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`In still another of its aspects. the present invention provides a vehicle
`comprising an onboard computing unit which is operable in a first phase to broadcast
`enquiry messages in a region surrounding the vehicle. a second phase to receive reply
`messages from computing units of other vehicles in the region. and a third phase to
`exchange status messages with computing units of selected other vehicles.
`
`Preferably. the vehicle is operable in a fourth phase to exchange data with
`a remote site in the form of a non-mobile gateway. which routes communications
`
`between a wireless mobile data link and a non—mobile network.
`
`In one embodiment. the computing unit includes an IEEE 802.11 node and
`can exchange data with other computing units using an SNMP—derived protocol.
`
`‘J1
`
`lO
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`communications syste
`
`In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a hybrid
`m. comprising a wired network portion and a wireless network
`data link means between the
`
`portion. each having a network connection node. at least two
`network connection nodes. and a switch means for enabling either of the data links for
`
`data exchange between the connection nodes.
`
`Preferably. the system further comprises measurement means for
`measuring impedance on the data links, the switch means being responsive to the
`measurement means for enabling the data link having a lower impedance.
`
`COITI
`
`In yet another of its aspects. the present invention provides a vehicle
`rnunications system having a controller. a data pathway joining the controller with a
`establishing a data link with other vehicles
`
`plurality of vehicle components and means for
`within a given region surrounding the vehicle in order to exchange data therewith.
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`In
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`In still another of its aspects. the present invention provides an operational
`
`event-reporting system for use by a plurality of neighboring vehicles to support IVHS
`
`Comprising a plurality of communication units. each onboard a corresponding vehicle to
`
`collect operational data from selected components thereof and to exchange data with the
`
`communication units of one or more of the neighboring vehicles.
`
`Preferably, the system is capable of exchanging data related to the
`
`operation of the neighboring vehicles. for example. GPS position and heading, vehicle
`
`speed. braking or the like. Data of this kind can be useful for vehicle telemetry systems
`
`to provide. for example. collision avoidance.
`
`In yet another aspect of the present invention. there is provided a method
`
`of exchanging data between a vehicle and at least one remote site, comprising the step of
`
`providing the vehicle with a transmitter and receiver capable of transmitting and
`
`receiving messages under an SNl\/[P protocol. Preferably. the data exchange site includes
`
`a neighboring vehicle or an access point for a wired network. for example.
`
`In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:
`
`- exchanging discovery signals with neighboring vehicles; and
`
`— exchanging status data with selected ones of the neighbouring vehicles.
`
`In yet another of its aspects. there is provided a system for transferring
`
`data between a vehicle and another data exchange site. comprising a pair of data link
`
`means. wherein at least one of the data link means has a varying signal impedance level
`
`and switch means for switching between the data link means so that the data is transferred
`
`on the data link means having the least impedance.
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`In yet another of its aspects. the present invention provides an extension of
`
`the hybrid RF packet network comprising:
`
`(i)
`
`an interface to an IEEE 802.1 1 data link integrated in the Hybrid Network
`
`Radio;
`
`‘JI
`
`(ii)
`
`an IEEE 802.11 Access Point acting as an IPv6 router and a foreign
`
`mobility agent for mobile nodes implementing Mobile IP;
`
`(iii)
`
`an interface to a non-wireless subnetwork from which the Hybrid Network
`
`Gateway can route mobile—terminated traffic through an IEEE 802.11 Access
`
`Point; and
`
`(iv)
`
`a cluster intelligence module. based on the establishment of ad—hoc
`
`networks between a vehicle and its IEEE 802.1 1 neighbors.
`
`Preferably, mobile nodes that are ATP—enabled can exchange Internet
`
`traffic with regulatory agencies over license-free wireless data links (IEEE 802.1 1)
`
`whenever connections are established with Mobile IP-enabled Access Points. The cluster
`
`intelligence module is operable using ATP from vehicular node to acquire information
`
`about the automotive behavior of any of its discovered neighbors.
