Traffic Controller Synchronized Vehicle Platoon Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic management systems at intersections are inefficient, leading to significant waste of green light time and increased risk of traffic jams, as vehicles start moving sequentially, which can be time-consuming and varies in reaction times, resulting in suboptimal performance and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system where a traffic controller detects traffic state parameters to broadcast synchronized movement values to vehicles, allowing them to start moving as a platoon, synchronizing acceleration and braking to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vehicles start moving sequentially at intersections, then each vehicle can control its own movement, but traffic flow efficiency decreases and green light time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the movement control of multiple vehicles into a synchronized platoon approach. Instead of each vehicle controlling its movement independently, the system combines control signals to multiple vehicles simultaneously, enabling them to start and stop together as a coordinated unit, thereby eliminating sequential movement and green light waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the traffic controller receives real-time status information from vehicles and adjusts broadcast signals accordingly. This feedback loop enables dynamic coordination of vehicle movement, allowing the system to optimize traffic flow while maintaining vehicle control through continuous communication and adjustment
2Loss of time
If vehicles start moving sequentially, then reaction times can be managed individually, but overall reaction time increases and congestion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-coordinating vehicle movement through broadcast signals before actual movement occurs. The traffic controller sends advance instructions to vehicles about when and how to move, enabling them to prepare and execute movement simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby reducing overall reaction time and preventing congestion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining constant communication and coordination between the traffic controller and vehicles. The system continuously monitors traffic conditions and adjusts movement commands to keep vehicles moving efficiently without interruption, eliminating the stop-start nature of sequential movement and reducing both reaction time and congestion risk
3Productivity
If a traffic controller broadcasts synchronized movement values to vehicles, then traffic flow efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic controller is designed with multi-functionality, performing multiple tasks including detecting traffic state parameters, calculating optimal movement values, broadcasting control signals, and receiving feedback from vehicles. By consolidating these functions into a single centralized controller, the system achieves high traffic flow efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where vehicles automatically receive and execute movement commands from the traffic controller without requiring manual intervention. The vehicles autonomously adjust their movement based on broadcast signals, reducing the operational complexity burden on the traffic controller while maintaining high coordination efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed aspects relate to transportation vehicle traffic management. A traffic controller detects a first traffic state parameter value for a first lane. In response to detecting the first traffic state parameter value, the traffic controller establishes a first broadcast of a first movement value (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction). The first movement value may indicate a first movement pattern for a first set of vehicles in the first lane. In response to establishing the first broadcast of the first movement value, the traffic controller detects a second traffic state parameter value for the first lane. In response to detecting the second traffic state parameter value the traffic controller modifies the first broadcast of the first movement value. The modified first movement value may indicate a second movement pattern for the first set of vehicles in the first lane.