Intersection Control Estimation Using Vehicle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining traffic control at intersections require significant effort and often lack data for all roadways and intersections, making it difficult to effectively manage traffic behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a motor vehicle that retrieves characteristics of roadways, classifies them, and determines the type of intersection control device associated with each, allowing for estimation of intersection control types even when data is unavailable, by comparing roadway classes and using a classification scheme based on size or other characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data storage methods are used to determine traffic control types, then comprehensive traffic control information can be obtained, but significant effort is required and data is not available for all roadways and intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) to automatically detect and determine intersection control types, eliminating the need for manual data collection and storage. The vehicle self-services by gathering its own traffic control data through environmental sensing rather than relying on pre-stored databases that require significant effort to maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of storing and retrieving pre-collected traffic control data with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using databases and manual data entry, the system uses optical, electromagnetic, and other physical sensing mechanisms to automatically identify intersection control types in real-time.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive data collection is implemented for all roadways, then accurate intersection control determination is possible, but data availability is limited for many roadways and intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor data as an intermediary to bridge the gap between physical intersection control devices and the vehicle's control system. Instead of relying on complete database coverage, the sensors act as intermediaries that directly observe and report traffic control types, enabling the system to adapt to any roadway or intersection without requiring pre-existing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static database lookups to dynamic parameter detection. Instead of relying on fixed, pre-stored information that may not exist for all roadways, the system continuously detects traffic control parameters (such as presence of stop signs, traffic lights, or yield signs) in real-time, adapting to any intersection configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If real-time warning systems are implemented, then driver safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intersection control detection function with the existing warning system. Instead of creating a separate complex warning system, the traffic control determination module integrates with the vehicle's existing safety and warning systems, allowing real-time warnings to be generated using the same sensor data and processing infrastructure already in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating the type of intersection control for two or more roadways includes steps of classifying each roadway at an intersection and estimating the type of intersection control used for each roadway. Roadways can be classified by size, traveling speed, number of lanes as well as any other roadway characteristics. In some cases, a warning system can be operated using the estimated intersection control type for each roadway.