A token-based system and method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping

Abstract

The present application relates to a system and method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping based on tokens, including: a number of vehicle sensing devices, arranged at each side of the intersection, for scanning vehicles coming from the intersection and sending out sensing signals; a control center, electrically connected to the vehicle sensing devices, for receiving and processing sensing signals, marking the coming vehicles, and sending out control commands; a driving token, electrically connected to the control center, for receiving control signals, and moving synchronously with the marked vehicles under the command of the control signals; a circular track, arranged between the intersections in two directions, and the driving tokens are circulated on the circular track; the driving tokens limit the speed of the moving vehicles, so that the vehicles travel at the speed of the driving tokens, and go straight, turn left or turn right under the restrictions of the driving tokens. The system of the present application enables vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, thereby improving the driving efficiency of vehicle intersections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of road traffic management and control technology, and in particular to a token-based system and method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping. Background Art

[0002] Numerous studies have shown that congestion is most severe at urban intersections, with the majority of traffic delays concentrated at these intersections. The capacity of at-grade intersections is less than 50% of the road's capacity. Generally speaking, vehicles entering an intersection are often forced to change their driving state due to traffic lights. Both full and partial stops result in lost vehicle travel time. Traditional traffic light-controlled intersections have numerous drawbacks, making it extremely easy for vehicles approaching or passing through intersections to cause traffic congestion, even leading to traffic accidents, resulting in wasted resources and economic losses.

[0003] In the related art, a device for guiding vehicles to pass through an intersection without stopping based on a vehicle speed induction strategy is disclosed, including a signal control unit and an on-board control unit, wherein the signal control unit communicates with the on-board control unit via wireless communication; the signal control unit includes a signal controller, a signal control unit GPS module, a microprocessor control unit MCU and a signal control unit ZigBee wireless transmission unit; the signal controller and the signal control unit GPS module are respectively connected to the input end of the microprocessor control unit MCU for receiving the real-time signal of the traffic light at the intersection and the position signal of the traffic light at the intersection; the output end of the microprocessor control unit MCU is connected to the signal control unit ZigBee wireless transmission unit, and the signal control unit is connected to the signal control unit via the signal control unit. The Zigbee wireless transmission unit communicates data with the on-board control unit; the on-board control unit includes the on-board control unit Zigbee wireless transmission unit, the on-board control unit GPS module, the on-board sensing unit, the on-board microprocessor control unit MCU and the on-board intelligent terminal; the on-board control unit Zigbee wireless transmission unit, the on-board control unit GPS module and the on-board sensing unit are respectively connected to the input end of the on-board microprocessor control unit MCU, and are used to communicate data with the signal control unit through the on-board control unit Zigbee wireless transmission unit, and receive the vehicle's position signal and the vehicle's operating status signal. The output end of the on-board microprocessor control unit MCU is connected to the on-board intelligent terminal, and is used to display the vehicle's driving guidance information.

[0004] Through the above-mentioned related technologies, the inventors found that although the induced speed range that allows the vehicle to pass through the intersection without stopping can be obtained by real-time analysis of the traffic light signal timing of the intersection section and the distance between the intersection and the vehicle, in actual operation, due to the driver's personal habits and experience, it is very easy for the vehicle to not drive according to the induced speed, which ultimately results in low traffic efficiency at the intersection and fails to achieve the purpose of effectively alleviating traffic pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a token-based system and method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, which can accurately control vehicles to pass through intersections without requiring vehicles to stop and wait, thereby improving the efficiency of vehicles passing through intersections, alleviating the pressure of urban traffic, and reducing the occurrence of accidents.

[0006] The present application provides a token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through an intersection without stopping, comprising:

[0008] A number of vehicle sensing devices are installed at each side of the intersection to scan vehicles approaching the intersection and emit sensing signals;

[0009] The control center is electrically connected to the vehicle sensing device, and is used to receive and process sensing signals, mark incoming vehicles, and issue control commands;

[0010] The driving token is electrically connected to the control center and is used to receive control signals and move synchronously with the marked vehicle under the command of the control signal;

[0011] A circular track is set between the intersections in two directions, and the driving token is circulated on the circular track;

