Traffic Control Device Optimizing Fuel Economy via Signal Cycle Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic control systems and devices are limited in their ability to optimize fuel economy by not effectively considering real-time traffic signal information and vehicle dynamics for route guidance and driving assistance.
Innovation Solution
A traffic control system that integrates infrastructure information, GPS data, and vehicle sensors to calculate and display optimal vehicle speeds at intersections, reducing fuel consumption by minimizing stops at red signals and optimizing travel patterns through green wave assistance and deceleration strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the vehicle travels at high speed to reach destination quickly, then the travel time is reduced, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring traffic signal information in advance and calculating optimal speeds before the vehicle reaches intersections. The ECU determines target speeds and provides guidance to the driver before the vehicle encounters red signals, allowing the driver to adjust speed proactively rather than reactively, thus avoiding stops and fuel-consuming accelerations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the vehicle's current speed, comparing it with the optimal target speed calculated from traffic signal information, and providing real-time guidance to the driver. This feedback loop enables dynamic speed adjustment to maintain optimal fuel economy while considering actual driving conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle decelerates early to stop at red signals, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the travel time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the optimal deceleration timing in advance by analyzing the distance to intersections and the cycle information of traffic signals. It determines the precise point where the driver should begin decelerating to reach the stop line exactly when the signal turns red, avoiding both early deceleration (which wastes time) and late deceleration (which causes stops and fuel consumption)
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the optimal speed parameter based on multiple variables including distance to intersection, traffic signal cycle information, current vehicle speed, and acceleration capabilities. By continuously optimizing this speed parameter, the system finds the balance point between maintaining high speed for time efficiency and decelerating early enough to avoid fuel-consuming stops
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system provides detailed speed guidance to optimize fuel economy, then the fuel consumption is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates as a self-service guidance tool that provides information without requiring complex driver actions. The ECU automatically acquires traffic signal information, calculates optimal speeds, and presents guidance in a simple format. The driver maintains full control of the vehicle while receiving straightforward speed recommendations, eliminating the need for complex manual interventions
Data Source
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AI summary
A traffic control device and a traffic control system are provided, and the traffic control device includes a route calculating unit configured to detect candidates of a route to a destination, and decide a guidance route from the detected route candidates, an infrastructure communicating unit configured to acquire signal cycle information related to a cycle at which a display of a traffic signal at a traffic signal location on the route calculated by the route calculating unit is switched, and a fuel consumption simulating unit configured to perform fuel consumption simulation including fuel economy improvement assistance executed at a time of passing the traffic signal location with respect to the route candidates based on the signal cycle information acquired by the infrastructure communicating unit, and the route calculating unit decides the guidance route based on the fuel consumption simulation calculated corresponding to the route candidates by the fuel consumption simulating unit.