Road Communication System

Abstract

The road communication system (1) makes it possible to realize smart roads. Local server systems (21) with local control centers (2) are implemented for several road segments (110). Wireless access stations (3) are distributed along the road segments (110) and comprise communication modules (31, 32) configured to wirelessly communicate with user mobile devices mounted on vehicles traveling along the road route (100) and with vehicle communication modules integrated in the vehicles. The access stations (3) are in wired signal communication with each local server system (21) and manage access to the wireless network, making it possible to monitor the plants of the road segments (110). A central server system housed in a remote control center (6) is in wired signal communication with all the local server systems (21) of the local control centers (2) in order to monitor and reconfigure them.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a road communication system that aims to realize smart roads that enable advanced management of road traffic and communication with vehicles and their users. [Background technology]

[0002] Until now, the use of roadside services such as traffic and safety information and technical assistance has been managed by known media such as the Internet, radio, signage and emergency stations.

[0003] While consulting these information sources can be cumbersome for users, it would be desirable to bring them together in a single information channel, in addition to existing but single service specific information.

[0004] Additionally, there is a need to enable information exchange with the vehicle and provide information that is not necessarily human understandable, but is useful for the vehicle to implement a semi-automated or fully automated driving mode.

[0005] In US Patent Publication No. 2019244518, a road communication system is described, which describes that a communication module along a road network enables communication with a vehicle-integrated communication module to share automated or semi-automated driving information. If a pre-installed communication module is not installed on the vehicle, a special module can be provided to the driver. In different alternative embodiments, the described system can be based on various possible communication technologies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Publication No. 2019244518 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In this context, the underlying technical task of the present invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs, in particular to provide a secure and reliable road communication system that centralizes access to road services through a single infrastructure and makes it possible to exchange information directly with vehicles.

[0008] The defined technical task and particular object are substantially achieved by a road communication system comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides for installing wireless access stations along roads, the stations being equipped with network communication modules enabling wireless communication with respective user mobile devices in vehicles or with vehicle integrated communication modules within respective coverage areas.

[0010] Thus, unlike US2019244518, based on separate communication modules, two different types of communication coexist, each dedicated to the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle and the user mobile device for the driver or passenger to use the content, whereas US2019244518 does not mention communication with the user mobile device, nor the simultaneous use of two communication technologies on the same road segment.

[0011] A group of access stations covering a road segment is connected to each local control center, and the local server system exchanges information with the mobile devices and the vehicle communication modules by means of the network communication module, and the local control center may also provide the access stations with the power they need to operate.

[0012] The remote control center includes a central server system that can verify the operation of the local control center.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, communication channels are formed in loops between the local center and the access stations, and between the remote center and the local center, ensuring that branches of the communication lines are always available.

[0014] Additionally, the local control center would preferably allow for stand-alone operation and would communicate with failed remote centers.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following schematic, and therefore non-limiting, description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a building for a local control center of a road communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a floor plan of a local control center including the building of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a floor plan of one of the two floors of the building in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows a floor plan of one of the two floors of the building in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a communication system data transmission infrastructure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a power grid for a road segment branching off from a system local control center, according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention relates to a road communication system 1. The system 1 comprises various equipment distributed throughout a territory, in particular along a road route 100. Part of the equipment is concentrated in a special building 200 for managing the system 1.

[0018] The road route 100 may be, for example, but is not necessarily, a highway. To manage the system 1, the road route 100 is ideally divided into road segments 110, preferably of substantially uniform length, for example 10-50 km, preferably 20-30 km. It should be noted that the segments 110 are not necessarily straight and may or may not terminate at a discontinuity in the road route, such as an intersection, road junction, or tunnel 120.

[0019] The system 1 comprises multiple local control centers 2, specifically, one local control center 2 for each road segment 110. In the following, features of the local control centers 2 and the road segments 110 are described that are intended to be available to all of the local control centers 2 and all of the road segments 110.

[0020] Each local control centre 2 preferably comprises a dedicated building 200, also known as a green island, which may be located alongside the road of the path 110. An embodiment of such a building 200 is shown in figures 1 to 4. In addition to rooms for housing technical equipment as described below, the building 200 may provide rooms intended for offices, control rooms, services or other working environments. In the example shown, the building 200 is two-storeyed, both of the two floors having a circular plan and with the upper floor having larger dimensions than the lower floor.

