Braking and signalling strategies for autonomous vehicle systems.

Abstract

A method for slowing a plurality of vehicles along a roadway may include receiving, at a first vehicle, from a nearby downstream vehicle, a first brake initiation signal and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the nearby downstream vehicle, determining a first distance to the nearby downstream vehicle, and determining a second deceleration value configured to prevent a collision of the first vehicle with the nearby downstream vehicle based at least in part on the first distance. The method may further include, in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to an upper deceleration value, decelerating at an upper deceleration value, and in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value, decelerating at a second deceleration value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 041,513, filed June 19, 2020, entitled "Braking and Signaling Schemes for Autonomous Vehicle Systems," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to vehicles, and more particularly, to braking and signaling strategies for autonomous vehicles in an autonomous vehicle system. [Background technology]

[0003] Vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, buses, and streetcars are ubiquitous in modern society. Cars, trucks, and vans are often used for personal transportation, carrying relatively few passengers, while buses, streetcars, and other larger vehicles are often used for public transportation. Vehicles may also be used to transport goods or for other purposes. Such vehicles may be operated on roads, which may include surface roads, bridges, highways, overpasses, or other types of vehicular rights-of-way. Driverless or autonomous vehicles may alleviate the need for individuals to manually operate vehicles for their transportation needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A method for decelerating a plurality of vehicles along a roadway may include receiving, at a first vehicle, a first braking initiation signal from a nearby downstream vehicle and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the nearby downstream vehicle, determining a first distance to the nearby downstream vehicle, and determining a second deceleration value configured to prevent a collision of the first vehicle with the nearby downstream vehicle based at least in part on the first distance. The method may further include decelerating at an upper deceleration value in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is equal to or greater than an upper deceleration value, and decelerating at a second deceleration value in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value. The second deceleration value may further be based at least in part on a speed of the first vehicle, a speed of the nearby downstream vehicle, and the first deceleration value. The upper deceleration value may correspond to a maximum deceleration value that the first vehicle can withstand without skidding.

[0005] The method may further include transmitting a second braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value to a nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value. The method may further include transmitting a second braking initiation signal and the second deceleration value to a nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than the lower deceleration target value.

[0006] The method may further include maintaining a speed of the vehicle in accordance with a determination that the first deceleration value is less than or equal to a lower deceleration target value, and after maintaining the speed of the vehicle for a period of time, detecting a deceleration of a nearby downstream vehicle, and decelerating at the lower deceleration target in response to detecting the deceleration of the nearby downstream vehicle.

[0007] The adjacent downstream vehicle may include an optical input / output system configured to transmit information, and the first vehicle may include an optical sensing system configured to receive information transmitted by the optical input / output system. The first braking initiation signal may be transmitted via the optical output system of the adjacent downstream vehicle and may be received by the optical sensing system of the first vehicle. The first deceleration value may be transmitted as a coded signal via the optical output system of the adjacent downstream vehicle.

[0008] The vehicle includes a drive system configured to propel the vehicle, a brake system configured to decelerate the vehicle, a steering system configured to steer the vehicle, and a vehicle controller configured to receive a first braking initiation signal and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the nearby downstream vehicle from a nearby downstream vehicle, determine a first distance to the nearby downstream vehicle, and determine a second deceleration value configured to prevent a collision of the vehicle with the nearby downstream vehicle based at least in part on the first distance. In response to a determination that the second deceleration value is equal to or greater than an upper deceleration value, the vehicle controller can cause the brake system to decelerate the vehicle at the upper deceleration value, and in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value, the vehicle controller can cause the brake system to decelerate the vehicle at the second deceleration value. The vehicle further includes an optical output system configured to transmit deceleration information to the nearby upstream vehicle, and an optical sensing system configured to receive the first braking initiation signal and the first deceleration value.

[0009] The vehicle controller may be further configured to determine a second deceleration value based, at least in part, on a speed of the vehicle and a speed of a nearby downstream vehicle. The vehicle controller may be further configured to transmit deceleration information to a nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, the deceleration information including a second braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value. The vehicle controller may be further configured to transmit deceleration information to a nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value, the deceleration information including the second braking initiation signal and the second deceleration value.

[0010] A method for slowing a plurality of vehicles along a roadway may include receiving, at a first vehicle, a first braking initiation signal and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the nearby downstream vehicle, and determining a second deceleration value configured to prevent the first vehicle from colliding with the nearby downstream vehicle. The method may include transmitting the second braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value to the second vehicle in response to determining that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, and decelerating at the upper deceleration value. The method may further include receiving, at the second vehicle, the second braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value from the first vehicle, and determining a third deceleration value configured to prevent the second vehicle from colliding with the first vehicle. The method may further include, in accordance with a determination that the third deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than the lower deceleration target value, sending a third braking initiation signal and the third deceleration value to a nearby upstream vehicle, and decelerating at the third deceleration value.

[0011] The method may further include, at the second vehicle, transmitting a third braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value to the nearby vehicle in accordance with a determination that the third deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, and decelerating at the upper deceleration value.

[0012] A method of determining a deceleration rate for vehicles in a group of vehicles may include, at each vehicle in the group, determining a respective distance to a respective nearby upstream vehicle, determining a respective deceleration value based at least in part on the respective distances, and, at a vehicle in the group traveling at a speed associated with a first deceleration value, receiving from the nearby upstream vehicle a braking instruction for the nearby upstream vehicle and a second deceleration value for a next braking event of the nearby upstream vehicle. The method may further include, in response to a determination that the first deceleration value is greater than or equal to an upper deceleration value, decelerating at an upper deceleration value, in response to a determination that the first deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than the lower deceleration target value, decelerating at a first deceleration value, and in response to a determination that the first deceleration value is less than or equal to the lower deceleration target value, maintaining the vehicle at that speed.

[0013] The method may further include, at each vehicle in the fleet, determining a speed of a respective nearby upstream vehicle, and each deceleration value may be determined based at least in part on the speed of the respective nearby upstream vehicle.

[0014] The method may further include, at the vehicle, detecting a deceleration of a nearby upstream vehicle after maintaining the vehicle at the speed, and decelerating at a lower deceleration target, the upper deceleration value corresponding to a maximum deceleration value that the vehicle can withstand without skidding, and the lower deceleration target value being 2.0 m / s 2 It can be as follows: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like structural elements, and in which:

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a portion of an exemplary road.

[0017] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) shows an example of a vehicle.

[0018] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 (FIGS. 3A to 3C) shows a top view of a road along with a vehicle employing the braking control system.

[0019] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows two exemplary vehicles.

[0020] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a plot of the deceleration rates of several vehicles traveling in a group.

[0021] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a number of vehicles decelerating according to a braking control scheme.

[0022] [Figure 7] 7A-7B show an exemplary vehicle.

[0023] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 (FIGS. 8A-8B) shows the vehicle of FIGS. 7A-7B of FIG. 7 with the doors open.

