Dynamic Caravan Routing via Master GPS Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for vehicles traveling in a caravan face challenges in maintaining synchronization due to traffic conditions and individual route preferences, leading to vehicles going out of sync and difficulty in coordinating route changes, especially when relying on manual sharing of GPS locations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where GPS devices in vehicles can automatically share and dynamically update GPS coordinates through ad-hoc networks or cloud services, allowing for continuous synchronization and route adjustments among vehicles in a caravan, with adjustable sharing frequencies based on vehicle speed and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual communication mechanisms (e.g., mobile phones) are used to coordinate route changes, then vehicles can communicate when separated, but it becomes difficult and inconvenient for vehicle occupants, especially when driving alone or with multiple follower vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between vehicles that automatically relays position and routing information. This intermediary system eliminates the need for manual phone calls by establishing direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication channels that continuously share navigation data, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system enables vehicles to automatically exchange and process routing information without human intervention. Each vehicle's navigation system self-adjusts based on received data from the lead vehicle or other followers, allowing the caravan to autonomously maintain formation and coordinate route changes, thus improving ease of operation while preserving communication reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each vehicle follows individual GPS routes to the destination, then each vehicle can optimize its own path, but vehicles may go out of sync and lose sight of each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual vehicle navigation systems into a unified caravan navigation system. The lead vehicle's route becomes the reference for all followers, who adjust their individual GPS-optimized paths to maintain formation. This combining approach preserves route optimization capabilities while ensuring all vehicles stay synchronized and maintain stable caravan formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where each vehicle monitors its position relative to the lead vehicle and other followers. When deviations occur, the navigation systems automatically adjust routing instructions to bring vehicles back into formation. This feedback mechanism maintains caravan stability while allowing individual vehicles to benefit from optimized routing when conditions permit.
3Loss of information
If GPS coordinates are shared manually between vehicles, then vehicles can coordinate their positions, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming as the number of follower vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal communication protocol that all vehicles in the caravan automatically adopt. This multi-functional system handles position sharing, route coordination, and formation maintenance through a single integrated interface. The universal system eliminates the need for multiple separate coordination mechanisms, thereby maintaining accurate position information while dramatically reducing coordination complexity regardless of caravan size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes preliminary communication channels and data exchange protocols before the caravan journey begins. Vehicles pre-configured with the communication system automatically begin sharing GPS coordinates and routing information from the moment the caravan forms. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time coordination arrangements, maintaining position accuracy while simplifying ongoing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for routing following vehicles toward a lead vehicle in a vehicle caravan. GPS locations can be shared between caravanning vehicles moving towards a destination. Routes (e.g., turn-by-turn navigation) for individual vehicles participating in a caravan can be dynamically updated. Within a group of GPS devices, one GPS device (e.g., a GPS device at a designated lead vehicle) can be selected as a master GPS device. As the designated lead vehicle travels towards the destination, the master GPS device can continually share its GPS coordinates (i.e., share its location) with the other GPS devices. The other GPS devices use the shared GPS coordinates to continually adjust routes to progress towards the master GPS device (and thus progress towards the lead vehicle). That is, the other GPS devices are continually updating navigation routes to follow the master GPS device.