Dynamic Multi-Intersection Traffic Management via Estimated Time of Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intersection preemption systems are costly, complex, and often based on line-of-sight, leading to inefficiencies and potential increased risk of accidents due to sudden changes in traffic signal timing.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that selectively modifies traffic management by using an interface circuit to communicate with electronic devices, a computational device to process data, and memory to store program instructions and data structures. This system receives information on estimated time of arrival and traffic conditions across multiple intersections, allowing it to dynamically adjust traffic signals and signage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras or sensors are installed at every intersection with corresponding transmitters in emergency vehicles, then emergency vehicle preemption capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the preemption control logic from the emergency vehicle itself and relocates it to a centralized traffic management system. Instead of equipping each emergency vehicle with transmitters and cameras at every intersection, the system uses existing traffic signal infrastructure and receives vehicle location data from standard GPS receivers, eliminating the need for specialized hardware installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized traffic management system as an intermediary between emergency vehicles and traffic signals. This intermediary receives vehicle location and status information, calculates optimal preemption timing based on comprehensive traffic data, and coordinates signal changes across multiple intersections, thereby reducing the complexity of direct vehicle-to-signal communication systems.
2Speed
If traffic signal timing is adjusted based on local field of view only, then response to immediate traffic conditions is improved, but overall traffic flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traffic management functions of multiple intersections into a single coordinated system. The centralized traffic management system receives real-time data from cameras and sensors at multiple intersections simultaneously and integrates this information to make coordinated signal timing decisions, allowing the system to respond to local conditions while optimizing overall traffic flow across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic signal control that adapts to changing traffic conditions in real-time. The system continuously monitors traffic flow, vehicle locations, and signal timing effectiveness, then dynamically adjusts signal parameters based on current conditions rather than fixed schedules, enabling the system to balance local responsiveness with global efficiency.
3Productivity
If traffic signal timing is changed suddenly to accommodate emergency vehicles, then emergency vehicle throughput is improved, but driver confusion and accident risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and communicating estimated time of arrival (ETA) information to emergency vehicles before they reach critical intersections. The system receives vehicle location data, determines current signal timing, and pre-calculates optimal signal changes in advance, allowing the emergency vehicle to approach intersections with advance warning rather than sudden last-minute changes that would confuse drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the traffic management system continuously monitors emergency vehicle progress, vehicle speed, and signal timing effectiveness. This real-time feedback allows the system to adjust signal changes dynamically based on actual vehicle behavior and conditions, ensuring that timing modifications are appropriate and do not create confusion or safety hazards.
4Ease of operation
If preemption systems respond only to line-of-sight traffic conditions, then local traffic management simplicity is maintained, but ability to manage congested areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the traffic management system universal by enabling it to handle multiple functions: local real-time traffic monitoring, regional traffic flow optimization, emergency vehicle coordination, and congestion management. The centralized system processes data from cameras and sensors across multiple intersections, making it adaptable to various traffic conditions and scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system that manages traffic flow is described. During operation, the computer system may receive information specifying or corresponding to an estimated time of arrival of a vehicle at an intersection. Then, the computer system may receive second information corresponding to traffic conditions in an environment (such as traffic flows), where the traffic conditions are associated with one or more other intersections that input traffic to the intersection, that received output traffic from the intersection, or both, and at least a subset of the one or more other intersections are not along a route of the vehicle. Next, based at least in part on the estimated time of arrival and the traffic conditions associated with the one or more other intersections, the computer system may selectively modify traffic management in at least one of the one or more other intersections.