Methods to operate autonomous vehicles to pilot vehicles in groups or convoys

摘要

A method of controlling autonomous or driverless vehicles in a specific control zone or in a convoy is disclosed. The vehicles enter the zone or form a convoy and come under the control of a zone authority or escort vehicle that coordinates the movements of the vehicles until they leave the zone or convoy. Escort vehicle communicate with central control facilities, each other or escorted vehicles. The behavior of the escorted or controlled vehicles is modified to insure that it matches a set of rules established by the zone authority. Possible zones include parking areas, indoor passages and areas with security concerns. The zone authority or escort vehicle may simultaneously control multiple autonomous vehicles and possible additional driver operated vehicles. Messages establishing control or providing continuing administration of rules or movements of escorted or controlled vehicles may be delivered by any type of communications link.

主权项

1. A method of coordinating vehicles comprising:
forming a convoy of vehicles with a first vehicle that is an escort vehicle and is autonomous and a second vehicle that is an escorted vehicle, moving the convoy along a route, modifying a location of at least one of the second vehicle and an environmental vehicle by using a GPS for locating the first vehicle in a position relative to the vehicle that is to have its location modified to expedite the movement of the convoy along the route, and coordinating the movement of the convoy with a position of a second convoy comprising a third vehicle which is an escort vehicle and is autonomous and a fourth vehicle which is an escorted vehicle.