Autonomous Vehicle Train Joining via Verified Lead-Vehicle Rendezvous
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of autonomous vehicles into conventional traffic flows leads to inefficiencies, safety issues, and inconveniences due to operator errors, inattention, and the lack of advanced data processing capabilities compared to traditional GPS systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for autonomous vehicle trains (AVTs) where lead vehicles dynamically control speed, route, and direction, allowing other autonomous vehicles to join or rendezvous with the train through wireless communication and data transmission, using processors and sensors to determine rendezvous points and verify vehicle identification, enabling efficient and safe travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous vehicles operate independently in conventional traffic flow, then each vehicle can maintain its own route and speed, but traffic efficiency decreases and safety issues arise due to operator errors and lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple autonomous vehicles are merged into a coordinated train structure where they operate as a unified group rather than independent entities. The lead vehicle's route and speed decisions are followed by follower vehicles, creating a coordinated system that improves overall traffic efficiency while maintaining safety through standardized operational protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous wireless communication between vehicles in the train, with follower vehicles providing feedback on their status, position, and environmental conditions to the lead vehicle. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to maintain safe spacing and coordinated operation, resolving the safety concerns of independent operation.
2Productivity
If autonomous vehicles form a coordinated train, then traffic flow efficiency improves through coordinated movement, but the system complexity increases due to communication and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicle train system is segmented into distinct functional roles: a lead vehicle that makes routing and speed decisions, and follower vehicles that execute these decisions while providing status feedback. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by dividing complex coordination tasks into manageable, specialized functions for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Each autonomous vehicle in the train is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a potential lead vehicle and as a follower vehicle. The vehicles use standardized communication protocols and sensors that enable them to perform multiple roles within the train structure, reducing the need for specialized equipment and simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If follower vehicles automatically maneuver to join the AVT, then the joining process becomes efficient and automated, but the risk of collision or miscoordination increases during the rendezvous
Solution Approach 1:
Before a follower vehicle joins the autonomous vehicle train, it performs preliminary actions including establishing wireless communication with the lead vehicle, receiving and verifying route and speed information, and determining its optimal position in the train sequence. These preliminary steps ensure that the vehicle is properly integrated before beginning coordinated movement, reducing collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead vehicle acts as an intermediary that mediates the joining process between the follower vehicle and the rest of the train. It receives joining requests, provides routing information, and coordinates the follower vehicle's entry into the train formation. This intermediary role ensures controlled, safe integration while maintaining the automation benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous vehicles may be dynamically directed to rendezvous with autonomous vehicle trains or convoys. Current location and/or route information of the Autonomous Vehicle Train (AVT) may be received by an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may compare its current location and/or route information to determine a rendezvous point with the AVT. The autonomous vehicle may route itself to the rendezvous point with the AVT. Once there, the autonomous vehicle may verify the identification of the AVT, such as by using sensors/cameras to verify a lead vehicle of the AVT (e.g., by verifying make/model, color, and/or license plate). The autonomous vehicle and lead vehicle may communicate to allow the autonomous vehicle to join the AVT. A minimum level of autonomous vehicle functionality may be verified prior to the autonomous vehicle being allowed to join the AVT. As a result, vehicle traffic flow and travel experience by passengers may be enhanced.