CN116801217A - Virtual communication method, system, computer device and storage medium between vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a virtual communication method, a virtual communication system, computer equipment and a storage medium between vehicles. The method includes entering an initial virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, based on a current driving scenario associated with the one vehicle; enabling communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, wherein the communication is temporarily enabled; and entering a subsequent virtual chat room according to the latest driving scene related to the initial application vehicle, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part of the virtual chat room. The temporary virtual chat room is realized, an unknown driver can temporarily conduct a conversation during driving, the chat room is dynamically generated among two or more drivers according to various factors, and the temporary chat room can enable the drivers to know the intention of each person, so that the safety is improved.

Description

Virtual communication method, system, computer device and storage medium between vehicles

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a virtual communication method, a virtual communication system, computer equipment and a storage medium between vehicles.

Background

Various types of vehicles are the most common means of transportation. While drivers may communicate with each other using the light signals, horns, and perhaps gestures of their vehicles, this mode has been outdated and sometimes inadequate. In many driving scenarios, the driver may benefit from a more direct communication mode, for example, when the car switches lanes, incorporates a highway, or when the car is jammed on the road.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the problems in the prior art, the invention provides a virtual communication method, a virtual communication system, computer equipment and a storage medium between vehicles.

The invention is realized by adopting the following technical scheme:

a virtual communication method between vehicles, the virtual communication method between vehicles comprising: entering an initial virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, based on a current driving scenario associated with the one vehicle, wherein the driving scenario includes at least one of information regarding a speed of the initial application vehicle, proximity to the other vehicle to be communicated, map data, location, and heading; enabling communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, wherein the communication is temporarily enabled; and entering a subsequent virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, based on the latest driving scenario associated with the initial application vehicle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms are hosted by a remote service in communication with the initial application vehicle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the remote service invites the initial application vehicle to enter an initial and subsequent virtual chat room to enable communication with other different vehicles.

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial application vehicle automatically enters at least one of an initial or subsequent virtual chat room in response to receiving an invitation to a remote service.

In a further aspect of the invention, at least one of the initial or subsequent virtual chat rooms is hosted locally on the computer hardware of the vehicle, the computer hardware of at least one other vehicle to be communicated, or a combination of both.

The invention also includes an inter-vehicle virtual communication system, the inter-vehicle virtual communication device adapted to enable virtual communication with other vehicle computing devices to be communicated, comprising: one or more processors; an input/output (I/O) interface; and one or more hardware-based storage devices storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, enter an initial virtual chat room in which at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part based on a current driving scenario associated with the vehicle; enabling communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, when the communication is temporarily enabled; and entering a subsequent virtual chat room based on the current driving scenario associated with the vehicle, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of.

In a further aspect of the invention, the I/O interface includes one or more of a speaker, a microphone, a display screen, or a touch screen.

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms are hosted by a remote service with which the initial application vehicle communicates.

In a further aspect of the invention, the remote service invites vehicles to enter initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms to enable communication with other different vehicles.

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial application vehicle automatically enters at least one of an initial or subsequent virtual chat room in response to receiving an invitation to a remote service.

In a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle accepts the invitation to the remote service before entering at least one of the initial or subsequent chat rooms.

In a further aspect of the invention, at least one of the initial or subsequent virtual chat rooms is hosted locally on the computer hardware of the vehicle, the computer hardware of at least one other vehicle to be communicated, or a combination of both. .

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial application vehicle and the at least one other vehicle to be communicated communicate via a short-range communication protocol.

In a further aspect of the invention, the short-range communication protocol includesAny one or more of NFC (near field communication) or Wi-Fi.

In a further aspect of the invention, the initial application vehicle invites the at least one other vehicle to be communicated to enter a virtual chat room hosted locally.

In a further aspect of the invention, each vehicle is configured to host its own virtual chat room with other vehicles to be communicated, such that either the virtual chat rooms between different vehicles merge or a particular vehicle is invited into the virtual chat room of another vehicle.

In a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle enters the virtual chat room using computer hardware that is part of the vehicle or a computing device adapter that is connected to the vehicle.

The invention also includes a computer device comprising a memory storing a computer program and a processor implementing the steps of the method of virtual communication between vehicles when the computer program is executed.

The invention also includes a storage medium storing a computer program which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of a method of virtual communication between vehicles.

