Traffic Signal Control Using Probe Data Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic signal control methods face inefficiencies due to the lack of vehicle detectors at some intersections, leading to incomplete traffic volume data and suboptimal signal control, which can degrade overall traffic management efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A traffic signal control system that acquires traffic volume data from equipped intersections and uses probe data from traveling vehicles to estimate volumes at undetected intersections, generating and transmitting signal control parameters to corresponding controllers to ensure effective traffic management across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle detectors are installed at all intersections to obtain accurate inflow traffic volumes, then signal control precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probe vehicles as intermediary carriers to collect traffic data. These vehicles equipped with GPS and communication devices serve as mobile detectors, transmitting location and timing information to the server, which then infers traffic volumes at intersections without requiring physical detectors at every location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical vehicle detector system with an information-based probe vehicle system. Instead of using physical sensors embedded in roads or mounted at intersections, the system uses digital data collection from moving vehicles combined with server-side processing to estimate traffic volumes
2Ease of manufacture
If vehicle detectors are not installed at some intersections to reduce cost, then system cost decreases, but signal control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the probe vehicle system universal by having vehicles serve multiple functions: they act as detectors, communication nodes, and data sources simultaneously. The same probe vehicles that provide navigation services also contribute to traffic monitoring, eliminating the need for dedicated detection infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing probe vehicles that are already traveling on roads for data collection purposes. These vehicles self-serve the dual purpose of their primary function (transportation/navigation) and the secondary function (traffic data collection), without requiring additional specialized equipment or infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If probe data from traveling vehicles is used to estimate inflow traffic volumes, then coverage of intersections without detectors is improved, but estimation accuracy may vary
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously receives probe data, updates traffic volume estimates, and adjusts signal control parameters accordingly. The estimated values are used to generate control instructions that are sent back to intersections, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing traffic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary estimation of traffic volumes using available probe data before generating signal control instructions. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare appropriate control parameters in advance, even for intersections without direct detector coverage, ensuring continuous adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A central device 4 includes: a measurement processing unit 410 that acquires an inflow traffic volume at a first intersection Ci-1; an estimation processing unit 411 that estimates an inflow traffic volume at a second intersection Ci-2 on the basis of at least one of the inflow traffic volume at the first intersection Ci-1 and probe data obtained from a traveling vehicle 5; a control processing unit 412 that generates signal control parameters for the first intersection Ci-1 on the basis of the inflow traffic volume at the first intersection Ci-1, and generates signal control parameters for the second intersection Ci-2 on the basis of the estimated inflow traffic volume at the second intersection Ci-2; and a communication unit 403 that transmits the generated signal control parameters for the first intersection Ci-1 to a traffic signal controller 1a at the first intersection Ci-1, and transmits the generated signal control parameters for the second intersection Ci-2 to a traffic signal controller 1a at the second intersection Ci-2.