SE1451113A1

SE1451113A1 - Method and system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy

Info

Publication number: SE1451113A1
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: 2016-03-23
Also published as: DE102015011310A1; SE538334C2

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected. The method comprises the steps of: determining (Si) whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled; and activating (S2) synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined 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

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected. The method comprises the steps of: determining (Si) whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled; and activating (S2) synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The present invention also relates to a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The present invention also relates to a vehicle convoy. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

(Fig. 4) 1 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE START OF A VEHICLE CONVOY TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route The invention relates to a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The invention also relates to a vehicle convoy. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART For public transportation with buses in cities the amount of passengers wishing 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 maintain safe and efficient transportation of passengers. It is also desired that comfort of the passengers and uptime of the buses are at a high level.

Vehicle convoys with at least two mutually separated vehicle units, where the vehicle units are mutually wirelessly interconnected for controlling drive of the vehicle units trailing the leading vehicle unit such that they follow the leading vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy are known. 2 OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route which facilitates efficient transportation of passengers. 5 Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route which facilitates efficient transportation of passengers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are 10 achieved by a method, a system, a vehicle convoy, a computer program and a computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected. The method comprises the steps of: determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled; and, when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Hereby efficient transportation of passengers is facilitated due to the fact that efficient starts of the vehicle convoy are facilitated in that it is avoided that the leading vehicle unit leaves without the trailing vehicle units being ready. Thus, the uptinne of the vehicle convoy is improved. Further, comfort of the passengers is improved in that unnecessary stops are facilitated in that criteria for allowing synchronized start 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 3 stuck in a door. Further fuel consumption/energy consumption may be reduced in that the synchronized start may reduce unnecessary run of engine/motor of the leading vehicle unit and also trailing vehicle units, which instead 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 unit is detected and communicated to the rest of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Hereby efficient drive of the vehicle convoy is facilitated in that the leading 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: approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climate control status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning function status. By thus taking these criteria in to consideration efficient and safe start of the vehicle convoy is facilitated; and wherein synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is activated when one or more of the criteria are fulfilled.

According to an embodiment of the method, the step of determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises the step of detecting applicable vehicle functions by means of applicable sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, and communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy. By thus detecting applicable vehicle functions such as approved oil pressure, 4 approved air pressure, approved climate control status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning function status, and by communicating the result within the vehicle convoy, e.g. to the leading vehicle, synchronized start of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy becomes efficient.

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

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying 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 invention; Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy according to the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy 20 for 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 start of 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 a physical 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 units being separated from each other such that there is no physical connection between the vehicles.

Hereinafter the term "vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected" refers to the vehicles being interconnected via a communication link for communication between the vehicle units for controlling drive of the vehicles trailing the leading vehicle such that they follow the leading vehicle. The term "wireless interconnection" thus refers to a communication link for communication 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 a road on which the vehicle convoy for passenger transport is intended to 20 travel and make stops for allowing passengers to boarding and getting off the vehicle units, e.g. buses, and starts after having allowed people to leave/enter the vehicle convoy. The vehicle convoy is intended for regular traffic in e.g. cities along routes with stops where there are many passengers entering and leaving the vehicle units and where there thus are many starts 25 and stops.

Hereinafter the term "synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy" refers to a start where the leading vehicle unit and the trailing vehicle units start and take off such that all trailing vehicle units follow the 6 leading vehicle unit at an intended distance. thus including a timely synchronized start and predicted optimized start. For example the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy can start at the same time or at a predetermined time offset.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1A for passenger transport along a predetermined route R. The vehicle convoy 1A comprises two mutually separated vehicle units 2, 3, a leading vehicle unit 2 and a trailing vehicle unit 3. Said vehicle units are mutually wirelessly interconnected. The vehicle 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 and intermediate 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 door 3b 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 I, not shown in fig. 1, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1A, an embodiment of 20 the system I being shown in fig. 3. The system I comprises means for detecting control of the leading vehicle unit and means for communicating said 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 start and along the predetermined route R and stop when the leading vehicle unit 2 stops.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle convoy 1B for passenger transport along a predetermined route R. The vehicle convoy 1B comprises three mutually separated vehicle units 2, 3, 4, a leading vehicle unit 2, and a first trailing vehicle unit 3 trailing the leading vehicle unit 2, and a second trailing 7 vehicle unit 4 trailing the second vehicle unit 3. The leading vehicle unit 2 and the trailing vehicle units 3, 4 form a vehicle train with the first trailing vehicle unit 3 running between the leading vehicle unit 2 and the second trailing vehicle unit 4. Said vehicle units 2, 3, 4 are mutually wirelessly interconnected 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 and intermediate 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 back door 3b and intermediate doors 3c for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle unit 3 and the second trailing vehicle unit 4 has a front door 4a, a back door 4b and intermediate doors 4c for passengers to enter and leave the vehicle unit 4.

