Reversible Lane Direction Detection Using Traffic Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversible lanes in traffic networks are not conventionally detected or determined by traffic providers, leading to potential misdirection of drivers and failure to identify more expeditious routes due to changes in lane direction.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive and analyze traffic data to create a traffic data map, determine lane directional changes, suppress outlier data, and identify times of directional changes, allowing for accurate routing instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reversible lanes are not detected or determined by traffic providers, then conventional traffic monitoring is simpler, but routing accuracy deteriorates and drivers may be misdirected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic data processing by analyzing direction of travel for specific road network lanes separately. It divides the problem into identifying reversible lanes versus regular lanes, and processes directional changes independently for each lane segment, enabling precise detection without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary processing layer that receives traffic data, determines direction of travel, and identifies lane reversals before feeding this processed information to routing systems. This intermediary step filters and structures raw data into actionable intelligence about reversible lane changes
2Measurement precision
If traffic data is analyzed without suppressing outliers, then more data points are available for analysis, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to erroneous data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes outlier traffic data points that do not conform to expected patterns. By identifying and taking out erroneous data (such as impossible speeds, contradictory directions, or sensor errors), the system maintains high measurement precision for direction determination while reducing the impact of bad data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where determined lane directions are continuously monitored and compared against incoming traffic data. When outliers are detected through inconsistency with established patterns, the system adjusts or suppresses these data points, creating a self-correcting process that maintains accuracy
3Reliability
If real-time lane direction changes are detected, then routing instructions become more accurate, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying reversible lanes and establishing baseline direction patterns before real-time changes occur. This preparation allows the system to quickly detect deviations from normal patterns without extensive real-time computation, reducing processing time while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic analysis of traffic data at structured intervals rather than continuous processing. By sampling traffic data periodically and comparing against known reversible lane patterns, the system achieves reliable detection of direction changes while minimizing computational overhead and processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for determining road network lane directional changes. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving traffic data for a predetermined period of time, mapping the traffic data to a road network to create a traffic data map, determining a direction of travel for one or more road network lanes based on the traffic data map, and determining, using a processor, if the one or more road network lanes change direction based on the direction of travel over the predetermined period of time.