Vehicle Sensor Data for Local Traffic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining traffic situations are complex and provide limited data, making them inefficient for comprehensive and accurate traffic monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first road user equipped with a sensor unit measures and transmits data on the relative movement of other road users, allowing for comprehensive traffic situation determination and local traffic flow control without a higher-level traffic control center, using existing sensor devices like those in driver assistance systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If specially designed sensor vehicles with environment sensors are used to record traffic data, then comprehensive traffic situation data can be obtained, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling standard vehicles already equipped with environment sensors for driver assistance systems to participate in traffic monitoring. Instead of requiring specially designed sensor vehicles, the system utilizes the existing multi-functional sensors (cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors) that serve both driver assistance and traffic monitoring purposes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining data completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having vehicles use their own existing environment sensors to collect traffic data without requiring additional dedicated sensing equipment. The vehicles' existing sensor systems, designed for driver assistance, are repurposed to also serve traffic monitoring functions, eliminating the need for specially equipped sensor vehicles
2Measurement precision
If a high fraction of road users are adequately equipped with sensors to ensure comprehensive coverage, then measurement precision improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by demonstrating that only a small fraction of road users need to be equipped with the necessary sensors to achieve comprehensive and accurate traffic situation determination. The system processes data from limited equipped vehicles through multiple evaluation methods (direct detection, indirect inference, combination with stationary sensors) to compensate for the partial coverage and maintain high measurement precision
3Extent of automation
If only local traffic control at the level of individual signal systems is implemented, then automation and response speed improve, but the overall traffic flow coordination and strategic control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the traffic control system into independent local control units that operate autonomously at the level of individual signal systems. Each control unit processes traffic data and makes control decisions independently without requiring centralized coordination, enabling automated local response while maintaining overall system functionality through distributed intelligence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous local traffic control units that independently process traffic situation data and generate control decisions without external intervention. Each signal system's control unit autonomously monitors local traffic conditions and adjusts signal phases accordingly, eliminating the need for higher-level traffic control centers while maintaining adaptive traffic flow management
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a method for determining a traffic situation, it is proposed that: - sensor data of the relative movement of a second road user (3) are measured by a sensor unit (1) of a first road user (2), - movement data of the first road user (2) are supplied to an evaluation unit (4) of the first road user (2), - traffic situation data are determined by the evaluation unit (4) based on the sensor data and the movement data, - the traffic situation data are transmitted to a traffic control device (6) by means of a transmission unit (5) of the first road user (2).