阅读说明：本技术 用于促进车辆的车辆操作的方法和控制装置 (Method and control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle ) 是由 H·费利克松 O·贝里马克 M·斯文松 J·尼科尔斯 B·哈拉德逊 于 2019-08-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种由控制装置(100)执行的用于促进车辆(V)的车辆操作的方法。该方法包括在车辆操作之前,给车辆配备向车辆操作增加特定特征的至少一个车身(BW)的步骤。该方法还包括定义至少一个通用区域,该至少一个通用区域包括地理区域(Z1)和/或时间区域(Z2)。该方法还包括,对于该至少一个通用区域,定义适合于车辆和车辆已配备的该至少一个车身的操作策略,以确保当车辆在该至少一个通用区域内操作时,该至少一个车身按照这样定义的操作策略来操作。本发明还涉及一种用于促进车辆的车辆操作的控制装置。本发明还涉及一种车辆。本发明还涉及一种计算机程序和计算机可读介质。(The invention relates to a method performed by a control device (100) for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle (V). The method comprises the step of equipping the vehicle with at least one Body (BW) that adds a particular feature to the vehicle operation prior to the vehicle operation. The method further comprises defining at least one general area comprising a geographical area (Z1) and/or a time area (Z2). The method further includes, for the at least one general area, defining an operating strategy that is appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle has been equipped to ensure that the at least one body operates in accordance with the operating strategy so defined when the vehicle is operating within the at least one general area. The invention also relates to a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.)

1. A method (M1, M2) performed by a control device (100) for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle (V), comprising, prior to vehicle operation:

-equipping the vehicle with at least one Body (BW) adding specific features to the vehicle operation;

-defining at least one general area comprising a geographical area (Z1) and/or a time area (Z2); and

-defining, for said at least one general area, an operating strategy suitable for the vehicle (V) and for said at least one Bodywork (BW) with which the vehicle is equipped, so as to ensure that when the vehicle (V) is operating within said at least one general area, said at least one Bodywork (BW) operates according to the operating strategy thus defined.

2. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of, during operation of the vehicle: determining whether a vehicle is within the at least one general zone (Z1, Z2); and controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on the thus defined policy that is appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area is performed automatically.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step of configuring, for said at least one general area, the function of said at least one body according to the strategy thus defined, before the operation of the vehicle.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising the step of activating, for said at least one general area during vehicle operation, such configured functions of said at least one body according to such defined strategy as to initiate vehicle operation control when it is determined that the vehicle is within said at least one general area.

6. A control device (100) for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle (V), the control device being configured to, prior to vehicle operation:

-establishing an operative connection with at least one Body (BW) equipping the vehicle with the addition of a specific feature to the vehicle operation;

-defining at least one general area based on the area definition information, the at least one general area comprising a geographical area (Z1) and/or a time area (Z2); and

-for said at least one general area, defining an operation strategy adapted to the vehicle (V) and said at least one Body (BW) with which the vehicle is equipped, based on the operation strategy definition information, to ensure that when the vehicle (V) is operating within said at least one general area, said at least one Body (BW) is operated according to the operation strategy so defined.

7. The control device of claim 6, the control device (100) being configured to, during operation of the vehicle: determining whether a vehicle is within the at least one general zone (Z1, Z2); and, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on the so defined policy that is appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is already equipped.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control device (100) is configured to automatically perform control of vehicle operation in the at least one general area.

9. Control device according to any of claims 6-8, the control device (100) being configured to configure the function of the at least one Body (BW) according to the strategy thus defined for the at least one general area before operation of the vehicle.

10. The control device according to claim 9, the control device (100) being configured to activate, during operation of the vehicle, for the at least one general area, the thus configured function of the at least one Body (BW) according to the thus defined strategy, when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, in order to initiate vehicle operation control.

11. A vehicle (1) comprising a control device (100) according to any one of claims 6-10.

12. A computer program (P) for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, the computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on a control device (100) or another computer (500) connected to the control device (100), causes the control device to carry out the steps according to claims 1-5.

13. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method performed by a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention also relates to a computer program and a computer readable medium.

Background

For vehicles such as trucks, there may be certain strategies that affect the operation of the vehicle. These strategies may involve emissions, noise, speed, etc. These policies may be with reference to specific regions and/or specific times of day.

Vehicles such as trucks may need to adjust vehicle operation according to these strategies. However, in certain situations, the zones associated with these strategies may be insufficient to facilitate vehicle operation.

Therefore, it is necessary to facilitate the vehicle operation of the vehicle in relation to the area management.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a method performed by a control device to facilitate vehicle operation of a vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a control apparatus for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a vehicle comprising such a control device.

Disclosure of Invention

These and other objects, which will be evident from the following description, are achieved by a method, a control device, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer readable medium as set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the control device are defined in the appended independent claims.

In particular, one object of the invention is achieved by a method performed by a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps, prior to operation of the vehicle: the vehicle is equipped with at least one body that adds specific features to the operation of the vehicle. The method further comprises, prior to operation of the vehicle: defining at least one general area, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area; and for the at least one general area, defining an operating strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped to ensure that the at least one body operates according to the operating strategy so defined when the vehicle is operating within the at least one general area.

Thus, the user can easily and efficiently create zones and adjust strategies according to the specific requirements of the body with which the vehicle is equipped. Thus, efficient vehicle operation of a vehicle equipped with one or more bodies within a desired area is thereby facilitated. The at least one body may, for example, include a salt spreader, and the strategy may include activating the salt spreader with an amount of salt when the vehicle is in such an area. Thus, when a vehicle enters a defined general area, the body of the vehicle, such as a salt spreader, will be automatically activated to operate according to a defined strategy. Thus, the vehicle operation can be easily adapted to the user's needs.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps, during operation of the vehicle: determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area; and, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on the so defined policy as being appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is already equipped. Thereby, the vehicle operation of the at least one body may be effectively controlled according to the defined strategy in the defined area. Thus, the vehicle operation of the at least one body can thereby be automatically activated and controlled when the vehicle enters and is within the thus defined general area.

According to one embodiment of the method, the step of controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area is performed automatically.

According to one embodiment of the method, the method comprises, prior to operation of the vehicle: for the at least one generic area, the function of the at least one body is configured according to the policy thus defined. Thus, body functions are facilitated according to the strategy when the vehicle is within the thus defined area.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the steps, during operation of the vehicle: when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, the so configured functions of the at least one body are activated for the at least one general area in accordance with the so defined policy to initiate vehicle operation control. Thus, when the vehicle is within such a defined area, the body will function effectively according to the strategy.

In particular, one object of the present invention is achieved by a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The control device is configured to establish, prior to operation of the vehicle, an operative connection with at least one body equipped with the vehicle to add a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle. The control device is further configured to, prior to operation of the vehicle, define at least one general area based on the area definition information, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area; and for the at least one general area, defining an operation strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one vehicle body with which the vehicle has been equipped, based on the operation strategy definition information, to ensure that the at least one vehicle body operates in accordance with the operation strategy thus defined when the vehicle operates within the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to, during operation of the vehicle: determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area; and, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on the so defined policy as being appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is already equipped.

According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to automatically perform control of vehicle operation in the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to provide, for the at least one generic region, information relating to the configuration of the function of the at least one body according to the strategy thus defined, prior to operation of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the control device is configured to activate the thus configured function of the at least one body according to the thus defined strategy for the at least one general area to initiate vehicle operation control when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area during vehicle operation.

In particular, one object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle comprising a control device according to the invention.

In particular, one object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on a control device or another computer connected to the control device, causes the control device to carry out the steps as described herein.

