Server-Based Ramp Merging Advisory for Connected Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in seamlessly merging onto a main lane from a ramp due to obstructed views and varying speeds of vehicles on the main lane, leading to potential safety issues and disruptions in traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
A ramp merging assistance system that uses connected vehicles and servers to determine an order for merging and send advisory speeds to ensure cooperative merging, allowing vehicles to adjust their speeds to facilitate safe and smooth entry onto the main lane without disrupting traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If drivers rely on their own observation and vehicle sensors to detect surrounding vehicles, then they can make driving decisions based on available information, but their detection range is limited and they cannot observe vehicles beyond the observable range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that collects vehicle data from multiple sources and provides comprehensive merging advice to drivers. The server acts as a mediator between the driver's limited observation capabilities and the actual traffic conditions on the main lane, enabling detection beyond the vehicle's own sensor range without requiring complex additional hardware in each vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides multi-functional services including detecting main lane vehicles, calculating merging advice, providing speed recommendations, and issuing alerts. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single centralized system rather than requiring each vehicle to have separate systems for each function
2Reliability
If drivers attempt to merge onto the main lane without coordination, then they can attempt to enter the main lane independently, but this leads to safety issues and disruptions in traffic flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to drivers through speed advice and alerts based on real-time traffic conditions. The server monitors the driver's current speed, compares it with the recommended merging speed, and provides corrective feedback (alerts) when the driver deviates from the safe merging trajectory, enabling safe merging without requiring complex manual coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The server calculates and provides merging advice in advance before the driver reaches the merging point. By providing speed recommendations and warnings ahead of time, the system allows drivers to adjust their speed proactively rather than making last-second maneuvers, improving safety while keeping the operation simple
3Productivity
If vehicles on the main lane maintain their speed without adjustment, then they can maintain their original traffic flow, but this makes it difficult for ramp vehicles to merge seamlessly
Solution Approach 1:
The server dynamically adjusts the recommended merging speed parameter based on real-time conditions including main lane traffic speed, gap size, and distance to merging point. This parameter adjustment enables seamless merging by optimizing the merging vehicle's speed to match main lane conditions without requiring the main lane vehicles to change their speed
Data Source
AI summary
A server can assist connected vehicles merging from a ramp onto a main lane. A connected vehicle can be configured to communicate with the server. Connected vehicles on the main lane and connected vehicles on the ramp can send their locations and speeds to the server. The server can determine when at least one connected vehicle is within a geo-fence surrounding a merging point, where the main lane and the ramp meet. The server can determine an order in which the connected vehicles on the main lane and on the ramp can merge based on the connected vehicles' locations and speeds. The server can determine an advisory speed for at least one of the connected vehicles based on the order. The server can send the advisory speed to the at least one connected vehicle.