EP-4740491-A1 - VEHICLE INCIDENT DATA RECOVERY OF DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE EVENT DATA

EP4740491A1EP 4740491 A1EP4740491 A1EP 4740491A1EP-4740491-A1

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for distributing a copy of event data recorder (EDR) data of a vehicle includes sending index information uniquely identifying respective member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network that include candidate vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle, sending a fragment of a private key associated with EDR data of the host vehicle to the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, distributing segments of replicated EDR data from the host vehicle among the respective member vehicles, and responsive to an expiration of a predetermined lifecycle duration associated with the dynamic vehicle network and an absence of an incident of the host vehicle: disbanding the dynamic vehicle network, and initiating a next dynamic vehicle network including a set of next candidate vehicles.

Inventors

LIU, TAO
Liu, Xinpeng
XU, XIAOYUN
YANG, YANG

Assignees

International Business Machines Corporation

Dates

Publication Date: 20260513
Application Date: 20240611

Claims (20)

1 . A computer-implemented method for distributing a copy of event data recorder (EDR) data of a vehicle, the method comprising: sending, by the one or more processors, index information uniquely identifying respective member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network, wherein member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network include candidate vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle; sending, by the one or more processors, a fragment of a private key associated with EDR data of the host vehicle to the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the fragment is sent in a text format and includes a position offset of the fragment of the private key; distributing, by the one or more processors, segments of replicated EDR data from the host vehicle among the respective member vehicles, wherein an EDR data segment is associated with an index identification of the respective member vehicles and includes a timestamp of the segment of the EDR data; and responsive to an expiration of a predetermined lifecycle duration associated with the dynamic vehicle network and an absence of an incident of the host vehicle, disbanding, by the one or more processors, the dynamic vehicle network, and initiating a next dynamic vehicle network including a set of next candidate vehicles.
2 The method of claim 1 , wherein disbandment of the dynamic vehicle network includes sending instructions to the member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network to delete the segments of replicated EDR data that is encrypted, the fragment of the private key and the position offset, the index information, and vehicle identification numbers (VI Ns) of the respective member vehicles shared with the member vehicles.
3 The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprises: sending, by the one or more processors, invitations to the candidate vehicles within a pre-determined geo distance of the host vehicle to join the dynamic vehicle network; and responsive to the candidate vehicles joining the dynamic vehicle network as the member vehicles, receiving, by the one or more processors, a vehicle identification number (VI N) of the respective member vehicles, wherein the invitations to join the dynamic vehicle network, responses from the candidate vehicles, and formation of the dynamic vehicle network occurs during operation of the host vehicle and the candidate vehicles.
4 The method of any preceding claim, wherein responsive to detecting the incident occurring to the host vehicle, saving the replicated EDR data distributed to the member vehicles in segments to local storage of the respective member vehicles.
5 The method of any preceding claim, wherein the dynamic vehicle network includes a temporary predetermined lifecycle duration.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the expiration of the pre-determined lifecycle duration is initiated by detection of at least one criterion selected from the group consisting of expiration of a pre-determined time period, exceeding a pre-determined distance traveled, and a V2V communication signal from at least one member vehicle of the dynamic vehicle network falling below a threshold of signal intensity.
7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network include at least two member vehicles and the host vehicle.
8 The method of any preceding claim, wherein an encrypted vehicle identification number (VI N) of the respective member vehicles and the index information is sent to a central data repository for vehicle incident investigation following formation of the dynamic vehicle network, and prior to initiation of segmenting and sending EDR data to the member vehicles.
9 The method of any preceding claim, wherein the segments of EDR data and corresponding timestamps are encrypted using the private key.
10 The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: responsive to detecting involvement of the host vehicle in the incident, sending, by the one or more processors, instructions to the member vehicles to retain stored segments of EDR data and corresponding timestamps; retrieving, by the one or more processors, from the respective member vehicles, the fragment of the private key and the position offset sent to the respective members of the dynamic vehicle network; reconstructing, by the one or more processors, the private key based on the index information and the position offset of respective fragments received from the member vehicles; retrieving, by the one or more processors, the segments of replicated EDR data and corresponding timestamps from the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps are encrypted; decrypting, by the one or more processors, the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps using the private key; and generating, by the one or more processors, the replicated EDR data based on the corresponding timestamps of the segments of replicated EDR data and the index information.
11 A system for distributing a copy of event data recorder (EDR) data of a vehicle, the system comprising: a computer processor; at least one computer-readable storage medium and program instructions stored on the at least one computer-readable storage medium that are executed by the computer processor, the program instructions comprising: program instructions to send index information uniquely identifying respective member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network, wherein member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network include candidate vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle; program instructions to send a fragment of a private key associated with EDR data of the host vehicle to the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the fragment is sent in a text format and includes a position offset of the fragment of the private key; program instructions to distribute segments of replicated EDR data from the host vehicle among the respective member vehicles, wherein an EDR data segment is associated with an index identification of the respective member vehicles and includes a timestamp of the segment of the EDR data; and responsive to an expiration of a predetermined lifecycle duration associated with the dynamic vehicle network and an absence of an incident of the host vehicle, program instructions to disband the dynamic vehicle network, and initiate a next dynamic vehicle network including a set of next candidate vehicles.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein program instructions to disband the dynamic vehicle network includes sending instructions to the member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network to delete the segments of replicated EDR data that is encrypted, the fragment of the private key and the position offset, the index information, and vehicle identification numbers (VI Ns) of the respective member vehicles shared with the member vehicles.
