1 IntroductionThe Internet of Vehicles (IoV) refers to the comprehensive network connection and information interaction of “people-vehicles-roads-cloud” through the new generation of information and communication technology, enhancing the intelligence level of vehicles and autonomous driving capabilities, constructing new business formats for traffic and automotive services, thereby improving traffic efficiency, enhancing the experience of driving and riding in vehicles, and providing users with intelligent, comfortable, safe, energy-saving, and efficient comprehensive services.The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the IoV industry. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in conjunction with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and other 20 departments, established the “National Manufacturing Power Construction Leading Group’s Special Committee on IoV Industry Development” to coordinate the development planning, policies, and measures for IoV, and to solve major issues in IoV development through inter-departmental coordination[1]. The National Development and Reform Commission, in conjunction with 11 ministries, released the “Intelligent Vehicle Innovation and Development Strategy”[2], proposing that by 2025, the technology innovation, industrial ecology, infrastructure, regulatory standards, product supervision, and cybersecurity system of standard intelligent vehicles in China will be basically formed, achieving large-scale production of intelligent vehicles capable of conditional autonomous driving and market application of highly autonomous vehicles in specific environments; significant progress will be made in the construction of intelligent transportation systems and smart city-related facilities, vehicle wireless communication networks (LTE-V2X, etc.) will achieve regional coverage, and the new generation of vehicle wireless communication networks (5G-V2X) will gradually be applied in some cities and highways, achieving full coverage of high-precision spatio-temporal reference service networks. In April 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission clarified the scope of new infrastructure[3]: Firstly, information infrastructure such as 5G and the Internet of Things, where the IoV is both a vertical industry application of 5G and a typical application field of the Internet of Things; secondly, integrated infrastructure such as intelligent transportation infrastructure, where the IoV is an important guarantee for the intelligence and networking of traditional transportation infrastructure; thirdly, innovation infrastructure related to industrial technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the “Notice on Promoting the Accelerated Development of 5G”[4], proposing to promote the coordinated development of “5G + IoV”, to include the IoV in the national new information infrastructure construction project, to promote the large-scale deployment of LTE-V2X; to build national-level IoV pilot zones, enrich application scenarios, and explore and improve business models; to guide key areas in advance planning in conjunction with 5G commercial deployment, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and promote 5G and LTE-V2X as important communication standards and protocols in the construction of smart cities and intelligent transportation; and to carry out the development and research verification of 5G-V2X standards.Local governments are actively promoting the development of the IoV, accelerating the construction of new infrastructure, new industries, and new services, and proposing to focus on three aspects of work under the premise of promoting the digital transformation of industries and building high-quality development.(1) Building a basic support system, including establishing some perception and computing platforms, network connectivity capabilities, and foundational cross-platform work.(2) Building an industrial ecosystem, focusing on how to construct a complete industrial chain and how to leverage the important role of the digital economy in the IoV.(3) Building a guarantee system, involving safety, travel, and urban governance.Based on this, various cities will form new industrial clusters.2 Development of Pilot Applications in IoV2.1 Overview of Pilot Applications in IoVThe IoV pilot zones are experimental fields for new technology verification and are core hubs to promote the intelligence and networking of vehicles. They are also a core hub connecting vehicles, traffic, and public security governance systems. Therefore, the IoV facilitates the coordinated development of intelligence and networking, organically coordinating all traffic participants—people, vehicles, roads, and cloud—to construct and support the realization of the collaborative development of “smart vehicles + smart roads”, better promoting the enhancement of traffic management capabilities.Connection is not the goal but a means to better connect various elements, such as computing resources, allowing for better load balancing of computing resources at the vehicle end, road end, and cloud end. Additionally, through connectivity, a better transition from individual intelligence to a comprehensive traffic intelligent system can be achieved.2.2 Significance of Pilot Applications in IoV(1) Serving traffic travel and intelligent traffic management, whether through connection or computation, can make the future travel experience of users more intuitive. For example, the smart bus line 315 currently in trial operation in Changsha has implemented IoV application scenarios such as traffic light reminders, speed guidance, and priority passage. Furthermore, through network connectivity, better support for the commercialization of autonomous driving can be achieved, as seen in Baidu’s work on Robotaxi in various regions.(2) Leveraging the development of the IoV, a new ecosystem can be constructed in the future. This ecosystem is not only built from the application layer but also from the overall industrial ecosystem and future development’s overall capacity empowerment, as well as the entire social development ecosystem. Achieving comprehensive data access, storage analysis, protocol openness, service empowerment, and possessing strong integration capabilities will link and connect the scattered systems and data.