Dynamic Traffic Light Phase Sequence Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing event-responsive traffic light control systems struggle to adapt to current or near-future traffic situations, leading to retarded traffic flows, long queue lengths, traffic jams, and dangerous unallowed lane crossings.
Innovation Solution
A method and server system that dynamically updates the set of phase sequences for traffic light control by generating candidate sets based on current traffic flows, calculating a cost measure for each set, and sending the optimal set to the controller for implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the duration of pedestrian traffic-allowing switching state is extended to ensure pedestrian safety, then pedestrian safety is improved, but car traffic flow deteriorates causing queues and traffic jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, pre-programmed phase sequences to dynamic, real-time optimization. The system continuously receives sensor data about actual traffic conditions and dynamically adjusts phase sequence selection and timing parameters to adapt to changing traffic situations, thereby resolving the contradiction between pedestrian safety and car traffic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor actual traffic flows and using this information to evaluate candidate phase sequences. The system calculates cost measures based on sensor feedback and selects phase sequences that optimize both pedestrian safety and traffic flow, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction.
2Device complexity
If static phase sequences are used for traffic light control, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to current traffic situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple candidate phase sequences with different timing parameters before runtime. When traffic conditions change, the system can quickly select from these pre-prepared sequences without complex real-time calculations, thereby maintaining low system complexity while achieving high adaptability to current traffic situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying timing parameters (duration of green/red phases, cycle lengths) across different candidate phase sequences. The system selects sequences with optimized parameters based on current traffic conditions, allowing adaptability without increasing fundamental system complexity.
3Productivity
If empirical optimization of phase sequences is performed for average traffic flows, then general traffic efficiency is improved, but responsiveness to traffic fluctuations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the system dynamic - it maintains empirically optimized phase sequences as a baseline but continuously adapts by selecting from multiple candidate sequences based on real-time sensor data. This allows the system to respond to traffic fluctuations while maintaining overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by preparing candidate phase sequences with varied timing parameters optimized for different traffic conditions. The system selects the appropriate sequence based on current conditions, thereby maintaining average efficiency while gaining responsiveness to fluctuations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple candidate phase sequences are generated and evaluated in real-time, then adaptability to traffic situations is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces computational complexity by performing preliminary actions - generating and evaluating candidate phase sequences offline or in advance. During real-time operation, the system only needs to compare current sensor data against pre-evaluated candidates and select the best match, significantly reducing online computational requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosed subject matter relates to a method of controlling event-responsive traffic lights at an intersection of lanes by a controller which switches the traffic lights in a sequence of phases. The controller has a memory storing a set of phase sequences and is configured to change from one phase sequence to another. The method comprises, in a server: a) generating candidate sets of phase sequences; b) determining the traffic flows on the lanes; c) calculating a cost measure for each candidate set; and d) sending the candidate set with the lowest cost measure to the controller; in the controller, receiving and storing the sent set in the memory as the set; and repeating steps b)-d). The disclosed subject matter further relates to the server used in said method.