Probe Information Collection for Accurate Intersection Travel Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for collecting probe information in road networks fail to accurately represent actual travel times due to complexities at intersections, such as stop lines and pedestrian crossings, leading to inaccuracies in travel time statistics, and there is a need for improved processing efficiency, cost reduction, and resource optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects probe information by defining reference areas that include both intersection and road areas, allowing for accurate tracking of delayed times at intersections and generating accurate travel time statistics by specifying different reference areas for approach and exit directions, and using statistical information generation techniques like histogram analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If probe information is collected for each link between intersections, then the data collection process is simple, but the travel time statistics become inaccurate due to delays at intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the road network into reference areas that include both intersection areas and road areas. By segmenting the measurement unit from simple links to comprehensive reference areas, the system captures delay information at intersections while maintaining a structured data collection approach. This resolves the contradiction by preserving simplicity in the segmentation scheme while improving measurement accuracy through expanded reference units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference areas as intermediary units that mediate between simple link-based collection and complex intersection-based collection. These reference areas serve as intermediate measurement units that include both intersection and road portions, allowing accurate capture of delay information without requiring complex intersection-specific processing. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a middle-ground measurement unit.
2Device complexity
If nodes are set at intersection centers, then the road network structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to determine which link should receive delayed time information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference area into distinct components: intersection areas and road areas. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple node placement at intersection centers while clearly identifying which portions of travel time belong to intersection delays versus road travel. The segmented reference area structure resolves the contradiction by providing clear attribution of delay information to specific segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating intersection areas and road areas within reference areas differently. Intersection areas are specifically identified as locations where delays occur, while road areas represent normal travel portions. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain simple overall structure while accurately attributing delays to their local sources, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and measurement clarity.
3Loss of information
If probe information includes waiting time at intersections, then the information is more comprehensive, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges intersection area information and road area information into unified reference areas. By combining these elements into single measurement units, the system captures comprehensive travel time information including waiting times without requiring separate processing pipelines for different area types. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by reducing processing complexity through unification while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal reference areas that serve multiple functions: they capture road travel time, intersection delay information, and provide a unified measurement unit for statistics. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive information collection without increasing processing complexity, as the same reference area structure handles all measurement needs. The universal reference area resolves the contradiction by providing a single processing framework for diverse information types.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method of collecting probe information generated during travel of a vehicle, comprising: (a) receiving probe information including travel time information of a reference area, from a vehicle traveling a reference area that includes at least one of an intersection area that is an area from an approach to an intersection to an exit from the intersection and a road area that connects with the intersection area and is an area from the exit of the intersection to an approach of another intersection adjacent to the intersection in an exit direction; and (b) storing the received probe information.