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Небесная энциклопедия

Космические корабли и станции, автоматические КА и методы их проектирования, бортовые комплексы управления, системы и средства жизнеобеспечения, особенности технологии производства ракетно-космических систем

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Мониторинг СМИ

Мониторинг СМИ и социальных сетей. Сканирование интернета, новостных сайтов, специализированных контентных площадок на базе мессенджеров. Гибкие настройки фильтров и первоначальных источников.

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Поддерживает ввод нескольких поисковых фраз (по одной на строку). При поиске обеспечивает поддержку морфологии русского и английского языка
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Применить Всего найдено 114. Отображено 101.
28-02-2017 дата публикации

Engine diagnostics with skip fire control

Номер: US0009581098B2
Автор: Shikui Kevin Chen, Xin Yuan, Joshua P. Switkes, Steven E. Carlson, Mark A. Shost, CHEN SHIKUI KEVIN, YUAN XIN, SWITKES JOSHUA P, CARLSON STEVEN E, SHOST MARK A, Chen Shikui Kevin, Yuan Xin, Switkes Joshua P., Carlson Steven E., Shost Mark A.
Принадлежит: Tula Technology, Inc., TULA TECHNOLOGY INC, Tula Technology Inc.

Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.

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Номер записи: 1
28-02-2017 дата публикации

Systems and methods for semi-autonomous convoying of vehicles

Номер: US0009582006B2
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky, SWITKES JOSHUA P, GERDES JOSEPH CHRISTIAN, BERDICHEVSKY EUGENE, Switkes Joshua P., Gerdes Joseph Christian, Berdichevsky Eugene
Принадлежит: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC., SWITKES JOSHUA P, GERDES JOSEPH CHRISTIAN, BERDICHEVSKY EUGENE, PELOTON TECH INC, Switkes Joshua P., Gerdes Joseph Christian, Berdichevsky Eugene

The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating participants of vehicular convoys to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.

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Номер записи: 2
30-05-2017 дата публикации

Using cylinder firing history for combustion control in a skip fire engine

Номер: US0009664130B2
Автор: Mark A. Wilcutts, Xin Yuan, Joshua P. Switkes, Li-Chun Chien, Steven E. Carlson, Christopher W. Chandler, Christopher C. Hand, Matthew A. Younkins, Adya S. Tripathi, WILCUTTS MARK A, YUAN XIN, SWITKES JOSHUA P, CHIEN LI-CHUN, CARLSON STEVEN E, CHANDLER CHRISTOPHER W, HAND CHRISTOPHER C, YOUNKINS MATTHEW A, TRIPATHI ADYA S, Wilcutts Mark A., Yuan Xin, Switkes Joshua P., Chien Li-Chun, Carlson Steven E., Chandler Christopher W., Hand Christopher C., Younkins Matthew A., Tripathi Adya S.
Принадлежит: Tula Technology, Inc., TULA TECHNOLOGY INC

Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history.

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Номер записи: 3
30-05-2017 дата публикации

Systems and methods for semi-autonomous vehicular convoys

Номер: US0009665102B2
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky, SWITKES JOSHUA P, GERDES JOSEPH CHRISTIAN, BERDICHEVSKY EUGENE, Switkes Joshua P., Gerdes Joseph Christian, Berdichevsky Eugene
Принадлежит: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC., PELOTON TECH INC, Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.

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Номер записи: 4
14-02-2013 дата публикации

Systems and Methods for Semi-Autonomous Convoying of Vehicles

Номер: US20130041576A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Gene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating participants of vehicular convoys to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. A server useful in association with a plurality of vehicles , the server comprising:a processor configured to select a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle from a plurality of vehicles, the linking selection based on at least one of a vehicular location, a vehicular destination, a vehicular load, weather conditions, traffic conditions, a vehicular type, a trailer type, recent history of vehicular links, a fuel price, a driver profile; anda long-range server transceiver configured to communicate with to the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.2. The server of wherein the transceiver is further configured to facilitate communications between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.3. The server of wherein the driver profile includes at least one of driving record claim 1 , driving experience claim 1 , and time remaining in current driver operational period.4. The server of wherein the processor is further configured to analyze fleet logistics and provide recommendations on improvements.5. The server of wherein the processor is further configured to analyze individual vehicular efficiency claim 1 , to diagnose mechanical problems impacting fuel efficiency claim 1 , and to log individual vehicular data.6. The server of wherein the processor is further configured to analyze driver performance factors impacting fuel efficiency claim 1 , including at least one of gear selection sequence and cadence claim 1 , vehicular cruising speed claim 1 , acceleration and deceleration ...

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Номер записи: 5
14-03-2013 дата публикации

Systems and Methods for Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoys

Номер: US20130066511A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Berdichevsky Gene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the control system comprising:a computerized controller configured to monitor and control acceleration and deceleration of one of a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle, thereby maintaining a safe vehicular spacing between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle;a user interface configured to provide vehicular data to a driver;a transceiver configured to facilitate communications between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle;a vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a distance between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; anda vehicular motion sensor configured to measure acceleration and deceleration of one of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.2. The convoying control system of wherein the controller is coupled to an engine control unit (ECU) of one of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.3. The convoying control system of wherein the vehicular separation sensor includes at least one of a distance sensor and a relative speed sensor.4. The convoying control system of wherein the vehicular separation sensor is further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.5. A computerized vehicular convoying control system claim 1 , useful in association with a lead vehicle claim 1 , at least one follower vehicle and a central server claim 1 , the control system ...

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Номер записи: 6
16-05-2013 дата публикации

SKIP FIRE ENGINE CONTROL

Номер: US20130118443A1
Автор: CHANDLER Christopher W., PIRJABERI Mohammad R., Switkes Joshua P., TRIPATHI Adya S.
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

A variety of skip fire engine controllers and control techniques are described. In some preferred embodiments, a skip fire engine controller is provided that includes a firing fraction calculator, an engine settings controller, a firing fraction adjuster and a firing controller. The firing fraction calculator determines a reference firing fraction indicative of a firing fraction suitable for delivering a desired engine output at a reference working chamber firing output. The engine settings controller is arranged to set selected engine settings. The firing fraction adjuster determines an adjusted firing fraction that scales the reference firing fraction appropriately such that the engine will deliver the desired engine output at the current engine settings even when the actual working chamber firing outputs do not equal the reference working chamber firing output. The firing controller direct workings chamber firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the adjusted firing fraction. 1. An engine controller arranged to control working chamber firings in an engine , the engine controller comprising:a firing fraction calculator arranged to determine a reference firing fraction suitable for delivering a desired engine output at a reference working chamber firing output;an engine settings controller arranged to set selected engine settings, wherein the selected engine settings affect the output of the working chamber firings and are not constrained to cause actual working chamber firing outputs to equal the reference working chamber firing output;a firing fraction adjuster arranged to determine an adjusted firing fraction that scales the reference firing fraction appropriately such that the engine will deliver the desired engine output at the current engine settings even when the actual working chamber firing outputs do not equal the reference working chamber firing output; anda firing controller arranged to direct working chamber firings in a skip fire manner that ...

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Номер записи: 7
07-11-2013 дата публикации

USING VALVE TIMING TO IMPROVE ENGINE ACOUSTICS

Номер: US20130291816A1
Автор: SERRANO Louis J., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

A method for improving the operation of an internal combustion engine implementing cylinder deactivation is described. Generally, the pattern of combustion events that are fired and skipped together with the geometry of the exhaust and/or intake system can create unpleasant acoustic issues. By slightly altering the timing of the cylinder intake and exhaust valves, these acoustic issues can be mitigated. The valve timing can be altered on a combustion event by combustion event basis. Alternatively, valve timing for different groups of cylinders can be modified together. 1. A method of controlling sound of an engine having a crankshaft , a camshaft and a plurality of cylinders , each cylinder having an associated piston that is driven by the crankshaft , an associated exhaust valve , and an associated exhaust path length , wherein the respective exhaust path lengths associated with at least some of the plurality of cylinders differ and wherein at least some of the exhaust valves are driven by the camshaft , the method comprising:operating an engine in a skip fire mode; anddynamically varying a phase of the camshaft between different exhaust events during a sequence of skip fire operation in a manner that at least partially compensates for differences in the exhaust path lengths associated with fired cylinders to thereby help suppress audible beats that would otherwise occur in the event that the camshaft phase was held substantially constant during the sequence of skip fire operation.2. A method as recited in wherein the camshaft phase is further based at least in part on the current engine speed.3. A method as recited in wherein the camshaft phase is further based at least in part on estimated exhaust gas temperature.4. A method of controlling sound of an engine having a crankshaft and a plurality of cylinders claim 2 , each cylinder having an associated piston that is driven by the crankshaft claim 2 , an associated exhaust valve and an associated exhaust path ...

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Номер записи: 8
14-11-2013 дата публикации

SKIP FIRE ENGINE CONTROL

Номер: US20130298870A1
Автор: CHANDLER Christopher W., HAND Christopher C., SILVESTRI Chester J., Switkes Joshua P., TRIPATHI Adya S., WILCUTTS Mark A.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods and arrangements for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine in a skip fire variable displacement mode are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. In one aspect, the spark timing associated with each fired working cycle is based at least in part on the firing history of the fired working chamber. 1. A method of controlling the operation of a spark ignition internal combustion engine including a plurality of working chambers , each working chamber being generally arranged to operate in a succession of working cycles , the method comprising:operating the engine in a skip fire operational mode, wherein during operation of the engine, a selected one of the working chambers will be fired during some working cycles and not fired during other working cycles; andadjusting the spark timing associated with a selected firing of the selected working chamber based at least in part on a firing history of the selected working chamber.2. A method as recited in wherein the spark timing associated with each firing event of the selected working chamber is determined at least in part based on a then current firing history of the selected working chamber.3. A method as recited in wherein the spark timing associated with each working cycle firing is determined at least in part based on a then current firing history of the associated working chamber.4. A method as recited in wherein the spark timing of the selected firing of the selected working chamber is further based in part upon an operational parameter associated with at least one previous firing of the selected working chamber.5. A method as recited in wherein the combustion characteristic is fuel charge.6. A method as recited in wherein when an active working cycle follows a skipped working cycle in the same working chamber claim 1 , the spark timing is advanced relative to the spark timing of the working chamber when the active ...

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Номер записи: 9
06-02-2014 дата публикации

ENGINE BRAKING CONTROLLER

Номер: US20140034010A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., SERRANO Louis J., Switkes Joshua P., YUILLE Ronald D.
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

In one aspect of the invention, an engine is operated in a skip cylinder engine braking mode. In the skip cylinder engine braking mode, selected working cycles of selected working chambers are deactivated. Other selected working cycles of the selected working chambers are operated in a braking mode. Accordingly, individual working chambers are sometimes deactivated and sometimes operated in the braking mode while the engine is operating in the skip cylinder engine braking mode. Various methods for cylinder control are described, which improve fuel economy, catalytic converter performance, and vehicle NVH characteristics. 1. A method of controlling the amount of engine braking provided by an engine having at least one working chamber , the method comprising:determining a desired amount of engine braking; andoperating the engine in a skip cylinder engine braking mode that substantially delivers the desired amount of engine braking, wherein in the skip cylinder engine braking mode, selected working cycles of at least one selected working chamber are deactivated and other selected working cycles of at least one selected working chamber are operated in a braking mode such that at least one working chamber is sometimes deactivated and sometimes operated in the braking mode.2. A method as recited in wherein air flow into the deactivated working chambers is cut off to minimize pumping losses.3. A method as recited in wherein claim 1 , during at least some of the working cycles claim 1 , fuel is delivered to the working chambers operated in the braking mode.4. A method as recited in wherein claim 1 , during at least some of the working cycles claim 1 , air is pumped through the chambers operated in the braking mode.5. A method as recited in wherein only intake valves are opened during at least some of the working cycles operated in the braking mode such that no air is pumped through the associated working chamber during such working cycles operated in the braking mode.6. A ...