[0024] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial exploded view of an exemplary vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Detailed Description Below, a detailed description of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be given. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Embodiments herein are generally directed to transportation systems in which a number of vehicles may be operated autonomously to transport passengers and / or cargo along roads. For example, a transportation system or service may provide a fleet of vehicles that operate along roads to pick up and drop off passengers at either pre-defined locations or stops, or at locations that are dynamically selected (e.g., selected by a person via a smartphone). As used herein, the term "road" may refer to a structure that supports moving vehicles.

[0027] However, the autonomous operation of vehicles is a complex task, and the specific techniques or strategies adopted by vehicles on a road can dramatically affect the operation of the entire system, as well as the comfort and safety of passengers and / or cargo inside the vehicles. One important aspect for the safe operation of a transportation system is braking. For example, to maximize the efficiency and throughput of the transportation system, it is advantageous to minimize the distance between vehicles. However, the closer the vehicles are to each other, the more important it is for the following vehicles to be able to safely stop if the leading vehicle needs to slow down unexpectedly, such as to avoid an obstacle on the road. Thus, the safety and efficiency of a transportation system can be increased by providing a robust braking system in which leading vehicles can rapidly transmit information about their upcoming braking events, and following vehicles can rapidly react to the information received from the leading vehicles, while propagating the information about the upcoming braking events to further following vehicles.

[0028] Described herein are various techniques and systems for providing robust and safe braking operations for autonomous vehicles in a transportation system. One aspect of such techniques and systems relates to an optical communication system that allows vehicles to communicate with each other in a fast and reliable manner. For example, as described herein with respect to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the vehicles may each include an optical output system and an optical input system that facilitates the transmission and reception of braking information, such as braking indications (e.g., warnings indicating an impending or active braking event) and information about the braking event (e.g., the deceleration rate of the vehicle during the impending or active braking event). Such a system allows the braking event information to pass quickly through the fleet of vehicles, so that each vehicle can begin decelerating at an appropriate speed even before the deceleration of a downstream vehicle is detected. As used herein, deceleration means a decrease in speed. It will be understood that deceleration rate or value may also be characterized as a negative acceleration rate or value. For purposes of calculations or evaluations described herein, either sign convention may be used.

[0029] The vehicles may operate according to a braking control scheme that defines how the vehicles in the fleet react to a braking event and seeks to minimize the number of vehicles that must implement high deceleration values ​​that may be uncomfortable for passengers. For example, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 4-5, the vehicles may each be configured to monitor the speed and distance of a nearby upstream vehicle (e.g., the vehicle immediately preceding it) and continually determine the deceleration rate that will be required to prevent a collision with the nearby upstream vehicle. If the nearby upstream vehicle must decelerate in an emergency to avoid a collision with an object or other obstacle in the road, the nearby upstream vehicle may transmit information about the upcoming braking event, such as a planned deceleration rate, to the trailing vehicle. The trailing vehicle may then determine how to react based on the planned deceleration rate of the upstream vehicle as well as its own safe deceleration rate. The trailing vehicle may also provide information to further upstream (e.g., following) vehicles so that they can each determine how to react based on the planned deceleration rate of the downstream vehicle and their own respective safe deceleration rates. As described herein, the system may allow a vehicle to begin slowing down sooner than would be possible if the vehicle simply reacted to a detected deceleration of a downstream vehicle, and may also reduce the number of vehicles in a pack (or otherwise in close proximity to one another) that must slow down beyond a comfortable level.

[0030] As used herein, "downstream" refers to an object (e.g., a vehicle) that is ahead of a particular vehicle or position in a direction of travel, and "upstream" refers to an object (e.g., a vehicle) that is behind a particular vehicle or position in a direction of travel. Thus, for example, in a group of vehicles moving from west to east, the easternmost vehicle in the group would be considered downstream of all other vehicles in the group. Similarly, the westernmost vehicle in the group would be considered upstream of all other vehicles in the group. Furthermore, unless otherwise noted, the terms "leading" and "following" are used to indicate relative positions, not absolute positions. Thus, a leading vehicle can be any vehicle that is ahead of or downstream of another vehicle, and a following vehicle can be any vehicle that is following or upstream of another vehicle.

[0031] Vehicles in the system can share braking and / or deceleration information using optical communication techniques and / or systems. For example, each vehicle can include an optical sensing system and an optical output system. The optical output system can be configured to transmit or output information such as a braking initiation signal (e.g., an indication that a braking event is imminent or active), a planned deceleration value, etc. The optical output system may include a number of lights that are selectively illuminated to convey information. The optical output from one vehicle can be detected by the optical sensing system(s) of the other vehicles.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a road 100 for an autonomous vehicle 108, according to embodiments described herein. The portion of the road shown in FIG. 1 is shown at ground level in a typical urban or suburban environment, but is not limiting. In fact, the road may be deployed in any environment or location, including rural locations, fully or partially inside buildings, off road locations, elevated structures, underground, etc. The road 100 is shown with a number of four-wheeled vehicles 108 navigating along the road 100. The vehicles 108 may be autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles designed specifically for use with the road 100. An example of a type of vehicle for use with the road 100 is described in connection with FIGS. 7-9, although other types of vehicles may be driven along the road 100 instead of or in addition to the vehicles described herein. The road 100, of which the segment shown in FIG. 1 may be only a small portion, may include multiple segments including straights, turns, intersections, bridges, tunnels, boarding zones, parking facilities, etc. To facilitate safe and efficient vehicle operation, vehicles 108 on road 100 may use a braking control scheme whereby information about braking events is rapidly propagated between vehicles and vehicles make intelligent decisions about the rate at which they can and should slow down to maintain both safety and comfort.

[0033] 2A and 2B show an exemplary vehicle 108. As described herein, the vehicle 108 can be configured for bidirectional operation. Thus, the vehicle 108 can include an optical communication system 200 (e.g., optical communication systems 200-1, 200-2) at each end of the vehicle. Each optical communication system can include an optical output system 201 (e.g., optical output systems 201-1, 201-2) configured to transmit information to the other vehicle, and an optical sensing system 204 (e.g., optical sensing systems 204-1, 204-1) configured to detect and / or receive information from the other vehicle (e.g., from the optical output system of the other vehicle). This configuration provides several advantages. For example, the vehicle can receive information from a leading vehicle and transmit information to a trailing vehicle, regardless of which end of the vehicle is acting as the "front" of the vehicle. Additionally, having both an optical output system and an optical sensing system on each end of a vehicle allows for bidirectional communication (eg, a vehicle can communicate with both upstream and downstream vehicles).

