BMW Takes Part In Field Testing of Car-to-X Communication Technology

[Jason]

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BMW Takes Part In Field Testing of Car-to-X Communication Technology

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A year ago, BMW announced its involvement in the development of "Car-to-x" communications technology which will allow future allow drivers to "see" long distances ahead, into areas currently hidden from view, and even around not just one but many corners.

Car-to-x communication entails electronic networking of vehicles and roadside infrastructure, with the aim of exchanging information directly both between road users and between road users and roadside infrastructure (such as traffic lights, traffic signs, bridges, tolls and even dangerous roads). Car-to-x communication is a comprehensive communication network which any road user can take part in. It would operate via WLAN or mobile phone connections.

Following four years of R&D work, the field operational tests have now begun. 20 BMW cars and 5 BMW motorcycles are taking part in the 120 test vehicle fleet. The remaining cars hail from the other automakers which together with BMW make up the consortium of automakers who have been developing this technology for over a decade. The consortium wants to create a brand agnostic system in the end.

The system itself does present some interesting real world use examples. For instance, the system could have important use for motorcycles, which would constantly transmit their location to surrounding cars, and so would warn the driver of a car who is about to potentially sideswipe the motorcycle.

Another case scenario involves a disabled vehicle around a blind end which could warn incoming high speed traffic to slow down.

BMW also cites use for efficiency-- imaging traffic lights warning you a few seconds before they turn green so you could get ready to go. Or cars stuck in traffic warning cars down the road that their is traffic, providing them an opportunity to bypass the traffic jam. See some examples of uses below:

PRESS RELEASE + Expand

Frankfurt am Main. Intelligent driving that saves energy and increases safety always means anticipating what’s ahead, too. An array of sensors is today already at work in vehicles to help drivers do just that. The anticipation “horizon” of these sensors is often limited, however, and confined to the vehicle’s immediate surroundings. “Car-to-X communication greatly extends the anticipation horizon and will in future allow drivers to look far into the distance, see things that are hidden, and even peer round several corners,” explains Karl-Ernst Steinberg, Manager Projects IT Drive at BMW Group Research and Technology.

Car-to-X communication means networking vehicles and infrastructure with one another electronically, enabling a direct exchange of information between both the vehicles themselves and between vehicles and the traffic infrastructure, such as traffic light systems. This makes Car-to-X a comprehensive messaging network that every road user can be involved in. As the potential of Car-to-X communication can only be fully exploited through mass use, it makes sense to research this technology in alliance with other partners. That’s why numerous companies from the automotive and telecommunications industries, the federal state government of Hessen, the city of Frankfurt am Main and a number of prominent universities and research institutes have joined forces to work on the research project simTD (a German abbreviation standing for Safe Intelligent Mobility – Testing Ground Germany). Their common objective is to test out the functionality, everyday practicality and effectiveness of Car-to-X communication under realistic conditions for the first time.

Car-to-X communication. The networking technology of the future.

Car-to-X communication essentially takes place via wireless LAN and mobile network connections. It is based on high-speed WLAN, which is derived from the high-frequency WLAN standard IEEE 802.11p or ITS G5A and allows real-time communication. The protocol is structured in such a way that many different subscribers can communicate with one another in parallel with zero interference. At the same time, mobile communications networks are becoming more and more powerful too, with higher bandwidths and ever shorter delays in data transmission, or latency as it is known. As a result, they are playing an increasingly important role for Car-to-X communication, for instance as a way of supplementing the WLAN communication.

20 BMW cars and five BMW motorcycles are taking part.
Following four years of research work, the field operational test has now started, one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Using a fleet of 120 test vehicles, the technology will now be put to the test for the first time in real traffic conditions on autobahns and major highways as well as urban routes in and around Frankfurt am Main. The BMW Group is the only project partner to have both cars and motorcycles taking part in the field trial.

BMW ConnectedRide. Active protection for motorcyclists too.