In particular, one object of the invention is achieved by a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described herein.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates area management for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a system for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 schematically shows a flow chart of a method for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 schematically shows a flow chart of a method for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 schematically shows a computer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the following, the term "link" refers to a communication link, which may be a physical connector, e.g. an optical electrical communication line, or a non-physical connector, such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter, the term "general area" in relation to "defining at least one general area" refers to a geographical area and/or a time area. The term "geographic area" may refer to any geographic area associated with which a vehicle may operate. The term "geographic area" may refer to a road or road segment along which a vehicle travels during operation of the vehicle. The term "geographic area" may refer to an area in which a vehicle is intended to operate. The term "geographic area" may refer to a city. The term "time zone" may refer to a time when it is desired/required that a particular operating strategy is adapted to the vehicle-equipped and body. The geographical area and the time area may be combined. A general area may be defined by a user to mean any type of area that relates to a specific operation for a vehicle equipped with one or more specific bodies. The general area may be, for example, a salt area in which a vehicle body in the shape of a salt spreader is intended to be used during vehicle operation. The general area may be, for example, a temperature area in which a vehicle body in the shape of a cooling device for controlling the temperature of the goods/payloads is intended to be used during operation of the vehicle. The general area may be, for example, a cargo area in which a vehicle body in the shape of a dumping device and/or a loading/unloading device for dumping and/or loading/unloading cargo is intended to be used during vehicle operation.

In the following, the term "operation strategy" in relation to "defining an operation strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped" may be any operation strategy intended/suitable for the operation of the specific vehicle and the operation of the body with which the vehicle is equipped for the defined general area. The operating strategy may be defined by one or more attributes describing desired behavior related to vehicle operation in relation to a geographic region and/or a temporal region. The operating strategy may be defined by the user to mean any type of operating strategy that involves a specific operation for a vehicle equipped with one or more specific bodies. The operating policy may, for example, relate to one or more of: in a general area defined as salt area, the amount of salt, where to salt, when to salt, etc. used for activation and function of the body in the shape of a salt spreader during vehicle operation. The operating strategy may for example relate to which temperature the body in the shape of a cooling device for controlling the temperature of the goods/payloads should maintain the goods/payloads during operation of the vehicle in a general area defined as a temperature area. The operating policy may, for example, relate to one or more of: in the general area defined as the cargo handling area, where, when and how the vehicle body in the shape of a dumping device and/or a loading/unloading device for dumping and/or loading/unloading should be dumped and/or loaded during operation of the vehicle.

Hereinafter, the term "vehicle body" in relation to "at least one vehicle body equipped with a specific feature added to the vehicle operation" refers to any unit, function or the like not belonging to the vehicle, which, when added to the vehicle, adds the specific feature to the vehicle operation. The body may be, for example, a crane added to a truck and a function of the crane, a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading goods added to a truck, a dumping device for dumping goods added to a truck, a device for disposing of garbage on a garbage truck, a device for salting or sanding on a road, a cooling device for disposing of goods that need to be maintained at a specific temperature, and the like.

In the following, the term "vehicle operation" refers to any operation of the vehicle that may be associated with any defined general area for which an operating strategy has been defined. The term "vehicle operation" may refer to a particular feature added by one or more bodies with which the vehicle is already equipped, the particular feature depending on the one or more bodies. The term "vehicle operation" may include vehicle operation of an actual vehicle, i.e. not provided by the body. The term "vehicle operation" may include vehicle operation of the vehicle body, i.e., vehicle body operation.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the invention.

The vehicle V shown is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. A vehicle V is running on the road R, which vehicle has been equipped with at least one body BW adding a specific feature to the vehicle operation.

The vehicle V may include a system I for facilitating vehicle operation of the vehicle. System I may include a control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle. The vehicle V may include a control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the vehicle V comprises a system I for facilitating vehicle operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle V comprises a control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of the vehicle according to fig. 3.

According to one embodiment, the vehicle V is arranged to operate in accordance with the method M1, M2 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle according to fig. 4 and/or 5.

The vehicle according to the invention may be any suitable vehicle that has been equipped with at least one body that adds specific features to the operation of the vehicle.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a zone management ZM for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle V, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The vehicle V has been equipped with at least one body BW that adds certain features to the vehicle operation. The vehicle, which is running on a road R, includes a control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of the vehicle. The control device 100 may be a control device 100 according to fig. 3.