13. The system of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising: sending, by the one or more processors, invitations to the candidate vehicles within a pre-determined geo distance of the host vehicle to join the dynamic vehicle network; and responsive to the candidate vehicles joining the dynamic vehicle network as the member vehicles, receiving, by the one or more processors, a vehicle identification number (VI N) of the respective member vehicles, wherein the invitations to join the dynamic vehicle network, responses from the candidate vehicles, and formation of the dynamic vehicle network occurs while the host vehicle and the candidate vehicles are in operation, and wherein the dynamic vehicle network that is formed includes a predetermined lifecycle duration that is temporary.
14. The system of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein responsive to detecting the incident occurring to the host vehicle, saving the replicated EDR data distributed to the member vehicles in segments to local storage of the respective member vehicles.
15. The system of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the expiration of the predetermined lifecycle duration is initiated by detection of at least one criterion selected from a group consisting of, expiration of a pre-determined time period, exceeding a pre-determined distance traveled, and a V2V communication signal from at least one member vehicle of the dynamic vehicle network falling below a threshold of signal intensity.
16. The system of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein an encrypted vehicle identification number (VI N) of the respective member vehicles and the index information is sent to a central data repository for vehicle incident investigation, following formation of the dynamic vehicle network and prior to initiation of segmenting and sending EDR data to the member vehicles.
17. The system of any of claims 11 to 16, further comprising: responsive to detecting involvement of the host vehicle in the incident, program instructions to send instructions to the member vehicles to retain stored segments of EDR data and corresponding timestamps; program instructions to retrieve from the respective member vehicles, the fragment of the private key and the position offset sent to the respective members of the dynamic vehicle network; program instructions to reconstruct the private key based on the index information and the position offset of respective fragments received from the member vehicles; program instructions to retrieve the segments of replicated EDR data and corresponding timestamps from the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps are encrypted; program instructions to decrypt the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps using the private key; and program instructions to generate the replicated EDR data based on the corresponding timestamps of the segments of replicated EDR data and the index information.
18. A computer program product for distributing a copy of event data recorder (EDR) data of a vehicle, the method comprising: at least one computer-readable storage medium, and program instructions stored on the at least one computer-readable storage medium, the program instructions comprising: program instructions to send index information uniquely identifying respective member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network, wherein member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network include candidate vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle; program instructions to send a fragment of a private key associated with EDR data of the host vehicle to the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the fragment is sent in a text format and includes a position offset of the fragment of the private key; program instructions to distribute segments of replicated EDR data from the host vehicle among the respective member vehicles, wherein an EDR data segment is associated with an index identification of the respective member vehicles and includes a timestamp of the segment of the EDR data; and responsive to an expiration of a predetermined lifecycle duration associated with the dynamic vehicle network and an absence of an incident of the host vehicle, program instructions to disband the dynamic vehicle network, and initiate a next dynamic vehicle network including a set of next candidate vehicles.
19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein program instructions to disband the dynamic vehicle network includes sending instructions to the member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network to delete the segments of replicated EDR data that is encrypted, the fragment of the private key and the position offset, and the index information, and vehicle identification numbers (VI Ns) shared with the member vehicles, and wherein the expiration of the predetermined lifecycle duration is initiated by detection of at least one criterion selected from a group consisting of, expiration of a pre-determined time period, exceeding a pre-determined distance traveled, and a V2V communication signal from at least one member vehicle of the dynamic vehicle network falling below a threshold of signal intensity.
20. The computer program product of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising: responsive to detecting involvement of the host vehicle in the incident, program instructions to send instructions to the member vehicles to retain stored segments of EDR data and corresponding timestamps; program instructions to retrieve from the respective member vehicles, the fragment of the private key and the position offset sent to the respective members of the dynamic vehicle network; program instructions to reconstruct the private key based on the index information and the position offset of respective fragments received from the member vehicles; program instructions to retrieve the segments of replicated EDR data and corresponding timestamps from the respective member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network, wherein the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps are encrypted; program instructions to decrypt the segments of replicated EDR data and the corresponding timestamps using the private key; and program instructions to generate the replicated EDR data based on the corresponding timestamps of the segments of replicated EDR data and the index information.

