Cloud-Based Road Segment Analysis Using Virtual Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Public roadways and associated infrastructure face inefficiencies and safety issues due to changing traffic patterns, which can make previously efficient and safe configurations less so, leading to costly remediation and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based system utilizing smart cameras to capture and process images, generating metadata for road segment location and object movement, which is then used to create virtual road segments for simulation and analysis, allowing for identification and alteration of real-world road configurations to improve safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If road segment configuration is designed and constructed to be efficient and safe, then initial traffic flow and safety are improved, but over time changing traffic patterns cause the configuration to become inefficient and less safe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad safetyVSAvoidadaptability to changing traffic patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts road segment configurations by using smart cameras to capture real-time traffic data, analyzing traffic patterns through image processing, and automatically adjusting road configurations (such as traffic signal timing, lane assignments, or speed limits) to match changing traffic conditions, thereby maintaining safety and efficiency without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where smart cameras monitor traffic flow and safety metrics, the cloud server analyzes the captured images and metadata to identify patterns and deficiencies, and automatic adjustments are made to road configurations based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual remediation of road segment deficiencies is performed, then safety and efficiency are improved, but costly expenditures and significant inconveniences to drivers occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad safetyVSAvoidcost of remediation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables road segments to self-diagnose and self-correct by automatically capturing traffic data through smart cameras, analyzing the data to identify safety deficiencies, and implementing configuration adjustments without human intervention, thereby eliminating the need for costly manual remediation and driver inconveniences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical remediation processes with automated image capture and analysis systems. Instead of physical road construction or modification work, the system uses smart cameras and cloud-based image processing to detect and address safety issues through software-driven configuration changes, significantly reducing costs and inconvenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If frequent manual analysis and reconfiguration of road segments is performed, then traffic flow and safety are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic flow efficiencyVSAvoidtime for analysis and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automated monitoring and analysis where smart cameras continuously capture traffic images, the cloud server continuously processes these images to analyze traffic patterns, and configurations are continuously optimized without interruption, eliminating the downtime and manual effort associated with periodic manual analysis while maintaining constant improvement of traffic flow efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11651593B2Cloud-based road segment vehicle and pedestrian trend analysis

Publication Date: 2023.05.16 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A network device receives, from multiple smart cameras located at different road segments of multiple real-world road segments, first data describing a location and configuration of each of the multiple real-world road segments, and second data describing movement of one or more objects at each of the multiple real-world road segments. The network device generates multiple virtual road segments based on the first data, wherein each of the multiple virtual road segments describes one of the multiple real-world road segments; and uses a physics engine to simulate, based on the generated multiple virtual road segments and the second data, movement of vehicles or pedestrians through the multiple real-world road segments to analyze traffic characteristics, trends or events. The network device generates road segment alterations for reconfiguring one or more of the multiple real-world road segments based on the analysis of the traffic characteristics, trends, or events.