(3) With the IoV, relying on platforms can better achieve the aggregation of data from all parties. With these platform functions, various elements participating in traffic, such as vehicle-end data, road-end data, and even data from perception cameras and radars, as well as data from third-party automotive remote service providers (Telematics Service Providers, TSP), can be connected, enabling the derivation of more service objects and supporting more application scenarios.2.3 Progress of Pilot Applications in IoVIn May 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approved the establishment of the Jiangsu (Wuxi) IoV pilot zone[5-6], achieving large-scale deployment of C-V2X networks and roadside units, equipping a certain scale of vehicle-mounted terminals, completing the renovation of traffic facilities’ IoV functions in key areas, and enhancing core system capabilities, enriching IoV application scenarios. In 2019, an information upgrade was carried out within a range of 170 km2 and 280 km of roads, including 400 traffic intersections, 5 urban expressways, and 1 intercity highway; more than 40 traffic management data points were opened, including real-time traffic light timing, road video monitoring, and traffic events. In 2020, it is planned to add C-V2X coverage to 200 intersections in Wuxi’s urban area, reaching a total of 600 intersections.In December 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approved the establishment of the Tianjin (Xiqing) national-level IoV pilot zone, leveraging its advantages in standard organizations and testing environments to actively explore new models for cross-industry standardization work, deploying cellular vehicle networks (C-V2X) at scale, clarifying the installation plan for IoV communication terminals, defining the responsibilities of IoV operators, and constructing an open, integrated, and innovative industrial ecosystem.Subsequently, more cities are actively participating, including Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, Deqing, Beijing, and Shanghai, developing IoV pilot zones in a differentiated manner based on different industrial ecological layouts and urban development advantages, gradually enriching IoV travel application scenarios and models.3 Key Focus of the Development of Pilot Applications in IoVConsidering the importance and development trends of pilot applications in the IoV, the future focus of its development should include the following aspects.3.1 Orientation and DemandApplication-oriented development must meet the new direction of development needs. Previously, IoV discussions were more focused on information services, while future developments will lean towards collaborative services and applications related to safety and efficiency. At the current stage, Wuxi has several relatively mature application scenarios, such as traffic lights, intersections, collision warnings, and speed guidance, which are already feasible; in the future, in the direction of collaborative development, remote control driving and vehicle platooning can be explored, while also integrating into urban travel scenarios, such as highways and congested sections; additionally, during intelligent driving tests, situations requiring emergency takeover of vehicles may have stronger coupling with IoV application scenarios. Looking ahead, the exploration of application scenarios will definitely be the core value of the IoV pilot zones.3.2 Construction and Application of Application Service PlatformsThe IoV industry has a strong cross-industry attribute[7], involving multiple aspects and comprehensive fields such as the automotive industry, transportation industry, and traffic governance and management, which requires the integration of travel service platforms, urban governance platforms, and traffic management platforms to construct a comprehensive application service system, promoting interconnectivity between platforms and sharing of data; especially leveraging connectivity and computing, including the deployment of Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) multi-level platforms, can provide better support for future autonomous driving and IoV. The construction of application service platforms and the promotion of interconnectivity between cross-industry platforms are essential components of this construction.3.3 Standardization Construction PlansStandardization construction plans can achieve data interoperability between platforms within a city and support the realization of these application scenarios[8]. However, applications realized in location A should not fail to achieve the same service in location B due to differences in format or standards. To achieve interconnectivity across regions and locations, or to reflect the same applications and service quality guarantees, standardized construction plans must be supported. Currently, several major standardization organizations have signed cooperation agreements and are accelerating the sorting and formulation of relevant standards. On the other hand, core technology standards related to the IoV are also being gradually improved, with the next step being to establish a comprehensive standard system that guides the construction of standardized and regulated IoV pilot zones across different industry segments.3.4 SecurityWith the development of new infrastructure, all future infrastructures must be connected. A key focus here is security, which includes not only functional security but also information-level security and system security. To ensure trust among different participants connected to the system, it is necessary to establish an identity authentication system in conjunction with the new infrastructure to ensure the security identity of IoV new infrastructure. Different industry organizations are also exploring how to build a collaborative and unified system across industries, at least in one location, priority should be given to constructing a digital identity authentication system to ensure interconnectivity and mutual recognition of identities and the process of large-scale deployment.3.5 Support and ScalabilityCurrently, there are already two to three dozen relevant regions in China that provide good support for technology verification and industrial collaboration, but they still face challenges in operational and business models, needing to transition from small-scale experimental verification to large-scale applications. Whether it is the installation of vehicle-mounted terminals or the deployment of roadside infrastructure, full-scene coverage needs to be achieved. Additionally, attention should be paid to the synergy with 5G and the development of intelligent transportation; existing devices and facilities have already undergone some verification, including related equipment verification in urban and laboratory environments, providing a solid foundation for large-scale deployment.3.6 Innovation and IntegrationLarge-scale applications will inevitably be combined with operational and business models, so in the process of building pilot zones, more innovation in the logic of operational entities and business models should be encouraged to achieve a unified layout, while also allowing for the development of some differentiated business models. Currently, when applying for the 5.9 GHz IoV frequency band, the local attributes of the automotive and transportation industries are strong, and different entities in various cities should be encouraged to participate in the construction of new IoV infrastructure and the IoV ecosystem.4 ConclusionThis article introduces the key work in the development of pilot applications in the IoV, which is a key direction for the development of the IoV industry in various cities. Under the organization and guidance of the IMT-2020 C-V2X working group, over 200 relevant partners are jointly exploring technological innovation, experimental verification, and application promotion work, hoping to better construct the entire IoV ecosystem through the development of pilot applications in the IoV, providing better support for the transformation and upgrading of new infrastructure, the automotive, and transportation industries in the future.
