Traffic Condition Detection Using Road-Specific Speed Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing traffic condition data, such as Floating Car Data (FCD), are costly due to extensive data transmission requirements, and there is a need for more precise and cost-effective means to detect traffic jams and other road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a GPS receiver and digital road maps to determine road types and categories, assigning speed thresholds to classify traffic conditions, allowing for event-oriented and condition-oriented data transmission only when traffic jams are detected, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FCD data transmission is performed continuously via GSM network, then traffic situation information is provided, but transmission costs are considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data transmission frequency from continuous to event-oriented. Transmission only occurs when traffic condition changes are detected (e.g., traffic jam detected or cleared), rather than continuously transmitting all position data. This reduces GSM network usage and transmission costs while maintaining reliable traffic situation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for traffic situation detection (position data, speed data, acceleration data) and transmits only when changes occur. Rather than transmitting all available sensor data continuously, only relevant traffic condition changes are extracted and transmitted, reducing data volume and transmission costs.
2Reliability
If speed thresholds are not differentiated by road type and category, then detection simplicity is maintained, but traffic jam detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different speed thresholds based on road type (highway, fast road, regional road, main road, local road) and road category (in-town, out-of-town). Each road segment has customized speed thresholds appropriate to its characteristics, improving detection reliability. The system automatically selects the appropriate thresholds based on the vehicle's current location and road context.
3Loss of information
If all traffic condition data are transmitted continuously, then complete traffic information is provided, but data transmission volume and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of traffic conditions with continuous data collection, but transmission occurs periodically only when changes are detected. The system continuously monitors position, speed, and acceleration data, but transmits to the traffic data control center only when traffic conditions change (e.g., entering or exiting a traffic jam), achieving efficient periodic communication.
4Measurement precision
If speed thresholds are modified based on road characteristics, then detection precision improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining speed thresholds for different road types and categories before the vehicle begins traveling. The system stores multiple sets of thresholds corresponding to different road characteristics, and automatically selects the appropriate set based on the vehicle's current location and road context, rather than calculating thresholds in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method provides traffic condition data in the context of a traffic condition recognition by a motor vehicle, in particular traffic condition data for detecting the position of traffic, preferably for detecting traffic jams. In a first step the type of road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined by use of a position recognition device and a digital road map. In a second step, the category of road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined by use of the position recognition device and the digital road map. A third step utilizes assignments, in particular a table, which assigns at least one lower speed threshold, one upper speed threshold and preferably also a normal speed to both the relevant road type and the relevant road category of the road along which the vehicle is traveling. Finally, in a fourth step, at least the lower speed threshold and the upper speed threshold are used to determine the traffic condition.