The technical scheme provided by the invention has the following beneficial effects:

the technical scheme provided by the invention realizes a temporary virtual chat room, and an unknown driver can temporarily conduct a conversation during driving. Chat rooms are dynamically generated between two or more drivers based on a variety of factors, including the distance between drivers, the direction of travel of the vehicle, the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the speed of the vehicle, and typical scenarios indicating that two or more drivers wish to talk. Such a temporary chat room allows the driver to learn about each person's intention, thereby improving safety. For example, the driver may directly tell others who can walk first at the stop sign, in which direction the driver wants to walk, whether there is an emergency, e.g., individuals or their vehicles, whether the driver is changing lanes, notifying the user of a merging from a ramp, etc.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention and together with the embodiments of the invention, serve to explain the invention. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows an illustrative hierarchical structure of a virtual communication system between vehicles.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation of various hardware components of an automobile.

Fig. 3 is an illustrative driving scenario in which an automobile is being incorporated into a highway.

Fig. 4 is an illustrative temporary virtual chat room created between cars in a communication area.

Fig. 5 is an illustrative representation in which the temporary virtual chat room is dynamically updated.

Fig. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which a temporary virtual chat room is created for a driving scenario where a car is stopped at an intersection.

Fig. 7 shows an illustrative driving scenario diagram in which a temporary virtual chat room may be created.

Fig. 8 shows an illustrative environment in which various temporary virtual chat rooms are created for various vehicles within a communications area.

Fig. 9 shows an illustrative environment in which a single vehicle may dynamically join and switch between various chat rooms while driving.

Fig. 10 shows an illustrative environment in which a car joins a virtual chat room hosted by or associated with another car.

Fig. 11 shows an illustrative environment in which virtual chat rooms associated with various vehicles are consolidated to enable communication between drivers.

Fig. 12 shows an illustrative environment in which a remote service manages and creates a temporary virtual chat room for a vehicle.

Fig. 13 shows an illustrative environment in which a remote service creates a temporary virtual chat room and dynamically invites vehicles to enter.

Fig. 14 shows an illustrative environment in which a vehicle enters a temporary virtual chat room hosted, created, and managed by a remote service.

15-18 show illustrative processes implemented by one or more of the remote service or the vehicle's computer systems.

FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative architecture for a computing device that may be used, at least in part, to implement the temporary chat room of the present invention adapted to provide communications between drivers; and

fig. 20 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative remote computing device, remote service or computer system that may be used in part to implement the temporary chat room of the present invention adapted to provide communications between drivers.

Like reference numerals designate like elements in the figures. Elements are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings and examples, in order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

According to the virtual communication method, the system, the computer equipment and the storage medium between the vehicles, the virtual communication method between the vehicles is realized based on a temporary virtual chat room, and unknown drivers can temporarily conduct conversations during driving. Chat rooms are dynamically generated between two or more drivers based on a variety of factors, including the distance between drivers, the direction of travel of the vehicle, the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the speed of the vehicle, and typical scenarios indicating that two or more drivers wish to talk.

Such a temporary chat room allows the driver to learn about each person's intent, thereby improving safety. For example, the driver may tell others directly who can walk first at the stop sign, in which direction the driver wants to walk, whether there is an emergency (e.g., an individual or their vehicle), whether the driver is changing lanes, notifying the user of a merging from a ramp, and so on. This driver-centric discussion may eliminate guessing between two drivers' actions on the road, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Temporary virtual chat rooms can also be used in a variety of other contexts, including enabling "chatter" between drivers blocked on the road or traveling in the same direction, friend traffic with other drivers, notifying other drivers of accidents or road construction ahead, etc., such as on which lane the event is, and slowing down, enabling police or other emergency personnel to communicate directly with the driver (e.g., notifying owners of the vehicle to move their vehicles, connecting drivers of similar interest, such as a car club, enabling car brand owners to communicate with each other (in other groups), and asking other drivers for directions to a designated location.

The temporary virtual chat room may be operated by a local chat room application instantiated on each user's computing device, such as their smart phone, tablet, vehicle, or a combination thereof. A remote service may be configured as a chat room application and communicate with a local chat room application.

