Probabilistic Road Closure Verification Using Weighted Vehicle Counts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face challenges in accurately verifying road closures using GPS probe data due to location sensor accuracy limitations and map matching errors, which result in multiple possible vehicle paths being generated, leading to reduced accuracy in evaluating traffic conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that processes probe data to determine possible vehicle paths over a road graph, calculates path probabilities, assigns weighted vehicle counts based on these probabilities, and detects traffic anomalies, allowing for the verification of road closures using multiple possible paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple possible vehicle paths are generated due to location sensor accuracy limitations and map matching errors, then the system can account for uncertainty in vehicle positioning, but the accuracy of evaluating traffic conditions on specific road segments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad closure verification accuracyVSAvoidtraffic condition information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the evaluation from binary (road closed/not closed) to probabilistic by introducing path probability as a parameter. Each possible path is assigned a probability value based on how well it matches the probe data, allowing the system to quantify uncertainty and make more nuanced decisions about road closure verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of selecting only the single most likely path (which may discard valuable information), the patent evaluates multiple possible paths with varying degrees of confidence. By considering several paths with different probability weights, the system retains more information and reduces the risk of discarding the actual path due to measurement errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Device complexity

If the system selects only the vehicle path with the highest probability to evaluate a road segment, then the evaluation process is simplified, but crucial information regarding discarded possible paths is lost, significantly reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation process complexityVSAvoidtraffic condition evaluation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a probability parameter to quantify the likelihood of each possible path being the true path. This allows the system to systematically evaluate multiple paths rather than arbitrarily selecting one, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through mathematical formalization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous evaluation of all possible paths rather than discontinuously selecting just one. By continuously considering multiple paths with their respective probabilities, the system ensures that useful information from all plausible routes is utilized in the final evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If GPS probe data is used to verify road closures, then real-time traffic information can be obtained, but location sensor accuracy limitations and map matching errors reduce the reliability of the verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time traffic information deliveryVSAvoidroad closure verification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously compares probe data against multiple possible paths and updates the probability assessment accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its verification accuracy over time while maintaining real-time information delivery capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for potential measurement errors by pre-calculating multiple possible paths and their probabilities before final verification. This cushioning approach ensures that even if location sensors have errors or map matching is imperfect, the system has already considered alternative explanations and can still reach reliable conclusions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11348452B2Method, apparatus, and system for automatic closure verification using multiple possible vehicle paths

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 HERE GLOBAL BV

AI summary

An approach is provided for automatically verifying a road closure using multiple possible vehicle paths between two probe points. The approach involves, for example, processing probe data to determine a possible path of a vehicle over a road graph, wherein the road graph represents a road link and one or more other road links entering or exiting the road link. The approach also involves calculating a path probability for the possible path, wherein the path probability indicates a likelihood that the possible path is a true path of the vehicle over the road graph. The approach further involves assigning a weighted vehicle count to the road link and/or one or more other road links contained in the possible path, wherein the weighted vehicle count is based on the path probability. The approach further involves detecting a traffic anomaly occurring on the road link based on the weighted vehicle count.