SE538334C2

SE538334C2 - Method and system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy

Info

Publication number: SE538334C2
Application number: SE1451113A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Jon Andersson; André Claesson
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2014-09-22
Filing date: 2014-09-22
Publication date: 2016-05-17
Also published as: DE102015011310A1; SE1451113A1

Abstract

21 ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method for a vehicle start of a vehicleconvoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The vehicleconvoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of thevehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutuallywirelessly interconnected. The method comprises the steps of: determining(S1) whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of thevehicle convoy are fulfilled; and activating (S2) synchronized vehicle start forall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a system for a vehicle start of a vehicleconvoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The presentinvention also relates to a vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product. (Fig. 4)

Description

|\/IETHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE START OF A VEHICLECONVOY TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy forpassenger transport along a predetermined route The invention relates to asystem for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along apredetermined route. The invention also relates to a vehicle convoy. Theinvention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKG ROUND ART For public transportation with buses in cities the amount of passengerswishing to travel may be high. This requires buses with big capacity such as accordion buses and/or several buses going at a regular basis.

Further it is important that starts of the vehicles are efficient so as to maintainsafe and efficient transportation of passengers. lt is also desired that comfortof the passengers and uptime of the buses are at a high level.

Vehicle convoys with at least two mutually separated vehicle units, where thevehicle units are mutually wirelessly interconnected for controlling drive of thevehicle units trailing the leading vehicle unit such that they follow the leading vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy are known.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for a vehicle start ofa vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route whichfacilitates efficient transportation of passengers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for a vehiclestart of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined routewhich facilitates efficient transportation of passengers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, areachieved by a method, a system, a vehicle convoy, a computer program anda computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims.Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined inappended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for a vehiclestart of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predeterminedroute. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicleunits, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle unitsbeing mutually wirelessly interconnected. The method comprises the stepsof: determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle unitsof the vehicle convoy are fulfilled; and, when said criteria for allowing vehiclestart of all vehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start forall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Hereby efficient transportation ofpassengers is facilitated due to the fact that efficient starts of the vehicleconvoy are facilitated in that it is avoided that the leading vehicle unit leaveswithout the trailing vehicle units being ready. Thus, the uptime of the vehicleconvoy is improved. Further, comfort of the passengers is improved in thatunnecessary stops are facilitated in that criteria for allowing synchronizedstart pay attention to safety such that no synchronized start is initiated if not passengers in all vehicle units are safe, for example no start if a person is stuck in a door. Further fuel consumption/energy consumption may bereduced in that the synchronized start may reduce unnecessary run ofengine/motor of the leading vehicle unit and also trailing vehicle units, whichinstead may be activated in connection to the criteria being fulfilled for all vehicles.According to an embodiment of the method said vehicle units are buses.

According to an embodiment of the method control of the leading vehicle unitis detected and communicated to the rest of the vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy. Hereby efficient drive of the vehicle convoy is facilitated in that theleading vehicle unit controls the trailing vehicle units during drive including the synchronized start.

According to an embodiment of the method, the vehicle convoy is controlled by a driver.

According to an embodiment of the method, the vehicle convoy is autonomously controlled.

According to an embodiment of the method said criteria comprises: approvedoil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climate control status,approved vehicle door status, approved warning function status. By thustaking these criteria in to consideration efficient and safe start of the vehicleconvoy is facilitated; and wherein synchronized vehicle start for all vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy is activated when one or more of the criteria arefulfilled.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of determining whethercriteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoyare fulfilled comprises the step of detecting applicable vehicle functions bymeans of applicable sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, andcommunicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy. By thus detecting applicable vehicle functions such as approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climate control status, approved vehicledoor status, approved warning function status, and by communicating theresult within the vehicle convoy, e.g. to the leading vehicle, synchronizedstart of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy becomes efficient.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for a vehiclestart of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined routewherein the system is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to thecorresponding method claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy according to the present invenﬁon; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy according to the present invenﬁon; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoyfor passenger transport along a predetermined route according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for a vehicle startof a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be aphysical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non-physical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter the term “mutually separated vehicle units” refers to vehicle unitsbeing separated from each other such that there is no physical connectionbetween the vehicles.

