V2X Vehicle Group Leader Selection to Prevent Trajectory Deadlocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing V2X communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing group maneuvers of vehicles, particularly in scenarios involving multiple vehicles with conflicting trajectories and priorities, which can lead to trajectory deadlocks and increased communication and computation loads.
Innovation Solution
A method for leader selection in vehicle groups, where a host vehicle determines its eligibility to lead a group by comparing vehicle information with other potential group members, and then requests to become the group leader through inter-vehicle communications, with negotiations continuing until a leader is determined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If V2X vehicles communicate and coordinate maneuvers using distributed inter-vehicle communication without a designated leader, then communication autonomy and decentralization are improved, but trajectory deadlocks and communication computation loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a leader vehicle as an intermediary that coordinates group maneuvers. The leader receives maneuver requests from follower vehicles, makes centralized decisions about trajectory and timing, and distributes instructions to the group. This mediator approach reduces the communication computation load by eliminating the need for all vehicles to negotiate with each other, while maintaining communication autonomy through the leader-follower architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the role parameter of vehicles based on their capabilities and current traffic conditions. Vehicles can transition between leader and follower roles, allowing the system to optimize communication efficiency adaptively. This parameter change enables the group to select the most suitable vehicle as leader based on factors like communication capability, maneuverability, and position, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles with conflicting trajectories negotiate simultaneously without a leader, then communication flexibility is improved, but trajectory deadlocks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leader vehicle acts as a mediator that receives and evaluates maneuver requests from follower vehicles. Instead of all vehicles negotiating simultaneously with each other (which causes deadlocks), the leader sequentially processes requests, evaluates conflicts, and makes coordinated decisions. This intermediary approach maintains communication flexibility by allowing vehicles to request maneuvers while preventing deadlocks through centralized conflict resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the leader vehicle pre-establish communication channels and negotiation protocols with potential follower vehicles before conflicts arise. The leader proactively manages group formation and maneuver coordination, preventing trajectory deadlocks before they occur rather than resolving them after they happen. This preliminary organization improves reliability while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If all vehicles participate equally in group maneuver decisions, then communication fairness is improved, but communication overhead and decision-making time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the communication architecture by designating one vehicle as leader with elevated decision-making authority. Instead of all vehicles having equal voting rights (which increases decision-making time), the leader makes decisions based on pre-established criteria and vehicle capabilities. This asymmetric structure maintains communication fairness by ensuring all vehicles are considered for group membership while dramatically reducing decision-making time through centralized authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The decision-making process is segmented into distinct roles: the leader handles strategic decisions about group formation and maneuver coordination, while follower vehicles provide input data and execute decisions. This segmentation of responsibilities prevents the need for all vehicles to participate equally in every decision, reducing communication overhead and decision-making time while maintaining fairness through structured participation protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein provide for leader selection of a group of vehicles, based on inter-vehicle communications. According to embodiments, a host vehicle can determine it qualifies to be the leader of a potential group by comparing vehicle information of other cars in the potential group with its own vehicle information. Once the determination has been made, the host vehicle can then send a request to be the group leader to the other vehicles. If the other vehicles accept, the host vehicle can initiate group formation. Otherwise, another vehicle can reject the request and send its own request to become the group leader, reinitiating group leader negotiation until a group leader is determined.