Road-Section Traffic Volume Estimation Using Signal Timing Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic detection technologies, such as coil geomagnetic sensors and visual range detectors, have limited coverage and precision, leading to out-of-sight blind areas and inaccurate traffic volume acquisition, which affects the reliability and efficiency of traffic management systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize first and second feature information, combined with signal timing information, to calculate traffic states and volumes across a road section, employing closed flow accumulation and integral operations to enhance accuracy and reliability without relying solely on direct detection data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional detection tools such as coil geomagnetic sensors and visual range detectors are used, then the detection range is limited, but the coverage rate of Internet data is low and precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (coil geomagnetic sensors, visual range detectors, and Internet data) into a unified traffic volume acquisition system. By merging these different detection approaches, the system achieves both wide coverage and high precision simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a multi-functional detection approach where a single traffic management system can handle multiple detection tasks using different methods. The system can switch between or combine traditional detection tools and Internet data sources depending on the specific requirements, making the system universally applicable to various detection scenarios while maintaining both coverage and precision.
2Measurement precision
If traffic detectors are deployed to cover the whole road section, then accurate data can be obtained, but economic and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Internet data as an intermediary resource to supplement traditional detector data. Instead of deploying detectors throughout the entire road section, the system uses Internet data from mobile devices, navigation apps, and other sources to fill gaps in coverage, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing the quantity of physical detectors needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual copies of traffic information from Internet sources to represent actual traffic conditions on road sections without physical detectors. By copying and processing data from mobile devices and online platforms, the system creates a virtual detection network that reduces the need for expensive physical detector deployment while maintaining accurate traffic volume measurement.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional detection methods are used, then installation is straightforward, but out-of-sight blind areas are created at intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical detector placement (on the road surface or mounted on poles) to a multi-dimensional detection approach that incorporates Internet data from mobile devices at various locations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to cover blind areas at intersections that traditional detectors cannot reach, improving reliability while maintaining installation simplicity through the use of existing infrastructure and data sources.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for acquiring a traffic volume, which relates to a field of artificial intelligence, and specifically to technical fields of deep learning, big data and intelligent transportation. The method includes: acquiring first feature information and signal timing information of each of the phases in a target road section (S101); and acquiring a traffic volume of the whole road section in a current signal light control period of the target road section based on the first feature information and the signal timing information (S 102).