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Номер записи: 10
13-02-2014 дата публикации

DRIVE TRAIN SLIP FOR VIBRATION MITIGATION DURING SKIP FIRE OPERATION

Номер: US20140041626A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., IMPEDUGLIA John F., PARSELS John W., Switkes Joshua P., WILCUTTS Mark A., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

A variety of methods and devices for mitigating power train vibration during skip fire operation of an engine are described. In one aspect, the slip of a drive train component (such as a torque converter clutch) is based at least in part upon a skip fire characteristic (such as firing fraction, selected firing sequence/pattern, etc.) during skip fire operation of an engine. The modulation of the drive train component slip can also be varied as a function of one or more engine operating parameters such as engine speed and/or a parameter indicative of the output of fired cylinders (such as mass air charge). 1. A method of mitigating power train vibration during skip fire operation of an engine , the method comprising:operating an engine in a skip fire operational mode; andmodulating slip of a drive train component based at least in part upon a skip fire characteristic.2. A method as recited in wherein the modulated drive train component is a torque converter clutch.3. A method as recited in wherein the modulated drive train component is selected from the group consisting of a differential claim 1 , a dual clutch transmission and a slipping clutch transmission.4. A method as recited in wherein the skip fire characteristic is at least one selected from the group consisting of:a firing fraction;a skip fire firing pattern;a skip fire firing sequence;one or more selected firing decisions;a firing history;a frequency component of a firing fraction, firing pattern or firing sequence; anda processed characteristic of a firing fraction, firing pattern or firing sequence.5. A method as recited in wherein the drive train component slip is also modulated as a function of at least one engine operational parameter selected from the group consisting of engine speed and an operational engine parameter indicative of the output of fired cylinders.6. A method of mitigating vibration during skip fire operation of an engine in a vehicle having a power train that includes a torque ...

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Номер записи: 11
13-02-2014 дата публикации

Split bank and multimode skip fire operation

Номер: US20140041630A1
Автор: Biswa R. Ghosh, Joshua P. Switkes, Louis J. Serrano, Norman C. LO, Steven E. CARLSON, Xin Yuan
Принадлежит: Tula Technology Inc

Various methods and arrangements for operating a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect of the invention, a distinct firing sequence is determined for each bank of working chambers that is used to operate the bank in a skip fire manner. Each firing sequence uses a different firing fraction. In another aspect of the invention, a determination is made as to whether a firing sequence should be dynamically generated or selected from a set of predefined firing sequences.

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Номер записи: 12
13-02-2014 дата публикации

CONTROL OF MANIFOLD VACUUM IN SKIP FIRE OPERATION

Номер: US20140041641A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., SERRANO Louis J., Switkes Joshua P., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

A variety of methods and arrangements are described for selectively reducing intake manifold pressure in a skip fire engine control system. In some embodiments, a throttle is adjusted to generate a manifold vacuum, which is used for various applications, including but not limited to purging a fuel vapor canister, reducing pressure within a brake vacuum booster reservoir and/or venting gas from a crankcase interior. An engine firing fraction is increased to help maintain a desired torque level. Other techniques for reducing the intake manifold pressure are also described, such as applications involving a return to idle. 1. A method of selectively reducing intake manifold pressure in a skip fire engine control system to help purge a fuel vapor canister , reduce pressure within a brake vacuum booster reservoir or vent gas from a crankcase interior , the method comprising:operating an engine in a skip fire manner to generate a desired torque level using a throttle set at a substantially open position;further closing the throttle to reduce the intake manifold pressure in order to perform a manifold vacuum-related process selected from the group consisting of 1) purging the fuel vapor canister; 2) reducing pressure within a brake vacuum booster reservoir; and 3) venting gas from the crankcase interior;increasing an engine firing fraction to help maintain the desired torque level; andafter the manifold vacuum-related process has been performed, returning the throttle to the substantially open position and decreasing the firing fraction.2. A method as recited in wherein the substantially open position of the throttle is arranged to keep the intake manifold pressure at a level greater than approximately 80% of the atmospheric pressure.3. A method as recited in further comprising:detecting that a particular pressure level has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the pressure level being selected from the group consisting of a fuel tank pressure, a brake booster pressure and a ...

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Номер записи: 13
13-02-2014 дата публикации

TRANSITORY TORQUE MODIFICATIONS USING SKIP FIRE CONTROL

Номер: US20140045652A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., CHIEN Li-Chun, Switkes Joshua P., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Methods and devices are described that utilize skip fire techniques to rapidly meet requests for transitory changes in the output of an engine. Specifically, the fraction or percentage of the working cycles that are fired can be changed during a transitory event so that the engine delivers the desired transitory engine output. Once the transitory event is over, normal engine operation may be restored. The described techniques are useful in a variety of applications that require a relatively quick, but transitory, reduction in engine output to meet vehicle control requirements. One particularly useful application is during transmission shift events. Other representative applications include: loss of traction events, stability control events, wheel hop prevention events, etc. 1. An engine controller arranged to:direct operation of an engine to deliver a requested engine output;direct skip fire operation of the engine during a transmission shift event to deliver a transitory engine output that is significantly less than the requested engine output, wherein the difference between the transitory engine output and the requested engine output is provided in significant part by a difference in a percentage of working cycles that are fired during the transmission shift as compared to the percentage of working cycles that are fired immediately prior to the transmission shift; andrestore the engine output to the requested engine output after the transmission shift event is completed.2. An engine controller as recited in wherein the engine controller is arranged to direct operation of the engine in an all cylinder operating mode to deliver the requested engine output and to direct operation of the engine is a skip fire operating mode to deliver the transitory engine output claim 1 , wherein in the all cylinder operating mode claim 1 , substantially all of the working cycles of all of the available working chambers are fired.3. An engine controller as recited in wherein the ...

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Номер записи: 14
09-01-2020 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE BRAKING

Номер: US20200010062A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods are described for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely to behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicle sensors to monitor and control, for example, gross vehicle weight, axle loads, and stopping distance. In some aspects, two vehicles can determine information associated with their gross weight and axle load, and apply that information to assist with determining a bounding box indicating which vehicle will take longer to stop. Based on which vehicle will take longer to stop, an order of vehicles in a potential platoon is determined. 1. A method for determining an order of vehicles in a platoon , comprising: 'determining a weight placed on a drive axle;', 'determining at least a partial axle load of a first vehicle, comprisingestimating a stopping distance of the first vehicle based at least in part on the determined at least a partial axle load;determining the position of the first vehicle in the platoon based on the stopping distance of the first vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the position of the first vehicle is further determined based on a stopping distance of a second vehicle.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the stopping distance of the second vehicle is based on at least a partial axle load of the second vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving information from a network operations center associated with a stopping distance of a second vehicle.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein estimating the stopping distance of the first vehicle is further based on a gross weight of the first vehicle.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining at least a partial axle load of the first vehicle further comprises:determining a weight placed on a steer axle.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the at least a partial axle load of the first vehicle further comprises:determining a weight ...

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Номер записи: 15
24-01-2019 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING VEHICLE DATA

Номер: US20190025857A1
Автор: Bendor Joseph Jackson, Laing Trevor W., Laws Shad M., Luckevich Mark S., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, gear ratios on vehicles. A front vehicle can shift a gear which, via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication link, can cause a rear vehicle to shift gears. To maintain a gap, vehicles may shift gears at various relative positions based on a grade of a road. 1. A method for shifting a gear ratio at a first vehicle , comprising:establishing a communication link between the first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are platooning;receiving data at the first vehicle, via the communication link, indicating a gear-ratio shift at the second vehicle; andshifting the gear ratio at the first vehicle in response to receiving the data indicating the gear-ratio shift at the second vehicle in order to maintain a gap.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a location and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the first vehicle is based at least in part on a location and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the second vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a position and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the first vehicle is based at least in part on a grade of a road on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle are traveling.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein a time and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the first vehicle is based at least in part on a location and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the second vehicle.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a time and an amount of the gear-ratio shift at the first vehicle is based at least in part on a grade of a road on which the first vehicle and the second vehicle are traveling.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the transmission is a continuously variable transmission.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one ...

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Номер записи: 16
18-02-2021 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING VEHICLE DATA

Номер: US20210046932A1
Автор: Kegelman John, Kuszmaul James, Laing Trevor, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc

Systems and methods for platooning vehicles are described. In some aspects, vehicles use sensors to determine a gap between each other. In response to the gap increasing beyond a threshold amount, and a threshold amount of torque being commanded by each of the vehicles, reducing the amount of torque being commanded by the front vehicle. The gap may be determined at least in part by sensors such as a radar, a lidar, and/or a camera. These sensors may be mounted on either a rear vehicle in the platoon, or a front vehicle in the platoon. 1. A method for determining an amount of torque at a power plant of a platooning vehicle , comprising:establishing a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are platooning;receiving, at an electronic control unit in one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle, an amount of available torque being commanded by both the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and 'reducing the amount of torque being commanded by the first vehicle.', 'in response to the amount of the available torque being commanded by both the first vehicle and the second vehicle being above a threshold value, the first vehicle decelerating due to a change of road grade, and a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle increasing2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of available torque being commanded by the first vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle via the communication link.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the electronic control unit is in the second vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic control unit is a platooning electronic control unit.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the available torque being commanded by both the first vehicle and the second vehicle is above 95%.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle increases at least in part in response to the second vehicle determining ...

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Номер записи: 17
07-02-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190041870A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system comprising:a central server remote from the plurality of vehicles, the central server responsive to information regarding a plurality of vehicles to determine a linking opportunity, at the central server configured to determine the linking opportunity, between at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle in the plurality of vehicles to form the convoy:the information regarding the plurality of vehicles being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type; anda long-range vehicular transceiver configured to enable the central server to communicate the linking opportunity to at least one of the first and second vehicles in the plurality of vehicles;the communication of the linking opportunity being such that the first and second vehicles can initiate formation of the convoy.2. The convoying control system of claim 1 , wherein the central server determines the linking opportunity between the first and second vehicles using the location and the destination of each of the first and second vehicles.3. The convoying control system of wherein the central server determines an ordering of the lead vehicle and the at least ...

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Номер записи: 18
22-02-2018 дата публикации

DYNAMIC GAP CONTROL FOR AUTOMATED DRIVING

Номер: US20180050697A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., KUSZMAUL James B., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for controlling a vehicle to closely follow one another safely using automatic or partially automatic control. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, a power plant (such as an engine) is controlled using a control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a first target gap between the vehicles. Brakes (such as wheel brakes) are controlled in a manner configured to attain and maintain a second (shorter) target gap. Such control allows a certain degree of encroachment on the targeted gap (sometimes referred to as a gap tolerance) before the brakes are actuated. The described approaches facilitate a safe and comfortable rider experience and reduce the likelihood of the brakes being actuated unnecessarily. 1. A method of controlling a first vehicle to at least partially automatically maintain separation from a second vehicle while driving , the first vehicle having a power plant and brakes , the method comprising:automatically controlling an output of the power plant during driving in accordance with a power plant output control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a first target gap between the first and the second vehicles; andautomatically controlling the brakes during driving in accordance with a braking control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a second target gap during first selected operating conditions, the second target gap being shorter than the first target gap.2. A method as recited in wherein:the difference between the first and second target gaps is a gap tolerance; andautomatically controlling the brakes to maintain the second gap during the first selected operating conditions causes braking requests to be generated during the first selected operating conditions only when the first vehicle has encroached upon the second vehicle by at least the ...

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Номер записи: 19
25-02-2016 дата публикации

VEHICLE PLATOONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20160054735A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, BOYD Stephen Norris, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Lyons David Frederick, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others. 1. A system for convoying vehicles whereby a following vehicle is caused to follow a lead vehicle , comprisingprocessing system for receiving data about a plurality of vehicles and selecting vehicles for linking in accordance with the data,long distance communications link for directing the candidate vehicles into proximity to one another,short range communications link for communicating among the candidate vehicles to cause the vehicles to move into a linked position, andvehicle control unit responsive to the short range communications link for managing vehicular functions to safely maintain a linked position among the vehicles.2. The system of wherein the data comprises some of a group comprising routing claim 1 , weight claim 1 , braking capability claim 1 , destination claim 1 , load claim 1 , weather claim 1 , traffic conditions claim 1 , vehicle type claim 1 , trailer type claim 1 , recent history of linking claim 1 , fuel price claim 1 , and driver history.3. The system of wherein the selecting is based at least in part on a weighted cost function of the distance between the vehicles and the distance between their destinations.4. The system of wherein the routing data includes identification of locations where linking is not desirable.5. The ...

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Номер записи: 20
03-03-2016 дата публикации

ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS WITH SKIP FIRE CONTROL

Номер: US20160061127A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., CHEN Shikui Kevin, SHOST Mark A., Switkes Joshua P., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит:

Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders. 1. A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinder banks , each bank including a plurality of cylinders , the method comprising:operating the engine in a skip fire operational mode that utilizes most evenly spaced firings;while operating in the skip fire operational mode, identifying a period in which a single one of the cylinders in a first cylinder bank is isolated as the only firing cylinder in the first cylinder bank; andconducting a diagnosis of the isolated cylinder during the identified period, wherein the diagnosis conducted on the isolated cylinder is not conducted on the isolated cylinder when such cylinder is not isolated.2. A method as recited in wherein the period extends over a plurality of engine cycles and the isolated cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis.3. A method as recited in wherein the engine diagnosis is a fuel trim diagnosis related to the isolated cylinder.4. A method as recited in wherein the engine diagnosis ...

