Traffic Flow Monitoring Using Approximate Speed Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic flow monitoring systems using optical fibers are prone to errors in speed calculation due to noise from sources other than vehicles, leading to inaccuracies in detecting traffic flow changes such as traffic jams.
Innovation Solution
A traffic flow monitoring device that includes a detection unit for comparing average speeds with reference speeds, an approximate speed calculation unit for linearly approximating speed changes, and a determination unit for accurately identifying traffic flow changes based on these comparisons, thereby reducing the impact of noise-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If optical fiber sensing is used to detect traffic flow, then real-time continuous monitoring over long distances is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise from non-vehicle sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating approximate speeds based on historical speed data before making traffic flow change determinations. This preliminary speed calculation uses past speed patterns to establish a baseline, allowing the system to filter out noise-induced anomalies and make more accurate traffic flow change detections by comparing current speeds against these pre-established approximate values.
2Device complexity
If simple average speed comparison is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise influence
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating approximate speeds based on historical speed data before making traffic flow change determinations. This preliminary speed calculation uses past speed patterns to establish a baseline, allowing the system to filter out noise-induced anomalies and make more accurate traffic flow change detections by comparing current speeds against these pre-established approximate values.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of traffic flow changes, including the onset and alleviation of traffic jams, by minimizing errors caused by noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber sensing device that transmits pulsed light through an optical fiber and measures physical properties of back scattered light
Implementation Method 2
capable of detecting distortion or vibration at a position along an optical fiber by transmitting pulsed light into the optical fiber and analyzing physical properties of back scattered light thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The traffic flow monitoring device includes a detection unit that outputs a first comparison result, which is a result of comparing a first reference speed and an average speed at a first time, on the basis of speed data associating a time with an average speed of a vehicle travelling through a prescribed spot on a road, an approximate speed calculation unit that derives an approximate speed at the first time on the basis of a change in the average speed at or before the first time and a determination unit that determines a change in the traffic flow at the prescribed spot on the basis of the first comparison result and a second comparison result which is the result of comparing the approximate speed and a second reference speed.