The leading vehicle unit 2 is interconnected with the first trailing vehicle unit 3 via a wireless interconnection 23, the first trailing vehicle unit 3 is interconnected with the second trailing vehicle unit 4 via a wireless interconnection 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 200 via 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 I, not shown in fig. 2, for a vehicle start of the vehicle convoy 1B, an embodiment of 25 the system I being shown in fig. 3. The system I comprises means for detecting control of the leading vehicle unit 2 and means for communicating said detected control to the trailing vehicle units 3, 4 of the vehicle convoy 1 via said wireless links 23, 24, 34, 22, 32, 42. Hereby the trailing vehicle units 3, 4 will follow the leading vehicle unit 2 at a start and along the 8 predetermined route R and stop when the leading vehicle unit 2 stops. Control of the leading vehicle unit 2 comprises drive of the leading vehicle unit 2 including speed, gear change, acceleration and retardation.

The wireless interconnections and external unit are according to an embodiment 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 allowing passengers to get on and off the vehicle units 2, 3, 4, i.e. the buses. Thus the vehicle convoy 1B is at a stop S prior to a start of the vehicle convoy 1B. The 10 stop S can be a platform. According to an embodiment the vehicle convoy 1B and thus each vehicle unit 2, 3, 4 have dedicated positions P1, P2, P3 along the longitudinal extension of the stop and a position P transversally relative to the stop, i.e. the distance from the stop to the side of the vehicle, for each vehicle unit 2, 3, 4. 15 The vehicle convoy 1A, 1B in fig. 1 and 2 is according to an embodiment arranged to be controlled by a driver. According to a variant the vehicle convoy 1A, 1B is arranged to be controlled by a driver in the leading vehicle unit 2. According to a variant the trailing vehicle units 3; 3, 4 are controlled by the leading vehicle unit 2. According to a variant the trailing vehicle units 3; 3, 20 4 are autonomous and do not have a driver. According to a variant one or more of the trailing vehicle units have an operator/driver supervising the drive of the trailing vehicle.

According to an embodiment the vehicle convoy 1A, 1B is arranged to be autonomously controlled. 25 The vehicle convoy 1A, 1B according to the present invention may have any suitable number of trailing vehicle units. 9 The vehicle convoy 1A, 1 B comprises means 120 for activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units 2, 3; 2, 3, 4 of the vehicle convoy 1A, 1 B when criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system I for a vehicle start of a vehicle 5 convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle 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 control unit 100 is according to a variant arranged in the leading vehicle unit of the vehicle unit configuration. The electronic control unit according to a variant comprises electronic control units for each vehicle unit of the vehicle convoy.

The system may also comprise additional electronic control units operatively connected to the electronic control unit 100 via links. For simplicity only one electronic 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 the vehicle 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 vehicle units 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 properly closed. Approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy means that all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy have a proper operation of the doors. Proper operation of the doors comprises according to an 5 embodiment a check that the air pressure for opening and closing the doors of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is sufficient. The doors may comprise any suitable means for operation thereof i.e. opening and closing the doors, such as electric means for opening and closing the doors of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy by means of electricity, and/or mechanical 10 means for operating the doors, and/or hydraulic means, and/or electromagnetic means.

Said criteria further comprises approved warning function status comprising absent of warnings from drivetrain and vehicle systems such as brake system, 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 controlled synchronized 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 vehicle could be allowed even if the criteria referring to approved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is not fulfilled.

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

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 111 for determining 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 of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 112 for determining approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

Said means 112 comprises according to an embodiment any suitable detector 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 of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 113 for approved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Said means 113 comprises any kind of suitable detector for detecting approved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 114 for determining approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Said means 114 comprises any kind of suitable detector for detecting approved vehicle door status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, e.g. all doors closed, no person squeezed, air pressure functioning, 20 when doors are operated by means of air pressure.

The means 110 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 115 for determining approved warning function status. Said means comprises any kind of suitable sensor for sensing approved warning function status of drivetrain 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 of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means 116 for communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy. Said means 116 for communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy is arranged to communicate the results to the electronic control unit 100.

