Traffic Signal Control Using Connected Vehicle Trajectory Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic management systems face challenges in efficiently managing traffic flow due to the high costs and limitations of maintaining fixed-time traffic signals, especially when vehicle detector penetration rates are low, making it difficult to respond to fluctuating traffic demands.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing connected vehicle (CV) trajectory data, processed through a computer-based system, to estimate traffic volumes and control traffic signals, allowing for detector-free operation by leveraging time-location data from GNSS-equipped vehicles to model traffic arrivals as a time-dependent Poisson process, enabling more efficient traffic signal optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed-time traffic signals are used, then device complexity is reduced, but traffic flow efficiency deteriorates due to inability to respond to fluctuating traffic demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detector systems (inductance loops, video detectors) with a computational approach using connected vehicle trajectory data. The system processes GPS trajectory data from CVs to estimate traffic volumes and determine signal timing, substituting physical detection infrastructure with data-driven computational modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses trajectory data from connected vehicles as a digital copy/representation of traffic flow patterns. By processing and analyzing these trajectory copies, the system can estimate overall traffic volumes without requiring physical detectors at every location, achieving virtual traffic monitoring.
2Productivity
If vehicle detectors are installed to accommodate varying traffic demands, then traffic flow efficiency is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes connected vehicles serve multiple functions: they continue their primary navigation purpose while simultaneously providing traffic detection and monitoring capabilities. The trajectory data collected for navigation purposes is repurposed for traffic signal optimization, eliminating the need for dedicated detector infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses data that connected vehicles generate and transmit anyway for navigation purposes. This self-service approach allows the traffic management system to leverage existing CV data infrastructure rather than requiring separate detector installations, reducing both installation and maintenance costs.
3Measurement precision
If connected vehicle penetration rates are required to be at certain levels, then traffic volume estimation accuracy is improved, but system feasibility deteriorates due to unrealistic deployment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements traffic monitoring functionality with partial data coverage from connected vehicles. The system can operate and provide useful traffic volume estimates even when CV penetration rates are low, using statistical modeling to compensate for incomplete data rather than requiring complete or excessive vehicle coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data utilization by processing and aggregating trajectory data from multiple CVs over time. Through statistical aggregation and temporal analysis, the system can derive accurate traffic volume estimates from individual vehicle trajectories, transforming sparse data into reliable traffic flow information.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for use in controlling traffic signaling devices located along public roadways. The method carried out by the system includes: receiving, at one or more computers, time-location (TL) data from a plurality of wirelessly connected devices traveling through an intersection of a public roadway; determining, by the one or more computers using the received TL data, a traffic volume estimation value representative of a volume of traffic at the intersection; and sending the traffic volume estimation value to a traffic signaling control system configured to control a traffic signaling device at the intersection based on the traffic volume estimation value.