The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 06, 2019
Filed:
May. 25, 2017
Peloton Technology, Inc., Mountain View, CA (US);
James B. Kuszmaul, Mountain View, CA (US);
Austin B. Schuh, Los Altos, CA (US);
Stephen M. Erlien, Mountain View, CA (US);
Joshua P. Switkes, Mountain View, CA (US);
Peloton Technology, Inc., Mountain View, CA (US);
Abstract
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.