Platoon Separation and Lane Change Control for Tollgate Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platooning systems face challenges in efficiently managing platoon separation and lane changes, particularly when vehicles of different types need to pass through tollgates, leading to traffic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling platooning that enables platoon separation and lane changes by allocating tollgates based on vehicle type, using a leading vehicle to transmit and receive information with platoon vehicles and toll booths, and controlling driving operations to facilitate smooth passage through tollgates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If platoon separation is implemented to allocate tollgates by vehicle type, then traffic flow efficiency is improved, but platoon cohesion and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The platoon is segmented into separate sub-platoons based on vehicle type (e.g., trucks, buses, cars). Each sub-platoon is assigned to a specific tollgate lane corresponding to its vehicle type, enabling parallel processing of different vehicle categories and improving overall traffic flow efficiency while maintaining internal stability within each sub-platoon
Solution Approach 2:
The platoon structure is made dynamic by allowing reconfiguration from a unified platoon to separated sub-platoons when approaching tollgates. The system dynamically adjusts platoon composition based on vehicle type distribution and tollgate availability, then recombines after tollgate passage, balancing cohesion and separation needs
2Measurement precision
If lane change is performed for platoon separation, then tollgate allocation accuracy is improved, but driving safety and stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Lane changes are performed in advance before reaching the tollgate area, not at the last moment. The leading vehicle receives lane change commands early, allowing smooth execution with adequate reaction time for surrounding traffic, thereby reducing safety risks while ensuring accurate tollgate allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors lane change conditions including surrounding vehicle positions, relative speeds, and gap distances. Lane change commands are issued only when feedback indicates safe conditions, and the process can be aborted if safety margins are not met, ensuring reliable execution while achieving accurate tollgate allocation
3Productivity
If each vehicle type is assigned a dedicated tollgate, then traffic smoothing is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leading vehicle's controller performs multiple functions: it manages platoon coordination, determines vehicle types of following vehicles, decides on platoon separation, controls lane changes, and communicates with tollgates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated controllers for each function, managing system complexity while enabling traffic smoothing through vehicle type-based tollgate allocation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for a leading vehicle for controlling platoon separation in platooning and lane change of a platoon. The method includes performing platooning in a platoon, separating an existing platoon into a plurality of platoons according to a request or need for platoon separation, determining whether it is possible to change a lane of the separated platoon to which the leading vehicle belongs, transmitting lane change information to a platoon vehicle within the separated platoons upon determination that lane change is possible, and changing a driving lane for lane change of the separated platoon.