Road Junction Identification via Geometric Attribute Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying road junctions in large networks are time-consuming and inaccurate, often requiring manual inspection and validation, which is inefficient for complex geographic areas.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that compares pre-processed attribute data of road junctions in a topographic database to a target junction, allowing for quick identification of similar junctions based on geometric and other attributes, using a tolerance level for matching, thereby reducing the need for manual validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and validation methods are used to identify road junctions, then accuracy can be maintained through human judgment, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and inefficient for large geographic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated computer-implemented system that uses attribute data comparison algorithms to identify matching road junctions, eliminating the need for human inspectors to manually examine maps while maintaining identification accuracy through systematic digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of road junction attributes from topographic databases and compares these copied data sets to identify matching junctions, allowing rapid replication and analysis of junction characteristics across large geographic areas without physical manual inspection
2Productivity
If automated computer-implemented methods are used to identify road junctions, then productivity and speed are dramatically improved, but the complexity of the system increases requiring pre-processed attribute data and comparison algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of road junction data by pre-calculating and storing attribute data such as angular positions, road classifications, and geometric characteristics in the topographic database before the actual matching process, so that when identification is needed, the system can quickly compare pre-prepared data without performing complex calculations in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the road junction identification process into separate functional components: data retrieval from topographic databases, attribute data comparison, tolerance level application, and result output, allowing each component to be optimized independently and managed through modular software architecture
3Measurement precision
If strict matching criteria are applied to identify identical road junctions, then precision is improved, but the quantity of identified junctions decreases potentially missing similar variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tolerance levels as adjustable parameters that define acceptable ranges for attribute variations such as angular positions and geometric characteristics, allowing the system to identify junctions that are similar but not identical, thereby increasing the quantity of identified junctions while maintaining reasonable precision through defined parameter thresholds
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and system for identifying one or more road junctions in a network based on their similarity to a target road junction having a given configuration. A target road junction is selected having certain characteristics of interest, in particular, having a certain geometric configuration of connecting roads. Certain configurations may have various real world implications such as the amount of sun glare experienced by incoming drivers, the likelihood of road incidents and the operation of traffic control systems. A topographic database comprising pre-processed attribute data for each of the road junctions within a geographic area is then searched to identify one or more road junctions that match (within an accepted tolerance level) the geometric configuration and other attributes of the target road junction. The matched road junctions may then be output for use in various applications, such as calculating the location of road sensors for use with autonomous vehicles, the designing of test centres for autonomous vehicles, the programming and controlling of autonomous vehicles, and the designing and programming of traffic control systems.