For example, the remote service dynamically creates a virtual chat room based on the information available for each vehicle. The locally instantiated application is then dynamically welcome into the chat room to enable communication between other drivers invited into and present in the chat room. Once the user enters the chat room, they can communicate directly with the other party's local application, just like an intercom, a telephone conversation, or a virtual chat, or all communications can continue to be routed through a remote service, or a combination of both modes of communication. In addition, the local chat room application may be configured to create, invite, and manage chat rooms between each other. For example, a driver's chat room application may connect to another using some short range communication protocol (e.g., bluetooth, NFC (near field communication), wifi, etc.). Such dynamic connections may be used as channels for exchanging communications.

In a typical implementation, the user would automatically enter the chat room to eliminate any burden on the driver in operating the vehicle. However, in some embodiments, the driver may be invited into the chat room via some prompt, and in response, the driver may accept or reject the invitation. In addition, the driver can set preset criteria for entering the chat room according to the scene. For example, in a driving-centric scenario, such as merging lanes, parking in front of a stop sign or red light, etc., the chat room application may be configured to automatically enter and accept all chat room invitations so that the driver can communicate easily and seamlessly without the need for a careful effort. Additionally, in a more friendly case, such as a blocked road, the chat room application may be configured to enter the user into the chat room of the invitation in response to accepting the invitation. Other customizations may also be made, such as a user requesting manual acceptance of all chat rooms or authorizing automatic acceptance of all chat rooms.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 illustrates a simplified layered architecture 100 of an application vehicle 105. The layered architecture is tailored for a computer system of a vehicle; thus, any discussion of a "vehicle" refers to an onboard or related computing device of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a hardware layer 120, an Operating System (OS) layer 115, and an application layer 110. The hardware layer 120 provides abstraction to the layers above it for the various hardware used by the application vehicle 105. The hardware layer 120 may be, among other things, input and output devices, network and radio hardware, etc. In this illustrative example, the hardware layer supports the processor 125, the memory 130, the input/output device 140, and the sensor 150 for detecting data about the car, wherein the input/output device 140 may be a keyboard, a display screen, a touch screen display, a microphone, a speaker, etc., which may be used in generating a temporary chat room, or for the functions of an unmanned car, as discussed in more detail below. A description of the unmanned vehicle components will be discussed in more detail in fig. 2. The vehicle may include a network interface 145, such as a Network Interface Card (NIC), that may enable wireless connection to the internet. The network interface may work with cellular connections of a cellular telephone tower or may connect to the internet using Wi-Fi. The network interface may enable the vehicle to communicate (e.g., transmit data and feedback, receive settings and notifications, etc.) with the remote service 110.

In some embodiments, the vehicle may support short range communication via bluetooth or NFC (near field communication), such as communication with a user's computing device or other vehicle to be communicated.

The application layer 110 in the illustrative embodiment of the application supports various applications 170, including a temporary chat room application 180. The temporary chat room application may be used to connect the vehicle to a chat room or otherwise communicate the vehicle with other vehicles to be communicated, as discussed in more detail below. Although the various applications are depicted in FIG. 1 as separate applications, the applications may alternatively operate in the same application, as plug-ins to other applications or operating systems, or interoperate with remotely executed code, such as with remote service 110.

Although only certain applications are depicted in fig. 1, any number of applications 170 may be utilized by the application vehicle 105. These applications are typically implemented using code that executes in a native manner. However, in some cases, these applications may rely on execution of services and/or remote code provided by a remote server or other computing platform, such as supported by a service provider or other cloud-based resource (not shown). The vehicle may be configured with extensibility 190 to remote services or other computing devices, for example using its network interface 145. In addition, the remote service can be configured with a temporary chat room application 185 that is used to generate and manage temporary virtual chat rooms.

Operating system layer 115 supports, among other things, management system 155 and operating applications/programs 160. The operating system layer may interoperate with the application and hardware layers to perform various functions and features.

The vehicle may utilize an adapter 175 that functions as a computing device and carries the temporary chat room application 180. The adapter may be a computing device that plugs into a port on the vehicle (e.g., universal Serial Bus (USB)), may be a software plug-in to the vehicle, or may be a separate and distinct computing device that is used within the vehicle. The adapter provides the functionality of the temporary chat room discussed herein. Accordingly, the vehicles discussed herein perform particular operations, either as computing devices that are part of the vehicle or as computing devices that are different from the vehicle.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative representation in which an application vehicle 105 is configured with unmanned vehicle components or is otherwise configured with sensors to detect vehicle characteristics. While an automobile is shown, this is merely exemplary and the present embodiments may be utilized with various types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, trucks, electric bicycles, scooters, aircraft, and the like. The vehicle is configured with a laser radar (lightdetection ranging) 205, an ultrasonic sensor 210, a radar 215, a video camera 220, a GPS (global positioning system) 225, and other operation members 230.

