Dynamic Cellular and DSRC Network Switching for Traffic Signal Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks, such as cellular and DSRC, face challenges in reliably and timely transmitting traffic signal and intersection information to mobile platforms due to latency issues, limited range, and bandwidth constraints, especially in dense traffic situations or near intersections.

Innovation Solution

A method that selectively switches between cellular and DSRC networks based on the mobile platform's proximity to intersections, maintaining connections with the most reliable network to ensure timely and efficient information delivery, using a cellular network for longer range and DSRC for reduced latency when near intersections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If cellular network is used to transmit traffic signal information, then the transmission range is extended, but the latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between cellular and DSRC networks based on the mobile platform's proximity to intersections. When approaching an intersection, the system transitions from cellular to DSRC network to reduce latency for time-sensitive traffic signal information, while maintaining longer-range coverage capability through cellular network when farther away.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If DSRC network is used to transmit traffic signal information, then the latency is reduced, but the transmission range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between cellular and DSRC networks based on the mobile platform's proximity to intersections. When approaching an intersection, the system transitions from cellular to DSRC network to reduce latency for time-sensitive traffic signal information, while maintaining longer-range coverage capability through cellular network when farther away.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If DSRC network is used to transmit traffic signal information, then the bandwidth capacity is reduced, but the range is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidrange
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between cellular and DSRC networks based on the mobile platform's proximity to intersections. When approaching an intersection, the system transitions from cellular to DSRC network to reduce latency for time-sensitive traffic signal information, while maintaining longer-range coverage capability through cellular network when farther away.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If cellular network is used to transmit traffic signal information, then the bandwidth capacity is increased, but the latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between cellular and DSRC networks based on the mobile platform's proximity to intersections. When approaching an intersection, the system transitions from cellular to DSRC network to reduce latency for time-sensitive traffic signal information, while maintaining longer-range coverage capability through cellular network when farther away.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3656139B1Method, apparatus and computer program product for using different networks to obtain information regarding one or more traffic signals and intersections
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3656139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3656139B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to selectively utilize one or more networks in order to reliably communicate the information regarding one or more traffic signals and one or more intersections controlled by respective traffic signals. In the context of a method, the method includes communicating with a first network in order to receive information with a mobile platform regarding one or more traffic signals and information regarding one or more intersections. At least one traffic signal is associated with a respective intersection. The method also includes identifying a first switching condition and communicating with a second network, different than the first network, in order to receive the information regarding the one or more traffic signals and the information regarding the one or more intersections following identification of the first switching condition.