Modern vehicles already use an array of computers to control everything from engine dynamics to automatic braking to driver navigation screens. Likewise, modern signalized intersections are being equipped with Advanced Transportation Controllers (ATC) with the computing power needed to perform many additional transportation tasks simultaneously with signal control. Cooperative connectivity between the computers of hte vehicle and the computers of the intersection is being successfully applied to reduce emissions, reduce travel times and to improve the safety of the driving public.

• US Department of Transportation (USDO) Initiative
• Enables safe, interoperable networked wireless communications among vehicles, the infrastructure, and passengers' personal communication devices
• Make surface transportation safer, smarter and greener

Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System for Violations (CICAS-V)is an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program with collaboration from the USDOT, automobile manufacturers and State and local departments of transportation. The CICAS-V system utilizes two-way Digital Short Range Communication (DSRC) of upcoming traffic signal changes and global positioning to warn the driver that a stop sign or traffic signal violation is about to occur.

 

Tests using a vehicle-mounted high speed video camera verified that the actual traffic signal and the signal displayed on the navigation panel changed within the same video frame at rates faster than 20 frames per second. This quick response time is being used in applications such as:

• Collision avoidance
• Autonomous vehicles
• Automatic braking
• Adaptive cruise control

Although IntelliDrive has historically focused mainly on safety applications, the IntelliDrive scope has been expanded to include mobility applications:

• Shorten travel times
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase fuel efficiency

For these applications, cellular and mesh networks are being used to realize additional IntelliDrive applications that require wide coverage. The advent of 4G service will provide quick response that rival DSRC for IntelliDrive applications outside the realm of DSRC Active Safety applications.

IntelliDrive applications are being put to use in Harris County, Texas, as a means to improve the safety of drivers and emergency vehicles. The implementation of the system utilizes Bluetooth technology to allow traffic control devices to communicate directly with vehicles carrying on-board display devices such as smart phones. The anonymous addresses of nearby Bluetooth devices are sensed and transmitted from each intersection to the traffic management center, which calculates the travel time between intersections. This technology is planned for wider deployment in central and south Texas for drivers with smart phones to choose uncongested routes including hurricane evacuation.

 

Along with Bluetooth, these installations include GPS and Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) antennas. Emergency vehicle on-board equipment sends the GPS location via DSRC to a software application in the controller indicating that the approach vehicle should receive priority. The application is able to read approach direction and speed allowing for the signal timing to initiate a green regardless of the oncoming speed of the approaching emergency vehicle. This means the priority can be applied specifically to the route required, whether going straight through the intersection or turning left.

 

The IntelliDrive solution is implemented to help reduce the travel-time of emergency vehicles to destinations as well as reduce collisions at intersections with cross-street traffic. Use of the IntelliDrive standard wireless message set means that First Responder vehicles from city, county, state and volunteer agencies are interoperable across multiple jurisdictions during widespread emergencies.

With the increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), climate change and limited oil supply, car makers are going green to reduce travel times, reduce emissions and reduce fuel consumption. In addition to automobiles, IntelliDrive and the SAE J2735 message set supports Transit applications such as Light Rail Transit and Bus Rapid Transit.

 

Beyond simple display of information, IntelliDrive technology has already been adapted.

• Engine efficiency
• Eco-driving
• Transit applications

For example, CALTRANS, BMW and Siemens demonstrated fully-functional IntelliDrive DSRC technology for advanced vehicle detection and fuel savings at the October 2009 AASHTO meeting in Palm Desert, California.

 

In this live demonstration, a production 2011 BMW 7-series used signal phase and timing information transmitted from the Siemens traffic signal controller to constantly compare the approach distance to the traffic signal countdown remaining in GREEN. When the signal was predicted to be RED at arrival, the engine was shut off and regenerative braking used to slow the vehicle. AFter stopping at RED, the same signal information was used to control the vehicle's cabin temperature and restart the engine just prior to GREEN. As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics initiative, this IntelliDrive technology has verified real fuel savings of up to 15%.