Apparatus, first road user, methods for direct distribution between road users of urgent critical-based event notification messages

Abstract

An apparatus (200), a first road user (210), methods and computer programs are disclosed. The apparatus (200) is for direct distribution, between one or more road users (210, 211), of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220). The apparatus (200) comprises a common format (320). The apparatus (200) is configured to obtain one or more specific formats (310, 311) from one or more entities (410, 411); converting the one or more specific formats (310, 311) to the common format (320); send, to each of the one or more road users (210, 211), a converting module (240, 241).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, FIRST ROAD USER, METHODS FOR DIRECT DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN ROAD USERS OF URGENT CRITICAL-BASED EVENT NOTIFICATION MESSAGES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages, a first road user for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages, corresponding methods, corresponding computer programs, and a corresponding computer readable storage medium.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Safety and efficiency on a road can be improved by sharing roadside information between one or more road users. Indeed, accurate and timely information on a state of traffic may prevent a dangerous situation (e.g., a collision between road users). Examples of such roadside information may comprise one or more of: speed of a vehicle, proximity of the vehicle with regards to another vehicle, status of a traffic light (e.g., green, red, yellow, when the traffic light will change colour), a notification indicating that the vehicle is turning at an intersection for pedestrian safety.

[0006] An automotive ecosystem is characterized by many actors and use of one or more data formats. A data format may correspond to a structured and organized infromation. The data format may define rules, syntax, and / or semantics for encoding different types of data, such as text, numbers, etc. The data format may correspond to a CAM format as defined in European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) 302 637-2 V1.3.1.

[0007] The actors may comprise one or more of:

[0008] - vehicle manufacturers, such as, for example, BMW, Ford, ...

[0009] - road transport authorities, such as, for example, Trafikverket in Sweden, and Fintraffic in Finland;

[0010] - data aggregators, such as, for example, Google Maps, TomTom; - standardization bodies, such as, for example, ETSI, and regional standardization bodies.

[0011] Each of the actors may have a particular data format that is understandable only to themselves. Thus, there is a lack of interoperability between the different actors.

[0012] In prior art, Cooperative Perception Messages, such as for example defined in ETSI TR 103 562 v. 2.1.1 , which include an analysis of a scenario in which information sharing between one or more road users can improve safety. However, there is no interoperability between the one or more road users. In particular, the one or more road users may use different data formats and are therefore unable to exchange and understand information shared between them. Indeed, ETSI TR 103 562 v. 2.1.1 is limited to define how the messages can be exchanged between the one or more road users, and to describe how the one or more road users discover their neighbours and select a relevant neighbour for receiving a message.

[0013] SUMMARY

[0014] A disadvantage in prior art is that there is no interoperability between the multiple actors in the automotive ecosystem. Indeed, each actor may have a particular data format, and thus may not be able to communicate with another actor. Vehicle manufacturers usually employ proprietary and closed data format. For example, a vehicle manufacturer A may implement an adaptative cruise control system for its vehicles. Adaptive cruise control is not based on communication between vehicles, but rather only monitoring distance between a vehicle and another vehicle in front of the vehicle. Thus, the adaptative cruise control system might not be of use when a non-interoperable vehicle from a vehicle manufacturer B drives along side the vehicle from the vehicle manufacturer A. In a more critical case, the lack of interoperability could cause harm to a weaker road user, such as a pedestrian and / or a cyclist, in the event the weaker road user is not notified of a critical information (e.g., “fast vehicle coming from a blind spot”).

[0015] Another disadvantage is that, in order to achieve interoperability, data may flow through a centralized system. The centralized system may perform a translation of the data from one format to another format. However, in the case of safety related messages, this may add a delay in communication and decrease the safety of the road users.

