Centralized Traffic Routing for Congestion and EMS Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic management systems are fragmented, leading to inefficiencies such as multiple vehicles taking the same route, diverting traffic onto unsuitable secondary streets, and potentially blocking Emergency Medical System (EMS) traffic.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that coordinates traffic management by integrating information from traffic-mapping software and traffic-management systems, allowing for real-time route computation and dynamic adjustments based on traffic conditions and events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traffic-mapping software provides alternative routes independently without coordination, then individual users may reduce their travel time, but overall traffic congestion increases and route efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent traffic-mapping software instances into a coordinated system where a central server receives route requests from multiple users and computes alternative routes that distribute traffic across the network. This combination prevents all users from receiving the same alternative route suggestion, thereby reducing overall congestion while still helping individual users minimize their travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the central server monitors current traffic conditions and user route selections in real-time. Based on this feedback, the server dynamically adjusts alternative route recommendations to prevent congestion on previously suggested routes, creating a self-regulating system that optimizes both individual and collective travel efficiency.
2Speed
If traffic is diverted onto secondary streets to avoid congestion, then main road traffic flow improves, but secondary streets become overloaded and unsuitable for their intended use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by evaluating the specific characteristics and capacity of each secondary street before recommending it as an alternative route. The system considers factors such as road design, traffic load bearing capacity, and local conditions to determine whether a secondary street can safely handle additional traffic, thereby preventing overload of unsuitable streets while still providing alternative routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts route recommendations based on real-time traffic conditions and the cumulative impact of alternative route selections. As secondary streets begin to show signs of overload, the system dynamically shifts traffic distribution to other available routes, preventing sustained overload conditions while maintaining improved flow on main roads.
3Productivity
If alternative routes are provided without centralized coordination, then individual route optimization is achieved, but confusion and user frustration increase due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary between multiple users and the traffic-mapping software instances. This intermediary coordinates route recommendations across all users, ensuring that alternative routes are distributed in a way that prevents congestion while providing clear, consistent guidance to each user. The intermediary resolves conflicts and eliminates confusion by centralizing the decision-making process.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system that coordinates traffic management is described. During operation, the computer system may receive information from a traffic-management system of an environment and second information from at least an instance of traffic-mapping software associated with an electronic device of a user. Then, the computer system may compute a route, for at least a vehicle associated with the user from a current location associated with the electronic device to a destination based at least in part on the information and the second information. Next, the computer system may provide instructions addressed to the electronic device, where the one or more instructions specify the computed route.