[0034] The optical output system 201 may include multiple light sources 202. The optical output system 201 may transmit information via the light sources 202 by selectively illuminating the light sources according to a coding scheme. The optical output system 201 may be configured to transmit (and the corresponding optical sensing system may receive) various types of information to other vehicles, including, for example, deceleration information. The deceleration information may include a braking initiation signal and / or a deceleration value. As used herein, a deceleration value may refer to a deceleration rate, and unless otherwise noted, these terms may be used interchangeably. Other types of information that may be transmitted and received by the optical communication system 200 may include, but are not limited to, the number of vehicles ahead in the pack, scheduled or upcoming acceleration and / or deceleration events, information regarding upcoming maneuvers (e.g., right turns, left turns, scheduled stops), their number or type of payloads in the vehicles (e.g., humans or cargo), and the like.

[0035] The braking initiation signal may indicate that the signaling vehicle is undergoing a deceleration or braking event, and the deceleration value may indicate the rate at which the vehicle is decelerating or about to decelerate. Other information may also be transmitted, such as the time when an upcoming deceleration event is expected or predicted, an upcoming steering event (e.g., when and how much the leading vehicle will turn), upcoming acceleration, etc.

[0036] The following vehicle can receive information from the leading vehicle's optical output system 201 (e.g., via the following vehicle's optical sensing system 204 described herein) and react according to a braking control scheme. For example, upon receiving deceleration information from the leading vehicle, the following vehicle can determine whether it should begin to decelerate, what deceleration rate it should use for that deceleration, and what information it should send to the following vehicle.

[0037] The optical output from one vehicle may be detected and / or received by the optical sensing system 204 of the other vehicle. The optical sensing system 204 may include components such as lenses, image sensors, processors, memory, imaging software and / or firmware, and / or other suitable components that facilitate the capture and / or analysis of images, and optionally decoding of the captured information. The optical sensing system 204 may be designed with optical characteristics (e.g., focal length, field of view, resolution) such that the optical output system 201 of a nearby vehicle is optically detectable by the optical sensing system 204.

[0038] As mentioned above, the information transmitted by the optical communication system 200 may be in an encoded format. For example, if the optical output system 201 includes multiple light sources as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, each light source may convey one bit of information (e.g., a light source that is off conveys a value of 0 and a light source that is turned on conveys a value of 1). Thus, for example, an optical output system 201 including eight light sources 202 may facilitate an 8-bit information channel. More or fewer light sources may be used to provide an appropriate amount of information transmission between vehicles.

[0039] In some cases, some of the light sources are used for binary or other coded communication, while other light sources are used to convey a dedicated single bit channel of information. For example, in the optical output system 201 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one light source may be reserved as a braking indicator to convey a braking initiation signal (e.g., when the light source is on and thus braking and therefore deceleration are currently active, and when the light source is off and braking is not active), while the remaining seven light sources may be used as a seven bit channel to convey information such as a deceleration value associated with a braking event (or an impending braking event). The seven bit channel may also be used to convey other information such as vehicle speed, an impending maneuver (e.g., turn, acceleration, deceleration), the type of cargo in the vehicle (e.g., packages, passengers), etc.

[0040] The optical communication system 200 may be used for rapid propagation of deceleration information between vehicles, and more particularly to upstream vehicles. As mentioned above, the information may include not only the fact that the leading vehicle is actively braking, but also the actual deceleration at which the leading vehicle is braking or will be braking. Furthermore, the use of optical communication may enable more upstream vehicles to prepare (or initiate) a braking maneuver even before they are able to detect the actual deceleration of the immediately downstream vehicle.

[0041] 3A-3C show a top view of a road 302 with multiple vehicles 300 (300-1 through 300-7) traveling along the road 302 in a travel direction 301. FIGs. 3A-3C show how deceleration information, such as deceleration values, can be propagated upstream through a fleet or other group of vehicles. More specifically, FIGs. 3A-3C show how deceleration information travels through a group of vehicles 300 faster than a physical braking event.

[0042] FIG. 3A shows a road at time t0, at which time vehicle 300-1 may detect an obstacle on the road or may otherwise need to initiate a braking event. Once vehicle 300-1 initiates a braking event (or, optionally, before initiating a braking event), vehicle 300-1 may initiate braking (as indicated by the enclosed x symbol) and transmit to nearby upstream vehicle 300-2 a deceleration value 305 indicating the deceleration rate of vehicle 300-1. Vehicle 300-1 may also transmit a braking initiation signal (e.g., indicating that braking is occurring). At time t0 shown in FIG. 3A, both the wavefront of deceleration value 305 and the wavefront of the actual braking maneuver are at position 304.

[0043] Due to the speed of optical communication, a wavefront of deceleration value information may propagate quickly through a group of vehicles 300. For example, FIG. B of FIG. 3 shows a road at time t1. At this point, vehicles 300-2, 300-3, and 300-4 have received deceleration values ​​from upstream vehicles, even though only vehicles 300-1 and 300-2 have actually begun to decelerate. Thus, the wavefront of deceleration values ​​has traveled further upstream (e.g., to position 308) than the wavefront of a physical braking maneuver (e.g., to position 306).

[0044] FIG.C of FIG. 3 shows road 302 at time t2. At this time, vehicles 300-2, 300-3, and 300-4, 300-5, 300-6, and 300-7 are receiving deceleration values ​​from upstream vehicles, even though only vehicles 300-1, 300-2, 300-3, and 300-4 have actually begun to decelerate. Thus, the wavefront of deceleration values ​​has traveled further upstream (e.g., to position 314) than the wavefront of the physical braking maneuver (e.g., to position 312).

[0045] 3A-3C show how information about an impending braking event can propagate through a group of vehicles more quickly than would be possible if the vehicles were simply reacting to detecting the actual physical deceleration of the immediately upstream vehicle. Because the upstream vehicles have information about how the immediately downstream vehicles are planning to decelerate, the upstream vehicles may be able to make decisions about their own braking parameters before they actually have to initiate a deceleration maneuver.

[0046] When multiple vehicles are traveling in a pack or group and a leading vehicle must perform a deceleration maneuver (e.g., due to an unexpected obstacle or danger appearing on the road), the leading vehicle may have to decelerate quite rapidly to avoid a collision with the obstacle or danger. In some cases, the leading vehicle needs to decelerate at an upper deceleration value that may correspond to the maximum deceleration value that the vehicle can withstand without skidding (e.g., without the wheels locking up and causing a sustained slide or skid between the vehicle's tires and the road). However, such a rapid deceleration can be uncomfortable for the occupants and can also increase mechanical wear and stress on the vehicle. It is therefore advantageous to reduce the number of vehicles in a group of vehicles that need to decelerate at that speed. For example, instead of each vehicle decelerating at the same maximum rate, each vehicle can make an independent decision regarding its deceleration speed according to a scheme that results in upstream vehicles decelerating at a slower rate (e.g., lower deceleration value) than downstream vehicles, if it is safe to do so. Vehicle optical communication systems help facilitate such a scheme, since each vehicle can evaluate its own deceleration requirements taking into account the actual deceleration rate of the vehicle in front of it.

