Vehicle Controller Traffic Signal Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control systems struggle with automatically controlling acceleration, deceleration, and steering near traffic signals, particularly at diverging or merging points on toll roads, due to complexity in controlling automated drive modes based on traffic signal lighting states, leading to inevitable stops or disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller that identifies the operation state of traffic signals and sets automated drive mode sections dynamically, allowing for safe and efficient self-driving operations by determining sections where automated driving is permissible, temporarily switching to manual mode around operating traffic signals, or adjusting routes to avoid them, using a combination of sensors, communication with external devices, and image capture for real-time traffic signal state estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated drive mode is used near traffic signals, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of traffic signal states and pre-sets automated drive mode sections before the vehicle reaches the signal. By calculating the time when the vehicle will pass the traffic signal and comparing it with the signal's operation schedule, the system determines in advance whether automated mode should be permitted, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the automated drive mode section based on real-time traffic signal states. When a traffic signal is not in operation, automated mode is permitted; when it is in operation, the system temporarily switches to manual mode or changes the route. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable control while maintaining high automated driving efficiency
2Reliability
If automated drive mode is restricted near traffic signals, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by creating specific automated drive mode sections only in areas where traffic signals are not in operation or will not operate during the vehicle's passage. The setting unit sets automated drive mode sections selectively based on the operational status of traffic signals at different locations, allowing automated driving to continue smoothly in safe zones while restricting it only where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The identification unit continuously monitors traffic signal states and provides feedback to the setting unit, which then adjusts the automated drive mode sections accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that automated driving is permitted only when safe, maintaining both reliability and productivity by adapting to real-time signal conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a vehicle controller which includes an identification unit that identifies an operation state of a traffic signal existing on a route up to a destination; a setting unit that sets an automated drive mode section on the route based on the operation state of the traffic signal identified by the identification unit, the automated drive mode section being a section where an automated drive mode of controlling acceleration, deceleration, or steering is permitted during travelling of a vehicle; and a travel control unit that controls the travelling of the vehicle in the automated drive mode in the automated drive mode section set by the setting unit.