Vehicle Position Switching for Safe Platoon Connection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle management systems struggle to efficiently connect multiple platoons of vehicles while ensuring safety and reducing the risk of road traffic hazards.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle travel control device that uses GNSS information and relative positioning to accurately determine the current position of vehicles, allowing for smooth connection of platoons by controlling the leading vehicles through a remote management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are individually separated from their original platoon and merged into another platoon one by one, then platoon connection can be achieved, but the process involves road traffic danger and low efficiency due to individual vehicle control
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the platoon connection process into two distinct phases: (1) group-level coordination where the management device determines connection permission and mode based on travel states of multiple vehicles, and (2) unified control where the leading vehicle executes the connection maneuver. This segmentation allows efficient group decision-making while maintaining safe unified execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device acts as an intermediary between platoons, determining connection permission and mode based on travel states. The leading vehicle then acts as an intermediary to execute the actual connection by controlling its platoon as a unified group. This two-level intermediary structure eliminates the need for individual vehicle-by-vehicle negotiation while maintaining safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are individually separated from their original platoon and merged into another platoon one by one, then platoon connection can be achieved, but road traffic danger increases due to individual vehicle maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control actions of multiple vehicles into a single unified command executed by the leading vehicle. When connection is permitted, the leading vehicle controls the entire platoon as one coordinated unit to execute the connection maneuver, rather than having individual vehicles act independently. This merging of control actions significantly reduces road traffic danger.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device serves as a safety intermediary by first determining connection permission based on the travel states of all involved vehicles. Only when the management device confirms safety conditions are met does it permit the leading vehicle to execute the connection. This intermediary safety check prevents dangerous maneuvers.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS correction information is used for relative positioning, then position accuracy is improved, but the system requires external reference station communication which may not always be available
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system dynamically switches between two modes based on availability: (1) RTK relative positioning mode when GNSS correction information from external reference stations is available, providing high accuracy; and (2) standalone absolute positioning mode when correction information is unavailable, ensuring continuous operation. This dynamic adaptation maintains both accuracy when possible and availability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positioning parameter from relative positioning (requiring correction information) to absolute positioning (standalone) based on the availability of GNSS correction information. This parameter change allows the system to maintain positioning functionality under varying environmental conditions while optimizing accuracy when high-precision correction data is available.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables safe and efficient connection of platoons, reducing the risk of road traffic hazards and improving labor efficiency compared to individual vehicle merging methods.
Implementation Method 1
an absolute position calculation unit configured to acquire GNSS information required for standalone positioning through a GNSS receiver mounted on the vehicle and calculate an absolute position of the vehicle by the standalone positioning
Implementation Method 2
a relative position calculation unit configured to calculate a relative position of the vehicle by the relative positioning
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle travel control device includes: an absolute position calculation unit configured to acquire GNSS information through a GNSS receiver mounted on a vehicle and calculate an absolute position of the vehicle by the standalone positioning; a reception determination unit configured to determine whether GNSS correction information required for relative positioning can be received from an external reference station; a relative position calculation unit configured to calculate a relative position of the vehicle by the relative positioning; and a communication unit configured to transmit the current position information of the vehicle to a remote control device. The communication unit is configured to: transmit position information based on the relative position in a case in which the GNSS correction information can be received; and transmit position information based on the absolute position in a case in which the GNSS correction information cannot be received.