[0047] In one example braking control scheme, each vehicle continuously (e.g., periodically) determines a minimum deceleration rate that would be required to prevent a collision with the immediately upstream vehicle (sometimes referred to herein as the vehicle's base deceleration rate). Then, when a vehicle receives information that a immediately upstream vehicle is planning to begin braking, it can evaluate its base deceleration rate with the deceleration rate announced by the immediately upstream vehicle to determine which deceleration rate it should use for its own braking event and which deceleration rate it should announce or transmit to following vehicles. The braking control scheme may be configured such that upstream vehicles decelerate at a lower rate than downstream vehicles when it is safe to do so. Figures 4 to 6 show an example braking control scheme that results in further upstream vehicles decelerating at a lower deceleration value than downstream vehicles, thereby reducing the overall impact of braking events (especially emergency braking events) on other vehicles on the road.

[0048] As discussed above, each vehicle in the transportation system may be configured to continuously or periodically determine the minimum deceleration rate required to prevent a collision with an immediately adjacent upstream vehicle. Figure 4 shows two exemplary vehicles, vehicle A 400 and vehicle B 402, traveling in the same direction (e.g., to the right). Vehicle A 400 travels at a speed V A The vehicle B 402 may be traveling at a speed of V BVehicle A may be traveling at a speed of 100 km / h, with vehicle B a distance d behind vehicle A. Each vehicle may include sensors that enable the vehicle to determine these values. For example, each vehicle may have a speedometer so that it can determine its own speed, and may have additional sensor systems that enable it to determine the distance d and speed of nearby downstream vehicles. Such sensor systems may include proximity sensors (e.g., optical, ultrasonic), radar (Radio Detection and Ranging), LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), imaging systems, or any other suitable type of sensing system, as well as any associated circuitry, processor, memory, hardware, software, firmware, etc. that facilitate the sensing function. In some cases, a trailing vehicle (e.g., vehicle B 402) may determine the speed of a nearby vehicle (e.g., vehicle A 400) based on its own speed (e.g., measured by a speedometer, GPS, or other system) and the change, if any, in distance d.

[0049] Given these values, JPEG0007644913000001.jpg52163 As described above, each vehicle can continuously or periodically calculate its base deceleration value, thereby maintaining an accurate base deceleration value in the event of an unexpected braking event.

[0050] Vehicle B 402 receives a signal from the optical communication system of a nearby upstream vehicle (e.g., vehicle A 400) that it is braking. startUpon receiving the signal and the deceleration value used by the immediately upstream vehicle (e.g., vehicle A 400) during the upcoming braking event, vehicle B 402 may evaluate its base deceleration rate against the received deceleration value of vehicle A 400 and take one or more actions based on the evaluation. For example, vehicle B 402 may determine whether its base deceleration rate is greater than or equal to an upper deceleration value (e.g., a maximum deceleration value that vehicle B 402 can withstand without skidding). In response to determining that the base deceleration rate is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, vehicle B 402 decelerates at the upper deceleration value (e.g., by having the vehicle's braking system slow the vehicle). This determination and corresponding action reflects the fact that vehicle B 402 must decelerate at a maximum safe rate if it is to avoid a collision with vehicle A 400.

[0051] On the other hand, if vehicle B 402 determines that its base deceleration rate is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than the lower deceleration target value, vehicle B may decelerate at its base deceleration rate (e.g., by using the vehicle's braking system to slow the vehicle). The lower deceleration target value may correspond to a deceleration rate that is comfortable for the vehicle's occupants or is otherwise selected based on safety, comfort, occupant preference, or any other suitable factor. For example, the lower deceleration target value may be approximately 1.5 m / s 2 , 2.0m / s 2 , 2.5m / s 2 , 3.0m / s 2 , or any other suitable value.

[0052] If vehicle B 402 determines that its base deceleration rate is equal to or less than the lower deceleration target value, vehicle B 402 may maintain its speed for at least the duration before starting deceleration. This behavior may be due to the fact that emergency level braking (e.g., above the lower deceleration target value) and immediate braking response (e.g., before detecting the actual deceleration of the nearby downstream vehicle) are not required to avoid a collision. Rather, vehicle B 402 may drive according to a normal operating mode in which it is at the lower deceleration target value when it detects the actual deceleration of the nearby downstream vehicle. Thus, for example, after maintaining its speed for the duration, vehicle B 402 may immediately detect the actual deceleration of the nearby downstream vehicle (vehicle A 400), such as by determining a decrease in the distance between the vehicles, and may begin deceleration at the lower deceleration target in response to detecting the deceleration of the nearby downstream vehicle (e.g., by having the vehicle's braking system slow the vehicle).

[0053] To continue the propagation of information through the group of vehicles, vehicle B 402 may also transmit information to nearby upstream vehicles, with the particular information transmitted based, at least in part, on the deceleration value selected based on the information from the downstream vehicles. For example, in response to determining that the base deceleration rate is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, vehicle B may transmit a braking initiation signal and the upper deceleration value to the nearby upstream vehicle. On the other hand, in response to determining that the base deceleration rate is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than the lower deceleration target value, vehicle B 402 may transmit a second braking initiation signal and the base deceleration rate to the nearby upstream vehicle.

[0054] The information transmitted by the upstream vehicle from vehicle B 402 informs the upstream vehicle that vehicle B 402 is beginning its braking event and indicates the deceleration value that vehicle B 402 intends to use. Thus, the immediately upstream vehicle can make its own decision of which deceleration rate to use by applying the same or similar actions as described for vehicle B 402. This scheme facilitates rapid propagation of braking information and also provides a natural decay of braking aggressiveness through the group of vehicles, without any given vehicle having to use a greater deceleration rate than is necessary for comfort and / or safety. In other words, each vehicle determines whether it can decelerate at a slower rate than the downstream vehicle given factors such as its speed, the distance to the downstream vehicle, and the downstream vehicle's impending deceleration rate. If it is possible and safe to decelerate at a lower deceleration rate, it will decelerate at that rate, which results in allowing vehicles further upstream to decelerate at a lower rate.

[0055] 5-6 illustrate how the above braking and communication scheme results in a damping or reduction in deceleration rate towards upstream vehicles in a group of vehicles. For example, FIG. 5 shows a plot 500 with deceleration rates (DECLERATION RATE on the y-axis) for six example vehicles (VEHICLE on the x-axis). Vehicle 1 may be the first vehicle in the group to encounter an obstacle or have a need to perform an emergency braking maneuver. In this example, vehicle 1 determines that it must decelerate at an upper deceleration rate 502 (e.g., the maximum deceleration vehicle 1 can withstand without skidding) to avoid (or increase the chance of avoiding) a collision or other problem. As described above, vehicle 1 will send a braking initiation signal and its deceleration rate (e.g., the maximum value) to the immediate upstream vehicle (vehicle 2).