[0016] An object of the invention is to improve security of road users.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus is for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages. The apparatus comprises a common format. The apparatus is configured to obtain one or more specific formats from one or more entities. Each of the one or more specific formats is associated to each road user of the one or more road users. The apparatus is configured to convert the one or more specific formats to the common format. The apparatus is configured to send, to each road user of the one or more road users, a converting module. The converting module comprises the common format, and a specific format of the one or more specific formats. The converting module comprises one or more rules for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages between the specific format, and the common format. Hereby is achieved that a common format to one or more road users is created and send to the one or more road users. In particular, the one or more road users will be able to convert one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages distributed between the one or more road users.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus is configured to store the common format, and the one or more specific formats.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus is configured to obtain one or more updated specific formats from the one or more entities. Each of the one or more updated specific formats is associated to each road user of the one or more road users. The apparatus is configured to update the converting module based on the obtained one or more updated specific formats. The apparatus is configured to send the updated converting module to each road user of the one or more road users. According to a second aspect of the invenetion, a first road user is provided. The first road user is for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages. The first road user is configured to receive a converting module from an apparatus. The converting module (240) comprises a common format, and a specific format of the first road user. The converting module comprises one or more rules for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages between the specific format and the common format. The first road user is configured to receive a notification message from a second road user. The first road user is configured to convert the received notification message from the common format into the specific format based on the one or more rules of the received converting module. The first road user is configured to determine whether the converted notification message is an urgent critical-based event notification message. The first road user is configured to distribute the received notification message, if the converted notification message is an urgent critical-based event notification message.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the determination whether the notification message is an urgent critical-based event notification message comprises compute a critical level of the converted notification message.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the distribution of the received notification message is performed by one or more of: broadcasting; establishing peer-to-peer communication between the first road user, and the one or more road users; and / or through a proxy.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, the first road user and / or the second road user are one of: a vehicle; a user equipment; a sensor; a satellite; and / or a radio communicating device.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided. The method is performed by an apparatus for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages. The apparatus comprises a common format. The method comprises obtaining one or more specific formats from one or more entities. Each of the one or more specific formats is associated to each road user of the one or more road users. The method comprises converting the one or more specific formats to the common format. The method comprises sending, to each road user of the one or more road users, a converting module. The converting module comprises the common format 320, and a specific format of the one or more specific formats. The converting module comprises one or more rules for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages between the specific format and the common format.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises storing the common format, and the one or more specific formats.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, the method comprises obtaining one or more updated specific formats from the one or more entities. Each of the one or more updated specific formats is associated to each road user of the one or more road users. The method comprises updating the converting module based on the obtained one or more updated specific formats. The method comprises sending the updated converting module to each road user of the one or more road users.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided. The method is performed by a first road user for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages. The method comprises receiving a converting module from an apparatus. The converting module comprises a common format, and a specific format of the first road user. The converting module comprises one or more rules for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages between the specific format and the common format. The method comprises receiving a notification message from a second road user. The method comprises converting the received notification message from the common format into the specific format based on the one or more rules of the received converting module. The method comprises determining whether the converted notification message is an urgent critical-based event notification message. The method comprises distributing the received notification message, if the converted notification message is an urgent critical-based notification message. According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, determining whether the notification message is an urgent critical-based event notification message comprises computing a critical level of the converted notification message.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, distributing of the received notification message is performed by one or more of: broadcasting; establishing peer-to-peer communication between the first road user, and the one or more road users; and / or through a proxy.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first road user and / or the second road user are one of: a vehicle; a user equipment; a sensor; a satellite; and / or a radio communicating device.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions, which when executed on an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform the method according to one or more embodiments of the third aspect of the invention.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions, which when executed on a first road user, causes the first road user to perform the method according to one or more embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0031] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a computer readable storage medium is provided. The computer readable storage medium comprises a computer program according to the fifth aspect of the invention. The computer readable storage medium comprises a computer program according to the sixth aspect of the invention.

[0032] At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable one or more road users to directly communicate urgent critical-based event notification messages, even if the one or more road users employ non-interoperable data formats. At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable interoperability between one or more road users. Thus, a third party entity that translates every message between the one or more road users is not needed. And thus, there is a decrease of communication delay, and respectively increase safety of the one or more road users.

[0033] At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable a faster dissemination of critical based event notification messages to the one or more road users in surroundings of the critical event. Indeed, lower latency is achieved by a direct communication between the one or more road users. In particular, between neighbouring road users.

[0034] At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable to reduce transmission / reception time of messages, as only urgent critical-based event notification are communicated between the one or more road users. And thus, there is a decrease of latency, decrease of energy consumption of the one or more road users, and increase of spectrum efficiency.

[0035] At least one or more embodiments advantageously enable to direct distribution between the one or more road users, even the road users that are not connected to any ITS (e.g., pedestrian, and / or cyclist).

[0036] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The above, as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following and non-limiting detailed description of embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a method performed by an apparatus.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a communication network.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the apparatus.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the apparatus.

[0042] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the apparatus.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the apparatus.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the apparatus.

[0045] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the apparatus.

[0046] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a method performed by a first road user.

[0047] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first road user.

[0048] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the method performed by the first road user.

[0049] Figure 12 shows an illustrative example of messages exchanged between an apparatus, a first road user, a second road user, and an entity-1 and an entity_2.

[0050] Figure 13 shows a clock diagram of an apparatus.

[0051] Figure 14 shows a block diagram of a first road user.

[0052] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of an apparatus.

