 can use voting information during the voting process. This voting information can include: 1) a vehicle identifier, which is the vehicle identifier of the vehicle issuing this voting information; 2) information about the blocked target area (position information) 507, which indicates "in connection with which area the voting is being carried out"; 3) voting status (N-xxx); and 4) drivable area state, which indicates whether the vehicle is in a drivable area (true / false). It can be used to determine whether a vehicle is in a drivable state. <l1>to identify with whom a vote is to be taken (for the next vehicle in the drivable area).

[0119] Conditions for which priority to proceed can be given (priority conditions) may include: the position of the obstacle 507, current or predicted waiting time, whether someone is traveling uphill or downhill, the number of following vehicles, congestion and / or a traffic light phase in the preceding section of the road, and whether someone has been in a waiting state (or a duration in a waiting state) (end of a queue; see state <l1>Determining a situation under the same conditions and using the same logic means that both vehicles 520 and 530 are made to agree on which side to select and proceed without any exchange of information.

[0120] When vehicles approach each other, as in Fig. Figure 8 shows an example where a focus vehicle 520 and an oncoming vehicle 530 are both at approximately the same distance from the obstacle 507, and they approach each other in the state <n1>in a state N-Undefined (i.e., no voting has taken place). After applying the priority conditions, the state <n2>During Operation 632, an evaluation is performed based on the priority conditions and the space still available in front of the blocked area 507. The focus vehicle 520 can determine a coordination state of N-Proceed, N-Purchase Request (according to priority conditions), or N-No Space. During Operation 634, the focus vehicle 520 can send an evaluation result from itself to the oncoming vehicle 530—this can include a retransmission and receiving an acknowledgment (ACK). During Operation 636, the focus vehicle can also receive an evaluation result from the oncoming vehicle 530—this can include a retransmission and sending a transmit ACK. The evaluation results described herein can be provided, for example, by the Area Information Evaluation Result Display Section 462.

[0121] In the state <n3>Vehicles 520 and 530 check the "N-Proceed" and "N-Proceed Request" statuses of the other side, and a stop / proceed condition is set for each vehicle. This prevents a situation where only one side has completed the coordination. With the vehicle conditions now set, the coordination status can revert to "N-Undefined." For example, the target vehicle 520 can now have a "Stop / N-Undefined" status, and the oncoming vehicle 530 can have a "Proceed / N-Undefined" status.

[0122] If, during Operation 638, a status during the voting process leads to Other Vehicles = N-NoSpace and Focus Vehicle != N-NoSpace (638: YES), then in Operation 640 the basic evaluation result is replaced by "Passing the blocked area 507 possible", otherwise Operation 640 is skipped and the procedure continues with Operation 642, where the basic evaluations are set to "Passing the blocked area possible / impossible" (Continue or Stop or Stop / No Space). Fig. 9A to Fig. 9C illustrates this situation. In Fig. 9A can prevent a traffic jam 902 from allowing the focus vehicle 520 to proceed beyond the obstacle 507, in which case the voting status for the focus vehicle 520 is N-No Space and the voting status for the oncoming vehicle is N-Proceed. Fig. 9B assigns the status "Continue" to the vehicle that can proceed (in this representation, the oncoming vehicle 530 is the vehicle that can proceed), and the status "Stop / No Space" to the other vehicle (here, the focus vehicle 520). Fig. 9C, the traffic jam 902 has moved sufficiently to create a space in which the focus vehicle 520 can proceed again, and thus its status becomes Stopped / N-Undefined (voting is complete) - this results in the status described above. <n3>In Fig. Position 9C is shown as space 904, created in advance of the obstacle, for the focus vehicle 520. Procedure for monitoring the N-queuing of oncoming vehicles 650

[0123] Fig. 6D is a flowchart illustrating the process of monitoring the N-queuing of oncoming vehicles 650. A situation may arise where the coordination cannot be completed in time to implement the above, i.e., in Fig. 8. The voting is not completed until vehicles 520 and 530 reach a predetermined voting completion distance of 802 and 802'. If the voting is in this state <n2>If the coordination has not yet been completed before they approach the predetermined distance 802, 802', both vehicles 520, 530 can stop and then perform the coordination – in other words, both sides will have a Stop / N-Pending status. During Operation 652, the focus vehicle 520 can monitor the N-Pending status of the oncoming vehicle 530. If the status of the oncoming vehicle 530 is N-Pending (654: YES), then during Operation 658 a preliminary baseline evaluation, "Passing the blocked area is impossible" (Stop / N-Pending), is set. Otherwise, if the status is not N-Pending (654: NO), a test during Operation 656 determines whether the coordination in the main sequence is complete. If not (656: NO), Procedure 650 returns to Operation 652; otherwise (656: YES), Procedure 650 ends. Voting monitoring process 670

[0124] Fig. 6E is a flowchart illustrating the coordination monitoring process 670. During Operation 672, the focus vehicle 520 monitors its proximity to a predetermined distance 802 from the obstacle 507. If it is not near or beyond the predetermined distance 802 (674: NO), then Procedure 670 ends when the main coordination process is complete (676: YES). Otherwise (674: NO), the procedure returns to Operation 672. If the focus vehicle 520 is near or beyond the predetermined distance 802 (674: YES), then during Operation 678 (similar to Operation 658), a preliminary baseline evaluation, "Passing the blocked area is impossible" (Stop / N-Pending), is set, and during Operation 680, the focus vehicle 520 informs oncoming vehicles of the transition to the N-Pending state. Short and long queues - Drive-through areas

[0125] Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a support mode in a method for a one-way traffic segment 1000 according to some embodiments, and Fig. 11A to Fig. Section 13H illustrates the determination and use of drivable areas. A definition of a drivable area is given above and is also illustrated below. Fig. 11A is a pictorial representation of vehicles before the creation of a drivable area, i.e., a drivable area does not yet exist. In Fig. In section 11A, a first queue of vehicles 520 is in a state of stopping (thus defining a stopping area 1102) and waiting for an oncoming queue of vehicles 530 to pass through the blocking area 507. The creation of a drivable area can be triggered when the oncoming queue of vehicles 530 enters the stopping area 1102 of the first queue of vehicles 520, which in the configuration shown in Fig. As shown in 11A, this has not yet happened. In the configuration shown in Fig. As shown in 11B, the first vehicle of the oncoming queue of vehicles 530 has now entered the stopping area 1102, which can trigger the creation of the drivable area 1104.