[0056] In plot 500, vehicle 2 can evaluate its own deceleration rate (e.g., calculated by Equation 1) against the deceleration rate received from vehicle 1 to determine how to slow down (and what information to provide to vehicle 3). In the example shown in Figure 5, vehicle 2's own calculated deceleration rate (from Equation 1) is below the upper deceleration rate but above the lower deceleration target value 504. As discussed above, in this situation vehicle 2 will slow down at its own calculated deceleration rate.

[0057] Now vehicle 3 determines its own deceleration rate (e.g., as calculated by Equation 1), receives a braking initiation signal and vehicle 2's deceleration rate from vehicle 2, and evaluates its own deceleration rate against the deceleration rate received from vehicle 2 to determine how to slow down (and what information to provide to vehicle 4). In the illustrated example, vehicle 3's own calculated deceleration rate (from Equation 1) is also lower than upper deceleration rate 502, but above lower deceleration target value 504. As discussed above, in this situation vehicle 3 will decelerate at its own calculated deceleration rate rather than upper deceleration rate 502 or lower deceleration target value 504.

[0058] 5, vehicle 4 is the first vehicle that can safely decelerate, at lower deceleration target value 504. In particular, vehicle 4 determines its own deceleration rate (e.g., as calculated in Equation 1), receives from vehicle 3 the braking initiation signal and vehicle 3's deceleration rate, and evaluates its own deceleration rate against the deceleration rate received from vehicle 3 to determine how to decelerate (and what information to provide to vehicle 5). Because vehicle 4's own calculated deceleration rate (from Equation 1) is less than or equal to lower deceleration target value 504, vehicle 4 may delay deceleration until it detects vehicle 3's deceleration, at which point it may begin decelerating at lower deceleration target value 504.

[0059] Vehicle 4 also transmits its actual deceleration rate (here, lower deceleration target value 504) and a braking initiation signal to vehicle 5. Thus, vehicle 5 can determine that its own deceleration rate is also less than or equal to lower deceleration target value 504. In this manner, vehicle 5 can decelerate at lower deceleration target value 504 once it detects vehicle 4 actually decelerating. Vehicle 6 can operate in the same manner as vehicle 5.

[0060] Plot 500 of Figure 5 shows that the brake control scheme described herein results in a damping of deceleration rates throughout the group of vehicles. More specifically, because each vehicle determines its own safe deceleration rate, and is empowered to select its own deceleration rate when it is safe to do so, the system can prioritize both safety and comfort while minimizing or reducing disruptions to traffic flow.

[0061] One reason that upstream vehicles can slow down at a lower deceleration rate than downstream vehicles is that the vehicles can be configured to maintain a fixed (or at least predetermined) time interval between them. In other words, the vehicles can remain, for example, 2 seconds apart from each other regardless of speed. Under these conditions, the distance between the vehicles will increase as speed increases and decrease as speed decreases. The ability of the vehicles to reduce the physical distance between them allows upstream vehicles in a group of vehicles to use progressively lower deceleration values, as described with respect to FIG. 5.

[0062] 6 further illustrates how maintaining a time interval between vehicles (rather than a fixed or predetermined distance interval) facilitates gradually decreasing deceleration values ​​in a group of vehicles. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a first vehicle 602, a second vehicle 604, and a third vehicle 606, all traveling toward the right side of the page. At time t0, the gaps 608 between adjacent vehicles may represent equal time intervals (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, or any other suitable time), and each vehicle may travel at the same or similar speed.

[0063] At time t0, the first vehicle 602 may determine that it must perform a braking maneuver. For example, the first vehicle 602 may detect an object 600 (e.g., an obstacle) on the road or in the path of the first vehicle 602 and, as a result, determine that it needs to slow down. Although the object 600 is shown as a simple square, this is merely representative of any obstruction, location, object, or indeed anything that a vehicle may encounter and should avoid, including, but not limited to, holes, potholes, curbs, animals, other vehicles, chemical or other spills on the road, light poles, intersections, stop signs, red lights, rocks, puddles, unidentifiable objects, road debris, construction signs, bollards, buildings, etc.

[0064] The first vehicle 602 may determine a deceleration value necessary to avoid colliding with or otherwise interacting with the object 600. The deceleration value may be based, at least in part, on the speed of the first vehicle 602, the distance to the object 600, the motion characteristics of the object 600 (e.g., speed, direction of motion, acceleration, etc.), an upper deceleration value (e.g., the maximum deceleration value the first vehicle 602 can withstand without skidding), existing road conditions, and current tire conditions. Other factors may also be used to determine the deceleration value of the first vehicle 602.

[0065] Time t1 illustrates an example of the relative positions of the vehicles 602, 604, 606 during a braking event that begins when the first vehicle 602 begins braking. As shown at t1, the first vehicle 602 is decelerating at a relatively high rate as illustrated by a deceleration intensity indicator (e.g., deceleration intensity indicator 618). The thickness of the deceleration intensity indicator can represent and / or indicate the relative intensity of the deceleration value being employed by that vehicle. As shown, from t0 to t1, the first vehicle 602 is decelerating over a distance 612. Meanwhile, the second vehicle 604 has been able to decelerate over a distance 614 that is greater than the distance 612. The greater distance 614 available to the second vehicle 604 may be at least partially due to the fact that, at a slower speed, the physical distance between the vehicles can be reduced while still maintaining the target time separation. For example, even though the physical distances of gaps 608, 610 are different (e.g., gap 610 is smaller than gap 608), the time interval between the vehicles at time t0 and time t1 may be the same. Returning to second vehicle 604, it was able to decelerate over distance 614, which is greater than distance 612, so a lower deceleration value could be used, as indicated by the thinner deceleration intensity indicator 620. Similarly, third vehicle 606 was able to reduce its distance to second vehicle 604 during braking (while maintaining the same safe time interval represented by gaps 608 and 610), so third vehicle 606 was able to decelerate over distance 616, which is greater than distance 614. Thus, third vehicle 606 could apply an even lower deceleration value, as indicated by the thinner deceleration intensity indicator 622.

[0066] The vehicle in FIG. 6 is, as described above, start They may communicate with each other to provide signals, for example, each following vehicle receives the deceleration value of the immediately downstream vehicle so that the following vehicles can calculate their own deceleration values ​​(e.g., using Equation 1 above), compare those calculated deceleration values ​​to the upper and lower deceleration target values, and determine how to slow down based on the results of the comparison.

[0067] In this application, the term braking can refer to any action that results in the deceleration of a vehicle, and is not limited to a particular mechanism or technique for decelerating a vehicle. For example, braking may be achieved using a braking system that uses mechanical friction to resist the motion of the wheels (e.g., disc brakes, drum brakes, etc.), a motor (e.g., electric, internal combustion, etc.) that applies a torque to the wheels that counteracts the motion, an aerodynamic braking system (e.g., a parachute, a movable fin, a wing, or other object), an external friction-based system (e.g., a bar, board, or other object that is forced into contact with the ground, rail, or other object), a forced air system (e.g., a rocket, a turbine, a fan, etc.), or any other suitable system (or a combination of the above or other systems).

