Hierarchical Traffic Control Network for Connected Automated Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are complex and expensive, limiting widespread implementation due to reliance on expensive on-board systems and single-point failures in communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical system comprising Traffic Control Centers (TCCs) and Traffic Control Units (TCUs) optimized for sending detailed, time-sensitive control instructions to vehicles through a network of Roadside Units (RSUs), providing redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms for vehicle control, guidance, and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive on-board systems are used for autonomous vehicle control, then vehicle control capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces roadside units as intermediary components that handle complex control functions externally. These roadside units act as mediators between the vehicle and the control center, providing autonomous control capabilities without requiring expensive on-board systems in each vehicle. The control logic is shifted from the vehicle to the infrastructure, reducing individual vehicle costs while maintaining control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels: vehicle-level basic control, roadside unit-level advanced control, and control center-level coordination. This segmentation allows complex control functions to be distributed across multiple levels, with the most computationally intensive functions performed at the roadside and center levels rather than requiring full capability in each vehicle.
2Device complexity
If single-point communication systems are used for vehicle control, then system simplicity is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to single-point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication paths: vehicle-to-roadside unit communication, roadside unit-to-control center communication, and backup communication channels. This segmentation creates redundancy where failure in one path does not compromise the entire system, as alternative paths are available to maintain control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates beforehand cushioning through redundant communication channels and fail-safe mechanisms at the roadside units. These units are designed with backup communication interfaces and can autonomously maintain control functions even when primary communication paths fail, providing a cushion against communication failures before they affect overall system reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a system-oriented and fully-controlled connected automated vehicle highway system for various levels of connected and automated vehicles and highways. The system comprises one or more of: 1) a hierarchical traffic control network of Traffic Control Centers (TCC's), local traffic controller units (TCUs), 2) A RSU (Road Side Unit) network (with integrated functionalities of vehicle sensors, I2V communication to deliver control instructions), 3) OBU (On-Board Unit with sensor and V2I communication units) network embedded in connected and automated vehicles, and 4) wireless communication and security system with local and global connectivity. This system provides a safer, more reliable and more cost-effective solution by redistributing vehicle driving tasks to the hierarchical traffic control network and RSU network.