Virtual Lane Adjustment for Roadway Obstructions and Mixed Traffic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway lane designs with fixed markings are inefficient in accommodating varying traffic conditions and temporary obstructions, leading to traffic congestion and poor utilization of roadways, especially with the increasing presence of autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically adjusts lane definitions based on traffic information and vehicle data, predicting vehicle positions and transmitting virtual lane definitions to autonomous vehicles to optimize lane usage, width, and speed limits, allowing for smooth traffic flow and timely lane changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed lane markings are used to designate traffic lanes, then lane organization and control is simplified, but roadway utilization efficiency deteriorates under varying traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lane markings that can change position, width, and configuration in real-time based on traffic conditions, vehicle types, and roadway utilization needs. This allows the lane organization to adapt dynamically rather than remaining fixed, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters of lane markings simultaneously including position coordinates, width dimensions, and temporal validity periods. This enables the roadway to optimize for different traffic scenarios (e.g., high-speed traffic vs. low-speed traffic, different vehicle types) while maintaining organized control through centralized management.
2Ease of operation
If generous lane widths are provided to accommodate vehicles passing stopped vehicles, then vehicle maneuverability is improved, but roadway space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Lane widths are dynamically adjusted based on real-time traffic conditions. When no vehicles are stopped or requiring passing space, the lane width is reduced to optimize space utilization. When vehicles are stopped or low-speed traffic is present, the lane width expands to provide necessary maneuverability space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different lane width characteristics to different spatial segments and time periods. Rather than providing uniform generous widths throughout, the lane markings provide expanded width only where and when needed for vehicle maneuverability, while maintaining narrower widths in other segments to maximize overall roadway space utilization.
3Measurement precision
If physical lane markings are used to define traffic lanes, then lane definition is clear and visible, but adaptability to varying traffic conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lane markings transition from static physical paint to dynamic virtual markings that can be updated in real-time through communication systems. Autonomous vehicles receive lane definition data that reflects current traffic conditions, allowing clear lane definitions that adapt to varying scenarios such as different vehicle types, speeds, and traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on fixed physical markings, the system creates virtual copies of lane definitions that are transmitted to autonomous vehicles. These virtual lane markings can be updated and changed without physical repainting, providing clear definitions that are highly adaptable to changing traffic conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed lane configurations are maintained, then roadway design is simple and stable, but traffic flow optimization under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains stability through centralized control and predictable update cycles while enabling optimization through real-time adjustments. Lane configurations remain stable between updates but can be optimized for different traffic patterns, vehicle types, and roadway utilization scenarios when conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The lane marking system operates with periodic updates based on traffic conditions, vehicle arrivals, and roadway utilization patterns. This periodic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain stability during normal operation while periodically optimizing for improved traffic flow based on changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The method provides for one or more processors to receive traffic information and passing vehicle information associated with a portion of a roadway in which a passing vehicle approaches and travels through the portion of the roadway. The one or more processors predict travel positions of passing vehicles, based on the traffic information and passing vehicle information. The one or more processors determine an impassible space within an existing lane of the roadway and create virtual lane definitions based on the predicting and the traffic information, in which the lane definitions include an optimum number of lanes, a width of respective lanes, and a lane type, and the one or more processors transmit the lane definitions to the passing vehicles based on a correspondence between a type and width of a respective vehicle and the type and width of respective lane definitions.