Hereinafter the term “vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected”refers to the vehicles being interconnected via a communication link forcommunication between the vehicle units for controlling drive of the vehiclestrailing the leading vehicle such that they follow the leading vehicle. The term“wireless interconnection” thus refers to a communication link forcommunication between the vehicle units which is a non-physical connector,i.e. a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like.

Hereinafter the term “predetermined route” refers to a route in the form of aroad on which the vehicle convoy for passenger transport is intended totravel and make stops for allowing passengers to boarding and getting off thevehicle units, e.g. buses, and starts after having allowed people toleave/enter the vehicle convoy. The vehicle convoy is intended for regulartraffic in e.g. cities along routes with stops where there are many passengersentering and leaving the vehicle units and where there thus are many startsand stops.

Hereinafter the term “synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of thevehicle convoy” refers to a start where the leading vehicle unit and the trailingvehicle units start and take off such that all trailing vehicle units follow the leading vehicle unit at an intended distance. thus including a timelysynchronized start and predicted optimized start. For example the vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy can start at the same time or at a predeterminedtime offset.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1A for passenger transportalong a predetermined route R. The vehicle convoy 1A comprises twomutually separated vehicle units 2, 3, a leading vehicle unit 2 and a trailingvehicle unit 3. Said vehicle units are mutually wirelessly interconnected. Thevehicle units 2, 3 can for example be buses. Alternatively, the vehicle units 2,3 could be rail bound vehicle units or trolley buses.

The leading vehicle unit 2 has a front door 2a, a back door 2b andintermediate doors 2c for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle unit 2.Correspondingly, the trailing vehicle unit 3 has a front door 3a, a back door3b and intermediate doors 3c for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle unit 3 prior to the vehicle convoy starting.

The leading vehicle unit 2 is interconnected with the trailing vehicle unit 3 via a wireless interconnection 23.

The vehicle convoy 1A comprises and/or is connected to a system l, notshown in fig. 1, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1A, an embodiment ofthe system l being shown in fig. 3. The system l comprises means fordetecting control of the leading vehicle unit and means for communicatingsaid detected control to the trailing vehicle unit 3 of the vehicle convoy 1.Hereby the trailing vehicle unit 3 will follow the leading vehicle unit 2 at a startand along the predetermined route R and stop when the leading vehicle unit2 stops.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1B for passenger transportalong a predetermined route R. The vehicle convoy 1B comprises threemutually separated vehicle units 2, 3, 4, a leading vehicle unit 2, and a firsttrailing vehicle unit 3 trailing the leading vehicle unit 2, and a second trailing vehicle unit 4 trailing the second vehicle unit 3. The leading vehicle unit 2 andthe trailing vehicle units 3, 4 form a vehicle train with the first trailing vehicleunit 3 running between the leading vehicle unit 2 and the second trailingvehicle unit 4. Said vehicle units 2, 3, 4 are mutually wirelesslyinterconnected with wireless interconnections 23, 34, 24. The vehicle units 2, 3, 4 can for example be buses.

There can thus be two or more vehicle units wirelessly interconnected in such a way depending on the need.

The leading vehicle unit 2 has a front door 2a, a back door 2b andintermediate doors 2c for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle unit 2.Correspondingly, the first trailing vehicle unit 3 has a front door 3a, a backdoor 3b and intermediate doors 3c for passengers to enter and leave thevehicle unit 3 and the second trailing vehicle unit 4 has a front door 4a, aback door 4b and intermediate doors 4c for passengers to enter and leavethe vehicle unit 4.

The leading vehicle unit 2 is interconnected with the first trailing vehicle unit 3via a wireless interconnection 23, the first trailing vehicle unit 3 isinterconnected with the second trailing vehicle unit 4 via a wirelessinterconnection 34 and the leading vehicle unit 2 is interconnected with the second trailing vehicle unit 4 via a wireless interconnection 24.

The vehicle convoy 1B may also be interconnected to an external unit 200via wireless links 22, 32, 42 to the respective vehicle unit 2, 3, 4.

