A visual intersection signal lamp general rapid timing simulation method

Abstract

The application discloses a visual intersection signal lamp general rapid timing simulation method, comprising the following steps: step S1, selecting an intersection needing signal lamp timing editing in a model, and generating a virtual signal lamp controller; step S2, generating a signal lamp model at the selected intersection; step S3, editing the generated signal lamp model, and adding a signal lamp control scheme; step S4, adding and moving a waiting area at the intersection; and step S5, completing signal lamp scheme editing, and simulating the signal lamp. Through the method, the adaptability of the simulation system is improved, the signal lamp timing method in the application is suitable for all intersections in the current road, and unnecessary repeated adjustment work can be reduced.

Description

A Visualized Intersection Traffic Light Universal Fast Timing Simulation Method Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of road control technology, specifically a visual, universal, and rapid timing simulation method for traffic lights at intersections. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of my country's economy and society and the advancement of urbanization, the number of motor vehicles is increasing daily, bringing with it increasingly prominent urban traffic problems. Issues such as traffic congestion, traffic accidents, and environmental pollution caused by vehicle exhaust have severely impacted the efficiency of urban road networks and municipal traffic management. Urban traffic managers urgently need to find reasonable and efficient traffic control solutions to address these problems. Among the many factors affecting the capacity of urban intersections, the optimized control of intersection traffic lights is crucial and a key aspect of modern traffic management. Using online real-time traffic simulation systems, urban traffic managers can observe and analyze changes in regional traffic flow, establish online simulation environments to reproduce real traffic flow conditions, optimize and adjust traffic light timing phases and parameters, simulate different traffic scenarios, and verify the effectiveness of traffic light schemes through online traffic simulation. Such systems have become effective experimental tools and exploratory platforms for traffic scheme decision support.

[0003] In the existing technology, the patent with publication number "CN110209068A" entitled "A Traffic Light Timing Optimization and Simulation Method" simulates traffic light timing by writing different phase control scripts for intersections with different numbers of lanes and calculating the timing duration of intersections with different numbers of lanes to perform phase adjustment and vehicle control. However, this method suffers from the problem of requiring different phase scripts to be written for intersections with different numbers of lanes, resulting in poor adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a universal and rapid timing simulation method for visual intersection traffic lights, in order to solve the problem mentioned in the background art, that the existing technology requires different phase scripts to be written for intersections with different numbers of lanes, resulting in poor adaptability.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A general and rapid timing simulation method for visual traffic lights at intersections includes the following steps:

[0007] Step S1: Select the intersection in the model where the traffic light timing needs to be edited, and generate a virtual traffic light controller.

[0008] Step S2: Generate traffic light models at the selected intersection;

[0009] Step S3: Edit the generated traffic light model and add traffic light control schemes;

[0010] Step S4: Add or move waiting areas at intersections with waiting areas;

[0011] Step S5: Complete the editing of the traffic light scheme and perform simulation of the traffic lights.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, in step S2, the traffic light model generation is specifically as follows:

[0013] Step A1: Obtain intersection information;

[0014] Step A2: Obtain intersection vertex information based on road information; the vertices are used to place traffic lights.

[0015] Step A3: Adjust the direction of the traffic lights according to the direction the road faces the intersection;

[0016] Step A4: Adjust the direction of the traffic light normal according to the road intersection normal vector;

[0017] Step A5: Adjust the number of traffic light indicators according to the number of lanes at the road intersection;

[0018] Step A6: Associate the traffic lights with the corresponding roads and lanes; and complete the generation of the traffic lights.

[0019] According to the above technical solution, in step A1, the intersection information includes the information of the roads connecting the intersection and the number of lanes on each road.

[0020] According to the above technical solution, the specific steps in step S3, including adding a traffic light control scheme, are as follows:

[0021] Step B1: Set the total simulation duration for the traffic light operation;

[0022] Step B2: Set the traffic light operating cycle;

[0023] Step B3: Set the running time of different indicator lights on the traffic lights to complete the traffic light scheme setup.

[0024] According to the above technical solution, the indicator lights are set as follows: First, generate convenient road straight, left turn and right turn signs at the intersection, then add phase 1, input the phase time, select the direction that the phase allows passage on the sign, and click the sign to turn it green;

[0025] Repeat the above process until multiple phases are added to fill all the cycle time, which means that one cycle of a traffic light at an intersection has been completed.

[0026] According to the above technical solution, the phase setting also includes an indicator light flashing setting.

