Microwave Radar Traffic Sensor Occlusion Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic control systems face inefficiencies due to occlusion issues, where vehicles are incorrectly identified as absent, leading to prolonged wait times, as microwave sensors struggle to track vehicles through user-defined zones, especially when obstructed by other traffic or temporary obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A microwave radar-based traffic control system that uses user-defined zones and a microprocessor algorithm to determine if a vehicle is occluded, continuously requesting a green light until the vehicle exits or a maximum hold time expires, ensuring that occluded vehicles are not stranded and traffic flow is optimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microwave sensors are used to detect vehicles in traffic control systems, then vehicle detection capability is provided, but occlusion issues occur causing vehicles to be incorrectly identified as absent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking vehicles through multiple detection zones and maintaining vehicle presence status even during temporary occlusions. The algorithm proactively identifies when a vehicle enters occlusion based on zone transition patterns and maintains its detected state, preventing information loss before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle positions across multiple zones and using algorithmic logic to determine when occlusion has occurred. The feedback loop compares expected zone transitions with actual sensor data, identifies occlusion events, and maintains vehicle presence information despite temporary sensor failures.
2Productivity
If traditional sensor systems are used, then simple vehicle presence detection is achieved, but prolonged wait times occur for occluded vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by proactively identifying occluded vehicles through algorithmic analysis of detection zone patterns and maintaining their presence status. This allows the traffic control system to extend green lights or adjust timing for directions with occluded vehicles, preventing prolonged wait times before the issue is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism continuously monitors vehicle detection status and triggers appropriate traffic control responses when occlusion is detected. The system adjusts signal timing based on real-time occlusion detection, ensuring occluded vehicles receive appropriate green lights and reducing unnecessary wait times.
3Reliability
If inductive loop sensors are embedded in roadway surface, then vehicle detection is provided, but installation and configuration time is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inductive loop sensors embedded in the roadway with microwave radar sensors that can be mounted on existing traffic signal poles. This substitution eliminates the need for road cutting, loop installation, and complex calibration, while providing equivalent or superior vehicle detection capabilities through electromagnetic wave reflection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are deployed to cover all approaches, then comprehensive traffic monitoring is achieved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave radar sensors are designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of monitoring multiple approaches and detection zones from single mounting locations. Each sensor can track vehicles in multiple directions and the algorithmic system coordinates information from multiple sensors to provide comprehensive intersection coverage, reducing the total number of sensors needed.
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
This solution minimizes occlusions, reducing wait times for occluded vehicles and enhancing traffic flow by accurately identifying and addressing occluded vehicles within user-defined zones, thereby improving the overall efficiency of traffic management at intersections.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes one or more microwave radar transceivers
Implementation Method 2
microwave radar transceivers...detect vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic control sensor system which provides outputted signals to a receiving traffic control system to assist the traffic control system in making real-time informed green light decisions. Such signals received by the traffic control system include calls for a green light for monitored traffic lanes approaching an intersection. The traffic control sensor system employs various techniques to reduce the number of vehicles that are dropped or occluded. A vehicle is considered to be dropped or occluded whenever the traffic control sensor system first detects the vehicle entering a user defined zone within the approaching lanes to the intersection, and then fails to detect or monitor such vehicle exiting the user defined zones. Occlusion or dropping may occur whenever a sensor is malfunctioning, certain environmental conditions are present, or during any time the sensor's detection signal is interrupted such as from cross traffic entering the monitored intersection.