Intersection Traffic Signal Indicator System for Oncoming Lane Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers often lack direct knowledge of the traffic light status of intersecting and oncoming lanes at intersections, leading to uncertain decision-making during turns.
Innovation Solution
An intersection traffic signal indicator system utilizing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication to receive and display current traffic light status information as graphic objects on a vehicle's display, allowing drivers to make informed decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If drivers rely on observation and experience to determine traffic signal status, then no additional communication infrastructure is needed, but drivers cannot directly perceive the traffic light status of oncoming traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that includes a traffic signal status provider (such as a roadside unit or infrastructure component) that receives traffic signal status from traffic lights and transmits it to vehicles. This intermediary bridges the gap between the traffic light and the driver, allowing indirect observation of traffic signal status through communication channels rather than direct visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an electronic communication system. Instead of drivers directly observing traffic lights through visual mechanics, the system uses electronic communication channels (V2V or V2I) to transmit traffic signal status data to the vehicle's display system, substituting physical observation with electronic information transfer.
2Loss of information
If traffic lights are turned toward oncoming traffic, then oncoming traffic can see the signal status, but drivers of the object vehicle cannot directly perceive the traffic light status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where traffic signal status information is continuously transmitted from the traffic light or roadside units to the vehicle's communication system, which then displays this information to the driver. This creates a feedback loop that provides real-time updates on traffic signal status, enabling drivers to make informed decisions about turning maneuvers based on current traffic light conditions of intersecting and oncoming lanes.
3Productivity
If turns are executed without direct knowledge of current traffic light status, then traffic flow is maintained, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary action by providing drivers with advance knowledge of traffic signal status before executing turns. The communication system delivers traffic light status information to the vehicle's display system in advance of the intersection, allowing drivers to plan and prepare for safe turning maneuvers knowing the current status of intersecting and oncoming traffic lights, thereby maintaining both traffic flow efficiency and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing current traffic light status information to a driver of an object vehicle for one or more traffic light devices at an intersection is provided. The method includes receiving current traffic light status information by an intersection traffic signal indicator system of the object vehicle from a source external the object vehicle using one or both of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. The current traffic light status information is indicative of a traffic light of a traffic light device visible to an oncoming vehicle. A reproduction of the traffic light visible to the oncoming vehicle is displayed as a graphic object on a display of the object vehicle using the traffic light status information.