I. Internet of Vehicles
Because mass production of smart cockpits is relatively easier and costs are more controllable, and the global application of 5G networks in automobiles will accelerate the market launch of smart cockpits, the market size of smart cockpit domain controllers will grow faster than that of ADAS domain controllers. Statistics show that global shipments of smart cockpit domain controllers reached 400,000 units in 2019, and are projected to reach 13 million units by 2025.
It's worth noting that scenario-based connected vehicle applications can bring value to both car owners and automakers. Therefore, combining big data and cloud computing to provide precise recommendations to consumers and create effective scenario-based interactions has become an important technological development direction for connected vehicle companies, and future market competition is likely to focus on this area.
Ultimately, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) utilizes next-generation information and communication technologies to achieve comprehensive network connectivity between vehicles and cloud platforms, roads, people, other vehicles, and within vehicles, creating a dynamic mobile communication system that enables communication between vehicles and the public network. The development of IoV technology, systems, and hardware/software will also impact the overall progress of the autonomous driving industry. A well-developed and highly integrated IoV system will provide more opportunities for the implementation of autonomous driving.
In the short term, the practical significance of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) mainly lies in reducing energy consumption, alleviating traffic congestion, reducing exhaust emissions, improving road capacity, reducing traffic accidents, and enhancing the user's intelligent driving experience. In the long term, the IoV is a small part of the Internet of Things (IoT). The planning for the IoV demonstrates the strong future potential of 5G technology, which will play a significant role in the development of the IoT, undoubtedly driving its rapid development and application.
II. Application Prospects of the Internet of Vehicles
1) Smart living experience
In-vehicle social networks are a key direction for the development of connected vehicles. The application of in-vehicle entertainment and information displays and large-screen main units has made human-vehicle interaction world-class, prompting many established international automakers, even ultra-luxury brands, to follow suit, from lengthening vehicle bodies to enlarging screens; the future likely lies in fully connected vehicles. From GPS online navigation, QQ Music and Himalaya FM, vehicle safety monitoring, real-time news, traffic updates, and weather forecasts, to various voice prompts and AI chatbots, drivers are freed from the stress, fatigue, and boredom of driving, making the driving process more relaxed and allowing drivers to spend more time in the driver's seat.
Now, you can connect your phone to your car and remotely control the door locks, power switches, and adjust the air conditioning and seats via an app or mini-program. Vehicle safety status alerts, anti-theft features, and ignition status reminders all solve the problems of car owners being careless or forgetful, thus avoiding unnecessary waste and trouble.
2) An important guarantee for road safety
One important application of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is collision avoidance. Collision avoidance technologies include collision warning and driver assistance. By detecting nearby vehicles, monitoring blind spots, detecting road conditions, and implementing emergency braking, these technologies eliminate some traffic accidents caused by human error (distracted driving, semi-fatigued driving, lack of concentration, use of mobile phones, etc.), significantly reducing the likelihood of collisions and improving driving safety by 20%. Traffic accident fatalities are reduced by 30-70%, lowering the probability of accidents. In the event of an accident, a distress signal can be sent via a specific button. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the vehicle's location is located and reported to insurance companies and nearby medical institutions, saving rescue time and minimizing property damage. Simultaneously, accident information is sent to surrounding vehicles, providing assistance and evasive action to prevent more serious accidents.
3) Prevent traffic congestion
Traffic management and regulation are essential to maximizing road capacity and preventing congestion. At intersections, especially during rush hours, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can intelligently adjust traffic lights to alleviate this situation. Furthermore, it can predict traffic congestion over a short period based on current road conditions, weather, and historical traffic data, selecting or intelligently providing the most convenient and time-saving route to optimize drivers' journeys and prevent overcrowding. This is particularly important at key locations such as hospitals, schools, and emergency management areas.
