Abstract
Probe data processing creates a comprehensive and detailed real-time and predictive model of the driving environment by collecting and processing sensors readings transmitted from many vehicles in combination with data from multiple other public and private sector information sources. It is becoming widely accepted that processed probe data is the only practical foundation for high-quality predictive traffic information and for enhancing the performance of preventive and pre-crash in-vehicle safety products, by increasing the reach and precision of the vehicle's own sensors.
However, for probe data processing to be feasible and economic, a variety of technology prerequisites must be in place, both in vehicles and on the land side. These include:
Ubiquitous, low-cost, communications from the vehicle
Effective, low-cost, wide-area communications to the vehicle
An in-vehicle data network that interconnects sensors, processors, communication systems, and in-vehicle applications
A high-quality transport telematics platform in the vehicle and a high-quality transport telematics operation on the land side.
Fairly large-scale updatable in-vehicle data storage
This paper will discuss each of these prerequisites and how they fit into the overall framework of evolving vehicle electronics and intelligence both for probe processing purposes and to meet other, independent objectives.