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Номер записи: 21
15-03-2018 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20180074514A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle an have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A method for convoying a plurality of vehicles , comprising:receiving, by a computerized controller on a first vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles,information about a second vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles via a communication link between the first vehicle and the second vehicle;receiving, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, information from a sensor system regarding a gap distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; andcontrolling, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, engine torque of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value.2. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising:controlling, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, braking of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the predetermined value for the gap distance is selected based on the information about the second vehicle and the information from the sensor system.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the first vehicle is positioned to follow behind the second vehicle.5. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe communication link is a wireless radio frequency communication link.6. The method of claim 1 , ...

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Номер записи: 22
05-03-2020 дата публикации

Gap measurement for vehicle convoying

Номер: US20200073400A1
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, John L. Jacobs, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephan Pleines, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for identifying the back of a particular vehicle (e.g., a platoon partner) in a set of distance measurement scenes and/or for tracking the back of such a vehicle. The described techniques can be used in conjunction with a variety of different distance measuring technologies including radar, LIDAR, camera based distance measuring units and others. The described approaches are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying systems including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications. In another aspect, technique are described for fusing sensor data obtained from different vehicles for use in the at least partial automatic control of a particular vehicle. The described techniques are well suited for use in conjunction with a variety of different vehicle control applications including platooning, convoying and other connected driving applications including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications.

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Номер записи: 23
14-03-2019 дата публикации

PLATOON CONTROLLER STATE MACHINE

Номер: US20190079538A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems, methods, controllers and algorithms for controlling a vehicle to closely follow another vehicle safely using automatic or partially automatic control are described. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, methods of initiating a platoon between a host vehicle and a platoon partner are described. In another aspect, a number of specific checks are described for determining whether a platoon controller is ready to initiate platoon control of the host vehicle. In another aspect, a platoon controller that includes a state machine that determines the state of the platoon controller is described. In another aspect, methods for generating braking alerts to a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is being at least semi-automatically controlled by a platoon controller are described. 1. A method for determining whether a platoon controller on a host vehicle is ready to initiate platoon control of the host vehicle , the method comprising:verifying that a platoon partner is currently in a ready to platoon state;verifying that the platoon partner is within a designated range of the host vehicle;verifying that communications between the host and the platoon partners are stable; andverifying that a tracking unit on the host has a fix on the platoon partner.2. A method as recited in further comprising:verifying that a current deceleration of the platoon partner does not exceed an designated deceleration thresholds.3. A method as recited in further comprising:verifying that no cut-in vehicle has been detected between the host and the platoon partner.4. A method as recited in further comprising:verifying that the platoon partner is currently confirming that it is receiving stable communications from the host vehicle.5. A method as recited in further comprising:verifying that transitioning to platoon control at the current time would ...

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Номер записи: 24
12-03-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RENDEZVOUSING

Номер: US20200080853A1
Автор: Switkes Joshua P., Tam Joyce
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, data associated with two or more vehicles is received by a system. The data received by the system may indicate where two or more vehicles may rendezvous such that they can platoon. In some examples, a rendezvous location may be determined based on the time it would take the vehicles to arrive at the location and/or the amount of fuel that would be spent if the vehicles were to travel out of their way to arrive at the location. Example user interfaces are described that include maps indicating where a rendezvous location is, and which may include information about where other vehicle(s) are that are also traveling to the rendezvous location. 1. A method for determining a location for a first platoonable vehicle and a second platoonable vehicle to rendezvous , comprising:receiving data including a location of the first platoonable vehicle, wherein the term platoonable includes an ability of a vehicle to control another vehicle via wireless signals;receiving data including a location of the second platoonable vehicle;determining a first route, wherein the first route is a suggested route for the first platoonable vehicle to travel;determining a second route, wherein the second route is a suggested route for the second platoonable vehicle to travel; anddetermining the location for the first platoonable vehicle and the second platoonable vehicle to rendezvous, wherein the location is based at least in part on the location of the first platoonable vehicle, the location of the second platoonable vehicle, the first route, and the second route, and wherein the first platoonable vehicle is a first truck, and wherein the second platoonable vehicle is a second truck; andcausing the first platoonable vehicle and the second platoonable vehicle to platoon after they have rendezvoused.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:causing the first platoonable vehicle and ...

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Номер записи: 25
21-03-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190086935A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A method for convoying a plurality of vehicles , comprising:receiving, by a computerized controller on a first vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles, information about a second vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles via a communication link between the first vehicle and the second vehicle;receiving, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, information from a sensor system regarding a gap distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; andcommanding, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, engine torque of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value, wherein the communication link additionally provides video captured at a camera located in the second vehicle to the first vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing a display of the video to the driver of the first vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the video from the camera includes video including a forward-looking view from the second vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:commanding, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, braking of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first vehicle ...

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Номер записи: 26
04-05-2017 дата публикации

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL FOR IMPROVED FUEL EFFICIENCY

Номер: US20170122237A1
Автор: CHANDLER Christopher W., HAND Christopher C., SILVESTRI Chester J., Switkes Joshua P., TRIPATHI Adya S., WILCUTTS Mark A., YOUNKINS Matthew A.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines based on skip fire operation of the engine are described. In one aspect the skip fire decisions are made on a working cycle by working cycle basis. During selected skipped working cycles, the corresponding cylinders are deactivated such that air is not pumped through the cylinder during the selected skipped working cycles. In some implementations, the cylinders are deactivated by holding associated intake and exhaust valves closed such that an air charge is not present in the working chamber during the selected skipped working cycles. 1. A method of controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine having a plurality of working chambers , each working chamber being generally arranged to operate in a succession of working cycles , the method comprising:operating the engine in a skip fire operational mode, wherein during operation of the engine in the skip fire operational mode, a selected one of the working chambers will be fired during some working cycles and not fired during other working cycles; andadjusting a setting of a component that affects a torque output associated with a selected firing of the selected working chamber based at least in part on a current skip/fire firing history of the selected working chamber.2. A method as recited in wherein the internal combustion engine is a spark ignition internal combustion engine and the adjusted setting is spark timing.3. A method as recited in wherein the adjusting setting controls the amount of fuel injected into the selected working chamber in association with the selected firing.4. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein each working chamber has an associated intake valve and an associated exhaust valve claim 1 , the method further comprising:deactivating the associated working chamber during the skipped working cycles by holding the intake and exhaust valves closed such that air is not pumped through ...

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Номер записи: 27
23-04-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLATOONING AND AUTOMATION SAFETY

Номер: US20200125086A1
Автор: Nakano Evan, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the safely platooning are described. In one aspect, safely platooning includes verifying that a vehicle is not decelerating less than necessary, verifying that the vehicle is not accelerating unintendedly, verifying that the vehicle is not decelerating unintendedly, verifying that the vehicle is not platooning unintendedly, verifying that notifications provided by a platooning electronic control unit are being transmitted to their intended destinations, verifying that information received from a network operations center is correct, and verifying that the instability of the vehicle does not exceed a threshold amount. 1. A method for platooning comprising:establishing a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle;forming a platoon including the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and verifying that the first vehicle is not decelerating less than necessary;', 'verifying that the first vehicle is not accelerating unintendedly;', 'verifying that the first vehicle is not decelerating unintendedly;', 'verifying that the first vehicle is not platooning unintendedly;', 'verifying that notifications provided by a platoon electronic control unit (PECU) on the first vehicle are being transmitted to their intended destinations;', 'verifying that information received in an update from a network operations center (NOC) at the first vehicle is correct; and', 'verifying that the instability of the first vehicle does not exceed a threshold amount., 'dissolving the platoon in response to one of a plurality of safety goals not being met, wherein the plurality of safety goals includes2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the platoon is dissolved by a brake electronic control unit (BECU) in response to the PECU being incapable of dissolving the platoon.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dissolve initiates within substantially 0.2 seconds.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the dissolve initiates within substantially 0.4 seconds.5. ...

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Номер записи: 28
23-04-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLATOONING AND AUTOMATION SAFETY

Номер: US20200125117A1
Автор: Nakano Evan, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the safely platooning are described. In one aspect, safely platooning includes verifying that a vehicle is not decelerating less than necessary, verifying that the vehicle is not accelerating unintendedly, verifying that the vehicle is not decelerating unintendedly, verifying that the vehicle is not platooning unintendedly, verifying that notifications provided by a platooning electronic control unit are being transmitted to their intended destinations, verifying that information received from a network operations center is correct, and verifying that the instability of the vehicle does not exceed a threshold amount. 1. A method for platooning comprising:establishing a wireless link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle;causing the first vehicle and the second vehicle to travel with a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; andin response to a platoon electronic controller detecting an event, dissolving the platoon, wherein the dissolve is at least one of at least two different types of dissolves.2. The method of claim 1 , the at least two different types of dissolves include at least two of: a normal dissolve claim 1 , a platoon backup dissolve claim 1 , a safety monitor dissolve claim 1 , and a retarder dissolve.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event includes a throttle pedal being depressed for at least a threshold amount of time at one or more of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event includes determining that a stability control system in one or more of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is not operating correctly.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event includes determining that a heartbeat of a controller in one or more of the first vehicle and the second vehicle is not operating correctly.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event includes a foundation brake being overused.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event includes receiving ...

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Номер записи: 29
30-04-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN VEHICLES

Номер: US20200135032A1
Автор: Erlien Stephen, Nakano Evan, Switkes Joshua P, Twitty Colleen
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, drivers are more likely to enjoy a system if it begins platooning as desired and does not accidently end platoons. When a certain amount of data packets sent between vehicles are dropped, systems typically will either not engage in a platoon or end a current platoon. When a platoon has a very small gap between vehicles, the platoon should end—or not start, when a certain amount of packets are dropped. However, if a gap is large enough to provide a driver with more time to react, a system may accept a greater amount of dropped packets before it refuses to start a platoon or causes the end of a platoon. 1. A method for managing platoonable vehicles comprising:establishing a wireless link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle;attempting to start a draw-in portion of a platooning engagement between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; (1) causing the first vehicle and the second vehicle to start the draw-in portion of the platooning engagement; or', '(2) continuing a steady state portion of the platooning engagement; and, 'in response to receiving at least a threshold amount of packets per a period of time over the wireless link (1) causing the first vehicle and the second vehicle to not start the draw-in portion of the platooning engagement; or', '(2) starting the dissolve portion of the platooning engagement., 'in response to receiving less than the threshold amount of packets per a period of time over the wireless link2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold amount of packets is based at least in part on a distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold amount of packets includes a threshold amount of non-corrupt packets.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the packets are safety critical.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless link is one of a plurality of wireless links ...

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Номер записи: 30
30-04-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING PLATOONS

Номер: US20200135033A1
Автор: Bayley Oliver, Mazonni Marc Ryan, Smartt Brian, Switkes Joshua P, Tam Joyce, Wright Wayne
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, data associated with two or more vehicles is received by a system. The data received by the system may be used by a system to track and analyze fleet locations, activities, and fuel efficiency among other attributes. In some examples, fleets management systems may provide users with granular information regarding hundreds of vehicles and information about their platooning systems. Systems and methods described herein also indicated how fleet management and analysis systems can be used to create safer and more fuel-efficient trips. 1. A method for displaying information about platoonable vehicles comprising:receiving, at an electronic device, a location of a platoonable vehicle, wherein the location is received from the platoonable vehicle, and wherein the electronic device causes a display to display information about the platoonable vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information also includes a distance that the platoonable vehicle has traveled claim 1 , and a distance that the platoonable vehicle has platooned.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the information also includes information about miles traveled and an amount of fuel used and/or saved while platooning.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the information also includes an estimated amount of money saved by platooning.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device further causes the display to display one or more of: a map including information indicating the distance that the platoonable vehicle has traveled claim 1 , a route that the platoonable vehicle has traveled claim 1 , a distance that the platoonable vehicle has platooned claim 1 , and a route that the platoonable vehicle has traveled.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein a user can cause the map to include or exclude the information indicating the route that the platoonable vehicle traveled.7. The method of claim 6 , ...

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Номер записи: 31
16-05-2019 дата публикации

Distributed safety monitors for automated vehicles

Номер: US20190146522A1
Автор: Austin Bennett SCHUH, Charles A. Price, Colleen Kelly TWITTY, John Connelly Kegelman, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen Michael ERLIEN, Todd Christopher Klaus
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Controllers, control architectures, systems and methods are described for controlling a host vehicle's participation in a platoon. In some embodiments, a vehicle control system includes a vehicle controller configured to determine vehicle control commands for at least partially automatically controlling the host vehicle based at least in part on sensor information. The vehicle control commands are arranged to be directly or indirectly utilized by one or more host vehicle control units resident on the host vehicle. The vehicle control system also includes one or more safety monitoring algorithms that, during at least partially automated driving, verify that selected vehicle control commands received from the vehicle controller meet selected safety criteria. At least some of the safety algorithms utilize sensor data in the verification of the commands received from the vehicle controller. The sensor data used by the safety algorithms may come from the host vehicle and/or a second vehicle.