[0021] The local control centre 2 comprises a local server system 21 comprising one or more servers for the functions described below, which functions are shown housed on the second floor of a building 200 .

[0022] The system 1 also comprises a number of wireless access stations 3 distributed substantially evenly and mutually spaced along road segments 110 constituting the road route 100. More specifically, for each segment 110, a number of access stations 3 are provided, representing a segment group of access stations 3.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, as described below, the access station 3 is set up with equipment that also performs functions independent of wireless communication. Therefore, the access station 3 may also be called a multi-purpose station. A preferred multi-station may include a pole with additional manholes and / or cabinets, in which structures the equipment described herein is housed. Furthermore, other optional multi-purpose stations 8 distributed along the road 100 may include equipment for various services, but without the wireless communication modules 31, 32. However, these will not be described further below.

[0024] The access station 3 comprises wireless communication modules 31, 32. The space between the access stations may be, for example, 100-500 m, preferably 250-300 m, so that the signal coverage area of ​​the communication modules 31, 32 covers the entire road segment 110.

[0025] The local server system 21 of each local control centre 2 is in wired signal communication with the wireless communication modules 31 , 32 of the access stations 3 , 32 , ie the wireless communication modules 31 , 32 of a segmented group of access stations 3 , distributed along each road segment 110 .

[0026] In more detail, the system 1 comprises a wired section data network 4 for each road segment 110 and thus also for each local control center 2. For each road segment 110, each section data network 4 connects at least a local server system 21 of each local control center 2 to a communication module 31, 32 of each access station 3.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, each segment data network 4 comprises at least one local router 41 housed in the remote control center 2 and connected to a local server system 21. The local router is configured to connect the local server system 21 with first communication modules 31, 32 of the access stations 3 distributed along each road segment 110.

[0028] In more detail, each sectional data network 4 comprises a number of switches 42 connected to at least the communication modules 31, 32 of the access stations 3, e.g., one switch 42 per access station 3. However, embodiments are envisaged in which several access stations 3 have a switch 42 in common. The sectional data network 4 also comprises wiring 43, preferably made from optical fibre, connecting the local router 41 with the switches 42, and wiring 43, optionally made from copper, connecting the switches 42 to each of the communication modules 31, 32.

[0029] The wiring 43 of each partitioned data network 4 advantageously forms one or more connection loops 44, so that each access station 3, and in particular each switch 42, is connected via at least two independent data connection lines to a local router 41 and thus to the local server system 21 of each local control center 2. The switches 42 are preferably connected to one or more of these loops 44 in a gateway configuration.

[0030] The independent connecting lines are preferably spaced from one another to prevent accidental simultaneous interruption of both of the independent lines. For example, the independent connecting lines may run on opposite sides of the road route 100.

[0031] Also, the local control centre 2 advantageously includes at least two local routers 41 operating redundantly.

[0032] By these means, the system 1 can divert data traffic to alternative communication channels and provide continued service even in the event of various types of failures of local routers 41, switches 42, or wiring 43.

[0033] Preferably, the access stations 3 are also configured for wireless communication between separate access stations 3, in particular adjacent access stations 3, via the communication modules 31, 32. This is in order to create an additional alternative communication channel in case of interruption of the wired connection to the respective local server system 21, i.e. intended as either a physical interruption of the wired connection or a signal interruption in the wired connection.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, in parallel with the section data network 4, the system 1 comprises a wired section power network 5 for each road section 110, which is connected to the access stations 3 distributed along the section 110 so as to supply power to the access stations 3.

[0035] In detail, each local control center 2 includes an electric supply point 22 located in the building 200 for connection to an electric grid (not shown). The sectioned power grid 5 is connected to the supply point 22 and preferably comprises a voltage booster 51 at the supply point 22. The voltage booster 51 is configured to boost the voltage from a first value equal to the electric grid voltage (e.g. 400V, 3-phase AC) to a second value greater than the first value (e.g. 1000V, single phase or 3-phase).

