Driving Assistance System for Vehicle Group Priority Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic signal controllers that do not respond to traveling in a row of vehicles can lead to the division of vehicle groups at intersections, as they lack the capability to perform priority control, resulting in potential delays and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A driving assistance system comprising in-vehicle devices that communicate with roadside devices to determine the response of traffic signal controllers to vehicle groups, allowing them to request priority adjustments such as extended green light or shortened red light durations, thereby reducing the probability of vehicle group division.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traffic signal controller does not respond to traveling in a row, then the control system is simpler, but the vehicle group may be divided at intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between vehicles and the traffic signal controller. Vehicles transmit request signals to the controller, and the controller responds based on its capabilities. This intermediary layer allows vehicles to request priority treatment without requiring the controller to have built-in row-response functionality, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the traffic signal controller respond to vehicle requests with information about its capability to perform row-based priority control. This feedback loop allows the vehicle to determine whether the controller can extend green lights or shorten red lights for vehicle groups, enabling adaptive behavior that maintains group continuity regardless of controller complexity.
2Productivity
If the traffic signal controller extends green light display time, then the vehicle group can pass through smoothly, but other traffic may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts traffic signal timing based on real-time vehicle group presence and requests. The green light extension is not automatic but responds to dynamic conditions - when a vehicle group requests priority and the controller determines it can accommodate the request without excessive impact on other traffic flows. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between vehicle group efficiency and overall traffic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic signal controller changes the parameter of green light display time based on received requests and current traffic conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically - extending it when a vehicle group needs priority and retracting when normal operation should resume - the system achieves flexible control that balances productivity for vehicle groups with minimal time loss for other traffic.
3Ease of operation
If the in-vehicle device determines controller capability, then the request is more targeted, but the communication process is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The in-vehicle device performs self-service by automatically determining the traffic signal controller's capability through the communication process. The device sends a request signal, receives a response about capability, and then autonomously decides whether to transmit a priority request and what type of request to send. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system by making each vehicle intelligent and autonomous rather than requiring complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving assistance system includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices configured to communicate with a roadside device. The plurality of in-vehicle devices are mounted on a plurality of vehicles travelling in a row, respectively. Based on information on a response to travelling in a row, acquired from the roadside device, one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices determines whether a traffic signal controller that controls a traffic signal device is configured to perform control to give priority to the plurality of vehicles travelling in a row. Based on a result of the determination, the driving assistance system selects one in-vehicle device, from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices, to transmit, to the roadside device, a request signal requesting to give priority to the plurality of vehicles.