`
`In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of
`
`exchanging data between a mobile node and an access point on a communications
`
`network. comprising:
`
`a) a step for providing at least two wireless data links between the mobile
`
`node and the access point;
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`b) a step for measuring impedance on each data link; and
`
`c) a step for transmitting said data across the data link having the lowest
`
`impedance.
`
`In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
`
`5
`
`of exchanging data between a motor vehicle and a remote station, comprising:
`
`a) a step for providing at least two data links between vehicle and said
`
`station;
`
`b) a step for measuring impedance on each data link; and
`
`l0
`
`impedance.
`
`c) a step for transmitting said data across the data link having the lowest
`
`In still another aspect of the present invention. there is provided an inter-
`
`vehicle communications network. comprising at least two motor vehicles, each having an
`
`on—board control system. the system including monitoring portion and a spread spectrum
`
`radio portion and which is operable to exchange useful vehicle operational data with the
`
`l5
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`control system of the other vehicle.
`
`Preferably, each monitoring portion is capable of registering a vehicular
`
`event and each control system may, if desired, be operable with other vehicular override
`
`systems to override a vehicle function according to a vehicular event. Desirably. each
`
`control system includes a memory portion for storing vehicle operational data of the other
`vehicle.
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`In one embodiment. the network includes at least one. preferably more
`
`than one. remote station is located along a road way on which the vehicles are traveling.
`
`The remote station includes a spread spectrum radio portion to be capable of exchanging
`
`data with either of the vehicles and is also preferably an intemet or intranet or other
`
`ill
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`network access point.
`
`Conveniently, the vehicles are operable to exchange data using an SNMP-
`
`derived protocol and each vehicle is capable of monitoring vehicular events in its own
`
`region.
`
`10
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`vehicle comprising an onboard general purpose computer and a spread spectrum radio.
`
`In still another aspect of the present invention. there is provided a motor
`
`the computer operable to monitor a number of predetermined operating characteristics of
`
`the vehicle, the spread spectrum radio operable to establish a data link with a radio in at
`
`least one other neighbouring vehicle. wherein the computer is capable of identifying at
`
`least one vehicular event from data received on the data link.
`
`In still another aspect of the present invention. there is provided a
`
`computer program product for operating a programmable computer system on board a
`
`motor vehicle. wherein the system includes a spread spectrum radio, comprising a
`
`computer readable medium including the computer executable steps of:
`
`- instructing the radio to issue a signal to a region surrounding the motor vehicle",
`
`— monitoring the radio for reply signals from other vehicles in the region; and
`
`when a reply signal is received from another vehicle.
`
`- establishing a data link with the other vehicle; and
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`- exchanging operational data with the other Vehicle over the data link.
`
`In yet another of its aspects. there is provided a mobile automotive
`
`telemetry system for installation on-board a vehicle. comprising:
`
`(II
`
`l0
`
`(i) diagnostic means for monitoring operational functions of the vehicle and
`
`generating operational information;
`
`(ii) memory for stonng the generated operational information; and
`
`(iii) a server, in communication with the diagnostic means and the memory, the
`
`server comprising:
`
`(a) means to receive a request from a remote client for the generated
`
`operational information;
`
`(b) means to retrieve the generated operational information from the
`
`memory means; and
`
`(c) means to transmit the generated operational information to the remote
`
`client.
`
`Preferably, the means to receive and the means to transmit are wireless
`
`communication means.
`
`In one embodiment, the system further comprises an Internet access means
`
`and a means to transmit generated operational information to a remote client. in absence
`
`of a request from the client. when the generated operational infortnation satisfies
`
`predetermined criteria. Preferably, the Intemet access means is compliant with IP V6
`
`internet protocol and allows the server to act as a mobility agent. Preferably. the system
`
`further comprises means to interface to a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
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`As described hereinbelow. the Applicant’s pending application, serial
`
`number O9/140.759 filed August 26, 1998 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`
`PROVIDING MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE TELEMETRY discloses a system and method
`
`for automotive maintenance telemetry. The System functions on a client-server
`
`(II
`
`architecture enabling a remote client to request information from an on-board diagnostic
`
`(OBD) module in a vehicle. such as that commonly referred to as the Electronic Control
`
`Module (ECM). The OBD module performs the role of ‘server’ by being programmed to
`
`interface with the ECM, and with any other sources of diagnostic information and then
`
`communicates the data to a requesting client. such as OEM suppliers, dealers or
`
`regulatory agencies.