Description

VEHICLE INCIDENT DATA RECOVERY OF DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE EVENT DATA BACKGROUND [0001] The present invention relates to recovery of vehicle event data and more specifically, to distributing recorded event data to member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network. [0002] Contemporary transportation vehicles embrace a growing complement of technologies and automation, such as global positioning systems (GPS), edge computing communication, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. V2V communications can exchange information regarding the operation of vehicles, such as speed and position of surrounding vehicles. V2V communication enables vehicles to broadcast and receive omni-directional messages up to 10 times per second, establishing a 360° awareness of vehicles in near proximity. In addition to current use of radars and cameras to detect potential threats during vehicle operation, V2V communication technology enhances avoidance of threats by offering alerts or in some cases automated responses. [0003] Vehicles may be configured with an event data recorder (EDR), which includes the on-board recording and saving of multiple vehicle conditions and attributes when triggered by an event, such as sudden change in acceleration, direction, or safety feature deployment. In some cases, an EDR device may continuously record vehicle operational data in a loop, writing over previous data after completing a recording of a loop. The EDR device typically records and saves data during a set time period from before, during, and after the detection of a vehicle incident. EDR data may include occupant behavior (i.e., number of people in the car, who is wearing a seatbelt); driver inputs (steering, accelerator and brake); the position, speed and yaw angle of the automobile; and other details like the deployment of safety systems and passenger protection systems, as well as the force of any impact that might take place, combined with a diagnostic of the automobile's systems taken during the same period of time. [0004] EDR data is often used in reconstruction and investigation of vehicle incidents, such as break-downs, loss of control, collisions, fire, failure of vehicle features, and other events often referred to as accidents. The data also include information about the performance of vehicle functions, systems and safety features, and can contribute to identifying design issues or discrepancies between specifications and performance. Such information and feedback can be used to further improve incident avoidance, performance of vehicle features, and safety features protecting drivers and passengers. In some jurisdictions (i.e., states), EDR data is considered part of the property of the vehicle, and therefore the property of the owner of the vehicle. In such jurisdictions, access to the EDR data by other than the owner requires permission. In some cases, the EDR data is protected by encryption and requires a private key of the owner to access and view/analyze the recorded data. In other cases, within different jurisdictions, EDR data may be transmitted to a central data center that is used to facilitate vehicle incident investigations, however, data volume and transmission lag and/or interference may limit the availability and usefulness of a centralized data storage. Conversely, EDR data may be compromised as a result of a vehicle incident, such as a collision, fire, theft, or performance failure of vehicle features (e.g., unexpected air bag deployment, failure of ABS systems, autonomous vehicle failure, etc.). SUMMARY [0005] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computer system are provided for distributing a copy of event data recorder (EDR) data of a host vehicle. The computer-implemented method includes sending, by one or more processors, index information uniquely identifying respective member vehicles of a dynamic vehicle network. The member vehicles of the dynamic vehicle network include candidate vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle. The computer- implemented method further includes sending, by the one or more processors, a fragment of a private key associated with EDR data of the host vehicle to the respective member vehicles located within a predetermined geo distance of a host vehicle. The computer-implemented method further includes distributing, by the one or more processors, segments of replicated EDR data from the host vehicle among the respective member vehicles. The EDR data segment is associated with an index identification of the respective member vehicles and includes a timestamp of the segment of the EDR data. The computer-implemented method further includes, responsive to an expiration of a predetermined lifecycle duration associated with the dynamic vehicle network and an absence of an incident of the host vehicle, disbanding, by one or more processors, the dynamic vehicle network, and initiat