The lidar device 205 is continuously rotated and uses a laser beam to generate a 360 degree image of the surroundings of the vehicle. The radar 215 is implemented to measure the distance from the utility vehicle 105 to other obstacles. The video camera 220 may also be used to measure distances to various objects around, detect traffic lights and signs, and identify moving objects such as pedestrians and bicycles. The ultrasonic sensor 210 may also be used to measure distances between objects, such as objects relatively close to a vehicle, such as roadsides and other vehicles to be communicated while parking. Various sensing devices may be used in unmanned automotive applications and/or may be used to create real-time temporary virtual chat rooms. For example, such data may be transmitted to remote service 110 over network 235 for utilization by temporary chat room application 185. The network may include a cellular network, a Wi-Fi connection, and may be any one or more of a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), the internet, and the like.

Fig. 3 shows an illustrative representation of a driving scenario that may result in the creation of a temporary virtual chat room. In this exemplary representation, automobile C is being incorporated into the highway or road on which automobiles A and B are located. The driving scenario (e.g., merging) is the case that results in a connection/link 305 between vehicles. Other factors may also play a role, as discussed below, but fig. 3 is an exemplary driving scenario as a connection between vehicles. The connection or association between vehicles is an indication that the vehicles are within the communication area 310 between each other and thus can communicate. By communication zone is meant that one or more factors are applicable such that one or more vehicles may communicate with each other, either through a virtual chat room or through some short-range or long-range communication protocol. The connection/link is further shown in the following figures. The adapter 175 is shown to be capable of communicating with other vehicles to be communicated using the onboard computer system of the vehicle, or using a different computing device.

Fig. 4 shows an illustrative representation in which merging driving scenarios results in the creation of a virtual chat room 405. The virtual chat room may be transient 415 and dynamic 410. Transient aspects mean that the chat room is, at least in some embodiments, transient, intended for vehicles and suitable for a given driving scenario. However, the chat room may also have some permanence, but the vehicle may enter and leave it. Dynamic aspects mean that the virtual chat room can dynamically include various vehicles, and other vehicles to be communicated can leave. The virtual chat room enables operators/drivers of the vehicles to communicate with each other. In this example, car B previously told car C that he is decelerating so that car C can safely merge, and car C acknowledges this gesture.

Fig. 5 shows an illustrative representation in which virtual chat room 405 is updated based on updated and current driving scenarios. In this example, car B is deleted from the virtual chat room in view of its distance from the associated vehicle group. In view of the proximity or other similarity of car D to other vehicles to be communicated, car D is added to the virtual chat room. In this example, car C communicates to the other communicating vehicles that he needs to move to the left lane because his exit is fast, and cars a and D react accordingly. This communication capability thus makes the driving experience safer and reduces countermeasures.

Fig. 6 shows an illustrative representation in which another driving scenario causes the creation of a virtual chat room 605. Vehicles E and F stop at a common intersection stop sign, which is a standard for communication areas between vehicles. In other words, the driving scenario of the vehicle satisfies the criterion within the communication area with each other. The temporary virtual chat room is created based on the condition that the vehicle is within the communication area. In this example, the driver of car E lets him drive first, for the driver of car F, because he is teaching his son how to drive. Such interaction enhances safety and understanding between drivers.

Fig. 7 shows an illustrative diagram of a driving scenario, represented by numeral 705, in which a temporary virtual chat room may be generated. Such a driving scenario may be considered to place drivers of respective vehicles within each other's communication area 310. Any one of the driving scenarios shown in fig. 7, or any other driving scenario described herein, may be sufficient to place the user within the communication area, thereby being suitable for co-location within the virtual chat room. Other driving scenarios not shown in fig. 7 or described herein are also possible. Exemplary and non-exhaustive driving scenarios include one or more vehicle merge or approach merge lanes 710; the vehicle is approaching or at a stop sign or stop light 715; the direction of the vehicle (e.g., north on the same road) 720; speed 725 of the vehicle; the vehicles have been within a predetermined distance from each other (e.g., within 20 feet) for a period of time. 20 feet) 730; vehicle type (e.g., similar make or model, approaching an emergency vehicle) 735; proximity 740 of one or more vehicles; user input criteria (e.g., extend a distance within the communication area) 745; map data (e.g., roads being connected, roads in the vicinity are uncorrelated) 750; as well as other scenarios and standards 755.