The vehicle convoy 1B comprises and/or is connected to a system l, notshown in fig. 2, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1B, an embodiment ofthe system l being shown in fig. 3. The system l comprises means fordetecting control of the leading vehicle unit 2 and means for communicatingsaid detected control to the trailing vehicle units 3, 4 of the vehicle convoy 1via said wireless links 23, 24, 34, 22, 32, 42. Hereby the trailing vehicle units3, 4 will follow the leading vehicle unit 2 at a start and along the predetermined route R and stop when the leading vehicle unit 2 stops.Control of the leading vehicle unit 2 comprises drive of the leading vehicleunit 2 including speed, gear change, acceleration and retardation.

The wireless interconnections and external unit are according to anembodiment comprised in the system I for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1B according to fig. 3.

Fig. 2 illustrates the vehicle convoy 1B at a stop, i.e. a bus stop, for allowingpassengers to get on and off the vehicle units 2, 3, 4, i.e. the buses. Thus thevehicle convoy 1B is at a stop S prior to a start of the vehicle convoy 1B. Thestop S can be a platform. According to an embodiment the vehicle convoy 1Band thus each vehicle unit 2, 3, 4 have dedicated positions P1, P2, P3 alongthe longitudinal extension of the stop and a position P transversally relative tothe stop, i.e. the distance from the stop to the side of the vehicle, for eachvehicle unit 2, 3, 4.

The vehicle convoy 1A, 1B in fig. 1 and 2 is according to an embodimentarranged to be controlled by a driver. According to a variant the vehicleconvoy 1A, 1B is arranged to be controlled by a driver in the leading vehicleunit 2. According to a variant the trailing vehicle units 3; 3, 4 are controlled bythe leading vehicle unit 2. According to a variant the trailing vehicle units 3; 3,4 are autonomous and do not have a driver. According to a variant one ormore of the trailing vehicle units have an operator/driver supervising the driveof the trailing vehicle.

According to an embodiment the vehicle convoy 1A, 1B is arranged to beautonomously controlled.

The vehicle convoy 1A, 1B according to the present invention may have anysuitable number of trailing vehicle units.

The vehicle convoy 1A, 1B comprises means 120 for activating synchronizedvehicle start for all vehicle units 2, 3; 2, 3, 4 of the vehicle convoy 1A, 1Bwhen criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system l for a vehicle start of a vehicleconvoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route according to anembodiment of the present invention. The vehicle convoy comprises at leasttwo mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leadingvehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected.

The vehicle convoy could e.g. be a vehicle convoy according to fig. 1 or fig.2. The vehicle units are according to an embodiment buses.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100. The electronic controlunit 100 is according to a variant arranged in the leading vehicle unit of thevehicle unit configuration. The electronic control unit according to a variantcomprises electronic control units for each vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy.The system may also comprise additional electronic control units operativelyconnected to the electronic control unit 100 via links. For simplicity only oneelectronic control unit 100 is shown in fig. 3.

The system I comprises means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled.

Said criteria comprises approved oil pressure of all vehicle units of thevehicle convoy.

Said criteria further comprises approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

Said criteria further comprises approved climate control status of all vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy.

Said criteria further comprises approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy means that all doors of all vehicle units are properlyclosed. Approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoymeans that all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy have a proper operation ofthe doors. Proper operation of the doors comprises according to anembodiment a check that the air pressure for opening and closing the doorsof the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is sufficient. The doors maycomprise any suitable means for operation thereof i.e. opening and closingthe doors, such as electric means for opening and closing the doors of thevehicle units of the vehicle convoy by means of electricity, and/or mechanicalmeans for the doors, and/or operating hydraulic means, and/or electromagnetic means.

Said criteria further comprises approved warning function status comprisingabsent of warnings from drivetrain and vehicle systems such as brakesystem, air pressure systems, surveillance systems, systems checking pressure in tires, etc. of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

Said criteria can be any criteria relevant for a safe and controlledsynchronized start for all vehicle units.

Start of the vehicle convoy is allowed when one or more of these criteria,preferably all, are fulfilled for all vehicle units. For example start of the vehiclecould be allowed even if the criteria referring to approved climate controlstatus of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is not fulfilled.