`
`The location of the requesting client can dictate how the data is delivered.
`
`For example. in the Applicant‘s co-pending PCT Application PCT/CA98/00986 filed
`
`October 23. 1998 entitled TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM, the OED module may
`
`select a path ofleast impedance to deliver the data to the client. For example, where the
`
`15
`
`client is land-based. such as, for example an emissions regulatory body, the OBD module
`
`may deliver the data either through a conventional RF packet network (such as over a.
`
`cellular phone connection) or through an RF packet network using a Hybrid network as
`
`described in the above mentioned PCT application. However. the requesting client may
`
`in fact be another vehicle traveling along the same roadway as the server vehicle and
`
`may request data for such things as vehicle speed. braking, position and the like. The
`
`OBD module may convey the data over a wireless data link such as over the band known
`
`as the “spread spectrum band” as is described in the applicant’s co-pending provisional
`
`application serial number 60/139,573 filed June 17, 1999, entitled VEI-HCULAR
`
`TELEMETRY and as specified in the IEEE 802.1 1 standard.
`
`IEEE 802 Standards Family
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`The IEEE 802 family of standards specifies the methods for
`
`implementation of local area networks (LAN’s) using both wired and wireless media.
`
`The IEEE 802.1 1 standard specifies the medium access control (MAC) layer and three
`
`separate methods for implementation of the physical layer (PHY) as a wireless medium.
`
`U1
`
`IEEE 802. l 1
`
`is intended to ensure inter-operability between multi-vendor equipment
`
`operating in wireless networks. As such. it is the basis for the interface specified herein
`
`enabling vehicular computing equipment to establish license-free data links with fixed
`
`stations.
`
`The IEEE 802.1 1 standard specifies three different physical layers. use of
`
`Infrared light. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum and Frequency Hopping Spread
`
`Spectrum. The band utilized for the Spread Spectrum technique is ISM (Industrial.
`
`Scientific and Medical) RF band. which is free of regulatory licenses in most of the
`
`world. C ommunications in the Spread Spectrum involve a coordinated change in
`
`frequencies. either by a “Direct Sequence" or a “Frequency Hopping" format.
`
`The IEEE 802.2 standard. called Logical Link Control (LLC), specifies a
`
`method for addressing and control of the data link. independent of the underlying
`
`medium. and is applicable to all types of LAN‘s defined within the IEEE 802 family.
`
`Both 802. 1
`
`1 and 8022 are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`The IEEE 802.1 1 does not specify the handoff mechanism for a mobile
`
`node to roam from one Access Point to another. When both the IEEE 802.1 1 client and
`
`Access Points incorporate IPV6 implementations. including ND (Neighbour Discovery)
`
`and RD (Router Discovery), roaming clients are able to bind to (or to establish a data link
`
`with) the Access Points. where the latter take on the role of Foreign Mobility agents as
`
`defined in [3]. The Access Point acts as a mobility agent for the roaming client. The
`
`Mobile IP specification therefore provides a solution to the lack of an IEEE 802.1 1
`
`mechanism for coordination of roaming (handoff) between Access Points.
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`Automotive Telemetry Protocol
`
`ln one embodiment. data is exchanged between vehicles using a protocol
`
`herein called “Automotive Telemetry Protocol" (or ATP) and is based on Simple
`
`Network Management Protocol (or SNNIP). The latter is commonly used in data
`
`1./1
`
`communication networks to monitor and control switching equipment. SNMP is specified
`
`in [2]. the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. ATP is intended to
`
`function according to the same client—server model as SNMP. wherein the client issues
`
`the requests for information and the server issues the responses. Although the ATP
`
`makes use of the same formats of the requests and responses as SNMP. ATP implements
`
`10'
`
`a novel set of "object identifiers" which are required to encompass the OBD data
`
`requested. in contrmt to the telecommunications equipment data exchanged in SNMP
`
`For example. the object identifiers may. in this case, correspond to nodes on the
`
`Controller Automation Network (CAN) bus in the vehicle, such as the ABS system.
