DE102015011310A1 - Method and system for starting a vehicle of a vehicle convoy - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for starting a vehicle of a vehicle convoy to carry passengers along a predefined route. The vehicle convoy comprises two separate vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected with each other. The method comprises the steps of determining (S1) whether criteria are met which enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew; and activating (S2) a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a vehicle launch system of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route. The present invention also relates to a vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for starting a vehicle of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route. The invention relates to a system for vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route. The invention also relates to a vehicle convoy. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Related prior art

In public transport with buses in cities, the number of passengers who want to be transported may be high. As a result, buses with high capacity, such. As articulated buses and / or several buses that drive regularly required. It is also important that the launch of the vehicles is efficient so as to ensure safe and efficient passenger transportation. It is also desirable to provide a high level of passenger comfort and bus uptime.

Vehicle convoys having at least two separate vehicle units, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected to each other to control the travel of the vehicle units following the leading vehicle unit so that they follow the leading vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy, are known.

Objects of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route that facilitates the efficient transportation of passengers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for vehicle launching a vehicle convoy to carry passengers along a predefined route that facilitates the efficient transportation of passengers.

Summary of the invention

These and other objects, which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, system, vehicle convoy, computer program, and computer program product as set forth in the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and system are defined in the appended dependent claims.

An object of the invention is achieved in particular by a method for starting a vehicle of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route. The vehicle convoy comprises two separate vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected with each other. The method comprises the steps of determining whether criteria are met which enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy; and upon satisfaction of the criteria enabling vehicle startup of all vehicle units, activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew. Thus, the efficient transportation of passengers is facilitated as efficient starts of the vehicle crew are facilitated by avoiding driving away of the leading vehicle unit without the following vehicle units being ready. Thus, the operating time of the vehicle crew is improved. Furthermore, the comfort for the passengers is improved so that unnecessary stops are facilitated by taking into account the safety of the criteria enabling a synchronized start so that a synchronized start is not initiated unless all passengers in all vehicle units are safe, it takes place z. B. no start when a person is trapped in a door. Furthermore, the fuel consumption / energy consumption may be reduced such that the synchronized start may reduce unnecessary running of the engine of the leading vehicle unit and also of the following vehicle units, which in turn may be activated in connection with meeting the criteria for all vehicles.

According to one embodiment of the method, the vehicle units are buses.

According to one embodiment of the method, a control of the leading vehicle unit is recognized and communicated to the remaining vehicle units of the vehicle crew. Thus, the efficient travel of the vehicle crew is facilitated in that the leading vehicle unit controls the following vehicle units while driving, including the synchronized start.

According to one embodiment of the method, the vehicle column is controlled by a driver.

According to one embodiment of the method, the vehicle crew is autonomously controlled.

According to one embodiment of the method, the criteria include allowable oil pressure, allowable air pressure, allowable air conditioning status, allowable vehicle door status, and permissible alert function status. By taking these criteria into account in this way, the efficient and safe start of the vehicle crew is facilitated; and wherein a synchronized vehicle start is activated for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew when one or more of the criteria are met.

According to one embodiment of the method, the step of determining whether criteria are met which enable vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, the step of recognizing corresponding vehicle functions using corresponding sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy and communicating the recognition result within the vehicle convoy. By recognizing appropriate vehicle functions, such. Permitted oil pressure, authorized air pressure, authorized air conditioning status, authorized vehicle door status, and authorized warning function status, in this manner and by communicating the result within the vehicle crew, e.g. As to the leading vehicle, a synchronized start of the vehicle units of the vehicle crew is efficient.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle launch system of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route, the system being arranged to perform the methods as set forth herein.

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

Brief description of the drawings

In order to better understand the present invention, reference is made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

1 schematically illustrates a vehicle column according to the present invention;

2 schematically illustrates a vehicle column according to the present invention;

3 schematically illustrates a system for vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

In the following, the term "connection" refers to a communication connection that is a physical connector, such as a physical connector. As an optoelectronic communication wire, or a non-physical connection, such. B. can be a wireless connection, for. B. a radio or microwave connection.

In the following, the term "separate vehicle units" refers to vehicle units that are separated from one another so that there is no physical connection between the vehicles.

