Real-time Infrastructure-to-Vehicle Communication using RF-Triggered Wireless Sensors

An infrastructure-to-Vehicle (I2V) communication framework enables autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles to localize and detect the presence of infrastructure markers like lane-dividers, stop signs or structural health information which can enrich the information captured by cameras and LIDAR systems to enhance the driving experience. However, the key challenge in designing electronic tags for an I2V platform is making them operate in embedded conditions while being able to communicate wirelessly with low latencies that can support real-time interfacing. In this regard, we propose hybrid RFID sensors that are battery-powered and integrated with a RF trigger element that can be selectively triggered using an appropriate RF signature. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the functionality of a hybrid-powered prototype in controlled operating conditions and validate the power consumption and latency using these prototypes, which were assembled using commercial-off-the-shelf components. The measurement results demonstrate triggering distances of 1 m can be achieved at driving speeds of at-least 40 km h^-1, and the operational lifespan of the tag is estimated to be greater than 20 years.