DSRC Path History Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective methods to provide timely and accurate notifications of traffic obstructions to drivers using wireless vehicle data, particularly failing to utilize Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) messages for real-time obstruction detection and notification.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing DSRC-equipped vehicles to collect and transmit path history data with lane-level accuracy, allowing for the detection and notification of traffic obstructions by analyzing patterns in vehicle path modifications, and providing recommendations to drivers through onboard vehicle computer systems or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GPS systems are used to track vehicle location, then the system is simpler and less costly, but the location accuracy is insufficient (plus or minus 10 meters) to determine lane-level precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location tracking function into two parts: DSRC-compliant GPS units in vehicles provide high-precision location data, while conventional GPS systems continue to provide broader coverage. This segmentation allows lane-level accuracy without requiring every vehicle to have expensive hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces DSRC communication infrastructure as an intermediary between vehicles and the obstruction detection system. DSRC messages transmit path history data with lane-level precision, acting as a mediator that enables accurate obstruction detection without requiring direct high-precision GPS in every vehicle.
2Reliability
If DSRC path history data from multiple vehicles is collected and analyzed to detect obstructions, then obstruction detection accuracy improves, but the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential path history data elements needed for obstruction detection from DSRC messages, rather than processing all available vehicle data. This extraction focuses on location coordinates and path modifications, reducing data volume while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by analyzing path history data from a subset of vehicles rather than all vehicles in the network. The system processes data from sufficient vehicles to achieve reliable obstruction detection without the excessive computational burden of processing every vehicle's complete path history.
3Loss of time
If real-time analysis of path history data is performed to provide timely obstruction notifications, then driver safety response time improves, but the computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing path history data from vehicles before obstructions occur. This pre-collected data is readily available for immediate analysis when obstructions are detected, enabling timely notifications without requiring intensive real-time computation during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having each vehicle independently analyze its own path history data and that of nearby vehicles to detect obstructions. This distributed approach reduces the computational burden on centralized systems while maintaining real-time detection capabilities through local processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure includes implementations for estimating a presence of an obstruction in a roadway using wireless vehicle data. A method may include receiving a Dedicated Short Range Communication (“DSRC”) message that includes path history data describing a path of a first DSRC-equipped vehicle with lane-level accuracy over a plurality of different times while the first DSRC-equipped vehicle is traveling on a roadway. The method may include determining a presence of an obstruction in a specific lane of the roadway based on the path history data. The obstruction may be indicated by the path history data because the path history data indicates that the obstruction affected the path of the first DSRC-equipped vehicle while traveling in the specific lane of the roadway. The method may include providing a recommendation to a driver of a second DSRC-equipped vehicle. The recommendation may describe the presence of the obstruction in the specific lane.