[0053] Figure 16 shows a block diagram of a first road user. All figures are schematic, and generally show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The invention will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments are shows. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0056] State of the art is limited to define how messages can be exchanged between one or more road users, and to describe how the one or more road users discover their neighbours and select a relevant neighbour for exchange of messages. However, the one or more road users have specific data formats. Thus, the one or more road users are not able to understand each other. As a consequence, the safety of the one or more road user is decreased.

[0057] To overcome these problems, the solution to be disclosed, in its embodiments, provides an apparatus for direct distribution, between one or more road users, of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages. The apparatus comprises a common format. The apparatus is configured to obtain one or more specific formats from one or more entities. Each of the one or more specific formats is associated to each road user of the one or more road users. The apparatus is configured to convert the one or more specific formats to the common format. The apparatus is configured to send, to each road user of the one or more road users, a converting module. The converting module comprises the common format, and a specific format of the one or more specific formats. The converting module comprises one or more rules for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages between the specific format and the common format. The present invention in its embodiments allow the one or more road users to directly communicate urgent critical-based event notification messages, even if the one or more road users employ non-interoperable data formats.

[0058] In Figure 1, a flowchart depicting embodiment of a method 100 is provided. The method 100 is performed by an apparatus 200. The method 100 is for direct distribution, between one or more road users / road user devices 210, 211 , of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220.

[0059] In Figure 2, an embodiment of a communication network 230 is provided. A first road user 210, and a second road user 211 are depicted in Figure 2. The first road user 210, and the second road user 211 may be part of the one or more road users. The skilled person would understand that even if there are only two road users depicted (e.g., first road user 210, second road user 211 ) in the Figure 2, it is possible to have one road user, or more than one road users connected to the communication network 230. The first road user 210, and the second road user 211 may be one of: a vehicle, a user equipment, a sensor; and / or a radio communicating device.

[0060] The one or more urgent critical-based notification message 220 may be communicated over a subscription protocol, suich as message queueing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol, OpenPlatform Communication Unified Architecture (OPC-UA), Data Distribution Service (DDS), or utilizing any one of a number of transfer protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protcol (UDP), hyppertext transfer protocol (HTTP), or by using Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocols, sich as gPRC. For example, in case of HTTP, the first road user 210 may obtain one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 on a pattern of data transfer of a real-time service, obtain one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 on run times, send an offset, and sent a number of workers in ’’POST” messages. For example, in case of HTTP, the second road user 211 may obtain one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 on a pattern of data transfer of a realtime service, obtain one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 on run times, send an offset, and sent a number of workers in ’’POST” messages. In Figure 3, and embodiment of the apparatus 200 is provided. The apparatus 200 comprises a common format 320. The common format 320 corresponds to a common format understood by all the one or more road users 210, 211 . For example, the common format 320 corresponds to a common format understood by a converting module comprised in each of the one ro more road users 210, 211 .

[0061] The method 100 comprises obtaining 110 one or more specific format 310, 311 from one or more entities 410, 411. In Figure 4, an embodiment of the step 110 is provided. An entity_1 410, and an entity_2 411 are depicted in Figure 4. The entity_1 410, and the entity_2 411 may be part of the one or more entities 410, 411. The skilled person would understand that even if there are only two entities depicted (e.g., entity_1 410, and entity_2 411) in the Figure 3, it is possible to have one entity, or more than one entity. The one or more entity 410, 411 may correspond to one or more vehicle manufacturers of the one or more road users 210, 211 . For example, entity_1 410 is the vehicle manufacturer for the first road user 210, and entity_2 is the vehicle manufacturer for the second road user 211 . The skilled person would understand that the vehicle manufacturer may be different for each one of the one or more road users 210, 211 .

[0062] Each of the one or more specific formats 310, 311 is associated to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 ). For example, a first user format 310 is associated to the first road user 210. For example, a second user format 311 is associated to the second road user 211.

[0063] Each of the one or more specific formats 310, 311 may be associated to each of the one or more entities 410, 411 . For example, the first road user format 310 is associated to the entity_1 410. For example, the second road user format 311 is associated to the entity _2 411 .

[0064] Each of the one or more entities 410, 411 may be associated to the one or more road users 210, 211 . For example, the entity_1 410 is associated to the first road user 210. For example, the entity_2 411 is associated to the second road user 211 .

[0065] In an embodiment, the one or more specific formats 310, 311 comprise a critical level. The critical level may correspond to a value ranging from 1 till 3. The critical level may indicate whether an action shall be taken immediately (e.g., use of brakes) or less promptly. For example, 1 may correspond to a low critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a high critical level. Alternatively, 1 may correspond to a high critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a low critical level. The skilled person would understand that it is possible to have a different range (e.g., 1-5, 1-10, etc.).

