Central Traffic Control Server for Automated Vehicle Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicles lack an integrated ecosystem that seamlessly combines physical and mental comforts with intuitive electronic device communication, failing to create a vehicle environment that mirrors the comfort of a home, thus not fully addressing user needs for a pleasant travel experience.

Innovation Solution

A control server system that registers vehicles with a traffic control system, receives travel information, determines control arrangements, and sends messages to control vehicle behavior, allowing vehicles to automatically follow routes and instructions without driver input, enhancing user comfort and traffic efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If vehicles are equipped with more comfort features and electronic devices, then user comfort and pleasure are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidvehicle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple vehicle control functions (climate control, entertainment, navigation, communication) into a single integrated control system that processes inputs from various sensors and outputs to multiple actuators through a unified architecture, reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with multi-functional capabilities where a single processor and control module can handle diverse tasks including environmental control, media playback, navigation routing, and communication protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function

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

2Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented in vehicles, then traffic efficiency and safety are improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated control system is segmented into modular components including sensor modules (cameras, LIDAR, radar), processing modules (object detection, path planning, control decisions), and actuator modules (steering, acceleration, braking), allowing independent development and optimization of each segment while reducing overall implementation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication infrastructure (roadside units, central traffic servers, V2V communication protocols) as intermediaries that facilitate coordinated control between multiple vehicles and traffic management systems, distributing computational complexity across the network rather than concentrating it in individual vehicles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If vehicles communicate extensively with traffic control systems, then traffic flow and safety are improved, but information processing requirements and energy use increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle communication system employs periodic data transmission at optimized intervals rather than continuous communication, sending status updates, position information, and sensor data at rates sufficient for traffic safety while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods between critical updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9373207B2Central network for the automated control of vehicular traffic
Publication Date: 2016.06.21 AUTOCONNECT HOLDINGS LLC
  • US9373207B2 patent drawing
  • US9373207B2 patent drawing
  • US9373207B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway. The automated control includes the communication of directions and other messages that ensure the proper function of the vehicle while under the guidance of the traffic control system.