The defined general areas Z1, Z2 are shown in fig. 2. For the generic areas Z1, Z2 thus defined, an operating strategy has been defined which is suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body BW with which the vehicle is already equipped. The defined general area may have been defined by the user.

The defined universal regions may be, for example, the salt regions Z1, Z2. In this embodiment, a geographic zone Z1 in the form of a region (e.g., a region in a city) is shown, as well as a time zone Z2.

For a salt area, the geographic area Z1 may be an area to be salted by means of the body BW of the vehicle (i.e., a salt spreader). For a salt area, time zone Z2 may be a specific time period for the body BW (i.e., salt spreader) of the vehicle to spread salt in the geographic zone Z1. The road R or the section/portion of the road R may also be an area. Spreading of salt in the general zones Z1, Z2 will then be performed automatically, according to an operating strategy relating for example to the degree of spreading of salt. The spreading of salt may be performed automatically by means of an electronic control device 100 operatively connected to the vehicle body (i.e. the salt spreader).

FIG. 3 schematically shows a block diagram of a system I for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the invention.

The control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle may be included in a system I for controlling vehicle communication during vehicle operation.

The control device 100 may be implemented as a single entity or distributed among two or more physical entities. The control device 100 may include one or more computers. Thus, the control device 100 may be implemented or realized by a control device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the control device to perform the method of the present disclosure.

The control device 100 may include one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units, etc. to facilitate vehicle operation of the vehicle. The control device 100 may include a control device, such as one or more electronic control units disposed on the vehicle. The control device 100 may include one or more electronic control units of the vehicle. The control device 100 may include one or more electronic control units, processing units, computers, server units, etc. disposed outside the vehicle and operatively connectable to systems external to the vehicle.

The vehicle is equipped with at least one body that adds certain features to the operation of the vehicle.

The control device 100 is configured to establish, prior to operation of the vehicle, an operative connection with at least one body equipped with the vehicle to add a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle.

It is therefore arranged to establish a connection between the vehicle and the at least one body, thereby establishing communication. The connection and communication between the vehicle and the at least one body may be arranged to be established within a vehicle-to-body communication device. According to a variant, the vehicle-to-body communication device is operated by an operator of the vehicle.

The control device 100 is further configured to define at least one general area based on the area definition information before the vehicle is operated. The at least one general area includes a geographic area and/or a temporal area.

The control device 100 is further configured to define, for the at least one general area, an operation strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one vehicle body with which the vehicle has been equipped, based on the operation strategy definition information, to ensure that the at least one vehicle body operates in accordance with the operation strategy thus defined when the vehicle operates within the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to be provided with information relating to the configuration of the functions of the at least one body according to the strategy thus defined, for the at least one generic area, prior to operation of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to determine whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The system I may comprise an area determination device 110 arranged to determine whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The control apparatus 100 may comprise or be operatively connectable to a region determining device 110.

The area determination device 110 may comprise an area information receiving unit 112 arranged to receive information related to the defined at least one general area.

The area information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive information relating to the defined at least one general area from the infrastructure via the vehicle-to-infrastructure communication device.

The area information receiving unit 112 may be arranged to receive information related to the defined at least one general area from one or more other vehicles via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication device.

The area determination device 110 may comprise an area detection device 114 arranged to detect the defined at least one general area. The area detection device 114 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the defined at least one general area. Thus, the area determination device 110 may comprise one or more sensors arranged to detect the defined at least one general area. An area detection device 114, such as one or more sensors, may be disposed on the vehicle and configured to detect the defined at least one general area.

The zone determination device 110 may comprise vehicle position identifying means 116 for identifying the current position of the vehicle in order to determine whether the vehicle is within the at least one general zone. The vehicle position identifying device 116 may include a global navigation satellite system, GNSS, such as a global positioning system, GPS, disposed on the vehicle.

