Predictive Use of Upcoming Traffic Signal Information for Improving Fuel Economy

Ardalan Vahidi Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University

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We Lose Fuel and Time Idling at Red Lights

American driver spends 40 hours per year in traffic on average. The fuel used during idling times costs 78 billion per year. Unnecessary idling is partly due to lack of information about Signal Phase And Timing (SPAT)

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1. Reference: Traffic Congestion and Urban Mobility, Web, http://tti.tamu.edu/infofor/media/topics/congestion_mobility.htm.

With SPAT Information We Can Do Better

If signal timings are known, the velocity can be planned around the lights to reduce idle at red, reduce fuel use, and possibly cut trip time.

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Simulation Case Study: Street in Greenville, South Carolina

Source: Google Maps

Fuel Economy and Emissions for a Economy Size Vehicle:

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Our Current Implementation

Our current velocity planner iPhone App:

Ongoing work:

connect via 3G network

Backend Computing Cluster Traffic Control Center

MYSQL Database With Real-Time Signal Information

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Invention

A predictive velocity planning algorithm that uses Traffic Signal Phase And Timing (SPAT) information for increasing a vehicle energy efficiency and reducing emissions, idling time, and engine and brake wear. Key Features:
Method for use in a cars adaptive cruise control system An iPhone App that plans the velocity Cloud-based SPAT Database Signal Timing Prediction Algorithm

A patent has issued for this technology

1. Ardalan Vahidi and Grant Mahler System and Method for Utilizing Traffic Signal Information for Improving Fuel Economy and Reducing Trip Time U.S. Patent Application filed on 08/31/10 Provisional 8/31/09.

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Ongoing and Future Development Steps

Creating a nationwide SPAT database available to vehicles in real-time Developing SPAT prediction algorithms
A computing backend can be used to process large databases of historic data, crowd-sourced data, and current light timing and logic for prediction.

1. Grant Mahler and Ardalan Vahidi Reducing Idling at Red Lights Based on Probabilistic Prediction of Traffic Signal Timings submitted to the 2012 American Control Conference.

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Competition

Greendriver LLC (Eugene, Oregon)

http://imagreendriver.com/
Obtained the SPAT for Eugene and Portland Dont yet have a national database

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Additional Applications

A national SPAT database can also be used for:

Engine management (on/off) at traffic lights

Intersection safety
Optimal route planning

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CURF is seeking entrepreneurial or company interest in commercialization of this technology

For more information on this or other Clemson technologies contact:

Bethany Acampora acampor@clemson.edu

864.656.4935

www.clemson.edu/curf