Intersection Traffic Speed Estimation via Probe Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital maps struggle to accurately estimate traffic speeds through intersections due to unreliable crowd-sourced data and the inability to differentiate between traffic congestion and traffic light-related slowdowns, leading to inaccurate representation of traffic flow across various paths.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects probe data from multiple sources approaching and exiting an intersection, filters out data influenced by traffic lights, and calculates traffic speeds for each path by averaging and standardizing probe data speeds, while map-matching probes to determine accurate traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If crowd-sourced probe data is used to establish traffic speed, then data collection is simplified and coverage is expanded, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish congestion from traffic light slowdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the road network into approach road segments and exit road segments, and further segments traffic flow into different path groups (e.g., left turn, straight, right turn). By calculating average speeds for each segmented group rather than treating all probe data uniformly, the system achieves both broad data collection coverage and precise measurement for each specific traffic condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing rules to different segments of the traffic flow. Approach road segments have speeds averaged separately from exit road segments, and each exit segment is processed according to its specific path characteristics. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain measurement precision for each local traffic condition while utilizing comprehensive crowd-sourced data.
2Device complexity
If average speed is calculated from all probe data, then calculation complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inclusion of traffic light-related slowdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides probe data into separate groups based on their geographic location (approach vs. exit segments) and travel path. By calculating average speeds for each segmented group independently, the system avoids mixing traffic light-related slowdowns with actual congestion data, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex filtering algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces geographic segmentation (approach/exit segments and path groups) as an intermediary classification layer between raw probe data and final speed calculations. This intermediary structure naturally separates traffic light effects from congestion effects, improving reliability while keeping the calculation process relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If traffic speed is represented as a single average value, then data processing is simplified, but information completeness deteriorates by losing path-specific traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic flow into multiple path groups (e.g., left turn, straight, right turn) and calculates a separate average speed for each group. This segmentation preserves path-specific traffic information while maintaining relatively simple average-based calculations for each segment, avoiding the need for complex multi-dimensional data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional layer of path classification to the speed data structure. Instead of a single scalar value, the system organizes speeds by path groups, creating a hierarchical structure that preserves directional information while keeping each individual path's representation simple and computationally efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for gathering probe data and using the gathered data to establish traffic speeds for various paths through an intersection. Methods may include receiving probe data from a plurality of probes approaching an intersection along a common road segment; receiving probe data from the plurality of probes exiting the intersection along two or more different road segments; determining traffic speed for each path through the intersection from the common road segment based on the received probe data from the plurality of probes approaching the intersection along the common road segment and the received probe data from the plurality of probes exiting the intersection along two or more different road segments; and generating an indication of the traffic speed for each path through the intersection to be provided for display on a graphical representation of the intersection.