In the following, the term "vehicle units wirelessly interlinked with each other" refers to the vehicles that are interlinked via a communication link to provide communication between the vehicle units to control the travel of the vehicles following the leading vehicle, so that they follow the leading vehicle. The term "wireless networking" thus refers to a communications link for communication between the vehicle units, which is a non-physical connector, i. H. a wireless connection, e.g. B. a radio or microwave connection, WiFi, Bluetooth or the like.

In the following, the term "predefined route" refers to a route in the form of a road on which the passenger convoy should move and stop to allow passengers to board the vehicle units, e.g. Buses, and to get out of these, and begins after people have been allowed to leave / enter the vehicle crew. The vehicle crew is intended for regular traffic in, for example, cities along routes with stops in which Many passengers board the vehicle units and get out of them, which means there are many take-offs and stops.

In the following, the term "synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy" refers to a start in which the leading vehicle unit and the following vehicle units start and depart, so that all the following vehicle units of the leading vehicle unit travels at a designated distance, and thus includes one synchronized start and a predicted optimized start. For example, the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy can start offset at the same time or in a predefined manner.

1 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1A for carrying passengers along a predefined route R. The vehicle convoy 1A includes two separate vehicle units 2 . 3 , a leading vehicle unit 2 and a following vehicle unit 3 , The vehicle units are wirelessly networked with each other. The vehicle units 2 . 3 can z. B. buses. Alternatively, the vehicle units could 2 . 3 Rail vehicle units or buses.

The leading vehicle unit 2 has a front door 2a , a rear door 2 B and intermediate doors 2c , about the passengers in the vehicle unit 2 get in and get out of this. Accordingly, the following vehicle unit 3 has a front door 3a , a rear door 3b and intermediate doors 3c , about the passengers in the vehicle unit 3 get in and out of this before the vehicle crew starts.

The leading vehicle unit 2 is via wireless networking 23 with the following vehicle unit 3 networked.

The vehicle crew 1A comprises a system I, which in 1 not shown, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1A , and / or is connected thereto, wherein an embodiment of the system I in 3 is shown. The system I comprises means for recognizing the control of the leading vehicle unit and a means for communicating the recognized control to the following vehicle unit 3 the vehicle crew 1 , This is followed by the following vehicle unit 3 the leading vehicle unit 2 at a start and along the predefined route R and stops when the leading vehicle unit 2 stops.

2 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1B for carrying passengers along a predefined route R. The vehicle convoy 1B includes three separate vehicle units 2 . 3 . 4 , a leading vehicle unit 2 and a first following vehicle unit 3 , the leading vehicle unit 2 nachfährt, and a second following vehicle unit 4 that of the second vehicle unit 3 retraces. The leading vehicle unit 2 and the following vehicle units 3 . 4 form a vehicle platoon, wherein the first following vehicle unit 3 between the leading vehicle unit 2 and the second following vehicle unit 4 moves. The vehicle units 2 . 3 . 4 are about the wireless networks 23 . 34 . 24 wirelessly networked with each other. The vehicle units 2 . 3 . 4 can z. B. buses.

Thus, two or more vehicle units may be wirelessly networked with each other as needed in this way.

The leading vehicle unit 2 has a front door 2a , a rear door 2 B and intermediate doors 2c , about the passengers in the vehicle unit 2 get in and get out of this. Accordingly, the first following vehicle unit 3 a front door 3a , a rear door 3b and intermediate doors 3c , about the passengers in the vehicle unit 3 get in and out of this, and has the second following vehicle unit 4 a front door 4a , a rear door 4b and intermediate doors 4c , about the passengers in the vehicle unit 4 get in and get out of this.

The leading vehicle unit 2 is via wireless networking 23 with the first following vehicle unit 3 networked, the first following vehicle unit 3 is via wireless networking 34 with the second following vehicle unit 4 networked and the leading vehicle unit 2 is via wireless networking 24 with the second following vehicle unit 4 networked.

The vehicle crew 1B can also have wireless connections 22 . 32 . 42 to the respective vehicle unit 2 . 3 . 4 with an external unit 200 to be connected.

The vehicle crew 1B comprises a system I, which in 2 not shown, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1B , and / or is connected thereto, wherein an embodiment of the system I in 3 is shown. The system I comprises means for detecting the control of the leading vehicle unit 2 and means for communicating the detected control to the following vehicle units 3 . 4 the vehicle crew 1 over the wireless connections 23 . 24 . 34 . 22 . 32 . 42 , This is followed by the following vehicle units 3 . 4 the leading vehicle unit 2 at a start and along the predefined route R and stop when the leading vehicle unit 2 stops. The control of the leading vehicle unit 2 includes driving the leading vehicle unit 2 including speed, gear shift, acceleration and speed reduction.

