LIDAR Traffic Light Control Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic control devices fail to efficiently adjust traffic signal timing in real-time based on dynamic traffic patterns, often relying on pre-determined settings that do not account for varying traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A traffic control system featuring light detection and ranging sensors mounted on poles above traffic intersections, which communicate with a remote data unit to analyze vehicle data and adjust traffic signal timing dynamically to optimize traffic flow, using both front and rear view sensors to count stopped and approaching vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-determined traffic signal timing settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but traffic flow efficiency deteriorates under varying traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic control system incorporates LIDAR sensors that continuously detect traffic conditions and feed this information back to the controller, which automatically adjusts signal timing in real-time based on actual traffic flow, eliminating the need for manual pre-determined settings while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of traffic signal timing through automated detection and control algorithms, eliminating the need for external manual configuration and allowing the system to adapt autonomously to changing traffic conditions
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR sensors are mounted elevated over traffic, then measurement precision of vehicle detection is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pole structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it elevates the LIDAR sensor for optimal detection angles, provides a stable mounting platform, and acts as a structural support element, thereby achieving precise measurement without requiring separate complex mounting mechanisms
3Productivity
If real-time traffic detection and adjustment is implemented, then traffic flow efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR sensors and control system operate in periodic cycles, detecting traffic conditions and adjusting signals at optimized intervals rather than continuously, thereby maintaining high intersection throughput while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time adjustment of traffic signal timing to efficiently manage traffic flow, whether light or heavy, without pre-determined settings, improving intersection throughput and responsiveness to changing traffic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of light detection and ranging sensors is each mounted to a respective mounting pole
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic light control assembly includes a plurality of mounting poles each attached to a cross beam of a respective traffic signal at a roadway intersection. A plurality of light detection and ranging sensors is each mounted to a respective mounting pole to be elevated over traffic on the roadway. Each of the light detection and ranging sensors is positioned to sense the number of vehicles that are stopped at an opposing traffic signal. Each of the light detection and ranging sensors is in electrical communication with a remote data unit thereby facilitating the remote data unit to analyze data gathered by each of the light detection and ranging sensors with respect to the number of vehicles. Moreover, the remote data unit adjusts timing of the traffic signals to most efficiently direct traffic through the intersection with respect to the number of vehicles that are approaching the intersection.