[0126] If a vehicle 520, 530 detects that the oncoming line of vehicles 530 has entered the stopping area 1102, this can trigger any vehicle 530 within the stopping area 1102 to generate and transmit information about the drivable area 1104. The drivable area 1104 can be calculated according to a rule such that it extends from the beginning of the stopping area 1102 (from the perspective of the oncoming line of vehicles 530) (beginning of the drivable area 1104) to a distance back into the oncoming line of vehicles 530 (back westward). Fig. 11B). In some embodiments, the rule can prescribe a specific distance, e.g., an absolute distance from the beginning of the drivable area 1104 (e.g., 0.5 km) or an absolute distance from a start or end point of the obstacle 507. In other embodiments, the rule can prescribe a travel time for vehicles, e.g., one minute back, and a distance can be calculated based on the speed of the vehicle queue 530. Vehicles that are within or entering the drivable area 1104 can transmit a flag (e.g., in the basic data) indicating that they are within the drivable area 1104. Transmitted flag data from vehicles can be used by a waiting vehicle to determine, based on a positional relationship to a vehicle, which vehicle is to be used to perform the basic evaluation.Thus, in some embodiments, vehicles of queue 530 in the drivable area can transmit data with a set flag indicating that they are switched ON. The first vehicle of queue 520 can perform the basic evaluation with the first vehicle of queue 530 (530.1 of the . Fig. 13A), which does not set this flag in the broadcast data. See. Fig. 6C and the above description regarding the condition <l1>.

[0127] Referring to Fig. In operation 1005, a check is performed for a signal indicating a drivable area 1104, i.e., whether a drivable area 1104 exists or not. If no signal of a drivable area 1104 has been received (1010: NO), this implies that the drivable area 1104 has not been set and the vehicle queues are not passing each other. Under this condition, the target vehicle is an oncoming, preceding vehicle. Then, the basic evaluation procedure 600 is carried out, and in operation 1050, the evaluation result of a vehicle display device is reported. In operation 1060, a test is performed to determine whether the vehicle is behind the target area. If the vehicle is not behind the one-way traffic segment (1060: NO), then the procedure is repeated by returning to operation 1005; otherwise (1060: YES), procedure 1000 then ends.

[0128] If a signal from a drivable area 1104 has been received (1010: YES), then a determination is made as to whether information has been received from the side of the focus vehicle 520. If not (1015: NO), then the target vehicle is an oncoming leading vehicle and an oncoming first vehicle outside the drivable area 1104; with regard to the driving of vehicles on the "Stop" side, a "Stop" can be determined in connection with the relationship to the oncoming leading vehicle, and a "Continue" can be determined in connection with the relationship to the oncoming first vehicle outside the drivable area 1104 (Continue-Wait). The execution continues with the basic evaluation procedure 600, as described in the preceding paragraph. If yes (1015: YES), then a determination is made as to whether the focus vehicle 520 is in the drivable area.If not (1020: NO), then the target vehicle is the oncoming vehicle ahead, and for vehicles outside the drivable area, a "Stop" can be determined according to basic evaluation 600 with the vehicle ahead on the stop side; execution continues with basic evaluation procedure 600, as described in the previous paragraph. If yes (1020: YES), then the target vehicle is the oncoming vehicle ahead, and vehicles in the drivable area 1104 are set to "Proceed" unless there is "no space"; basic evaluation procedure 600 is performed, and during operation 1030, a determination is made as to whether space is available for the focus vehicle 520 to pass. If this is the case (1030: YES), then during operation 1055, the basic evaluation result is provided that it is possible to pass the blockage area 507, and a "Proceed" status is assigned and displayed.The execution continues with operation 1060, as described above.

[0129] If there is no room for the focus vehicle 520 to pass (1030: NO), then operation 1035 provides the result of the basic evaluation that it is impossible to pass the blocked area, and a "Stop / No Room" status is assigned and displayed. Additionally, operation 1040 can invalidate the received signal indicating the drivable area 1104, and execution can continue with operation 1060 as described above. Short queue

[0130] Fig. 12A is a pictorial representation depicting the process of waiting for a short line of vehicles to pass by, in a first state <s1>Illustrated. If the length of a queue of vehicles is short, stopped vehicles from the opposite lane wait until all vehicles 530 in the short queue have passed. This can be controlled according to the drivable area 1104, and each vehicle can determine whether it is within the drivable area 1104. Stopped vehicles 520 check whether they can pass through the drivable area 1104 according to the basic evaluation procedure 600. Not in Fig. 12A shows a second state <s2>, in which a trailing vehicle 530.x is positioned towards the end of the moving queue, somewhat separated from the other vehicles in the queue. This trailing vehicle 530.x can still pass through blockage area 507, provided it is still within the passable area 1104.

[0131] Fig. 12B is a pictorial representation which depicts a third state <s3>This illustrates how the oncoming vehicles 530 in the short queue have passed the obstacle 507 and the vehicles in the previously stopped queue 520 are now in a "proceed" state. <s3>is in the basic evaluation state <ba2>equivalent, which is in Fig. 7A is shown for operation 610. Long queue

[0132] Fig. 13A to Fig. Figures 13H are pictorial representations illustrating a long line of vehicles passing by with a traffic jam (in some FIG.) according to some embodiments. A long line of vehicles 530, which extends beyond the drivable area 1104, can be divided and it can be determined that a later / further rear section of the line stops at the obstacle 507. In Fig. 13A, which is a state <l1>The drivable area 1104 is shown between the dashed lines, and some of the vehicles (from 530.1 and further back) are located outside the drivable area 1104. Control of the vehicles under these conditions can be carried out according to a combination of the determination of the drivable area and the basic evaluation.

[0133] Fig. Figure 13B illustrates a basic evaluation that takes place between vehicle 530.1 outside the drivable area 1104 and vehicles 520 from the opposite direction that have stopped before the obstacle area 507. From the perspective of the vehicles 520 in the stopping area, their status can change from Stopping to Proceeding or Voting (in the Voting state, the voting results should produce a Proceeding status, as the stopped vehicles have priority). As shown in Fig. 13B illustrates the state <l2>It has been determined for vehicle 530.1 outside the drivable area that it will enter a "stop" state as soon as it reaches the obstacle 507. The state of vehicle 530.1 will be determined in the case of Fig. 13C to “stop”, as the condition of vehicle 520 in the case of the Fig. 11A becomes "Stop". From a user's perspective, the meaning of the "Stop" state is the same in both cases ( Fig. 11A and Fig. 13C) the same. The currently stopped vehicles 530 transition from a stop state to a continue-waiting state (which is still represented on the user interface by a red signal or some other form of signal indicating that the vehicle 520 should remain stopped).

