Traffic Signal Control for Platoon Congestion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic signal control systems do not effectively address downstream congestion, which can prevent platoon vehicles from passing through intersections, leading to traffic blockages.
Innovation Solution
A traffic signal control apparatus and method that acquires platoon length and empty space length on a planned traveling route, determining whether to adjust signal light colors at downstream intersections to prevent congestion by comparing these lengths, and notifying drivers of potential congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic signal control systems do not consider downstream congestion, then the control system is simple, but platoon vehicles may be blocked by downstream congestion causing traffic blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus performs preliminary assessment of downstream congestion status before platoon vehicles reach the target intersection. By acquiring empty space length information in advance and comparing it with platoon length, the system proactively determines whether downstream intersections need signal color changes to prevent congestion, rather than reacting after blockage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system extends its control scope from the traditional single intersection level to a multi-dimensional space-time coordination that includes downstream intersections. By considering the spatial dimension of downstream routes and the temporal dimension of platoon arrival, the system coordinates signal lights across multiple intersections to ensure continuous flow.
2Productivity
If the control apparatus coordinates signal lights at multiple intersections, then platoon vehicles can pass through without blockage, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from simple signal timing to signal color coordination across multiple intersections. By monitoring and comparing critical parameters (platoon length, empty space length, vehicle speed), the system dynamically adjusts signal colors at downstream intersections to maintain optimal flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus continuously monitors the actual traffic situation and compares it with the planned route conditions. Based on feedback from downstream congestion status and platoon vehicle progress, the system dynamically adjusts signal light colors to maintain optimal throughput while preventing blockages.
3Loss of time
If the system dynamically adjusts signal lights based on real-time data, then traffic congestion is reduced, but the requirement for real-time data acquisition increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary that receives and processes data from multiple sources (vehicle information, downstream intersection status, route conditions). By centralizing data acquisition and processing at the downstream intersection controller, the system reduces the need for complex distributed sensing while enabling comprehensive real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A traffic signal control apparatus capable of controlling signal light colors at a target intersection and a downstream intersection, and includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a platoon length of platoon vehicles that are traveling on an inflow road of the target intersection, and an empty space length in a planned traveling route of the platoon vehicles; and a control unit configured to determine whether or not to control the signal light color at the downstream intersection corresponding to the planned traveling route of the platoon vehicles, according to a result of comparison between the platoon length and the empty space length.