Network Node Beamforming for Dynamic Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic management systems face challenges in efficiently managing dynamic traffic flow, particularly around zebra crossings and temporary objects like pedestrians and animals, leading to accidents and inefficient road utilization, with a lack of integrated solutions for work-related road safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network node using beamforming technology to detect the presence, direction, and speed of objects through radio beams, allowing for dynamic traffic management by creating virtual zebra crossings and adjusting traffic lanes, and integrating this data into a traffic management system to enhance safety and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If zebra crossings are used at predetermined locations, then pedestrian crossing safety is improved, but traffic flow efficiency deteriorates due to static infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the zebra crossing infrastructure movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically create, move, and remove virtual zebra crossings based on real-time pedestrian detection and traffic conditions, allowing the crossing location to adapt to fluctuating pedestrian flows while maintaining safety and improving overall traffic efficiency.
2Loss of information
If multiple information signs are placed near roundabouts to indicate zebra crossings, then driver awareness of crossings is improved, but information overload increases making it difficult for drivers to detect crossings
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by detecting actual traffic and pedestrian conditions in real-time, then dynamically adjusting information provision. Instead of continuously displaying all possible information signs, the system provides targeted information only when and where needed based on detected conditions, reducing information overload while maintaining driver awareness of upcoming crossings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting pedestrians and preparing crossing information in advance, then providing it to drivers at the optimal moment and location. This allows drivers to be informed of crossings before they need to react, improving awareness without creating information overload through continuous or premature signaling.
3Device complexity
If the number of lanes is fixed, then road infrastructure simplicity is maintained, but traffic utilization efficiency deteriorates when traffic flow fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic lane allocation and traffic flow management. The system can adjust lane configurations, merge or split lanes, and redirect traffic flow in real-time based on detected traffic conditions, allowing the road infrastructure to adapt to fluctuating traffic demands without physical construction changes, thereby improving utilization efficiency while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
4Productivity
If traditional traffic management systems focus on vehicle throughput, then vehicle traffic efficiency is improved, but pedestrian safety and work-related road safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by creating a multi-functional traffic management platform that simultaneously optimizes for multiple objectives. It detects and manages both vehicle traffic and vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, workers), dynamically adjusting traffic flow, creating protected crossing zones, and coordinating with construction equipment when present, thereby improving overall safety without sacrificing vehicle throughput efficiency.
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
This approach improves traffic safety by reducing accidents and optimizing traffic flow by providing real-time data on object positions and movements, enabling proactive warnings and adjustments to traffic signals and road allocations, thus enhancing both vehicle and pedestrian safety.
Implementation Method 1
The network node determines a position of an object based on a signal strength of a beamforming transmission
Implementation Method 2
Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) is a laser radar that scans objects with radio waves being reflected back
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a network node (10,12) in a communication network for handling data of objects in the communication network. The network node determines a position of an object based on a signal strength or a 5 signal quality of a beamforming transmission, wherein the beamforming transmission comprises transmitted radio beams that swipe a surrounding. The network node determines position by analysing the signal strength or signal quality of the transmitted radio beams and comparing signal strength or signal quality from a previous beamforming transmission that swipe the surrounding. The network node further 10 provides an output indicating the determined position of the object. (FIG. 1)