Heading-Based Speed Limits in Crowd Geofences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Static speed limits are often not followed and lack enforceability, particularly in areas with high crowd density where traditional speed limits may not account for directional and proximity-based variations in traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that utilizes a controller to adjust powertrain operation based on heading-based speed limits within a crowd density-defined geofence, reducing maximum speeds closer to and heading towards a crowd density location compared to distances farther away, using data from mobile devices to determine crowd density and set speed limits dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If static speed limits are used to reduce vehicle speeds, then vehicle speeds can be controlled, but the speed limits are not always followed and lack enforceability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static speed limits into dynamic, real-time variable speed limits that automatically adjust based on crowd density measurements. The speed limit becomes a living parameter that changes with environmental conditions, making it more relevant and enforceable. The system continuously updates speed limits as crowds move and density changes, ensuring the limits always reflect current safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where crowd density sensors continuously monitor the environment, feed this data to the speed limit determination system, which then adjusts speed limits and communicates them to vehicles. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures speed limits are responsive to actual conditions and creates accountability through real-time monitoring and enforcement capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional speed limits are applied uniformly, then enforcement is simplified, but they do not account for directional and proximity-based variations in traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different speed limits to different spatial locations and directions within the crowd area. Instead of a single uniform speed limit, the system creates a gradient of speed limits that varies by proximity to the crowd center and by heading direction. Vehicles approaching the crowd from different directions receive customized speed limits based on their specific trajectory and distance to the crowd, making the system highly adaptive to local conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds directional and spatial dimensions to speed limit enforcement. Rather than a simple scalar speed limit, the patent implements a multi-dimensional speed limit field that varies with position, heading, and distance to the crowd. This transforms the speed limit from a one-dimensional parameter into a complex spatial-temporal field that vehicles must navigate.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If speed limits are reduced near crowded areas, then safety is improved, but vehicle throughput and efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed limits based on real-time crowd density rather than applying static restrictive limits. When crowd density is low or dispersed, speed limits are higher, maintaining throughput. When density increases and safety risks rise, speed limits automatically reduce. This dynamic adjustment ensures safety is prioritized only when necessary, preserving vehicle throughput during low-risk conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed limit parameter continuously based on crowd density measurements. As the crowd density parameter changes, the speed limit parameter adjusts proportionally, creating a responsive relationship between safety conditions and traffic flow. This parameter-based control allows the system to optimize both safety and throughput by adjusting the speed limit to match actual crowd conditions rather than applying fixed restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a powertrain. The vehicle includes a controller configured to operate the powertrain according to the heading based speed limits such that, for a predefined region of a particular road, a maximum speed allowed by the heading based speed limits is less for headings toward a specified crowd density location than for headings away from the specified crowd density location. The powertrain operation is responsive to being within a crowd density defined geofence having heading based speed limits.