[0068] The braking control schemes described herein may be used with or by a transportation system that autonomously drives a number of vehicles to transport passengers and / or cargo along a road. For example, a transportation system or service may provide a fleet of vehicles that operate along a road. Vehicles in such a transportation system may be configured to operate autonomously according to one or more vehicle control schemes. As used herein, the term "autonomous" may refer to a mode or scheme in which a vehicle can operate without continuous manual control by a human operator. For example, a driverless vehicle may navigate along a road using an automatic driving system and a steering system that controls the speed and direction of the vehicle. In some cases, a vehicle may not require steering, speed, or direction control from an occupant and may exclude controls, such as accelerator and brake pedals, steering wheels, and other manual controls that are accessible to the occupant. In some cases, a vehicle may include manual driving controls that may be used for maintenance, emergency overrides, etc. Such controls may be hidden, stowed, or otherwise prevented from being directly accessible to a user during normal vehicle operation. For example, they may be designed so that they are only accessible by trained operators, maintenance personnel, and the like.

[0069] Autonomous operation need not exclude all human or manual operation of the vehicle or the overall transportation system. For example, a human operator may be able to intervene in the operation of the vehicle for safety, convenience, testing, or other purposes. Such intervention may be local to the vehicle, such as when a human driver takes control of the vehicle, or remote, such as when the operator sends commands to the vehicle via a remote control system. Similarly, some aspects of the vehicle may be controlled by the vehicle occupant. For example, the vehicle occupant may be able to select a target destination, select a route, select a speed, control the operation of doors and / or windows, etc. It will thus be understood that the terms "autonomous" and "autonomous operation" do not necessarily exclude all human intervention or operation of individual vehicles or the overall transportation system.

[0070] Vehicles in a transportation system may include various sensors, cameras, communication systems, processors, and / or other components or systems that help facilitate autonomous operation. For example, the vehicles may include a sensor array that detects magnets or other markers embedded in the roadway and assists the vehicles in determining their location, position, and / or orientation along the roadway. The vehicles may also include a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, such as an optical communication system (e.g., optical communication system 200, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B), that allows the vehicles to inform each other of operational parameters such as deceleration information (e.g., braking initiation signals, deceleration values, etc.), the number of vehicles ahead in the fleet, acceleration conditions, maneuvers occurring near them (e.g., right turns, left turns, planned stops), the number and type of their payloads (e.g., people and cargo), etc. The vehicle may also include a wireless communication system to facilitate communication with a transportation system controller having supervisory command and control authority over the transportation system (e.g., using cellular, Wi-Fi, or other suitable wireless communication technology).

[0071] Vehicles within a transportation system may be designed to enhance the operation and convenience of the transportation system. For example, a primary objective of a transportation system may be to provide comfortable, convenient, fast and efficient personal transportation. To provide personal comfort, vehicles may be designed to allow easy ingress and egress for passengers and may have comfortable seating arrangements with sufficient leg and head room. Vehicles may also have sophisticated suspension systems that provide a comfortable ride and dynamically adjustable parameters to help keep the vehicle level positioned at a convenient height and ensure a comfortable ride throughout a range of variable load weights.

[0072] Conventional personal automobiles are primarily designed for one-way operation. This is due in part to the fact that it is generally not safe or necessary for the driver to face forward and operate in the reverse direction for long distances. However, in autonomous vehicles where a human is not directly controlling the vehicle's operation in real time, it may be advantageous to be able to operate the vehicle bidirectionally. For example, the vehicles in the transportation systems described herein may be substantially symmetrical such that the vehicle lacks a visually or mechanically distinct front or back. Furthermore, the wheels may be controlled independently enough that the vehicle operates substantially identically no matter which end of the vehicle is facing the direction of travel. This symmetrical design offers several advantages. For example, the vehicle may be maneuvered in a smaller space by potentially eliminating the need to perform a U-turn or other maneuver to reorient the vehicle to face "forward" before commencing movement.

[0073] 7A and 7B are perspective views of an exemplary four-wheeled road vehicle 700 (referred to herein simply as a "vehicle") that may be used in the transportation system described herein. The vehicle 700 may be an embodiment of the vehicle 108 (FIGS. 1 and 2) or any other vehicle described herein. FIGS. 7A and 7B of FIG. 7 illustrate the symmetry and bidirectionality of the vehicle 700. In particular, the vehicle 700 defines a first end 702, shown forward in FIG. 7A, and a second end 704, shown forward in FIG. 7B, of FIG. 7. In some examples, and as illustrated, the first end 702 and the second end 704 are substantially identical. Additionally, the vehicle 700 may be configured to travel with either end facing in the direction of travel. For example, when vehicle 700 is traveling in the direction indicated by arrow 714, first end 702 is the leading portion of vehicle 700, while when vehicle 700 is traveling in the direction indicated by arrow 712, second end 704 is the leading portion of vehicle 700.

[0074] The vehicle 700 may also include wheels 706 (e.g., wheels 706-1 through 706-4). The wheels 706 may be paired according to proximity to an end of the vehicle. Thus, wheels 706-1, 706-3 may be located near a first end 702 of the vehicle and may be referred to as a first pair of wheels 706, and wheels 706-2, 706-4 may be located near a second end 704 of the vehicle and may be referred to as a second pair of wheels 706. The wheels may be driven by a drive system, which may include a motor, an engine, a motor control, a speed control, a computer, a processor, and any other suitable components, systems, subsystems, etc., that facilitate propulsion (and optionally braking or deceleration) of the vehicle. Each pair of wheels may be driven by at least one motor (e.g., an electric motor), and each pair of wheels may steer the vehicle. Since each pair of wheels can turn to steer the vehicle, the vehicle may have similar driving and handling characteristics regardless of the direction of travel. In some cases, the vehicle may be operated in a two-wheel steering mode, where only one pair of wheels steers the vehicle 700 at a given time. In such cases, the particular wheel pair that steers the vehicle 700 may change as the direction of travel changes. In other cases, the vehicle may be operated in a four-wheel steering mode, where the wheels are steered in concert to steer the vehicle. In a four-wheel steering mode, the pairs of wheels may turn in the same or opposite directions depending on the steering maneuver being performed and / or the speed of the vehicle.

[0075] The vehicle 700 may also include doors 708, 710 that open to allow passengers and other payloads (e.g., packages, luggage, cargo) to be placed inside the vehicle 700. The doors 708, 710, described in more detail herein, may extend over the top of the vehicle such that each defines two opposing side segments. For example, each door defines a side segment on a first side of the vehicle and another side segment on a second side of the vehicle. Each door also defines a roof segment that extends between the side segments and defines a portion of the roof (or top side) of the vehicle. In some cases, the doors 708, 710 resemble an upside-down "U" in cross section and may be referred to as canopy doors. The side and top segments of the door may be formed as a rigid structural unit such that all of the door components (e.g., the side and top segments) move in coordination with one another. In some cases, the doors 708, 710 include a one-piece shell or door chassis formed from a monolithic structure, which may be formed from composite sheets or structures including, for example, fiberglass, carbon composites, and / or other lightweight composites.