[0027] According to the above technical solution, in step S4, the intersection settings for the waiting area are as follows:

[0028] First, based on the position of the starting lane, calculate the corresponding left-turn target lane. After obtaining the positions of the starting lane and the left-turn target lane, calculate the midpoint between the starting lane and the left-turn target lane. Based on the midpoint of the starting lane, the midpoint of the target lane, and the midpoint of the intersection, calculate the curved path. Then, generate the waiting area at one-quarter of the curved path.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, the curve path is calculated as follows:

[0030]

[0031] In the formula, P0 is the first point, P1 is the middle point, P2 is the end point, t is time, and B(t) is the change of Bézier curve B with time.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. The method in this invention improves the adaptability of the simulation system. The traffic light timing method in this invention is applicable to all intersections on existing roads, which can reduce unnecessary repetitive adjustment work.

[0034] 2. The method in this invention can include any phase, and each phase contains any lane trajectory, which can basically adapt to the generation of intersection timing schemes in all situations.

[0035] 3. The timing method in this invention can edit the waiting area and traffic light position at the intersection, which facilitates the adjustment of the waiting area and traffic light position, and makes the method in this invention adaptable to different intersections.

[0036] 4. The timing method in this invention can also be used in simulation by setting multiple different traffic light control schemes, which can be switched between different schemes, making it convenient to control the traffic light simulation, improving simulation efficiency, and achieving excellent results. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the intersection construction according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the intersection selection and signal addition of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the scheme setting and phase addition of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the addition of different phases in this invention;

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the placement of the signal lights according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of adding the waiting area in this invention;

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the modification of the waiting area position in this invention;

[0044] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the simulated operation of the traffic light according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the traffic light control of the intersection according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the correct timing of the signal light according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the actual measurement of traffic lights at different intersections according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the curve path of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a general and rapid timing simulation method for visual traffic lights at intersections includes the following steps:

[0052] Step S1, as shown in Figure 2, select the intersection in the model where the traffic light timing needs to be edited, and generate a virtual traffic light controller;

[0053] Step S2: Generate traffic light models at the selected intersection;

[0054] Step S3, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, involves editing the generated traffic light model and adding a traffic light control scheme.

[0055] Step S4, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, involves adding and moving waiting areas at intersections with waiting areas.

[0056] Step S5, as shown in Figure 8, complete the editing of the traffic light scheme and perform simulation of the traffic lights.

[0057] 1. The method in this invention improves the adaptability of the simulation system. The traffic light timing method in this invention is applicable to all intersections on existing roads, which can reduce unnecessary repetitive adjustment work.

[0058] 2. The method in this invention can include any phase, and each phase contains any lane trajectory, which can basically adapt to the generation of intersection timing schemes in all situations.

[0059] 3. The timing method in this invention can edit the waiting area and traffic light position at the intersection, which facilitates the adjustment of the waiting area and traffic light position, and makes the method in this invention adaptable to different intersections.

[0060] 4. The timing method in this invention can also be used in simulation by setting multiple different traffic light control schemes, which can be switched between different schemes, making it convenient to control the traffic light simulation, improving simulation efficiency, and achieving excellent results.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] This embodiment is a further refinement of Embodiment 1. In step S2, the traffic light model generation specifically involves:

[0063] In step S2, the traffic light model generation is specifically as follows:

[0064] Step A1: Obtain intersection information;

[0065] Step A2: Obtain intersection vertex information based on road information; the vertices are used to place traffic lights.

[0066] Step A3: Adjust the direction of the traffic lights according to the direction the road faces the intersection;

[0067] Step A4: Adjust the direction of the traffic light normal according to the road intersection normal vector;

[0068] Step A5: Adjust the number of traffic light indicators according to the number of lanes at the road intersection;

[0069] Step A6: Associate the traffic lights with the corresponding roads and lanes; and complete the generation of the traffic lights.

[0070] In step A1, the intersection information includes the road information connecting the intersection and the number of lanes on each road.

[0071] Specifically, the intersection vertex information is obtained based on the road information, and the position of vertex 1 is calculated based on the vertex information for automatic placement of traffic lights.

[0072] The direction vector from the road to the intersection is D = M0 - M1; used to automatically change the direction of traffic lights.

[0073] The road intersection normal vector N = P0-P1 is used to automatically update the traffic light normal direction.

[0074] Then, based on the number of lanes, such as 1 lane, 2 lanes, or 3 lanes, the traffic lights are generated to include 1 indicator light, 2 indicator lights, or 3 indicator lights.