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Номер записи: 32
16-05-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190146523A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A platooning system , comprising:an electronic device configured to determine whether a linking opportunity exists between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the determination is made based on a location and a destination of the first and second vehicles.2. The platooning system of claim 1 , further comprising:a long-range transceiver to communicate the linking opportunity to one or more of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.3. The platooning system of claim 2 , wherein an ordering is received from the long-range transceiver claim 2 , and wherein the ordering is determined based on at least one of: a vehicle weight claim 2 , a vehicle load claim 2 , weather condition claim 2 , road condition claim 2 , fuel remaining claim 2 , fuel saving claim 2 , accrued linking time claim 2 , braking technology claim 2 , brake pad wear claim 2 , a vehicular linking location claim 2 , and a destination address.4. The platooning system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device determines the linking opportunity by minimizing a cost function computed using a distance between the first and second vehicles and a distance between destinations of the first and second vehicles.5. The platooning system of claim 2 , wherein the electronic ...

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Номер записи: 33
09-06-2016 дата публикации

DRIVE TRAIN SLIP FOR VIBRATION MITIGATION DURING SKIP FIRE OPERATION

Номер: US20160159364A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., IMPEDUGLIA John F., PARSELS John W., Switkes Joshua P., WILCUTTS Mark A., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods and devices for mitigating power train vibration during skip fire operation of an engine are described. In one aspect, the slip of a drive train component (such as a torque converter clutch) is based at least in part upon a skip fire characteristic (such as firing fraction, selected firing sequence/pattern, etc.) during skip fire operation of an engine. The modulation of the drive train component slip can also be varied as a function of one or more engine operating parameters such as engine speed and/or a parameter indicative of the output of fired cylinders (such as mass air charge). 1operating an engine in a skip fire operational mode; andmodulating slip of a drive train component based at least in part upon a skip fire characteristic.. A method of mitigating power train vibration during skip fire operation of an engine, the method comprising: This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/963,819, filed on Aug. 9, 2013 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/682,553, filed Aug. 13, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.The present invention relates generally to skip fire control of internal combustion engines. More particularly the slip of a power train component such as a torque converter clutch is used to help mitigate vibration during skip fire operation of an engine.Most vehicles in operation today (and many other devices) are powered by internal combustion (IC) engines. Internal combustion engines typically have a plurality of cylinders or other working chambers where combustion occurs. Under normal driving conditions, the torque generated by an internal combustion engine needs to vary over a wide range in order to meet the operational demands of the driver. Over the years, a number of methods of controlling internal combustion engine torque have been proposed and utilized. Some such approaches contemplate varying the effective displacement of the ...

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Номер записи: 34
23-05-2019 дата публикации

APPLICATIONS FOR USING MASS ESTIMATIONS FOR VEHICLES

Номер: US20190155309A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle. 1. A method , comprising:generating sensor data for a first vehicle;detecting when a braking event occurs on the first vehicle;calculating a mass estimation for the first vehicle based on the generated sensor data, wherein the generated sensor data generated during the braking event is excluded from the calculation; andsharing the calculated mass estimation for the first vehicle with one or more additional vehicle(s).2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calculation of the mass estimation for the first vehicle includes a primary calculation and a secondary calculation.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the primary calculation is conducted indefinitely while the vehicle is operating and is in motion.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the secondary calculation operates over intervals of time.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the generated sensor data used to calculate the secondary calculation is discarded and the secondary calculation is reset.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generated sensor data used for calculating the mass estimation for the first vehicle includes one from the group consisting of:(a) engine torque;(b) transmission gear ratios;(c) GPS or positioning information;(d) wheel speed;(e) actual delivered engine torque;(f) tire pressure;(g) tire condition;(h) presence or position of aerodynamic aids(i) configuration of any trailers;(j) a ...

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Номер записи: 35
21-05-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TRACTOR TRAILERS

Номер: US20200156606A1
Автор: Jones Daniel, Luckevich Mark, PRILEPOV Igor, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the safety of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, a determination is made as to how many trailers are connected to a tractor, and whether those trailers and any dollies are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System. For example, multiple processes for determining whether an Anti-Lock Braking System is operating correctly may be employed to prevent false positives and false negatives. Such processes may determine rates of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units, types of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units, and/or amounts of types of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units. 1. A method for determining whether to cause an action at a vehicle , the method comprising:determine a stability value;executing a first method, wherein the output of the first method is a first value;executing a second method, wherein the output of the second method is a second value;inserting the greater of the first value and the second value into a data structure;in response to a threshold number of values in the data structure being the same, and the threshold number of values in the data structure not being equal to the stability value, causing the action at the vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data structure comprises an array claim 1 , and the threshold number comprises the number of values comprises the amount of values that may be stored in the array.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action comprises authorizing the vehicle to fully apply brakes or deauthorizing the vehicle from fully applying brakes.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action comprises authorizing platooning or deauthorizing platooning.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stability value is is initially set to a value corresponding to a number of trailers and/or dollies connected to a tractor trailer.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first method comprises determining an average amount of ...

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Номер записи: 36
21-05-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TRACTOR TRAILERS

Номер: US20200160721A1
Автор: Jones Daniel, Luckevich Mark, PRILEPOV Igor, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the safety of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, a determination is made as to how many trailers are connected to a tractor, and whether those trailers and any dollies are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System. For example, an average rate of messages that indicate an ABS system is operating correctly may be determined. Also, an amount of messages received within a certain time interval may be determined. Based on whether the average rate is above a threshold amount and whether an amount of messages were received within one or more time intervals a determination may be made as to whether an adverse action occurs such as losing the authority to cause a trailer to brake fully and/or dissolve a platoon. 1. A method for determining whether to cause an action , the method comprising:determining an amount of received messages received during at least one time interval;causing an action in response to the amount of received messages received during each of the at least one time intervals being below a threshold amount of received messages; andrefraining from causing an action in response to the amount of received messages received in the at least one time interval being above the threshold amount of received messages.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining a rate of received messages; andwherein causing an action further comprises the rate being less than a threshold rate in addition to the amount of received messages being received during each of the at least one time intervals being below a threshold amount of received messages, and wherein refraining from causing an action further comprises the rate being greater than a threshold rate instead of or in addition to the amount of received messages received in the at least one time interval being above a threshold amount of received messages.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the action is an adverse action claim 1 , and wherein the messages ...

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Номер записи: 37
21-05-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TRACTOR TRAILERS

Номер: US20200160723A1
Автор: Herbert Mark, Jones Daniel, Luckevich Mark, PRILEPOV Igor, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for increasing the safety of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, a determination is made as to how many trailers are connected to a tractor, and whether those trailers and any dollies are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System. For example, multiple processes for determining whether an Anti-Lock Braking System is operating correctly may be employed to prevent false positives and false negatives. Such processes may determine rates of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units, types of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units, and/or amounts of types of messages received from Anti-Lock Braking System units. 1. A method for ordering vehicles in a platoon , the method comprising:establishing a wireless connection between two or more platoonable vehicles, wherein the wireless connection enables the two or more platoonable vehicles to platoon with each other;receiving trailer information indicating one or more braking systems of a trailer connected to a first vehicle of the two or more platoonable vehicles are malfunctioning; (1) become a lead vehicle in a platoon; or', '(2) maintain its position as a lead vehicle in a platoon., 'in response to receiving the trailer information, causing the first vehicle of the two or more platoonable vehicles connected to the trailer to2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more braking systems include an automatic braking system.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the received trailer information is received by the lead vehicle in the platoon via the wireless connection.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the received trailer information is received by a following vehicle in the platoon via the wireless connection.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first vehicle of the two or more platoonable vehicles becomes the lead vehicle in the platoon or maintains its position as the lead vehicle in the platoon in response to the mass of the first vehicle of the two or ...

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Номер записи: 38
18-09-2014 дата публикации

Engine diagnostics with skip fire control

Номер: US20140261309A1
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Mark A. Shost, Shikui Kevin Chen, Steven E. CARLSON, Xin Yuan
Принадлежит: Tula Technology Inc

Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.

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Номер записи: 39
06-06-2019 дата публикации

PLATOON CONTROLLER STATE MACHINE

Номер: US20190171225A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems, methods, controllers and algorithms for controlling a vehicle to closely follow another vehicle safely using automatic or partially automatic control are described. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, methods of initiating a platoon between a host vehicle and a platoon partner are described. In another aspect, a number of specific checks are described for determining whether a platoon controller is ready to initiate platoon control of the host vehicle. In another aspect, a platoon controller that includes a state machine that determines the state of the platoon controller is described. In another aspect, methods for generating braking alerts to a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is being at least semi-automatically controlled by a platoon controller are described. 1. A method of initiating a platoon between a host vehicle and a platoon partner , the method comprising:establishing communications with the platoon partner;sending a host vehicle ready to platoon message to the platoon partner;receiving a platoon partner ready to platoon message; andinitiating a platoon between the host vehicle and the platoon partner.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:receiving a message that the platoon partner's platoon control system is ready to platoon.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the host vehicle ready to platoon message is sent to the platoon partner after the platoon partner's platoon control system ready message has been received.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the host vehicle ready to platoon message is sent only to the platoon partner.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the host vehicle system ready to platoon message is sent to the platoon partner when the platoon controller on the host vehicle is determined to be ready to platoon.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the platoon partner ready to ...

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Номер записи: 40
06-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190171228A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. In a computerized vehicular convoying control system , a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the convoying method comprising:communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;determining a gap to be established and maintained between the ordered lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; andcontrolling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; andwherein at least one of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle use a cruise control system to set the speed, and the cruise control system speed set-point is determined in part by one or more of the grade angle of the road and the upcoming road.2. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe cruise control system also provides an optimization of the transmission gear.3. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe cruise control system also provides an optimization of the fuel economy.4. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration comprises commanding engine torque.5. The method of claim 4 , whereinthe step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration also comprises controlling braking.6. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe communication link is a wireless link using at least two inter-vehicular transceivers.7. The method of claim 6 , whereinthe at least two inter-vehicular transceivers are further configured to transmit and ...

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Номер записи: 41
06-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190171229A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. In a computerized vehicular convoying control system , a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the convoying method comprising:communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;determining a gap to be established and maintained between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle; andcontrolling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration comprises commanding engine torque.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration also comprises controlling braking.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication link is a wireless link using at least two inter-vehicular transceivers.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication link is a long range communication system comprising a central server.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the central server communicates with both the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the communication link provides a data link.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration comprises monitoring the gap between the lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of monitoring the gap between the lead vehicle and at ...

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Номер записи: 42
06-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190171230A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. In a computerized vehicular convoying control system , a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the convoying method comprising:communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;determining a close following gap distance to be established and maintained between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;controlling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle to be the close following gap distance;receiving an input signal to increase the gap; andincreasing the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe step of increasing the gap increases the gap to a normal following distance.3. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprisingafter increasing the gap, detecting if a merged vehicle is in the gap; and,if no merged vehicle is in the gap, restoring the gap to the close following gap distance.4. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration comprises commanding engine torque.5. The method of claim 4 , whereinthe step of controlling the acceleration and deceleration also comprises controlling braking.6. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe step of increasing the gap is achieved by commanding engine torque and/or braking.7. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe communication link is a wireless link using at least two inter- ...

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Номер записи: 43
06-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190171231A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. In a computerized vehicular convoying control system , a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the convoying method comprising:communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;determining a gap to be established and maintained between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;controlling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; andmonitoring for one or more hazardous conditions, and,upon detection of the one or more hazardous conditions, braking at least the follower vehicle and allowing the gap to increase.2. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe at least one hazardous condition is selected from the group consisting of:a lane drift, a lane obstacle, a road surface hazard such as wet or icy conditions, a truck malfunction including tire blowouts or other mechanical problems, location and direction of travel of pedestrians or animals in the lane of travel, or headed toward the lane of travel, and construction zones or equipment or personnel.3. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprisingupon detection of the one or more hazardous conditions, braking the lead vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , whereinupon detection of the one or more hazardous conditions, the controller provides an alert.5. The method of claim 4 , whereinthe alert is selected from the group consisting of:a braking jerk, a small braking command, ...