[0066] For example, the first road user format 310 obtained from the entity_1 410 of the first road user 210 may correspond to:

[0067] Table 1 : the first road user format 310 obtained from the entity_1 410 of the first road user 210.

[0068] For example, the second road user format 311 obtained from the entity_2 411 of the second road user 211 may correspond to:

[0069] Table 2: the second road user 311 obtained from the entity_2 411 of the second road user 211.

[0070] The method 100 comprises converting 120 the one or more specific format 310, 311 to the common format 320. Thus, the common format 320 may correspond to a common definition between the one or more specific formats 310, 311 . The one or more specific format 310, 311 , and the common format 320 may correspond to a structured and organized infromation. The one or more specific format 310, 311 , and the common format may define rules, syntax, and / or semantics for encoding different types of data, such as text, numbers, etc. The one or more specific format 310, 311 , and the common format 320 may correspond to the CAM as defined, for example, in ETSI 302-637-2 v1.3.1 and DATEX II. In particular, the one or more specific format 310, 311 , and the common format 320 may include both an encoding and semantics. The encoding may be JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). The encoding may be comma-separated values (CSV).

[0071] In an embodiment, the method 100 comprises storing 125 the common format 320, and the one or more specific format 310, 311 . The common format 320 is a common format to all the one or more road users 210, 211 . For example, the apparatus 200 may store a look-up table comprising one or more rules 330. Table 3 illustrates an embodiment of such a look-up table. Each row of the Table 3 may correspond to a rule of the one or more rules 330.

[0072] The method 100 comprises sending 130, to each road user of the one or more road users 210, 211 , a converting module 240, 241 . In Figure 5, an embodiment of the step 130 is provided. The converting module 240, 241 comprises the common format 320, and a specific format 310, 311 of the one or more specific formats 310, 311 . The converting module 240, 241 comprises one or more rules 330 for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the specific format 310, 311 and the common format 320.

[0073] In an embodiment, the converting module 240, 241 comprises the critical level. For example, continuing from the stored look-up table of Table 3, the converting module 240, sent in the step 140 of the method 100, may correspond to:

[0074] Table 4: the converting module 240 sent in the step 130 of the method 100 to the first road user 210.

[0075] Thus, the first road user 210 may convert an urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the common format 320 and the first road user format 310.

[0076] For example, continuing from the stored look-up table of Table 3, the specific converting module 241 , sent in the step 130 of the method 100, may correspond to:

[0077] Table 5: the converting module 241 sent in the step 130 of the method 100 to the second road user 211.

[0078] Thus, the second road user 211 may convert an urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the common format 320 and the second road user format 311.

[0079] In an embodiment, the method comprises sending, to each road user of the one or more road users 210, 211 , an indication that the converting module 240, 241 is to be used for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the specific format 310, 311 , and the common format 320. In an embodiment, the indication is sent during the step 110 of the method 100. In an embodiment, the method 100 comprises obtaining 140 one or more updated specific formats 610, 611. Each of the one or more updated specific formats 610, 611 is associated to each road user of the one or more road users 210, 211 . In Figure 6, an embodiment of the step 140 is provided. For example, an updated first user format 610 is associated to the first road user 210. For example, an updated second user format 611 is associated to the second road user 211 .

[0080] Each of the one or more updated specific formats 610, 611 may be associated to each of the one or more entities 410, 411. For example, the first road user format 310 is associated to the entity_1 410. For example, the second road user format 311 is associated to the entity _2 411 .

[0081] In an embodiment, the one or more updated specific formats 610, 611 comprise a critical level. The critical level may correspond to a value ranging from 1 till 3. The critical level may indicate whether an action shall be taken immediately (e.g., use of brakes) or less promptly. For example, 1 may correspond to a low critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a high critical level. Alternatively, 1 may correspond to a high critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a low critical level. The skilled person would understand that it is possible to have a different range (e.g., 1 -5, 1-10, etc.).

[0082] For example, the updated first road user format 610 obtained from the entity_1 410 of the first road user 210 may correspond to:

[0083] Table 6: the updated first road user format 610 obtained from the entity_1 410 of the first road user 210. In the illustrative example provided in Table 6, the update of the first road format 310 corresponds to the addition of “icy road” as an urgent critical-based event. The skilled person would understand that an update of the specific format may be an addition, a deletion, and / or an amendment.

[0084] For example, the updated second road user format 611 obtained from the entity_2 411 of the second road user 211 may correspond to:

[0085] Table 7: the updated second road user 611 obtained from the entity_2 411 of the second road user 211.

