Signal Light Timing Control via Traffic Data Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual timing of signal lights at intersections is time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to subjective errors, failing to guarantee optimal traffic conditions due to the need for constant adjustments based on various constraints.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based timing control method for signal lights that determines optimal passing-through durations using traffic data from surveillance videos, employing algorithms like the Webster single-point timing algorithm, and calibration functions to automatically calculate final passing-through durations that satisfy preset conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual timing mode is used to adjust signal light timing according to various constraints, then the timing can be adapted to specific intersection conditions, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to intersection constraintsVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated computer-based timing control system. The system uses algorithms (such as Webster single-point timing algorithm) to automatically calculate optimal passing-through durations based on input traffic data and constraints, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments while maintaining adaptability to intersection-specific conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The timing control system performs self-adjustment by automatically processing traffic data from surveillance videos and calculating optimal timing parameters without human intervention. The system feeds on real-time traffic information and autonomously determines the best passing-through durations, making the timing process self-service oriented and independent of continuous manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual timing adjustments are made constantly to satisfy various constraints, then the timing accuracy can be improved, but the efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming accuracyVSAvoidtiming efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual timing adjustments with automated computational algorithms that efficiently calculate optimal timing parameters. The system processes traffic data and constraint conditions through computer-based calculations (such as solving calibration functions), achieving both high timing accuracy and improved efficiency by eliminating repetitive manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring traffic conditions and using this information to adjust timing parameters. The automated system processes feedback from traffic surveillance and recalculates optimal passing-through durations, maintaining high accuracy while improving efficiency through rapid automated response rather than manual adjustment cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual timing is performed according to various constraints, then the timing can be optimized for specific conditions, but subjective errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization for specific conditionsVSAvoidsubjective error freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective manual judgment with objective computer-based algorithms that process traffic data and constraints through standardized computational methods. The system uses mathematical models (such as calibration functions) to determine timing parameters, eliminating subjective human error while maintaining the ability to optimize for specific intersection conditions through data-driven decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated timing control is implemented, then the timing speed and accuracy are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal timing control system that can handle multiple intersection types and constraint conditions through a single integrated platform. The system uses standardized algorithms and data processing procedures that work across different scenarios, achieving high timing speed and accuracy while managing complexity through generalizable, multi-functional design rather than specialized separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3822942B1Timing control method and apparatus for signal light, electronic device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 APOLLO INTELLIGENT CONNECTIVITY (BEIJING) TECH CO LTD
  • EP3822942B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3822942B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3822942B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a timing control method and a timing control apparatus for a signal light, and a storage medium. The method includes: determining an optimal passing-through duration of a signal light corresponding to each passing-through direction at a target intersection according to traffic in the passing-through direction; determining a range of values for each variable in a calibration function corresponding to the target intersection according to a constraint to each passing-through direction at the target intersection, wherein the calibration function comprises the optimal passing-through duration corresponding to each passing-through direction and a variable corresponding to a final passing-through duration in each passing-through direction; and calculating the final passing-through duration in each passing-through direction in a case where the calibration function meets a preset condition, according to the range of values for each variable.