Vehicle Traffic Light Signal Waiting Time Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy-saving systems for vehicles do not control the electric power state in a multistage manner based on the time period a vehicle stops at a traffic light, known as signal waiting time.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus mounted on a vehicle acquires traffic light information, calculates the signal waiting time, and controls the electric power state in a multistage manner by adjusting engine idling speed and other power consumption levels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional binary control (engine stop/start) is used based on simple duration threshold, then control simplicity is maintained, but energy saving effectiveness is insufficient for varying signal waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by dividing the engine stop decision into multiple stages based on signal waiting time thresholds. Instead of a single binary decision, the system dynamically adjusts control strategy: first threshold triggers engine stop, second threshold triggers engine restart. This dynamic multi-threshold approach optimizes energy saving for varying signal durations while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured decision logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a simple binary state (stop/start) to a multi-stage control scheme with different time thresholds (first threshold, second threshold). By introducing multiple parameter levels for signal waiting time, the system achieves more nuanced energy optimization without requiring fundamentally complex control architecture, thus improving energy saving effectiveness while controlling complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If engine is stopped during short signal waiting times, then unnecessary energy consumption is reduced, but frequent restarts increase mechanical wear and reduce operational smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the engine control timeline into distinct phases: a first time period from signal detection to first threshold achievement, and a second time period from first threshold to second threshold. This segmentation allows the system to stop the engine only during prolonged waits (beyond first threshold) while avoiding unnecessary stops during short waits, thus reducing mechanical wear and maintaining operational smoothness while still achieving energy savings during extended stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of signal waiting time against the first threshold before committing to engine stop. By evaluating the duration prediction in advance and comparing it with the first threshold, the system avoids unnecessary engine stops for short-duration signals, thereby preventing frequent restarts that would cause mechanical wear and operational disruptions, while still enabling energy-saving stops for longer durations.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is mounted on a vehicle. The information processing apparatus includes: a first acquiring unit that acquires, from each of one or more traffic lights, traffic light information including identifying information for identifying a corresponding traffic light, position information of the corresponding traffic light, and start time and end time of lighting in a color of a traffic signal indicating stop of the vehicle; a calculation unit that calculates a signal waiting time that indicates a time period for the vehicle to stop at a traffic light by using one or more pieces of the traffic light information; and an electric power control unit that controls an electric power state during stop of the vehicle in a multistage manner in accordance with the signal waiting time.