Adaptive Traffic Control System with Dynamic Signal Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary traffic management systems fail to optimize traffic patterns, leading to unnecessary vehicle slowdowns or stops due to static signs and timed signals, and do not effectively utilize vehicle communication systems to improve traffic flow and safety.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive traffic management system that uses refined location and state information from vehicles to provide customized dynamic traffic control instructions, allowing for real-time adjustments in route guidance and traffic signal control, including optional route alternatives and incentives for vehicle cooperation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static traffic signs and timed signals are used, then traffic control is simple and reliable, but traffic flow efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary vehicle slowdowns and stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic control by enabling traffic signals to change states based on real-time vehicle detection. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed signal cycles to dynamic signal control that adapts to actual traffic conditions, allowing signals to extend green phases or prioritize specific lanes when vehicles are detected, thereby improving traffic flow efficiency without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors detect vehicle presence and queue lengths, transmit this information to the traffic control controller, which then adjusts signal timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to respond to actual traffic conditions rather than following fixed schedules, resolving the contradiction between simple control and efficient flow
2Loss of time
If traditional traffic signals are used, then system reliability is maintained, but vehicle waiting times increase due to lack of real-time adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting vehicles in advance at intersection approaches and preparing optimal signal timing sequences before vehicles arrive. The controller calculates predicted queue lengths and determines proactive signal extensions or prioritizations, allowing vehicles to pass through with minimal or no stopping, thereby reducing waiting times while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic control system serves itself by automatically detecting traffic conditions and adjusting signal timing without manual intervention. The embedded sensors and controllers work autonomously to optimize traffic flow in real-time, adapting to changing conditions such as emergency vehicles, accidents, or varying demand patterns, thus achieving both time efficiency and adaptability
3Productivity
If static route guidance is provided, then navigation simplicity is maintained, but traffic optimization deteriorates due to inability to dynamically reroute vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional route guidance that serves multiple purposes: providing turn-by-turn navigation to drivers, collecting anonymized location data for traffic pattern analysis, and enabling dynamic rerouting recommendations. The same GPS tracking infrastructure used for basic navigation is leveraged to optimize traffic flow system-wide, achieving traffic optimization without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary communication layer between vehicles and the traffic control infrastructure. Onboard vehicle computers exchange data with roadside sensors and central controllers through standardized protocols, enabling dynamic rerouting recommendations based on real-time conditions. This intermediary layer facilitates complex optimization while keeping individual vehicle and infrastructure components relatively simple
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Various embodiments include methods and interactive traffic control devices for interactively controlling traffic, which may include receiving refined location and state information associated with individual vehicles on a roadway, and determining customized dynamic traffic control instructions for a first one or more of the individual vehicles. The determined customized dynamic traffic control instructions may be based on the received refined location and state information and offer an optional route alternative to a set limited number of the individual vehicles. The first customized dynamic traffic control instructions may be transmitted by the interactive traffic control device to the first one or more of the individual vehicles.