Roundabout Direction Indicator Control Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing route guidance technologies are not applicable to directional indication at roundabouts, as they do not follow the specific rules governing these intersections.

Innovation Solution

A direction indicator control method and device that determine the necessity of directional indication based on the relationship between the entry and exit roads of a roundabout, using a vehicle's electronic control unit, GPS, and navigation system to control exterior and interior direction indicators, ensuring compliance with roundabout rules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional route guidance technology is applied to roundabouts, then general intersection guidance is provided, but directional indication does not follow roundabout rules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to roundabout rulesVSAvoidcompliance with traffic regulations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different directional indication strategies based on the specific roundabout configuration. By determining the relationship between entry and exit road positions, the system provides localized directional guidance that adheres to roundabout rules rather than applying generic intersection guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the directional indication parameters based on the determined necessity. When directional indication is determined to be necessary based on the entry-exit road relationship, the system activates appropriate directional indicators; otherwise, it suppresses them, ensuring compliance with roundabout-specific traffic rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If directional indication is provided at all roundabouts, then navigation guidance is enhanced, but incorrect or absent directional cues may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of directional indicationVSAvoidcomplexity of control logic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the entry and exit road positions before providing directional indication. By calculating the relationship between these positions in advance, the system accurately determines whether directional indication is necessary, preventing both incorrect and absent directional cues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the determined relationship between entry and exit road positions to control the directional indicators. This feedback mechanism ensures that directional indication is provided only when necessary according to roundabout rules, enhancing accuracy while managing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If directional indication is suppressed at roundabouts, then traffic flow is maintained, but navigation guidance becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic flow efficiencyVSAvoidnavigation information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts directional indication based on the determined relationship between entry and exit roads. When the relationship indicates that directional indication is unnecessary for maintaining traffic flow, the system suppresses indicators; when navigation guidance is needed, the system activates them, optimizing both traffic flow and information provision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11493356B2Direction indicator control method and direction indicator control device

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A direction indicator control unit obtains a position of an entry road and a position of an exit road of a roundabout determined to be present on a presumed traveling route of a vehicle, and determines a necessity of directional indication when entering the roundabout in accordance with a relationship between the position of the entry road and the position of the exit road.