`
`emission control system and the like.
`
`15
`
`SNMP and its den'vative defined herein. ATP. are efficient
`
`request-response mechanisms which require less bandwidth than Web-based data
`
`exchanges between client and server. The payload (ie. the useful telemetry data) can be
`
`encapsulated within the maximum allowable frame sizes of the underlying data links.
`These protocols therefore do not require the overhead associated with fragmentation at
`
`the source. and properly sequenced reassembly of large messages at the destination.
`
`IPv6 and Mobile [P: Dynamic topology of the new lntemet
`
`The well known “Mobile IP” specification defines a protocol that enables
`
`IPv6 datagrarns to be transparently routed to mobile nodes in the Internet. This
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`specification is provided in Internet Engineering Task Force, Perkins, C. (ed.), " IPv6
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`Mobility Support”, March 1995 [3]. the contents of which are incorporated herein by
`reference
`
`By definition. a mobile node is one that can connect to the Internet
`
`through any one of a variety of different access points. called mobility agents. Each
`
`(JI
`
`mobile node is registered with one and only one mobility agent. called a home agent.
`
`When a mobile node attaches itself to the Internet through an access point other than its
`
`home agent. the access point is called a foreign agent. The Mobile IP protocol
`
`incorporates a mechanism for mobile nodes. when they are attached to a foreign agent. to
`
`register a "care-of—address" with the home agent. Thus. datagrams routed to the mobile
`
`node through the home agent can be re-routed to reach the mobile node at its current
`network location.
`
`When a mobile vehicle is already equipped with radio—modem technology
`
`that provides a unique address on a wireless network, it is possible to assign a unique
`
`Internet address that can be reached through an H?‘ router between the wired Internet and
`
`the wireless network. This is described in the Applicant’s co-pending PCT Application
`
`PCT/CA98/00986 filed October 23. 1998 entitled TELECOMTMUNICATIONS
`
`SYSTEM. This represents a static Internet topology because. although the vehicle is
`
`mobile. the [P router through which it is reached never varies. The topology of the
`
`wireless network itself is dynamic and supports the roaming required for a vehicle to
`
`establish contact with the network through different base stations and regional switches.
`
`However. at the IP level. this dynamic topology is not visible.
`
`In contrast, the Mobile [P extension to the IPv6 specification allows for a
`
`dynamic network topology.
`
`It lends itselfto the task of enabling communication from the
`
`Internet to a mobile vehicle through different foreign mobility agents.
`
`In the context of
`
`vehicular mobility, the role of mobility agent can potentially be adopted by any Internet
`
`node that has the ability to dynamically create a data link with a vehicle. To date. the
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`most efficient means available by which such data links can be quickly established are
`
`defined b_v the IEEE 802.11 specification for wireless l.AN’s (Local Area Networks].
`
`A data link can be established between a mobile IEEE 802.1 1 node.
`
`implemented in the vehicle. and any fixed IEEE 802.11 node. called an Access Point,
`
`provided that both nodes incorporate full implementation of the IPv6 protocols.
`
`specifically the Neighbor Discovery protocol. (hereinafter referred to as ND) and the
`
`Router Discovery protocol (RD). ND and RD are specified in Nat-ten, T., Nordmark, E.,
`
`and W. Simpson, ” Neighbor Discaveryfor IP Version 6 (IPv6)”, RFC 1970, August
`
`1996.[5]. the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For every interface
`
`to a datalink implemented in an IPv6 node. in this instance a wireless IEEE 802 datalink.
`
`.\ID is required to ensure that neighbors. defined as other nodes which are “on-link" (i.e..
