Traffic Signal Prediction System Using Controller Emulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective solutions for generating and communicating red light running warning messages in near real-time using predictive traffic signal state data to vehicle systems and operators, particularly due to inaccurate predictions and latency issues.
Innovation Solution
A traffic control prediction system that utilizes a controller emulator to predict short-term traffic signal status by synchronizing with actual field signal controllers, combining statistical analysis of historical data with emulation processes to provide accurate and timely predictions, and communicates these predictions to vehicles through wireless networks for display on dashboards or user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predictive traffic signal state data is used to generate red light warning messages, then driver safety and fuel efficiency are improved, but message accuracy and timing reliability deteriorate due to prediction errors and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future traffic signal states before the actual state changes occur. The emulator runs ahead of real-time to anticipate signal transitions, allowing warning messages to be prepared in advance with accurate timing information, thus resolving the contradiction between providing timely warnings and maintaining prediction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the traffic signal controller (emulator) that replicates the controller's logic and behavior. This copy allows the system to simulate and predict signal state changes without interfering with the actual controller, enabling accurate predictions while maintaining independence from the real system's latency and measurement limitations.
2Productivity
If real-time communication of traffic signal state data to vehicles is implemented, then traffic management efficiency is improved, but system complexity and communication infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic signal emulator serves as an intermediary between the actual traffic signal controller and the vehicle communication system. It processes and predicts signal states, then communicates only the necessary warning information to vehicles, reducing the complexity of direct real-time communication while maintaining traffic management efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If traffic signal controller emulation is used to predict future states, then prediction accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational resources worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator performs predictions in advance of the actual signal state changes, allowing computational processing to occur during the current signal phase rather than requiring real-time calculation at the moment of state transition. This preliminary action reduces the perceived processing time while maintaining accurate predictions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a timely and reliable warning message before a traffic control signal changes to a red light state. A preferred process leverages traffic signal state data, state change predictions, and signal timing plans. The warning message may be distributed for various uses by downstream users and applications.