Virtual Traffic Detection System for Predictive Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic signal control systems lack efficient methods to leverage prediction technologies for improving user convenience and reducing fuel consumption by not effectively connecting vehicles with traffic infrastructure in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A configurable 'virtual detection' system that processes user service requests and generates synthetic calls to traffic signal controllers, utilizing prediction algorithms and controller emulation to provide vehicles with timely information on signal state changes, thereby optimizing traffic flow and reducing wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prediction technologies are implemented to provide timely signal state change information to vehicles, then traffic safety and fuel economy are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual detection system as an intermediary between vehicles and traffic signal controllers. This system receives service requests from vehicles, determines validity based on configurable settings, and generates synthetic calls to controllers. The intermediary handles the complexity of prediction logic and coordination, allowing individual vehicles to benefit from prediction capabilities without directly managing the complex infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates synthetic calls that replicate the function of physical detection systems. Instead of requiring actual detectors at every location, the virtual detection system generates equivalent detection requests and manages the communication protocol between vehicles and controllers, simplifying the physical infrastructure while maintaining detection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If virtual detection systems with configurable settings are implemented to validate service requests, then user convenience and traffic flow optimization are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic validation settings that can be configured based on different scenarios. The configurable validity settings allow the system to adapt its behavior according to traffic conditions, user classes, and controller states. This dynamic configuration enables optimization for specific use cases without requiring complex hard-coded logic for every possible scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation process is segmented into distinct configurable parameters that can be independently adjusted. By dividing the validation logic into separate configurable settings (such as service request validity, controller state requirements, and timing parameters), the system becomes more manageable and easier to optimize for different applications without overwhelming complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time validation of service requests based on ETA and predicted green window is implemented, then traffic management efficiency is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of service requests by checking ETA against predicted green windows before actually generating synthetic calls to controllers. This preliminary action filters out requests that would not be valid or useful, reducing the computational burden on both the virtual detection system and the traffic controllers. By pre-determining validity based on published timing information, the system avoids unnecessary real-time computational processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented predictions of upcoming traffic control signal states or state changes can be used to improve convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Such information can be used advantageously by a human operator, or by an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle control system. User (for example, driver) requests for a signal change may be implemented in traffic control systems, with all due care. User requests are validated and compared to traffic signal state change predictions. Only when appropriate conditions are met, the user request is used to generate a “synthetic call” to the applicable traffic signal controller (TSC). The new synthetic call substitutes for the usual call signal which arises from a fixed physical hardware detection system such as an inductive loop in the pavement.