[0012] The driving token limits the speed of the moving vehicle, so that the vehicle travels according to the speed of the driving token and can go straight, turn left or right under the restriction of the driving token.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the vehicle sensing device is configured as a camera, which is set at a distance of 50-100m from the intersection to take real-time photos of passing vehicles and transmit the photographed vehicle information to the control center. The control center assigns driving tokens to passing vehicles based on the vehicle information.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the driving token includes a mobile body and a speed control device arranged on the mobile body. The mobile body is arranged to move on a circular track. The speed control device is connected to the mobile body and is located above the driving lane, and is used to limit the speed of vehicles passing below.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the mobile body includes a frame slidingly set on a circular track, a power mechanism that drives the frame to move, and an on-board computer set on the frame. The on-board computer is connected to the power mechanism and controls the operation of the power mechanism. The control center is connected to the on-board computer. The on-board computer is used to receive control commands issued by the control center. The speed control device is connected to the frame.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the speed control device includes a mounting shaft connected to the side of the frame and a control mechanism connected to the mounting shaft. The control mechanism is distributed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle to limit the vehicle's driving speed.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the control mechanism includes a connecting rod arranged perpendicular to the mounting axis, limit plates arranged perpendicularly at both ends of the connecting rod, and a hydraulic device for driving the two limit plates to rotate away from each other. The connecting rod is arranged above or on the side of the corresponding vehicle, the two limit plates are arranged at the front and rear ends of the corresponding vehicle, and the hydraulic device is controlled by an on-board computer.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, both of the limit plates are provided with an anti-collision alarm device and an audible and visual alarm device connected to the anti-collision alarm device.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the control mechanism includes a connecting rod arranged perpendicular to the installation axis and an infrared alarm device arranged at the front end or the front and rear ends of the connecting rod.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the circular track is arranged above the markings between adjacent lanes, the plane or curved surface where the circular track is located is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the driving token rises and falls and moves horizontally on the circular track, and the circular track is an up and down lifting part at the exit position of the intersection.

[0021] The present application provides a token-based method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, which adopts the following technical solutions:

[0022] A token-based method for controlling a vehicle to pass through an intersection without stopping comprises the following steps:

[0023] The vehicle sensing device scans the vehicles entering the intersection and transmits the vehicle information to the control center. The control center issues a command to the driving token, and the driving token starts to move on the circular track.

[0024] The driving token moves synchronously with the incoming vehicle under the control of the onboard computer. The control mechanism is deployed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle to limit the speed of the vehicle.

[0025] Under the control of the computer program in the control center, the driving tokens entering the intersection from various intersections will not cross or collide with each other, so that vehicles can pass through the intersection without stopping;

[0026] After the driving token escorts the vehicle through the intersection, it returns to the starting point from the upper track of the circular track.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] 1. In this application, a vehicle sensing device is used to detect vehicles coming towards the intersection and mark each vehicle. Then, the control center distributes driving tokens to the marked vehicles. The driving tokens are blocked at the front and rear sides of the vehicle and use their own driving speed to limit the driving speed of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can pass through the intersection within the speed range required by the driving tokens. Since the driving tokens are under the unified control and dispatch of the control center, there will be no contact between vehicles traveling at the intersection, which means that vehicles can pass through the intersection without stopping, thereby improving the efficiency of vehicles passing through the intersection and effectively alleviating the traffic pressure in the city.

[0029] 2. The system of the present application is arranged above the road, which will not occupy a large road space, will not affect normal driving on the road, and can effectively utilize the space above the road.

[0030] 3. The system of the present application uses a computer to control the speed of the driving token, which is more precise and can control the speed of the vehicle more accurately, thereby ensuring a safe distance between vehicles.

[0031] 4. In this application, alarm devices are set at the front and rear ends of the control mechanism. Once the front or rear end of the vehicle exceeds the range of the control mechanism, the alarm device will be triggered to remind the driver to drive at the speed required by the driving token, thereby ensuring driving safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the system in Example 1 of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of driving tokens on the circular track in Example 1 of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving token in Example 1 of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the driving token in Example 2 of the present application;

[0036] In the figure, 1. Vehicle sensing device; 2. Control center; 3. Driving token; 4. Circular track; 5. Moving vehicle body; 51. Vehicle frame; 52. On-board computer; 6. Speed ​​control device; 61. Mounting shaft; 62. Connecting rod; 63. Limiting plate; 64. Hydraulic device; 65. Anti-collision alarm device; 66. Sound and light alarm device; 67. Infrared alarm device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following is combined with Figure 1 -Attached Figure 4 , further details of this application are given.

