Intersection Priority Matrix Using Probe Data Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital maps and navigation systems lack the ability to accurately determine and validate vehicle priorities at geographical roadway intersections, which are crucial for safe and efficient traffic flow but are not considered in existing digital map data.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing probe data from individual navigation units to accumulate and process data from vehicles passing through intersections, determining which vehicle has priority based on real-time data and updating an intersection priority matrix to reflect actual traffic rules and patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If digital maps and navigation systems rely on traditional data collection methods, then road location and basic traffic direction can be verified, but detailed information about vehicle priorities at intersections cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersection priority informationVSAvoiddata processing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe data collection system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to verify road locations and traffic directions while simultaneously capturing intersection priority information. The existing navigation units are utilized for additional data collection purposes without requiring dedicated specialized devices, thereby extracting maximum value from the current infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An intersection priority matrix is introduced as an intermediary data structure that processes raw probe data to extract meaningful priority information. This matrix serves as a mediator between the collected probe data and the final navigation decisions, organizing complex intersection behavior patterns into structured, usable information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If probe data from navigation units is utilized to verify road locations and traffic speeds, then basic mapping accuracy improves, but detailed intersection behavior data remains uncollected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersection priority verificationVSAvoidprobe data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Specific intersection-related information is extracted from the broader probe data collected by navigation units. Rather than requiring complete detailed data for all aspects, the system selectively extracts relevant intersection priority information from the continuous stream of probe data, focusing computational resources on the specific metric of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects more probe data than strictly necessary for basic navigation, accumulating excessive data that can be subsequently processed to reveal intersection patterns. This approach ensures sufficient data volume is gathered to statistically validate intersection priorities, accepting some redundancy to guarantee measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If physical inspection methods are used to verify intersection rules, then accurate priority information can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be performed in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintersection validation speedVSAvoidpriority setting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables intersection priority validation to be self-performing through automated analysis of probe data. Rather than requiring human inspectors to physically visit and observe intersections, the navigation units and processing system automatically detect and validate priority patterns from collected data, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where probe data is constantly collected, analyzed, and used to update intersection priority matrices. This ongoing feedback mechanism allows real-time validation and adjustment of priority settings, ensuring accuracy is maintained and updated as traffic patterns evolve, unlike static physical inspections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2630443B1Method of determining and validating navigational priority settings utilizing probe data
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 TOMTOM BELGIUM
  • EP2630443B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2630443B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2630443B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A method for determining vehicle priority settings (30) at an intersection (26) is provided comprising accumulating probe data (24) from a plurality of individual navigation units (20). An intersection within a digital map (14) is selected, and a plurality of probe traces (32) are selected. The probe traces (32) are processed in a method characterized by selecting a pair of probe traces (32) that enter the intersection (26) at the same time on different trajectories (34). It is determined which of the probe traces (32) proceeds through the intersection first and an intersection priority matrix (36) is updated accordingly. This intersection priority matrix (36) is utilized to formulate at least one derived intersection BLOOMFIELD 38802-47 1079941 priority setting (38).