`
`capable of communications on the same datalink) can be dynamically identified as they
`
`appear. This is accomplished through the use of periodic broadcasts on the wireless
`
`medium. called Neighbor Solicitations. to which any recipient of the broadcast is required
`
`to respond. in such a way as to enable the broadcaster to identify the responder with a
`
`unique lPv6 address. An implementation of ND typically maintains a table of neighbors
`
`that dynamically changes as each new cycle of neighbor solicitation either reveals a new
`
`respondent or loses. through lack of response. a (previously) existing neighbor. RD is a
`
`specialization of ensuring that on-link nodes capable of routing [P datagrams to other
`
`sub-networks. can be discovered.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`Thus. the vehicle communications system. according to one embodiment
`
`ofthe present invention, is capable of handling the Mobile [P protocols over an IEEE
`
`802. 1 1 data link and. as a consequence. is capable of delivering vehicular diagnostic data
`
`under the requirements of OBD-Ill and of exchanging a wide range of data. including e-
`
`commerce transactions and the like. as well as data needed for such things as Intelligent
`
`Vehicle Highway Systems.
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`15
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`According to one aspect of the present invention. each vehicle has one of
`
`a number of Hybrid Network Radios (as described in Applicant’s PCT patent
`
`application PCT/CA98/00986) which can effectively communicate with one another
`
`using the Mobile [P protocol over one or more wireless LAN’s.
`
`In this particular case,
`
`then. Internet-addressable vehicles may roam between wireless LAN’s and still be in the
`
`network.
`
`Ad Hoc Network
`
`By making the vehicular computers Mobile IP-enabled as described in
`
`utility patent application 09/140759 filed August 26, l998 (entitled SYSTEM AND
`
`METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE TELEMETRY) as described
`
`hereinbelow. each vehicular system may be connected to the Internet through the IEEE
`
`802.1 1 data link. When two or more vehicular computer systems are equipped with IEEE
`
`802.1 1 interfaces and where each operates on the same frequency changing format, that is
`
`by using either Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum or Spread Spectrum Frequency
`
`Hopping, they can then communicate amongst themselves and thereby create an “ad hoc“
`
`network between them. The so—equipped vehicular systems can now support IP
`
`Neighbor Discovery. which enables all vehicles within range to recognize each other as
`
`“on-link" IPv6 nodes. provided that the adjacent vehicular systems are also compliant
`
`with IPv6. This means that useful information may be exchanged between adjacent
`
`vehicles by the use of spread spectrum frequencies. Therefore, the same UDP/IP
`
`mechanism. used to permit telemetry traffic to be encapsulated in IPv6 datagrams from
`
`any vehicle to a fixed-location host. can be used to permit telemetry traffic to be
`
`exchanged between vehicles.
`
`This ad hoc network also enables mobile vehicles within range of each
`
`other to establish a “cluster intelligence", which is defined. within the context ofthe
`
`present invention, as an infrastructure for interactive vehicular control based on the same
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`15
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`requestresponse telemetry architecture described in utility patent application serial
`
`number 09/140759 filed August 26. 1998 (entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`
`PROVIDING MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE TELEMETRY).
`
`In one embodiment. the system comprises the following Components:
`
`(1)
`
`Hybrid Network Radio. as specified in [4]. supplemented by:
`
`(a)
`
`Wireless LAN interface compliant with:
`
`(1)
`
`(ii)
`
`IEEE 8022
`
`IEEE 802.11 interface
`
`(b)
`
`IPv6 modules including:
`
`(i)
`
`(ii)
`
`IPv6
`
`IVMIPV6
`
`(iii)
`
`IP Neighbor Discovery and Router Discovery
`
`(iv) Mobile IP
`
`(2)
`
`(3)
`
`IEEE 802 Access Point as an EPV6 Router
`
`Cluster Intelligence Module
`
`The cluster intelligence module is intended to provide a means by which
`
`Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS) can be implemented without the need for
`
`electronic wiring ofthe highway infrastructure. Cluster intelligence is based on the
`
`establishment of an ad hoc network connecting vehicular Hybrid Network Radios.
`
`Whereas the primary goal of the Hybrid Network Radios is to enable least-cost IPV6
`
`communications of telemetry data required by environmental regulations. an ad hoc
`
`network among and between Hybrid Network Radios provides a platform on which
`
`vehicles can transmit real-time operational information to each other.
