Intersection Detection Area for Spillback Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic signal control methods at intersections are inefficient due to the need for multiple detection areas per carriageway, high installation and maintenance costs, and inability to accurately determine traffic states, leading to inefficiencies and increased spillback phenomena.
Innovation Solution
Setting detection areas within signal intersections to detect vehicle pass information for each green time movement, using image detection and loop detection, and automatically controlling intersection signals based on real-time traffic states to prevent spillback and optimize green time allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection areas are set in each carriageway ahead of the intersection, then traffic volume can be detected for each carriageway, but the cost for installation and maintenance increases and vehicle pass information cannot be classified for each green time movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single detection area within the intersection. Instead of placing separate detection means in each carriageway ahead of the intersection, the invention uses one detection area to detect all passing vehicles, then classifies them by green time movement using the controller. This reduces the number of detection areas from multiple (one per carriageway) to a single unified detection area, lowering installation and maintenance costs while maintaining classification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the controller as an intermediary that performs the classification function. Rather than requiring separate detection areas for each movement type, the controller acts as a mediator that receives detection data from the single detection area and classifies vehicles according to their green time movement. This transfers the classification task from the detection system to the control system, simplifying the detection area configuration.
2Ease of operation
If fixed cycle signal control method is used, then signal operation is simple and stable, but it cannot handle accidental changes in traffic volume due to changing traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal control by continuously monitoring traffic conditions through the detection area and adjusting green time allocations in real-time. Instead of using fixed cycle timings, the controller dynamically modifies signal phases based on detected vehicle pass information and determined traffic states. This allows the system to adapt to changing traffic conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the detection area continuously monitors traffic conditions, the controller analyzes the data to determine traffic states, and the signal control is adjusted accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the intersection to respond to actual traffic conditions, handling accidental changes in volume while maintaining simple operation through automated decision-making.
3Quantity of substance
If detection area is set to detect traffic volume in each carriageway, then traffic volume can be monitored, but the detection area increases in proportion to the number of carriageways increasing installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detection area within the intersection. Instead of requiring separate detection areas for each carriageway (which would increase in proportion to the number of carriageways), the invention uses one unified detection area to detect all passing vehicles from all carriageways. The controller then classifies the detected vehicles by their green time movement, maintaining comprehensive traffic information coverage while minimizing the quantity of detection areas to just one.
4Reliability
If spillback phenomenon prevention technology is used by changing green to red signal, then spillback can be prevented, but efficiency is very low as next phase is performed right after red signal even when blockage is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal control that continuously monitors traffic states and adjusts green time allocations in real-time. Instead of simply switching from green to red to prevent spillback, the system dynamically extends or reduces green times based on actual traffic conditions detected by the detection area. This allows the intersection to maintain spillback prevention while maximizing efficiency by keeping green signals active as long as traffic conditions warrant them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the detection area continuously monitors vehicle pass information and the controller determines traffic states to adjust signal timing accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to actual traffic conditions, preventing spillback by extending green time when needed while maintaining high efficiency by avoiding unnecessary phase transitions. The system only switches phases when traffic conditions genuinely require it, rather than following a rigid timetable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detection area setting method for detecting passing vehicles, and a traffic signal control method using the same and, more particularly, to a detection area setting method for detecting passing vehicles, and a traffic signal control method using the same, the detection area setting method being capable of enabling smooth traffic operation at a crossroad, for example preventing a spillback phenomenon, minimizing green time (green light display time) during which there are no passing vehicles, and extending the green time, if needed, by setting one or a plurality of detection areas at a crossroad so as to detect the traffic volume in respective moving directions of vehicles at a signalized intersection, determining the traffic state in the moving directions of the vehicles according to vehicle information in respective detection areas, and automatically controlling the crossroad signals accordingly.