Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

FCC Approves Highway Radiosystems

Posted by simoniker on from the we-interrupt-this-program dept.

prostoalex writes "According to iWon/AP, the FCC has approved a range of radio frequencies to be used on US highways for transmitting important traffic information. The technology is still 5-10 years away from being implemented in cars and on the roads, but the FCC has set aside a special area of the spectrum instead of sharing the frequencies with other applications and devices. As for uses, there's currently a test running at an intersection in McLean, Va., where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision."

9 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. FM SPec. by JPriest · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Does someone have a decent brakedown of the FM freq allocations? It seems like that space is getting crowded.

    --
    Saying Java is nice because it works on all OS's is like saying that anal sex is nice because it works on all genders.
    1. Re:FM SPec. by Veovis · · Score: 5, Informative

      You may find a FCC allocation chart for most frequencies at http://www.mysticunderground.net/fcc.html

    2. Re:FM SPec. by awtbfb · · Score: 5, Informative
      a decent brakedown of the FM freq allocations?

      Allocation of the 5850 - 5925 MHz band (i.e. 5.9 GHz) as reported here with further links. This is also knows as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) and has been around intelligent transportation for some time.

      Conceivable applications include:
      1. Toll tags for automated payment (already exist)
      2. Co-operative cruise control ("I'm car X at coordinates Y and I'm braking at Z rate") for improved speed management
      3. Autopayment at gas stations and McD's
      4. Notification of active emergency vehicles in your vicinity (cars cabins are getting better insulated and stereos are getting louder...)
      5. In-vehicle warnings relayed by intersections ("Car Y, someone is approaching the intersection from your left and it looks like they will hit you")
      6. and much, much more
      Researchers have been dreaming up applications in this space for a long time.

      PS - If I remember correctly, the cited intersection does not use DSCR, it simply tracks incoming cars and warns if it thinks someone may get hit. I think it's a high speed rural highway intersection. I've seen presentations on it but it's been a while.
  2. Wait a minute! by b_w_duncan · · Score: 5, Funny

    "where sensors can automatically warn a motorist when another car is approaching, thus helping to avoid a collision."

    Who would have guessed... they've invented traffic lights!

  3. As useful as the 700nm-400nm spectrum? by Kelmenson · · Score: 5, Funny

    People ignore the data in that spectrum, and its right in front of their eyes!

  4. You mean like RDS? by Graabein · · Score: 5, Informative
    You mean like the RDS TP/TA system which has been used in Europe for what, almost a decade now?

    FAQ here.

    --
    And remember kids: Never trust a computer you can actually lift.
  5. Closer than you think... by RedLeg · · Score: 5, Informative
    It's definitely closer than this would have you believe....


    IEEE 802.11 is working on this NOW. The Task Group is called WAVE (Wireless Access in Vehicular Environment), and the next meeting is at the IEEE 802.11 Interim Meeting in Vancouver in January. IEEE Meetings are open to all, BTW. Just pay your registration fee, show up and participate.

  6. What frequencies? by kf4lhp · · Score: 5, Informative

    The FCC's release says it's been allocated 5.850 - 5.925 GHz. The press release (it's a PDF) has some background on the service, and also a few notes on things that have to happen before the use of this new radio service can become widespread.

  7. AWS (Ambiguous Warning System) by dhwang · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't know about you, but I've already got the early warning system installed in my car. It's called a "passenger". Specifically, that passenger that suddenly shouts "OH, OH, OH, OH!" as you driving down the street.

    Then after you slam on the brakes to avoid an unseen danger (while hoping you don't get rear-ended in the process), your passenger continues, "I didn't know there was an In 'N Out here!".