Communication architectures for an integrated in-vehicle safety information system

The intelligent vehicle highway system (IVHS) applies information technology to improve the effectiveness of the existing road transportation system resulting in increased safety and better traffic management. The in-vehicle safety advisory and warning system (IVSAWS) program is a two-year project to define and demonstrate a vehicular safety information system that provides both hazard alert and distress call capabilities. Warning units provide drivers with advance notification of roadway hazards in order to ameliorate these conditions. Incorporating a transmitter with the receiver in the motorist's vehicles enables IVSAWS units to summon assistance with a distress broadcast. Program aspects include hazard scenario identification, system architecture design, driver interface design, communication system design, and proof-of-concept field testing.<>