The private and public transportation industry has witnessed significant progress due to advanced traffic technology. It will result in safer roads and higher efficiency in transportation systems. Experts in the automotive world think that connected cars will reduce the collision risks on the highways. Vehicle to Infrastructure is a communication technology, which is highly beneficial to the transportation world.
Vehicle to Infrastructure: What is V2I communication?
The V2I is a communication model allowing information exchange between the road infrastructure and cars. The most significant infrastructural components are-
- Lane markings
- Road signs
- Traffic lights
Wireless connection is used for connecting with the road infrastructure. The source of communication will be vehicles like buses and cars. The communication infrastructure will seamlessly with the traffic management system. It will ensure better road safety and reduced collisions.
The V2I communication model also involves using a system of firmware, software, and hardware. It is a bi-directional and wireless communication, which comprises various infrastructural components. The data tracked and shared is highly valuable for availing of various environmental and safety benefits.
What is the significance of V2I?
Roadways will have an infrastructure that will transform the automotive world. Self-driving cars have become a reality. Automotive manufacturers and tech companies are working together to make autonomous cars safer. Some people are concerned about the mishaps caused by autonomous models. However, driverless cars will be a reality, and it will cause a range of benefits.
A few years ago, assisted driving and cruise control were smart operations in the automotive world. However, today automation has reached a new level. Automotive systems will become more advanced and reduce the role of human drivers.
The smart infrastructure will depend on both the machine and human visions. There will be a transition from analog messages (human eyes) to digital versions. Thus, modern technology in automated vehicles interprets the environment and responds accordingly. It will create redundancy that boosts the vehicle’s confidence to make the right driving decisions.
Technologies used in the V2I infrastructure
Before investing in autonomous vehicles, you can explore V2I technologies.
Traffic lights with smart technology
Do you need to stop your car at every red traffic signal? It happens when standard traffic signs show lights at particular intervals. However, sensor-integrated traffic lights can determine the right time for changing lights. The advanced infrastructure will make the traffic system more efficient. So, drivers will not need to wait at stoplights for a longer time. It will lead to better traffic management across the city.
The traffic lights are also equipped with cameras to detect the number of vehicles in every lane. It determines the time taken to clear either side of the highway. Intelligent traffic lights work with other technologically advanced lights. The signal network in the city will be better than ever.
The lights also respond to data and make an instant management of the traffic flow. Smart traffic signals will provide some alerts-
- Recognize the arrival of pedestrians and turn on the crosswalk sign
- Allow emergency cars to navigate first
- Let cyclists find the right way
- Warn the car operators when they find the red signal
- Display a countdown to drivers to let them determine the signal change
- Warn car drivers about the curves in the upcoming lanes
Smart vehicle parking technology
Have you noticed green or red signals in a parking lot? It has been developed by leveraging the V2I communication model. With the smart technology in the parking zone, you can check the availability of parking spots. Thus, you will save time, and there is no need to navigate the overall parking space. Attendants also track the parking space’s occupancy without a hassle. In the USA and several other countries, you can find this innovative technology.
Smart parking improves parking zone management and ensures high convenience. The payment process at the parking site will also be simple. In most cases, airports and railway stations have these advanced parking lots to provide several advantages.
The smart parking zones can check air quality and control lighting in the area. They also identify vehicles and control lighting.
Smart road markings
The infrastructure involving V2I communication works with different technologies. Other available infrastructures should establish a connection to ensure better traffic flow and optimal road safety. With smart road markings, professionals can connect to autonomous vehicles and V2I. Retroreflective paints used for markings provide clear visual guidance. They are highly significant when the road is wet or when you need to travel through the dark road. The technology will also ensure traffic safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Road markings need only minimal maintenance, and weather elements will not damage them.
Smart signs
Retroreflective signs improve readability to help autonomous cars and drivers make the right decisions on-
- Navigation
- Speed limits
- Road conditions
Digital traffic signals involve using wireless technology to transmit the relevant details to the car dashboard. Sometimes, voice activation systems work efficiently to send the information to the driver. Microchips and firmware are embedded in the board. The digital sign transmits the data to the oncoming vehicles.
With the innovation of a smart signage, you can concentrate more on driving. Speed limits and other important details will automatically be delivered.
Conclusion
V2I is an emerging technology for connected cars. It will benefit car operators and road users. Automotive engineers have invested in research to improve V2I communications. The infrastructure has been deployed in many sites. High-tech cars need improved infrastructures that can be improved through redundancies. However, vehicle-to-infrastructure is not the only communication model for self-driving, connected cars.
Vehicle to Pedestrian is another infrastructure that allows automobiles to sense pedestrians and bicyclists close to them. There is also a Vehicle to Network to facilitate data exchange between cars in the network system. These technologies will ensure higher fuel efficiency and improved safety for pedestrians and drivers. The automotive industry will leverage them while designing the future cars.
