Intersection Right of Way Resolution via Vehicle Behavior Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ambiguity in determining which vehicle has the right of way at a four-way intersection can lead to delays, confusion, and potential collisions, especially when vehicles arrive simultaneously, as existing communication methods are inadequate to resolve this issue reliably.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that detect the arrival times and behavior data of vehicles approaching an intersection, comparing this data to determine the right of way, and transmitting a resolution message to the vehicles involved to clarify the right of way maneuver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vehicles follow traditional right of way rules at four-way intersections, then traffic flow is maintained, but ambiguity arises when vehicles arrive simultaneously causing delays and potential collisions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveright of way determinationVSAvoidintersection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle positions, speeds, and arrival times through sensors and communication networks. This feedback loop enables dynamic determination of right of way based on actual vehicle behavior and arrival sequences, resolving ambiguity when vehicles arrive simultaneously by providing continuous updates to all involved vehicles about who has priority.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized intersection management system as an intermediary that coordinates right of way decisions. This mediator receives data from all approaching vehicles, processes their arrival times and behavior patterns, and transmits resolution messages to clarify right of way, eliminating the need for drivers to independently interpret ambiguous situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If communication signals are transmitted to resolve right of way ambiguity, then collision risk is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal communication protocols and standardized message formats that can be implemented across multiple vehicle types and manufacturers. The resolution messages use common data structures for vehicle identification, position, and behavior data, allowing the complex communication functionality to be achieved through standardized, multi-functional components rather than custom solutions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing a centralized intersection management system as an intermediary, the complexity of direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication is reduced. The mediator handles data processing, conflict resolution, and message generation, simplifying the communication burden on individual vehicles while maintaining reliable collision avoidance capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11055997B1System and method for resolving ambiguous right of way
Publication Date: 2021.07.06 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11055997B1 patent drawing
  • US11055997B1 patent drawing
  • US11055997B1 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method for communication between a plurality of vehicles at an intersection includes detecting the intersection ahead of a first vehicle. The method includes determining a time of arrival of a first vehicle at the intersection and a time of arrival of a second vehicle at the intersection is approximately the same. Further, the method includes receiving behavior data about the first vehicle for a previous time of duration before the time of arrival of the first vehicle at the intersection, and receiving behavior data about the second vehicle for a previous time of duration before the time of arrival of the second vehicle at the intersection. The method includes transmitting a resolution message including information for determining a right of way maneuver between the first vehicle and the second vehicle at the intersection.