SPAT Message Confidence Scoring Using V2X Vehicle Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the reliability of SPAT-compliant messages from traffic lights or other traffic control devices are inadequate, as they may include incorrect or unreliable information, which can lead to suboptimal or dangerous vehicle actions.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a confidence score for SPAT-compliant messages by comparing their contents with V2X-compliant messages received from surrounding vehicles, evaluating the consistency of vehicle movements and positions with the message information, and determining whether to perform specific vehicle actions based on this score.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SPAT-compliant messages are received and used for vehicle control actions, then the vehicle can respond to traffic light signals, but the reliability of the information may be compromised leading to suboptimal or dangerous actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between the SPAT message receiver and the vehicle control system. This intermediary layer compares the received SPAT message with independent sensor data (camera images of traffic lights, radar/lidar detection of traffic control devices) to verify information reliability before allowing control actions. This resolves the contradiction by adding a verification mechanism that improves reliability without requiring complete redesign of the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data from cameras, radar, and lidars continuously monitors and verifies the SPAT message contents. The system provides feedback by comparing expected traffic light states with actual sensor observations, and only allows vehicle control actions when the feedback confirms message reliability. This feedback loop improves information reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured verification protocols.
2Reliability
If verification processes are implemented to check SPAT message accuracy, then information reliability improves, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having sensors (cameras, radar, lidars) continuously monitor and pre-process traffic control device information even before SPAT messages are received. This preliminary data collection and processing allows for rapid verification when messages arrive, reducing the actual verification time while maintaining high accuracy. The system prepares verification data in advance, so when a SPAT message needs verification, the comparison can be performed quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective verification that skips detailed processing for high-confidence messages. When sensor data strongly confirms SPAT message accuracy or when the message content is straightforward, the system rushes through the verification process with minimal processing. Detailed verification is only performed when there are discrepancies or low confidence indicators, thus reducing average processing time while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A confidence score (or measure) that is related to the reliability of signal phase and time (SPAT)-compliant messages received at a vehicle. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X)-compliant messages are received from other vehicles and compared to the SPAT-compliant messages. Behavior of vehicles (as indicated in the V2X-compliant messages) in view of the content of the SPAT-compliant messages is evaluated for consistency and a numeric (or other type of) score or measure assigned to the SPAT-compliant message (indicating reliability of the SPAT message). The score is compared to a threshold and based upon the comparison, a determination can be made as to whether to use the SPAT-compliant message to perform an action.