Smart Stop Sign with Vehicle Detection and Command Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic congestion and collisions at intersections with conventional stop signs due to unclear right-of-way and lack of adaptability to changing traffic conditions, as well as issues with distracted drivers missing traffic signals.
Innovation Solution
A stop sign assembly with integrated traffic control features, including vehicle detection devices, controllers, and wireless communication for signaling and autonomous vehicle control, which communicates with a central command unit to manage traffic flow and alert or override driver actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stop signs are used to control traffic at intersections, then the device complexity is low, but traffic congestion and collisions occur due to unclear right-of-way and lack of adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The stop sign system transitions from a static, fixed-state device to a dynamic system that continuously monitors traffic conditions through vehicle detection devices and adjusts right-of-way assignments in real-time based on detected vehicle presence and arrival times
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects vehicles, determines right-of-way based on arrival times, and controls traffic flow without requiring human intervention or complex external infrastructure, making the stop sign self-sufficient in adapting to traffic conditions
2Reliability
If traffic lights are installed to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, then traffic control effectiveness is improved, but the cost and device complexity become too high for every intersection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent traffic light infrastructure with a more affordable stop sign system that uses simpler detection and communication components, making advanced traffic control accessible at every intersection rather than only at select locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical, always-on traffic light infrastructure with an electronic/digital solution using vehicle detection devices, wireless communication, and software-based right-of-way management that is less complex and more adaptable
3Reliability
If stop signs are used without additional features, then the ease of operation is high, but distracted drivers may not notice the stop sign or traffic signals, resulting in running stop signs or collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides direct feedback to drivers through vehicle interface systems that communicate right-of-way status, proceed signals, and warnings, ensuring drivers are actively notified of traffic control status even when distracted
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle interface system acts as an intermediary between the stop sign control system and the driver, translating traffic control signals into driver-aware notifications and commands that ensure safety without requiring the driver to directly observe traditional traffic signals
4Reliability
If the system autonomously controls vehicle movements to address distracted driving, then safety is improved, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interface system autonomously controls vehicle movements by directly interfacing with vehicle control systems, enabling self-service safety control without requiring complex external monitoring or intervention infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing traffic signals to drivers of vehicles include vehicle-based systems which visually or audibly provide wait and proceed messages to drivers. A command center electronically receives arrival times recorded by time keeping devices of stop signs at an intersection upon arrival of the vehicles as determined by vehicle detection devices. Identifiers for the arriving vehicles are received and associated with the arrival times. A command is transmitted to set the traffic signaling device of the stop sign associated with an earliest arrival time to proceed, and if the earliest arrival time is associated with an identifier, to provide the proceed message at the vehicle-based systems associated the identifier.