Intelligent energy-saving system for traffic information electronic displays

Abstract

This invention relates to an intelligent power-saving system for a traffic information electronic display screen. Based on the passing vehicle signals detected by motion sensors such as radar sensors, the system maintains a minimum power-saving brightness when no vehicles are passing. When a passing vehicle is detected, the system displays at normal brightness only when the vehicle has passed. The brightness of the electronic display screen is adjusted to automatically restore the power-saving brightness, thereby reducing the power consumption of the electronic display screen during periods when no vehicles are passing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an intelligent power-saving system for traffic information electronic displays. Specifically, it relates to an intelligent power-saving system for traffic information electronic displays that adjusts the brightness of the electronic display screen based on the passing vehicle signals detected by motion sensors such as radar sensors. This maintains a minimum power-saving brightness when there are no passing vehicles, and when passing vehicles are detected, the display screen only displays at normal brightness until the vehicle has passed, and then automatically returns to the power-saving brightness, thereby saving power consumed by the electronic display screen during periods when there are no passing vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Traffic information electronic displays on national highways or expressways mainly include two types: Variable Message Signs (VMS - installed on the main lanes of national highways and expressways to provide traffic information to drivers) and Lane Control Systems (LCS - installed in tunnels or on the shoulder of roads to guide traffic conditions such as whether variable lanes are passable and speed limits).

[0003] In addition, there are variable speed limit signs (VSLs) that restrict speed in stages according to traffic conditions to prevent congestion or accidents. Generally, variable speed limit signs are systems that display speed limits dynamically based on road conditions, guiding vehicles to travel safely below the limit. Variable speed limit signs are also called variable speed limit systems or variable traffic guidance signs; the English name is "VSL" (Variable Speed ​​Limit), all referring to the same system.

[0004] However, these devices differ only slightly in name and peripheral application devices (accessories) according to their purpose; the basic operating structure of a system such as <Operation Center Control Unit ~ Main Controller (MCU) ~ Image Adjustment Unit (VCU) ~ LED Electronic Display> is the same.

[0005] The system composition, specifications, and operating procedures of traffic information electronic display screens and variable traffic guidance signs are as a comprehensive standardized system that links with various traffic information equipment such as CCTV (closed-circuit television) and VDS (vehicle information system), and operate 24 / 7, 365 days a year under a unified national management system.

[0006] The "maximum brightness" of an electronic display screen refers to the brightest white color, which consumes the most power. "Normal brightness" refers to the brightness of each color at 50-60% of its maximum, as excessively bright or dim LED displays can reduce driver visibility.

[0007] "Lowest brightness" is the lowest brightness black color, which consumes the least power.

[0008] "Differences in system composition and field applications" However, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, existing prior art involves improving vehicle detection signals / power-saving functions by integrating them into a main controller (MCU) / control unit. This MCU-based control system requires program / operating system modifications. Therefore, even if the development concept is feasible, it would lead to significant drawbacks that make it difficult to apply in the field.

[0009] Specifically, the traffic information electronic display screen is linked with other information such as highway vehicle sensors (VDS) or CCTV, and provides comprehensive information, thus possessing the absolute characteristic of operating under a nationally unified standard system.

[0010] However, while energy-saving systems are effective in mountainous or suburban areas with sparse traffic, they may not be suitable for areas with consistently heavy traffic and congestion. Their effectiveness varies greatly depending on the region.

[0011] Due to these two opposing characteristics, it is impossible to adopt a system that is effective in some areas but unsuitable in others as a national management system, nor is it possible to operate the existing system and the energy-saving system independently and differentiatedly according to the region.

[0012] Therefore, existing patented methods of main controller control have the problem that even if the development concept is valid, they cannot be applied to the field in practice.

[0013] Existing technologies for main controller (MCU) control systems only allow the selection of either the existing system or a modified energy-saving method. However, due to the existence of regions where energy-saving systems are applied well and poorly, and given the requirement to operate under a nationwide management system, these technologies are practically difficult to apply in the field.

