C2V Traffic Communication Module for Multi-Protocol AFC Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimal communication between master and slave devices in public transportation environments, particularly in Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems, is challenging due to the complexity of managing multiple communication protocols and ensuring efficient data exchange across various devices.
Innovation Solution
A traffic communication module (C2V module) is developed, comprising an API component for configuration, a communication component for facilitating communication across multiple protocols like RS-485, RS-232C, and UDP, and a communication type component for generating protocol-specific data packets, ensuring optimal operation between master and slave devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are used for master-slave devices in AFC systems, then communication versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C2V module is designed as a universal communication interface that can handle multiple communication protocols (RS-485, RS-232C, UDP, TCP/IP) through a single device. The module contains protocol-specific data packet files and communication components that enable it to adapt to different protocol requirements without requiring separate communication devices for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The C2V module acts as an intermediary between the master device and slave devices, translating and managing communications across different protocols. It contains a communication type component that generates protocol-specific data packets and an API component that provides a unified interface, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing protocol management.
2Ease of operation
If a unified communication framework is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C2V module is segmented into distinct functional components: an API component for configuration and management, a communication component for facilitating communications, and a communication type component for generating protocol-specific data packets. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, making the overall system easier to operate while distributing the complexity across modular units.
3Reliability
If protocol-specific data packets are generated for each communication type, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The C2V module includes pre-configured protocol-specific data packet files for different communication protocols (RS-485, RS-232C, UDP, TCP/IP). These data packets are prepared in advance and stored within the module, allowing the system to reliably select and use the appropriate protocol-specific packets without requiring complex real-time generation or configuration during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a traffic communication module and method of forming the same. Specifically, among other things, embodiments of the present invention provide a traffic communication module (e.g., also referred to herein as a C2V module) having a set of components for facilitating/enabling communication between a master device (e.g., a console) and a set of slave devices (e.g., validators) across multiple communication protocols (e.g., rs485, rs232c, UDP, etc.). In a typical embodiment, the C2V module comprises: an application programming interface (API) component for configuring the traffic communication module; a communication component coupled to the API component for facilitating communications between the master and slave devices based upon a set of communication protocols; and a communication type component for generating a set of protocol-specific data packet files for the communications. The master devices and slave devices are also uniquely configured hereunder to provide for optimal operation.