The wireless networks and the external unit are in system I for vehicle launch of the vehicle crew, according to one embodiment 1B according to 3 includes.

2 illustrates the vehicle crew 1B in a stop, ie a bus stop, to passengers boarding the vehicle units 2 . 3 . 4 ie to allow the buses, and getting out of these. Thus, the vehicle column is located 1B before a start of the vehicle crew 1B in a stop S. The stop S can be a platform. According to one embodiment, the vehicle column 1B and thus every vehicle unit 2 . 3 . 4 dedicated positions P1, P2, P3 along the longitudinal extent of the stop and a position P across the stop, ie the distance from the stop to the side of the vehicle, for each vehicle unit 2 . 3 . 4 ,

The vehicle crew 1A . 1B in 1 and 2 According to one embodiment, it is designed such that it is controlled by a driver. According to a variant, the vehicle column 1A . 1B designed by a driver in the leading vehicle unit 2 is controlled. According to a variant, the following vehicle units 3 ; 3 . 4 from the leading vehicle unit 2 controlled. According to a variant, the following vehicle units 3 ; 3 . 4 autonomous and have no driver. According to a variant, one or more of the vehicle units has an operator / driver who monitors the travel of the following vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle column is 1A . 1B designed to be autonomously controlled.

The vehicle crew 1A . 1B According to the present invention, any suitable number of following vehicle units may be included.

The vehicle crew 1A . 1B includes a means 120 to enable a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 the vehicle crew 1A . 1B if criteria are fulfilled that enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units.

3 schematically illustrates a system I for vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle convoy comprises two separate vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected with each other.

The vehicle column could z. B. a vehicle column according to 1 or 2 be. The vehicle units are buses according to one embodiment.

The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100 , The electronic control unit 100 is arranged according to a variant in the leading vehicle unit of the vehicle unit configuration. The electronic control unit comprises according to a variant electronic control units for each vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy. The system may also include other electronic control units operatively connected to the electronic control unit via links 100 are connected. For the sake of simplicity, is in 3 only an electronic control unit 100 shown.

The system I comprises a means 110 to determine whether criteria are met that allow a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

The criteria include a permissible oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The criteria further include a permissible air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The criteria further include a permissible air conditioning status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The criteria further include an allowable vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew. An approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew means that all doors of all vehicle units are properly closed. An approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew means that all vehicle units of the vehicle crew show a proper operation of the doors. Proper operation of the doors, according to one embodiment, includes checking that the air pressure for opening and closing the doors of the vehicle units of the vehicle crew is sufficient. The doors may comprise any suitable means for their operation, ie for opening and closing the doors, e.g. B. an electrical means for opening and closing the doors of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy by electricity and / or a mechanical means for operating the doors and / or a hydraulic means and / or an electromagnetic means.

The criteria further include an allowable warning health status that indicates the absence of warning messages about the propulsion system and vehicle systems, such as vehicles. As brake system, air pressure systems, monitoring systems, systems that monitor the tire pressure, etc., comprising vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The criteria may be any criteria that are relevant to a safe and controlled synchronized start for all vehicle units.

A start of the vehicle crew is made possible if one or more of these criteria, preferably all, are met for all vehicle units. For example, the start of the vehicle could also be enabled if the criteria related to the allowable air conditioning status of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew are not met.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met which allow vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, thus comprises a means 111 . 112 . 113 . 114 . 115 for recognizing corresponding vehicle functions by means of corresponding sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 111 for determining a permissible oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The middle 111 for determining a permissible oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, any suitable detection unit for determining an allowable oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy can comprise.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 112 for determining a permissible air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The middle 112 according to one embodiment comprises any suitable detection unit for detecting an allowable air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 113 for a permissible air conditioning status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The middle 113 includes any type of suitable detection unit for detecting a permissible air conditioning status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 114 for determining a permissible vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The middle 114 includes any type of suitable detection unit for detecting an allowable vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, e.g. For example, all doors are closed, no one squeezed, air pressure works when the doors are operated by air pressure.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 115 to determine a valid warning health status. The means includes any type of suitable sensor for detecting a permissible warning function status of the drive and systems of each vehicle unit.

