Vehicle to Everything
Patent applications related with vehicle to everything (V2X) telecommunication are growing as companies step up research on the safety of autonomous driving cars.
According to the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 13, patent applications related to V2X reached 154 last year, up from 68 in 2013.
V2X telecommunication means that a running car exchanges information with traffic infrastructure such as roads or other vehicles through a wireless network. The running car can secure its safety by exchanging information about surrounding traffic situations, near vehicles and pedestrians among others.
Among V2X patents which have been filed over the last 10 years, those on vehicles to infrastructure (V2I) telecommunication took the lion’s share, 44% (344 applications) of the total, followed by vehicle to vehicle (V2V) telecommunication (35%, 270 applications), the combination of V2I and V2V telecommunication (13%, 101 applications) and vehicle to pedestrians (V2P) telecommunication (4%, 27applications).
By applicants, large companies accounted for 38%, universities and research institutes 33%, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 17%, foreign companies for 7% and individuals 5%.
By using V2I telecommunication, companies can provide real-time guidance about road conditions through traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights and repeaters around the roads. V2V telecommunication helps a driver exchange information about locations, speed and traffic situations with nearby vehicles.
Currently, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are developing V2X-related chipsets and solutions. KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+ are planning to commercialize 5G-V2X link technology.
Automakers such as Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and Ssangyong Motors will develop autonomous navigation systems that link V2X telecommunication and transportation infrastructure.