Traffic Signal Phase Control for Synchronized Vehicle Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems fail to account for variations in driver reaction time and attentiveness, leading to traffic congestion at traffic signals due to asynchronous vehicle acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes vehicle sensors, including cameras and communication systems, to determine traffic signal phases and activate automated driving systems for synchronized vehicle acceleration during the green phase, with timers and occupant alerts to manage system deactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated driving systems are activated at green traffic signals, then vehicle acceleration becomes synchronized and traffic flow efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to multiple sensors and communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the traffic signal detection function across multiple independent components: camera systems for visual detection, radar for distance measurement, LiDAR for 3D mapping, and V2I communication modules for receiving SPaT messages. Each component operates independently but contributes to the overall synchronized acceleration function, allowing the system to achieve high productivity while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The automated driving system integrates multiple functions into a single control platform: traffic signal detection, vehicle acceleration control, communication with infrastructure, and coordination with surrounding vehicles. This multi-functional approach allows the system to improve traffic flow efficiency through synchronized acceleration while reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
2Loss of time
If automated driving systems coordinate vehicle acceleration, then throughput delays are reduced, but the system requires extensive communication infrastructure and processing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system receives SPaT (Signal Phase and Timing) messages from traffic signals in advance, allowing vehicles to prepare for upcoming green phases before they occur. This preliminary information about signal timing enables vehicles to coordinate their acceleration strategies ahead of time, reducing throughput delays at intersections while avoiding the need for complex real-time communication during the actual green phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where vehicles continuously monitor traffic signal phases, adjust their acceleration profiles based on detected signal states, and communicate their status to surrounding vehicles. This feedback mechanism ensures that vehicles respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions, minimizing throughput delays while using standardized communication protocols to manage infrastructure requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mitigating traffic congestion for a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle sensors, an automated driving system, and a controller in electrical communication with the plurality of vehicle sensors and the automated driving system. The controller is programmed to determine a traffic signal phase of a traffic signal in an environment surrounding the vehicle using the plurality of vehicle sensors. The traffic signal phase includes one of a red phase and a green phase. The controller is further programmed to activate the automated driving system to drive the vehicle for a predetermined maximum time-period in response to determining that the traffic signal phase is the green phase. The controller is further programmed to disable the automated driving system in response to determining that the predetermined maximum time-period has expired.