[0134] In Fig. 13C, which is a state <l3>As depicted, the portion 530.1 of the original long queue of vehicles 530, located outside the drivable area 1104, approaches the obstacle 507 and enters a stop state, while the opposing vehicles 520 remain in their stop zone in a proceed-wait state until the current vehicles 530 of the long queue, located within the drivable area, clear the obstacle 507. Fig. 13D, which is a state <l4>The drivable area 1104 disappears when the last vehicle 530.2 within the drivable area has cleared the obstacle, and the vehicles 520 in the proceed-wait state transition to a proceed state, which can be represented on the user interface by a green signal or another form of signal indicating that the vehicle 520 should start moving.

[0135] Fig. 13E to Fig. 13H are pictorial representations that illustrate a situation in which a traffic jam exists for the vehicles currently driving around the obstacle (state). <l5>). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13E, a traffic jam 1302 prevents a line of vehicles 530, currently passing the obstacle 507, from proceeding. Therefore, although a focus vehicle 530.1 is within the drivable area 1104 and would otherwise be able to drive around the obstacle, it enters a stop / no space state. Determining which vehicle in the current line of vehicles 530 becomes the focus vehicle 530.1 can be done by one or more measurements of available free space taken by one or more vehicles in the current line of vehicles 530 that have already passed the obstacle area 507 (or according to other criteria, e.g., measurements taken by the stopped vehicles 520 that want to travel in the opposite direction).

[0136] In Fig. 13F, where the westbound vehicles 530.1 and those behind them are in a stop / no space condition, the eastbound vehicles 520 in the opposite direction transition from stop to proceed and pass the obstacle 507. A new passable area 1104' can be defined based on the eastbound queue of vehicles 520, and these vehicles can pass the obstacle 507 according to the rules for the passable area. Fig. Figure 13G illustrates that the last vehicle 520.1 of the eastbound queue has passed obstacle 507, and the new drivable area 1104' is eliminated. The status of the westbound queue 530 changes to a Stop / N-Undefined state as long as there are still eastbound vehicles 520 in obstacle area 507. Once the last of the eastbound vehicles 520 has cleared obstacle area 507, the westbound vehicles 530 can enter a Proceed state, which remains until the available space between obstacle 507 and traffic jam 1104 is filled with westbound vehicles 530. Fig. 13H, as soon as the available space is filled, the states of the eastbound vehicles will be set to continue driving and pass obstacle 507, as described above.

[0137] In Fig. 14A to Fig. 14D will be the procedure that is in Fig. 13E to Fig. Figure 13H is repeated, except that the N-No Space condition is generated by a traffic signal 1402 instead of a traffic jam 1302, and therefore the description is not repeated for this figure. The details presented above can be implemented, for example, using the area information management section 432. Calculations for narrow roads

[0138] Fig. 15A and Fig. Figure 15B are parts of a flowchart illustrating a support mode for passing each other on a narrow road according to some embodiments. Fig. 17A and Fig. Figure 17B illustrates some basic aspects of a vehicle traveling on a narrow road. Very roughly, both the focus vehicle 520a and the oncoming vehicle 530a must reach agreement on a Final Passing Point (FPP) that will be used by both vehicles 520a and 530a. However, until final agreement is reached, each vehicle 520a and 530a calculates and submits various PP candidates (PPCs) (the focus vehicle 520a's PPCs and the oncoming vehicle 530a's PPCs), which are subject to various tests and rules applied to ultimately determine the finally agreed-upon FPP.

[0139] In the narrow road situation, the basic evaluation 600 is repeatedly applied to a second PPC located in front of a focus vehicle 520a. As in Fig. As shown in 17A, focus vehicle 520a is depicted in a current passage area 1704.0. A first focus vehicle PPC, located in front of focus vehicle 520a, is represented by reference number 1704.1, which corresponds to PP 508a, located directly behind point 507a, and a dashed outline of focus vehicle S20a1 is shown adjacent to this first PP 508a. The second focus vehicle PPC, located in front of focus vehicle 520a, is represented by reference number 1704.2, which corresponds to PP 508b, located directly behind point 507b, and a dashed outline of focus vehicle 520a2 is shown adjacent to this first PP 508b. The vehicles 520a2 outlined with dashed lines are used in the figures as "phantom vehicles" at the PPCs for the purpose of carrying out the basic evaluation.On a two-lane road, the narrow sections 507a, 507b would be designed as obstacles, but on the single-lane road they form normal sections of the narrow road.

[0140] In Fig. In step 17B, the focus vehicle 520a has moved further, so that it is now within the narrow road area 507a. Since the passage area 508a is passable, the first focus vehicle PPC located in front of focus vehicle 520a is represented by the reference number 1704.1, which now corresponds to PP 508b, and the second focus vehicle PPC located in front of focus vehicle 520a is represented by the reference number 1704.2, which now corresponds to PP 508c.

[0141] Fig. 17C resembles Fig. 17B, ​​however, shows an oncoming vehicle 530a traveling in the opposite direction and repeatedly applying the basic evaluation 600 to its own second PPC 1704.2' of the oncoming vehicle. Generally repeating the above for the oncoming vehicle 530a, the oncoming vehicle 530a is shown in front of a current PP 1704.0' (508f). A first PPC 1704.1' of the oncoming vehicle is located in front of the oncoming vehicle 530a, which corresponds to PP 508e, located directly behind point 507f, and a dashed outline of the oncoming vehicle S30a1 is shown positioned adjacent to the first PP 508e. The second PPC 1704.2' of the oncoming vehicle is located in front of the oncoming vehicle 530a, which corresponds to passing point 508d, which is located directly behind point 507e, and a dashed outline of the oncoming vehicle 530a2 is shown positioned adjacent to the second PP 508d.

[0142] With this background, referring again to Fig. 15A and Fig. In operation 17D, during operation 1502, the focus vehicle 520a receives the PPC 1704.2' of the oncoming vehicle for a passage area 508c, which the oncoming vehicle 530a has determined. When the focus vehicle 520a receives the PPC 1704.2' of the oncoming vehicle, it performs a calculation of its own PPC (the PPC 1704.2 of the focus vehicle) during operation 1504. This operation 1504 is performed by Fig. 16 illustrated in more detail. Fig. Figure 16 shows that during operation 1605, the basic evaluation 600 is performed by the target vehicle 520a at the first blocked area 507b, which is located ahead. If the result of this basic evaluation is "Proceed" (1607: YES), then during operation 1610, the basic evaluation 600 is performed at the second blocked area 507c. If the result of this basic evaluation is "Proceed" (1612: YES), then during operation 1615, a point 508c, located in front of the second blocked area 507c, is determined as the PPC.

