Dynamic Location Reference Segment Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time road traffic information reporting is challenging for roads without Traffic Message Channel (TMC) encoding, as existing methods struggle to effectively aggregate and report traffic data on non-expressway roads and in developing countries.
Innovation Solution
The aggregation of connected road segments into dynamic location reference (DLR) segments, where traffic values are calculated based on traffic information, reducing the number of DLR segments and improving reporting efficiency by grouping contiguous segments with similar traffic states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DLR segments are used to report traffic on non-TMC roads, then traffic reporting capability is improved, but server processing power and communication bandwidth are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple contiguous road segments into a single aggregated DLR segment when they share similar traffic characteristics (e.g., all free-flowing or all congested). This combining approach reduces the total number of DLR segments that need to be processed and transmitted, thereby conserving server processing power and communication bandwidth while maintaining comprehensive traffic reporting capability.
2Measurement precision
If individual road segments are reported separately, then traffic information precision is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing road networks into logical groups based on traffic state characteristics. Instead of processing every individual segment separately, the system segments them into homogeneous groups (e.g., free-flowing groups, congested groups) that can be processed collectively. This maintains the precision of traffic information within each segment while reducing overall data processing complexity through batch operations.
3Loss of energy
If DLR segments are aggregated, then resource consumption is reduced, but traffic data detail may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining detailed traffic information for individual segments within aggregated groups while only transmitting aggregated data when characteristics are similar. The system preserves the ability to access detailed segment-level data when needed (e.g., for analysis or when a segment's traffic state changes), while using aggregation for routine reporting to reduce resource consumption. This ensures that information is not permanently lost but rather stored at appropriate levels of detail.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, road segments are aggregated for DLR. A plurality of connected road segments and corresponding traffic information for each of the connected road segments are identified. A processor aggregates the connected road segments into a fewer number of dynamic location reference (DLR) segments than the plurality. By testing different possible combinations, road segments with similar congestion are grouped. The processor calculates a traffic value for each of the DLR segments. Each traffic value is a function of the traffic information for the connected road segments of the respective DLR segment. An indicator of the aggregated DLR segment and the traffic value for at least one of the DLR segments is output.