References
[1] Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The first plenary meeting of the National Manufacturing Power Construction Leading Group’s Special Committee on IoV Industry Development was held [EB/OL]. (2017-09-07) [2020-06-10]. http://www.miit.gov.cn/n1146285/n1146352/n3054355/n3057497/n3057507/c5786970/content.html.
[2] National Development and Reform Commission. Notice on Issuing the “Intelligent Vehicle Innovation and Development Strategy” [EB/OL]. (2020-02-10) [2020-06-10]. https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/tz/202002/t20200224_1221077.html.
[3] National Development and Reform Commission. The National Development and Reform Commission held a press conference in April to introduce the macroeconomic operation situation and respond to hot issues [EB/OL]. (2020-04-20) [2020-06-10]. https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xwdt/xwfb/202004/t20200420_1226031.html.
[4] Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Notice on Promoting the Accelerated Development of 5G [EB/OL]. (2020-03-24) [2020-06-10]. http://www.miit.gov.cn/n1146295/n1652858/n1652930/n3757020/c7832258/content.html.
[5] Ge Yuming, Han Qingwen, Wang Miaoqiong, et al. Analysis of Application Models and Challenges of Automotive Big Data [J]. Computer Science, 2020, 47(6): 59-65.
[6] Ge Yuming. Progress in Standardization and Testing Verification of LTE-V2X in China [J]. Mobile Communications, 2019, 43(11): 36-39.
[7] Ge Yuming, Liu Lina, Lin Huan. The Application and Industrialization Development of IoV Accelerating the Realization of Autonomous Driving Functions [J]. Telecommunications Technology, 2017(6): 29-32.
[8] Lin Lin, Li Lu, Ge Yuming. Analysis of IoV Communication Standardization and Industrial Development [J]. Telecommunications Science, 2020, 36(4): 15-26.
Author Introduction
Ge Yuming
Deputy Director of the Vehicle Networking and Smart Transportation Research Department of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Senior Engineer, PhD. Currently serves as the Deputy Director of the “IoV Technology Innovation and Testing Evaluation” Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Leader of the Cellular Vehicle (C-V2X) Working Group of the IMT-2020 (5G) Promotion Group, Chairman of the International Cooperation and External Communication Group of the China Industrial Internet Consortium (AII), Co-Chair of the Automotive Special Group and China Regional Group of the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), and Leader of the IoV Subgroup of the Internet of Things Technology Committee of the China Communications Standards Association.
Weng Yahong
Project Manager at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, participating in related work of the 5G industrial matrix, mainly engaged in research in fields such as human-computer interaction, machine learning, and situational awareness computing. As the project leader, has undertaken more than ten national projects including the interactive system upgrade for Barclays Bank in the UK, usability testing of in-vehicle systems for Mercedes-Benz in Germany, and user emotion perception for the BBC in the UK.
Paper citation format:
Ge Yuming, Weng Yahong. Research on the Progress of Pilot Applications in Vehicle Networking [J]. Information Communication Technology and Policy, 2020(8): 18-21.
This article is published in “Information Communication Technology and Policy” 2020 Issue 8
Hosted by: China Academy of Information and Communications Technology
“Information Communication Technology and Policy” is a professional academic journal sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and hosted by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. This journal is positioned as a “Barometer of Frontiers in Information Communication Technology, Think Tank for Exploring Information Society Policies“, focusing on technological trends in the field of information communication, public policy, national/industry/business strategies, publishing cutting-edge research results, analysis of focal issues, interpretation of hot policies, etc., promoting innovation and development of technologies and industries such as 5G, industrial internet, digital economy, artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing, guiding national technological strategy choices and industrial policy formulation, and building a high-end academic exchange platform for production, education, research, and application.
Proofread by | Chen Li, Shan Shan
Edited by | Ling Xiao
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