DSRC Vehicle Tracking and Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tracking systems face high costs and limitations, particularly with proprietary systems due to expensive equipment and limited deployment, and cellular-based systems are inefficient for GPS messages and experience signal interference in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology, which uses standardized equipment and protocols to provide a shared-communications channel for vehicle tracking, allowing for cost-effective and widespread deployment, and improved localization capabilities even in areas with unreliable GPS signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary tracking systems are used, then tracking capability is provided, but equipment cost is high and deployment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standardized DSRC equipment that can serve multiple purposes including vehicle tracking, communication, and control functions. The tracking system leverages existing DSRC infrastructure rather than requiring proprietary dedicated tracking equipment, allowing the same communication channel to handle multiple vehicle management tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by utilizing the existing DSRC communication protocol and infrastructure that is already standardized for vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Instead of creating a new proprietary tracking system, it copies and adapts the established DSRC framework for tracking purposes, reducing development and deployment costs.
2Area of stationary object
If cellular-based tracking systems are used, then tracking coverage is extended, but network efficiency decreases for GPS messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DSRC as an intermediary communication layer between the vehicle and tracking infrastructure. Instead of relying directly on cellular networks for GPS message transmission, the system uses DSRC's dedicated short-range communication channel as a more efficient intermediary for vehicle location data, reserving cellular networks for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the cellular communication mechanism with DSRC communication mechanism for GPS message transmission. This replacement leverages the specialized properties of DSRC (dedicated frequency, lower latency, higher reliability for short-range communication) to improve network efficiency compared to the general-purpose cellular system.
3Area of stationary object
If cellular networks are used for tracking, then widespread coverage is achieved, but signal reliability decreases in certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a hybrid communication approach that adapts between DSRC and cellular networks based on environmental conditions. When GPS signals are unreliable (such as in tunnels or indoor parking garages), the system dynamically switches to using DSRC infrastructure for location determination, maintaining tracking reliability across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential GPS signal failures by having DSRC infrastructure pre-configured as a backup mechanism. In environments where GPS signals are known to be unreliable (tunnels, parking garages), the DSRC-based tracking provides a pre-established alternative that cushions against the loss of GPS functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving vehicle tracking and remote control. A wireless telecommunications system infrastructure receives a unique vehicle identifier via a shared-communications channel from a vehicle being tracked, as well as location information for that vehicle. The location information is derived from Global Positioning System signals or from the address of the local infrastructure currently in contact with the vehicle, or both. The same shared-communications channel is used to convey control messages to the vehicle, wherein the messages are mapped into control signals that can disable the vehicle's engine or control some other system that is part of the vehicle.