Fig. 8 shows an illustrative environment in which various application vehicles 105 are within a communication area of each other and within the same temporary virtual chat room 810. The dashed-broken line represents a given virtual chat room for vehicles within the area. Depending on the applicable driving scenario, a single or multiple vehicles may be in the same virtual chat room. Occasionally, if, for example, they are placed in two different driving scenarios involving different vehicles, one vehicle may be invited into multiple staged virtual chat rooms, given their circumstances. When such overlapping chat rooms 805 appear, the user may have various options available for them to select. For example, the user may select a single chat room using some input/output interface (e.g., voice-controlled speaker input, touch screen display, buttons, etc.), the vehicle may automatically place the user in a given chat room, the user may toggle between chat rooms, or the user may receive communications from each chat room.

Fig. 9 shows an illustrative representation in which the application vehicle 105 joins or creates various temporary virtual chat rooms while driving, as represented by numeral 905. In this example, the vehicle starts in chat room a and then, over time and/or the vehicle continues to travel, the vehicle advances to chat room B and then to chat room C.

Fig. 10 shows an illustrative representation of other vehicles to be communicated joining a chat room of another vehicle. Car F hosts a chat room locally or remotely, and cars E and G join the chat room of car F while other vehicles to be communicated are in the communication area. Remotely hosted chat rooms may be hosted by a remote service 110 (fig. 1), where the remote service associates a chat room with each vehicle. The chat room may be a virtual object in a vehicle computing system or in an application installed on a remote service, or may be a communication mode, such as a connection via bluetooth, wi-Fi, NFC (near field communication), cellular connection, or the like. Thus, any discussion regarding chat rooms may be an example of software that a user may specifically join, as well as a method of communication or connection between vehicles.

Fig. 11 shows an illustrative representation in which chat rooms 1005, 1010, and 1015 associated with various vehicles are merged when the vehicles are within communication area of each other. Thus, each vehicle may have its own chat room, merging with the chat room of another vehicle when in a common communication area. The locally instantiated chat room may be a chat room running on an application installed in the vehicle computing system or may be hosted remotely by a remote service.

Fig. 12 shows an illustrative environment in which remote service 110 operates temporary chat room application 185 to manage and create temporary virtual chat rooms, as represented by numeral 1205. In this embodiment, the vehicle may join chat room 1210 hosted and managed by the remote service, and after joining the chat room, the vehicle is able to conduct virtual communications. Typically, the driver communicates through a microphone and speaker for safety reasons, but other communication interfaces are possible, such as text messaging, voice-to-text, haptic feedback, image transmission, etc.

Fig. 13 shows an illustrative environment in which remote service 110 operates temporary chat room application 185 to create temporary virtual chat room 1310, as represented by numeral 1305. For example, when the remote service detects that the application vehicle 105 is within a driving scenario-based area of intercommunication, a temporary virtual chat room is created. The remote service may automatically invite 1315, 1320 vehicles into the virtual chat room. In response to receiving the invitation, the vehicle may enter 1325, 1330 a virtual chat room 1310. For example, the vehicle may be configured to automatically accept the invitation and enter the chat room, or may accept the invitation prior to entering the chat room. Automatic or manual acceptance may depend on the implementation, for example, based on the user's configuration in his locally instantiated temporary chat room application 185 (fig. 1).

When the application vehicle 105 enters the staged virtual chat room 1310, various configurations are triggered. For example, in response to joining the chat room, the input/output devices of the vehicle are enabled, such as speakers and microphones, touch screen displays, and the like. In addition, the connection of the vehicle is established for communication, for example enabling short range (e.g. NFC, bluetooth) and long range communication protocols (e.g. cellular connection). In some embodiments, the short-range or long-range communication protocol may be intact prior to entering the chat room, as the vehicle communicates with the long-range service to utilize the temporary chat room application. When a virtual chat room or communication is operating locally in a vehicle-related computer system, then a vehicle connection may be established once the vehicle enters the chat room.

Fig. 14 shows an illustrative representation in which vehicles, namely cars E, F and G, join a virtual chat room 1310 hosted by a remote service. These cars may enter a chat room, for example, in response to receiving an invitation from a remote service.

15-18 show various illustrative processes that may be operated by one or more of a remote service, a computer system of a vehicle, or a computing device associated with a vehicle. Such steps are merely exemplary and the particular order may be rearranged according to a given scenario.

