Dynamic Passing Zone Control Using Real-Time Vehicle Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust passing zones on a roadway based on real-time vehicle data and roadway conditions, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle passing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a central computer to receive vehicle data and roadway data, determining current pass and no-pass zones dynamically based on vehicle speed, location, and roadway conditions, and transmitting control parameters to vehicles to facilitate safe and efficient passing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If passing zones are fixed based on static roadway markings, then roadway safety is maintained through clear rules, but traffic efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt to real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pass/no-pass zones into dynamic zones that adjust in real-time based on current traffic conditions, vehicle speeds, and roadway occupancy. The system continuously calculates and updates passing zone designations, allowing the roadway to adapt dynamically rather than relying on fixed markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where vehicle data, speed information, and positional data are constantly monitored and fed back to the central computer. This feedback enables real-time recalculation of passing zone status, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize traffic flow accordingly.
2Reliability
If passing operations are restricted to traditional no-pass zones to ensure safety, then accident risk is reduced, but traffic congestion increases due to slower vehicle progression
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and predictions about vehicle trajectories, speeds, and positioning before allowing a passing operation. By pre-assessing whether a pass can be completed safely within upcoming pass zones, the system enables timely passing decisions without compromising safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters defining passing eligibility by considering real-time vehicle speeds, distances, and roadway conditions rather than relying solely on fixed zone markings. This allows the system to identify safe passing opportunities that would be missed under traditional static rules.
3Productivity
If real-time vehicle data collection and processing is implemented to dynamically adjust passing zones, then passing efficiency and safety are improved, but computational requirements and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data elements needed for passing zone determination (vehicle positions, speeds, and roadway geometry) from the overall vehicle telemetry stream. By focusing on these critical parameters rather than processing all available vehicle data, the system reduces computational burden while maintaining decision accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The central computer system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks vehicle positions, calculates passing zones, predicts vehicle trajectories, and communicates with vehicles. This multi-functionality consolidates data processing requirements into a single system rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for pass zone vehicle control include receiving, via wireless communications, respective vehicle data for each of a plurality of vehicles on a roadway, the vehicle data including at least speed and location data. A set of current pass zones and a set of current no-pass zones on the roadway is determined based on the speed and location data from the plurality of vehicles, a set of static no-pass zones, and a set of static pass zones. A control parameter is then transmitted for a candidate passing vehicle in the plurality of vehicles, wherein the control parameter is determined based on the set of current pass-zones and the set of current no-pass zones.