[0014] In other words, it is necessary to change the existing system configuration of the main controller (MCU) control system to solve the existing problems that make it difficult to apply to the actual field due to changes in the operating system of the main controller (MCU). Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical issues First, existing traffic information electronic displays (hereinafter referred to as "electronic displays") operate at full capacity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even when there are no vehicles passing by, unnecessarily wasting electricity. To solve this problem, the present invention operates the electronic displays normally only when there are vehicles passing by, and maintains a power-saving mode with minimal power consumption when there are no vehicles passing by, thereby eliminating unnecessary power waste.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention constitutes a new system in which the brightness control device causes the image adjustment device (VCU) to adjust only the power-saving / normal brightness for the display information controlled by the main controller (MCU) to improve the power-saving effect. Thus, while maintaining the existing operating system without change, the power-saving function can be applied selectively only in preferred areas, thereby solving the existing problem that it cannot be applied to the field due to the characteristics of the national unified system.

[0017] To address this problem, the present invention constitutes a new system in which, for display information controlled by the main controller (MCU), the brightness control device causes the image adjustment unit (VCU) to adjust only the power-saving / normal brightness to improve power-saving results. Thus, while maintaining the existing operating system without change, the power-saving function can be applied selectively only in preferred areas.

[0018] Third, the existing patented method of using the main controller (MCU) control system in the operation center inevitably requires changes to the operating procedures. However, when applying the energy-saving system, good and bad conditions coexist, making it difficult to make consistent changes according to the standard procedures of a nationwide unified system. To solve this problem, the present invention addresses the issue by connecting the vehicle detection signal (rather than the main controller (MCU) of the operation center) to an image adjustment unit (VCU) that includes a brightness control device.

[0019] Technical solutions As a means to achieve the above objectives, the present invention is configured as follows: Based on the existing traffic information electronic display screen operating system, At a location 1 km in front of the traffic information electronic display screen, a vehicle signal detection unit is set up using a radar sensor motion sensing sensor and a remote wireless RF transmission module. Around the traffic information electronic display screen, a remote wireless communication device for receiving vehicle detection signals and a brightness control device are set up.

[0020] The brightness control device is connected to the image adjustment device that supports image functions based on the vehicle detection signal. Based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit, the brightness control function of the image adjustment device (VCU) is adjusted so that the display information is displayed at a power-saving brightness when there are no vehicles passing by.

[0021] When a vehicle signal is detected, the display will only show normal brightness for a certain period of time after the vehicle passes, and then automatically return to power-saving brightness.

[0022] When the brightness adjustment function based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit malfunctions or is misoperated, the power-saving function is automatically blocked, thereby allowing the display information controlled by the main controller (MCU) to be displayed at normal brightness.

[0023] In addition, even if the power-saving function is normal, the traffic information electronic display screen can be displayed at normal brightness when the operation control department issues a warning or reminder, or when it is desired to display traffic information electronic display screen arbitrarily as needed.

[0024] In addition to radar sensors, the vehicle signal detection unit is also composed of any one or more of other devices with motion sensing sensor functions, such as LiDAR sensors, stereo CCTV, and ultrasonic sensors.

[0025] In addition to the remote wireless RF transceiver module, the signals detected by the vehicle signal detection unit, using wireless AP or optical communication network, are composed of any one or more devices capable of remote communication within an area equivalent to 1km, depending on the surrounding conditions.

[0026] More preferably, the vehicle signal detection unit installed 1km ahead of the traffic information electronic display screen in the central median or shoulder may be two or more "vehicle signal detection units" to further improve the self-sensing function of motion sensing function in case of malfunction / misoperation.

[0027] The brightness control device displays the traffic information electronic display screen at normal brightness for a certain period of time based on the vehicle detection signal. After the vehicle passes the traffic information electronic display screen, it adjusts the brightness back to power-saving brightness. The certain period of time refers to 15 seconds after the vehicle passes the electronic display screen 1km ahead of it, based on the average vehicle speed on the national highway or expressway.

[0028] Preferably, the normal brightness is the same as the existing brightness, while the power-saving brightness is set to a color close to black, with a minimum power-saving brightness of less than 3%, to minimize power consumption.

