Vehicle-Mounted Traffic Detection at Unregulated Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recording traffic and accident data at road junctions are unreliable, particularly at unregulated intersections, and lack real-time capabilities, leading to delayed and incomplete data that hinders efficient traffic planning and accident prevention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted system with a control unit coupled to sensors (photo, infrared, radar, or laser) detects and transmits traffic data to external receivers, allowing for real-time, reliable data collection and processing, including pre-filtering to reduce unnecessary data transmission, and enabling driver assistance system activation at critical junctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic data is recorded using infrastructure-based sensors (traffic lights with induction loops), then data can be collected at regulated intersections, but data from unregulated junctions cannot be captured and the system requires expensive infrastructure installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes vehicles themselves the recording devices by equipping them with sensors and control units that automatically detect and transmit traffic data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for infrastructure-based sensors and enables coverage of unregulated junctions where no infrastructure exists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/infrastructure-based sensor system (induction loops in roads, traffic light sensors) with vehicle-mounted electronic sensors that use optical, electromagnetic, or acoustic fields to detect traffic, enabling flexible deployment without physical infrastructure installation.
2Reliability
If accidents are recorded only by police or insurance institutions, then data is obtained for serious incidents, but data collection is delayed and incomplete as it requires manual reporting and lacks real-time capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor traffic conditions, the control unit processes data immediately, and information is transmitted without delay to external receivers or navigation systems, enabling real-time accident detection and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual reporting systems (police reports, insurance claims) with automated electronic sensor systems that continuously monitor and transmit accident data in real-time, eliminating human response delays and manual processing steps.
3Loss of information
If all sensor data is transmitted continuously, then complete traffic information is available, but data transmission volume becomes excessive and consumes unnecessary bandwidth and energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential and relevant traffic data from the complete sensor data set for transmission, filtering out redundant information. The control unit identifies and transmits only critical data such as accident information, traffic congestion, or significant traffic patterns, reducing transmission volume while maintaining data completeness for decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of data rather than all sensor data continuously. The system selectively transmits data based on relevance and urgency, avoiding excessive transmission of redundant information while ensuring critical data is communicated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides real-time, reliable traffic data for improved traffic flow management, accident prevention, and efficient route planning, reducing congestion and enhancing safety by enabling informed driver assistance and intelligent route diversion.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle-mounted system with a control unit coupled to sensors (photo, infrared, radar, or laser) detects and transmits traffic data
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle-mounted system with a control unit coupled to sensors (photo, infrared, radar, or laser) detects and transmits traffic data
Implementation Method 3
A vehicle-mounted system with a control unit coupled to sensors (photo, infrared, radar, or laser) detects and transmits traffic data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting traffic and/or accident data at a road junction by means of a vehicle which has a control unit which is coupled to at least one sensor (ST) of the vehicle, in which method: - in a first step, the sensor (ST) detects (SO) traffic crossing the vehicle; and - in a second step, the data which represents the crossing traffic is transmitted (S4) from the control unit of the vehicle to at least one receiver (FZ, DV) which is external to the vehicle. The method for detecting traffic and accident data at road junctions does not only represent a significant improvement for avoiding accidents and/or traffic jams.