Adaptive Traffic Signal Prioritization for Congested Intersections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle traffic congestion is a significant issue due to vehicle counts exceeding road capacity, unpredictable human drivers, accidents, and inefficient traffic signal management, leading to delays and reduced road capacity at signalized junctions.
Innovation Solution
A connected and adaptive vehicle traffic management system that utilizes a computing network environment, including mobile devices, traffic signal systems, and detection devices to dynamically adjust traffic signal phases and timings based on real-time data from various sources, ensuring vehicles can proceed through intersections with minimal delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If timed traffic signals are used to manage traffic flow, then traffic signal operations are simplified and predictable, but road capacity is reduced and vehicle delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic signal timing that adapts to real-time traffic conditions. The system uses detection devices to monitor vehicle presence and queue lengths, then dynamically adjusts signal phases and durations. This transforms the static, predetermined timing into a dynamic system that responds to actual traffic demand, thereby increasing road capacity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where detection devices continuously monitor traffic conditions (vehicle counts, queue lengths, travel times) and feed this information back to the traffic signal controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust signal timing in real-time, optimizing road capacity based on actual traffic flow patterns rather than relying on fixed, pre-programmed timing sequences.
2Productivity
If green light duration is extended to clear waiting queues, then more vehicles can pass through the junction, but vehicles may still be blocked by congestion on the road ahead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting traffic conditions upstream of the junction before the green light phase begins. Detection devices monitor road conditions ahead to predict whether extending the green phase would be beneficial or wasteful. This advance information allows the system to pre-adjust signal timing to maximize vehicle throughput only when the road ahead can actually accommodate the additional flow, preventing unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detection devices that monitor both queue length at the junction and traffic conditions on the outgoing road. This dual-feedback mechanism allows the controller to make informed decisions about green light duration, extending it only when downstream capacity exists, thereby increasing throughput without creating artificial delays from vehicles being blocked after the intersection.
3Productivity
If more detection devices and computing infrastructure are deployed, then traffic management becomes more adaptive and efficient, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal detection devices and computing platforms that can serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same detection devices used for traffic monitoring also provide data for travel time calculation, queue length measurement, and congestion detection. The computing infrastructure handles multiple tasks including real-time data processing, predictive analytics, and communication with mobile devices. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating capabilities rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for adaptively controlling traffic control devices having a traffic signal system, a computing network, a communication system, and a mobile device. The traffic signal system is configured to be in communication with the computing network through the communication system. The mobile device is also configured to be in communication with the computing network through the communication system. Then the computing network adaptively controls the traffic signal system using a location of the mobile device.