Green Wave Traffic Coordination for Congestion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic light controller systems are inefficient, leading to significant congestion and impediments in traffic flow, especially in densely populated areas.
Innovation Solution
The system generates moving geographic regions, referred to as 'green waves,' which allow travelers to avoid traffic light impediments by maintaining a suggested speed within these regions. This is facilitated by road-to-traveler feedback devices and a server that coordinates traffic signal data and transmits green wave information to travelers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional traffic light controllers stop traffic in one direction to allow flow in another direction, then traffic flow in one direction is maintained, but traffic flow in all directions is impeded and congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic light coordination where green waves move through the network at variable speeds and timings. Instead of static signal patterns, the system continuously adjusts which intersections receive green signals based on real-time traffic conditions, allowing traffic to flow dynamically in multiple directions simultaneously rather than being constrained by fixed alternating patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends traffic coordination from traditional two-dimensional intersection control to a three-dimensional spacetime coordinate system. By introducing the time dimension with moving green wave fronts that propagate through the network, the system coordinates traffic flow across multiple intersections and directions simultaneously, transforming the problem from sequential one-directional control to parallel multi-directional flow management
2Productivity
If traffic lights are coordinated to allow uninterrupted flow in one direction, then traffic flow in that direction is improved, but traffic flow in intersecting directions is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic green wave cycles that rotate through different directions and intersections in the network. Instead of maintaining continuous flow in one direction, the system creates periodic patterns where green signals propagate through different corridors at scheduled intervals, allowing all directions to experience uninterrupted flow at different times while maintaining overall network efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predictive algorithms to anticipate traffic demands and pre-position green wave fronts in advance. By calculating future traffic patterns and preparing coordination patterns beforehand, the system can smoothly transition between different flow directions without creating bottlenecks, allowing intersecting directions to be prepared for their turn before the current wave passes
3Device complexity
If traditional traffic light systems are used, then infrastructure complexity is low, but traffic coordination capability and travel efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal traffic coordination platform that serves multiple functions: real-time traffic monitoring, predictive analytics, dynamic signal coordination, traveler information provision, and network-wide optimization. This multi-functional system replaces numerous isolated traffic controllers with a single intelligent platform that can coordinate the entire network, increasing complexity at the control level but simplifying overall system architecture and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where traffic flow data, traveler positions, and signal performance metrics are constantly monitored and fed back to the coordination algorithm. This real-time feedback enables the system to adapt green wave patterns dynamically, optimizing travel efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adjustment rather than manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of road-to-traveler feedback (“RTF”) devices integrated with a plurality of electronic computing devices transmits location data to a server. The server transmits to the RTF devices traffic signal timing data based on the location data. RTF devices present suggested velocities based on the traffic signal timing data, such that if a traveler conformed to the suggested velocities and other travel-related data, the traveler would position himself into a geographic region on a roadway in which the traveler is ensured to avoid red lights and other traffic impediments. The server is operatively connected to traffic controllers and receives traffic light state data. The server facilitates a plurality of geographic regions based at least on the traffic light state data and detected travelers on roadways, wherein each of the geographic regions are synchronized to allow continuous traffic flow for the travelers positioned therein.