Intelligent Blind Crossings for Suburban and Rural Intersections

Blind intersections in suburban and rural areas pose significant safety challenges due to limited visibility and inadequate infrastructure. This project proposes an innovative solution leveraging the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) paradigm, utilizing connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) for seamless communication to enhance safety at these intersections. The research focuses on developing a specialized Road-Side Unit (RSU) system equipped with a Virtual Traffic Light Algorithm implemented on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Key stakeholders, including transportation authorities, vehicle manufacturers, and local communities, stand to benefit from this initiative. The RSU system acts as a critical infrastructure component, facilitating efficient intersection management and mitigating visibility challenges. Methodologies involve adapting the Virtual Traffic Light Algorithm, integrating it into the FPGA-based RSU system, and demonstrating RSU communication operability through software-defined radios. Additionally, a novel solar-powered system is designed for lightweight RSUs to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. The project's findings indicate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed RSU solution in enhancing safety at blind intersections. Successful implementation of the Virtual Traffic Light Algorithm on the FPGA demonstrates its potential for real-world deployment. The operability demonstration of RSU communication validates the effectiveness of the proposed communication system. Overall, this research contributes to advancing safety measures in transportation infrastructure, with potential implications for future urban planning and policy development.