[0143] If the result of operation 1607 is not "Proceed" (1607: NO), then in operation 1620, a location 508a, which is in front of a first blocked area 507b, is determined as the PPC (for the focus vehicle 520a, this is the second PPC 1704.0 of the focus vehicle; for the oncoming vehicle 530a, this is the second PPC 1704.0' of the oncoming vehicle). If the result of operation 1612 is not "Proceed" (1612: NO), then in operation 1625, a location 508b, which is in front of the first blocked area 507b, is determined as the focus vehicle's PPC.

[0144] The procedure continues with operation 1506, which determines whether a passing point, where a leading vehicle allows oncoming vehicles to pass, is located before the focus vehicle's PPC. If not (1506: NO), then operation 1508 calculates a position within the passing point where the focus vehicle allows the oncoming vehicle 530a to pass. If yes (1506: YES), then operation 1510 makes a change to the passing point candidate calculated by the leading vehicle.

[0145] Referring to Fig. In operation 1520, operation 15B determines whether there is space for the focus vehicle 520a in the PPC. If so (1520: YES), then operation 1525 determines which candidate (candidate) (PPC<A) oder Kandidat (PPC The FPP (Free Passing Point) for the focus vehicle 520a and the oncoming vehicle(s) 530a is determined in order to pass each other. Once the FPP is determined, in operation 1530, the focus vehicle 520a transmits the FPP information, and in operation 1535, it reports the FPP information to the display device. In operation 1540, it is determined whether the area requiring assistance has been traversed. If not (1540: NO), operation 1500 ends; otherwise (1540: YES), the procedure returns to operation 1502. If there is no space at the PP for the focus vehicle 520a (1520: NO), then in operation 1545, a check is performed to determine whether the PP on the side of the oncoming vehicle has filled up. If not (1545: NO), then processing continues with operation 1525.

[0146] Fig. Figure 17E is a pictorial representation illustrating a situation in which vehicles 520a and 530a approach passing point 508c at different rates (the oncoming vehicle 530a is closer to this passing point 508c (its second 1704.2')). If a vehicle (e.g., the focus vehicle) 520a determines that it cannot proceed to its second passing point 1704.2 (508c), as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 17F, the pass point 508b, located one position before its second pass point 1704.2 (i.e., its first pass point 1704.1), is used as the FPP (final / confirmed pass point). The procedure then returns to operation 1530 for further processing.

[0147] Fig. 18A to Fig. 18J are pictorial representations illustrating lines of vehicles passing each other on a narrow road, according to some embodiments. Fig. 18A is similar Fig. 17C, except that the focus vehicle 520a has been replaced by a focus queue of vehicles 520a, 520b, 520c, and the oncoming vehicle 530a has been replaced by an oncoming queue of vehicles 530a, 530b. The scenario of Fig. 18A proceeds similarly to the scenario of Fig. 17C, with the following differences. The following vehicle 520b, 520c in a queue 520 continues while performing the same evaluations as the preceding vehicle 520a.

[0148] In Fig. Based on the algorithms described above, it has been determined that the FPP (Focus Point) in 18B is PP 508b. In this case, PP 508b allows two groups of two vehicles to pass each other, and therefore the second vehicle, 520b, may continue in focus queue 520. Referring to Fig. 18C, the third vehicle 520c can proceed if the number of vehicles in the oncoming queue 530 is two or fewer. However, if the number of vehicles in the oncoming queue 530 is three or more, coordination is necessary because they cannot pass each other (see Fig. 18D). The point where the first and second vehicles are to pass the oncoming vehicles is identified by receiving a broadcast from the FPP.

[0149] Based on the signal transmission from the vehicle in front, the vehicle checks whether there is enough space in the FPP to wait. Fig. In section 18C, vehicles 530a and 530b are transmitters from the perspective of vehicle 530c. Vehicle 530a is a transmitter for vehicle 530b.

[0150] If the evaluation is not completed in time, the vehicles will stop (as described above). As in Fig. 18D and Fig. As shown in diagram 18E, when the third vehicle, 830c, is added to the oncoming queue of 530, not all vehicles can proceed. The vehicles other than those that can pass each other (in this example, 520c and 530c) perform a vote. Fig. 18E helps to follow the process on the right side of the Fig. 15B to illustrate (operations 1545 to 1565).

[0151] If a passing point on the oncoming side has filled up (1545: YES), then operation 1550 involves a coordination between the focus vehicle 520a and the first oncoming vehicle 530a outside the passable area. In other words, operation 1520 checks if the focus vehicle can wait at the passing point. If the result of 1520 is NO, then some vehicles ahead of the focus vehicle are waiting at the passing point. Operation 1545 checks if the vehicles ahead of the focus vehicle can leave the passing point and move forward, and if the focus vehicle can move to the passing point and wait. If the oncoming line of vehicles occupies the space, it is not possible (as in Fig. 18E). In Fig. 18E Vehicle 520b cannot leave PP because vehicle 530c is in the way.

[0152] If the result of the vote is N-Pending (1555: YES), then in operation 1560, the result of the vote is determined as the FPP, and processing continues in operation 1530. Otherwise (1555: NO), in operation 1565, the FPP of the focus vehicle 520a and the oncoming vehicle 530a is determined to be a position before a passing point where the target vehicles are to pass each other. If a vehicle 520a determines that it cannot proceed to its second passing point 1704.2 (508c), then the passing point is determined to be a passing point 508b near one of the vehicles 520a.

[0153] The way in which this situation can be handled according to some embodiments is described in Fig. 18F to Fig. 18J illustrates this. If vehicle 520c yields the road to oncoming vehicles because it is behind the PPs where vehicles can let oncoming vehicles pass, vehicle 520c stops at an FPP 508a, which allows vehicles to pass each other, and which is one position ahead of the FPP 508b of the first 520a and the second vehicle 520b and the oncoming vehicles 530a, 530b, 530c, in order to yield the road to the oncoming vehicles 530a, 530b, 530c. Fig. 18G and Fig. Figure 18H illustrates how the vehicles can pass each other. Fig. 18G drives the last vehicle, 520c, in the focus vehicle queue 520 into PP 508a, allowing the oncoming vehicles 530a, 530b, and 530c to pass it. Fig. At 18H the first two vehicles 520a, 520b enter PP 508b, which allows the oncoming vehicles 530a, 530b, 530c to pass them.