The BMW Group always gives consideration to all road user groups in its efforts to keep raising road safety standards. Besides applications for BMW Group cars and for protecting pedestrians and cyclists, integrating motorcycles into the system of reciprocal networking, too, is an especially important aspect of Car-to-X communication. BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide is the two-wheeled equivalent of BMW ConnectedDrive and focuses on enhancing safety for motorcyclists. One of the project’s key elements centres on the development of rider assistance systems on the basis of Car-to-X communication. Motorcyclists have to contend with other dangers out on the road than motorists. Certain situations, such as fog, slippery roads or heavy rainfall, pose far more of a challenge for motorcyclists. Also other drivers unfortunately often fail to see motorcycles due to their slim outline. So, it can be of great benefit to motorcyclists if they receive advance notification of specific situations. It is often the cars which play a crucial role here, by acting as the warning triggers, as it were: switching on the foglamps, activating the fastest windscreen wiper setting or intervention by the car’s DSC system during normal driving can all point to adverse conditions at a particular spot. This information is relayed to the motorcycle to keep its rider fully informed of what’s ahead.

The BMW Group assistance systems in the simTD research project.

Various driver and rider assistance systems based on Car-to-X communication are being tested out for BMW Group cars and motorcycles as part of the simTD research project. By getting traffic light systems to transmit information on their phase times, for instance, a driver assistance system can either indicate the ideal speed for catching all the lights on green or warn drivers before they drive through on red (Traffic Light Phase Assistant). By transferring specific data about traffic levels, the state of the road surfaces, as well as other factors, it is possible for a vehicle to issue advance warnings of accidents (obstruction warning), traffic tailbacks (end of tailback warning) or black ice (road weather warning) to other road users in the vicinity. It is furthermore possible to calculate the risk of a collision on the basis of the transmitted vehicle data, meaning that drivers can be alerted to possible crashes at road junctions, for example (Intersection Assistant). Further Car-to-X functions featuring in the simTD research project include an emergency vehicle warning, electronic brake light, as well as the Traffic Sign Assistant.

Traffic management as a vital element.

Besides the development of vehicle-specific applications, the government-backed simTD project also seeks to improve traffic management. To this end, the city of Frankfurt am Main and the German state of Hessen are working on intelligent systems for optimising traffic flows on our roads. The necessary data is provided by the simTD test vehicles and can be used, for example, to cut congestion, lower CO2 emissions and reduce waiting times at traffic lights.

The simTD research project.

The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development are providing funding for simTD, as this alliance has the ability to take anticipatory driving, traffic control and accident prevention into a new dimension. Establishing a uniform standard is vital for the successful commercialisation of Car-to-X communication. simTD is a joint project between leading German carmakers, car suppliers, telecommunications companies and research institutes, as well as the public sector. The project partners are: Adam Opel AG, AUDI AG, BMW AG, BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH, Daimler AG, Ford Research Centre Aachen, Volkswagen AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental, Deutsche Telekom AG, Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research, German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), Technical University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Saarland University of Applied Sciences, University of Würzburg, Hessen Mobile – Road & Traffic Management, city of Frankfurt am Main. The project is supported by the state of Hesse, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development are providing around €40 million of funding for simTD, with a further €31 million coming from the project partners.

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[Ky1M]

Overboard

[SE3P_to_E90]

taking driving out of the ultimate driving machine...

[bradleyland]

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

[Zed2004]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

[Diver]

Interesting technology, but what reduces my enthusiasm is the tendency for regulatory bodies to make this kind of thing mandatory. So far we have seen this with tire pressure monitors and rear view cameras. In the US consideration is being given to making crash data recorders mandatory, not presently installed by BMW. Authorities are also looking at crash avoidance systems which have show up in a few makes of vehicles.

[Rouchdy335i]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

I totally agree with you. In addition they are giving too much assistance to the drivers...in a few years, they will completly forget all basic instincts to feel the road and drive safely...