[0029] The image adjustment device (VCU) includes a brightness control device that directly receives detection signals from the vehicle signal detection unit and adjusts the traffic information electronic display screen to normal or power-saving brightness. The main controller (MUC) controls the image data sent by the main controller to be displayed on the traffic information electronic display screen (LED) in an optimal state. It directly receives vehicle signals detected by the vehicle signal detection unit. When no vehicle signal is detected, the traffic information electronic display screen is adjusted to display at the minimum power-saving brightness. When a vehicle signal is detected, the traffic information electronic display screen is displayed at normal brightness for a certain period. After a vehicle passes the traffic information electronic display screen, it is adjusted again after 15 seconds to automatically return to power-saving brightness. The sensor unit, through its own sensing function, adjusts the traffic information electronic display screen to normal brightness when a fault or malfunction is detected in the [vehicle signal detection unit ~ RF transceiver module ~ brightness adjustment function based on vehicle detection signal]. Even if there are no abnormalities in the [vehicle signal detection unit ~ RF transceiver module ~ brightness adjustment function based on vehicle detection signal], the traffic information electronic display screen is displayed at normal brightness when a warning or reminder is issued, or when the operating room requests arbitrary adjustment or display as needed.

[0030] The brightness control device can be installed separately between the main controller and the image adjustment device, or included in the image adjustment device, thereby enabling the brightness control device to perform its functions.

[0031] Invention Effects First, the present invention operates the electronic display screen at normal brightness only when there are passing vehicles, and maintains a power-saving mode with minimum power consumption when there are no passing vehicles, thereby minimizing unnecessary power waste.

[0032] Secondly, this invention achieves the desired energy-saving results without altering the existing operating system / program, simply by adding a brightness control device. This avoids the stabilization steps required for system changes, allowing for the construction of an intelligent energy-saving system with minimal investment, resulting in significant savings in both workload and cost.

[0033] Third, in this invention, the brightness control device is connected to the image adjustment device that supports image function according to the vehicle detection signal. Since it only adjusts the power saving / normal brightness and does not change the operating system of the existing main controller (MCU), a power saving system can be built by operating an additional brightness control device.

[0034] Fourth, without changing the existing operating system / program, the desired results are achieved by integrating the brightness control device into the image adjustment unit (VCU) and transforming it into a "power-saving device." This avoids the stabilization steps associated with system changes. By including the brightness control device in the image adjustment unit (VCU), it directly receives and processes vehicle signals detected from the vehicle signal detection unit, resulting in faster image adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of the existing "Traffic Information Electronic Display Screen System" that is currently in operation.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a system concept diagram of the "Brightness Control Device for LED Electronic Display Screen for Automobile Road Use" in prior patent No. 10-2377216 (Patent Document 001).

[0037] Figure 3 This is a concept diagram of the "LED electronic display control system for energy-saving artificial intelligence" in prior patent No. 10-2497852 (Patent Document 002).

[0038] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of a "power-saving system" that utilizes a brightness control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a "smart power-saving system for traffic information electronic display screen" using a brightness control device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the brightness control device includes a concept diagram of a "power-saving system" used in an image adjustment unit (VCU). Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, to illustrate the present invention in more detail, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the terms or words used in the specification and claims of this application are concepts appropriately defined by the inventors for the purpose of best describing their invention, and should not be limited and interpreted solely according to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted according to their meaning and concept in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the "Intelligent Energy-Saving System for Traffic Information Electronic Display Screens" that utilizes a brightness control device.

[0043] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the existing traffic information electronic display screen operating system is used as a benchmark.

[0044] It includes: a vehicle signal detection unit S-50, which is equipped with motion sensing sensors such as radar sensors; a remote wireless communication device S-60 such as a remote wireless RF transmission module; a brightness control device S-70, which connects to an image adjustment device that supports image functions based on vehicle detection signals and directly receives vehicle signals from the vehicle signal detection unit; an operation center control unit A-10; a main controller A-20; a traffic information electronic display screen A-40; and an image adjustment device A-30 for the traffic information electronic display screen.

[0045] The main controller A-20 controls the system through a program / operating system.

[0046] In addition to the radar sensor, the vehicle signal detection unit S-50 is composed of any one or more of the following: a lidar sensor, a stereo CCTV, an ultrasonic sensor, and other devices with motion sensing sensor functions.

[0047] For the purpose of further improving the self-sensing function of the motion sensing function in case of malfunction / misoperation, it is preferable to install two or more vehicle signal detection units S-50 on the central median or shoulder 1km ahead of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40.

[0048] In addition to the remote wireless RF transceiver module, the remote wireless communication device S-60 utilizes wireless APs or optical communication networks, and is composed of any one or a combination of methods capable of remote communication within an area equivalent to 1 km, depending on the surrounding conditions.