In step 1505 of process 1500, the vehicle is traveling along a road. At step 1510, the criteria is for determining how and when the vehicle joins the temporary virtual chat room. Such criteria may be, for example, a given driving scenario, such as those shown and described with respect to fig. 3-7. In step 1515, the remote service or vehicle evaluates whether the vehicle belongs to the set criteria and thus to the communication area. For example, the remote service may determine whether one or more vehicles are within a communication area of each other, or the local vehicle may negotiate with other nearby vehicles to be communicated to determine whether they are within a communication area of each other.

In step 1520, when the determined vehicles belong to the set criteria and thus to the communication area, one or more vehicles join the staged virtual chat room. At step 1525, communications are enabled for vehicles joining the temporary virtual chat room. Communication is enabled by enabling short range or long range communication protocols through the respective vehicle, or by enabling an input/output interface. In step 1530, the remote service or local vehicle continuously evaluates whether other vehicles to be communicated are within the set standards and communication areas. The continuous assessment results in chat rooms and communications updated as vehicles move and driving scenarios change. In step 1535, the vehicle leaves or joins the staged virtual chat room based on the continuous assessment. For example, once a vehicle is no longer associated with the driving scenario of the chat room, it may exit the chat room or enter a new chat room depending on the update.

In step 1540, the vehicle may enable user control of leaving and joining the chat room, or alternatively utilize an automated function. For example, the operator of the vehicle may manually accept input received at the microphone of the vehicle, such as by pressing some input or vocal music on a touch screen, to leave the chat room or enter a new chat room. Additionally, the user's temporary chat room application may automatically enter and leave the chat room based on updated driving scenarios. Whether such updates are manually approved by the user or automatically approved, the vehicle may output sound or provide some feedback so that the user knows that they have just left a chat room or entered a new chat room. For example, the feedback may be a beep, or may be a notification, e.g., a "new chat room" output through a speaker. In step 1545, the vehicle stops joining the temporary chat room under certain conditions, such as in response to a user request, the car is turned off, and so on.

At step 1605 of process 1600, the vehicle enters an initial virtual chat room in which at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part. At step 1610, the vehicle enables communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated, via an I/O (input/output) interface, in which communication is temporarily enabled. In step 1615, the vehicle enters a subsequent virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, based on the current driving scenario associated with the vehicle.

At step 1705 of process 1700, an initial virtual chat room is entered in which at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part based on the current driving scenario associated with the vehicle. In step 1710, the vehicle enables communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, with temporary enablement in the communication. In step 1715, the vehicle enters a subsequent virtual chat room in which at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part based on the updated driving scenario associated with the vehicle.

At step 1805 in process 1800, a computer system associated with the vehicle enters an initial virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part thereof, based on a current driving scenario associated with the vehicle, wherein the driving scenario includes at least one of information regarding a speed of the vehicle, proximity to the other vehicle to be communicated, map data, location, and heading. At step 1810, the computer system enables communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated over the I/O interface, wherein the communication is temporarily enabled. At step 1815, based on the updated driving scenario associated with the vehicle, the computer system enters a subsequent virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, wherein the initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms are hosted by a remote service in communication with the vehicle.

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative diagram that may be utilized by a computer system of a vehicle to perform the operations herein, or to plug into a separate computing device or adapter of or otherwise associated with a vehicle. The adapter or stand-alone computing device may be used with the vehicle or be a stand-alone device and application that enables a user to utilize the functionality herein, e.g., a conventional vehicle that may not be able to download the temporary chat room application.

The architecture 1900 shown in fig. 19 includes one or more processors 1902 (e.g., central processing unit, dedicated artificial intelligence chip, graphics processing unit, etc.), a system memory 1904 including RAM (random access memory) 1906 and ROM (read only memory) 1908, and a system bus 1910 that operatively and functionally couples the components of the architecture 1900. A basic input/output system contains the basic programs that help transfer information between elements within the architecture 1900, such as during startup, typically stored in the ROM 1908. Architecture 1900 also includes a mass storage device 1912 for storing software code or other computer-executed code for implementing applications, file systems, and operating systems. The mass storage device 1912 is connected to the processor 1902 through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 1910. The mass storage device 1912 and its associated computer-readable storage media provide non-volatile storage for the architecture 1900. Although the description of computer-readable storage media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the architecture 1900.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. For example, computer-readable media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, HD-DVD (high definition DVD), blu-ray or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by architecture 1900.

