COOPERS

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COOPERS (English: Cooperative Systems for Intelligent Road Safety; German: Cooperative Systems for Intelligent Road Safety) is an EU- funded transport project. The aim of this project is to network vehicles and the infrastructure using communication technology . This technology should enable a higher level of safety in road traffic , as data on the current traffic situation can be exchanged promptly. Through special services, this technology is intended to improve the quality of service. B. through traffic jam warnings, recommendations for an appropriate speed and travel forecasts with regard to the current traffic situation.

Structure and functionality

The technology used at COOPERS can be broken down as follows: On the one hand, technology is used in the car, on the other hand, technology is used outside the car, i.e. H. in infrastructure.

Various sensors are used in the vehicle to collect data and are intended to support each other. Lasers and infrared devices are supposed to measure the distances between the vehicles, which then allows conclusions to be drawn about the traffic density . The data of your own car, such as speed or the lane that is currently being used, is determined by means of a classic speedometer cable and communication with the Gallileo system, similar to the navigation systems that are already in use, which use GPS to determine the position. This data is then passed on to the data distribution points located along the route. The transmission takes place via radio .

Technology in the infrastructure

Here, the division of the individual components is structured like a pyramid : The main centers at the top, then distribution posts, and below that individual transmission posts. These items, which are distributed on the routes at short intervals, both record the data of the vehicles within their range and pass them on, as well as pass on the data they receive from the distributors (TCC = Traffic Control Center) to the vehicles. The data are passed on from the distributors to the main control centers (TISP = Traffic Information Service Provider), which then process them, partly manually, partly using software , and prepare them in such a way that they can help ensure safe and fluid traffic. The TISPs send their data back to the TCCs.

The data that a vehicle collects is also used for itself. Modern infrared sensors are supposed to be able to detect whether things in the vicinity are living and moving or not. In this way, pedestrians could be better protected, especially at night. In addition, the vehicles communicate with each other: if the vehicle in front brakes, the relevant data is not only passed on to the infrastructure components of COOPERS. The system in the car also automatically suggests that you should brake or, if necessary, brake yourself in an emergency. It works in a similar way with the communication between the infrastructure and the vehicles. For example, Coopers informs the driver how fast he should drive in order to reach a “ green wave ” at the next traffic lights.

Research and News

Research of the Ford Research Center Aachen

The Ford Research Center Aachen (FFA) has presented a new navigation system that "not only takes into account the current traffic situation, but also information on traffic forecasts and public traffic management strategies [...]." (See press portal) In the future, there will be two methods for this: A waypoint method that is supported by mobile communications and a subnetwork method that is being used for the first time. The navigation on the basis of this method is in Munich and Magdeburg tested. The differences between the two methods are shown below:

"With the partial network procedure , the information is transmitted via digital audio broadcast (DAB)" (see press portal). For this transmission, the receiving devices must be set so that they can receive the encoded Extended Traffic Messages (XTM: Extended Traffic Information). Special receiving devices are also required for the waypoint method . The difference lies in the fact that a cellular-based connection must be established with this method. This happens through a modem from the vehicle navigation system to the information provider. One advantage of the subnetwork procedure is that there are no connection costs for the telephone connection and the data is transmitted continuously and not just on request.

Navigation systems that are currently on the market get their information via radio (Traffic Message Channel, TMC). The disadvantage here is that the traffic volume for corresponding alternative routes in the event of traffic jams is not known. “With the new procedure, the information is supraregional, more diverse and tailored to the individual route.” (See press portal) In addition, the information is passed on via green waves or confusing level crossings and this is not limited to motorways and federal highways.

Rudi Kunze, Head of Research at Ford Europe, says the following: “In the future, the personalized route recommendation should ensure that car traffic is evenly distributed over the road network around the traffic jam and that traffic jams are largely minimized. From our point of view, this is an important component in the future for smooth, environmentally conscious and also safer mobility. "(See press portal) A control center should" centrally [...] [evaluate] the traffic situation recorded throughout Germany and with statistical traffic data [...] " [combine]. ”(see press portal) This means that traffic jams are forecast earlier and the driver is informed of the volume of traffic on his entire route (see press portal).

Research of the BMW Group Research and Technology

The BMW Group Research and Technology and the Bavarian Red Cross already demonstrated an " eCall " rescue concept with continuous data transmission in Straubing as a prototype on May 7, 2007 .

functionality

The vehicle involved in the accident sends its exact location to the rescue control center automatically or by pressing a button, which informs either the ambulance , ambulance or helicopter on request . With the “ eCall ” prototype developed jointly with the BRK , the rescue workers then receive the respective route guidance to the accident site via radio transmission into the navigation device. With the exact and continuous transmission of the exact GPS data, seriously injured persons can be quickly located and found and the rescue workers can be automatically directed to the scene of the accident.

The EU-funded research project Global System Telematics (GST) precedes the practical implementation of this scenario. 49 partners worked on the specification of an open telematics architecture for 36 months . The aim of the project, which was completed in early 2007, was to better connect vehicles with one another. One of the sub-projects included the automatic emergency call (eCall).

However, many emergency call centers would have to be expanded for this project. A Europe-wide start is not planned until 2009.

Advantages and disadvantages of COOPERS

advantages

Benefits for the driver

Increasing security is at the same time the main goal and the greatest advantage of COOPERS. Especially with heavy traffic , e.g. B. in city centers, the risk of accidents is reduced because the vehicle communicates with other vehicles (V2V - Vehicle to Vehicle) or with stations integrated in the infrastructure (I2V - Infrastructure to Vehicle) and possible dangers are pointed out.

By merging a lot of data that is automatically provided by the infrastructure as well as by the road users, a large amount of information is made available to the user and the operator. This makes it possible to optimize the traffic control: The road users are provided with information about the traffic situation and the infrastructure. B. warned of a risk of traffic jams or dangerous weather conditions and even receive suggestions from the system on how to avoid a traffic jam as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the driver can be informed, for example, whether and which lanes are blocked or whether a speed limit has been imposed on the route.

The navigation , which plays a major role at COOPERS, also enables the driver to plan his time better and to reduce wandering and searching trips.

Benefits for the economy

The economic aspect of COOPERS can be seen as a further advantage. If COOPERS gains acceptance and is used in the future, automobile manufacturers can introduce this new technology on the market and secure their position on the market.

disadvantage

As a major disadvantage COOPERS can be attributed to that the road users are distracted by the operation of the devices and thus the traffic safety is adversely affected. This, in turn, is in conflict with the primary goal of the project to reduce the risk of accidents. In addition, certain roads that have not been designed for a high volume of traffic , for example , can become congested, since navigation systems often suggest the same routes.

Furthermore, for the optimal use of COOPERS, constant availability, reliability and faultlessness of the system must be guaranteed.

Web links

Individual evidence

↑ BMW Group Research and Technology is developing a seamless emergency call scenario with the Bavarian Red Cross . news aktuell GmbH. Retrieved February 4, 2019.

[1] BMW Group Research and Technology is developing a seamless emergency call scenario with the Bavarian Red Cross . news aktuell GmbH. Retrieved February 4, 2019.