[0076] The vehicle 700 may include a vehicle controller that controls the operation of the vehicle 700 and the vehicle's systems and / or subsystems. For example, the vehicle controller may control the vehicle's drive system, braking system, steering system, suspension system, doors, etc. to facilitate vehicle operation, including navigating the vehicle along a roadway according to one or more vehicle control schemes, and may control the operation of the braking system according to one or more braking control schemes described herein. The vehicle controller may also be configured to communicate (e.g., via the optical communication system 200) with other vehicles, transportation system controllers, and / or other components of the transportation system. For example, the vehicle controller may be configured to receive information from other vehicles regarding their location within a fleet, speed, upcoming changes in speed or direction, upcoming braking events, etc. The vehicle controller may include a computer, processor, memory, circuitry, or any other suitable hardware components, and may be interconnected with other systems of the vehicle to facilitate the operations described herein, as well as other vehicle operations.

[0077] 8A and 8B are side and perspective views of the vehicle 700 with the doors 708, 710 in an open state. Because the doors 708, 710 define two opposing side segments and a roof segment, respectively, an uninterrupted interior space 802 may be revealed when the doors 708, 710 are open. In the example depicted in FIG. 8A and 8B, when the doors 708, 710 are open, an open section may be defined between the doors 708, 710 that extends from one side of the vehicle 700 to the other. This may allow unobstructed entry and exit of the vehicle 700 by passengers on both sides of the vehicle 700. The lack of overhead structure when the doors 708, 710 are open may allow passengers to walk across the vehicle 700 without limitations on head clearance.

[0078] Vehicle 700 may also include seats 804, which may be located at opposite ends of vehicle 700 and may face each other. As shown, vehicle includes two seats 804, although other numbers of seats and other seating arrangements are possible (e.g., 0 seats, 1 seat, 3 seats, etc.). In some cases, seats 804 may be removable, retractable, or stowable so that wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, or luggage can be more easily located within vehicle 700.

[0079] Vehicles for use in the transportation systems described herein, such as vehicle 700, may be designed for safe and comfortable operation, as well as ease of manufacture and maintenance. To achieve these advantages, the vehicle may be designed with a frame structure that contains many of the structural and operational components of the vehicle (e.g., motor, suspension, battery, etc.) and is low to the ground. The body structure may be attached to the frame structure or fixed. FIG. 9 shows a partial exploded view of a vehicle, which may be an embodiment of vehicle 108, 700 (or any other vehicle described herein), illustrating an example of a frame structure and body structure configuration. As described below, the low position of the frame structure in combination with a relatively lightweight body structure produces a vehicle with a very low center of gravity, which results in improved safety and handling of the vehicle. For example, a low center of gravity reduces the risk of the vehicle rolling over when the vehicle encounters an inclined road surface, wind loads, sharp turns, etc., and also reduces the body roll of the vehicle during turns or other maneuvers. Additionally, manufacturing and repair may be simplified by locating many of the vehicle's operational components, such as the motor, battery, vehicle controls, sensors (e.g., sensors that detect magnets or other markers installed in the road), etc., on a frame structure (e.g., frame structure 904, FIG. 9).

[0080] 9 is a partially exploded view of a vehicle 900, which may be an embodiment of vehicle 700. Details of vehicle 700 are similarly applicable to vehicle 900 and will not be repeated here. Vehicle 900 may include a body structure 902, which may include doors (e.g., doors 708, 710 discussed above) and other body components, and a frame structure 904 to which body structure 902 is attached.

[0081] The frame structure 904 may include drive, suspension, and steering components of the vehicle. For example, the frame structure 904 may include a wheel suspension system (which may define or include wheel mounts, axles, or hubs, represented in FIG. 9 as points 912), a steering system, a drive system (e.g., motor, engine, etc.), a brake system (e.g., disc brakes, drum brakes, etc.), and, optionally, a motor controller. The wheels may be attached to the wheel suspension system via wheel mounts, axles, hubs, etc. The drive motor may include one or more drive motors that drive the wheels independently or in coordination with each other. The drive motors may receive power from a power source (e.g., a battery) mounted on the frame structure 904. Motor controllers for the drive motors may also be mounted on the frame structure 904.

[0082] The suspension system may be any suitable type of suspension system. In some cases, the suspension system includes an independent suspension system for each wheel. For example, the suspension system may be a double-wishbone torsion-bar suspension system. The suspension system may also be dynamically adjustable to control ride height, suspension preload, damping, or other suspension parameters while the vehicle is stationary or while the vehicle is moving. Other suspension systems, such as swing axle suspension, sliding pillar suspension, MacPherson strut suspension, etc., are also contemplated. Furthermore, the spring and damping functions may be provided by any suitable components or devices, such as coil springs, leaf springs, pneumatic springs, hydropneumatic springs, magneto-rheological shock absorbers, etc. The suspension system may be configured to work in conjunction with the contours of the road surface (eg, of the road as discussed above) to maintain a desired experience for the occupants.

[0083] The frame structure 904 may include a steering system that allows the wheels to turn to steer the vehicle. In some cases, the wheels may be independently steerable, or they may be linked (e.g., via a steering rack) so that they always point in approximately the same direction during normal operation of the vehicle. This may also allow the vehicle to use a four-wheel steering scheme, and to alternate between two-wheel steering and four-wheel steering schemes.

[0084] The frame structure 904 can contain components such as batteries, motors, mechanisms for opening and closing the vehicle doors, a control system (including a computer or other processing unit), and the like.

[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates an example configuration of the vehicle and frame structure. However, other configurations are possible. Additionally, the frame structure and body structure illustrated in FIG. 9 are intended to represent these components diagrammatically, which may include other structures omitted from FIG. 9 for clarity. Additional structural connections and integrations may be formed between the body structure and the frame structure than are explicitly represented in FIG. 9. For example, components of a door mechanism that opens and closes a door on the body structure may be connected to both the door and the frame structure.

[0086] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific terms to thoroughly understand the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described examples. Thus, the foregoing description of the specific implementations described herein has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while methods or processes disclosed herein have been described and illustrated with reference to specific operations performed in a particular order, these operations can be combined, sub-divided, or reordered to form equivalent methods or processes without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Furthermore, structures, features, components, materials, steps, processes, etc. described herein with respect to one embodiment can be omitted from that embodiment or incorporated into other embodiments. Additionally, although the term "road" is used herein to refer to a structure that supports moving vehicles, the roads described herein do not necessarily conform to any definition, standard, or requirement that may be associated with the term "road" as may be used in statutes, regulations, transportation codes, and the like. As such, the roads described herein do not necessarily (and do not in fact) provide the same characteristics and / or the same structure as a conventional "road." Of course, the roads described herein may conform to any or all applicable statutes, safety regulations, or other rules for the safety of occupants, bystanders, drivers, construction personnel, maintenance personnel, and the like.