According to various embodiments, architecture 1900 may operate in a network environment using logical connections to remote computers through a network. The architecture 1900 may connect to the network through a network interface unit 1916 connected to the bus 1910. It will be appreciated that the network interface unit 1916 may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computer systems. Architecture 1900 may also include an input/output controller 1918 for receiving and processing input from other devices, including a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen, control devices such as buttons and switches, or electronic stylus (not shown in fig. 19). Likewise, input/output controller 1918 may provide output to a display screen, user interface, printer, or other type of output device (also not shown in FIG. 19).

It will be appreciated that the software components described herein, when loaded into the processor 1902 and executed, can transform the processor 1902 and the overall architecture 1900 from a general-purpose computing system into a customized special-purpose computing system to facilitate the functionality presented herein. The processor 1902 may be constructed of any number of transistors or other discrete circuit elements that may individually or collectively assume any number of states. More specifically, the processor 1902 may operate as a finite state machine, in response to executable instructions contained in the software modules disclosed herein. These computer-executable instructions may change the processor 1902 by specifying the manner in which the processor 1902 transitions between different states, thereby changing the transistors or other discrete hardware elements that make up the processor 1902.

Encoding the software modules described herein may also transform the physical structure of the computer-readable storage media described herein. The specific transformation of physical structure may depend on various factors in different embodiments of the present description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to, techniques for implementing a computer-readable storage medium, whether the computer-readable storage medium is characterized as primary or secondary storage, and so forth. For example, if the computer-readable storage medium is implemented as a semiconductor-based memory, the software disclosed herein may be encoded on the computer-readable storage medium by changing the physical state of the semiconductor memory. For example, the software may change the state of transistors, capacitors, or other discrete circuit elements that make up a semiconductor memory. The software may also transform the physical state of these elements to store data thereon.

As another example, the computer-readable storage media disclosed herein may be implemented using magnetic or optical technology. In such embodiments, the software presented herein may change its physical state when the software is encoded in magnetic or optical media. These transformations may include altering the magnetic characteristics of particular locations within given magnetic media. These transformations may also include altering the physical features or characteristics of particular locations within given optical media, to change the optical characteristics of those locations. Other transformations of physical media are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present description, with the foregoing examples provided merely to facilitate the present discussion.

Architecture 1900 may further include one or more sensors 1914 or a battery or power supply 1920. Sensors may be coupled with the architecture to gather data about the environment or components, including temperature, pressure, etc. Exemplary sensors may include thermometers, accelerometers, smoke or gas sensors, pressure sensors (barometric or physical), light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, gyroscopes, and the like. The power source may be compatible with an ac power cord or a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, for portability.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that many types of physical transformations take place in the architecture 1900 in order to store and execute the software components presented herein. It is also to be appreciated that architecture 1900 may include other types of computing devices, including wearable devices, handheld computers, embedded computer systems, smartphones, PDAs, and other types of computing devices known to those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that architecture 1900 may not include all of the components shown in fig. 19, may include other components not explicitly shown in fig. 19, or may utilize an architecture entirely different from that shown in fig. 19.

Fig. 20 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative computer system 2000, such as a PC (personal computer), notebook computer, on-board computer system of a vehicle, or server (e.g., remote service 110), with which the instant invention may be implemented for providing a temporary chat room adapted to provide communication between drivers.

Computer system 2000 includes a processor 2005, a system memory 2011, and a system bus 2014 that couples various system components including the system memory 2011 to the processor 2005. The system bus 2014 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory 2011 includes Read Only Memory (ROM) 2017 and Random Access Memory (RAM) 2021. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 2025, containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system 2000, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 2017. The computer system 2000 may further include a hard disk drive 2028 for reading from and writing to an internally disposed hard disk (not shown), a magnetic disk drive 2030 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 2033 (e.g., a floppy disk), and an optical disk drive 2038 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk 2043 such as a CD (compact disk), DVD (digital versatile disk), or other optical media. The hard disk drive 2028, magnetic disk drive 2030, and optical disk drive 2038 are connected to the system bus 2014 by a hard disk drive interface 2046, a magnetic disk drive interface 2049, and an optical drive interface 2052, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer system 2000. Although this illustrative example includes a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk 2033, and a removable optical disk 2043, other types of computer readable storage media which can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, data cartridges, random Access Memories (RAMs), read Only Memories (ROMs), and the like, may also be used in some applications of the invention which are suitable for providing a temporary chat room for communication between drivers. Furthermore, as used herein, the term computer-readable storage medium includes examples of one or more media types (e.g., one or more disks, one or more CDs, etc.). For the purposes of this specification and claims, the phrase "computer-readable storage medium" and variations thereof are intended to cover non-transitory embodiments, excluding waves, signals, and/or other transitory and/or intangible communication media.