[0036] In addition to the supply point 22, the local control center 2 comprises one or more generators 23, 24, preferably including at least one engine generator 23 either inside or outside the building 200, and a renewable power source based plant 24, such as a solar power plant on the roof of the building 200 or in parallel with the building 200, or a wind power plant in parallel with the building 200. Preferably, the local control center 2 also includes an uninterrupted power source 25, which may be housed in the building 200. These devices allow continuous operation and / or energy self-sufficiency of the local control center 2.

[0037] The divided power network 5 comprises a power line 52 connecting the supply point 22 (specifically, a step-up transformer 51), the generators 23, 24 and the uninterruptible power supply 25 (if provided) to the access station 3 so as to supply power to the access station 3.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, each access station 3 includes a step-down transformer 53 and a rectifier 54 configured to step down the voltage from the second value to a third value lower than the second value (e.g., 24V or 48V) and convert the voltage to direct current. In the access station 3, electrical connections supply the third voltage value to the communication modules 31, 32 and any other equipment of the access station 3.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication modules 31, 32 of the access station 3 comprise different types of communication modules, specifically a first communication module 31 and a second communication module 32. The power and signal connections described so far apply to both the first communication module 31 and the second communication module 32.

[0040] The first communication module 31 is configured to transmit wireless signals in the first target area to perform wireless communication in the first target area with a user's electronic mobile device mounted on a vehicle traveling along the road route.

[0041] The second communication module 32 is configured to transmit wireless signals in the second area of ​​interest to perform wireless communication in the second area of ​​interest with electronic vehicle communication modules integrated into vehicles traveling along the road route.

[0042] A vehicle communication module is an electronic unit mounted on a vehicle and is usually electrically connected to the vehicle central processor. Conversely, a mobile user device, or mobile computer, is a computer designed for use by a user without location constraints, such as a mobile phone, palmtop, smartphone, tablet, smart watch, and / or smart glasses. They may also be in temporary signal communication with the vehicle processor, but this is not necessary for their operation.

[0043] It should be noted that each access station 3 may include only one, either or both of the two types of communication modules 31, 32 mentioned above. Due to the arrangement of the first communication module 31 and the second communication module 32, a first adjacent coverage area generally covers each road segment 110, and similarly, a second adjacent coverage area generally covers each road segment 110. Independent communication may occur simultaneously with a user mobile device and a vehicle communication module of the same vehicle.

[0044] In particular, taking into account the current typical size of coverage areas of these types of wireless communication modules 31, 32, it is preferred that each access station 3 comprises at least a first communication module 31, while only a part of the access stations 3 further comprises a second communication module 32. Thus, the first communication modules 31 can be spaced apart from each other by 100-500 m, preferably 250-300 m, while the second communication modules 32 can be spaced apart from each other by 200-1500 m, preferably 600-900 m.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the first communication module 31 is configured to provide the user mobile device with access to the intranet of the road service. Alternatively, the first communication module 31 may provide the user mobile device with access to the intranet. Preferably, the technology used for communication between the first communication module 31 and the user mobile device is Wi-Fi in Motion technology (IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n standard).

[0046] Generally, when using Wi-Fi technology, a single user device provided with a single antenna may remain connected to a single access point of the Wi-Fi network provided by a single first communication module 31 in the present case. The selection of the access point is conventionally performed by the user mobile device (a "client-oriented" approach). When the access point changes, the connection will be temporarily interrupted, which will cause problems for vehicles that can quickly pass through the first coverage area of ​​some of the first communication module 31.

[0047] Conversely, Wi-Fi in Motion technology requires the network to select the access point to which the user's mobile device should remain connected (a "network-oriented" approach).

[0048] Specifically, one of the functions performed by the local server system 21 of the local control center is to periodically receive values ​​of radio signal power exchanged with user mobile devices from the first communication module 31. The local server system 21 is thus configured to select a respective access point for each selected mobile device from the first communication module 31 based on the signal power values. A Wi-Fi connection is then established between the selected first communication module 31 and the mobile device.

[0049] The local server system 21 is then configured to dynamically change the first communication modules 31 selected one at a time as the access point to always establish a Wi-Fi connection with the mobile device depending on the signal power value as it gradually changes during vehicle movement.

