Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IOT-BASED REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to the field of transportation and traffic control to help in urban planning, transportation management, and road safety. More specifically, it relates to an IoT-based system that utilizes connected devices, cloud-based infrastructure, and advanced algorithms to optimize traffic flow and enhance driving conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The invention at hand emerges as a response to the escalating challenges posed by urban traffic congestion and the imperative to enhance road safety in the contemporary era. As cities expand and traffic volumes surge, traditional traffic management systems often prove inadequate in effectively addressing the dynamic and evolving demands of modern transportation networks. This invention recognizes the pressing need for a forward-looking solution that can adapt to real-time traffic conditions, leveraging the power of IoT (Internet of Things) technology and intelligent algorithms.
In today's urban landscapes, traffic management is no longer a mere matter of regulating signals and enforcing speed limits; it has become a complex interplay of factors. Congestion at peak hours, sudden changes in weather, unexpected accidents, and varying driver behaviors all contribute to the intricate web of challenges faced by transportation authorities and road users alike. In this context, the present invention seeks to revolutionize traffic management by embracing IoT technology as its cornerstone.
The IoT-based system introduced in this invention is designed to be a dynamic and adaptable solution. IoT devices are installed in vehicles, which communicate with edge locations that are part of cloud infrastructure to overcome latency or delay and some of the calculation is done in device itself. By deploying a network of IoT devices within vehicles, and integrating traffic infrastructure with advanced algorithms, it harnesses a wealth of real-time data. This data forms the bedrock for the system's ability to make informed decisions instantaneously.

Traffic congestion is a persistent problem in urban areas, leading to increased travel times, fuel consumption, and pollution. Existing traffic management systems often rely on static regulations and lack real-time adaptability. There is a need for an innovative solution that leverages IoT devices, cloud computing, and AI algorithms to dynamically manage traffic and ensure safe driving conditions.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
It is an object of the invention to provide a smooth traffic solution. Another object of the invention is to improve the traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance driving safety. Yet another object of the invention is to provide efficient traffic management in real-time using IoT (Internet of Things) technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The IoT-based system for real-time traffic management described herein combines various components and functionalities to improve traffic flow and promote safer driving conditions. The system utilizes IoT devices installed on vehicles, a cloud-based infrastructure, and advanced algorithms to achieve its objectives. The components of the system work in conjunction with each other to calculate compliance speeds, identify free-flow zones, detect violations, and optimize traffic management dynamically.
The IoT-based system for real-time traffic management described herein represents a novel and innovative approach to traffic management. The combination of IoT devices, cloud-based infrastructure, and advanced algorithms enables the system to dynamically calculate compliance speeds, identify free-flow zones, and detect violations. This solution has the potential to revolutionize traffic management systems and improve driving conditions significantly.
The IoT-based system for real-time traffic management described herein provides an effective solution for optimizing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and promoting safe driving practices. The system's components and functionalities work together to enhance traffic management capabilities and contribute to a smoother and safer driving experience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:
Figure 1 presents the workflow of the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The IoT-based real time traffic management system of present invention comprises of IoT devices installed on each vehicle to enable the calculation and display of compliance speeds, provide real-time location data, and facilitate communication with the cloud infrastructure, a module for identifying and displaying unrestricted zones; a violation detection mechanism; a traffic event sensing module, a traffic spacing system, a cloud-based infrastructure, and advanced algorithms, working together, connected via wireless means of connectivity to calculate the compliance speed of each connected vehicle, identification of free flow zones and traffic violation detection.

