Dynamic Leader Selection in Vehicle Platoons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle platoons face challenges with reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents due to close following, limited communication, and the need for effective information exchange, especially when vehicles join or leave the platoon or experience communication link issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for vehicle platoons where a leader vehicle detects ambient conditions and communicates information to subsequent vehicles, allowing for dynamic leadership changes and responsibility distribution, enabling improved traffic awareness and road safety through automatic or semi-automatic control based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If vehicles are driven closely together in a platoon to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency is improved, but visibility for the following driver is obscured and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (camera in leader vehicle + display in follower vehicle) that mediates the visibility problem. The camera captures the view from the leader vehicle and transmits it to the follower vehicle's display, allowing the follower driver to see past the leader vehicle without increasing following distance, thus maintaining fuel efficiency while resolving visibility obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical limitation of direct visual visibility with an electronic information transmission system. Instead of relying on the driver's direct line of sight (mechanical constraint), the system uses cameras, transmitters, and displays to electronically convey visual information, substituting the physical visibility requirement with an information-based solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If a leader vehicle leaves or joins the platoon, then platoon configuration changes, but communication effectiveness and control coordination may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic leader selection mechanism where the leader vehicle is not fixed but can be automatically reassigned based on real-time conditions. When the current leader leaves or experiences issues, the system dynamically selects a new leader from among the follower vehicles, allowing the platoon to adapt to configuration changes while maintaining reliable communication and control
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where vehicles continuously monitor communication link status and platoon configuration. When the leader vehicle leaves or communication deteriorates, the feedback triggers automatic leader reassignment, ensuring the platoon maintains effective communication and coordination despite dynamic changes in vehicle composition
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method in vehicle platoons comprising at least one leader vehicle and at least one additional vehicle, where said leader vehicle is intended to detect ambient conditions. The method comprises the steps to: - appoint (s410) said leader vehicle which is responsible for communicating information to said at least one additional vehicle; and - under certain conditions, appoint (s450) a new leader vehicle and thus let said new leader vehicle assume said responsibility. The invention also pertains to a computer program product comprising program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) to implement a method according to the invention. The invention also pertains to a device in vehicle platoons and a motor vehicle equipped with such a device.