Mobile Terminal Relaying ITS Event Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) face challenges in timely event notification due to VANET congestion and limited geographical coverage, as vehicles not connected to infrastructure-based networks or not configured to communicate with ITS application servers may miss critical travel condition alerts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal relays event notification messages between an ITS application server and client via an infrastructure-based wireless communication network, establishing communication links through short-range or wired communications, and utilizing a geomessaging server to adapt and route messages, ensuring vehicles receive relevant alerts even if not directly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If vehicles use VANET for event notification propagation, then message transmission occurs directly between vehicles, but spectrum congestion delays message propagation and limits geographical coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrastructure-based network (cellular network) as an intermediary communication path between ITS application clients and servers. When VANET spectrum is congested, messages can be routed through the cellular network's geomessaging server, which acts as a mediator to bypass the congested vehicular spectrum and deliver event notifications to vehicles outside immediate proximity.
2Area of stationary object
If vehicles rely on VANET for event notifications, then messages propagate only to vehicles within immediate area, but vehicles outside this area miss critical travel condition alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new communication dimension by implementing dual-path messaging: the direct VANET path (vehicle-to-vehicle) and the infrastructure-based path (vehicle-to-cellular-network-to-vehicle). This dimensional expansion allows event notifications to reach vehicles beyond the immediate geographical area through the cellular network's wider coverage, ensuring reliable delivery regardless of vehicle proximity to the event.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles are not equipped with infrastructure-based network interface or subscription, then VANET communication remains simple, but vehicles cannot receive messages from ITS application server
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure-based network and geomessaging server act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between vehicles with limited connectivity capabilities and the ITS application server. Vehicles without direct server communication capability can still receive event notifications through the cellular network infrastructure, which mediates the message delivery process.
4Area of stationary object
If dual-path communication (VANET and infrastructure-based) is implemented, then message delivery coverage increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial dual-path communication where the infrastructure-based path is activated selectively based on VANET spectrum conditions and vehicle location. Rather than always using both paths simultaneously, the system employs the infrastructure path partially - when needed to extend coverage or bypass congestion - thereby reducing the effective complexity while maintaining expanded coverage capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a mobile terminal and an intelligent transportation system (ITS) application client associated with a vehicle. The mobile terminal establishes a first communication link between the mobile terminal and the ITS application client. The mobile terminal also establishes a second communication link, via an infrastructure-based wireless communication network, between the mobile terminal and an ITS application server. Having established these links, the mobile terminal relays one or more event notification messages between the ITS application client and the ITS application server via the first and second links. These one or more messages each indicate the occurrence of an event pertinent to travel conditions. Relaying of messages by the mobile terminal in this way advantageously allows the ITS application client associated with the vehicle to send messages to and/or receive messages from the ITS application server, even if the vehicle itself is not configured to connect to the infrastructure-based network.