The middle 111 , the middle 112 , the middle 113 , the middle 114 and the means 115 are thus all means for detecting appropriate vehicle functions.

The middle 110 In order to determine whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means comprises 116 for communicating the recognition result within the vehicle crew. The middle 116 for communicating the recognition result within the vehicle convoy is designed to transmit the results to the electronic control unit 100 communicated.

The system I further comprises a means 120 for activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, if criteria are met that enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units.

The system also includes a means 130 for detecting a control (signals?) of the leading vehicle unit. The middle 130 may include any suitable detection unit for detecting a control of the leading vehicle, including detecting a travel of the leading vehicle, including a start of the leading vehicle, a braking of the leading vehicle and a gear shift of the leading vehicle.

The system also includes a means 140 for communicating the detected control (signals) to the remaining vehicle units Motorcade. The middle 140 for communicating the detected control (signals) may include any suitable unit for communicating the control (signals) to the other vehicle units, e.g. B. to the electronic control units of the other vehicle units. The electronic control unit 100 according to a variant comprises the means 140 for communicating the control to the other vehicle units. Thus, the efficient travel, including the start, of the vehicle crew is facilitated in that the leading vehicle unit controls the following vehicle units during take-off, drive and stop.

The following are the electronic control unit 100 of the system I and its connection with the means mentioned above 110 . 120 . 130 . 140 described. In this context, "a connection" may refer to one or more connections, that is, two or more connections. In this context, further, "one signal" may refer to one or more signals, ie, two or more signals.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 110a operational with the agent 110 to determine if criteria are met that allow vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 110a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 110 which is representative of data for start criteria for starting the vehicle crew.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 111 operational with the agent 111 connected to determine a permissible oil pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 111 designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 111 which is representative of oil pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 112a operational with the agent 112 connected to determine a permissible air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 112a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 112 which is representative of air pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 113a operational with the agent 113 for a permissible air conditioning status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy connected. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 113a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 113 which is representative of air conditioning data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 114a operational with the agent 114 connected to determine a permissible vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 114a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 114 which is representative of door status data for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 115a operational with the agent 115 connected to determine a permissible alert health status. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 115a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 115 which is representative of warning function status data for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 116a operational with the agent 116 for communicating the recognition result within the vehicle column of the agent 111 . 112 . 113 . 114 and or 115 connected within the vehicle convoy. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 116a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 116 which is representative of result data for the recognition result.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 120a operational with the agent 120 for activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, if criteria are fulfilled which enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 120a designed so that it sends a signal to the agent 120 which is representative of a vehicle start synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 130a operational with the agent 130 connected to detect a control of the leading vehicle unit. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 130a designed so that they receive a signal from the middle 130 which is representative of control data that controls the leading vehicle, including start data, drive data, brake data and gear shift data.

The electronic control unit 100 is about a connection 140a operationally with the medium 140 for communicating the recognized control to the remaining vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The electronic control unit 100 is about the connection 140a designed so that it sends a signal to the agent 140 representative of control data that controls the leading vehicle, including start data, driving data, braking data and gear shift data, wherein the means 140 is designed so that it sends the data to the other vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

The electronic control unit 100 is designed to process the data for startup criteria that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

The electronic control unit 100 is configured to process the oil pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, the barometric pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, the air conditioning data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, the door status data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, and / or warning function status data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy determine whether criteria are met that enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for a vehicle startup of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route. The vehicle convoy comprises two separate vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected with each other.

According to the embodiment, the method for vehicle startup of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route comprises a first step S1. In this step, it is determined whether criteria are met that allow a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

According to the embodiment, the method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route comprises a second step S2. Upon satisfaction of the criteria that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units, in this step, activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew.

With reference to 5 is a diagram of a device 500 shown. The referring to 3 described control unit 100 According to one embodiment, the device 500 include. The device 500 includes a non-volatile memory 520 , a data processing device 510 and a read / write memory 550 , The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory section 530 in which a computer program, such. An operating program, for controlling the operation of the device 500 is stored. Furthermore, the device comprises 500 a bus control unit, a serial communication port, an I / O device, an A / D converter, a time-date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interruption control unit (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory section 540 ,

A computer program P is provided that includes vehicle launch vehicle routing routines for carrying passengers along a predefined route according to an embodiment of the present invention in accordance with the method of the invention. The vehicle convoy comprises two separate vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, the vehicle units being wirelessly interconnected with each other. The program P includes routines for determining whether criteria are met that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew. The program P includes routines for activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, if the criteria that enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled. The computer program P may be executable or compressed in a separate memory 560 and / or the read / write memory 550 be saved.

