Dynamic Restricted Lane Designation via Traveler Probe Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current navigation systems lack the ability to dynamically identify and update restricted-use traffic lanes, such as bus lanes, in real-time, which can lead to users being directed to use prohibited lanes, especially during changing traffic conditions or rush hours.

Innovation Solution

The system analyzes traveller data to identify bus probes and non-bus probes by their behavior, particularly their proximity and interaction with bus stops, and designates specific lanes as restricted-use lanes based on the proportion of bus probes, allowing for dynamic updates and compliance with lane restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If navigation systems use static map data to provide route guidance, then the system complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but the system cannot dynamically identify restricted-use lanes leading to navigation accuracy deterioration and regulatory compliance issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelane restriction identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system collects traveler data from multiple probes to identify restricted-use lane patterns, then feeds this information back into the navigation system to dynamically update lane restriction designations. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing traffic conditions and accurately identify bus lanes and other restricted areas without requiring manual updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data processing layer that analyzes traveler probe data to infer lane restrictions. This intermediary layer processes raw traveler data, identifies patterns indicating restricted-use lanes, and provides this processed information to the navigation system, thereby improving accuracy without directly complicating the core navigation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system dynamically updates lane designations using traveler data, then navigation reliability improves by avoiding prohibited lanes, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation guidance reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of traveler data to pre-identify restricted-use lane patterns and designations. By preparing this information in advance based on historical and real-time traveler data, the system reduces the computational burden during real-time navigation, thereby maintaining high reliability while minimizing processing delays when routes need to be calculated or updated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the system collects and analyzes extensive traveler data to identify bus probes and non-bus probes, then the precision of restricted lane designation improves, but the quantity of data processed and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestricted lane designation precisionVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential features from traveler data needed to identify restricted-use lanes, such as probe location, timestamp, and vehicle type indicators. By taking out and processing only these critical data elements rather than analyzing complete travel histories, the system achieves high precision in lane designation while significantly reducing the volume of data that must be collected, stored, and processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3175203B1An apparatus and associated methods for designating a traffic lane
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • EP3175203B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3175203B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5a
  • EP3175203B1 patent drawingFigure 5b~6

AI summary

An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: based on received traveller data, the traveller data representing polled traveller usage of a particular traffic lane, designating the particular traffic lane as a restricted-use lane, the designation for use in subsequent navigation guidance.