Travel Optimization System for Traffic Light Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic lights cause vehicles to stop frequently, increasing travel time and decreasing fuel efficiency, while existing systems do not effectively optimize traffic flow or provide real-time safety information to drivers.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects and processes traffic pattern data from traffic lights and mobile devices to generate travel optimization data, allowing users to adjust their speed to avoid stops and receive alerts on safety concerns, by interconnecting traffic lights, a traffic server device, and mobile devices via a network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic lights are used to control traffic flow, then traffic safety and order are improved, but travel time increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying drivers of upcoming red lights before they reach the intersection, allowing drivers to adjust their speed in advance to maintain momentum through green lights, thereby reducing unnecessary stops and travel time while preserving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time information to drivers about traffic light status and optimal speed adjustments, enabling drivers to make informed decisions that reduce idle time at intersections while maintaining safe traffic flow control
2Reliability
If traffic lights are used to control traffic flow, then traffic safety and order are improved, but fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by notifying drivers of upcoming red lights before they reach the intersection, allowing drivers to adjust their speed in advance to maintain momentum through green lights, thereby reducing unnecessary stops and fuel consumption while preserving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of traffic lights (causing stops and fuel waste) into a benefit by providing information that enables drivers to optimize their speed, transforming the stop-and-go pattern into smooth, fuel-efficient cruising while maintaining safety
3Productivity
If real-time traffic information is provided to drivers, then travel optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using a mobile device that drivers already possess, combining multiple functions (navigation, messaging, traffic information display) into a single familiar device, thereby improving travel optimization without significantly increasing perceived system complexity for the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device may obtain information associated with a traffic light. The traffic light may control a flow of traffic associated with a first location. The device may obtain travel information associated with a mobile device and determine, based on the travel information, that the mobile device is located at a second location, that is different from the first location, and is traveling toward the first location. The device may determine a projected status of the traffic light based on the information associated with the traffic light and the travel information. The projected status of the traffic light indicating a status of the traffic light at a time the mobile device is projected to arrive at the first location. The device may transmit information identifying the projected status to the mobile device.