[0154] Fig. 18I resembles Fig. 18D, but additionally shows the predetermined voting completion distance 802, 802', as above in relation to Fig. 8 described. The voting is carried out until the vehicles come close to the predetermined voting completion distance 802, 802' of a first PP 508a, which may allow vehicles to pass each other, the first PP 508a being one position ahead of a second PP 508b, where the focus vehicles 520 and the oncoming vehicles 530 pass each other. Fig. 18J illustrates that if the voting is not completed, then the voting vehicles 520c, 530c should stop for voting as described above, in order to wait at the appropriate first points 508a, 508c. Mixed vehicles

[0155] Fig. 19A and Fig. Figure 19B contains pictorial representations illustrating a mixture of vehicles 520, 530 that use a system for intelligently sharing information about passing vehicles, and those vehicles 520x, 530x that do not use this system, according to some embodiments. If a vehicle on which the system has not been used is in the rearmost position, the drivable area 1104 can be extended 1104' until a vehicle using the system is included as the rearmost vehicle. It is also possible to apply other algorithms or rules here, such as those that could prevent an extremely long drivable area if a large number of vehicles do not use this system. Fig. Section 19B shows that non-using vehicles 520x, 530x, which move and stop according to the flow of using vehicles, do not require any special processing on the implementing vehicles. The presence of a non-using vehicle 520x, 530x can be detected by at least one of the following: a first using vehicle detects another using vehicle by a front or rear image of the vehicle – thus, an undetected vehicle is a non-using vehicle; or no data is received from another vehicle. Displaying the support evaluation

[0156] Fig. Figure 20 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle display device for an oncoming vehicle according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the vehicle display device 2000 can be implemented using a head-up display (HUD) system. In some embodiments, the HUD can be implemented using a projection system that projects images onto a vehicle's windshield. The focal point of the image can be adjusted so that a user's eyes do not need to refocus when viewing projected images. In some embodiments, the projection is simply reflected off a glass surface of the windshield. In other embodiments, a self-illuminating intermediate thin film can be arranged on or in the windshield.In this configuration, when the thin film is illuminated with a special laser light, the illuminated section emits light that causes characters and images to be displayed. With this configuration, displayed objects are visible from all angles and can therefore be seen by occupants in other seats. These are merely examples, and any known form of HUD can be used.

[0157] Vehicle display device elements are shown on the windshield of a Focus vehicle 520a, which can be used to assist a driver of the vehicle. In the case that in Fig. As shown in image 20, only one oncoming vehicle is present. In one implementation, an image area 2002 can be displayed, showing an image, a series of images, and / or a video depicting a view of the oncoming vehicle 530a. A graphical representation 2003 can be provided, showing a map or other graphical representation of the vehicle situation. For example, in the situation with one oncoming vehicle, an oncoming vehicle graphic 2004 for the oncoming vehicle 530a can be displayed, along with a focus vehicle graphic 2006 (graphic of the user's own vehicle) and a pointer 2005, e.g., an arrow, indicating the viewing perspective shown in image area 2002. An improved graphical representation 2008, e.g.,In the form of a bird's-eye view, it can be displayed as graphic representation 2003 or in addition to it, showing the focus vehicle 520a, the oncoming vehicle 530a, the passage area 508a, and the narrow areas 507b and 507c. This can give the driver of the focus vehicle 520a a complete overview of the situation from both their own perspective and that of the oncoming vehicle 530a. An instruction element, which can be in the form of a virtual traffic sign (for driving instructions) 2010, or other virtual traffic information, such as directional information in the form of arrows, boxes, lines, and the like, or the stop status described above, can also be displayed to the user. As described above, color indicators can be implemented, e.g., red for stop, green for proceed, etc.

[0158] Fig. Figure 21 is a pictorial representation of a vehicle display device for multiple oncoming vehicles according to some embodiments. In this situation, several image areas 2002a, 2002b can be provided, which show both a front and a rear view from the perspective of a vehicle 530c in a nearby area. Such front and rear images can be displayed for some or all of the oncoming vehicles 530a, 530b, 530c together with corresponding vehicle graphics 2004a, 2004b and corresponding pointers, which indicate the different viewing perspectives (e.g., the front and rear scenes of the vehicle in front, front and rear scenes of the vehicle furthest behind, etc.). In one embodiment, the images 2002 are displayed in a sequence that is representative of the locations captured by imaging units of the other vehicles.

[0159] Fig. Figure 22 is a pictorial representation of a HUD on a windshield according to some embodiments, which shows instructions for stopping. Fig. In 22, the focus vehicle 520a has been provided with instruction element 2010, which instructs the driver to slow down. The focus vehicle graphic 2006 shows a blocked area and an arrow indicating a movement instruction for the focus vehicle 520a. In augmented reality, an instruction pointer 2202 can display position information associated with an instruction, such as a stop position, as in Fig. 22 shown. Fig. 22 The stopping position line is shown in such a way that a space is left where an oncoming vehicle can pass.

[0160] Fig. Figure 23 is a pictorial representation of a HUD according to some embodiments, which shows instructions for continuing to drive. Fig. Instruction element 23 indicates that the focus vehicle 520a should proceed, and instruction pointer 2202 illustrates a position and direction in which the focus vehicle 520a should move. The improved graphical display 2008 can show nearby vehicles along with their respective positions.

[0161] Fig. Figure 24 is a graphical representation of a HUD according to some embodiments, which shows further instructions for stopping. In this figure, the instructions guide the driver of the focus vehicle 520a to a specific stopping position, shown as Slot 2. The detailed driving route and the recommended stopping position can be displayed superimposed to allow all vehicles to pass each other efficiently. The improved graphical representation 2008 provides a bird's-eye view of nearby vehicles and the slot positions. The instruction pointer 2202 can provide a text display, e.g., a "Stop Here" indicator, along with rectangles showing numbered locations and an indicator of the location to which the driver of the focus vehicle should pull.A dashed rectangle can be used not only to show the slot positions, but also to provide an indication of the position of the oncoming vehicle 530a, which may not yet be visible.

[0162] In some embodiments, a virtual centerline can be displayed in the HUD in conjunction with position information to assist the driver of the focus vehicle 520a in better positioning the vehicle. For example, this detailed driving route and the recommended position can be displayed to guide the vehicle when following the vehicle ahead. Such a virtual centerline can take into account the width of the focus vehicle 520a along with the width of other vehicles. It can also consider the driving skill levels of the driver of the focus vehicle 520a and other drivers. Such skill levels can be entered manually or detected and evaluated by sensors in the vehicles.

