Intersection Control With Staged Permitted Tracks for Pattern Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic signal control systems that switch control patterns at intersections may increase traffic volumes, leading to a higher risk of collisions between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An intersection control system that decides and distributes multiple sets of intersection control information to vehicles, allowing for seamless transitions without requiring clearance intervals, thereby increasing traffic volume while minimizing collision risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clearance interval period is provided to clear vehicles from the intersection when switching control patterns, then collision risk is reduced, but traffic volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control information distribution process into three distinct phases: first control information (initial pattern), second control information (transition pattern with restricted tracks), and third control information (final pattern). This segmentation allows the system to manage the transition between control patterns without requiring a complete clearance interval, as the second control information selectively permits only non-interfering travel tracks during the transition phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the permitted travel tracks based on the current control pattern and vehicle positions. The second control information is generated by identifying tracks that do not interfere with vehicles currently in the intersection, allowing the control pattern to transition dynamically while maintaining safety. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for static clearance intervals.
2Productivity
If control patterns are switched frequently to increase traffic volume, then productivity improves, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from vehicle detector signals to determine which travel tracks are currently occupied or interfered with by vehicles in the intersection. This feedback mechanism allows the second control information to be generated with restricted permitted tracks that avoid conflicts with existing vehicles, enabling frequent control pattern switches without increasing collision risk.
Data Source
AI summary
An intersection control apparatus includes a decision unit that decides first intersection control information, second intersection control information, and third intersection control information and a distribution unit that distributes the first intersection control information, the second intersection control information, and the third intersection control information to a plurality of vehicles scheduled to pass through the intersection in the recited order. The first intersection control information and the third intersection control information include a plurality of permitted track information pieces. The second intersection control information includes at least one permitted track information piece. The first intersection control information, the second intersection control information, and the third intersection control information are different from each other. The first intersection control information and the third intersection control information include the at least one permitted track information piece included in the second intersection control information.