[0086] In the illustrative example provided in Table 7, the update of the second road format 311 corresponds to the addition of “slippery road” as an urgent critical-based event. The skilled person would understand that an update of the specific format may be an addition, a deletion, and / or an amendment.

[0087] In an embodiment, the method 100 comprises updating 150 the converting module 240, 241 based on the obtained one or more updated specific formats 610, 611 .

[0088] In an embodiment, the method 100 comprises storing an updated common format 710 to the one or more road users 210, 211 , and the one or more updated specific format 610, 611 . In Figure 7, an embodiment of the step 150 is provided. The updated common format 710 may correspond to an update of the common format 320 based on the updated specific formats 610, 611 obtained in the step 140 of the method 100.

[0089] For example, the apparatus 200 may store an updated look-up table comprising one or more rules 710. Table 8 illustrates an embodiment of such an updated look-up table. Each row of the Table 8 may correspond to a rule of the one or more rules 710.

[0090] Table 8: the updated stored look-up table in the apparatus 200.

[0091] In an embodiment, the method 100 comprises sending 160 the updated converting module 810, 811 to each road user of the one or more road users 210, 211. In Figure 8, an embodiment of the step 160 is provided. The updated converting module 810, 811 may comprise the updated common format 710, and a specific format 610, 611 of the one or more updated specific formats 610, 611 . The updated converting module 810, 811 comprises one or more rules 720 for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the updated specific format 610, 611 and the updated common format 710.

[0092] In an embodiment, the updated converting module 810, 811 comprises the critical level. For example, continuing from the stored look-up table of Table 8, the updated converting module 810, sent in the step 160 of the method 100, may correspond to:

[0093] Table 9: the updated converting module 810 sent in the step 160 of the method 100 to the first road user 210. Thus, the first road user 210 may convert an urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the updated common format 810 and the updated first road user format 610.

[0094] For example, continuing from the stored look-up table of Table 8, the updated converting module 811 , sent in the step 160 of the method 100, may correspond to:

[0095] Table 10: the updated converting module 820 sent in the step 160 of the method 100 to the second road user 211.

[0096] In Figure 9, a flowchart depicting embodiment of a method 900 is provided. The method 900 is performed by the first road user 210. The method 900 is for direct distribution, between the one or more road users 210, 211 , of the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220.

[0097] The method comprises receiving 910 the converting module 240. The converting module 240 of the step 910 of the method 900 may correspond to the converting module 240 of the step 130 of the method 100, as described herein. For example, the converting module 240 received in the step 910 of the method 900 may correspond to the converting module 240 illustrated in Table 4, as illustrated here above.

[0098] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving the indication that the converting module 240 is to be used for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages 220 between the specific format 310, and the common format 320. In an embodiment, the indication is received during the step 910 of the method 900. The method 900 comprises receiving 920 a notification message 1010 from the second road users 211. In Figure 10, an embodiment of the step 920 of the method 900 is provided. The received notification message 1010 is defined in the common format 320. Thus, the second road user 211 and the first road user 210 are able to exchange messages in the common format 320, and thus understand each other even if there are not from a same manufacturer.

[0099] For example, the notification message1010 may indicate “accident”.

[0100] The method 900 comprises converting 930 the received notification message 1010 from the common format 320 into the specific format 310 based on the one or more rules 330 of the received converting module 240. In Figure 11 , an embodiment of the step 930 is provided. The received notification message 1010 may be in the common format 320, and the converted notification message 1110 may be in the specific format 310 associated to the first road user 210. For example, continuing from the previous example, the first road user 210 may use the converting module 240 as illustrated in Table 4, and determine that the notification message 1010 indicating “accident” may correspond to “collision” in the specific format 310 associated to the first road user 210.

[0101] The method 900 comprises determining 940 whether the notification message 1010 of the step 930 is an urgent critical-based event notification message. In an embodiment, determining 940 whether the notification message 1010 is an urgent critical-based notification message comprises computing a critical level of the converted notification message 1110. Computing the critical level may be based on the converting module received in the step 910 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0102] According to the illustrative converting module 240 received by the first road user 210, illustrated in Table 4, the notification message 1010 may be translated to “collision” and be of a critical level 1 . The critical level 1 may be implemented so as to notify a high critical level, and thus a prompt action may be needed by the first road user (e.g., use of brakes needed). The critical level may correspond to a value ranging from 1 till 3. The critical level may indicate whether an action shall be taken immediately (e.g., use of brakes) or at a less immediately. For example, 1 may correspond to a low critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a high critical level. Alternatively, 1 may correspond to a high critical level, 2 may correspond to a medium critical level, and 3 may correspond to a low critical level. The skilled person would understand that it is possible to have a different range (e.g., 1-5, 1-10, etc.).