The area determination device 110 may comprise time determination means 117 for determining the current time. The time determination means 117 may be any suitable means for determining time. The time determination means 117 may comprise one or more clocks. The time determination means 117 may be included in the control device 100. The time determination means 117 may be included in the vehicle position recognition means 116.

The region determining device 110 may comprise a retrieving unit 118 arranged to retrieve the stored information of the at least one general region. The retrieving unit 118 may be arranged for retrieving for the at least one general area stored information of the defined operation policy. The retrieval unit 118 may be arranged to retrieve such information from the storage means. The storage member may be an internal storage member arranged on the vehicle and/or an external storage member arranged outside the vehicle. The storage means may comprise any suitable means for storing information/data relating to the defined general area.

The zone determination device 110 may be arranged to determine whether the vehicle is within the at least one general zone taking into account the current location and/or the current time of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to control vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on such defined policies that are suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is already equipped.

The system I may comprise an operation control device 120 configured to control operation of the vehicle in the at least one general area based on the thus defined policy adapted to the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped.

The control apparatus 100 may comprise or be operatively connectable to an operation control device 120.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to automatically perform control of vehicle operation in the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to activate the thus configured function of the at least one body according to the thus defined strategy for the at least one general area during operation of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, in order to initiate vehicle operation control.

The system I may comprise a body activation device 130 arranged to activate the thus configured function of the at least one body according to the thus defined policy for the at least one general area.

The control apparatus 100 may include or be operatively connectable to a body activation device 130. The vehicle body activation device 130 may include the operation control device 120, be included in the operation control device 120, or be operatively connectable to the operation control device 120.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the zone determination apparatus 110 via a link 10. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to receive a signal from the apparatus 110 via the link 10, which signal represents data relating to whether the vehicle is in the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the zone information receiving unit 112 via a link 12. According to an embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to receive a signal representing data comprising information relating to the at least one general area from the area information receiving unit 112 via the link 12.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the area detection apparatus 114 via a link 14. According to one embodiment of the invention the control means 100 is arranged to receive a signal representing data relating to the defined at least one general area from the area detection device 114 via the link 14.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to a vehicle position identification device 116 via a link 16. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to receive a signal representing data relating to the vehicle position from the vehicle position identification device 116 via the link 16.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the time determination device 117 via a link 17. According to one embodiment of the invention the control means 100 is arranged via a link 17 to receive a signal representing data relating to the current time from the time determination means 117.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the retrieval unit 118 via a link 18 a. According to one embodiment of the invention the control device 100 is arranged to send a signal representing data relating to the position of the vehicle to the retrieval unit 118 via the link 18 a.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the retrieval unit 118 via a link 18 b. According to one embodiment of the invention the control device 100 is arranged to send a signal representing data relating to the current time to the retrieval unit 118 via the link 18 b.

The retrieval unit 118 may be arranged to process data relating to the location of the vehicle and/or data relating to the current time in order to determine whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the retrieval unit 118 via a link 18 c. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to receive a signal from the retrieval unit 118 via the link 18 representing data related to one or more areas associated with a particular communication strategy involving vehicle communication.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the operation control apparatus 120 via a link 20. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to send data to the operation control arrangement 120 via the link 20 indicating that the vehicle is in the at least one general area, such that for the at least one general area the vehicle operation will be controlled based on the operation strategy adapted to the vehicle and the at least one body the vehicle is already equipped with.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is operatively connected to the body activation arrangement 130 via a link 30. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device 100 is arranged to send a signal to the operation control apparatus 130 via the link 30 representing data relating to the presence/entry of the vehicle in/into the at least one general area, such that for the at least one general area the configured function of the at least one vehicle body is activated according to the policy thus defined.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to control vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on such defined policies that are suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is already equipped.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation such that the vehicle operator has to interrupt the automatic control. According to one embodiment, control device 100 is configured to automatically control vehicle operation such that the automatic control may be overridden by a vehicle operator. According to one embodiment, the control device 100 is configured to automatically control the vehicle operation such that the automatic control may be forced or overridden depending on the operation strategy and/or the type of body (i.e. the type of operation by means of the at least one body) and/or the type of general area.

