Wireless V2V and Traffic Signal Communication System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle-to-vehicle and traffic signal-to-vehicle communication systems rely on visual cues, which are dependent on driver awareness and can be ineffective in reducing collisions and improving traffic flow, especially in conditions with limited visibility.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system comprising transceivers in vehicles and traffic signals that enable the transmission and reception of messages about speed, direction, braking, and acceleration, allowing vehicles to adjust their actions autonomously or assist drivers in navigating safely, even in low visibility conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual communication systems (turn signals, brake lights) are used for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, then the system is simple and does not require additional complex equipment, but the communication effectiveness deteriorates in conditions with limited visibility and driver awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual mechanical signaling systems (turn signals, brake lights) with wireless electronic communication systems. Vehicles are equipped with transceivers that automatically transmit and receive digital messages containing information about speed, direction, braking, and acceleration. This substitution eliminates the need for drivers to visually monitor and interpret light signals, providing reliable communication regardless of visibility conditions or driver awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If drivers constantly monitor visual signals (turn signals, brake lights, road signs), then communication between vehicles is maintained, but driver attention is consumed and reaction time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmissionVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback loops where transceivers continuously transmit vehicle status information (speed, direction, braking, acceleration) and automatically receive and process messages from other vehicles and traffic signals. The system provides real-time feedback to the vehicle's control systems, enabling automatic adjustments without requiring driver attention. This eliminates the time delay associated with visual monitoring and manual reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system operates autonomously without requiring driver intervention. The transceivers automatically send and receive messages, and the vehicle's control systems automatically adjust based on received information. This self-service capability frees drivers from the burden of constantly monitoring visual signals while maintaining continuous information exchange between vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If visual confirmation of signals is required to maintain proper separation between vehicles, then drivers can verify signal authenticity, but communication effectiveness deteriorates in low visibility conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal verificationVSAvoidlimited visibility conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual light-based signaling with wireless electronic message transmission. Transceivers send digital messages containing verified information about vehicle status and intent, eliminating the need for visual confirmation. This electronic communication method is not affected by visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or darkness, providing reliable signal verification through automated message authentication rather than visual inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9773411B2Vehicle-to-vehicle and traffic signal-to-vehicle communication system
Publication Date: 2017.09.26 POPPLE STEVEN CAMERON
  • US9773411B2 patent drawing
  • US9773411B2 patent drawing
  • US9773411B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle and traffic signal-to-vehicle communication system, comprising: a) at least one traffic signal comprising a wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving at least one message to/from at least one vehicle; and b) at least two vehicles, each comprising a vehicle communication unit comprising i. at least one vehicle wireless transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving at least one message to/from a plurality of vehicles and/or traffic signals; ii. a vehicle display unit; and iii. a vehicle-to-vehicle pairing system comprising one or more wireless messages, visual indicators or a combination thereof; wherein the communication system is configured for wireless communication, and wherein information is transmitted and received via the communication system between the at least two vehicles and/or at least one vehicle and at least one traffic signal.