Traffic Signal Timing and Vehicle Speed Coordination for Congestion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing traffic congestion fail to consider critical parameters such as vehicle stoppages, speed adjustments, and signal timing, leading to inefficient traffic flow and increased pollution.
Innovation Solution
A congestion management system that uses sensors and machine learning to predict optimal vehicle speeds and signal timings, creating a virtual green corridor to minimize vehicle stoppages and enhance traffic flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles stop at traffic signals, then traffic flow is controlled at intersections, but travel time increases and congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adjusting traffic signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions. The system dynamically modifies signal durations and phases according to actual vehicle flow, eliminating fixed timing schedules. This allows the traffic control system to adapt to changing conditions and minimize unnecessary stoppages, thereby reducing travel time while maintaining effective intersection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where traffic flow data from sensors is continuously fed back to the signal control system. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor traffic conditions, analyze patterns, and automatically adjust signal timing to optimize flow. By responding to actual traffic conditions rather than predetermined schedules, the system reduces unnecessary vehicle stoppages and improves overall travel time.
2Reliability
If vehicles frequently stop and start at traffic signals, then intersection safety is maintained, but fuel consumption increases and pollution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of continuity by extending green signal phases to allow vehicles to pass through intersections without stopping. By maintaining continuous vehicle flow rather than interrupting it with frequent stop-and-go cycles, the system reduces fuel consumption associated with repeated acceleration and deceleration. The extended green phases are strategically designed to keep vehicles in motion while still ensuring intersection safety through proper timing coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of traffic signals to optimize both safety and fuel efficiency. By adjusting signal durations, phase timings, and interval gaps based on real-time traffic conditions, the system creates more favorable driving conditions that reduce the need for frequent stops. These parameter modifications allow vehicles to maintain higher speeds and reduce idle time, thereby lowering fuel consumption and emissions while preserving safety standards.
3Device complexity
If traffic signal timing is fixed, then system complexity is reduced, but traffic congestion increases due to inability to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple signal timing scenarios or patterns before actual traffic conditions require them. The system prepares various timing configurations in advance based on different traffic density levels and patterns. When traffic conditions change, the system can quickly switch between pre-prepared scenarios rather than calculating optimal timing from scratch, thereby maintaining adaptability while limiting the complexity of real-time computational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is method and congestion management system for reducing road congestion. Traffic data related to plurality of vehicles is analyzed by a trained traffic model for predicting speed of each vehicle and signal time associated with intersection points. Thereafter, optimal speed for each vehicle and an optimal signal time for each of the intersection points is determined based on analysis of the previous values and historic traffic data. Finally, the determined optimal speed and the optimal signal time are respectively provided to a vehicle control system associated with each vehicle and a traffic controller associated with each intersection point. In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure reduces traffic congestion on any selected portion of road. Further, the method of present disclosure eliminates and/or minimizes number of instances that a vehicle has to stop/start at the traffic signals, thereby enhancing fuel economy and reducing waiting time for the vehicles.