The control device 100 according to the invention may comprise or be operatively connected to one or more of the devices 110, 120, 130 of the system I. The control apparatus 100 according to the present invention may be operatively connected to one or more of the devices 110, 120, 130 of the system I via any suitable link or links. The control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle according to the present invention may comprise or be operatively connected to other components/devices/units/means.

According to one embodiment, the control device 100 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle is adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

According to one embodiment, the system I for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle is adapted to perform the method M1 described below with reference to fig. 4 and/or the method M2 described below with reference to fig. 5.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a flowchart of a method M1 performed by a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to the embodiment, the method M1 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle includes step S1. In this step, prior to operation of the vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with at least one body that adds a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle. The step of equipping the vehicle with at least one body that adds a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle includes establishing an operable connection with a control device. The control device is thereby configured to establish an operative connection with the at least one vehicle body to control operation of the at least one vehicle body during vehicle operation.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S2. In this step, prior to operation of the vehicle, at least one general area is defined, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area. The control device is thereby configured to define at least one general area based on the area definition information prior to operation of the vehicle.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S3. In this step, for the at least one general area, an operating strategy is defined that is suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, prior to operation of the vehicle, to ensure that the at least one body operates according to the operating strategy thus defined when the vehicle is operating within the at least one general area. Thereby, the control device is configured to define the operation strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one vehicle body with which the vehicle has been equipped, based on the operation strategy definition information.

According to one embodiment, the method M1 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle performed by a control device is adapted to being performed by the control device 100 described above with reference to fig. 3.

According to one embodiment, the method M1 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle performed by a control device is adapted to be performed by the system I described above with reference to fig. 3.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a flowchart of a method M2 performed by a control device for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to the embodiment, the method M2 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle includes step S11. In this step, prior to operation of the vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with at least one body that adds a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle. The step of equipping the vehicle with at least one body that adds a particular feature to the operation of the vehicle includes establishing an operable connection with a control device. The control device is thereby configured to establish an operative connection with the at least one vehicle body to control operation of the at least one vehicle body during vehicle operation. Thus, a connection between the vehicle and the at least one body is established, thereby establishing communication. The connection and communication between the vehicle and the at least one body may be established within the vehicle-to-body communication device.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S12. In this step, prior to operation of the vehicle, at least one general area is defined, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area. The control device is thereby configured to define at least one general area based on the area definition information prior to operation of the vehicle.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S13. In this step, for the at least one general area, an operating strategy is defined that is suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, prior to operation of the vehicle, to ensure that the at least one body operates according to the operating strategy thus defined when the vehicle is operating within the at least one general area. The control device is thereby configured to define an operation strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle has been equipped, based on the operation strategy definition information.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S14. In this step, before the vehicle is operated, the function of the at least one body is configured according to the strategy thus defined for the at least one generic area.

According to this embodiment, the method includes step S15. In this step, it is determined whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area during operation of the vehicle.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may include the step of receiving information regarding at least one area associated with a particular strategy relating to vehicle operation.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may include the step of detecting at least one area associated with a particular strategy relating to vehicle operation. The step of detecting may comprise using one or more sensors adapted to detect these areas.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may include the step of detecting a current location of the identified vehicle. The identification of the current position of the vehicle may be performed by means of a global navigation satellite system, GNSS (e.g. global positioning system, GPS), arranged on the vehicle.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may include the step of determining the current time.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may include the step of retrieving stored information for the at least one area associated with a particular strategy relating to vehicle operation.

The step S15 of determining whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area may be performed in consideration of the current location and/or the current time of the vehicle.

According to this embodiment, the method comprises step S16A. In this step, if it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, vehicle operation is controlled in the at least one general area based on the thus defined policy that is appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped.

According to this embodiment, the method comprises step S16A. In this step, during operation of the vehicle, when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, the so configured function of the at least one body is activated for the at least one general area according to the so defined strategy in order to initiate vehicle operation control.

