INSIDE THIS ISSUE
What You Need to Know About CV
Imagine leaving work in a car you summoned with your cell phone. The car starts and instead of putting the car into gear, you pick up your tablet and catch up on the day's news - you don't have to pay attention or drive because your car is doing it for you! As your car chauffeurs you home, it responds to changing traffic, perhaps even rerouting you due to construction or an accident. When you arrive safely at home, the car parks itself and you are relaxed and ready for the evening. 

Well, this idea isn't too far off from reality. As mentioned in last month's newsletter, Three Trends to Watch for in 2015, connected vehicle technology is one of the hottest transportation topics. To get you up to speed, we've complied a shortlist of the top 3 things you need to know, check it out!
1. What is Connected Vehicle
The nuts and bolts of CV technology.

The connected vehicle initiative is a bit overwhelming. But when you peel back all the lingo, acronyms, and technical terms, connected vehicle (CV) is simply a multi-modal communication network.

CV technology connects cars to other cars and to the road. Through advanced communication technology, real-time information is shared, promoting mobility and safety while safeguarding the environment. Yes, CV uses crazy-brilliant technology, but let's leave that for another day - for now, let's keep it simple.
2. The Big Deal
How the CV initiative promotes, safety, mobility, and impacts the environment.

The ultimate goal of CV technology is to promote mobility and safety, while working to reduce our impact on the environment. So, how does this factor into your daily commute? Here's how:
No more crashes. Drivers will be warned of imminent dangers, like when it's unsafe to enter an intersection or pass a vehicle, to help avoid potential collisions and hefty repair bills.
No more stop and go. Vehicles will advise motorists to adjust speeds in relation to vehicles around them. For example, drivers will receive warnings to reduce speed as they approach patches of slow moving traffic resulting in reduced congestion, improved mobility, and happier drivers.
Cleaner air. An added benefit to reducing stop and go traffic, other than happy drivers, is the positive impact on the environment. Reduced idling and unnecessary stops equate to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, resulting in a healthier planet. 
3. The Applications
V2V, V2I, and V2D: The building blocks of CV.

Now, we could take this opportunity and outline each of the 50+ potential applications of CV technology, but we figured we'd spare you the extra reading and break it down into the 3 main functions - that's really all you care about anyway, right?
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V)
The auto industry has already seen great success in implementing crash avoidance technologies, like back up cameras, parking sensors, and electronic stability control. While beneficial, V2V communication takes it a step further by warning drivers about imminent danger.

Through the use of on-board devices, messages about a vehicle's speed, brake status, and other information can be shared between vehicles. This communication allows vehicles to "see" around corners or "through" other vehicles, realizing dangers faster than sensors or cameras.
Vehicle-to-Device (V2D)
V2D allows real-time traffic data to be shared between cars and personal communication devices. V2D works not only with motorists but with transit and rideshare programs as well. Travelers will have access to real-time data notifying them about the status of their bus or carpool vehicle and the number of available seats. Better yet, vehicles will know if a pedestrian is crossing the street thanks to the connected device the pedestrian is holding.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I)
V2I uses roadside equipment and on-board equipment to send and receive messages between vehicles and infrastructure. The information allows drivers to respond and anticipate changes to road conditions and traffic. In addition, traffic management centers are able to collect information that contains the number of vehicles on the road, how fast they are traveling, and what lanes are being used. This information allows traffic engineers to make real-time signal adjustments that positively affect traffic on a large scale.
AT McCain, we know CV technology is the wave of the future, which is why we are participating in various pilot programs and working diligently to provide state-of-the-art products. Check out Carnegie Mellon University's autonomous car driving around Capitol Hill, through the use of advanced technology like McCain's controllersIf you have any questions or would like to know how McCain's work aligns with CV technology, contact us
Upcoming Webinars
McCain offers webinars throughout the year, check out these upcoming topics:
  • Communication Overview
  • 2070 Controllers & Configurations
  • Traffic Cabinets 101 - Introduction to NEMA & Caltrans Styles

 
For more information visit 

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