Traffic Lane Signal Control Identification and Flow Management
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing traffic lane and signal control are inefficient, as they require manual data collection and mapping of traffic light phases and timings, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors, and do not effectively match vehicle throughput data to specific paths through intersections.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a processor and memory with computer program code to identify traffic paths, traffic light states, and vehicle throughput data, generating models that match vehicle movement and non-movement times to each path through intersections using vehicle probe data, including timestamp, speed, position, and heading information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data collection and mapping of traffic light phases and timings is used, then traffic flow management can be performed, but the process is time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection processes with automated electronic systems. Traffic light phases and timings are automatically captured through electronic sensors and processors, while vehicle throughput data is collected automatically via probes and cameras, eliminating manual meter-reading and recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting, processing, and matching traffic data without human intervention. The processor autonomously matches vehicle throughput data to specific paths through intersections by analyzing traffic light states and timing, generating traffic flow models without requiring manual data entry or interpretation.
2Loss of information
If manual mapping of traffic light phases to vehicle paths is performed, then traffic control information can be obtained, but the process is costly and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data processing system that handles multiple functions: collecting traffic light phase data, capturing vehicle throughput information, identifying paths through intersections, matching data sets, and generating traffic flow models. This multi-functional automated system replaces multiple separate manual processes, reducing overall system complexity despite the comprehensive nature of the task.
3Productivity
If automated systems are used to identify traffic paths and match vehicle throughput data, then accuracy and efficiency improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processor system that acts as a mediator between raw traffic data collection and traffic flow management decisions. The processor automatically matches vehicle throughput data to paths by analyzing traffic light states, serving as an intelligent intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity through automated data processing and model generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for traffic lane and traffic signal control identification and traffic flow management. Methods may identify traffic lights controlling lane movements, cataloging the information through analysis of traffic light signal phase and timing, and analyzing traffic movement through an intersection during specific periods of time. In particular, example methods may include identifying each of a plurality of paths through an intersection; identifying states of one or more traffic lights controlling traffic through the intersection; determining vehicle throughput data for the intersection through a predetermined number of cycles of the one or more traffic lights; and matching the vehicle throughput data to each of the plurality of paths of the intersection. The method may optionally include identifying times of movement and times of non-movement of vehicles across the intersection for each of the plurality of paths.