Vehicle Identification via V2V Request and Sensor Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for vehicle identification in cooperative adaptive cruise control and platooning are inadequate, as they rely on unreliable data from on-board sensors and may not accurately distinguish the preceding vehicle, leading to safety concerns when reducing following distance, especially if an intermediate vehicle without communication capabilities is present.
Innovation Solution
A method where the ego vehicle sends an identification request to a communicating vehicle to perform a specific action, allowing the ego vehicle to determine if the detected vehicle matches the communicating vehicle based on sensor data, eliminating the need for physical markings or driver confirmation and ensuring accurate identification without additional costs or complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If V2V communication is used for vehicle identification, then identification speed and accuracy are improved, but reliability deteriorates when intermediate vehicles without communication capability are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an on-board sensor (radar, camera, or ultrasonic detector) as an intermediary verification mechanism. The sensor detects the actual preceding vehicle independently, and this detection is compared with V2V communication data to verify identity. This intermediary sensor system ensures reliable identification even when V2V communication alone is insufficient due to intermediate vehicles without communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing sensor detection results with V2V communication information. The control unit receives both sensor data and communication data, compares them to determine if they match, and uses this feedback to confirm or reject vehicle identification. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances reliability by validating V2V data against independent sensor observations.
2Reliability
If physical markings or IR beacons are added to vehicles for identification, then identification reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the on-board sensor serve multiple functions: it performs both normal driving assistance functions and vehicle identification verification functions. The same sensor that detects obstacles or monitors surrounding traffic is also used to verify the identity of the preceding vehicle by comparing its detection with V2V communication data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification-specific hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle equipment (on-board sensors already required for other safety functions) to perform the additional task of identification verification. Rather than adding dedicated identification hardware, the system makes the existing sensor system serve the dual purpose of both its original function and vehicle identification, thereby avoiding additional complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If driver visual confirmation is used for vehicle identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but risk of human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/human visual confirmation process with automated electronic comparison. Instead of relying on the driver to visually verify vehicle identity, the control unit automatically compares sensor detection data with V2V communication data. This substitution of automated electronic verification for human visual inspection eliminates driver fatigue, distraction, and misidentification errors while maintaining high accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If behavioral information comparison is used for vehicle identification, then non-intrusive identification is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to similar behavior patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary vehicle identification using V2V communication data before relying on behavioral pattern comparison. The system first attempts to identify the preceding vehicle through direct communication, and only when this fails or needs verification does it proceed to compare behavioral patterns. This preliminary action using more reliable communication data improves overall measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for vehicle identification, which method includes the steps of: an ego vehicle detecting a communicating vehicle by wireless vehicle to vehicle communication; the ego vehicle detecting a nearby vehicle by a sensor onboard the ego vehicle; the ego vehicle sending an identification request to the communicating vehicle by wireless vehicle to vehicle communication, wherein the identification request instructs the communicating vehicle to perform an action; the ego vehicle determining whether or not the nearby vehicle performed the action based at least on data from the sensor; and if the ego vehicle determines that the nearby vehicle performed the action, the ego vehicle determining that the communicating vehicle and the nearby vehicle are the same vehicle.