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`As a result. in those instances where the aim of IVHS is to control the
`
`spacing and speed of vehicles on highways. and therefore the volume of vehicular traffic
`
`flow. cluster intelligence offers a low—cost alternative to the conventional ideas proposed
`
`for highway infrastructure upgrades.
`
`U:
`
`10'
`
`Figure 1 shows the classic relationship defined in traffic engineering
`
`between speed and volume on a road link. There is an optimum point along this curve
`
`where the volume is maximized. The speed at this point is defined as the "free flow"
`
`speed. Below this speed. traffic flow is conjested. Above this speed. the spacing between
`
`vehicles required for safety results in profligate use of the roadway. At any point along
`
`the curve. the volume-speed relationship represents the most efficient inter-vehicle
`
`spacing. given the braking distance required for safety, which can be achieved.
`
`In one embodiment. the peer-to—peer telemetry architecture of [l] and as
`
`described below. supports the ability of vehicles to adapt their speeds in accordance with
`
`the optimal volume-speed relationship. The ATP protocol used between vehicles enables
`
`each one to determine. among other things:
`
`(a) The distance(s) between it and the vehicle(s) immediately ahead of it (using
`
`GPS position and heading reports).
`
`(b) The speed(s) of the vehicles immediately ahead of it.
`
`(c) Application of brakes.
`
`This information provides the enabling technology for all vehicles to
`
`engage in a cooperative effort to maximize traffic flow on electronically enhanced
`
`highways .
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`The term "Impedance" used herein is intended to be a measure ofthe
`
`"costs" of sending a datagram across a data link. This cost can include the monetary
`
`charges associated with the transmission of data across a wireless data link and are
`
`typically imposed by the operator of the wireless data network. as well as other factors
`
`such as . for example. the size of packet and the time of day, which of course will change
`
`over time. As is described in the PCT Application serial number PCT/CA98/00986 filed
`
`October 23. 1998 entitled TELECOMJVIUNTCATIONS SYSTEM. the Impedance
`
`governs the functionality of the Rf path switch. As impedance changes. the output of the
`
`RF path switch (ie. the routing decision) can change. The sections entitled Error
`
`Reporting and Airlink Status Reporting describe the mechanisms whereby changes in
`
`'1:
`
`IO
`
`impedance are reported to the RF path switch module.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be provided.
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`by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
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`Figure l is plot of traffic Volume Versus speed on a road link;
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`Figure 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle communications systern.
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`Figure 2a is a schematic view of one aspect of the vehicle communications system
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`of figure 2'.
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`Figure 3 is another schematic View of the vehicle communications system of
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`F1 gure 2;
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`Figure 4 is a schematic View of one segment of the vehicle communications stem
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`of figure 2;
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`Figure 5 is a schematic view of another segment ofthe vehicle communications
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`System of figure 2;
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`Figure 6 is a schematic view of Still another segment of the vehicle
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`communications system of figure 2;
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`L/I
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`Figure 7 is schematic representation of a system in accordance with one
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`embodiment of the present invention;
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`Figures 8 a) and 8b) are schematic representations of a system according to still
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`another embodiment; and
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`Figures 9. l0. ll. 12. 13. 14 and 15 are schematic views of portions of still
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`l0
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`another embodiment.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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`Figure 2 illustrates a communications network for exchanging data
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`between a plurality of vehicles. including vehicles 10 and 12 on a highway shown at H.
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`Each vehicle has a computing unit 10a and 12a. the latter of which is shown
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`l5
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`schematically in figureila. Each computing unit has aprocessorlOc which is connected
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`via a serial port to a GPS receiver l0d. an IEEE 802.1 I spread spectrum unit 10e. a cell
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`packet data unit 10f capable of broadcasting and receiving data over a cell packet data
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`network and a memory unit lOg. If desired. the components of the computing unit may
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`be integrated on the same board using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC‘s). as
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`described hereinbelow and in US. provisional application serial number 60/148.270.
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`filed on August 1 1. 1999 and entitled VEHICULAR COIVIPUTING DEVICE.