Claims

1. 1. A method of slowing a plurality of vehicles along a roadway, comprising: In the first vehicle, From a nearby downstream vehicle A braking command signal, and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the adjacent downstream vehicle; receiving the determining a first distance to the nearby downstream vehicle; determining a second deceleration value based at least in part on the first distance, the second deceleration value configured to prevent a collision of the first vehicle with the proximate downstream vehicle; decelerating at an upper deceleration value in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is equal to or greater than an upper deceleration value corresponding to a maximum deceleration rate that the first vehicle can withstand without skidding; decelerating at the second deceleration value in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value corresponding to a preselected deceleration rate; in response to determining that the second deceleration value is less than or equal to the lower deceleration target value, maintaining a speed of the first vehicle; and maintaining the speed of the first vehicle for a certain period of time and then decelerating at the lower deceleration target value; The method includes:

2. 2. The method of claim 1 , the braking instruction signal is a first braking instruction signal; and responsive to determining that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, the method further comprises: To nearby upstream vehicles, a second braking instruction signal; and The upper deceleration value, The method further comprising:

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: instructing the adjacent upstream vehicle to: the second braking instruction signal, and The second deceleration value, The method further comprises transmitting.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second deceleration value is further determined, at least in part, by: the speed of the first vehicle; the speed of the nearby downstream vehicle; and The first deceleration value, Based on,method.

5. 2. The method of claim 1 , the adjacent downstream vehicle includes an optical output system configured to transmit information; and the first vehicle including an optical sensing system configured to receive information transmitted by the optical output system; method.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the braking instruction signal is transmitted via the optical output system of the adjacent downstream vehicle and received by the optical sensing system of the first vehicle.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first deceleration value is transmitted as a coded signal via the optical output system of the adjacent downstream vehicle.

8. A vehicle, a drive system configured to propel the vehicle; a braking system configured to decelerate the vehicle; a steering system configured to steer the vehicle; and A vehicle control unit, the vehicle control unit comprising: From a nearby downstream vehicle, a first braking instruction signal; and a first deceleration value indicative of a deceleration rate of the adjacent downstream vehicle; To receive, determining a first distance to the nearby downstream vehicle; determining a second deceleration value based at least in part on the first distance, the second deceleration value being configured to prevent a collision of the vehicle with the adjacent downstream vehicle; in response to determining that the second deceleration value is equal to or greater than an upper deceleration value corresponding to a maximum deceleration rate that the vehicle can withstand without skidding, causing the brake system to decelerate the vehicle at the upper deceleration value. responsive to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value corresponding to a preselected deceleration rate, causing the brake system to decelerate the vehicle at the second deceleration value. in response to determining that the second deceleration value is less than or equal to the lower deceleration target value, maintaining the speed of the vehicle; and to maintain the speed of the vehicle for a certain period of time and then decelerate at the lower deceleration target value; It is composed of vehicle.

9. 9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the vehicle control unit is further configured to determine the second deceleration value based at least in part on a speed of the vehicle and a speed of the adjacent downstream vehicle.

10. 10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle control unit is further configured to transmit deceleration information to a nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is equal to or greater than the upper deceleration value, and the deceleration information is a second braking instruction signal; and The upper deceleration value, Including, vehicles.

11. 11. A vehicle as claimed in claim 10, the deceleration information is a first deceleration information, and The vehicle control unit is further configured to transmit second deceleration information to the nearby upstream vehicle in response to a determination that the second deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value, and the second deceleration information is the second braking instruction signal, and The second deceleration value, Including, vehicles.

12. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, further comprising: an optical output system configured to transmit the first deceleration information and the second deceleration information to the adjacent upstream vehicle; an optical sensing system configured to receive the first braking indication signal and the first deceleration value; A vehicle comprising:

13. 1. A method of slowing a plurality of vehicles along a roadway, comprising: In the first vehicle, From nearby downstream vehicles, a first braking instruction signal; a first deceleration value indicating a deceleration rate of the adjacent downstream vehicle; receiving the determining a second deceleration value configured to prevent the first vehicle from colliding with the adjacent downstream vehicle; in response to determining that the second deceleration value is greater than or equal to an upper deceleration value corresponding to a maximum deceleration rate that the first vehicle can withstand without skidding; To the second car, a second braking instruction signal; the upper deceleration value; Sending decelerating at said upper deceleration value; In the second vehicle, From the first vehicle, the second braking instruction signal; and the upper deceleration value; receiving the determining a third deceleration value configured to prevent the second vehicle from colliding with the first vehicle; in response to determining that the third deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value corresponding to a preselected deceleration rate; To nearby upstream vehicles, a third braking instruction signal; and the third deceleration value; and and decelerating at the third deceleration value; in response to determining that the third deceleration value is less than or equal to the lower deceleration target value, maintaining the speed of the second vehicle; and maintaining the speed of the second vehicle for a period of time and then decelerating at the lower deceleration target value; A method comprising:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: in response to a determination that the third deceleration value is greater than or equal to the upper deceleration value, to the nearby upstream vehicle, the third braking instruction signal; and the upper deceleration value; and decelerating at said upper deceleration value; The method further comprising:

15. 1. A method for determining a deceleration rate of a vehicle in a fleet of vehicles, comprising: In each vehicle in the group, determining a respective distance to a respective nearby upstream vehicle; and determining a respective deceleration value based at least in part on the respective distances; and a vehicle in the fleet traveling at a speed associated with a first deceleration value; From a nearby upstream vehicle, A braking indication signal; a second deceleration value of a next braking event of the adjacent upstream vehicle; receiving the decelerating at an upper deceleration value corresponding to a maximum deceleration rate that the vehicle can withstand without skidding in response to a determination that the first deceleration value is equal to or greater than an upper deceleration value; decelerating at the first deceleration value in response to a determination that the first deceleration value is less than the upper deceleration value and greater than a lower deceleration target value corresponding to a preselected deceleration rate; pursuant to determining that the first deceleration value is less than or equal to the lower deceleration target value, maintaining the vehicle at the speed; and maintaining the vehicle at the speed for a period of time and then decelerating the vehicle at the lower deceleration target value; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, determining, at each vehicle in the fleet, a speed of each of the adjacent upstream vehicles; the respective deceleration values ​​are determined based at least in part on the speed of the respective adjacent upstream vehicles. method.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: After maintaining the vehicle at the speed, Detecting the deceleration of the nearby upstream vehicle; and decelerating at the lower deceleration target value; The method further comprises:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The lower deceleration target value is 2.0 m / s ２ Below is the method.

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