The system I further comprises means 120 for activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled. 10 The system also comprises means 130 for detecting control (signals?) of the leading vehicle unit. Said means 130 may comprise any suitable detector for detecting control of the leading vehicle including detecting drive of the leading vehicle including start of the leading vehicle, braking of the leading vehicle, and gear change of the leading vehicle. 15 The system also comprises means 140 for communicating said detected control (signals) to the rest of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. Said means 140 for communicating the detected control (signals) may comprise any suitable unit for communicating the control (signals) to the other vehicle units, e.g. to electronic control units of the other vehicle units. Said electronic control unit 100 comprises according to a variant said means 140 for communicating the control to the other vehicle units. Hereby efficient drive including 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 I and its connection to the above mentioned means 110, 120, 130, 140 is described. In this context the term "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 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled via a link 110a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 110a arranged to receive a signal from said means 1 representing data for start criteria for start of the vehicle convoy.

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

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 112 for determining approved air pressure of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy via a link 112a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 112a arranged to receive 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 for approved climate control status of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy via a link 113a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 113a arranged to receive a signal from said means 113 representing climate control data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

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

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 115 for determining approved warning function status via a link 115a. The electronic control 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 for communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy of said means 111, 112, 113, 114 and/or 115 within the vehicle convoy via a link 116a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 116a arranged to receive a signal from said means 116 representing result data for result of said detection.

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

The electronic control unit 100 is operatively connected to the means 130 for detecting control of the leading vehicle unit via a link 130a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 130a arranged to receive a signal from said means 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 for communicating said detected control to the rest of the vehicle units of the vehicle convoy via a link 140a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 140a arranged to send a signal to said means 140 representing control data controlling the leading vehicle including start data, drive data, brake data, 25 gear change data wherein the means 140 is arranged to communicate said data to the other vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

The electronic control unit 100 is arranged to process said data for start criteria 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 data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, said air pressure data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, said climate control data for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy, said 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 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of 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 vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route comprises a first step Si. In this step it is determined whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled.

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

With reference to figure 5, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a non- 25 volatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O-means, an AID-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 a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention according to the innovative method. The vehicle convoy comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units, one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit, said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected. The program P comprises routines for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled. The program P comprises routines for, when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 15 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part 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. 20 Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for 25 communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units 100; 200; 300 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily 17 stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled. The signals 5 received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for, when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled, activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in 10 separate 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 present invention has been provided for the 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 practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 18

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) for passenger transport, wherein , the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) comprises at least two mutually separated vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4), one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit (2), said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected, characterized by the steps of:

1. determining (Si) whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) of the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) are fulfilled; and, 2. 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 vehicle unit (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 criteria comprises: approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climate control status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning function status; and wherein synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy is activated when one or more of the criteria are fulfilled.

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

8. A system (I) for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger transport along a predetermined route, wherein , the system for a vehicle start is configured for a vehicle convoy (1A, 1B) comprising at least two mutually separated vehicle units vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4), one of the vehicle units being a leading vehicle unit (2), said vehicle units being mutually wirelessly interconnected, characterized by means (110) for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy (1A, 1B) are fulfilled; and means (120) for activating synchronized vehicle start for all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy (1A, 1B) when said criteria for allowing vehicle start of all vehicle units are fulfilled.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) are buses.

10. A system according to claim 8, comprising means (130) for detecting control of the leading vehicle unit and means (140) for communicating said detected control to the rest of the vehicle units (2, 3; 2, 3, 4) of the vehicle convoy (1A, 1B).

11. A system according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) is arranged to be controlled by a driver.

12. A system according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B) is arranged to be autonomously controlled.

13. A system according to any of claims 8-12, wherein said criteria comprises: approved oil pressure, approved air pressure, approved climate control status, approved vehicle door status, approved warning function status.

14. A system according to any of claims 8-13, wherein the means (110) for determining whether criteria for allowing a vehicle start of all vehicle units of the vehicle convoy are fulfilled comprises means (111, 112, 113, 114, 115) for detecting applicable vehicle functions by means of applicable sensors of vehicle units of the vehicle convoy (1A; 1B), and means (116) for communicating the result of the detection within the vehicle convoy (1A; 1 B).

15. A vehicle unit adapted for a vehicle convoy, said vehicle unit comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 8-14.

16. A computer program (P) for a vehicle start of a vehicle convoy for passenger 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.

17. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing 15 the computer program according to claim 16. Patentansokan nr / Patent application No: 1451113-3 1 fOljande bilaga finns en oversattning av patentkraven till svenska. Observera att det är patentkravens lydelse pa engelska som galler. A Swedish translation of the patent claims is enclosed. Please note that only the English claims have legal effect.