Dynamic Right of Way Traffic System for Adaptive Intersection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional right of way traffic signs are inefficient when traffic volume reverses, leading to unnecessary deceleration and hesitation, as they do not adapt to changing traffic conditions, particularly when the subordinate roadway has higher traffic volume.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic right of way traffic system that uses X2X sensors to detect traffic flow and adjust traffic signs dynamically, reversing the priority and yield signs based on the presence or absence of vehicles on each road, with a timer mechanism to ensure signs are updated only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional static right of way traffic signs are used, then the dominant roadway maintains priority, but traffic efficiency deteriorates when the subordinate roadway has higher traffic volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic signs that can change their priority status in real-time based on detected traffic conditions. The system uses sensors to monitor vehicle presence on both roadways and automatically reverses right-of-way assignment when the subordinate roadway has higher traffic volume, making the static sign system adaptive to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where traffic sensors continuously monitor vehicle presence and feed this information to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and adjusts the traffic sign priority accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual traffic conditions rather than relying on fixed predetermined priorities.
2Productivity
If the subordinate roadway is given priority when it has higher traffic volume, then traffic flow efficiency improves, but unnecessary deceleration and hesitation occur when the default priority structure is followed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of traffic conditions using sensors positioned before the intersection. By identifying when the subordinate roadway has higher traffic volume in advance, the system can proactively reverse the priority assignment before vehicles arrive, preventing unnecessary deceleration and hesitation at the intersection.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic control system automatically detects traffic imbalances and self-adjusts the priority assignment without requiring manual intervention or fixed timing schedules. The system serves itself by monitoring its own performance metrics and making real-time adjustments to optimize traffic flow.
3Productivity
If a timer mechanism is implemented to reverse priority signs, then traffic efficiency improves by avoiding unnecessary stops, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical timing mechanisms with electronic sensor-based detection and software-based timer control. Instead of using mechanical switches or physical timing devices, the system uses electronic sensors to detect traffic conditions and software timers to manage priority reversal, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system displays a priority sign for a first road and a yield sign for a second road as a default right of way for a road intersection. The system receives signals from one or more X2X sensors detecting a traffic flow for a predetermined segment of road for each of the first and the second roads before the road intersection. If it is determined the traffic flow of the first road has no vehicle and the traffic flow of the second road includes at least one vehicle, the system initiates a first timer to count a predetermined time duration. If the traffic flow of the first road is determined to remain with no vehicle for the predetermined time duration, the system reverses the default right of way for the intersection so traffic signs for the first road displays yield and the second road displays priority.