Some program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk 2033, optical disk 2043, ROM2017, or RAM2021, including an operating system 2055, one or more application programs 2057, other program modules 2060, and program data 2063. A user may enter commands and information into the computer system 2000 through input devices such as a keyboard 2066 and a pointing device 2068, such as a mouse. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, trackball, touch pad, touch screen, touch sensitive device, voice command module or device, user motion or user gesture capture device, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processor 2005 through a serial port interface 2071 that is coupled to the system bus 2014, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or a Universal Serial Bus (USB). A monitor 2073 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 2014 via an interface, such as a video adapter 2075. In addition to the display 2073, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers. The illustrative example shown in FIG. 20 also includes a host adapter 2078, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) bus 2083, and an external storage device 2076 connected to the SCSI bus 2083.

The computer system 2000 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer 2088. The remote computer 2088 may alternatively be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer system 2000, although only a representative remote memory/storage device 2090 has been illustrated in fig. 20. The logical connections depicted in fig. 20 include a Local Area Network (LAN) 2093 and a Wide Area Network (WAN) 2095. Such networking environments are often deployed, for example, in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer system 2000 is connected to the LAN 2093 through a network interface or adapter 2096. When used in a wide area network networking environment, the computer system 2000 typically includes a broadband modem 2098, network gateway, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 2095, such as the internet. The broadband modem 2098, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 2014 via a serial port interface 2071. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer system 2000, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device 2090. It should be noted that the network connection shown in fig. 20 is illustrative and that other means of establishing a communication link between computers may be used to accommodate the provision of communication between drivers, in accordance with the particular requirements of the application of the instant chat room.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims (10)

1. A virtual communication method between vehicles; the virtual communication method between vehicles is characterized by comprising the following steps:

entering an initial virtual chat room, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of, based on a current driving scenario associated with the one initial application vehicle, wherein the driving scenario includes at least one of information regarding a speed of the initial application vehicle, proximity to the other vehicle to be communicated, map data, location, and heading;

enabling communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, wherein the communication is temporarily enabled; and

and entering a subsequent virtual chat room according to the latest driving scene related to the initial application vehicle, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part of the virtual chat room.

2. The method for virtual communication between vehicles according to claim 1, wherein: the initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms are hosted by a remote service in communication with the initial application vehicle.

3. The method for virtual communication between vehicles according to claim 2, wherein: the remote service invites the initial application vehicle to enter initial and subsequent virtual chat rooms to enable communication with other different vehicles.

4. A virtual communication method between vehicles according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: the initial application vehicle automatically enters at least one of an initial or subsequent virtual chat room in response to receiving an invitation to a remote service.

5. The method for virtual communication between vehicles according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of the initial or subsequent virtual chat rooms is hosted locally on the computer hardware of the vehicle, the computer hardware of at least one other vehicle to be communicated, or a combination of both.

6. A virtual communication system between vehicles, characterized by: the inter-vehicle virtual communication device is suitable for realizing virtual communication with other vehicle computing devices to be communicated, and comprises:

one or more processors;

an input/output interface; and one or more hardware-based storage devices storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, enter an initial virtual chat room in which at least one other vehicle to be communicated is a part based on a current driving scenario associated with the vehicle; enabling communication with at least one other vehicle to be communicated via the I/O interface, when the communication is temporarily enabled; and entering a subsequent virtual chat room based on the current driving scenario associated with the vehicle, wherein at least one other vehicle to be communicated is part of.

7. The inter-vehicle virtual communication system of claim 6, wherein: the I/O interface includes one or more of a speaker, microphone, display screen, or touch screen.

8. The inter-vehicle virtual communication system according to claim 7, wherein: the initial application vehicle automatically enters at least one of an initial or subsequent virtual chat room in response to receiving an invitation to a remote service.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, carries out the steps of the method of virtual communication between vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. A storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that the computer program when executed by a processor implements the steps of the virtual communication method between vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 5.