Intersection Vehicle Control for Mixed Connected Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intersection management systems require all vehicles to be connected and autonomous to optimize traffic flow without traffic signals, which is impractical due to the mix of vehicle types and models on the roadways, and they fail to efficiently manage traffic congestion and fuel usage.
Innovation Solution
A centralized vehicle control system that can remotely control connected vehicles to optimize intersection performance by predicting delays and controlling vehicle dynamics, allowing for a mixture of connected and unconnected vehicles, and reducing the need for roadside infrastructure like traffic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all vehicles are required to be connected and autonomous to enable signal-free intersection control, then intersection throughput and safety are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized intersection controller as an intermediary system that manages traffic flow without requiring full vehicle automation. This controller receives data from connected vehicles and makes control decisions, acting as a mediator between infrastructure and vehicles with varying levels of automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to handle multiple vehicle types and automation levels through a universal interface. The system can manage fully autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles with partial automation, and even unconnected vehicles using standardized communication protocols and control strategies.
2Reliability
If traffic signals are used to manage intersection traffic, then safety and traffic flow control are improved, but road congestion and fuel usage increase during high traffic volume periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control strategies that continuously adjust traffic flow parameters based on real-time conditions. The system optimizes vehicle speeds and timing to minimize stops and idle time at intersections, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining safety through adaptive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system aims to maintain continuous traffic flow through the intersection by coordinating vehicle movements to avoid complete stops. By optimizing throughput and minimizing interruptions, the system reduces idle time and associated fuel consumption while keeping traffic moving continuously.
3Productivity
If centralized control of all vehicles at intersection is implemented, then traffic optimization is improved, but authorization requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial control where only connected vehicles receive direct control instructions from the centralized system, while unconnected vehicles are managed through default rules and infrastructure controls. This partial approach achieves traffic optimization without requiring universal vehicle authorization.
4Productivity
If traffic signals are installed at intersections, then traffic flow management is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traffic control function from physical traffic signals and implements it through a centralized software-based control system. By removing the need for expensive traffic signal hardware while maintaining control capabilities through connected vehicle communications, the system eliminates installation and maintenance costs associated with physical signals.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method determines one or more characteristics of an intersection of two or more lanes of a roadway and determines a plurality of compatible movement groups representing allowable movement options of vehicles approaching the intersection. The method further calculates delays for the compatible movement groups, respectively, selects a compatible movement group from the plurality of compatible movement groups based on the delays, and provides control instructions to a set of the vehicles in a control region of the intersection associated with the compatible movement group to control one or more dynamics of each of the vehicles of the set as the vehicles of the set traverse the intersection.