[Bubajay]

The Ultimate Riding Machine

[Whostheboss]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

As an embedded UI engineer myself, you had a very good point in your first paragraph. Until you mentioned the significant other thing, then you lost me. Hahaha, its funny tho.

Well, even with all this technology, accidents will still happen. Because most accidents occur when people aren't paying attention to their driving ( other cars, displays on dash boards, raod signs etc). They're busy texting, falling asleep, under influence or just plain not right in the head. Also, some innocent drivers get into accidents by fault not of their own (but thats not the topic).

However, technology like this will help improve awareness. And it's gonna be a good marketing/selling feature.

I can already imagine the option on the Car configurator:
[] Car to X Communication Technology BMW Professional ($2,400)

[distracted24x7]

Does this remind anyone of the Audi Will Smith drove in iRobot. That sure turned out well for him

[T1T2GRE]

First, it will be an interesting ("exciting") option.
Then, it will be a discounted, but "highly recommended" option.
Then, there will be a multitude of anecdotal media reports about how it could have prevented X, Y, Z, and it's such a shame the victims couldn't have been spared. We should all really get it, you know.
Lastly, it will become mandatory, but only after manufacturers make a sh!t-ton of cash charging for the "option" in the year or two before it happens.

Once again, logic and training will be trumped by the culture of fear and litigation. Oh, and the guys that serve to make tons off of another "compulsory" safety feature.

Meh.

Great idea, but enough is enough. BMWs used to be for driving, not riding.

[tvieso]

Originally Posted by Ky1M

Overboard

+1

While I applaud the effort, this is completely unnecessary. If we want less accidents, we need to be more strict about who we allow to obtain/retain drivers licenses. People do not learn how to drive properly anymore, let alone general courtesies of the road.

[Frosty]

might assist, ..if ignored no worse off.... but if heeded, could help

[bnombe]

COULD help save some riders' lives... but I will still remind myself to ride like I am invisible (not invincible).

[Imola.ZHP]

I pride myself on being an attentive driver, and I still have close calls...

I don't see how this could hurt, I just hope it doesn't become too intrusive...

[arnsbrae]

BMW needs to learn how to move an email from an iPhone to an idrive screen before they start screwing around with stuff like this. Seriously.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by arnsbrae

BMW needs to learn how to move an email from an iPhone to an idrive screen before they start screwing around with stuff like this. Seriously.

How true is that BMW yesterday release a new Bluetooth update UPD01005.bin, still only for IOS 5 thou.


Also, imagine driving alone and up on your HUD is an upside down car flashing in red at you, and all you can see is a clear road ahead, what do you think will be your reaction............ hit the brakes and the car behind you does not know why this idiot in front of him is hitting the brakes and then runs up your a**e. Around the bend 1/2 a mile up the road there's a car pulled over changing his tyre with those red X's out warning drives which your electronic system has mis-advised the meaning of.

[SUMO12]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

Well said
:-)

[and 1]

Originally Posted by bradleyland

I've seen people drive for hours with their turn signal on while driving the interstate. I have zero faith that an icon is going to get anyone's attention. The entire concept suffers from a basic UX flaw that computer programmers have known for a long time. When a user sees the same thing over and over, they begin to ignore it. Ever have one of those "Ok/Cancel" dialog boxes pop up on your computer and you immediately look for a way to dismiss it, without paying any attention to the contents? Users will do the same thing with this system.

The trouble with accident avoidance systems is that they need to kick in *only* when there is an impending accident. That is a very difficult problem. Also, the timing is absurdly difficult. Many of us already have accident avoidance systems. They're commonly obtained under the trade name: "wife". The problem with them is that they're always going off when you don't need them, so you really just wish they'd be quiet. If you could find a way to disable them, you would. I don't see how an electronic "wife" would be any better received.

spot on sir, spot on

i was gonna point out that the article still has a their/there/they're mixup, but this is way better.