[0038] Example 1: This application proposes a token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, referring to Figure 1 A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping includes a vehicle sensing device 1, a control center 2, a driving token 3, and a circular track 4. The system is set at a position higher than the vehicle at the intersection to avoid affecting driving, wherein the driving token 3 is slidably set on the circular track 4.

[0039] Several vehicle sensing devices 1 are installed on each side of the intersection, scanning vehicles approaching the intersection and emitting sensing signals. In this embodiment, the vehicle sensing devices 1 utilize high-definition cameras, with one installed for each lane on each side of the intersection. These devices capture incoming vehicles in that lane and transmit the captured vehicle information as a data signal to the control center 2, which then marks the captured vehicles. The vehicle sensing devices 1 are installed 50-100 meters from the intersection, with the specific distance determined by the intersection's traffic volume. High traffic requires a longer installation distance, while low traffic requires a shorter installation distance.

[0040] The control center 2 uses a computer server and can be set up on site to control the traffic at the intersection, or a general control center 2 can be set up at multiple intersections. The control center 2 is electrically connected to the vehicle sensing device 1 through a data transmission optical fiber, and is used to receive and process the data signals captured by the vehicle sensing device 1, and mark the captured oncoming vehicles. At the same time, a control command is issued to the driving token 3, and the driving token 3 executes speed control of the oncoming vehicles, so that the oncoming vehicles do not need to stop to pass through the intersection and will not interfere with other oncoming vehicles.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and 2The circular track 4 is set between the intersections in two directions, escorting vehicles from one intersection to another and then out of the intersection. When specifically set up, the circular track 4 is set above the markings between adjacent lanes. In this embodiment, the circular track 4 is divided into three types, corresponding to left-turn lanes, straight-ahead lanes and right-turn lanes, to assist vehicles in turning left, going straight and turning right. The circular track 4 is a plane or a curved surface, and the plane or curved surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The circular track 4 includes upper and lower straight tracks and curved tracks at both ends. The driving token 3 rises and falls on the curved tracks and then moves horizontally on the straight tracks. When the circular track 4 is installed, it can be supported by multiple supporting load-bearing columns fixed to the road surface. The supporting load-bearing columns are installed on one side of the circular track 4, and the driving token 3 is set on the other side of the circular track 4. The upper and lower tracks between the circular tracks 4 in different directions are cross-connected, that is, a cross-shaped joint is set at the intersection node so that the driving token 3 in both directions can pass through the cross-shaped joint.

[0042] Driving tokens 4 circulate on circular tracks 4. Each track 4 is equipped with multiple driving tokens 3, which move along with the vehicles on the lower track. Driving tokens 3 are connected to the control center 2 via a data transmission line or wirelessly. They receive control signals from the control center 2 and, in response to these signals, move synchronously with the tagged vehicles. Driving tokens 3 limit the speed of moving vehicles, forcing them to travel at the speed set by the driving tokens 3. Vehicles can proceed straight, turn left, or turn right within the constraints of the driving tokens, thus preventing vehicles from coming into contact with each other at the intersection and eliminating the need to stop.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 The driving token 3 includes a mobile body 5 and a speed control device 6. The mobile body 5 is movably installed on the circular track 4 and can change speed and move and automatically brake on the circular track 4. The speed control device 6 is connected to the side of the mobile body 5 away from the circular track 4, and the speed control device 6 is located above the vehicle lane. The moving vehicle is located below the speed control device 6. The speed control device 6 limits the speed of vehicles passing below.

[0044] The mobile vehicle body 5 includes a frame 51, an on-board computer 52 and a power mechanism. Among them, there is a running wheel mechanism on the frame 51, which can be limited and moved on the circular track 4, so that it is not easy to fall off the circular track 4, ensuring the safety of the driving token 3 when in use. The on-board computer 52 is installed on the frame 51, and the control center 2 is connected to the on-board computer 52 through wireless connection technology. The on-board computer 52 is used to receive control commands issued by the control center 2 and execute the commands. The power mechanism is installed on the frame 51. In this embodiment, the power mechanism adopts the structure of an engine and a battery, and drives the movement of the frame 51 by electricity. At the same time, the on-board computer 52 is connected to the power mechanism and controls the operation of the power mechanism, including start and stop and speed control.