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Номер записи: 44
06-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190171232A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. A convoy-capable vehicle equipped with a computerized vehicular convoying control system , the convoy-capable vehicle comprising:a computerized convoying controller coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) and configured to monitor and control acceleration and deceleration of the convoy-capable vehicle;a transceiver configured to facilitate communications between the convoy-capable vehicle and at least one other convoy-capable vehicle, whereinthe vehicle additionally has an aerodynamic design optimized for the purpose of convoying.2. The vehicle of claim 1 , whereinthe vehicle is a tractor trailer truck, andthe aerodynamic design is the design of at least one of: the tractor or the trailer.3. The vehicle of claim 1 , whereinthe aerodynamic design comprises at least one aerodynamic feature optimized for the purpose of convoying.4. The vehicle of claim 3 , whereinthe at least one aerodynamic feature is adjustable, and whereinthe convoying controller is further configured to control the adjustable aerodynamic feature.5. The vehicle of claim 1 , whereinthe control of acceleration and deceleration comprises commanding engine torque.6. The vehicle of claim 5 , whereinthe control of acceleration and deceleration also comprises controlling braking.7. An aerodynamic aid for optimizing airflow over a tractor trailer truck comprising:one or more accessories on one or more of:the top, bottom, sides, front, and back of the tractor trailer truck,said one or more accessories being adjustable to convert between configurations such that the truck is one of ...

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Номер записи: 45
13-06-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190179341A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to closely follow one another safely through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. In a computerized vehicular convoying control system , a vehicular convoying method for controlling a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the convoying method comprising:communicating data over a communication link between the at least one follower vehicle and the lead vehicle;computing an ordering of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle based at least in part on one or more estimations of vehicle mass;determining a gap to be established and maintained between the ordered lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; andcontrolling acceleration and deceleration of the at least one follower vehicle to maintain the gap between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/607,316, filed May 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/292,583, filed May 30, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,665,102, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/542,622, filed Jul. 5, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,744,666, all of which are entitled “Systems and Methods for Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoys” and are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/542,622 claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Appn. Ser. No. 61/505,076, filed on Jul. 6, 2011, which is entitled “Systems and Methods for Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying” and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.Additionally, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/292,583 is a ...

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Номер записи: 46
18-09-2014 дата публикации

CAM PHASER CONTROL

Номер: US20140277999A1
Автор: Switkes Joshua P., YOUNKINS Matthew A., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Arrangements for stabilizing valve timing adjustment mechanisms such as cam phasers during operation of an engine are described. The described approaches are particularly well suited for use during skip fire control, although they may be used advantageously in other applications as well. In general, the phase of an adjustable phase camshaft is controlled relative to a crankshaft of an engine. In one aspect, at least one of (i) firing events in a skip fire firing sequence, and (ii) dynamically determined valve actuation events are used in the control of the camshaft phase during operation of the engine. In some embodiments, hydraulic pressure within a cam phaser is varied in a manner that maintains the phase of the camshaft substantially more stable through transitory variations in torque applied to the camshaft by the actuation of the valves than would occur without the variations in hydraulic pressure. 2. A method as recited in wherein a cam phaser is used to vary the phase of the camshaft and the knowledge of at least one of the firing events and the valve actuation events is used in the control of hydraulic pressure within a chamber of the cam phaser.3. A method as recited in wherein the hydraulic pressure is varied in a manner that maintains the phase of the camshaft substantially more stable through transitory variations in torque applied to the camshaft by the actuation of the at least one engine valve than would occur without the variations in hydraulic pressure.4. A method as recited in wherein the phase control is performed while the engine is operated in a skip fire manner with valve deactivation.5. A method as recited in wherein the timing of valve actuation events is determined based at least in part on information regarding directed firing events and the determined valve actuation event timing is used in the control of hydraulic pressure within a cam phaser.6. A method as recited in further comprising:dynamically determining an estimated applied ...

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Номер записи: 47
18-09-2014 дата публикации

USING CYLINDER FIRING HISTORY FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL IN A SKIP FIRE ENGINE

Номер: US20140278007A1
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., CHANDLER Christopher W., CHIEN Li-Chun, HAND Christopher C., Switkes Joshua P., WILCUTTS Mark A., YOUNKINS Matthew A., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит:

Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history. 1. An engine controller for an internal combustion engine operated in a skip fire manner , the engine controller comprising:a firing counter that stores a firing history of a working chamber in the engine; anda combustion control module that is arranged to determine a combustion control parameter that helps manage combustion in the working chamber wherein the determination of the combustion control parameter is based at least in part on the firing history.2. An engine controller as recited in wherein the combustion control parameter is selected from the group consisting of injection timing claim 1 , injection pulse width claim 1 , fuel pressure claim 1 , ignition dwell time claim 1 , valve lift and cam phasing.3. An engine controller as recited in wherein the firing history indicates at least one selected from the group consisting of 1) a number of consecutive skips since a fire; 2) a number of skips over a plurality of consecutive working cycles of the working chamber; and 3) a number of fires and skips over a plurality of consecutive working cycles of the working chamber.4. An engine controller as recited in wherein:the firing counter is arranged to store a plurality of firing histories for a plurality of working chambers, respectively; andthe firing counter is arranged to store a distinct firing history for each working chamber.5. An engine controller as recited in wherein the firing histories indicate that the working chambers were operated in a skip fire manner such that selected ...

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Номер записи: 48
26-07-2018 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOTE AUTHORIZATION OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE OPERATION

Номер: US20180210457A1
Автор: Price Charles A., SMARTT Brian E., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data. 1. A method of remotely authorizing vehicle automation for one or more vehicles out of a plurality of vehicles , the vehicle automation including autonomous operation of the one or more vehicles , the method comprising:analyzing, at a network operations center (NOC), external conditions in a vicinity of one or more of the plurality of vehicles, the external conditions being selected from the group consisting of location, time of day, road conditions, weather, and traffic;analyzing, at the NOC, internal conditions relating to the one or more of the plurality of vehicles, the internal conditions being selected from the group consisting of vehicle characteristics, vehicle position, vehicle route, vehicle destination, heading, and platooning availability; andresponsive to the analyzing of the external and internal conditions, authorizing, at the NOC, the autonomous operation of at least one of the plurality of vehicles;the authorizing enabling the at least one vehicle to engage in autonomous operation.2. ...

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Номер записи: 49
26-07-2018 дата публикации

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING PRE-COGNITION BRAKING AND/OR AVOIDING OR MITIGATION RISKS AMONG PLATOONING VEHICLES

Номер: US20180210462A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A system and method for mitigating or avoiding risks due to hazards encountered by platooning vehicles. The system and method involve interrogating, with one or more sensors, a space radially extending from a lead vehicle as the lead vehicle travels over the road surface, perceiving the environment within the space, ascertaining a hazard caused by an object in the space, and causing a following vehicle, operating in a platoon with the lead vehicle, to take a preemptive braking action to avoid or mitigate risks resulting from the hazard caused by the object in the space. 1. A method of controlling at least partially a following vehicle in a platoon , the method comprising:receiving sensed information from a lead vehicle that is traveling in front of the following vehicle in the platoon;based on the received sensed information, determining whether a road hazard exists; andif a road hazard is determined to exist, initiating a preemptive action on or by the following vehicle, the preemptive action initiated without waiting for the lead vehicle to react to the potential hazard.2. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the preemptive action includes initiating a dissolution of the platoon.3. A method as recited in further comprising maintaining a gap between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle while operating in the platoon claim 1 , wherein the preemptive action includes increasing the gap between the lead and following vehicles without dissolving the platoon.4. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the preemptive action is to cause the following vehicle to reduce its velocity relative to the lead vehicle.5. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sensed information includes information sensed using at least one of a radar unit claim 1 , a LIDAR unit claim 1 , or a camera.6. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sensed information provides information about a scene claim 1 , the scene located either ahead claim 1 , behind or adjacent to the lead ...

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Номер записи: 50
26-07-2018 дата публикации

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING PRE-COGNITION BRAKING AND/OR AVOIDING OR MITIGATION RISKS AMONG PLATOONING VEHICLES

Номер: US20180210463A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A system and method for mitigating or avoiding risks due to hazards encountered by platooning vehicles. The system and method involve interrogating, with one or more sensors, a space radially extending from a lead vehicle as the lead vehicle travels over the road surface, perceiving the environment within the space, ascertaining a hazard caused by an object in the space, and causing a following vehicle, operating in a platoon with the lead vehicle, to take a preemptive braking action to avoid or mitigate risks resulting from the hazard caused by the object in the space. 1. A system arranged to operate onboard a first vehicle , the system configured to:receive data from one or more sensors not physically attached to the first vehicle that is/are arranged to sense a driving condition; andmake one or more control decisions to control operation of the first vehicle at least in part based on the received data.2. The system of claim 1 , further arranged to take a preemptive action to avoid or mitigate risk associated with a hazardous condition as indicated by the received data.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the system is further arranged to categorize the hazardous condition into one of a multiplicity of tiered threat levels claim 2 , and the preemptive action is commensurate with a tiered level selected among the multiplicity of tiered threat levels.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the multiplicity of tiered threat levels include a pre-warming level claim 3 , a moderate security threat level claim 3 , a high security threat level and a emergency threat level.5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the preemptive action comprises one or more of the following:braking the first vehiclesteering the first vehicle;accelerating the first vehicle;shifting gears on the first vehicle;recalculating a route to be driven by the first vehicle; and/or changing a control mode of an automation system on the first vehicle.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more control ...

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Номер записи: 51
26-07-2018 дата публикации

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING PRE-COGNITION BRAKING AND/OR AVOIDING OR MITIGATION RISKS AMONG PLATOONING VEHICLES

Номер: US20180210464A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A system and method for mitigating or avoiding risks due to hazards encountered by platooning vehicles. The system and method involve interrogating, with one or more sensors, a space radially extending from a lead vehicle as the lead vehicle travels over the road surface, perceiving the environment within the space, ascertaining a hazard caused by an object in the space, and causing a following vehicle, operating in a platoon with the lead vehicle, to take a preemptive braking action to avoid or mitigate risks resulting from the hazard caused by the object in the space. 1. A system arranged to operate on a following vehicle in a platoon with a lead vehicle , the system configured to:receive a notice at the following vehicle from the lead vehicle of a braking event by the lead vehicle;in response to the notice, braking the following vehicle before the lead vehicle decelerates, the braking of the following vehicle before the lead vehicle deceleration resulting in an increase of a gap between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , in response to the notice claim 1 , coordinating the deceleration of the following vehicle such that the following vehicle reduces velocity more than the lead vehicle.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , in response to the notice claim 1 , coordinating the braking between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle such that the following vehicle reduces speed by (X) meters per second and the lead vehicle reduces speed by (Y) meters per second claim 1 , where (X) is greater than (Y).4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , in response to the notice claim 1 , coordinating the braking between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle by pressurizing pneumatic brakes on the following vehicle and applying the brakes on the following vehicle before the lead vehicle.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a first communication gateway on the lead ...

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Номер записи: 52
09-10-2014 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20140303870A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle , the control system comprising:at least one vehicular motion sensor configured to measure acceleration and deceleration of a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle while moving;a vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a separation distance between at least the rear of the lead vehicle and the front of the at least one follower vehicle;a transceiver for communicating among the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle including communicating measured acceleration and deceleration and separation distance;computerized controller configured to receive the measured acceleration and deceleration and separation distance and and to control acceleration and deceleration of one of a lead vehicle and at least one follower vehicle to thereby maintain a safe vehicular spacing between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle; anda user interface configured to provide vehicular data to a driver and.2. The convoying control system of wherein the controller is coupled to an engine control unit (ECU) of one of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.3. The convoying control system of wherein the vehicular separation sensor includes at least one of a distance sensor and a relative speed sensor.4. The convoying control system of wherein the vehicular separation sensor is further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle.5. ...

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Номер записи: 53
25-06-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING PLATOONING BEHAVIOR

Номер: US20200201356A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., Kuszmaul James, Rosario Carlos J., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for managing platooning vehicles are described herein. In one aspect, a first vehicle may transmit information to a second vehicle indicating one or more conditions, such as an amount of brake applied at the first vehicle. Based on the condition received at a controller in the second vehicle, the controller in the second vehicle may adjust how it operates. For example, the controller in the second vehicle may adjust how much emphasis it places on one type of input as opposed to another. 1. A method for managing at least partially automated vehicles comprising:establishing a wireless communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are at least partially automated and communicate via the wireless communication link;detecting, at one or more sensors on the first vehicle and/or second vehicle, one or more conditions; andadjusting an electronic control unit, based on the detected one or more conditions, to place more weight on a first input than a second input or more weight on the second input than the first input.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions comprise an amount of brake applied at the first vehicle claim 1 , wherein placing more weight on the first input than the second input causes the second vehicle to brake hard claim 1 , and wherein placing more weight on the second input than the first input causes the second vehicle to brake in response to information received from a distance sensor.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least partially automated vehicles are capable of platooning.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the detected one or more conditions include an amount of brake applied at the first vehicle.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the amount of brake applied at the first vehicle is either a hard brake or a light brake.6. The method of claim 4 , wherein placing more weight on the first input causes the second vehicle to perform a hard ...