If indicated that the data processing device 510 performs a certain function, it should be understood that the data processing device 510 runs a certain part of the program, in separate memory 560 is stored or executes a certain portion of the program in the read / write memory 550 is stored.

The data processing device 510 can via a data bus 515 with a data communication port 599 communicate. The non-volatile memory 520 is for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 512 designed. The separate memory 560 is for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 511 designed. The read / write memory 550 is for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 514 designed. To the data communication ports 599 can z. B. the connections are connected to the control units 100 ; 200 ; 300 are connected.

When data is at the data port 599 are received, they are temporarily in the second memory section 540 saved. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing device becomes 510 set to perform the execution of a code as described above. The at the data connection 599 received signals may be from the device 500 be used to determine whether criteria are met that allow a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew. The at the data connection 599 received signals may be from the device 500 be used to activate a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, if the criteria are met that allow a vehicle start of all vehicle units.

Portions of the methods described herein may be used by the device 500 using the data processing device 510 run under execution of the program, which is in separate memory 560 or in the read / write memory 550 is stored. When the device 500 executing the program, parts of the method described here are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications, to enable those skilled in the art to appreciate the invention with various embodiments and various modifications as appropriate to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (15)

Method for starting a vehicle of a vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) for carrying passengers, the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) at least two separate vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ), one of the vehicle units comprising a leading vehicle unit ( 2 ), wherein the vehicle units are wirelessly networked with each other, characterized by the steps of: - determining (S1), whether criteria are met, the vehicle start of all vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ) of the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) enable; and - in meeting the criteria for starting all vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ) enable (S2) a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ) of the vehicle convoy. Method according to claim 1, wherein the control of the leading vehicle unit ( 2 ) and to the remaining vehicle units ( 3 ; 3 . 4 ) of the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) is communicated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the vehicle column ( 1A ; 1B ) is controlled by a driver. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the vehicle column ( 1A ; 1B ) is autonomously controlled. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the criteria include permitted oil pressure, permitted air pressure, air conditioning status, vehicle door open status, and authorized alert status; and wherein a synchronized vehicle start is activated for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew when one or more of the criteria are met. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of determining whether criteria that enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, includes the step of recognizing corresponding vehicle functions using corresponding sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy and communicating the recognition result within the vehicle convoy. System (I) for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers, wherein the system for a vehicle start for a vehicle convoy ( 1A ; 1B ) configured to have at least two separate ones Vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ), one of the vehicle units comprising a leading vehicle unit ( 2 ), wherein the vehicle units are wirelessly interconnected with each other, characterized by a means ( 110 ) in order to determine whether criteria are met which enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) enable; and a means ( 120 ) for activating a synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle crew ( 1A . 1B ), if the criteria are fulfilled that enable a vehicle start of all vehicle units. System according to claim 7, comprising a means ( 130 ) for recognizing the control of the leading vehicle unit and a means ( 140 ) for communicating the recognized control to the remaining vehicle units ( 2 . 3 ; 2 . 3 . 4 ) of the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ). System according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the vehicle column ( 1A ; 1B ) is designed to be controlled by a driver. System according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the vehicle column ( 1A ; 1B ) is designed to be autonomously controlled. The system of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the criteria include allowable oil pressure, allowable air pressure, allowable air conditioning status, allowable vehicle door status, and permissible alert function status. A system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the means ( 110 ) to determine whether criteria are met which enable vehicle launch of all vehicle units of the vehicle crew, a means ( 111 . 112 . 113 . 114 . 115 ) for recognizing corresponding vehicle functions by means of corresponding sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ) and means for communicating the recognition result within the vehicle crew ( 1A ; 1B ). Vehicle unit designed for a vehicle convoy, the vehicle unit comprising a system (I) according to one of claims 7 to 12. Computer program (P) for a vehicle launch of a vehicle convoy for carrying passengers along a predefined route, the computer program (P) comprising a program code which, when stored on an electronic unit ( 100 ) or another computer ( 500 ) which is connected to the electronic control unit ( 100 ) causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claims 1 to 6. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program of claim 14.

Images