Inter-Vehicle Sensor Fusion for Platoon Fuel and Data Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in efficiently operating vehicles autonomously or in cooperation with surrounding vehicles, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and sensor data accuracy, due to limitations in inter-vehicle communication and information sharing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicle control architecture that enables inter-vehicle communication and sensor information fusion through a cloud computing control system, allowing vehicles to share data on powertrain operations, external conditions, and sensor readings, which improves fuel efficiency and sensor accuracy by forming a 'swarm' of sensors and using algorithms to correct and update sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If vehicles operate autonomously or in cooperation with surrounding vehicles, then vehicle control capability is improved, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to air drag and communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vehicles are merged into a coordinated platoon system where they travel in close formation, combining their aerodynamic profiles to reduce overall air drag. The vehicles share sensor data and control commands through V2V communication, enabling collective fuel efficiency improvements while maintaining autonomous operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle platoon configuration is dynamically adjusted based on road conditions, traffic flow, and fuel efficiency requirements. Vehicles can enter and exit the platoon formation, and their positions within the platoon are optimized in real-time to minimize aerodynamic drag while maintaining safe separation distances.
2Measurement precision
If sensor information is shared among multiple vehicles, then measurement accuracy is improved through data fusion, but device complexity increases due to communication and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network is segmented into individual vehicle units, each equipped with its own sensors and processing capabilities. Rather than requiring centralized processing of all sensor data, each vehicle independently processes its own sensor information and selectively shares relevant data with neighboring vehicles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized data exchange protocol acts as an intermediary layer between vehicles, enabling seamless sensor information sharing without requiring complex point-to-point communication configurations. This intermediary framework simplifies the communication architecture by providing predefined data formats, transmission protocols, and fusion algorithms that reduce processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses for inter-vehicle communication, fusion of sensor information, and information sharing resulting from inter-vehicle communication are disclosed along with control of one or more vehicles in response to information from one or more other vehicles.