Variable Speed Sign Prediction Using Confidence Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for reading variable speed signs (VSS) face challenges in accurately predicting speed limit values and determining confidence levels, particularly due to limitations in visual detection methods used by vehicles, which can lead to incorrect warnings and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize highly assisted driving vehicles equipped with cameras or sensors to capture and interpret VSS data, processing it to predict speed limit values and calculate associated confidence levels, which are then reported back to the vehicle for alerting or adjusting speed accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If visual detection methods (cameras) are used to read VSS display values, then the system can detect speed limit information from a distance, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to confusion between similar values (e.g., 50 km/h with 80 km/h)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary prediction system that uses multiple data sources (traffic flow, weather, construction status) to mediate between the ambiguous camera detection and the actual speed limit value. This intermediary layer processes raw camera data alongside contextual information to produce a more reliable predicted speed limit value with confidence levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring multiple parameters (traffic conditions, weather, construction status) and using this information to adjust and refine the predicted speed limit values. The confidence level calculation provides feedback on the reliability of each prediction, allowing the system to weight different data sources appropriately.
2Reliability
If municipalities control VSS speed limits without communicating with third parties, then security and control are maintained, but the reliability of speed limit information deteriorates for external systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables external systems to self-obtain speed limit information through prediction algorithms that independently analyze multiple data sources. Instead of relying on direct communication with municipality systems, the external system serves itself by synthesizing information from traffic sensors, weather stations, and construction databases to derive speed limit values.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between municipality-controlled VSS systems and external third-party systems. Rather than requiring direct access to municipality databases, the intermediary synthesizes information from publicly available or independently accessible sources to provide reliable speed limit estimates.
3Ease of manufacture
If static speed limit signs are used in construction zones, then the system is simple to implement, but the adaptability deteriorates as it cannot reflect real-time construction activity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static speed limit indication into a dynamic system by continuously updating speed limit predictions based on real-time construction status, traffic conditions, and weather. The system adapts the displayed or communicated speed limit values as construction activities change throughout the day, moving from fixed to variable speed recommendations.
Solution Approach 2:
The prediction system serves multiple functions: it monitors construction activity, analyzes traffic patterns, processes weather data, and generates speed limit recommendations. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to replace multiple static signs with different speed values, providing adaptability without requiring physical sign changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for predicting the value of a variable speed sign (VSS) and determining the predicted value's associated confidence level. Highly assisted driving (HAD) vehicles may read or capture images of the VSS. The speed limit values, images, or videos of the VSS are reported and received by a network and database for analysis. A predicted speed limit value is determined for the variable speed sign from at least a portion of the received traffic data. A confidence level is also calculated for the predicted speed limit value for the variable speed sign.