Emergency Vehicle Routing via Traffic Control Center
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic control systems for emergency vehicles in urban areas face delays and increased accident risks due to dense traffic and complex infrastructure, and require direct communication between emergency vehicles and traffic signal systems, which complicates design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A traffic control system that dynamically adjusts the route and release phases of traffic signals without direct communication between emergency vehicles and traffic lights, using an interface to transmit route data between control centers to modify the deployment route based on real-time traffic conditions, allowing for simpler and cost-effective vehicle devices and reduced infrastructure needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct communication between emergency vehicles and traffic signal systems is implemented, then emergency vehicle routing can be optimized, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a traffic control center as an intermediary between emergency vehicles and traffic signal systems. The traffic control center receives position data from emergency vehicles, determines optimal routes, and controls traffic signals without requiring direct communication links between vehicles and signals. This mediator approach reduces device complexity while maintaining routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electronic communication links between emergency vehicles and traffic signals with a data transmission system through the traffic control center. Position data is transmitted via standard communication channels to the control center, which then processes routing information and controls signals, eliminating the need for specialized direct communication infrastructure.
2Loss of time
If static traffic signal control is used, then infrastructure simplicity is maintained, but emergency vehicle response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic signal control where the traffic control center continuously receives position data from emergency vehicles and adjusts traffic signal timing in real-time based on current vehicle location and route requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows emergency vehicles to receive priority treatment without requiring complex dedicated infrastructure at each intersection.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic control center proactively determines optimal routes and prepares traffic signal control commands before the emergency vehicle reaches critical intersections. By calculating routes in advance based on received position data and predicting vehicle trajectory, the system can pre-activate green signals and coordinate traffic flow, reducing response time without requiring complex on-site control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If route changes during emergency trip are not accommodated, then control system simplicity is maintained, but routing adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the traffic control center continuously receives position data from emergency vehicles and adjusts routing decisions based on actual vehicle location and reported route changes. This continuous feedback loop enables the system to adapt to dynamic conditions and driver preferences without requiring complex autonomous decision-making capabilities in the vehicle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic control center serves multiple functions: it receives position data, determines optimal routes, accommodates route changes, controls traffic signals, and monitors emergency vehicle progress. By consolidating these functions in a centralized system, the patent achieves high route adaptability without requiring specialized dedicated infrastructure at each individual function point.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The system has a board unit (31) for detecting a current location (13) of operations vehicle (30) and for transmitting a command from a determined location to a control center (40). A traffic signal (20) is associated with a traffic control center (50) for connection of release phase on a specific mission route (12). The traffic control center and the operation control center are coupled via an interface (45) for data transfer over which route data describing a determined use route is transferred from an emergency operation center to the traffic control center.