[0103] In an embodiment, the notification message 1010 may comprise parameters. The parameters may comprise one or more of: distance to the second vehicle 211 , speed of the second vehicle 211 , etc. The parameters comprised in the notification message 1010 may be used in the determining 940 of whether the notification message 1110 is an urgent critical-based event notification. Parameters specific to the first road user 210 may be used in the determining 940 of whether the notification message 1010 is an urgent critical-based event notification. Parameters specific to the first road user 210 may comprise one or more of: speed of the first road user 210, proximity of the first road user 210 to the second road user 211 , etc.

[0104] The method 900 comprises distributing 950 the received notification message 1010, if the converted notification message 1110 is an urgent critical-based event notification message.

[0105] In an embodiment, the distributing 950 is performed by broadcasting the received notification message 1010. In an embodiment, the broadcasting is performed by using broadcast communications, such as LTE Broadcast mechanism, 5G Broadcast 5G side-link, and / or WiFi technologies. In an embodiment, the distributing 950 is performed via a proxy, such as a road-side unit. In an embodiment, the distributing 950 is performed by establishing a peer-to-peer communication between the first road user 210, and the one or more road users 210, 211 .

[0106] In Figure 12, an illustrative example of messages exchanged between the apparatus 200, the first road user 210, the second road user 211 , the entity_1 410, and the entity_2 411 , is provided.

[0107] The apparatus 200 is configured to obtain a first road user format 1210. The first road user format 1210 may correspond to the first road user format 310 obtained in the step 110 of the method 100, as described herein. The apparatus 200 is configured to obtain a second road user format 1211. The second road user format 1211 may correspond to the second road user format 311 obtained in the step 110 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0108] The apparatus 200 is configured to send a converting module 1220 to the first road user 210. The converting module 1220 may correspond to the converting module 240 of the step 130 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0109] The apparatus 200 is configured to send a converting module 1221 to the second road user 211 . The converting module 1221 may correspond to the converting module 241 of the step 130 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0110] The apparatus 200 is configured to obtain an updated first road user format 1230.

[0111] The updated first road user 1230 may correspond to the updated first road user 610 of the step 140 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0112] The apparatus 200 is configured to obtain an updated second road user format 1231 . The updated second road user 1231 may correspond to the updated second road user 611 of the step 140 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0113] The apparatus 200 is configured to send an updated converting module 1240 to the first road user 210. The updated converting module 1240 may correspond to the updated converting module 810 of the step 160 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0114] The apparatus 200 is configured to send an updated converting module 1241 to the second road user 211 . The updated converting module 1241 may correspond to the updated converting module 811 of the step 160 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0115] The first road user 210 is configured to receive a notification message 1250. The notification message 1250 may correspond to the notification message 1010 of the step 920 of the method 900, as described herein. The first road user 210 is configured to distribute the notification message 1250. The notification message 1250 may correspond to the notification message 1010 of the step 920 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0116] In Figure 13, a block diagram of the apparatus 200 is provided. The apparatus 200 comprises a first obtaining unit 1310. The apparatus 200 comprises a converting unit 1320. The apparatus 200 comprises a first sending unit 1330.

[0117] The first obtaining unit 1310 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 110 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0118] The converting unit 1320 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 120 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0119] The first sending unit 1330 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 130 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0120] In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises a storing unit 1340. The storing unit 1340 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 125 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0121] In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises a second obtaining unit 1311. The second obtaining unit 1311 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 140 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0122] In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises an updating unit 1350. The updating unit 1350 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 150 of the method 100, as described herein.

[0123] In an embodiment, the apparatus 200 comprises a second sending unit 1331. The second sending unit 1331 is configured to cause the apparatus 200 to perform the step 160 of the method 100, as described herein. In an embodiment, the first obtaining unit 1310, and the second obtaining unit 1311 are a same unit, such as an obtaining unit 1315.

[0124] In an embodiment, the first sending unit 1330, and the second sending unit 1331 are a same unit, such as a sending unit 1335.

[0125] In an embodiment, the first obtaining unit 1310, the second obtaining unit 1311 , the first sending unit 1330, and the second sending unit 1331 are a same unit, such as a transceiver unit 1338.

[0126] In an embodiment, the converting unit 1320, the storing unit 1340, and the updating unit 1350 are a same unit 1355.