Said means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled thus comprises means 111,112, 113, 114, 115 for detecting applicable vehicle functions by means ofapplicable sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 111 fordetermining approved oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.Said means 111 for determining approved oil pressure of all vehicle units of 11 the vehicle convoy may comprise any suitable detector for determining approved oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 112 fordetermining approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.Said means 112 comprises according to an embodiment any suitabledetector for detecting approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 113 forapproved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Saidmeans 113 comprises any kind of suitable detector for detecting approvedclimate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 114 fordetermining approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy. Said means 114 comprises any kind of suitable detector fordetecting approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy, e.g. all doors closed, no person squeezed, air pressure functioning,when doors are operated by means of air pressure.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 115 fordetermining approved warning function status. Said means comprises anykind of suitable sensor for sensing approved warning function status ofdrivetrain and systems of each vehicle unit.

Said means 111, means 112, means 113, means 114 and means 115 thus all are means for detecting applicable vehicle functions. 12 The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start ofall vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 116 forcommunicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy. Saidmeans 116 for communicating the result of the detection within the vehicleconvoy is arranged to communicate the results to the electronic control unit100.

The system l further comprises means 120 for activating synchronizedvehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy when said criteria forallowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled.

The system also comprises means 130 for detecting control (signals?) of theleading vehicle unit. Said means 130 may comprise any suitable detector fordetecting control of the leading vehicle including detecting drive of theleading vehicle including start of the leading vehicle, braking of the leadingvehicle, and gear change of the leading vehicle.

The system also comprises means 140 for communicating said detectedcontrol (signals) to the rest of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Saidmeans 140 for communicating the detected control (signals) may compriseany suitable unit for communicating the control (signals) to the other vehicleunits, e.g. to electronic control units of the other vehicle units. Said electroniccontrol unit 100 comprises according to a variant said means 140 forcommunicating the control to the other vehicle units. Hereby efficient driveincluding start of the vehicle convoy is facilitated in that the leading vehicle unit controls the trailing vehicle units during start, drive and stop.

Below the electronic control unit 100 of the system l and its connection to theabove mentioned means 110, 120, 130, 140 is described. ln this context theterm “a link” may refer to one link or several links, i.e. two or more links.Further in this context the term “a signal” may refer to one signal or several signals, i.e. two or more signals. 13 The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 110 fordetermining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units ofthe vehicle convoy are fulfilled via a link 110a. The electronic control unit 100is via the link 110a arranged to receive a signal from said means 110representing data for start criteria for start of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 111 fordetermining approved oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoyvia a link 111a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 1 1 1a arranged toreceive a signal from said means 111 representing oil pressure data for allvehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 112 fordetermining approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoyvia a link 112a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 1 12a arranged toreceive a signal from said means 112 representing air pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 113 forapproved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy via alink 113a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 113a arranged toreceive a signal from said means 113 representing climate control data for allvehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 114 fordetermining approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy via a link 114a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 114aarranged to receive a signal from said means 114 representing door statusdata for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 115 fordetermining approved warning function status via a link 115a. The electroniccontrol unit 100 is via the link 115a arranged to receive a signal from said 14 means 115 representing warning function status data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 116 forcommunicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy of saidmeans 111, 112, 113, 114 and/or 115 within the vehicle convoy via a link116a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 116a arranged to receivea signal from said means 116 representing result data for result of saiddetection.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 120 foractivating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoywhen said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled viaa link 120a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 120a arranged tosend a signal to said means 120 representing vehicle start data synchronizedvehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 130 fordetecting control of the leading vehicle unit via a link 130a. The electroniccontrol unit 100 is via the link 130a arranged to receive a signal from saidmeans 130 representing control data controlling the leading vehicle including start data, drive data, brake data, gear change data.

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 140 forcommunicating said detected control to the rest of the vehicle units of thevehicle convoy via a link 140a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link140a arranged to send a signal to said means 140 representing control datacontrolling the leading vehicle including start data, drive data, brake data,gear change data wherein the means 140 is arranged to communicate saiddata to the other vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process said data for startcriteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process said oil pressure datafor all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, said air pressure data for all vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy, said climate control data for all vehicle units ofthe vehicle convoy, said door status data for all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy, and/or warning function status data for all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of allvehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for a vehicle startof a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. Thevehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, oneof the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected.