[0045] The speed control device 6 includes a mounting shaft 61 and a control mechanism. The mounting shaft is a hollow structure with one end fixed to the side of the frame 51. The control mechanism is installed at the other end of the mounting shaft 61. The mounting shaft 61 not only supports the load, but also facilitates the laying of pipelines inside.

[0046] When in use, the control mechanism should be distributed at the front and rear ends of the moving vehicle to limit the speed of the moving vehicle from both the front and rear directions, so that the vehicle speed is neither too fast nor too slow, and it can pass through the intersection safely and smoothly. In this embodiment, the control mechanism includes a connecting rod 62, a limit plate 63 and a hydraulic device 64. The middle section of the connecting rod 62 is fixedly connected to the end of the mounting shaft 6 and is perpendicular to the mounting shaft 61. Two limit plates 63 are provided, which are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the connecting rod 62. The two limit plates 63 are rotatably connected to the connecting rod 62. The hydraulic device 64 adopts the structure of a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic pump station. The hydraulic pump station is arranged in the mobile vehicle body 5. The hydraulic cylinder is connected between the connecting rod 62 and the limit plate 63, and is used to control the relative angle between the connecting rod 62 and the limit plate 63; in this embodiment, the connecting rod and the limit plate 63 switch between two states, the limit plate 63 is perpendicular to the connecting rod 62 and the axis is parallel. When the limit plate 63 is perpendicular to the connecting rod 62, the limit plate 63 is in a state of blocking the front and rear ends of the vehicle. When the limit plate 63 is parallel to the axis of the connecting rod 62, the limit plate 63 is equivalent to being retracted, which will not affect the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The connecting rod 62 can be positioned above or to the side of the vehicle, depending on the length of the mounting shaft 61. If the mounting shaft 61 is shorter, the connecting rod 62 is positioned to the side of the vehicle, and the limit plate 63 can be opened or retracted horizontally. If the mounting shaft 61 is longer, the connecting rod 62 is positioned above the vehicle, and the limit plate 63 can be opened or retracted vertically. In this embodiment, the operation of the hydraulic device 64 is also controlled by the onboard computer 52.

[0047] In order to conveniently remind the driver to control the correct driving speed, in this embodiment, an anti-collision alarm device 65 and an audible and visual alarm device 66 are provided on the limit plate 63. The anti-collision alarm device 65 and the audible and visual alarm device 66 are both connected to the on-board computer 52. When the vehicle contacts the front and rear end limit plates 63, the anti-collision alarm device 65 will be triggered. The anti-collision alarm device 65 will transmit the collision information to the on-board computer 52. The on-board computer 52 controls the audible and visual alarm device 66 to issue an audible and visual alarm to remind the driver to drive at the required speed.

[0048] Example 2: The difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the structure of the control mechanism is different. In this embodiment, the control mechanism includes a connecting rod 62 and an infrared alarm device 67. The middle section of the connecting rod 62 is fixedly connected to the end of the mounting shaft 61 and is perpendicular to the mounting shaft 61. The infrared alarm device 67 is installed at the front and rear ends of the connecting rod 62, and there is at least one at each end. The infrared alarm device 67 can emit infrared light perpendicular to the road surface. The infrared light is blocked at the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is exposed to the infrared light, the infrared alarm device 67 will be triggered to remind the driver that the vehicle is driving too slowly or too fast and should maintain the same speed as the driving token 3.

[0049] The present application also proposes a token-based method for controlling a vehicle to pass through an intersection without stopping, comprising the following steps:

[0050] The vehicle sensing device 1 scans the vehicles about to enter the intersection at each side of the road, and transmits the vehicle information to the control center 2. The control center 2 sends a command to the on-board computer 52 on the driving token 3. The on-board computer 52 controls the power mechanism to start, so that the driving token 3 starts to move on the lower track of the circular track 4;

[0051] The driving token 3 moves synchronously with the incoming vehicle under the control of the onboard computer 52, and then the control mechanism is deployed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle to limit the speed of the vehicle;

[0052] Under the control of the computer program of the control center 2, the driving tokens 3 entering the intersection from various road intersections will not cross or collide with each other, so that vehicles can pass through the intersection without stopping;

[0053] After driving token 3 escorts the vehicle through the intersection, it returns to the starting point from the upper track of the circular track and escorts the vehicle through the intersection again.

