Hierarchical CAV Highway Control Using Roadside Instruction Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicle technologies face challenges in widespread implementation due to the complexity and cost of on-board systems required for connected and automated vehicle (CAV) operations, particularly in providing detailed and time-sensitive control instructions for vehicle following, lane changing, and route guidance.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive system that utilizes a hierarchical structure of traffic control centers and units, combined with Road Side Units and vehicle subsystems, to send vehicle-specific control instructions for CAVs, incorporating data gathering, processing, and communication to manage and control traffic operations across multiple levels of road infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous vehicles use expensive and complicated on-board systems for sensing and navigation, then vehicle control and navigation capabilities are improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Road Side Units (RSUs) as intermediary devices that provide sensing, detection, and control functions externally. These RSUs act as mediators between the central control system and vehicles, eliminating the need for complex on-board sensing systems while maintaining reliable vehicle control capabilities through external infrastructure support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical and electronic on-board sensing systems with a communication-based control system. Instead of vehicles having complex sensors and processors, the system uses communication networks to transmit control instructions from central control centers to vehicles, substituting physical sensing systems with information-based control
2Measurement precision
If detailed and time-sensitive control instructions are provided to each vehicle, then traffic control precision is improved, but communication data load and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into hierarchical levels: central control centers for macroscopic traffic flow management and Road Side Units for microscopic vehicle-specific control. This segmentation allows detailed control instructions to be generated only where necessary at the RSU level, reducing overall communication data volume while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by having different control levels handle different types of information. Central control centers handle aggregate traffic data and routing decisions, while local RSUs handle real-time vehicle-specific control instructions. This ensures precision is provided locally where needed without overwhelming the entire communication network with detailed data
3Area of stationary object
If a hierarchical structure of traffic control centers and units is implemented, then system coverage and coordination are improved, but system architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traffic control system into segmented hierarchical levels: central control centers for regional coordination and local Road Side Units for site-specific control. This segmentation enables the system to cover large areas by distributing control functions across multiple levels while keeping each individual component relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, organizing control functions across different levels (central vs. local) rather than using a flat structure. This dimensional organization allows the system to scale to large coverage areas by adding more hierarchical layers rather than increasing complexity within a single level
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a system-oriented and fully-controlled connected automated vehicle highway system for various levels of connected and automated vehicles and highways. The system comprises one or more of: 1) a hierarchical traffic control network of Traffic Control Centers (TCC's), local traffic controller units (TCUs), 2) A RSU (Road Side Unit) network (with integrated functionalities of vehicle sensors, I2V communication to deliver control instructions), 3) OBU (On-Board Unit with sensor and V2I communication units) network embedded in connected and automated vehicles, and 4) wireless communication and security system with local and global connectivity. This system provides a safer, more reliable and more cost-effective solution by redistributing vehicle driving tasks to the hierarchical traffic control network and RSU network.