AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Organization Name

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Fang Lu of Billerica MA (US)

Jeremy R. Fox of Georgetown TX (US)

Tushar Agrawal of West Fargo ND (US)

Sarbajit K. Rakshit of Kolkata (IN)

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18180189 titled 'AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Simplified Explanation: The patent application describes a system where computer processors manage the distance between autonomous vehicles by determining exceptions to the minimum distance rule based on the context of each vehicle.

Key Features and Innovation:

Computer processors retrieve identification and distance rules for autonomous vehicles from a smart contract.
The system determines exceptions to the distance rule based on the context of each vehicle.
Exceptions to the distance rule are generated and communicated to nearby autonomous vehicles.

Potential Applications: This technology could be applied in autonomous vehicle traffic management systems to ensure safe and efficient operation on roads and highways.

Problems Solved: This technology addresses the challenge of managing the distance between autonomous vehicles to prevent collisions and maintain traffic flow.

Benefits:

Enhanced safety on the roads by managing the distance between autonomous vehicles effectively.
Improved traffic flow and efficiency by dynamically adjusting distance rules based on vehicle context.

Commercial Applications: The technology could be utilized by companies developing autonomous vehicle systems, transportation authorities, and smart city initiatives to improve traffic management and safety.

Questions about Autonomous Vehicle Traffic Management: 1. How does the system determine exceptions to the distance rule for autonomous vehicles? 2. What are the potential implications of this technology on the future of autonomous vehicle transportation systems?

Frequently Updated Research: Researchers are continually exploring ways to enhance autonomous vehicle technologies, including advanced traffic management systems like the one described in this patent application.

Original Abstract Submitted

In an approach to autonomous vehicle traffic management, one or more computer processors retrieve an identification associated with a first autonomous vehicle. One or more computer processors retrieve a distance rule corresponding to the first autonomous vehicle from a smart contract, wherein the distance rule is a rule for a minimum distance that other autonomous vehicles must maintain with respect to the first autonomous vehicle. One or more computer processors determine a context of the first autonomous vehicle. Based on the context of the first autonomous vehicle, one or more computer processors determine whether a first exception to the distance rule is required. One or more computer processors generate the first exception to the distance rule. One or more computer processors communicate the distance rule and the first exception to the distance rule to one or more additional autonomous vehicles traveling in proximity to the first autonomous vehicle.