[0049] The brightness control device (S-70) is connected to the image adjustment device that supports image function according to the vehicle detection signal, and displays the information on the traffic information electronic display screen at the lowest brightness when there is no vehicle traffic, based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit.

[0050] When a vehicle signal is detected, the display will only show normal brightness for a certain period of time after the vehicle passes by, and then automatically return to power-saving brightness.

[0051] In this invention, the main controller A-20 performs system control on the display information indicated by the operation center control unit A-10.

[0052] In the configuration where the image adjustment device A-30 receives image data from the main controller A-20 and displays it on the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 after image function support, the brightness control device S-70 acts on the image adjustment device VCU according to the vehicle detection signal and adjusts the normal / power-saving brightness.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown in the concept diagram of the power-saving system of the application brightness control device, for the main controller MCU, A-20 controls the display information, the brightness control device S-70 adjusts the power-saving / normal brightness of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 according to the vehicle detection signal through the image adjustment device VCU, A-30 that supports image function.

[0054] In normal times when there are no vehicles passing by, the brightness control device S-70-a enables the system to operate in the same way as the existing system while maintaining the power-saving brightness of the electronic display screen A-40 that only displays traffic information, with minimal power consumption.

[0055] When a vehicle signal is detected by the vehicle signal detection unit S-50, the brightness control device S-70,-b enables the system to operate in the same way as the existing system, while simultaneously enabling the electronic display screen to display at normal brightness for a certain period of time, and then automatically reverting to the power-saving brightness A-40,-b after the vehicle passes the display screen.

[0056] Here, the "certain time" refers to the time taken for a vehicle to pass the traffic information electronic display screen 15 seconds after it has traveled 1 km ahead of the screen, based on the average speed of vehicles on national highways or expressways.

[0057] When the brightness control device malfunctions or is misoperated due to a vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit S-50, the brightness control device S-70,-c automatically blocks the power-saving adjustment function, and the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 performs the A-40,-c function, displaying at its original normal brightness.

[0058] The invention also includes a brightness control device S-70,-d that performs the function of displaying A-40,-d at normal brightness on the electronic display screen 40 when the operation center control unit issues a warning or reminder, or when it is desired to display traffic information electronic display screen 40 arbitrarily as needed, even if there is no abnormality in the overall power saving function.

[0059] Figure 6 According to another embodiment of the present invention, the brightness control device includes a concept diagram of a "power saving system" used in an image adjustment device (VCU).

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, it includes a radar sensor and a remote wireless RF transmission module.

[0061] One kilometer ahead of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40, a vehicle signal detection unit S-50 is installed in the central median or on the shoulder.

[0062] The image adjustment device VCU and A-30 of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 are modified into a "power-saving device" that adjusts / displays the brightness according to the vehicle detection signal at normal / power-saving levels.

[0063] By directly connecting the vehicle detection signal to the "image adjustment device VCU, A-30 with power saving function", without changing the program of the main controller MCU, A-30, the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 is simply adjusted to normal / power saving brightness.

[0064] When there is no vehicle traffic, the image adjustment device VCU, A-30 operates in the same manner as the existing system, while adjusting the display of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 to the minimum power-saving brightness. When a vehicle signal is detected, the image adjustment device VCU, A-30 operates in the same manner as the existing system, while adjusting the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 to display at normal brightness for a certain period of time. After the vehicle passes, it automatically returns to the power-saving brightness after 15 seconds.

[0065] When the power-saving image adjustment device VCU, A-30 detects a malfunction or misoperation in the brightness adjustment function based on the vehicle detection signal, it automatically blocks the power-saving adjustment function and adjusts the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 to display at its original normal brightness. Even if there are no abnormalities in the brightness adjustment steps, the power-saving image adjustment device VCU, A-30 will issue a warning or reminder in the status operation room based on the vehicle detection signal. Alternatively, if it is desired to adjust / display the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 arbitrarily as needed, the image adjustment device VCU, A-30 will be adjusted to display at normal brightness.

[0066] Here, preferably, normal brightness is the same brightness used when displaying in the existing operating system, and power-saving brightness is black or a dark color close to it, which is 3% lower than the display color.

[0067] As a solution that does not require the installation of a new vehicle signal detection unit S-50, but instead utilizes the existing sensor unit, preferably, it includes: adding a vehicle detection signal, which determines the presence or absence of a vehicle, to the vehicle information transmitted from the existing sensor unit to the main controller MCU, A-20, so that the image adjustment device VCU, including the brightness control device A-70, adjusts the display brightness of the traffic information electronic display screen A-40 only based on the new information including the vehicle detection signal.