[0050] As will be explained below, the local server systems 21 of some of the local control centres 2 are also in signal communication with each other. Advantageously, when a vehicle passes between two road segments 110, the local server systems 21 of the two segments are configured to coordinate with each other in dynamically changing the first communication module 31 selected as the access point for each mobile device.

[0051] These changes of access points do not result in interruption of the Wi-Fi connection between the mobile device and the intranet, i.e. the Wi-Fi connection with the local server system 21, at least up to a predefined maximum speed, for example 130km / h.

[0052] Upon connection of the mobile device to the intranet via the first communication module 31, the local server system 21 is configured to deliver road services, such as consultation and notification, via the mobile device, optionally in a hands-free mode, about road information, such as traffic information, alternative routes, weather conditions, and hazardous situations. Furthermore, the local server system 21 is configured to request and receive sensor information collected by the mobile device via integrated sensors, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a proximity sensor, a barometer, a light sensor, a thermometer, a humidity sensor, and a pedometer. Furthermore, the local server system 21 is configured to receive requests and alerts, such as roadside assistance service requests and emergency alerts, that may be entered by a user via the mobile device.

[0053] Furthermore, thanks to the information gathered by the first communication module 31, each local server system 21 may be advantageously configured to locate the user mobile device along the respective road segment 110. Localization may be performed at a first level based on the first communication module 31 connected to the mobile device, thereby enabling the local server system 21 to determine that the user mobile device is within the associated first area of ​​interest. Furthermore, localization may be performed at a more precise level by triangulation of signals between the mobile device and the first communication module 31, and by sensor data collected and transmitted by the mobile device.

[0054] Through location determination, the local server system 21 may be configured to determine the speed of the vehicle in which the mobile device is located, recognize stopped vehicle conditions, and reconstruct traffic flow.

[0055] The second communication module 32 is configured to exchange information related to the smart transportation system, such as semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving data, with the vehicle communication module. Preferably, the second communication module 32 is configured to support one or more different communication technologies known to be used for that purpose, such as short-range communication (DSRC, ETSIIST-G5, and IEEE802.11.p standards) or Cellular-Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X based on 4G LTE or 5G) communication technologies.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the access station 3 (all or part of it), in addition to the first and second communication modules 31, 32, comprises a camera 33 facing the road path 100 and configured to identify vehicles on the road path 100, for example by reading license plates. The camera 33 may be configured to perform safety and / or supervisory functions, which include detection of stopped vehicles, accidents, pedestrians, wrong-way vehicles, obstacles on the road, and recognition of given traffic and visibility conditions.

[0057] According to the modes already described for the first communication module 31 and the second communication module 32, the camera 33 can be connected to the section data network 4 and the section power network 5. The camera 33 is in particular in signal communication with the local server system 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the access station 3 may include a weather station 34 connected for power supply and signal communication according to the modes already described for the first 31 and second 32 communication modules.

[0059] In summary, among the functions that may be performed in the local server system 21 by one or more separate servers, there is not only a wireless network controller function performed by controlling the first communication module 31 and the second communication module 32, a location search function for mobile devices, a management function for the camera 33, but also functions for monitoring and reconfiguring each of the sectional data networks 4 and the sectional power network 5.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the system 1 comprises a remote control center 6, preferably near the road route 100. The remote control center 6 may comprise a dedicated building, not shown.

[0061] The remote control centre 6 comprises at least one central server system housed in a suitable premises, which is in wired signal communication with all the local server systems 21 of the local control centres 2.

[0062] In particular, the system 1 comprises a wired data backbone 7, preferably made from optical fibre, which connects all the local server systems 21 of the local control centres 2 to a central server system.

[0063] More specifically, the data backbone 7 comprises a central router 71 housed in the remote control center 6 and connected to a central server system. The central router 71 is preferably modular, making it more reliable. Furthermore, the data backbone 7 comprises wiring 72 connecting the central router 71 to the local routers 41.

[0064] Similar to the segment data network 4, the wiring 72 of the data backbone 7 forms one or more connection loops 73 such that each local server system 21 is connected to the central server system via at least two independent data connection lines. Preferably, the local routers 41 are connected to the connection loops 73 in a gateway mode.