[0075] The traffic lights are associated with the corresponding roads and lanes. For example, if a road has the default attributes of going straight, turning left, and turning right, the left turn light controls whether a vehicle is allowed to turn left, the straight light controls whether a vehicle is allowed to go straight, and the right turn light controls whether a vehicle is allowed to turn right.

[0076] Example 3

[0077] This embodiment is a further refinement of Embodiment 1. In step S3, the specific steps for adding the traffic light control scheme are as follows:

[0078] Step B1: Set the total simulation duration for the traffic light operation;

[0079] Step B2: Set the traffic light operating cycle;

[0080] Step B3: Set the running time of different indicator lights on the traffic lights to complete the traffic light scheme setup.

[0081] The indicator lights are set up as follows: First, generate convenient straight, left-turn, and right-turn signs at the intersection. Then, add phase 1, input the phase time, select the direction that is allowed to pass in this phase on the sign, and click the sign to turn it green.

[0082] Repeat the above process until multiple phases are added to fill all the cycle time, which means that one cycle of a traffic light at an intersection has been completed.

[0083] The phase settings also include indicator light flashing settings.

[0084] Specifically, the traffic light scheme addition is shown in Figure 3. Multiple schemes can be added for intersection traffic lights. Adding a scheme first involves setting the scheme's operating time period, such as 0-1200 seconds. This means the intersection traffic lights will operate according to this scheme for the first 1200 seconds after the simulation begins.

[0085] Next, set the traffic light operating cycle, for example, a cycle of 120 seconds, and then set the phase, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 below. (At a signal-controlled intersection, each control state (right of way), i.e., the combination of different light colors displayed for different directions of various approach lanes, is called a traffic light phase.)

[0086] First, generate convenient straight-ahead, left-turn, and right-turn signs at the intersection. Then, add Phase 1, enter the phase time, select the permitted direction for that phase on the sign, and click to turn the sign green.

[0087] The above process is repeated multiple times until multiple phases are added to fill all the cycle time, which means that one cycle of a traffic light at an intersection has been completed.

[0088] In the phase settings, you can choose whether to add flashing red, flashing green, yellow lights, and the all-red duration for the intersection. According to relevant regulations on road traffic lights in my country, the yellow light follows the green light. Flashing red and flashing green represent the last few seconds of the red light and the last few seconds of the green light, respectively. The all-red duration is the last few seconds after the end of a phase. The above can basically meet the different setting requirements of intersection traffic lights.

[0089] Example 4

[0090] This embodiment is a further refinement of Embodiment 1. In step S4, the intersection settings for the waiting area are specifically as follows:

[0091] First, based on the position of the starting lane, calculate the corresponding left-turn target lane. After obtaining the positions of the starting lane and the left-turn target lane, calculate the midpoint between the starting lane and the left-turn target lane. Based on the midpoint of the starting lane, the midpoint of the target lane, and the midpoint of the intersection, calculate the curved path. Then, generate the waiting area at one-quarter of the curved path.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12, the specific steps for calculating the curve path are as follows:

[0093]

[0094] In the formula, P0 is the first point, P1 is the middle point, P2 is the end point, t is time, and B(t) is the change of Bézier curve B with time.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the starting point of the waiting area trajectory is P0, the center point of the road is P1, and the center point of the target lane is P2. The curve shown in the figure can be drawn according to the formula. The waiting area is generated from the starting point P0 by about one-quarter of its length. The length of the waiting area is editable. The width of the waiting area is the same as the width of the starting lane, and the curvature is the same as that of the curve.

[0096] Example 5

[0097] The inventive concept of this invention is as follows: This embodiment uses Unity3D to build a virtual scene, restores the intersection and surrounding roads and terrain, and simulates the scene of the intersection in reality.

[0098] The first step is to construct a 3D virtual intersection. This involves building a virtual intersection and its surrounding roads.

[0099] The second step is to move the scene camera to the intersection where the intersection signal needs to be set and select the intersection;

[0100] The third step is to enter the name of the traffic light to be added. After confirmation, the traffic light model of the corresponding intersection and the traffic light phase timing panel to be edited will be automatically generated at the intersection.

[0101] The fourth step is to select an added scheme. Enter the intersection traffic light scheme addition panel, edit the phase of the scheme, select the lane and turn sign corresponding to the phase, and enter the phase time to complete the addition of a phase. After all phases are edited, calculate the total time of the traffic light scheme.

