Convoy Information Detection via Optical Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are unable to effectively acquire and transmit information regarding a convoy of vehicles, limiting the ability of vehicles to recognize and coordinate with each other.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that includes a convoy information detection section, a generation section, and an output control section to detect, update, and transmit convoy information via optical signals between vehicles, allowing for the easy acquisition and dissemination of convoy details such as route, arrival times, and vehicle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If optical data with identification numbers is transmitted between vehicles, then each vehicle can recognize its position in the convoy, but the system cannot acquire comprehensive information regarding the entire convoy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the convoy information transmission task among multiple vehicles. Each vehicle maintains and transmits a segment of the convoy information (vehicles from head to its position), rather than one vehicle transmitting the entire convoy information. This segmentation enables comprehensive convoy information acquisition while distributing the processing burden across multiple vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having each vehicle pre-calculate and maintain the convoy information segment corresponding to vehicles from the head up to its position. This pre-computed information is readily available for transmission to succeeding vehicles, eliminating the need for complex real-time computation when information is requested.
2Loss of information
If each vehicle transmits complete convoy information to succeeding vehicles, then comprehensive information is available, but the communication load and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the convoy information transmission into segments where each vehicle transmits only the portion relevant to succeeding vehicles (information about vehicles from convoy head to the transmitting vehicle's position). This segmentation reduces redundant transmission of the same information multiple times while maintaining completeness for each receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle transmits information with local quality appropriate to its position in the convoy. A vehicle transmits information about the convoy segment it knows, which is locally optimized for its position. Succeeding vehicles receive the complete information they need from their immediate predecessor without requiring transmissions from all other vehicles.
3Measurement precision
If identification numbers are incremented and transmitted, then vehicle position recognition is enabled, but the system lacks the capability to acquire and utilize comprehensive convoy information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical communication system multi-functional. It not only transmits identification numbers for position recognition but also conveys comprehensive convoy information including vehicle count, convoy head position, and routing information. This universal approach allows the same communication infrastructure to serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding comprehensive convoy information within the optical signals transmitted by each vehicle. This includes pre-determining the convoy segment information that each vehicle should transmit, enabling succeeding vehicles to immediately acquire complete convoy context without additional processing steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vehicles to easily acquire and transmit convoy information, improving coordination and safety by allowing vehicles to recognize their position within a convoy and communicate with preceding and succeeding vehicles, facilitating smoother traffic flow and safer navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a reception section that receives a first optical signal outputted from a preceding other mobile body
Implementation Method 2
an output section that outputs a second optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a mobile body that make it easy to acquire information regarding a convoy of mobile bodies such as vehicles. The information processing apparatus is disposed in a first mobile body, and includes a convoy information detection section, a convoy information generation section, and an output control section. The convoy information detection section detects, based on a first optical signal outputted from a second mobile body preceding the first mobile body, convoy information regarding a convoy of mobile bodies including up to the second mobile body. The convoy information generation section updates the convoy information by adding information regarding the first mobile body to the convoy information. The output control section controls an output section in such a manner as to output a second optical signal to rearward of the first mobile body in accordance with the updated convoy information. The present technology is applicable, for example, to a vehicle designed for autonomous driving.