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`Referring to figure 2. each computing unit 10a. 12a broadcasts ND and
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`RD messages in a region surrounding the vehicle as shown by the circles 10b, 12b.
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`In the
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`example shown in figure 1 three other similarly equipped vehicles labeled 14a to 14c are
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`all within the region 10b and therefore are capable of receiving the broadcast enquiry
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`messages from the vehicle 10. The vehicles 14a to 14c issue reply messages which are
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`received by the vehicle 10. Similarly. vehicles 14b to 14f are within the region 121) of the
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`vehicle 12 which in turn receives reply messages from them. These messages may
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`include such things as vehicle speed and GPS information as well as status indicators
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`such as acceleration or braking.
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`In this manner the computing units 103., 12a are able to
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`determine the position and movements of neighboring vehicles.
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`Thus. the number of vehicles in the corresponding region for each vehicle
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`will change over time with the traffic pattern.
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`In this case. the computing unit for each
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`vehicle can retain status data for each target vehicle while the vehicle is in the region and
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`then erase the data for those vehicles that have left the region. The memory unit 10g can
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`have allocations for storing data for each vehicle while the processor can manipulate the
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`data to determine if any action needs to be taken. The processor also receives data from
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`the ECM 10h which can include such things as emissions. braking. acceleration. speed
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`and the like. that is. any function of the vehicle which is being electronically sensed.
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`monitored or measured. Optionally, the processor may also pass off. to other vehicle
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`systems. braking or other override commanm for controlling the vehicle if necessary.
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`Located along the highway are a number of access points which are
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`routers to a fixed communications network. in this case spread spectrum base stations.
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`One ofthe access points is shown at 16. The access point 16 issues router advertisement
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`messages with a region shown by the circle 16a. Therefore. vehicle 12. in the instant of
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`time represented by the figure 1. receives the advertisements.
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`In this example. the vehicle
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`computing units 10a and 12a as well as the access point 16 are EPV6 addressable.
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`Therefore. the vehicle 12 and the access point 16 may then exchange data which may
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`include lntemet email and the like. The access point 16 may also convey status request
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`data from a clean air regulatory body to the vehicle 12 which may then return the status
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`data to the regulatory body through the access point 16 ifthe vehicle is still in its region.
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`Base station 18 provides a wireless data link to a proprietary RF packet
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`network. for example that known as the MOBITEX network, or the like. This is a
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`different data link from the spread spectrum data link operating at the access points 16.
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`The computing units exchange data with the station 18 via the cell packet data unit 10f.
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`The GPS information from the neighboring vehicles may, for example.
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`include Differential GPS (D—GPS).
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`In the latter cases. the vehicle may more accurately
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`measure the position of neighboring vehicles. relative to a reference GPS position which
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`may be broadcast. for example. from the access point 16.
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`111
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`10
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`Global System
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`Figure 3 shows the overall system architecture. As will be described,
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`Figure 3
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`illustrates how the IEEE 802 data link is incorporated into the hybrid mobile
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`packet network and shows the path of Mobile IP communications between a mobile node
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`shown at 10 and its home mobility agent. ie. the Hybrid Network Gateway 230. Mobile
`node 10 is an embedded vehicular computing device functioning both as an OBD server
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`[1] and as a Hybrid Network Radio [2]. The Hybrid Network Radio functionality is
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`implemented through the interface 40 to the hybrid mobile packet network 250
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`Fixed node 16 is a wireless communications base station implemented in
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`accordance with the definition of a "foreign (mobility) agent" contained in [3]. Mobile
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`node 10 and fixed node 16 share the same [EEE 802 wireless data link 15. which. from
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`the perspective of the mobile node 10 and as will be described further below. is integrated
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`as a "zero-cost” data link in the interface 40 to the hybrid mobile packet network 250
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`Fixed node 16 may be. for instance. an embedded computing device petrnanently
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`installed near a roadway and connected to a data communications network 210 via a
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`stationaiy (non—mobile) backbone 220.
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`When a mobile node 10 comes sufficiently within range of a fixed node 16
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`Ui
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`10
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`to establi