DSRC Interchange Details

Transcription

1 DSRC Interchange Details P. Roka, May 1, 2011 This document explains data exchange between DSRC modules. DSRC modules are herein referred to as hardware and software enabled with wireless connectivity (dedicated 75MHz of bandwidth at 5.9 GHz as defined and allocated by the US Federal Communications Commission). These modules can be installed on any vehicle or on any fixed location along highways. Fixed location modules can then be connected to the Cloud or remote systems using other wireline (ISDN, T1, etc.) or wireless (3G, 4G) networks. The goal of this architecture is to create a distributed system for Intelligent Traffic System (ITS). As shown in the illustration, vehicles can exchange data with each other using onboard DSRC modules, and they can also exchange data with fixed location DSRC modules. 1

2 Fixed DSRC modules can transmit data to a central hub or the Cloud hub that can aggregate ITS data and make appropriate use of it. Here are some data elements, but not limited to the followings, that a DSRC module can store and exchange with another DSRC module: Unique identifier of the DSRC module: There could be a need to uniquely identify a DSRC module in the ITS system, similar to how Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) or Equipment Serial Number (ESN) is used on consumer electronic devices. Let us refer to this unique DSRC module identifier as DSRC ID. DSRC ID could be assigned using various methods, such as following the standard Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) format used on mobile devices. Mac ID is another way to uniquely identify a DSRC module. Another option to have the DSRC module use its corresponding vehicle s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For privacy protection, the DSRC ID constructed using VIN can be encrypted, so that other DSRC system could uniquely identify a DSRC client system, but not identify the specific vehicle using it. If the DSRC ID is encrypted, a system and process must be in place for authorized agencies to decrypt it for various reasons. Vehicle and driver profile: For various reasons, a driver may opt-in to broadcast his/her personal and vehicle information through DSRC/ITS. The driver may also opt-in to broadcast his or her profile to a certain segment or category of DSRC devices. For example, the driver may opt-in to notify through DSRC his friends and family circles of his close proximity while driving. Another example is broadcasting DSRC information through social applications like the Google Latitude ( The DSRC system could be integrated with the vehicle s onboard dashboard system, 2

3 so user can submit his or her profile to the DSRC module. The onboard dashboard system could be used as a user interface for the DSRC system. In essence, the DSRC module could make APIs available for any display system to read or write DSRC information on the module. If the DSRC module has direct wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, then the driver may use the cell phone, using an application, to submit the profile to the DSRC module. File storage: The DSRC module should support the storage of various file formats of certain size limitation. The goal of this file storage is to enable receiving and sharing of files between DSRC systems. The DSRC module should have hardware and software interfaces (e.g. micro USB) to expand the storage memory. Example use cases that may require file storing capability: The ITS-DSRC system could be used for Amber Alerts, where the ITS-Cloud system could broadcast an Amber Alert with the picture of the missing child. The DSRC systems could share the files with each other, and by using a fixed or wireless network system that connects to the onboard dashboard, the picture (and an alert message) could be displayed on the vehicle s display system. If the law enforcement authorities are pursuing a specific DSRC vehicle, a warning, in the form or audio-visual file, could be sent to that specific DSRC vehicle with the unique DSRC ID. This will not only help track down the vehicle in question, but it will also help law enforcement to communicate with the delinquent drivers. Alert notification to the vehicle: For example, this could be a specially authorized notification that allows the law enforcement authorities to send a shut down 3

4 directive to the vehicle with a unique DSRC ID. If a police is pursuing a DSRC vehicle, the police officer could send a specially authorized instruction to the DSRC module to shut down the ignition. Likewise, the roadside DSRC station could also send this notification to the mobile DSRC unit on the vehicle. If the law enforcement authorities are aware of a stolen vehicle, they could broadcast the stolen vehicle DSRC ID through the ITS systems to all DSRC systems. The target DSRC module with the specified DSRC ID, upon receiving the DSRC signal for engine shut down, could send a command to the vehicle s central computing unit to shut down the engine immediately, or to slow the speed to a certain miles per hour. This will also require the vehicle computer system to be integrated with the DSRC system. Companion vehicle proximity: The in-vehicle DSRC module could receive and store companion vehicle s proximity in its periphery using the direction of movement. This type of implementation will require several proximity sensors to be built into the vehicle s structure, which in turn could be integrated with the DSRC module. Here is one example of how several vehicles in proximity could be tracked. As soon as a DSRC module detects another, it could track in real time, the following directional proximity as shown in the diagram: 4

5 This proximity exchange between DSRC modules could help drivers avoid blind spots (RLS, RRS in the illustration). This information could be used to alert drivers of the proximity of vehicles in their range of driving. In addition, the DSRC module could identify itself as either moving or fixed, so as to determine what all DSRC systems need to be tracked as the vehicles moves forward. The value moving or fixed could be calculated by using an accelerometer installed on the vehicle and integrating it with the DSRC module. 5

6 Gyroscope reading for turns: Each DSRC module could be integrated with a gyroscope installed separately on the vehicle. The DSRC module could then identify and store the angle of turn and a healthy speed required for such turn based on the vehicle s structure. This information could be shared with following vehicles, so they could receive advanced warning of the upcoming turns and the required healthy speed to go through those turns. Traction control: The DSRC module could store and transmit any change in wheel traction. This will warn following vehicles to control their speeds, or to find an alternative routes if there is severe loss of traction, such as one resulting from icy roads. Impacts: If there is an impact, the vehicle could send an alert to the DSRC module. Impact alerts could be combined with proximity information, so only alerts coming from the front could be used and the ones coming from the back could be ignored. Light/visibility sensors: The DSRC module could track visibility based on light sensitivity in front of the vehicle. It could also detect moisture in the air to identify fog conditions. Light and moisture conditions could be transmitted to other DSRC modules. Stall report: Stall report could be transmitted in the DSRC communication. Stall report could also include an indication of stall reason. For example, some drivers may simply pull over on the side of a highway to talk on the phone. In this case, the DSRC system could ask the driver to report the stall reason. The driver could then select an option that could notify the ITS system of non-emergency stall. If the stall time exceeds by X minutes or hours, then the DSRC system could alert of unusual stall time, thereby alerting appropriate authorities to correct the stall issue. If the vehicle stalls due to mechanical issues, then the DSRC system could retrieve the problem description and attach it to outbound DSRC alerts to the ITS system. 6

7 Driver of the stalled car can set the option of stall description. For example, if the driver pushes the emergency light, then DSRC module could send emergency lights on signal to the hub. Based on this, this information may be transmitted to emergency responders as a precautionary message of stalled/stranded vehicles. GPS location information: GPS information can be included in DSRC communications. A GPS antenna could be included in the DSRC module, or the DSRC module can be integrated with the vehicle s on-board GPS module or it can also be integrated wirelessly with the driver s cell phone using Bluetooth or a USB cable. Before the GPS information is transmitted, the driver will have to opt-in to transmit the location data. Vehicle type: The DSRC system could also transmit the vehicle size or freight to alert other vehicles. For example, a tractor trailing hauling an oversize freight could transmit its size and state through DSRC system. This could alert drivers to be cautious of an oversize vehicle in its proximity. The DSRC module could have optional network interfaces or extensions for various connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, USB, etc. 7