Traffic Lamp Display Control for Blocked Following Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal control devices struggle to display traffic signal information to following vehicles when the forward view is blocked by a preceding large vehicle, leading to potential accidents or unsafe maneuvers by drivers.
Innovation Solution
A signal control device that includes an information acquisition unit to detect vehicles in the display direction of a lamp, a determination unit to assess if a following vehicle is blocked from viewing the signal by a preceding vehicle, and a lamp control unit to adjust the display pattern of the lamp to allow the following vehicle to safely pass through the intersection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the traffic signal lamp is installed at a high position (5.0-5.6m from ground) to ensure visibility, then the signal can be seen by most vehicles, but following vehicles behind large vehicles cannot visually recognize the signal due to blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture the traffic signal state and transmits this information to following vehicles that are blocked from direct visual recognition. The camera acts as a mediator between the traffic signal and the following vehicle drivers, enabling them to obtain signal information without direct line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical direct visual recognition system with an electronic information transmission system. Instead of relying on drivers to directly see the traffic signal lamp, the system uses cameras to capture signal states and transmits this data electronically to following vehicles, substituting the physical line-of-sight requirement with electronic communication.
2Loss of information
If a camera is installed on the roof of a passenger car to capture traffic signals, then the signal can be detected, but the camera height (at most 1.5m) is insufficient to capture signals when preceded by large vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the detection dimension from vertical height to lateral positioning. Instead of increasing camera height vertically to overcome blockage, the system places cameras on both sides of the intersection at lower heights, utilizing the lateral dimension to capture signals that are not blocked by preceding vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the traffic signal system multi-functional by implementing both traditional high-position lamps for general visibility and additional side-mounted cameras for detecting signals blocked by large vehicles. This universal approach ensures that both types of vehicles (those with clear view and those blocked) can obtain signal information.
3Productivity
If the traffic signal changes to red quickly without extended display time, then traffic flow efficiency is maintained, but following vehicles blocked from viewing may enter the intersection unsafely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where cameras continuously monitor the traffic signal state and this information is fed back to following vehicles in real-time. This feedback loop enables following vehicles to make informed decisions about entering the intersection, maintaining both safety and traffic flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary information to following vehicles about the traffic signal state before they reach the intersection. By capturing and transmitting signal information in advance, following vehicles can prepare appropriately and make safe decisions about whether to enter the intersection, preventing last-minute unsafe maneuvers.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal control device is provided with: an information acquisition unit which acquires first sensor data from a sensor that is capable of detecting a vehicle present in a display direction of a lamp; a determination unit which determines, on the basis of the first sensor data, whether or not there is a following vehicle behind the vehicle detected by the sensor, the following vehicle being unable to see the display state of the lamp due to the presence of the preceding vehicle; and a lamp control unit which, in the case when it is determined that there is a following vehicle unable to see the display state of the lamp, changes the display pattern of the lamp so as to enable the following vehicle to negotiate the intersection.