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Номер записи: 54
26-07-2018 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR GENERATING TRAVEL FORECASTS FOR VEHICLE PAIRING

Номер: US20180211544A1
Автор: Price Charles A., SMARTT Brian E., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data. 1. A method of generating a travel forecast for pairing of vehicles from a plurality of vehicles to form a platoon , the method comprising:a) receiving, in a processor, position information for a first vehicle from the plurality of vehicles;b) retrieving routing information for he first vehicle by either accessing the routing information stored in memory associated with the processor or determining, in the processor, the routing information based on a set of known acceptable routes stored in the memory;c) comparing, in a processor, the position information of the first vehicle to the routing information;d) determining maximum and minimum times for the first vehicle to reach an area on a route based at least in part on the position information and the routing information together with expected respective speeds of the plurality of vehicles; ande) generating the travel forecast for the first vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:f) communicating the travel forecast for the first vehicle ...

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Номер записи: 55
26-07-2018 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REMOTE AUTHORIZATION OF VEHICLE PLATOONING

Номер: US20180211545A1
Автор: Price Charles A., SMARTT Brian E., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data. 1. A method of forming a platoon between at least first and second vehicles out of a plurality of vehicles , wherein one of the vehicles will be a lead vehicle in the platoon and one of the vehicles will be a following vehicle in the platoon , the method comprising:analyzing, at a network operations center (NOC), external conditions in a vicinity of two or more of the plurality of vehicles, the external conditions being selected from the group consisting of location, time of day, road conditions, weather, and traffic;analyzing, at the NOC, internal conditions relating to two or more of the plurality of vehicles, the internal conditions being selected from the group consisting of vehicle characteristics, vehicle position, vehicle route, vehicle destination, heading, and platooning availability;responsive to the analyzing of the external and internal conditions, authorizing, at the NOC, formation of the platoon, wherein authorizing formation of the platoon includes:specifying a first location at which ...

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Номер записи: 56
26-07-2018 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR AUTHORIZATION OF VEHICLE PLATOONING

Номер: US20180211546A1
Автор: Price Charles A., SMARTT Brian E., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the authorizing further comprises:specifying which two of the plurality of vehicles are authorized to form the platoon; andspecifying which of those two vehicles will be the lead vehicle and which will be the following vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the authorizing comprises transmitting one or more data packets containing information to:specify the first location; andspecify the second location.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the authorizing further comprises transmitting one or more data packets containing information to:specify a gap between the lead and following vehicles.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the authorizing further comprises transmitting one or more further data packets containing information to change one or more of the first location claim 4 , the second location claim 4 , or the gap.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the road conditions comprise one or more items selected from the group consisting of road type claim 1 , road ...

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Номер записи: 57
02-08-2018 дата публикации

GAP MEASUREMENT FOR VEHICLE CONVOYING

Номер: US20180217610A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., JACOBS John L., Pleines Stephan, SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for identifying the back of a particular vehicle (e.g., a platoon partner) in a set of distance measurement scenes and/or for tracking the back of such a vehicle. The described techniques can be used in conjunction with a variety of different distance measuring technologies including radar, LIDAR, camera based distance measuring units and others. The described approaches are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying systems including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications. In another aspect, technique are described for fusing sensor data obtained from different vehicles for use in the at least partial automatic control of a particular vehicle. The described techniques are well suited for use in conjunction with a variety of different vehicle control applications including platooning, convoying and other connected driving applications including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications. 120.-. (canceled)21. A method comprising:at a first vehicle, sensing information about the distance from the first vehicle to a second vehicle using a first sensor while the first and second vehicles are in motion;receiving at the first vehicle from the second vehicle, information about the second vehicle via a communication link;utilizing the received second vehicle information in a determination of whether the sensed information about the distance to the second vehicle is a valid measurement of the distance; andat least partially automatically controlling the first vehicle based at least in part on an aspect of the sensed information about the second vehicle.22. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the communication link is a wireless radio frequency communication link selected from the group consisting of:a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) protocol,a Citizen's Band (CB) Radio channel,one or more General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) bands, andone or more Family Radio ...

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Номер записи: 58
25-07-2019 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT VEHICLES

Номер: US20190225142A1
Автор: Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Aspects of example systems and methods described herein discuss providing indications from a vehicle to other locations based on a variety of attributes. Indications may take the form of an indicator message. Indications may include information associated with whether one or more vehicles are platooning. Indications may be prevented from being distributed if one or more vehicles are not platooning. Law enforcement may be able to receive information indicating whether a vehicle is platooning in order to know whether to issue a ticket to the vehicle. 1. A method indicating a that a first connected vehicle of one or more connected vehicles is traveling in at least a partially automated status , comprising:transmitting an indication of at least some of a first connected vehicle's capabilities and/or at least a portion of the first connected vehicle's status to nearby vehicles that are not one of the one or more connected vehicles.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:transmitting the indication of the at least some of the first connected vehicle's capabilities and/or the at least a portion of the first connected vehicle's status to a remote server or a network operations center (NOC), wherein the remote server or the NOC are configured to provide the at least some of the first connected vehicle's capabilities and/or the at least a portion of the first connected vehicle's status to a third party.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the third party consists of law enforcement.4. A method for providing an indicator message claim 2 , comprising:detecting whether a first vehicle is platooning; 'continuing to monitor whether the first vehicle is platooning; and', 'in response to the first vehicle not platooning preparing an indicator message for transmission; and', 'transmitting the indicator message., 'in response to the first vehicle platooning5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the indicator message is transmitted regardless of whether the first vehicle is not ...

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Номер записи: 59
24-08-2017 дата публикации

SENSOR FUSION FOR AUTONOMOUS OR PARTIALLY AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE CONTROL

Номер: US20170242095A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for fusing sensor data obtained from different vehicles for use in the at least partial automatic control of a particular vehicle. The described techniques are well suited for use in conjunction with a variety of different vehicle control applications including platooning, convoying and other connected driving applications including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications. 1. A method comprising:at a first vehicle, sensing information about a second vehicle using a first sensor while the first and second vehicles are driving;receiving at the first vehicle from the second vehicle, information about the second vehicle;utilizing the received second vehicle information to help determine whether the sensed information about the second vehicle is a valid measurement of the second vehicle; andat least partially automatically controlling the first vehicle based at least in part on an aspect of the sensed information about the second vehicle.2. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the information received at the first vehicle from the second vehicle is received over a radio frequency communication link selected from the group consisting of:a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) protocol IEEE 802.11p,a Citizen's Band (CB) Radio channel,one or more General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) bands, andone or more Family Radio Service (FRS) bands.3. A method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first sensor at least measures a distance to the second vehicle.4. A method as recited in claim 3 , wherein the first sensor is a radar unit and the sensed information includes a relative position and a relative velocity of the second vehicle.5. A method as recited in claim 3 , wherein the first sensor is selected from the group consisting of:a LIDAR unit,a sonar unit,a time-of-flight distance sensor,a sensor configured to receive a signal transmitted from a beacon on the second vehicle,a camera, anda stereo camera ...

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Номер записи: 60
24-08-2017 дата публикации

Gap measurement for vehicle convoying

Номер: US20170242443A1
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, John L. Jacobs, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephan Pleines, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for identifying the back of a particular vehicle (e.g., a platoon partner) in a set of distance measurement scenes and/or for tracking the back of such a vehicle. The described techniques can be used in conjunction with a variety of different distance measuring technologies including radar, LIDAR, camera based distance measuring units and others. The described approaches are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying systems including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications.

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Номер записи: 61
08-08-2019 дата публикации

DYNAMIC GAP CONTROL FOR AUTOMATED DRIVING

Номер: US20190241185A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., KUSZMAUL James B., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for controlling a vehicle to closely follow one another safely using automatic or partially automatic control. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, a power plant (such as an engine) is controlled using a control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a first target gap between the vehicles. Brakes (such as wheel brakes) are controlled in a manner configured to attain and maintain a second (shorter) target gap. Such control allows a certain degree of encroachment on the targeted gap (sometimes referred to as a gap tolerance) before the brakes are actuated. The described approaches facilitate a safe and comfortable rider experience and reduce the likelihood of the brakes being actuated unnecessarily. 1. A method of controlling a first vehicle to at least partially automatically maintain separation from a second vehicle while driving , the first vehicle having a power plant and brakes , the method comprising:automatically controlling an output of the power plant during driving in accordance with a power plant output control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a first target gap between the first and the second vehicles; andautomatically controlling the brakes during driving in accordance with a braking control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a second target gap during first selected operating conditions, the second target gap being shorter than the first target gap.2. A method as recited in wherein:the difference between the first and second target gaps is a gap tolerance; andthe gap tolerance varies at least in part based on a current actual gap between the first and second vehicles.3. A method as recited in wherein the power plant is an engine and the controlled brakes are wheel brakes.4. A method as recited in wherein the first and second target gaps ...

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Номер записи: 62
14-09-2017 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20170261997A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more opportunities to form a convoy , the control system comprising:a central server remote from the plurality of vehicles, the central server responsive to information regarding the plurality of vehicles to determine a linking opportunity between at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle in the plurality of vehicles to form the convoy;the information regarding the plurality of vehicles being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type; anda long-range Vehicular transceiver configured to enable the central server to communicate the linking opportunity to at least one of the first and second vehicles in the plurality of vehicles;the communication of the linking opportunity being such that the first and second vehicles can initiate formation of the convoy.2. The convoying control system of claim 1 , wherein the central server determines the linking opportunity between the first and second vehicles using the location and the destination of each of the first and second vehicles.3. The convoying control system of wherein the central server determines an ordering of the lead vehicle and the at least one follower vehicle in accordance with at least one of: a vehicle weight claim 2 , a vehicle load claim 2 , weather condition claim 2 , road condition claim 2 , fuel remaining claim 2 , fuel saving claim 2 , accrued linking time claim 2 , braking ...

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Номер записи: 63
29-08-2019 дата публикации

APPLICATIONS FOR USING MASS ESTIMATIONS FOR VEHICLES

Номер: US20190265726A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle. 1. A method for platooning , comprising:performing, at one or more electronic devices, calculations for a first mass estimation for a first vehicle and a second mass estimation;determining, at the one or more electronic devices, an ordering of the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on the first mass estimation and the second; andtransmitting, from the first vehicle to the second vehicle, information associated with the ordering.2. The method for platooning of claim 1 , wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle assume an assigned position at a rendezvous location.3. The method for platooning of claim 2 , further comprising:comparing the first mass estimation for the first vehicle and the second mass estimation for the vehicle;determining the assigned position based on which of the first vehicle and the second vehicle has the larger mass estimation; anddetermining the assigned following position based on which of the first vehicle and the second vehicle has the smaller mass estimation.4. The method for platooning of claim 1 , further comprising sharing the first mass estimation of the first vehicle with the second vehicle and the second mass estimation of the second vehicle with the first vehicle.5. The method for platooning of claim 1 , further comprising:generating commands at the first vehicle while the first and second vehicles are platooning ...

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Номер записи: 64
12-09-2019 дата публикации

VEHICLE CONVOYING USING SATELLITE NAVIGATION AND INTER-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION

Номер: US20190279513A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., JACOBS John L., OConnor Michael, Pleines Stephan, SCHUH Austin B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The system and methods comprising various aspects of the invention described herein disclose the coordination the platooning vehicles, including embodiments in which the same subset of satellite signals from a GNSS is used by all platooning vehicles to determine coordinates for position, relative position, and/or velocity. By using a uniform set of satellites for navigation calculations, discrepancies between the systems on different vehicles can be reduced, and a more uniform accuracy is achieved, allowing more predictable platooning. 1. A method for determining position coordinates for one or more vehicles from a plurality of vehicles , wherein each vehicle is equipped with a receiver for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and the ability to compute position using GNSS pseudoranging data , the method comprising:a) determining a first set of GNSS satellites in view for the first vehicle;b) determining a second set of GNSS satellites in view for the second vehicle;c) determining a first subset of GNSS satellites that are common to both the first set and second set of GNSS satellites; andd) relying, by the first vehicle, on pseudoranging data from the first subset of GNSS satellites to compute position.2. The method of claim 1 , whereinthe determined position coordinates are relative position coordinates for the one or more vehicles.3. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprisingrelying, by at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle,only on pseudoranging data from the first subset of GNSS satellites to compute velocity.4. The method of claim 3 , whereinthe computed velocity is a relative velocity.5. The method of claim 1 , whereinstep a) occurs on the first vehicle; andstep b) occurs on the second vehicle.6. The method of claim 5 , whereinstep c) occurs on the first vehicle;the method additionally comprising:wirelessly transmitting identifiers for the second set of GNSS satellites from the second vehicle to the first vehicle; andsharing the ...