[0163] Although the system and procedures described herein relate to vehicles that share captured and stored area information with other vehicles, it is also possible for vehicles to receive area information from and share area information with stationary elements. Therefore, any description herein relating to the sharing of area information between vehicles should also take into account the sharing of area information between vehicles and stationary elements. Such stationary elements may include portable wireless communication devices, such as IoT units, which may be located at various points along a roadway. Furthermore, it is possible for vehicles or stationary elements that possess area information to share this information with other elements that form part of a network.with server units or other IoT units and the like.

[0164] The present invention may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product at any possible level of technical integration. The computer program product may comprise a computer-readable storage medium (or media) containing computer-readable program instructions to induce a processor to execute manifestations of the present invention.

[0165] The computer-readable storage medium can be a physical unit capable of holding and storing instructions for use by a unit for executing those instructions. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be an electronic storage unit, a magnetic storage unit, an optical storage unit, an electromagnetic storage unit, a semiconductor storage unit, or any suitable combination thereof, without limitation.A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically coded unit such as punched cards or raised structures in a groove on which instructions are stored, and any suitable combination thereof.For the purposes of this text, a computer-readable storage medium shall not be understood to mean volatile signals as such, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses passing through an optical fiber cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0166] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to individual data processing units or, via a network such as the internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network, to an external computer or external storage device. The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission lines, wireless transmission, routing computers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each data processing unit receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage on a computer-readable storage medium within the respective data processing unit.

[0167] The computer-readable program instructions for performing operations of the present invention may be assembly instructions, ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuits, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++ or similar, and procedure-oriented programming languages ​​such as the programming language "C" or similar programming languages.The computer-readable program instructions can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, via the internet using an internet service provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuits, including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs), can execute the computer-readable program instructions by using state information from the computer-readable program instructions to individually configure the electronic circuits to perform manifestations of the present invention.

[0168] Manifestations of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of processes, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It is understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by means of computer-readable program instructions.

[0169] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device to create a machine such that the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate means for realizing the functions / actions specified in the block or blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium capable of controlling a computer, programmable data processing device and / or other units to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are stored comprises a product, including instructions that implement aspects of the function / action specified in the block or blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagrams.

[0170] The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device or other unit to cause the execution of a series of process steps on the computer, other programmable device or other unit to produce a computer-implemented procedure such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device or other unit realize the functions / actions specified in the block or blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0171] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, processes, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this context, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or part of instructions comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions specified in the block may occur in a different order than shown in the figures.Two blocks depicted sequentially may, for example, actually be executed as one step, simultaneously, essentially simultaneously, in a partially or completely overlapping manner, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order depending on the relevant functionality. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart, may be implemented by special hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or actions, or by combinations of special hardware and computer instructions.

[0172] Several examples are described below.

[0173] In Example 1, a unit is connected to a vehicle. The unit includes a sensor that captures area information about a defined area, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol; and a controller. The controller generates a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the defined area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the defined area.The unit includes a display device that shows virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the focus vehicle, on the vehicle's windshield.

[0174] Example 2 can include the elements of Example 1, wherein a first queue of vehicles comprises a plurality of vehicles including the focus vehicle traveling in a first direction, a second queue of vehicles comprises a plurality of vehicles including the oncoming vehicle traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction, area information is shared between the vehicles in the first queue and those following them, and area information is shared between the vehicles in the second queue and those following them.

[0175] Example 3 may include elements of any of the examples above, where the virtual traffic information includes a virtual traffic sign relating to stopping and proceeding.

[0176] Example 4 may include elements of the previous example, with the virtual traffic information color-coded to indicate a stop and a continue.

[0177] Example 5 may include elements of any of the examples above, where the virtual traffic information includes directional information that shows a driver of a vehicle where to steer the focus vehicle and when to drive the focus vehicle as instructed.

[0178] Example 6 may include elements of the previous example, with the directional information including arrows, boxes and lines which correspond to directions and positions on how the driver of the vehicle is to drive the focus vehicle.

[0179] Example 7 can include elements of one of the examples above, with the controller generating the support result in a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane, and in a second support mode for narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other.

[0180] Example 8 may include elements of the preceding example, wherein in the first support mode the controller performs a basic evaluation, comparing a first distance from the blockage area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the blockage area to the oncoming vehicle, so that the controller selects an action of the focus vehicle, selected from the group consisting of: stopping the focus vehicle, continuing with the focus vehicle and coordinating with the oncoming vehicle; and the display device displays the virtual traffic information according to the selection, which indicates the vehicle action of stopping, continuing and coordinating.

[0181] Example 9 may include elements of the previous example, wherein, in response to the controller selecting to coordinate with the oncoming vehicle, the controller broadcasts coordination information via V2VN, which displays a vehicle identifier of the focus vehicle, a priority condition, and a drivable area to following and oncoming vehicles, and the controller selects to stop or proceed with the focus vehicle based on the priority condition contained in the coordination information.

[0182] Example 10 may include elements of the previous example, with the priority condition based on the following: the position of an obstacle, an actual or predicted waiting time, whether the focus vehicle is traveling uphill or downhill, a number of following vehicles, a traffic aspect selected from the group consisting of congestion and a state of a traffic signal in the preceding area of ​​a road, and a duration in a waiting state.

[0183] Example 11 may include elements of any of the examples above, using an equal priority condition for the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, so that an agreement is reached during voting without the need for an exchange of information.

[0184] Example 12 may include elements of any of the examples above, where the control defines a drivable area in which all vehicles of a first queue passing the blocking area may pass the blocking area without interruption, while other vehicles of a second queue from an opposite direction must continue to stop.

[0185] Example 13 may include elements of any of the examples above, wherein the control further determines when space is available behind the narrowing blockage area, and as a result of a determination that no space is available behind the narrowing blockage area, always selects for the focus vehicle to stop until a determination is made that space is available behind the narrowing blockage area.

[0186] Example 14 can include elements of any of the examples above, where the controller determines a distribution area in which an element of the area information is to be distributed to other vehicles.