[0127] The first obtaining unit 1310, the second obtaining unit 1311 , the first sending unit 1330, the second sending unit 1331 , the converting unit 1320, the storing unit 1340, and the updating unit, illustrated in Figure 13, may be implemented as a hardware solution or as a combination of software and hardware, e.g., by one or more of: a processor or a micro-processor and adequate software and memory for storing of the software, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or other electronic component(s) or processing circuitry configured to perform the actions described above with regards to the method 100.

[0128] In Figure 14, a block diagram of the first road user 210 is provided. The first road user 210 comprises a first receiving unit 1410. The first road user 210 comprises a second receiving unit 1411. The first road user 210 comprises a converting unit 1420. The first road user 210 comprises a determining unit 1430. The first road user 210 comprises a distributing unit 1440.

[0129] The first receiving unit 1410 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 910 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0130] The second receiving unit 1411 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 920 of the method 900, as described herein. The converting unit 1420 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 930 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0131] The determining unit 1430 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 940 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0132] The distributing unit 1440 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 950 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0133] In an embodiment, the first road user 210 comprises a determining unit 1440. The determining unit 1440 is configured to cause the first road user 210 to perform the step 960 of the method 900, as described herein.

[0134] In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1410, and the second receiving unit 1411 , are a same unit, such as a receiving unit 1415.

[0135] In an embodiment, the first receiving unit 1410, the second receiving unit 1411 , and the distributing unit 1440 are a same unit, such as a transceiver unit 1450.

[0136] In an embodiment, the converting unit 1420 and the determining unit 1440 are a same unit 1460.

[0137] The first receiving unit 1410, the second receiving unit 1411 , the converting unit 1420, the determining unit 1430, and the distributing unit 1440, illustrated in Figure 14, may be implemented as a hardware solution or as a combination of software and hardware, e.g., by one or more of: a processor or a micro-processor and adequate software and memory for storing of the software, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or other electronic component(s) or processing circuitry configured to perform the actions described above with regards to the method 900.

[0138] In Figure 15, an embodiment of the apparatus 200 is provided. The apparatus 200 comprises a processor 1510, and a computer readable storage medium 1520 in the form of a memory 1525. The memory 1525 contains a computer program 1530 comprising instructions executable by the processor 1510 whereby the apparatus 200 is operative to perform the steps of the method 100.

[0139] In Figure 16, an embodiment of the first road user 210 is provided. The first road user 210 comprises a processor 1610, and a computer readable storage medium 1620 in the form of a memory 1625. The memory 1625 contains a computer program 1630 comprising instructions executable by the processor 1610 whereby the first road user 210 is operative to perform the steps of the method 900.

[0140] The (non-transitory) computer readable storage media mentioned above may be an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, Field Programmable Gate Array, and a hard drive.

[0141] The processor 1510 of Figure 15, and the processor 1610 of Figure 16, may be a single Central Processing Unit (CPU), but could also comprise two or more processing units. For example, the processor 1510 of Figure 15, and the processor 1610 of Figure 16, may include general purpose microprocessors; instructions set processors and / or related chips sets and / or special purpose microprocessors such as Application Specific Circuits (ASICs). The processor 1510 of Figure 15, and the processor 1610 of Figure 16, may also comprise board memory for caching purposes.

[0142] The computer program 1530 of Figure 15, and the computer program 1630 of Figure 16, may be carried by a computer program product connected to the processor 1510 of Figure 15, and the processor 1610 of Figure 16. The computer program products may be or comprise a non-transitory computer readable storage medium on which the computer program 1530 of Figure 15, and the computer program 1630 of the Figure 16, are stored. For example, the computer program products may be a flash memory, a Random-Access memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), or an EEPROM, and the computer programs described above could in alternative embodiments be distributed on different computer program products in the dorm of memories. It should be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to described various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first road user could be termed the second road user, and similarly, the second road user could be termed the first road user.

[0143] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limited od example embodiments. As used herein, the single forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes”, and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc. but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. the disclosure has been described above in reference to embodiments thereof. It should be understood that various modifications, alternatives, and additions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the above particular embodiments but only defined by the claims as attached.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus (200) for direct distribution, between one or more road users (210, 211), of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220), the apparatus (200) comprises a common format (320), the apparatus (200) is configured to:- obtain one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) from one or more entities (410, 411 ), o wherein each of the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) is associated to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 );- convert the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) to the common format (320);- send, to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 ), a converting module (240, 241 ), o wherein the converting module (240, 241 ) comprises the common format (320), and a specific format (310, 311 ) of the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ), o wherein the converting module comprises one or more rules (330) for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220) between the specific format (310, 311 ) and the common format (320).

2. The apparatus (200) according to claim 1 , is configured to:- store the common format (320), and the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ).

