A team of researchers from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) received a patent for a model that aims to improve how vehicles communicate with each other in the future.
The patent, titled “Adaptive Contention Window Optimisation in VANETs using Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Enhanced Performance Model”, has been filed by Dr Arun Kumar, Assistant Professor, Prof Bibhudatta Sahoo, Professor, and Dr. Lopamudra Hota, Research Graduate, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, NIT Rourkela.
Their work focuses on addressing a key challenge in vehicular communication systems, known as Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks, or VANETs, said NIT-Rourkela officials.
The concept behind VANETs is that vehicles that are in proximity to each other will, in the future, be able to communicate directly with each other. Consider a car warning other vehicles about precipitous braking or a sudden obstacle on the road.
Such communication aids driving, automated traffic systems, and even provides assistance to emergency services. However, when multiple vehicles are contemporaneously sending out messages, the system is bound to face vehicle overcrowding. This congestion leads to delays or lost messages, which directly compromise the viable functionality of such systems.
Researchers at NIT Rourkela have suggested a solution to this issue involving the use of artificial intelligence. Their model utilizes a system known as multi-agent deep reinforcement learning. In layman’s terms, it enables each vehicle to stagger the time of its messages depending on the actions of other vehicles. Instead of communication competing, the vehicle’s system learns to sequence and give priority to messages that are time sensitive.
“Our work is a step towards building safer roads and smarter cities, and in the near future, when autonomous vehicles become a reality in India, this patent will be a small step in that direction, driving the spirit of Innovate in India and Make in India,” Dr Arun Kumar said while explaining the model.
VANETs use case scenarios include electronic brake lights that notify drivers of braking scenarios that aren’t in their line of sight and platooning that enables cars to closely tail a lead car through distributed acceleration and steering control data.
“The patent represents a practical step towards preparing India’s road system for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. By addressing potential congestion in VANETs and providing a model for adaptive, coordinated communication, the findings lay the groundwork for safer and more efficient traffic management,” Prof Bibhudatta Sahoo informed.