Traffic Queue Detection Using OBU Wireless Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for precisely determining vehicle queue lengths at traffic light signals are inadequate, particularly due to the limitations of detection devices being affected by adverse weather conditions and the low penetration rate of On-Board Units (OBUs) in the vehicle fleet.
Innovation Solution
A connected vehicle traffic monitoring system that uses Roadside Units (RSUs) to wirelessly communicate with OBU-equipped vehicles to calculate the distance between them and detect non-OBU-equipped vehicles in a queue, allowing for accurate determination of queue length and improved traffic signal control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If video detectors are used to detect vehicle queues, then visual detection capability is provided, but detection reliability deteriorates under adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task by using multiple detection methods (video detectors, loop detectors, radar detectors, magnetometers, and OBU-equipped vehicles) instead of relying on a single method. Each detector type handles specific aspects of vehicle queue detection, and their results are integrated to achieve reliable detection under various weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by switching between different detection technologies based on weather conditions. When video detectors are blinded by adverse weather, the system transitions to using radar detectors, magnetometers, or OBU wireless communications which are not affected by visual obstructions, thereby maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If On-Board Units (OBUs) are used for vehicle detection, then precise location and speed data are obtained, but system coverage deteriorates due to low penetration rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges OBU-equipped vehicles with traditional detection devices (video detectors, loop detectors, radar detectors, and magnetometers) to create a hybrid detection network. This combination allows the system to leverage the precise data from OBUs when available while falling back on traditional detectors for vehicles without OBUs, thereby achieving both precision and comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic signal controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle data from multiple sources: it can process precise location and speed data from OBUs when available, and automatically switch to using data from video detectors, loop detectors, radar detectors, or magnetometers for vehicles without OBUs, ensuring universal applicability across all vehicle types.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional detection devices are used, then infrastructure coverage is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to binary detection limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces OBU-equipped vehicles as intermediaries between the traditional detection devices and the traffic signal controller. The OBUs provide precise location and speed data that act as a mediator, enabling the controller to calculate accurate queue lengths by combining OBU data with detections from traditional devices, thereby overcoming the binary detection limitations of traditional infrastructure alone.
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
Enhances the precision of queue length detection and traffic signal control, effectively managing traffic congestion even in environments with low OBU penetration and adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The roadside unit (RSU) is configured to transmit wireless signals and receive corresponding responses from a corresponding wireless device of a first Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle and a second OBU-equipped vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A connected traffic monitoring system comprises at least one Roadside Unit (RSU) and a traffic signal controller. The roadside unit is configured to transmit wireless signals, receive corresponding responses from a first Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle and a second OBU-equipped vehicle and send data from the first OBU-equipped vehicle and the second OBU-equipped vehicle to the traffic signal controller. The traffic signal controller to calculate a distance between the first Onboard Unit (OBU)-equipped vehicle and the second OBU-equipped vehicle in a vehicle queue associated with a traffic light signal on an intersection, determine the queue length of the vehicle queue, determine whether the distance between the first OBU-equipped vehicle and the second OBU-equipped vehicle is greater than a vehicle length and if the distance is determined greater than the vehicle length, detect at least one non-OBU-equipped vehicle stopped in the vehicle queue behind the first OBU-equipped vehicle.