3. The apparatus (200) according to one or more of claims 1-2, is configured to:- obtain one or more updated specific formats (610, 611 ) from the one or more entities (410, 411 ), o wherein each of the one or more updated specific formats (610, 611) is associated to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 );- update the converting module (240, 241 ) based on the obtained one or more updated specific formats (610, 611 );- send the updated converting module (810, 811 ) to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 ).

4. A first road user (210) for direct distribution, between one or more road users (210, 211), of one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220), the first road user (210) is configured to:- receive a converting module (240) from an apparatus (200), o wherein the converting module (240) comprises a common format (320), and a specific format of the first road user, o wherein the converting module (240) comprises one or more rules (330) for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220) between the specific format and the common format;- receive a notification message (1010) from a second road user (211 );- convert the received notification message (1010) from the common format (320) into the specific format (310) based on the one or more rules (330) of the received converting module (240);- determine whether the converted notification message (1110) is an urgent critical-based event notification message (220);- distribute the received notification message (1010), if the converted notification message (1110) is an urgent critical-based event notification message (220).

5. The first road user (210) according to claim 4, wherein the determination whether the notification message (1010) is an urgent critical-based event notification message (220) comprises:- compute a critical level of the converted notification message (1110).

6. The first road user (210) according to one or more of claims 4-5, wherein the distribution of the received notification message (1010) is performed by one or more of: broadcasting;- establishing peer-to-peer communication between the first road user (210), and the one or more road users (210, 211 );- through a proxy.

7. The first road user (210) according to one or more of claims 4-6, wherein the first road user (210) and / or the second road user (211 ) are one of: a vehicle; a user equipment; a sensor; a satellite; and / or a radio communicating device.

8. A method (100) performed by an apparatus (200) for direct distribution, between one or more road users (210, 211 ), of one or more urgent criticalbased event notification messages (220), the apparatus comprises a common format (320), the method (100) comprising:- obtaining (110) one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) from one or more entities (410, 411 ), o wherein each of the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) is associated to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 );- converting (120) the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ) to the common format (320);- sending (130), to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 ), a converting module (240, 241 ), o wherein the converting module (240, 241 ) comprises the common format 320, and a specific format (310, 311 ) of the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ), o wherein the converting module comprises one or more rules (330) for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220) between the specific format (310, 311 ) and the common format (320).

9. The method (100) according to claim 9, comprising:- storing (125) the common format (320), and the one or more specific formats (310, 311 ).

10. The method (100) according to one or more of claims 9-10, comprising:- obtaining (140) one or more updated specific formats (610, 611 ) from the one or more entities (410, 411 ), o wherein each of the one or more updated specific formats (610, 611) is associated to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 );- updating (150) the converting module (240, 241 ) based on the obtained one or more updated specific formats (610, 611 );- sending (160) the updated converting module (810, 811 ) to each road user of the one or more road users (210, 211 ).11 .A method (900) performed by a first road user (210) for direct distribution, between one or more road users (210, 211 ), of one or more urgent criticalbased event notification messages (220), the method (900) comprising:- receiving (910) a converting module (240) from an apparatus (200), o wherein the converting module (240) comprises a common format (320), and a specific format of the first road user, o wherein the converting module (240) comprises one or more rules (330) for converting the one or more urgent critical-based event notification messages (220) between the specific format and the common format;- receiving (920) a notification message (1010) from a second road user (211 );- converting (930) the received notification message (1010) from the common format (320) into the specific format (310) based on the one or more rules (330) of the received converting module (240);- determining (940) whether the converted notification message (1110) is an urgent critical-based event notification message (220);- distributing (950) the received notification message (1010), if the converted notification message (1110) is an urgent critical-based notification message (220).

12. The method (900) according to claim 11 , wherein determining (950) whether the notification message (1010) is an urgent critical-based event notification message (220) comprises:computing a critical level of the converted notification message (1110).

13. The method (900) according to one or more of claims 11-12, wherein distributing (950) of the received notification message (1010) is performed by one or more of:- broadcasting;- establishing peer-to-peer communication between the first road user (210), and the one or more road users (210, 211 );- through a proxy.

14. The method (900) according to one or more of claims 11-13, wherein the first road user (210) and / or the second road user (211 ) are one of: a vehicle; a user equipment; a sensor; a satellite; and / or a radio communicating device.

15. A computer program (1530) comprising instructions, which when executed on an apparatus (200), causes the apparatus (200) to perform the method (100) according to one or more of claims 8-10.

16. A computer program (1630) comprising instructions, which when executed on a first road user (210), causes the first road user (210) to perform the method (900) according to one or more of claims 11-14.

17. A computer readable storage medium (1520, 1620) comprising a computer program (1530, 1630) according to claim 15, and / or 16.

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