[0102] Step 5: Select the traffic light type. Traffic light types include flashing yellow, flashing red, and flashing green. Multiple traffic light types can be selected, and the default duration for all types is 3 seconds. You can enter the scheme's running time period and start time. This configuration allows the intersection's traffic light scheme to be triggered freely at different times during simulation. This greatly facilitates multi-scheme simulation of intersections.

[0103] Step 6: After editing the plan, return to the signal control machine interface, where you can select and set the position of the signal light head, as follows:

[0104] Click the traffic light position button to enter the traffic light position editing mode. Click the mouse on the intersection to select the traffic light at the desired location. After selection, the traffic light will move with the mouse cursor. Click the mouse again to place it, and then click the traffic light position button to exit the traffic light position editing mode. This traffic light position button allows for convenient placement of traffic lights at intersections.

[0105] Step 7: You can choose to set up a waiting area at the intersection, as follows:

[0106] 1. Click the intersection waiting area button to enter the intersection waiting area editing state. Click the lane where you want to generate the waiting area on the road associated with the intersection. After clicking, the intersection waiting area will be automatically generated for the corresponding lane. The generated intersection waiting area will automatically match the lane width, and the curvature will be based on the intersection turn sign to lead to the corresponding lane.

[0107] 2. The generated waiting area can be easily lengthened or shortened by clicking the marker line at the top of the waiting area and then dragging the mouse back and forth.

[0108] The eighth step, as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, involves system simulation. The traffic lights will change color according to the configured time, display the time, and most importantly, manage the intersection. This allows users to easily simulate the operation of road traffic lights, observe traffic congestion at intersections, modify traffic light timings, or add new ones. Users can freely configure intersection traffic light operation schemes and observe or obtain reports on intersection congestion and vehicle queuing under different traffic light timings, effectively alleviating intersection congestion.

[0109] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0110] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A general and rapid timing simulation method for visual traffic lights at intersections, characterized in that: The process includes the following steps: Step S1, selecting the intersection for which traffic light timing editing is required in the model and generating a virtual traffic light controller; Step S2, generating a traffic light model at the selected intersection; Step S2, specifically, the generation of the traffic light model involves: Step A1, obtaining intersection information; intersection information includes information on the roads connecting the intersection and the number of lanes on each road; Step A2, obtaining intersection vertex information based on the road information, with vertices used to place traffic lights; Step A3, adjusting the direction of the traffic lights according to the direction the roads face towards the intersection; Step A4, adjusting the direction of the traffic light normals according to the road intersection normal vector; Step A5, adjusting the direction of the traffic lights according to the number of lanes at the road intersection. Number of traffic lights; Step A6, associate the traffic lights with the corresponding roads and lanes; and complete the generation of the traffic lights; Step S3, edit the generated traffic light model and add traffic light control schemes; Step S4, add and move the waiting areas at intersections with waiting areas; The specific setting of the waiting area at an intersection is as follows: First, calculate the corresponding left-turn target lane based on the position of the starting lane. After obtaining the positions of the starting lane and the left-turn target lane, calculate the midpoint between the starting lane and the left-turn target lane. Based on the midpoint of the starting lane, the midpoint of the target lane, and the midpoint of the intersection, calculate the curved path; Then, generate the waiting area at one-quarter of the curved path; The specific calculation of the curved path is as follows: In the formula, P0 is the first point, P1 is the middle point, P2 is the end point, t is time, and B(t) is the change of Bézier curve B with time; Step S5, complete the editing of the traffic light scheme and simulate the traffic light.

2. The method for simulating the universal and rapid timing of traffic lights at visual intersections according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the traffic light control scheme is added as follows: Step B1, set the total simulation duration of the traffic light operation; Step B2, set the traffic light operation cycle; Step B3, set the running duration of different indicator lights of the traffic light to complete the setting of the traffic light scheme.

3. The method for simulating the universal and rapid timing of traffic lights at visual intersections according to claim 2, characterized in that: The indicator lights are set up as follows: First, generate convenient straight, left-turn, and right-turn signs at the intersection. Then, add phases, input the phase time, select the direction that the phase allows passage on the sign, and click the sign to turn it green. Repeat the above process until multiple phases are added to fill all the cycle time, which means that one cycle of the traffic lights at an intersection is completed.

4. The method for simulating the universal and rapid timing of traffic lights at visual intersections according to claim 3, characterized in that: The phase settings also include indicator light flashing settings.

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