Roundabout Traffic Control Using Networked Vehicle Route Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing V2X communication systems for networked and automated vehicles do not adequately cover all traffic scenarios, particularly at roundabouts, leading to potential interference and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A traffic control unit, such as a road side unit (RSU), manages resources like lanes and routes on a roundabout by receiving messages from road users, determining optimal paths, and issuing control signals to ensure smooth traffic flow without jams or accidents, using V2X, V2I, or ad-hoc networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing V2X communication systems are used for roundabout traffic control, then basic vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is available, but the systems do not adequately cover all traffic scenarios leading to potential interference and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic control unit is designed to handle multiple traffic scenarios and functions within a single system, including but not limited to roundabout management, intersection control, and various vehicle priority scenarios. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive coverage of all traffic situations while maintaining reliable control through a unified platform
2Productivity
If a traffic control unit manages all road users at the roundabout, then traffic flow can be optimized and jams prevented, but the system complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having vehicles transmit their route information and travel plans to the traffic control unit before reaching the roundabout. This advance information allows the control unit to pre-calculate optimal entry times and coordinate traffic flow, preventing jams before they occur rather than reacting to congestion in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic control unit serves as an intermediary between vehicles and the roundabout infrastructure, centralizing the coordination function. This mediator approach simplifies the overall system by having a single point of control that manages all vehicle interactions, rather than requiring complex direct communication between all vehicle pairs
3Loss of time
If vehicles transmit route data and communicate with the traffic control unit, then optimal paths can be determined, but communication bandwidth and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for traffic control from vehicle data - specifically route information, entry timing, and exit destination. By taking out only these critical parameters rather than transmitting complete vehicle telemetry or sensor data, the system determines optimal paths and coordinates traffic flow while keeping communication data volume minimal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a flow of traffic on a roundabout, wherein the flow of traffic is controlled by a traffic control unit by which road users that have entered the roundabout and/or are approaching the roundabout in order to enter it are networked in a network and communicate by way of messages, and wherein, in order to enter, a road user transmits a message containing a request to the traffic control unit provides for entry by the respective road user to be preceded by the flow of traffic that is on the roundabout being determined on the basis of the messages, wherein a message containing a control signal is generated for the respective entering road user in order to communicate whether and/or along which route the road user can travel on the roundabout.