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Номер записи: 65
26-10-2017 дата публикации

VEHICLE PLATOONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20170308097A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more opportunities to form a convoy of a lead vehicle and at least one following vehicle , the control system comprising , on the at least one following vehicle:a first computerized controller, responsive to remotely-transmitted information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and configured to compute a smooth trajectory for the at least one following vehicle as part of the identification of the opportunity to convoy, the information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type;a first inter-vehicular transceiver configured to enable communications between the first computerized controller and a second computerized controller on the lead vehicle;a first vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a distance between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and to provide such distance and relative speed to the first ...

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Номер записи: 66
01-11-2018 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20180314267A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A method for commanding torque , comprising:receiving information about a second vehicle via a communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle;receiving information from a sensor system regarding a gap between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; andcommanding torque of the first vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information about a second vehicle is received by a computerized controller on the first vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information from a sensor system is received by the computerized controller on the first vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the torque of the first vehicle is commanded by the computerized controller on the first vehicle.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the commanded torque is engine torque.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein commanding the engine torque of the first vehicle controls the gap.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein controlling the gap comprises maintaining the gap distance to a predetermined value.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein a communication link comprises a link that transmits and receives information between the first vehicle and the second vehicle through a third vehicle.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information about a ...

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Номер записи: 67
15-10-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TRACTOR-TRAILERS

Номер: US20200324763A1
Автор: LAUBINGER Lorenz, Laws Shad M., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for causing a vehicle to avoid an adverse action are described. In one aspect, a sensor on first vehicle may determine the existence and location of lane markers or objects, and use that information to cause a second vehicle to avoid exiting its lane or colliding with an object. Data transmitted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle may be used to determine a path for the second vehicle, such that it avoids an adverse action. This data may include information used to determine a pose of the second vehicle, kinematics of the second vehicle, determine dimensions of the second vehicle, and potential adverse actions. This data may be transmitted while the vehicles are platooning. 1. A method for causing a first tractor-trailer to avoid departing a lane or colliding with an object comprising:establishing a communication link between the first tractor-trailer and a second tractor-trailer;determining a path for the first tractor-trailer; andcausing the first tractor-trailer to avoid departing the lane or colliding with the object based on the determined path.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first tractor-trailer and the second tractor-trailer are platooning.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein platooning comprises controlling one or more brakes of the second tractor-trailer by the first tractor-trailer via the communication link.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the path is determined at the first tractor-trailer.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the path is determined at the second tractor-trailer.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the path is determined at least in part at a location remote from the first tractor-trailer and the second tractor-trailer.7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more dimensions of the first tractor-trailer are determined by the second tractor-trailer.8. The method of claim 3 , wherein determining the path for the first tractor-trailer occurs at the second tractor-trailer.9. The method of claim 1 , further ...

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Номер записи: 68
15-10-2020 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLATOONING

Номер: US20200324768A1
Автор: Erlein Stephen, Laing Trevor, Schuh Austin, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for platooning using aspects of various cruise control systems are described. In one aspect, a platooning system may cause an engine to provide a desired amount of torque by commanding a cruise control system to cause an amount of torque provided by the engine to be limited. In one aspect, a platooning system may cause a platoon to end in response to the detection of a condition that would cause a cruise control system to exit a cruise control state, such as pressing a brake pedal. 1. A method for commanding a rear vehicle , comprising:establishing a wireless link between a front vehicle and the rear vehicle;initiating a platoon between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle via the wireless link;transmitting, from a platooning system to a cruise control system, data indicating a first desired amount of torque;receiving, at the cruise control system, the data indicating the first desired amount of torque;transmitting, from the cruise control system to an engine electronic control unit (EECU) in the rear vehicle, data indicating a second desired amount of torque, wherein the data indicating the second desired amount of torque is based at least in part on the data indicating the first desired amount of torque; andcausing the EECU in the rear vehicle to control an amount of torque produced by an engine in the rear vehicle, wherein the amount of torque produced by the engine in the rear vehicle is based on the second desired amount of torque.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the EECU in the rear vehicle to control the amount of torque produced by the engine in the rear vehicle is based on a desired gap between the front vehicle and the second vehicle while the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are platooning.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:limiting, at the EECU in the rear vehicle, the amount of torque produced by the rear vehicle.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the amount of torque to limit is determined at least in part ...

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Номер записи: 69
30-11-2017 дата публикации

PLATOON CONTROLLER STATE MACHINE

Номер: US20170344023A1
Автор: ERLIEN Stephen M., LAUBINGER Lorenz, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

Systems, methods, controllers and algorithms for controlling a vehicle to closely follow another vehicle safely using automatic or partially automatic control are described. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, methods of initiating a platoon between a host vehicle and a platoon partner are described. In another aspect, a number of specific checks are described for determining whether a platoon controller is ready to initiate platoon control of the host vehicle. In another aspect, a platoon controller that includes a state machine that determines the state of the platoon controller is described. In another aspect, methods for generating braking alerts to a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is being at least semi-automatically controlled by a platoon controller are described. 1. A method of initiating a platoon between a host vehicle and a platoon partner , the method comprising:establishing communications with the platoon partner;receiving a message that the platoon partner's platoon control system is ready to platoon;determining whether a platoon controller on the host vehicle is ready to platoon, wherein a multiplicity of platooning prerequisite checks must be met before the host vehicle is determined to be ready to platoon;sending a host system ready to platoon message to the platoon partner, wherein the host system ready to platoon message is only sent to the platoon partner when the platoon controller on the host vehicle is determined to be ready to platoon and after the platoon partner's platoon control system ready message has been received;receiving a platoon partner ready to platoon message indicating that the platoon partner has consented to platooning, wherein the platoon partner ready to platoon message is only received after sending the host system ready to platoon message;informing a driver of the host ...

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Номер записи: 70
22-11-2018 дата публикации

TRANSCEIVER ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR PLATOONING

Номер: US20180337703A1
Автор: "OKeeffe James T.", Birnbaum Thomas J., Price Charles A., Stanek Ganymed B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning. 1. A system for communicating between a plurality of vehicles , each vehicle having at least one side mirror , the system comprising:in each vehicle:at least one dual-channel antenna, mounted in a respective side mirror, andan antenna housing for mounting the at least one dual-channel antenna in the respective side mirror; andthe system further comprising, in each vehicle:a radio connected to the at least one dual-channel antenna in that vehicle to manage transmission and reception of information transmitted and received via the dual-channel antennas.2. The system of claim 1 , whereinboth channels of each dual-channel antenna carry vehicle data.3. The system of claim 1 , whereina single channel of each dual-channel antenna carries audio/video data.4. The system of claim 1 , whereineach dual-channel antenna is implemented on a single printed circuit board.5. The system of claim 1 , whereinthe at least one dual-channel antenna comprises a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are aligned in a collinear direction along a common axis of orientation.6. The system ...

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Номер записи: 71
14-11-2019 дата публикации

Vehicle platooning systems and methods

Номер: US20190346861A1
Автор: Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.

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Номер записи: 72
14-11-2019 дата публикации

VEHICLE PLATOONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20190346862A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more opportunities to form a convoy of a lead vehicle and at least one following vehicle , the control system comprising , on the at least one following vehicle:a first computerized controller, responsive to remotely-transmitted information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and configured to compute a smooth trajectory for the at least one following vehicle as part of the identification of the opportunity to convoy, the information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type;a first inter-vehicular transceiver configured to enable communications between the first computerized controller and a second computerized controller on the lead vehicle;a first vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a distance between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and to provide such distance and relative speed to the first ...

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Номер записи: 73
14-11-2019 дата публикации

VEHICLE PLATOONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20190346863A1
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more opportunities to form a convoy of a lead vehicle and at least one following vehicle , the control system comprising , on the at least one following vehicle:a first computerized controller, responsive to remotely-transmitted information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and configured to compute a smooth trajectory for the at least one following vehicle as part of the identification of the opportunity to convoy, the information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type;a first inter-vehicular transceiver configured to enable communications between the first computerized controller and a second computerized controller on the lead vehicle;a first vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a distance between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and to provide such distance and relative speed to the first ...

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Номер записи: 74
14-11-2019 дата публикации

VEHICLE PLATOONING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Номер: US20190346864A1
Автор: Berdichevsky Eugene, BOYD Stephen Norris, Gerdes Joseph Christian, Lyons Dave Frederick, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит:

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others. 1. A computerized vehicular convoying control system , useful in association with a plurality of vehicles to identify one or more opportunities to form a convoy of a lead vehicle and at least one following vehicle , the control system comprising , on the at least one following vehicle:a first computerized controller, responsive to remotely-transmitted information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and configured to compute a smooth trajectory for the at least one following vehicle as part of the identification of the opportunity to convoy, the information regarding the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle being selected from the group consisting of: vehicle location, vehicle destination, vehicle load, vehicle type, and trailer type;a first inter-vehicular transceiver configured to enable communications between the first computerized controller and a second computerized controller on the lead vehicle;a first vehicular separation sensor configured to detect a distance between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and further configured to detect a relative speed between the lead vehicle and the at least one following vehicle, and to provide such distance and relative speed to the first ...

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Номер записи: 75
29-12-2016 дата публикации

USING CYLINDER FIRING HISTORY FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL IN A SKIP FIRE ENGINE

Номер: US20160377007A9
Автор: CARLSON Steven E., CHANDLER Christopher W., CHIEN Li-Chun, HAND Christopher C., Switkes Joshua P., TRIPATHI Adya S., WILCUTTS Mark A., YOUNKINS Matthew A., YUAN Xin
Принадлежит:

Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history. 1. An engine controller for an internal combustion engine operated in a skip fire manner , the engine controller comprising:a firing counter that stores a firing history of a working chamber in the engine; anda combustion control module that is arranged to determine a combustion control parameter that helps manage combustion in the working chamber wherein the determination of the combustion control parameter is based at least in part on the firing history.2. An engine controller as recited in wherein the combustion control parameter is selected from the group consisting of injection timing claim 1 , injection pulse width claim 1 , fuel pressure claim 1 , ignition dwell time claim 1 , valve lift and cam phasing.3. An engine controller as recited in wherein the firing history indicates at least one selected from the group consisting of 1) a number of consecutive skips since a fire; 2) a number of skips over a plurality of consecutive working cycles of the working chamber; and 3) a number of fires and skips over a plurality of consecutive working cycles of the working chamber.4. An engine controller as recited in wherein:the firing counter is arranged to store a plurality of firing histories for a plurality of working chambers, respectively; andthe firing counter is arranged to store a distinct firing history for each working chamber.5. An engine controller as recited in wherein the firing histories indicate that the working chambers were operated in a skip fire manner such that selected ...

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Номер записи: 76
28-11-2019 дата публикации

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICULAR CONVOYS

Номер: US20190361465A9
Автор: Gerdes Joseph Christian, Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved. 1. A method for convoying a plurality of vehicles , comprising:receiving, by a computerized controller on a first vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles, information about a second vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles via a communication link between the first vehicle and the second vehicle;receiving, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, information from a sensor system regarding a gap distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; andcommanding, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, engine torque of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value, wherein the communication link additionally provides video captured at a camera located in the second vehicle to the first vehicle.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing a display of the video to the driver of the first vehicle.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the video from the camera includes video including a forward-looking view from the second vehicle.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:commanding, by the computerized controller on the first vehicle, braking of the first vehicle to maintain the gap distance to a predetermined value.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first vehicle ...

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Номер записи: 77
19-12-2019 дата публикации

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING VEHICLE DATA

Номер: US20190384322A1
Автор: Laws Shad M., Luckevich Mark S., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, a lead vehicle can wirelessly transmit information from various electronic control units (ECUs) to ECUs in a rear vehicle. A rear vehicle can then apply transformations to the information to account for a desired following distance and a time offset. ECUs onboard the rear vehicle may then be controlled based on the ECUs of the lead vehicle, the desired following distance, and the time offset. 1. A method for maintaining a relationship between a plurality of vehicles , comprising:receiving lead vehicle data from a lead vehicle at a rear vehicle platooning electronic control unit (PECU), wherein the lead vehicle data comprises data provided by multiple electronic control units, wherein the multiple electronic control units include: (1) a lead vehicle engine electronic control unit (EECU), (2) a lead vehicle brake electronic control unit (BECU), (3) a lead vehicle transmission electronic control unit (TECU), and (4) a lead vehicle retarder electronic control unit (RECU), and wherein the rear vehicle PECU is remote from a rear vehicle EECU;receiving a current distance between the lead vehicle and the rear vehicle at the rear vehicle PECU;receiving a target distance between the lead vehicle and the rear vehicle at the rear vehicle PECU;determining a distance difference between the target distance and the current distance;determining a time offset based at least in part on the speed of the rear vehicle and the speed of the lead vehicle;achieving the target distance between the lead vehicle and the rear vehicle, wherein achieving the target distance is based at least on the distance difference and the time offset.2. ...