[0068] The brightness control device S-70 can be installed separately between the main controller A-20 and the image adjustment device A-30, or it can be included in the image adjustment device A-30 and perform the functions of the brightness control device S-70.

Claims

1. An intelligent energy-saving system for a traffic information electronic display screen, characterized in that, The intelligent energy-saving system for traffic information electronic displays includes: The vehicle signal detection unit (S-50), located 1 km ahead of the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40), consists of a radar sensor motion sensing sensor and a remote wireless RF transmission module. A remote wireless communication device (S-60) that transmits and receives data from a remote wireless RF transmission module; The brightness control device (S-70) is connected to the image adjustment device (A-30) that supports image function based on the vehicle detection signal. Under normal circumstances when there is no vehicle passing, the display information is displayed at power-saving brightness based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit. When a vehicle signal is detected, the display is displayed at normal brightness only for a certain period of time after the vehicle passes, and then automatically returns to power-saving brightness. The main controller (A-20) controls the system through a program / operation system; and The image adjustment device (A-30) enables the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) to display information by supporting text and image functions; The brightness control device (S-70) displays the information on the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40, -b) at a power-saving brightness when there are no vehicles passing by, based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50). When a vehicle signal is detected, the brightness control device (S-70, -a) keeps the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40, -a) at normal brightness for a short period after the vehicle passes, and then automatically returns to the power-saving brightness. Based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50), when the brightness control device malfunctions or is misoperated, the brightness control device (S-70) automatically blocks the power-saving adjustment function, so that the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) displays at its original normal brightness. Even if there are no abnormalities in the overall power saving function, if the operation center control unit (A-10) issues a warning or reminder, or if it is desired to display the traffic information electronic display screen (40) at any time as needed, the brightness control device (S-70) will make the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40, -d) display at normal brightness.

2. The intelligent energy-saving system for the traffic information electronic display screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the vehicle detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50), when a vehicle signal is detected, the normal brightness of the brightness control device (S-70) is the same brightness used when the existing operating system is displayed, and the power-saving brightness is black or a dark color close to it, which is less than 3% power-saving brightness.

3. The intelligent energy-saving system for the traffic information electronic display screen according to claim 1, characterized in that, In addition to the radar sensor, the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50) is composed of any one or more of the following: lidar, stereo CCTV, ultrasonic sensor, and other devices with motion sensing sensor function. The vehicle signal detection unit (S-50) is installed 1km ahead of the traffic information electronic display screen in the central median or shoulder, and two or more units are installed to improve the self-sensing function of the motion sensing function in case of faults or malfunctions.

4. An intelligent energy-saving system for a traffic information electronic display screen, characterized in that, In the intelligent energy-saving system of traffic information electronic display screens, The brightness control device (A-70) directly receives the detection signal from the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50) and adjusts the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) to normal or power-saving brightness; and The image adjustment device (VCU-A-30) includes the brightness control device (A-70). The image data sent by the main controller (MCU) is displayed in the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) in the best possible condition. The system directly receives vehicle signals detected by the vehicle signal detection unit (S-50). When no vehicle signal is detected, the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) is adjusted to display at a power-saving brightness with minimal power consumption. When a vehicle signal is detected, the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) is set to display at normal brightness for a limited time. After a vehicle passes by, the display screen (A-40) is adjusted again after 15 seconds to automatically return to the power-saving brightness. When a fault or malfunction is detected in the brightness control device (A-70) [vehicle signal detection unit ~ RF transceiver module ~ function of adjusting brightness according to vehicle detection signal], the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) is adjusted to normal brightness. Even if there is no abnormality in the [vehicle signal detection unit ~ RF transceiver module ~ function of adjusting brightness according to vehicle detection signal], the traffic information electronic display screen (A-40) will be displayed at normal brightness when a warning or reminder is issued, or when the status operation room wishes to adjust or display it arbitrarily as needed.

5. The intelligent energy-saving system for the traffic information electronic display screen according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The brightness control device (S-70) can be installed separately between the main controller (A-20) and the image adjustment device (A-30), or included in the image adjustment device (A-30) to perform the function of the brightness adjustment device (S-70).

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