On-board Smart Vision System to Support Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication

Connected automated vehicle (CAV) technology has significant implications in terms of transportation system safety and efficiency. However, building and maintaining a wireless communication infrastructure (e.g. roadside units (RSUs), power, fiber optic lines etc.) across the U.S. is a challenging task. In urban areas, where vehicle population and vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) are high, building such an infrastructure could be economically viable. However, in rural areas, where traffic fatality rates are relatively higher, building the necessary infrastructure would be impractical. To overcome this problem, this project develops a low-cost and technologically robust system that consists of uniquely-generated V2I message signs, and a smart on-board device equipped with standard-resolution camera, geolocation sensor and wireless transmitter. By recognizing a V2I safety message from V2I message signs using machine vision techniques, the device replicates some of the V2I safety application messages that are typically sent from expensive RSUs and transmits the message to a vehicle’s on-board unit. When in range of a wireless communication, the vehicle will start communicating directly with RSUs; and the device will stop transmitting messages. The device can request system updates when connection to the wireless communication infrastructure is available and secure.