[0054] The examples of this specific embodiment are all preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, any equivalent changes made based on the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, characterized in that: include: A plurality of vehicle sensing devices (1) are arranged at each side of the intersection, for scanning vehicles approaching the intersection and sending sensing signals; A control center (2) is electrically connected to the vehicle sensing device (1) and is used to receive and process sensing signals, mark oncoming vehicles, and issue control commands; A driving token (3) is electrically connected to the control center (2) and is used to receive a control signal and move synchronously with the marked vehicle under the command of the control signal; A circular track (4) is arranged between the intersections in two directions, and a driving token (3) is cyclically arranged on the circular track (4); The driving token (3) limits the speed of a moving vehicle, so that the vehicle drives according to the speed of the driving token (3) and drives straight, turns left or turns right under the restriction of the driving token (3). The driving token (3) comprises a moving vehicle body (5) and a speed control device (6) arranged on the moving vehicle body (5). The moving vehicle body (5) is movably arranged on a circular track (4). The speed control device (6) is connected to the moving vehicle body (5) and is located above the driving lane, and is used to limit the speed of vehicles passing below. The mobile vehicle (5) comprises a frame (51) slidably arranged on a circular track (4), a power mechanism for driving the frame (51) to move, and an on-board computer (52) arranged on the frame (51); the on-board computer (52) is connected to the power mechanism and controls the operation of the power mechanism; the control center (2) is connected to the on-board computer (52); the on-board computer (52) is used to receive control commands issued by the control center (2); and the speed control device (6) is connected to the frame (51); The speed control device (6) comprises a mounting shaft (61) connected to the side of the vehicle frame (51) and a control mechanism connected to the mounting shaft (61). The control mechanism is distributed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle and limits the driving speed of the vehicle. The control mechanism comprises a connecting rod (62) arranged perpendicularly to the mounting shaft (61), a limiting plate (63) arranged perpendicularly at both ends of the connecting rod (62), and a hydraulic device (64) driving the two limiting plates (63) to rotate in a direction away from each other. The connecting rod (62) is arranged above or to the side of the corresponding vehicle, and the two limiting plates (63) are arranged at the front and rear ends of the corresponding vehicle. The hydraulic device (64) is controlled by the on-board computer (52). The two limiting plates (63) are both provided with an anti-collision alarm device (65) and an audible and visual alarm device (66) connected to the anti-collision alarm device (65).

2. A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle sensing device (1) is configured as a camera, which is arranged at a distance of 50-100 m from the intersection, and takes real-time photos of passing vehicles, and transmits the photographed vehicle information to the control center (2). The control center (2) assigns a driving token (3) to the passing vehicle according to the vehicle information.

3. A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control mechanism comprises a connecting rod (62) arranged perpendicular to the installation axis (61) and an infrared alarm device (67) arranged at the front end or the front and rear ends of the connecting rod (62).

4. A token-based system for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circular track (4) is arranged above the markings between adjacent lanes. The plane or curved surface on which the circular track (4) is located is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The driving token (3) is lifted up and down and moved horizontally on the circular track (4). The circular track (4) is an up and down lifting part at the exit of the intersection.

5. A token-based method for controlling vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: The vehicle sensing device (1) scans the vehicles entering the intersection and transmits the vehicle information to the control center (2). The control center (2) issues a command to the driving token (3), and the driving token (3) starts to move on the circular track (4); The driving token (3) moves synchronously with the incoming vehicle under the control of the onboard computer (52), and the control mechanism is deployed at the front and rear ends of the vehicle to limit the speed of the vehicle; Under the control of the computer program of the control center (2), the driving tokens (3) entering the intersection from various intersections will not cross or collide with each other, so that vehicles can pass through the intersection without stopping; After the driving token (3) escorts the vehicle through the intersection, it returns to the starting point from the upper track of the circular track (4).

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