Wireless Vehicle Communications via DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications)

With the announcement on the 10/11/8 of valuable seed funding from the NSW Government we think it is appropriate to answer some of the questions that the cluster members may have.

Can there be more than one Wireless Vehicle Communications project?

Definitely. A great result would be to have several projects demonstrating different applications in different states.

What will decide the project?

The exact scope of the Wireless Vehicle Communications project(s) is not yet decided. ESA wants its projects to have commercial potential. Therefore the ideal project is customer-driven with a strong customer lead. Candidates include transport and logistics, tolling and safety applications on a motorway, pedestrian crossings and school zone safety, and infrastructure damage protection (tunnels and bridges).

How is a project funded?

The NSW Government have been very generous in providing vital seed funding towards transport and logistics related applications. However, regardless of the project, the bulk of resources will come from team members, e.g. in-kind and cash.

What factors determine which companies are on a project team?

A successful project will require strong collaboration built on goodwill and trust. Furthermore, each member must be convinced that their team mates are adding value and working for the good of the group. We expect that to a large extent a team will be selfselecting. The cluster executive will manage a voting process if this helps team formation. Note that each project team member will be required to be a cluster sponsor which will support the general cluster program for the year. If you have not already registered your interest in being part of the DSRC:Connect Team that will deliver these projects, it is vital that you register your interest with Neil Temperley (NICTA) Neil [dot] Temperleynicta [dot] com [dot] au ASAP!

What about IP?

Ultimately a team must decide the nature of the project agreement. We propose the following proven IP model for the DSRC:Connect Team partners:

• Background IP (i.e. pre-existing IP):

  • Partners may use freely within the project.
  • Owning partner must licence (for royalty) if required to enable use of Foreground IP.

• Foreground IP (i.e. new IP created within the project):

  • Creating Partner owns solely or jointly.
  • Owner can freely on-sell or sub-license without accounting.
  • Other Partners granted non-exclusive, royalty-free licences for own use and exploitation.
  • Creating Partner may freely license to others without consent or accounting.
  • Non-owners may not license or disclose to others except where inherent in their own products.

What is the timeframe for the seed funding?

NSW Government is offering up to $100,000 on condition that matching funding be raised. The required timeframe is to have an appropriate project scoped out, along with team and matched funding all in place by mid-June 2009.

How do I get involved?

Contact Neil Temperley (NICTA) Neil [dot] Temperleynicta [dot] com [dot] au