Mixed-Traffic Vehicle Spacing Control via V2X Classification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic control systems struggle to manage vehicles with varying driving levels, including autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles, effectively.

Innovation Solution

A traffic control system utilizing a control apparatus that communicates with vehicles via V2X messages, identifies vehicle characteristics, and adjusts inter-vehicle distances based on insurance coverage, technical level of driving support systems, and compliance with legal speed limits to maintain safe traffic flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a uniform inter-vehicle distance is applied to all vehicles, then the control system is simple to operate, but safety is compromised when vehicles with different driving levels are mixed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different inter-vehicle distances for vehicles based on their individual characteristics. The control apparatus identifies specific vehicles meeting predetermined conditions (such as autonomous vehicles or vehicles with advanced driving support systems) and sets a first inter-vehicle distance for them, while setting a second inter-vehicle distance for other vehicles. This differentiated approach enhances safety for vehicles with different capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the inter-vehicle distance adjustable and adaptable based on vehicle characteristics. Rather than using a fixed uniform distance, the system dynamically determines appropriate distances by identifying vehicle types and applying different distance parameters. This allows the control system to adapt to mixed traffic conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated identification and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If inter-vehicle distance is increased for all vehicles, then safety is improved, but traffic flow efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtraffic flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by setting different inter-vehicle distances for vehicles based on their individual characteristics. The control apparatus identifies specific vehicles meeting predetermined conditions (such as autonomous vehicles or vehicles with advanced driving support systems) and sets a first inter-vehicle distance for them, while setting a second inter-vehicle distance for other vehicles. This differentiated approach enhances safety for vehicles with different capabilities without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the inter-vehicle distance parameter based on vehicle characteristics. The system changes the distance parameter from a uniform value to differentiated values (first inter-vehicle distance and second inter-vehicle distance) according to whether vehicles meet predetermined conditions. This allows optimization of safety margins for specific vehicle types while maintaining tighter distances for others, thereby preserving overall traffic flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If different inter-vehicle distances are set for vehicles with different characteristics, then safety is enhanced, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol system operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing vehicles into different categories based on predetermined conditions. The control apparatus segments traffic into vehicles meeting specific criteria (such as autonomous vehicles or those with advanced driving support) and other vehicles, then applies different inter-vehicle distance rules to each segment. This segmentation approach enhances safety through differentiated control while maintaining operational simplicity by using clear classification criteria and automated identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling vehicles to effectively identify themselves through their characteristics. The control apparatus automatically identifies vehicles meeting predetermined conditions based on their inherent properties (such as autonomous vehicle status or driving support system capability), eliminating the need for manual classification or complex operator intervention. This self-identifying mechanism simplifies operation while enabling differentiated safety control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4040418B1Traffic control system, traffic control method, and control device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4040418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4040418B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4040418B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A traffic control system includes an identification unit (234) that identifies a vehicle falling under a predetermined condition that has been set, a position control unit (235) that sets a relative position between the vehicle identified and a surrounding vehicle around the vehicle based on a relative distance between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicle, and a control unit (230) that generates control information for controlling movement of the vehicle according to the set relative position.