Traffic Light Controller Dynamic Pedestrian Crossing Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic light systems do not adequately consider the walking speed of vulnerable pedestrians, such as the elderly and disabled, leading to potential safety issues and traffic flow obstructions, as the maintenance time for green lights is fixed regardless of individual walking speeds.
Innovation Solution
A traffic light controller that adjusts the lighting time of pedestrian traffic lights based on the walking speed of pedestrians, using input units to receive walking speed information and processors to set and change the lighting maintenance time dynamically, incorporating data from cameras, radar, LiDAR, GPS, and UWB communication to ensure safe crossing and prevent traffic obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maintenance time of green light is fixed based on crosswalk length, then the traffic flow is maintained efficiently, but vulnerable pedestrians (elderly, disabled, children) cannot complete crossing within the allocated time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed green light maintenance time to a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The controller modifies the green light duration based on real-time detection of pedestrian walking speed, allowing the system to adapt between longer times for vulnerable pedestrians and shorter times for normal cases, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the green light maintenance time parameter according to detected pedestrian characteristics. The system changes this temporal parameter dynamically based on walking speed measurements, enabling the same crosswalk infrastructure to serve both vulnerable pedestrians needing more time and regular pedestrians where quick clearance is beneficial for traffic flow
2Reliability
If the maintenance time of green light is extended to accommodate vulnerable pedestrians, then crossing safety is improved, but traffic flow is obstructed due to unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of green light duration based on real-time pedestrian detection and walking speed measurement. This prevents unnecessary extensions for all pedestrians, applying time extensions only when vulnerable pedestrians are actually detected, thereby minimizing traffic flow delay while ensuring safety when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring pedestrian walking speed and using this information to adjust the green light maintenance time. The system receives feedback from sensors detecting pedestrian characteristics and modifies the lighting duration accordingly, ensuring that time extensions are applied only when necessary for vulnerable pedestrians rather than as a blanket rule
3Reliability
If card-based technology is used to identify vulnerable pedestrians, then green light time can be extended appropriately, but the system becomes complex and requires direct interaction that is inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and identify vulnerable pedestrians without requiring their active participation. The sensor system autonomously measures walking speed and determines vulnerability, eliminating the need for pedestrians to manually present cards or interact with the system, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical card-based identification system with an automated sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical card presentation and mechanical reading, the system uses optical or other sensors to automatically detect pedestrian characteristics and walking speed, substituting a complex mechanical interaction system with a simpler automated detection approach
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
The solution ensures safer pedestrian crossings by dynamically adjusting lighting times based on individual walking speeds, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic flow by preventing unnecessary delays and obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
when the spacing distance is less than the preset reference, the input unit may receive the current walking speed information calculated from position information of the pedestrian according to a time which is acquired through ultra wideband (UWB) communication
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a traffic light controller and a method of controlling a traffic light using the same. The traffic light controller according to the present invention includes an input unit configured to receive walking speed information of a pedestrian, a memory in which a program for controlling a traffic light using the walking speed information is stored, and a processor configured to execute the program, wherein the processor sets a lighting maintenance time of a green light of a pedestrian traffic light at a crosswalk using the walking speed information and changes the lighting maintenance time according to a result of monitoring a crossing situation.