Institute of Information Resource Management

Director: Prof. Dr. Hans Peter Großmann

Over the past years IT-based assistance systems have found their way into many areas of everyday life. They obtain detailed information about their environment with the help of suitable sensors, provide user support in handling devices, and offer help in tackling problems and potential dangers. In this context, the Institute of Information Resource Management particularly focuses on networking these systems. Thus important sensory data may be collected, analyzed, and processed for the purpose of integration into a super ordinate information system. To enable this information exchange, intelligent concepts are required to ensure simple yet dynamic networking and meet high standards in terms of quality of service.

In addition to the networking of stationary modules, information exchange between mobile systems is set to play a key role in the future. It is especially relevant for inter-vehicle communication and places high demands on future communication systems within and around the vehicle. So-called ad-hoc networks help increase driving safety in two ways: on the one hand, by broadening the driver’s visual range and, on the other hand, by providing assistance in passing another vehicle, warning about keeping a safety distance between vehicles, and helping in the development of an ideal driving strategy. Therefore, particular care needs to be taken when transmitting data packets in order to avoid delays or loss of information due to transmission errors.

Moreover, applications not related to driving safety, such as electronic payment at gas stations or on toll roads as well as inter-vehicle chatting, offer a high degree of comfort and entertainment.

On the basis of its own traffic simulation tool, the Institute of Information Resource Management develops new protocols for intelligent networking within and between vehicles. Our aim is to enable efficient data exchange. Furthermore, the protocols are implemented in real hardware so that, with the help of a demonstrator, the developed theory (and consequently its practical usage) can be verified.