Automated Road Closure Verification Using Probe Data Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traffic service providers face challenges in accurately reporting and verifying road closures due to reliance on manual monitoring, which is resource-intensive and prone to errors, leading to poor user experiences and loss of trust when incorrect or incomplete data is provided.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically verifies road closure reports by constructing a closure link graph using probe data from vehicles, calculating features such as vehicle traffic and detouring patterns, and evaluating closure probabilities to determine the status of road segments, thereby reducing the need for manual verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual monitoring is used to verify road closure reports, then the accuracy of verification can be maintained through human judgment, but the resource consumption and time required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-verification of road closure reports by using probe data from vehicles to independently determine closure status without human intervention. The automated system processes traffic data, constructs closure link graphs, and verifies reports autonomously, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining verification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process with an automated electronic system that uses probe data processing and algorithmic analysis. The system substitutes human operators with automated computational methods including closure probability evaluation and graph-based analysis to verify road closure reports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual monitoring is used to verify road closure reports, then detailed analysis can be performed, but the time required for verification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis detailVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous automated verification by processing probe data in real-time as it becomes available from vehicles. Instead of periodic manual checks, the automated system continuously monitors traffic patterns and immediately verifies road closure reports, maintaining detailed analysis capability while eliminating time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual analysis with automated electronic processing of probe data. The system uses computational algorithms to perform detailed closure probability evaluations and graph analyses instantaneously, substituting human analysis time with rapid automated computation while maintaining analytical depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated verification using probe data is implemented, then resource consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves resource efficiency by creating a multi-functional automated verification platform that handles multiple tasks: collecting probe data from various sources, constructing closure link graphs, evaluating closure probabilities, and verifying reports. This universal system replaces multiple separate manual processes, reducing overall resource consumption despite increased automation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces probe data as an intermediary element that enables automated verification. Instead of direct human observation, the system uses vehicle-generated probe data as a mediator to infer road closure status. This intermediary approach automates the verification process while maintaining accuracy through objective data-driven analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If automated verification is implemented, then the speed of verification increases, but the complexity of data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification speedVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the verification process into distinct computational stages: probe data collection, closure link graph construction, feature extraction, closure probability evaluation, and final verification decision. This segmentation enables high-speed automated processing by breaking down complex data analysis into manageable computational steps that can be executed rapidly and in parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces slow manual verification with high-speed automated electronic data processing. The system uses computational algorithms to rapidly analyze probe data and determine closure status, substituting human processing speed limitations with fast automated computation while managing data processing complexity through structured methodologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11721206B2Method, apparatus, and system for automatic verification of road closure reports
Publication Date: 2023.08.08 HERE GLOBAL BV
  • US11721206B2 patent drawing
  • US11721206B2 patent drawing
  • US11721206B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach is provided for automatically verifying a road closure report. The approach, for example, involves determining one or more features of probe data collected from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a connected set of road links of a closure link graph. The closure link graph, for instance, comprises a road link indicated by the road closure report, one or more upstream links from the road link, one or more downstream links from the road link, or a combination thereof. The approach also involves evaluating a closure probability of the road link indicated by the road closure report based on the one or more features. The road closure report is then automatically verified based on the closure probability.