Dynamic Virtual Traffic Markers for Adaptive Infrastructure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional traffic markers are static and fail to adapt to changing traffic conditions, leading to inefficiencies in vehicle and pedestrian traffic management.
Innovation Solution
An infrastructure system that uses sensors, transceivers, and computers to dynamically generate and broadcast virtual traffic markers, such as virtual crosswalks, lane-direction indicators, and pickup/dropoff zones, based on real-time data and user requests, optimizing traffic patterns in response to demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static traffic markers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing traffic conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static traffic markers into dynamic virtual traffic markers that can change their presence, position, and characteristics in real-time based on sensor data about traffic conditions, pedestrian activity, and environmental factors. The infrastructure system continuously updates these virtual markers to adapt to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the copying principle by creating virtual representations of traffic markers (virtual crosswalks, virtual lane markers, virtual signage) that are transmitted to vehicles as digital data rather than physical objects. These virtual copies convey the same traffic control information as traditional physical markers but can be dynamically modified without physical changes.
2Productivity
If dynamic virtual traffic markers are implemented, then traffic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure system applies the universality principle by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated platform that generates, manages, and transmits various types of virtual traffic markers (crosswalks, lane markers, signage, warnings) through a common communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the dynamic capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical traffic control devices with electronic and software-based systems. Virtual traffic markers are generated computationally and transmitted digitally to vehicles, eliminating the need for physical installation, modification, and maintenance of traditional traffic markers while improving traffic efficiency.
3Loss of information
If virtual traffic markers are broadcast to vehicles, then information availability is improved, but loss of time in processing and transmitting data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrastructure system applies preliminary action by pre-processing and pre-positioning virtual traffic marker data before it is needed by vehicles. The system anticipates traffic patterns and prepares virtual markers in advance, reducing the processing time required when vehicles receive and act on this information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where sensor data from the environment continuously informs the generation and updating of virtual traffic markers. This real-time feedback loop ensures that information is both comprehensive and timely, with the system adjusting marker generation based on current conditions to minimize processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
An infrastructure system includes at least one sensor, a transceiver, and a computer communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and to the transceiver. The computer is programmed to receive data from the at least one sensor indicating respective locations and motions of objects in an environment surrounding the at least one sensor; in response to one of (a) the data from the at least one sensor or (b) a request from a user, generate a virtual traffic marker at a first location in the environment; and instruct the transceiver to broadcast the virtual traffic marker to vehicles in the environment. The first location is based on the data from the at least one sensor, and the virtual traffic marker is data including the first location and traffic instructions corresponding to the first location.