[0187] Example 15 is a unit connected to a focus vehicle. This unit includes a sensor that captures area information about a defined area, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol; and a controller. In a basic evaluation, the controller generates a guidance result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the defined area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the defined area.The control system generates the support result in two modes: a first mode for wide roads, which primarily consist of multiple lanes allowing vehicles to pass each other, but also include narrowing sections that block all but one lane; and a second mode for narrow roads, which primarily consist of narrow, single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but include widening sections where vehicles can pass each other. In the first mode, the control system compares the initial distance from the information area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle to select an action for the focus vehicle. The focus vehicle's action can be to stop.This results from the fact that, based on a predefined distance criterion, the first distance is much greater than the second. The focus vehicle's action may be to continue driving, as the second distance is much greater than the first, based on the predefined distance criterion. In other cases, the focus vehicle's action may be to coordinate with the oncoming vehicle. The unit may also include a display device that shows virtual traffic information according to the outcome of the selection, which differentiates between the vehicle action of stopping, continuing driving, and coordinating.

[0188] Example 16 can include elements of Example 15, wherein the controller receives a signal indicating a drivable area, determines whether the focus vehicle is within the drivable area, in which all vehicles of a first queue passing a blockage may pass the blockage area without interruption, while other vehicles of a second queue from an opposite direction must continue to stop, resulting from a determination that the focus vehicle is within the drivable area and that space is available on the other side of the blockage area, with the virtual traffic information displaying a result of "proceed".

[0189] Example 17 can include elements of Examples 15 and 16, wherein in the second support mode, the controller receives a passing point candidate (PPC) of the oncoming vehicle from the oncoming vehicle, calculates a focus vehicle PPC, calculates available space in the focus vehicle PPC, determines a final focus vehicle PPC in response to available space in the focus vehicle PPC, and broadcasts information about the final focus vehicle PPC. The display device shows information about the final focus vehicle PPC.

[0190] Example 18 is a computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit, comprising: acquiring area information about an information area with a sensor, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; broadcasting the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol with a transmitter; generating a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle with a controller, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area; and displaying virtual traffic information.which represent at least a stop and a continuation of the movement of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle with a display device.

[0191] Example 19 can include elements of Example 18, with the controller generating the support result in a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane, and in a second support mode for narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other.

[0192] Example 20 may include elements of Example 19 and further include, in the first support mode, performing a basic evaluation, comprising comparing a first distance from the blockage area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the blockage area to the oncoming vehicle and selecting an action of the focus vehicle by the controller, comprising: stopping the focus vehicle, continuing with the focus vehicle and coordinating with the oncoming vehicle, and displaying the virtual traffic information on the display device according to the selection result, which differentiates the vehicle action of stopping, continuing and coordinating.

[0193] Example 21 is a computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit. The method includes acquiring area information about an information area using a sensor. This information can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other. The method further includes transmitting the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network (V2VN) protocol using a transmitter. In a basic evaluation operation, the method also includes generating a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle using a controller. The vehicle information includes, firstly, distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area, and secondly, distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area.The control system generates the assistance result in different assistance modes. A first assistance mode is intended for wide roads, primarily those with multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which also include a narrowing blockage area that blocks all but one lane. A second assistance mode is intended for narrow roads, primarily those with narrow, single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which include widening sections where vehicles can pass each other. In the first assistance mode, the procedure involves comparing an initial distance from the information area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle to select an action for the focus vehicle.The action of the focus vehicle includes stopping if, based on a predefined distance criterion, the first distance is significantly greater than the second. The action of the focus vehicle includes continuing to drive if, based on the predefined distance criterion, the second distance is significantly greater than the first. In other cases, the action of the focus vehicle includes coordinating with the oncoming vehicle. The procedure further includes displaying virtual traffic information, representing at least one instance of the focus vehicle stopping and one of it continuing to drive, on the windshield of the vehicle equipped with a display device.

[0194] Example 22 may include elements of Example 21 and further include receiving a signal indicating a drivable area, determining whether the focus vehicle is within the drivable area in which all vehicles of a first queue passing a blocking area may pass the blocking area without interruption, while other vehicles of a second queue from an opposite direction must continue to stop, and, resulting from a determination that the focus vehicle is within the drivable area and that space is available on the other side of the blocking area, displaying a result of "proceed" as the virtual traffic information.

[0195] Example 23 may include elements of Examples 21 and 22 and, furthermore, in the second support mode, receive a passing point candidate (PPC) of the oncoming vehicle from the oncoming vehicle, calculate a focus vehicle PPC, calculate available space in the focus vehicle PPC, determine a final focus vehicle PPC in response to available space in the focus vehicle PPC, and broadcast information about the final focus vehicle PPC and display information about the final focus vehicle PPC.

[0196] Example 24 is a computer program product for operating a focus vehicle unit, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium embodying computer-readable program code to, when executed on a processor, acquire area information about an information area that can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other, to broadcast the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol), and to generate an assistance result from the area information and the vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, wherein the vehicle information comprises first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area.and to display virtual traffic information, which represents at least a stop and a restart of the focus vehicle, on the vehicle's windshield.

[0197] Example 25 may include elements of Example 24, with the program code further configured to generate the support result in a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane, and in a second support mode for narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other. < / xn>

