Trajectory Qualification for Intersection Travel Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining travel time at intersections, such as using fixed sensors or microscopic traffic simulations, often result in inaccuracies due to double counting of turn delays and inclusion of non-intersection areas, leading to unreliable route planning.
Innovation Solution
A method that selectively qualifies trajectories by determining if candidate probe points are within specific distance thresholds of intersection sections or internal links, thereby disqualifying trajectories that do not accurately represent turn times, using gate lines and distance thresholds based on lane number, width, and positioning error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed sensors are deployed to evaluate intersection traversal delays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probe points collected from navigation devices to create virtual copies of trajectory data, replacing the need for physical fixed sensors. These probe points capture vehicle position, speed, and timestamp information, enabling delay evaluation through data processing rather than physical measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor deployment system with an information-based system using probe points from navigation devices. Instead of installing physical detectors at intersections, the system processes trajectory data from vehicles' own navigation systems, substituting mechanical infrastructure with computational methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microscopic traffic simulations are used to evaluate intersection delays, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision (calibration accuracy) deteriorates due to difficulty in calibrating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs probe points that automatically record vehicle trajectory, speed, and timestamp information during normal vehicle operation. The data collection process requires no manual calibration or setup - vehicles self-report their position and movement data, eliminating the complex parameter calibration needed in microscopic simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simulated traffic parameters (arrival rates, flow rules) to actual observed parameters (probe point positions, speeds, timestamps). By using real-world measured data instead of simulated parameters, the system achieves higher accuracy without the calibration difficulties inherent in simulation-based approaches.
3Ease of operation
If a circular boundary is used to define intersection area, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates by including non-intersection areas in delay calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trajectory evaluation process into distinct phases: entering the intersection area, traversing through it, and exiting. By using gate lines at specific entry and exit points rather than a continuous circular boundary, the system precisely delimits the measurement zone to only include actual intersection traversal, excluding adjacent areas like parking lots or retail establishments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the relevant portion of the vehicle's trajectory that corresponds to actual intersection traversal. By using gate lines to mark entry and exit points, the system separates the intersection traversal segment from the overall journey, ensuring that delay calculations include only the time spent within the intersection boundaries and not adjacent areas.
4Ease of operation
If fixed cost is added for turn execution, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to double counting of turn delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the turn execution time as a distinct component by identifying trajectories that enter and exit the intersection through specific gate lines. By measuring the actual time interval for vehicles completing turns using probe point data, the system separates turn delay from link traversal time, preventing double counting while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product selectively qualify trajectories for utilization in regards to the determination of the travel time for a maneuver. In the context of a method, it is determined whether a trajectory intersects both first and second gate lines disposed at opposite ends of a maneuver that includes first and second sections. If the trajectory intersects both the first and second gate lines, the method determines whether a candidate probe point is within a respective distance threshold of at least one of the first section or the second section. The method also includes selectively identifying the trajectory as either a qualified trajectory or a disqualified trajectory in regards to a determination of a travel time for the maneuver based upon whether the candidate probe point is determined to be within the respective distance threshold of at least one of the first section or the second section.