Traffic Light Control Using Quantum Concept Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in traffic systems makes it difficult to control traffic flow effectively, leading to congestion and increased air pollution due to prolonged vehicle idling in traffic jams.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use sensors to detect traffic loads, determine local and global stress functions, and employ a quantum concept processor to optimize traffic light switching times, minimizing congestion by adjusting the ratio of red to green phases to reduce the global stress function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic systems are made more complex to handle increased traffic loads, then traffic control capability is improved, but system complexity increases making control more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic system into multiple independent control units, each responsible for specific intersections or road sections. Each unit processes local traffic conditions and controls its own traffic lights independently, while collectively contributing to overall traffic optimization. This segmentation reduces the complexity of central control and enables distributed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic traffic light control where switching times are continuously adjusted based on real-time traffic load detection. The system transitions from static, fixed-time traffic light cycles to dynamic, demand-based switching that adapts to changing traffic conditions, optimizing flow while reducing overall system complexity through automated response.
2Productivity
If traffic lights are switched more frequently to optimize flow, then traffic congestion is reduced, but wear and response time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where traffic load sensors continuously monitor road sections and provide real-time information to control units. This feedback loop enables the system to detect congestion conditions and adjust traffic light switching times dynamically, optimizing traffic flow while avoiding excessive switching by basing decisions on actual traffic conditions rather than fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of traffic light switching time from fixed to variable based on traffic load conditions. By adjusting switching times as a dynamic parameter rather than a constant, the system optimizes traffic flow efficiency while naturally limiting the frequency and duration of switching operations to what is actually needed based on real-time traffic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a traffic system having a plurality of intersections with switchable traffic lights and road sections located between the intersections includes detecting traffic loads of multiple relevant road sections, determining a local stress function for each relevant road section depending on the detected traffic load of the respective relevant road section, determining a global stress function for the entire traffic system based on the local stress functions, determining, using a quantum concept processor, improved switching times for the traffic lights of the intersections adjacent to the relevant road sections, wherein the improved switching times are determined such that the global stress function reaches a smallest detectable value, and switching the traffic lights according to a switching model based on the improved switching times.