The IVA Project for I2V Communication: An Experimental Study in the City of Rome

The Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) project, backed by the Lazio Region, harnesses advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 5G technologies to enhance traffic safety through real-time infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication. Utilizing real-time video processing, the IVA system identifies roadway anomalies such as accidents, rapid queue formations, and dangerous driving behaviors. This study rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of various communication strategies in mitigating the impacts of these events on the network. Specifically, a comprehensive simulation framework employing Dynasmart dynamic traffic assignment models is developed to account for mixed traffic flows, considering both human-driven and autonomous vehicles. The evaluation focuses on three aspects: the spatial distribution of information, the temporal reactivity to events, and the nature of the messages conveyed (alerts versus prescriptive instructions). Focusing on a case study in Rome's EUR district, simulation scenarios assess the optimal dissemination of messages across the most incident-prone hotspots. Findings reveal that real-time, targeted communication markedly diminishes congestion, enhances rerouting efficiency, and bolsters overall traffic safety, positioning IVA as an indispensable tool for intelligent transportation systems.