Toyota aims to reduce congestion via vehicle-to-vehicle communication

Toyota has been awarded a patent that aims to reduce roadway congestion via vehicle-to-vehicle communication and dynamic speed limits.

Authored by engineer Hideki Hada, the patent describes a unique approach to traffic management based on speed data collected directly from vehicles. The system centers around dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) transmitters built into vehicles, allowing traveling speed to be relayed to highway infrastructure.

If the system detects congestion, it instructs dynamic signs to reduce the posted speed limit behind the buildup area. In theory, slowing the approaching traffic miles up the road could help prevent a slight slowdown from turning into a traffic jam.

“It is an exciting time for us because both the industry and government are working together to realize this vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless communication technologies in the US (i.e. 5.9GHz DSRC),” Hideki said in a statement.

Dynamic speed-limit signs are already used on many roadways around the globe, most commonly as a way to slow drivers during adverse weather conditions. It is unclear if roadway management agencies would see a benefit to using Toyota’s patent technology, rather than existing radar-based speed monitoring infrastructure that does not require individual vehicles to be outfitted with wireless transmitters.