The IoT device comprises of a GSM module for internet connectivity; a central processing unit powered by a microprocessor chip; a display unit for presenting compliance speed information; a GPS receiver for accurate vehicle location determination; a lightweight Unix-based operating system that handles peripherals and enables communication with the cloud.
The module for identifying and displaying unrestricted zones recognizes areas where compliance speed is not required and displays indications of unrestricted zones on the IoT device's screen when applicable.
The violation detection mechanism compares a vehicle's current speed with the compliance speed and flags violations if the vehicle's speed exceeds the tolerance range; records violation information to the cloud against the vehicle's registration number, including the associated IoT device's identification number, vehicle registration number, and current location.
In an embodiment the traffic event sensing system includes plurality of sensors capable of detecting traffic events such as accidents, road closures, or heavy congestion.
The traffic spacing system includes a communication module for transmitting spacing information between the vehicles equipped with the IoT devices, enabling coordinated spacing and smooth traffic flow. In a preferred embodiment, the traffic spacing module further includes a communication module for transmitting spacing information between the vehicles equipped with the IoT devices, enabling coordinated spacing and smooth traffic flow.
The compliance speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time data obtained from weather conditions using a third-party weather information application programming interface, road conditions, or traffic flow patterns.
The violation detection mechanism further includes an alert system that notifies the driver of the detected violation and provides guidance to rectify their driving behavior.
The cloud infrastructure performs data analysis and generates traffic reports, including statistics on compliance rates, violation patterns, and traffic congestion levels, to aid in traffic management and planning.
The IoT devices are equipped with additional sensors for monitoring environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, or noise levels, providing a comprehensive view of the traffic conditions.
To ensure compliance with the determined speeds, the IoT devices further incorporate a violation detection mechanism. It compares the vehicle's current speed with the compliance speed and flag violations if the speed exceeds the tolerance range of ±x km/h, where x is a function of distance between two consecutive choke points, number of vehicles between two choke points and distance between these vehicles, and desired safety margin to ensure that vehicles approaching the choke point have adequate time to slow down or stop if necessary. A larger safety margin would lead to a higher value of x while a smaller safety margin would result in a lower value. Detected violations are recorded and uploaded to the server, including relevant details such as the vehicle registration number, for further action. In a preferred embodiment, the value of x ranges from 3-5 km/h.
The central cloud-based infrastructure comprises of a server for storage of data and information; a module that executes the algorithms and processes to calculate compliance speeds based on vehicle trajectory, traffic density, proximity to congestion points, the number of vehicles approaching a choke point, and the speed of these vehicles among other factors like weather conditions; data processing capabilities to analyze traffic patterns and generate updated compliance speeds; communication capabilities to transmit updated compliance speeds to respective IoT devices.
The traffic management system identifies free-flow zones where vehicles are not required to adhere to the compliance speed. Real-time monitoring of vehicle density allows the traffic management system to determine the status of each zone. This information is processed by the cloud-based infrastructure, which communicates with the IoT devices and provides updated compliance speeds for display.
Figure 1 presents the workflow of the IOT based real time traffic management system in a preferred embodiment. A choke point is square, redlight or cross-section point where vehicle crosses each other. The method of traffic management to prevent congestion at choke points and ensure efficient traffic flow, comprises of (a) Installation of an IoT device on every vehicle and recording the associated vehicle registration number on the cloud infrastructure during the installation process to establish the device-vehicle association; (b) initiating the advanced algorithm for calculating the compliance speed; (c) obtaining real-time data from a third-party weather information application programming interface (API), Location of GPS sensor, third party maps service provide API for identification of geographic locations, and traffic flow patterns; (d) calculating compliance speed connected vehicle using real time data as obtained and based on vehicle trajectory, proximity to choke points, the speed of nearby vehicles approaching a given choke point; (e) identifying free-flow zones where vehicles are not required to adhere to the compliance speed; (f) display relevant information through IoT devices on each vehicle indicating whether the vehicle is in a compliance zone or a free-flow zone based on vehicle location; g) adjustment of vehicle speeds to avoid simultaneous arrival at congestion points, and communication with a local data processing system for receiving updated compliance speeds.
In a preferred embodiment the compliance speed calculation is continuously improved through an AI system that employs reinforcement learning techniques. By learning from real-time traffic patterns, the AI system adapts and adjusts the compliance speeds to optimize traffic flow dynamically. This AI-driven approach ensures effective compliance speed calculation in evolving traffic conditions.
To ensure smooth and gradual speed transitions, in a preferred embodiment, the system incorporates measures that prevent sudden spikes or dips in compliance speed. This design approach improves the driving experience and promotes safer road conditions.
The system employs edge computing techniques, which involve performing certain processing tasks on the devices or local edge servers, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements. Load balancing and auto-scaling techniques are also utilized to ensure real-time computation without overwhelming the system or causing delays in response times.
In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim
1. An IoT-based real time traffic management system comprises of
IoT devices installed on each vehicle to enable the calculation and display of compliance speeds, provide real-time location data, and facilitate communication with the cloud infrastructure;
a module for identifying to display unrestricted zones for recognizing areas where compliance speed is not required and indications of unrestricted zones on the IoT device's screen;
a violation detection mechanism to compare a vehicle's current speed with the compliance speed and flags violations when the vehicle's speed exceeds the tolerance range; records violation information to the cloud against the vehicle's registration number, including the associated IoT device's identification number, vehicle registration number, and current location.
a traffic event sensing module which includes plurality of sensors capable of detecting traffic events such as accidents, road closures, or heavy congestion;
a traffic spacing system comprises of a communication module for transmitting spacing information between the vehicles equipped with the IoT devices, enabling coordinated spacing and smooth traffic flow.
a cloud-based infrastructure and advanced algorithms to perform data analysis and to generate traffic reports, including statistics on compliance rates, violation patterns, and traffic congestion levels;
working together connected via wireless means of connectivity, to aid in traffic management and planning.

2. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT device comprises of a GSM module for internet connectivity; a central processing unit powered by a microprocessor chip; a display unit for presenting compliance speed information; a GPS receiver for accurate vehicle location determination; a lightweight Unix-based operating system that handles peripherals and enables communication with the cloud.

3. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the violation detection mechanism further includes an alert system that notifies the driver of the detected violation and provides guidance to rectify their driving behavior.

4. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT device is further equipped with additional sensors for monitoring environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, or noise levels, providing a comprehensive view of the traffic conditions.

5. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central cloud-based infrastructure comprises of a server for storage of data and information; a module that executes the algorithms and processes to calculate compliance speeds based on vehicle trajectory, traffic density, proximity to congestion points, the number of vehicles approaching a choke point, and the speed of these vehicles among other factors like weather conditions; data processing capabilities to analyze traffic patterns and generate updated compliance speeds; communication capabilities to transmit updated compliance speeds to respective IoT devices.

6. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein edge computing techniques are used to perform certain processing tasks on the IOT devices and local edge servers to reduce latency and bandwidth requirements.

7. The IoT-based real time traffic management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein load balancing and auto-scaling techniques are utilized to ensure real-time computation without overwhelming the system or causing delays in response times.

8. A method of traffic management to prevent congestion at choke points and ensure efficient traffic flow, comprises of
(a) Installation of an IoT device on every vehicle and recording the associated vehicle registration number on the cloud infrastructure during the installation process to establish the device-vehicle association;
(b) initiating the advanced algorithm for calculating the compliance speed;
(c) obtaining real-time data from a third-party weather information application programming interface (API), Location of GPS sensor, third party maps service provide API for identification of geographic locations, and traffic flow patterns;
(d) calculating compliance speed connected vehicle using real time data as obtained and based on vehicle trajectory, proximity to choke points, the speed of nearby vehicles approaching a given choke point;
(e) identifying free-flow zones where vehicles are not required to adhere to the compliance speed;
(f) display relevant information through IoT devices on each vehicle indicating whether the vehicle is in a compliance zone or a free-flow zone based on vehicle location;
(g) adjustment of vehicle speeds to avoid simultaneous arrival at congestion points, and communication with a local data processing system for receiving updated compliance speeds.

9. A method of traffic management as claimed in claim 6, wherein in step (d) compliance speed calculation is continuously improved through an AI system that employs reinforcement learning techniques by learning from real-time traffic patterns.