[0065] The central server system is configured to monitor the operating status and centrally reconfigure the local server systems 21 as well as the access stations 3 of the section data network 4 , the section power network 5 and the data backbone 7 .

[0066] In any case, to maximize the reliability of the system 1, each local server system 21 is preferably configured for stand-alone operation when disconnected from the central server system, i.e., in the event of a signal and / or physical interruption of the data backbone 7.

Claims

1. A road communication system (1), comprising: A plurality of wireless access stations (3) distributed along a plurality of road segments (110) constituting a road route (100), a first communication module (31) mounted on a vehicle traveling along the road route (100) and configured to wirelessly communicate with user mobile devices located within each first target area; a second communication module (32) integrated into vehicles traveling along the road route (100) and configured to wirelessly communicate with vehicle communication modules integrated in vehicles located within each second area of ​​interest; a wireless access station (3) for each road segment (110), in which the respective first communication modules (31) and the respective second communication modules (32) are arranged such that the respective first target areas adjacent to each other entirely cover the road segment (110) and the respective second target areas adjacent to each other entirely cover the road segment (110); a local control center (2) for each road segment (110), each local control center (2) being in wired signal communication with the first and second communication modules (31, 32) of the access stations (3) and comprising at least one local server system (21) distributed along each road segment (110), and adapted to exchange data with the user mobile devices and vehicle communication modules via the first and second communication modules (31, 32); a remote control center (6) comprising at least one central server system in wired signal communication with all the local server systems (21) of the local control center (2), the central server system being configured to monitor the operational status of the local server systems (21); A road communication system (1).

2. The system (1) of claim 1, wherein the first communication module (31) is configured to wirelessly communicate with a user mobile device that is a mobile computer, at least one of the mobile computers being selected from a mobile phone, a palmtop, a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, and smart glasses.

3. The first communication module (31) is preferably configured to provide the user mobile device with access to an intranet of road services using Wi-Fi in Motion technology; 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second communication module (32) is configured to exchange semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving data with the vehicle communication module, preferably using Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) or Cellular-Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology.

4. Each local server system (21) receiving from said first communication module (31) radio signal power values ​​exchanged with said user mobile device; selecting and dynamically changing, one at a time, a first communication module (31) as an access point for establishing a Wi-Fi connection for each user mobile device as a function of said signal power value; The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured to:

5. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each local server system (21) is configured to position the user mobile device along the respective road segment (110).

6. a wired section data network (4) for each road segment (110), preferably made from optical fibre, each section data network (4) connecting the local server system (21) of the local control centre (2) of each road segment (110) to the first and second communication modules (31) and (32) of the access stations (3) distributed along each road segment (110); a wired data backbone (7), preferably made of optical fibre, connecting all the local server systems (21) of the local control centres (2) together and to the central server system; A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. Each segment data network (4) forms one or more connection loops (44) such that each access station is connected to the local server system (21) of the local control center (2) of each of the road segments (110) via at least two independent data connection lines; 7. The system (1) of claim 6, wherein the data backbone (7) forms one or more connection loops (73) such that each local server system (21) is connected to the central server system via at least two independent data connection lines.

8. Each local control centre (2) comprises an electric supply point (22) for connection to a power grid and one or more generators (23, 24), preferably including at least one engine-generator (23) and a renewable resource-based plant (24); The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a wired section power network (5) for each road section (110), each section power network (5) connecting the supply point (22) and each generator (23, 24) of the local control center (2) of each road section (110) to the access stations (3) distributed along each road section (110) so as to supply power to the access stations (3).

9. Each local server system (21) is configured for standalone operation when disconnected from the central server system; The system (1) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each access station (3) is configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one adjacent access station (3) in the event that a wired connection of the respective local control center (2) to the local server system (21) is interrupted.

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each local control center (2) comprises two local routers (41) operating redundantly, the two local routers (41) being configured to connect each of the local server systems (21) with the first communication module (31) and the second communication module (32) of the access stations (3) distributed along each of the road segments (110).

11. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access station (3) comprises a camera (33) configured to identify vehicles on the road route (100).

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