Traffic Signal State Estimation Using Network Signal Relationships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in accurately determining the state of an upcoming traffic signal for autonomous vehicles due to factors like color blending with the background, signal movement, temporary relocation, and environmental conditions, which affect sensor detection reliability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a computing device to determine the state of an upcoming traffic signal by analyzing the relationship between the state of other traffic signals in the environment, incorporating data from vehicle sensors, other vehicles, fixed sensors, and transportation authorities, to enhance the estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sensor detection is used to determine traffic signal state, then real-time detection capability is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates due to color blending, signal movement, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including map data about traffic signal locations and timing patterns, and data from other vehicles/sensors as mediators to verify and supplement the primary sensor detection. This allows the system to maintain real-time detection while improving reliability by cross-referencing multiple information sources rather than relying solely on direct sensor detection of the traffic signal.
2Device complexity
If direct sensor detection of traffic signal is used, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to color blending with background and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring traffic signal states from multiple sources (sensors, map data, other vehicles) and using this information to refine and verify measurements. The map data provides expected signal locations and timing patterns that serve as feedback to validate sensor readings, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If only local sensor data is used for traffic signal state determination, then system simplicity is improved, but information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information sources including local sensor data, map data about traffic signal locations and timing, and data from other vehicles and fixed sensors into a unified estimation system. This combination approach improves information completeness while maintaining reasonable system simplicity by integrating these sources through a coordinated estimation algorithm rather than complex multi-system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for using a relationship between activities of different traffic signals in a network to improve traffic signal state estimation are disclosed. An example method includes determining that a vehicle is approaching an upcoming traffic signal. The method may further include determining a state of one or more traffic signals other than the upcoming traffic signal. Additionally, the method may also include determining an estimate of a state of the upcoming traffic signal based on a relationship between the state of the one or more traffic signals other than the upcoming traffic signal and the state of the upcoming traffic signal.