Network-Based Traffic Control for Intersections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traffic light control systems are costly and mainly limited to urban areas, leaving rural and intercity roads without adequate traffic management, resulting in a high risk of accidents at intersections.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for sending traffic control signals to vehicles approaching intersections based on real-time vehicle data and road-network information, dividing vehicles into regions and adjusting signal timing to manage traffic flow without physical traffic lights, thereby reducing accident risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional traffic light control systems are deployed, then traffic control capability is improved, but facility cost and maintenance cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic control capabilityVSAvoidfacility cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical traffic light system with an information-based control system. Instead of using physical traffic lights installed at intersections, the system uses a server to collect vehicle data via GPS, process this data to determine traffic flow status, and send control signals to vehicles' navigation systems. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive physical infrastructure while maintaining traffic control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the traffic control function. Rather than installing physical traffic lights at every intersection, the system replicates the traffic control capability through software that processes vehicle location data and sends instructions to vehicles' navigation systems. This virtual copying allows traffic control to be provided without the physical facilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If conventional traffic light control systems are deployed, then traffic control capability is improved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic control capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical traffic light system with an information-based control system. Instead of using physical traffic lights installed at intersections, the system uses a server to collect vehicle data via GPS, process this data to determine traffic flow status, and send control signals to vehicles' navigation systems. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive physical infrastructure while maintaining traffic control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If no traffic light control system is provided, then facility cost is reduced, but the risk of traffic accidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefacility costVSAvoidrisk of traffic accidents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical traffic light system with an information-based control system. Instead of using physical traffic lights installed at intersections, the system uses a server to collect vehicle data via GPS, process this data to determine traffic flow status, and send control signals to vehicles' navigation systems. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive physical infrastructure while maintaining traffic control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables vehicles to receive and execute traffic control signals autonomously. The system collects vehicle data, processes traffic flow information, and sends control signals directly to vehicles' navigation systems, which then automatically adjust their operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for physical traffic lights while maintaining safety through automated vehicle response to control signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3091522B1Traffic control method, network side device and terminal
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP3091522B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3091522B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3091522B1 patent drawingFigure 4a

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and provides a traffic control method, a network side device and a terminal. The traffic control method includes steps of: determining a matching relationship between vehicles and roads in accordance with vehicle data of all vehicles on the roads forming an intersection, and sending traffic control signals to the vehicles meeting a certain condition in accordance with the matching relationship between the vehicles and the roads. With such technical solution, it is able to control the vehicles moving toward the intersection without any traffic light control system, thereby reducing the risk of traffic accidents there.