According to the embodiment the method for a vehicle start of a vehicleconvoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route comprises a firststep S1. ln this step it is determined whether criteria for allowing a vehiclestart of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled.

According to the embodiment the method for a vehicle start of a vehicleconvoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route comprises asecond step S2. ln this step, when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of allvehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy.

With reference to figure 5, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. Thecontrol unit 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to anembodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein acomputer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling thefunction of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, l/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry 16 and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for a vehicle start of avehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined routeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention according to theinnovative method. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutuallyseparated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit,said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected. The program Pcomprises routines for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle startof all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled. The program Pcomprises routines for, when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of allvehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicleunits of the vehicle convoy. The computer program P may be stored in anexecutable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain functionit should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certainpart of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communicationsport 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adaptedfor communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512.Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processingdevice 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted forcommunication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To thedata communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units100; 200; 300 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in secondmemory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily 17 stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code ina manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can beused by apparatus 500 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehiclestart of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled. The signalsreceived on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for, when saidcriteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled, activatingsynchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored inseparate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. ltis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand theinvention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

18 CLAIIVIS

1. A method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) for passengertransport, wherein , the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) comprises at least twomutually separated vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4), one of the vehicle units beinga leading vehicle unit (2), said vehicle units being mutually wirelesslyinterconnected, characterized by the steps of: - determining (S1) whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicleunits (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) of the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) are fulfilled; and, - when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3,4) are fulfilled, activating (S2) synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) of the vehicle convoy.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) are buses.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein control of the leading vehicleunit (2) is detected and communicated to the rest of the vehicle units (3; 3, 4) of the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B).

4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the vehicle convoy (1A;1B) is controlled by a driver.

5. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) is autonomously controlled.

6. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein said criteriacomprises: approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climatecontrol status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning functionstatus; and wherein synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of thevehicle convoy is activated when one or more of the criteria are fulfilled.

7. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the step ofdetermining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of 19 the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises the step of detecting applicablevehicle functions by means of applicable sensors of vehicle units of thevehicle convoy, and communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy.

8. A method according to any preceding claims, wherein the mutuallyseparated vehicle units start at the same time or at a predetermined timeoffset.

9. A system (l) for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passengertransport along a predetermined route, wherein , the system for a vehiclestart is configured for a vehicle convoy (1A, 1B) comprising at least twomutually separated v-elr-ë-iele---eni-ts----vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4), one of thevehicle units being a leading vehicle unit (2), said vehicle units being mutuallywirelessly interconnected, characterized by means (110) for determiningwhether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicleconvoy (1A, 1B) are fulfilled; and means (120) for activating synchronizedvehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy (1A, 1B) when saidcriteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein said vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) are buses.

11. A system according to claim 9, comprising means (130) for detectingcontrol of the leading vehicle unit and means (140) for communicating saiddetected control to the rest of the vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) of the vehicleconvoy (1A, 1B).

12. A system according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the vehicle convoy(1A; 1B) is arranged to be controlled by a driver.

13. A system according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) is arranged to be autonomously controlled.

14.A system according to any of claims 9-13, wherein said criteriacomprises: approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climatecontrol status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning functionstatus.

15. A system according to any of claims 9-14, wherein the means (110) fordetermining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units ofthe vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means (111, 112, 113, 114, 115)for detecting applicable vehicle functions by means of applicable sensors ofvehicle units of the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B), and means (116) forcommunicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B).

16. A system according to any of claims 9-15, comprising means (120) forstarting the mutually separated vehicle units at the same time or at apredetermined time offset.

17. A vehicle unit adapted for a vehicle convoy, said vehicle unit comprising asystem (l) according to any of claims 9-16.

18.A computer program (P) for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy forpassenger transport along a predetermined route, said computer program (P)comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100)or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1-8.

19. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storingthe computer program according to claim 18.