Probe Vehicle Traffic Data Collection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting real-time traffic stream data are challenging due to limitations in static sensors, such as inductive loop detectors and cameras, which are costly, limited in scope, and susceptible to weather conditions, making it difficult to accurately assess traffic congestion and volatility.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a floating vehicle equipped with sensors to collect data on traffic speed and density by calculating the speed of neighboring vehicles and distances between them, transmitting this data to a server for real-time analysis and infrastructure updates to manage traffic flow volatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static sensors (inductive loop detectors, cameras) are deployed to collect traffic data, then traffic congestion can be assessed, but the system becomes costly, limited in scope, and susceptible to weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probe vehicles as intermediary mobile data collection points within the traffic stream. These vehicles equip sensors that measure traffic conditions (speed, density, spacing) while moving through the traffic flow, eliminating the need for extensive static sensor deployment along roadways. The probe vehicles act as mobile intermediaries that collect data directly from the traffic stream without requiring infrastructure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical infrastructure-based sensor system (inductive loops embedded in pavement, physical camera mounts) with a mobile computational approach. Instead of fixed mechanical sensors requiring installation and maintenance, the system uses processors on probe vehicles to calculate traffic parameters (speed, density, spacing) from sensor data collected while moving, substituting mechanical deployment with computational processing.
2Loss of information
If static sensors are used to evaluate traffic conditions, then data can be collected at specific locations, but the data coverage remains limited and cannot reflect real-time traffic volatility across the entire stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static sensor locations to dynamic mobile data collection. Probe vehicles move through different road segments and traffic conditions, continuously collecting data as they traverse the network. This dynamic approach allows the system to capture traffic conditions across multiple locations and time points, providing comprehensive coverage of traffic stream volatility without requiring sensors at every possible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the temporal and spatial dimension of mobility to data collection. Instead of fixed sensors covering only their immediate location, probe vehicles move through three-dimensional space and time, collecting data across multiple road segments. This transforms the collection from a static point measurement to a dynamic trajectory-based measurement, capturing traffic conditions across the entire stream rather than at isolated locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for updating traffic-related infrastructure. The method includes determining average traffic stream speed and average traffic density over a segment of a highway. The method further includes determining, upon analysis of the determined average traffic stream speed and average traffic density over a segment of a highway, an appropriate action in order to update the infrastructure.