Claims

[1] Unit connected to a focus vehicle, comprising: a sensor which captures area information about an information area that can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol); a control system that generates a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area; and a display device which displays virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle. [2] Unit according to claim 1, wherein: A first queue of vehicles comprises a plurality of vehicles, including the focus vehicle, traveling in a first direction; a second line of vehicles comprises a plurality of vehicles, including the oncoming vehicle, traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction; The area information is shared between the vehicles in the first line of vehicles and those following them; and The area information is shared between the vehicles in the second queue and those following them. [3] Unit according to claim 1, wherein the virtual traffic information comprises a virtual traffic sign relating to stopping and proceeding. [4] Unit according to claim 3, wherein the virtual traffic information is color-coded to provide a reference to stopping and continuing. [5] Unit according to claim 1, wherein the virtual traffic information includes directional information which shows a driver of a vehicle where to steer the focus vehicle and when to drive the focus vehicle as instructed. [6] Unit according to claim 5, wherein the directional information comprises arrows, boxes and lines which correspond to directions and positions in which the driver of the vehicle is to drive the focus vehicle. [7] Unit according to claim 1, wherein the control generates the support result in: a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which include a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane; and in a second support mode on narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other. [8] Unit according to claim 7, wherein: In the first support mode, the control system performs a basic evaluation, comparing a first distance from the blockage area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the blockage area to the oncoming vehicle, so that the control system selects an action for the focus vehicle from the group consisting of: stopping the focus vehicle, continuing with the focus vehicle, and coordinating with the oncoming vehicle; and The display device shows the virtual traffic information according to the selection, which indicates the vehicle action of stopping, continuing, and coordinating. [9] Unit according to claim 8, wherein: In response to the fact that the control system has selected coordination with the oncoming vehicle, the control system receives coordination information regarding following vehicles and to display to oncoming vehicles a vehicle identification number of the focus vehicle, a priority condition and a drivable area over which V2VN is broadcasting; and The control system selects whether to stop or continue driving the focus vehicle based on the priority condition contained in the voting information. [10] Unit according to claim 9, wherein the priority condition is based on: a position of an obstacle, an actual or predicted waiting time, whether the focus vehicle is traveling uphill or downhill, a number of following vehicles, a traffic aspect selected from the group consisting of congestion and a state of a traffic signal in the upstream area of ​​a road, and a duration in a waiting state. [11] Unit according to claim 9, wherein the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle use the same priority condition so that an agreement is reached during the voting process without the need for an exchange of information. [12] Unit according to claim 8, wherein the control system defines a drivable area in which all vehicles of a first queue of vehicles passing the blocking area may pass the blocking area without interruption, while other vehicles of a second queue of vehicles from an opposite direction must continue to stop. [13] Unit according to claim 7, wherein the control further: determines when a space area behind the narrowing blockage area becomes available; and resulting from a determination that there is no space available behind the narrowing blockage area, always selects the focus vehicle to stop until a determination is made that space is available behind the narrowing blockage area. [14] Unit according to claim 1, wherein the control determines a distribution area in which an element of the area information is to be distributed to other vehicles. [15] Unit connected to a focus vehicle, comprising: a sensor which captures area information about an information area that can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; a transmitter that broadcasts the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol); A control system which, in a basic evaluation, generates a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area, wherein the control system generates the support result in: a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain narrowing sections that block all but one lane; and a second support mode on narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles can pass each other; wherein: In the first support mode, the control system compares a first distance from the information area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle in order to select an action by the focus vehicle, including: Stopping of the focus vehicle resulting from the fact that, based on a predefined distance criterion, the first distance is much greater than the second distance; The focus vehicle continues driving, resulting from the fact that, based on the predefined distance criterion, the second distance is much greater than the first distance; and Coordination with the oncoming vehicle in other cases; and a display device which displays virtual traffic information according to the result of the selection, which distinguishes between the vehicle action of stopping, continuing to drive and voting. [16] Unit according to claim 15, wherein the control: receives a signal indicating a drivable area; determines whether the focus vehicle is within the drivable area in which all vehicles in a first queue passing a blockage may pass through the blockage area without interruption, while other vehicles in a second queue from an opposite direction must continue to stop; Resulting from a determination that the focus vehicle is within the drivable area and that space is available on the other side of the blockage area, a result of "proceed" is shown by the virtual traffic information. [17] Unit according to claim 15, wherein in the second support mode: the control: receives a passing point candidate (PPC) of an oncoming vehicle from the oncoming vehicle; a focus vehicle PPC calculated; available space in the focus vehicle PPC calculated; In response to available space in the focus vehicle PPC: a final focus vehicle PPC determined; and information about the final focus vehicle PPC is being broadcast; and The display device shows information about the final focus vehicle PPC. [18] A computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit, comprising: Capturing area information about an information area with a sensor, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; Broadcasting area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol) with a transmitter; Generating a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle using a controller, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area; and Display of virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the journey of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle with a display device. [19] Method according to claim 18, wherein the control generates the support result in: a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which include a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane; and a second support mode on narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other. [20] The method of claim 19, further comprising in the first support mode: Conducting a comprehensive basic evaluation: Comparing a first distance from the blockage area to the focus vehicle with a second distance from the blockage area to the oncoming vehicle; and Selecting an action for the focus vehicle by the control system, including: stopping the focus vehicle, continuing to drive the focus vehicle, and coordinating with the oncoming vehicle; and Display of virtual traffic information on the display device according to the selection result, which differentiates the vehicle action of stopping, continuing to drive and voting. [21] A computer-implemented method for operating a focus vehicle unit, comprising: Capturing area information about an information area with a sensor, which can be used to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; Broadcasting area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol) with a transmitter; Generating a support result from the area information and vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle using a controller in a basic evaluation operation, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area, wherein the controller generates the support result in: a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which include a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane; and a second support mode on narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other; wherein: In the first support mode, a first distance from the information area to the focus vehicle is compared with a second distance from the information area to the oncoming vehicle in order to select an action by the focus vehicle, including: Stopping of the focus vehicle resulting from the fact that, based on a predefined distance criterion, the first distance is much greater than the second distance; and Continuing to drive with the focus vehicle, resulting from the fact that, based on the predefined distance criterion, the second distance is much greater than the first distance; and Coordinate with the oncoming vehicle in other cases; and Display of virtual traffic information, representing at least a stop and a continuation of the journey of the focus vehicle, on a windshield of the vehicle with a display device. [22] The method of claim 21, further comprising: Receiving a signal indicating a drivable area; Determine whether the focus vehicle is within the passable area in which all vehicles in a first queue passing a blockage area may pass the blockage area without interruption, while other vehicles in a second queue from an opposite direction must continue to stop; and Resulting from a determination that the focus vehicle is within the drivable area and that space is available on the other side of the blockage area, displaying a result of "Continue" as the virtual traffic information. [23] The method of claim 21, further comprising in the second support mode: Receiving a Passing Point Candidate (PPC) from the oncoming vehicle; Calculating a focus vehicle PPC; Calculating available space in the focus vehicle PPC; In response to available space in the focus vehicle PPC: Determining a final focus vehicle PPC; and Broadcasting information about the final focus vehicle PPC; and Displaying information about the final focus vehicle PPC. [24] Computer program product for operating a focus vehicle unit, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium embodying computer-readable program code, in order to: when executed on a processor: To gather area information about an information area that can be used, to assist the focus vehicle and an oncoming vehicle in passing each other; to transmit the area information via a vehicle-to-vehicle network protocol (V2VN protocol); to generate a support result from the area information and the vehicle information about the focus vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, wherein the vehicle information includes first distance information about the distance of the focus vehicle from the information area and second distance information about the distance of the oncoming vehicle from the information area; and To display virtual traffic information, which represents at least a stop and a continuation of the journey of the focus vehicle, on the windshield of the vehicle. [25] Computer program product according to claim 24, wherein the program code is further configured to generate the support result in: a first support mode for wide roads, which mainly have multiple lanes that allow vehicles to pass each other, but which include a narrowing blocking area that blocks all but one lane; and in a second support mode on narrow roads, which mainly have narrow single-lane sections that do not allow vehicles to pass each other, but which contain widening sections where vehicles are able to pass each other.