According to one embodiment of the method, the step of controlling vehicle operation in the at least one general area is performed automatically.

According to one embodiment, the method M2 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle performed by a control device is adapted to being performed by the control device 100 described above with reference to fig. 3.

According to one embodiment, the method M2 for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle performed by a control device is adapted to being performed by the system I described above with reference to fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 6, a schematic diagram of a computer 500/device 500 is shown. According to one embodiment, the control device 100 with reference to fig. 3 may comprise a device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, data processing means 510 and a read/write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 in which computer programs, such as an operating system, for controlling the functions of the apparatus 500 are stored. Further, the device 500 includes a bus controller, a serial communication port, an l/O component, an A/D converter, a time-date input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for facilitating vehicle operation of a vehicle.

The program P comprises routines for determining at least one zone associated with a particular communication strategy involving vehicle communication. The program P includes routines for operatively connecting the vehicle with at least one body that adds particular features to the vehicle operation prior to the vehicle operation. The program P includes routines for, before vehicle operation: at least one general area is defined based on the area definition information, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area. The program P comprises routines for defining, for the at least one general area, an operating strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, based on the operating strategy definition information, to ensure that the at least one body operates according to the operating strategy thus defined when the vehicle operates within the at least one general area.

The program P comprises routines for configuring the functions of the at least one body according to the strategy thus defined, for the at least one generic area, before the operation of the vehicle.

The program P includes routines for, during vehicle operation: it is determined whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The program P includes routines for automatically executing control of vehicle operation in the at least one general area.

The program P comprises routines for controlling the operation of the vehicle in the at least one general area based on the thus defined strategy adapted to the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, in case it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The program P comprises routines for activating the thus configured functions of the at least one body according to the thus defined strategy for the at least one general area, in order to initiate vehicle operation control, when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed state in a separate memory 560 and/or in the read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that the data processing means 510 performs certain functions, it is to be understood that the data processing means 510 performs certain parts of the program stored in the separate memory 560 or certain parts of the program stored in the read/write memory 550.

The data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communication port 599 by means of a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is adapted to communicate with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. The read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with the data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. For example, a link to the control device 100 may be connected to the data communication port 599.

When data is received on data port 599, it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data is temporarily stored, the data processing means 510 is arranged to execute the code in the above-described manner. The signal received on the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to determine at least one region associated with a particular communication strategy involving vehicle communications. The signals received on the data port 599 can be used by the apparatus 500 to operatively connect the vehicle with at least one body that adds a particular feature to the vehicle operation prior to the vehicle operation. The signal received on data port 599 may be used by device 500 to, prior to vehicle operation: at least one general area is defined based on the area definition information, the at least one general area including a geographical area and/or a time area. Signals received on the data port 599 may be used by the device 500 to: for the at least one general area, an operating strategy suitable for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle has been equipped is defined based on the operating strategy definition information to ensure that the at least one body operates in accordance with the operating strategy thus defined when the vehicle is operating within the at least one general area.

The signals received on the data port 599 can be used by the apparatus 500 to configure the functionality of the at least one body according to the policy so defined for the at least one general area prior to operation of the vehicle.

The signal received on data port 599 can be used by device 500 to, during vehicle operation: it is determined whether the vehicle is within the at least one general area. The signals received on the data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to automatically perform controlling vehicle operations in the at least one general area.

The signals received on the data port 599 may be used by the apparatus 500 to control vehicle operation in the at least one general area based on such defined policies that are appropriate for the vehicle and the at least one body with which the vehicle is equipped, in the event that it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area.

The signal received on the data port 599 can be used by the apparatus 500 to activate the thus configured function of the at least one body according to the thus defined strategy for the at least one general area when it is determined that the vehicle is within the at least one general area, in order to initiate vehicle operation control.

Part of the content of the methods described herein may be performed by the device 500 by means of the data processing means 510 running a program stored in the separate memory 560 or the read/write memory 550. When the device 500 runs the program, a portion of the methods described herein are performed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form 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, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.