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Номер записи: 78
26-12-2019 дата публикации

TRANSCEIVER ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR PLATOONING

Номер: US20190393917A1
Автор: "OKeeffe James T.", Birnbaum Thomas J., Price Charles A., Stanek Ganymed B., Switkes Joshua P.
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning. 1. A rear view assembly for a cab which , when connected with a trailer to form a truck in a tractor-trailer configuration , articulates as the truck turns , each cab having two rear view assemblies , one rear view assembly being mounted on each side of the cab , the rear view assembly comprising:a casing mounted on a side of the cab so as to maintain, when the truck articulates, line-of-sight communication between the truck and either a leading truck in a leading tractor-trailer configuration, or a following truck in a following tractor-trailer configuration;a camera attached to the casing and positioned to provide a rear-looking view along the side of the tractor-trailer configuration; andat least one antenna assembly contained within the casing and comprising a first and a second antenna to transmit and receive radio frequencies.2. The rear view assembly of claim 1 , whereinthe casing is fabricated from a materialwith an electrical conductivity less than 10 μS/m.3. The rear view assembly of claim 1 , whereinthe antenna assembly is not visible from the outside of the rear view assembly.4. The rear view ...

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Номер записи: 79
17-05-2022 дата публикации

Devices, systems, and methods for transmitting vehicle data

Номер: US11334092B2
Автор: Joseph Jackson Bendor, Joshua P. Switkes, Mark S. Luckevich, Shad M. Laws, Trevor W. Laing
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, gear ratios on vehicles. A front vehicle can shift a gear which, via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication link, can cause a rear vehicle to shift gears. To maintain a gap, vehicles may shift gears at various relative positions based on a grade of a road.

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Номер записи: 80
31-12-2019 дата публикации

Sensor fusion for autonomous or partially autonomous vehicle control

Номер: US10520581B2
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for fusing sensor data obtained from different vehicles for use in the at least partial automatic control of a particular vehicle. The described techniques are well suited for use in conjunction with a variety of different vehicle control applications including platooning, convoying and other connected driving applications including tractor-trailer truck platooning applications.

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Номер записи: 81
18-09-2014 дата публикации

Vehicle platooning systems and methods

Номер: WO2014145918A1
Автор: David Frederick Lyons, Eugene Berdichevsky, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen Norris BOYD
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.

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Номер записи: 82
01-03-2018 дата публикации

Systems for vehicular platooning and methods therefor

Номер: WO2018039114A1
Автор: Austin Schuh, Brian Smartt, Charles A. Price, David F. Lyons, Ganymed Stanek, James B. Kuszmaul, Joseph C. Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes, Lorenz Laubinger, Oliver T. Bayley, Stephen ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems, methods, controllers and algorithm suitable for use in at least partially automated or autonomous vehicle control are described. The described schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications. In one aspect a vehicle mass estimator is described. In another aspect, a controller fault detector is described. In another aspect, a driver input device for use in engaging a platoon and dissolving a platoon is described.

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Номер записи: 83
31-12-2019 дата публикации

Devices, systems, and methods for transmitting vehicle data

Номер: US10520952B1
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Mark S. Luckevich, Shad M. Laws
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, a lead vehicle can wirelessly transmit information from various electronic control units (ECUs) to ECUs in a rear vehicle. A rear vehicle can then apply transformations to the information to account for a desired following distance and a time offset. ECUs onboard the rear vehicle may then be controlled based on the ECUs of the lead vehicle, the desired following distance, and the time offset.

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Номер записи: 84
05-04-2022 дата публикации

System and method for implementing pre-cognition braking and/or avoiding or mitigation risks among platooning vehicles

Номер: US11294396B2
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Lorenz Laubinger, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

A system and method for mitigating or avoiding risks due to hazards encountered by platooning vehicles. The system and method involve interrogating, with one or more sensors, a space radially extending from a lead vehicle as the lead vehicle travels over the road surface, perceiving the environment within the space, ascertaining a hazard caused by an object in the space, and causing a following vehicle, operating in a platoon with the lead vehicle, to take a preemptive braking action to avoid or mitigate risks resulting from the hazard caused by the object in the space.

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Номер записи: 85
06-08-2019 дата публикации

Dynamic gap control for automated driving

Номер: US10369998B2
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, James B. Kuszmaul, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

A variety of methods, controllers and algorithms are described for controlling a vehicle to closely follow one another safely using automatic or partially automatic control. The described control schemes are well suited for use in vehicle platooning and/or vehicle convoying applications, including truck platooning and convoying controllers. In one aspect, a power plant (such as an engine) is controlled using a control scheme arranged to attain and maintain a first target gap between the vehicles. Brakes (such as wheel brakes) are controlled in a manner configured to attain and maintain a second (shorter) target gap. Such control allows a certain degree of encroachment on the targeted gap (sometimes referred to as a gap tolerance) before the brakes are actuated. The described approaches facilitate a safe and comfortable rider experience and reduce the likelihood of the brakes being actuated unnecessarily.

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Номер записи: 86
26-01-2021 дата публикации

Devices, systems, and methods for vehicle braking

Номер: US10899323B2
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods are described for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely to behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicle sensors to monitor and control, for example, gross vehicle weight, axle loads, and stopping distance. In some aspects, two vehicles can determine information associated with their gross weight and axle load, and apply that information to assist with determining a bounding box indicating which vehicle will take longer to stop. Based on which vehicle will take longer to stop, an order of vehicles in a potential platoon is determined.

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Номер записи: 87
01-09-2020 дата публикации

Systems and methods for managing communications between vehicles

Номер: US10762791B2
Автор: Colleen Twitty, Evan Nakano, Joshua P Switkes, Stephen M Erlien
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, drivers are more likely to enjoy a system if it begins platooning as desired and does not accidently end platoons. When a certain amount of data packets sent between vehicles are dropped, systems typically will either not engage in a platoon or end a current platoon. When a platoon has a very small gap between vehicles, the platoon should end—or not start, when a certain amount of packets are dropped. However, if a gap is large enough to provide a driver with more time to react, a system may accept a greater amount of dropped packets before it refuses to start a platoon or causes the end of a platoon.

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Номер записи: 88
30-08-2022 дата публикации

Systems and methods for managing tractor-trailers

Номер: US11427196B2
Автор: Joshua P Switkes, Lorenz Laubinger, Shad M Laws
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for causing a vehicle to avoid an adverse action are described. In one aspect, a sensor on first vehicle may determine the existence and location of lane markers or objects, and use that information to cause a second vehicle to avoid exiting its lane or colliding with an object. Data transmitted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle may be used to determine a path for the second vehicle, such that it avoids an adverse action. This data may include information used to determine a pose of the second vehicle, kinematics of the second vehicle, determine dimensions of the second vehicle, and potential adverse actions. This data may be transmitted while the vehicles are platooning.

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Номер записи: 89
25-09-2014 дата публикации

Engine diagnostics with skip fire control

Номер: WO2014151082A1
Автор: Joshua P. Switkes, Mark A. Shost, Shikui Kevin Chen, Steven E. CARLSON, Xin Yuan
Принадлежит: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Methods and devices are described for performing engine diagnostics during skip fire operation of an engine while a vehicle is being driven. Knowledge of the firing sequence is used to determine appropriate times to conduct selected diagnostics and/or to help better interpret sensor inputs or diagnostic results. In one aspect, selected diagnostics are executed when a single cylinder is fired a plurality of times in isolation relative to a sensor used in the diagnosis. In another aspect, selected diagnostics are conducted while the engine is operated using a firing sequence that insures that no cylinders in a first cylinder bank are fired for a plurality of engine cycles while cylinders in a second bank are at least sometimes fired. The described tests can be conducted opportunistically, when conditions are appropriate, or specific firing sequences can be commanded to achieve the desired isolation or skipping of one or more selected cylinders.

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Номер записи: 90
10-01-2013 дата публикации

Systems and methods for semi-autonomous vehicular convoying

Номер: CA2841067A1
Автор: Gene Berdichevsky, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

The present invention relates to a system and method for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective. It is therefore apparent that an urgent need exists for reliable and economical Semi- Autonomous Vehicular Convoying. These improved Semi- Autonomous Vehicular Convoying Systems enable vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner.

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Номер записи: 91
06-08-2013 дата публикации

Skip fire engine control

Номер: US8499743B2
Автор: Adya S. Tripathi, Christopher W. Chandler, Joshua P. Switkes, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi
Принадлежит: Tula Technology Inc

A variety of skip fire engine controllers and control techniques are described. In some preferred embodiments, a skip fire engine controller is provided that includes a firing fraction calculator, an engine settings controller, a firing fraction adjuster and a firing controller. The firing fraction calculator determines a reference firing fraction indicative of a firing fraction suitable for delivering a desired engine output at a reference working chamber firing output. The engine settings controller is arranged to set selected engine settings. The firing fraction adjuster determines an adjusted firing fraction that scales the reference firing fraction appropriately such that the engine will deliver the desired engine output at the current engine settings even when the actual working chamber firing outputs do not equal the reference working chamber firing output. The firing controller direct workings chamber firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the adjusted firing fraction.

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Номер записи: 92
21-07-2022 дата публикации

Applications for using mass estimations for vehicles

Номер: US20220229446A1
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle.

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Номер записи: 93
19-01-2016 дата публикации

Split bank and multimode skip fire operation

Номер: US9239037B2
Автор: Biswa R. Ghosh, Joshua P. Switkes, Louis J. Serrano, Norman C. LO, Steven E. CARLSON, Xin Yuan
Принадлежит: Tula Technology Inc

Various methods and arrangements for operating a skip fire engine control system are described. In one aspect of the invention, a distinct firing sequence is determined for each bank of working chambers that is used to operate the bank in a skip fire manner. Each firing sequence uses a different firing fraction. In another aspect of the invention, a determination is made as to whether a firing sequence should be dynamically generated or selected from a set of predefined firing sequences.

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Номер записи: 94
18-09-2014 дата публикации

Vehicle platooning systems and methods

Номер: CA2907452A1
Автор: David Frederick Lyons, Eugene Berdichevsky, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen Norris BOYD
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.

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Номер записи: 95
29-06-2017 дата публикации

Vehicle identification and location using senor fusion and inter-vehicle communication

Номер: WO2017070714A9
Автор: Austin Schuh, Brian Smartt, Charles A. Price, David Frederick Lyons, Ganymed Stanek, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes, Michael O'Connor
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Various data is supplied by the vehicle's onboard systems to a Network Operations Center. The data generated locally from the vehicle's onboard sensors is combined in some embodiments to provide multiple modalities for identifying partner vehicles as well as managing operation of vehicles in close proximity to one another. Various techniques for improving relative position data are also disclosed.

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Номер записи: 96
28-03-2023 дата публикации

Vehicle platooning systems and methods

Номер: US11614752B2
Автор: Eugene Berdichevsky, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.

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Номер записи: 97
01-03-2018 дата публикации

Automated connected vehicle control system architecture

Номер: WO2018039134A1
Автор: Austin Schuh, Charles A. Price, Ganymed Stanek, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN, Todd Christopher Klaus
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology, Inc.

A variety of controllers, control architectures, systems, methods and algorithms are described for controlling a host vehicle's participation in a platoon. In various embodiments, a vehicle platooning control system includes at least two of (i) a platoon controller, (ii) a gateway processor, and (iii) a vehicle interface controller. The platoon controller is configured to determine torque and braking requests for at least partially automatically controlling the host vehicle to platoon with a platoon partner. The gateway processor coordinates communications between a host vehicle and the platoon partner. The vehicle interface controller manages communications between the platoon controller and one or more host vehicle control units. The vehicle interface controller may also include a safety monitor that includes one or more safety monitoring algorithms that verify that platooning is safe.

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Номер записи: 98
05-03-2024 дата публикации

Systems and methods for platooning

Номер: US11919516B2
Автор: Austin Schuh, Joshua P Switkes, Stephen Erlein, Trevor LAING
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for platooning using aspects of various cruise control systems are described. In one aspect, a platooning system may cause an engine to provide a desired amount of torque by commanding a cruise control system to cause an amount of torque provided by the engine to be limited. In one aspect, a platooning system may cause a platoon to end in response to the detection of a condition that would cause a cruise control system to exit a cruise control state, such as pressing a brake pedal.

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Номер записи: 99
07-03-2024 дата публикации

Vehicle platooning systems and methods

Номер: US20240077887A1
Автор: Eugene Berdichevsky, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Joshua P. Switkes
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.

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Номер записи: 100
05-12-2023 дата публикации

Applications for using mass estimations for vehicles

Номер: US11835965B2
Автор: Austin B. Schuh, Joshua P. Switkes, Stephen M. ERLIEN
Принадлежит: Peloton Technology Inc

Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle.

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Номер записи: 101