Acoustic Studded Tire Detection via Road Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and registering the status of vehicle tires, particularly studded tires, are inefficient and unreliable, especially in snowy and icy conditions, leading to non-compliance with toll regulations due to manual checks and interference from road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system using sensors integrated into the road surface to detect the unique sound patterns produced by vehicle tires as they pass over, allowing for real-time identification of tire type, weight, and presence of studs, enabling automated fee collection and enforcement of studded tire regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual checking by traffic wardens is used to detect studded tires and collect toll, then the system is simple to implement, but the reliability of detection is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical checking system with an automated acoustic detection system. Sensors detect the characteristic sounds emitted by studded tires as vehicles pass, and an automated system identifies and registers studded tire usage, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection by traffic wardens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection where the studded tires themselves reveal their presence through the sounds they emit. The acoustic signature of studded tires passing over the road surface serves as automatic identification, requiring no human intervention to detect or register their use.
2Productivity
If manual checking is performed to verify ticket placement and registration, then the system can identify non-payers, but the productivity of toll collection is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated acoustic detection and electronic registration systems. The system automatically detects studded tire usage through sound patterns, identifies vehicles, checks payment status in central registers, and enforces toll collection without manual intervention, dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions through a single integrated platform: acoustic detection of studded tires, vehicle identification, payment verification against central registers, and enforcement actions. This multi-functional approach consolidates previously separate manual tasks into one automated system.
3Ease of operation
If traffic wardens perform additional manual checks for snow or ice coverage on windows, then detection accuracy improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection methods that are hindered by snow and ice coverage with acoustic detection. The system uses sound waves to detect studded tires, which are not blocked by weather conditions, eliminating the operational difficulties associated with visual checks during winter periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a more reliable and efficient means of detecting studded tires and their conditions, reducing non-compliance and increasing the accuracy of toll collection, while allowing for real-time monitoring and communication of tire status to drivers.
Implementation Method 1
sensors which is configured to be able to detect impulses created by decks on a vehicle passing over the detector device and attached to the underside of a plate, made of metal, cement/concrete or a suitable composite material
Implementation Method 2
the waves through air that are used for the measurements. This method functions, but is not suitable for detecting the various vehicles or their direction of motion
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
This publication describes a method and a system for registering use of studded decks (6) and for collecting due toll for use of studded decks on a vehicle (19) having at least one studded deck (6). This is done when a vehicle (19) passes over a detection device (1) on a road surface (18) of a road, the detection device (1) being associated with one or more sensors (2) that is able to detect impulses created by the decks (6) on the vehicle (19) that passes over the detection device (1). The impulses are registered and compared with a pre-determined value that enables a processing device (3) to determine whether one or more of the decks (6) are provided with studs or not. The system is configured in such way that the processed signal provides basis for collecting toll or at least bringing this fact to the attention of the driver and that toll is due.