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 20240300520 titled 'AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The abstract of this patent application describes a system for managing autonomous vehicle traffic by setting distance rules and exceptions based on the context of each vehicle.

Computer processors retrieve an identification and distance rule for a first autonomous vehicle from a smart contract.
The distance rule specifies the minimum distance other vehicles must maintain with respect to the first vehicle.
The processors determine the context of the first vehicle to decide if exceptions to the distance rule are needed.
If an exception is required, the processors generate and communicate it to nearby autonomous vehicles.

Potential Applications: - Autonomous vehicle traffic management systems - Smart city infrastructure for efficient transportation - Fleet management for autonomous vehicles in various industries

Problems Solved: - Ensuring safe distances between autonomous vehicles - Adapting distance rules based on specific vehicle contexts - Enhancing overall traffic flow and efficiency

Benefits: - Improved safety on the roads - Enhanced coordination among autonomous vehicles - Optimized traffic management for smoother transportation

Commercial Applications: Title: Autonomous Vehicle Traffic Management System This technology can be used in smart cities, logistics companies, and public transportation systems to streamline traffic flow and enhance safety.

Questions about Autonomous Vehicle Traffic Management: 1. How does this system handle exceptions to distance rules effectively? This system uses context-based analysis to determine when exceptions are necessary, ensuring flexibility while maintaining safety standards.

2. What are the potential implications of implementing this technology in urban environments? Implementing this technology in urban environments can lead to reduced traffic congestion, improved road safety, and increased efficiency in transportation systems.

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.