Neural Network Traffic Control for Intersection Flow Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current traffic light control systems struggle to accurately recognize incoming traffic and driver intentions, leading to inefficient traffic flow and increased wait times, which in turn affect fuel economy and driver productivity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an adaptive and autonomous traffic control system utilizing neural network technology, which includes solid-state devices capable of real-time, parallel recognition and decision-making, to optimize traffic light sequences and improve traffic flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current vehicle sensors are used to detect incoming traffic, then traffic detection is provided, but the recognition accuracy is inadequate and driver intentions cannot be properly understood

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic recognition accuracyVSAvoiddriver intention detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A neural network processor is introduced as an intermediary between traditional sensors and traffic control decisions. The neural network receives sensor data about traffic conditions and driver actions, processes this information to recognize traffic patterns and driver intentions with high accuracy, then outputs control decisions for traffic lights. This intermediary system bridges the gap between basic sensor detection and sophisticated intention recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical and electronic sensor systems are replaced with a neural network-based computational system. Instead of relying solely on conventional sensors and simple control logic, the patent employs neural networks that can learn from data and make intelligent decisions about traffic flow, enabling accurate recognition of complex traffic patterns and driver intentions.

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

2Productivity

If traffic light control systems use fixed algorithms, then implementation is simple, but traffic flow optimization is insufficient and wait times are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic flow throughputVSAvoidvehicle wait time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The traffic light control system transitions from fixed, static algorithms to dynamic, adaptive control based on real-time neural network processing. The system continuously monitors traffic conditions, driver actions, and traffic flow patterns, adjusting traffic light sequences dynamically to optimize throughput and minimize wait times for all traffic directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network processor receives continuous feedback about traffic conditions, vehicle positions, and traffic flow patterns from sensors, processes this information in real-time, and adjusts traffic light control decisions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing traffic conditions and optimize flow dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If neural network technology is implemented for real-time traffic control, then traffic flow management is significantly improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic flow management efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traffic control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor arrays for data collection, a dedicated neural network processor for intelligent decision-making, and traffic light control outputs. This modular architecture allows the complex neural network functionality to be isolated in a separate processing unit, simplifying the overall system design and enabling independent optimization of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network processor serves multiple functions within the traffic control system, including recognizing traffic patterns, detecting driver intentions, predicting traffic flow, and making real-time control decisions. This multi-functional approach consolidates various control functions into a single intelligent processing unit, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If current sensor systems are used, then basic traffic detection is provided, but comprehensive traffic control functionality is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic control functionalityVSAvoidtraffic flow control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The neural network processor performs preliminary analysis and prediction of traffic conditions, driver intentions, and potential conflicts before traffic light changes are effected. By anticipating future traffic states and preparing appropriate control responses in advance, the system can respond more reliably and accurately to complex and changing traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12217602B2Systems and methods involving features of adaptive and/or autonomous traffic control
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 FASTEC INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • US12217602B2 patent drawing
  • US12217602B2 patent drawing
  • US12217602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and method are disclosed for adaptive and/or autonomous traffic control. In one illustrative implementation, there is provided a method for processing traffic information. Moreover, the method may include receiving data regarding travel of vehicles associated with an intersection, using neural network technology to recognize types and/or states of traffic, and using the neural network technology to process/determine/memorize optimal traffic flow decisions as a function of experience information. Exemplary implementations may also include using the neural network technology to achieve efficient traffic flow via recognition of the optimal traffic flow decisions.