Intersection Traffic Information Calculation Using Map Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic information calculation devices struggle to accurately determine branch directions at intersections, especially at complex intersections, and lack complete data on turn signals from all vehicles, leading to incomplete traffic information for users.
Innovation Solution
A traffic information calculation device that acquires vehicle position and time data, uses a map database to determine branch directions, and calculates waiting times or jam lengths for each branch direction, employing GPS or vehicle speed pulse signals to derive driving speed and generate accurate intersection traffic information without requiring modifications to existing vehicle-mounted devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If turn signal information is used to determine branch direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of branch direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces map database information as an intermediary to bridge the gap between simple turn signal detection and accurate branch direction determination. The map database provides intersection geometry and road configuration data that mediates between the crude turn signal signal and the need for precise branch direction identification, enabling accurate determination without complex additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing turn signal information serve multiple functions: not only indicating driver intent but also serving as input data for branch direction determination when combined with map database information. This multi-functional use of simple turn signal data improves measurement precision without adding device complexity
2Reliability
If statistical analysis is performed on traffic information from all vehicles, then the reliability of traffic information is improved, but the loss of information deteriorates due to incomplete data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The map database acts as an intermediary that compensates for missing turn signal information. When a vehicle's turn signal data is incomplete or unavailable, the system uses map database information about intersection geometry and typical traffic patterns to infer the branch direction, thereby maintaining information completeness and reliability without requiring universal vehicle equipment upgrades
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores comprehensive map database information about intersections, including geometry, road configurations, and typical traffic flow patterns. This beforehand preparation creates a cushion that compensates for potential data gaps from individual vehicles, ensuring that traffic information reliability is maintained even when some vehicle data is missing
3Measurement precision
If vehicle-mounted devices are upgraded to calculate waiting time and detect turn signals, then the measurement precision of intersection traffic information is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing vehicle-mounted devices to contribute to accurate traffic information using their existing capabilities (basic position detection and turn signal detection). The system processes this self-provided data combined with map database information, allowing vehicles to participate in traffic information collection without requiring expensive upgrades or additional specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing vehicle-mounted device components serve the additional function of intersection traffic information collection. The existing position detection and turn signal detection capabilities are repurposed to determine branch directions and calculate waiting times when combined with map database information, eliminating the need for dedicated new hardware while improving measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic information calculation device includes: a probe information database for accumulating vehicle information including a vehicle position and the time of the vehicle position; a branch judgment unit for judging the branch direction of the vehicle at an intersection according to the position of the intersection on the map database and the vehicle information; and intersection traffic information calculation unit for calculating the wait time or jam length of the branch direction at the intersection from the vehicle information. Thus, the intersection traffic information calculation unit can calculate the traffic information for each branch direction at the intersection and it is possible to obtain accurate traffic information for each branch direction even at an intersection having five directions or more.