Camera-Integrated Phased Array Antenna for ETC Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic Toll Charge (ETC) systems face challenges in congested urban environments where multiple vehicles with on-board units (OBUs) are present, making it difficult for roadside units to accurately detect and communicate with a single OBU without interference.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a camera and phased array antenna into the ETC device, which uses beamforming to direct RF signals towards detected vehicles, allowing for precise communication and reducing interference from other OBUs within range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional ETC systems use omnidirectional antennas to communicate with multiple vehicles, then coverage area is improved, but interference from multiple OBUs increases and communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beamforming technology to create directional RF signal beams that concentrate energy toward specific vehicles rather than radiating omnidirectionally. The control circuitry adjusts phase and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna elements to form focused beams toward detected vehicle positions, improving signal quality and reducing interference from other OBUs while maintaining adequate coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beamforming parameters based on real-time vehicle detection data from the camera. As vehicles move in and out of the detection zone, the control circuitry continuously updates beam directions and shapes to track target vehicles, ensuring reliable communication while adapting to changing environmental conditions and vehicle positions.
2Measurement precision
If ETC systems integrate camera and phased array antenna, then communication precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera and phased array antenna into a single ETC device housing, with the camera positioned to detect vehicle positions and the phased array antenna positioned to communicate with detected vehicles. The control circuitry processes camera images to determine vehicle positions and automatically configures beamforming parameters, merging detection and communication functions into one coordinated system that reduces overall device complexity compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry automatically processes camera images to extract vehicle position information and uses this data to configure beamforming parameters without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts RF signal characteristics based on real-time detection data, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
3Reliability
If beamforming is used to direct RF signals toward specific vehicles, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beamforming concentrates RF signal energy into directional beams toward specific vehicles rather than radiating energy uniformly in all directions. This focused energy transmission improves signal strength and communication reliability at the target location while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to omnidirectional transmission, as energy is not wasted in directions where no vehicles are present.
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 solution enables accurate detection and communication with vehicles in a crowded environment, reducing the size and calibration requirements of ETC systems while maintaining high performance, allowing for efficient operation in city settings.
Implementation Method 1
uses beamforming to direct RF signals towards detected vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrating cameras and phased array antennas for use in electronic toll charge (ETC) are disclosed. In one aspect, an ETC system includes a camera including a lens and configured to capture an image indicative of a position of a vehicle and a plurality of antennas formed in a ring around the lens of the camera. The system further includes control circuitry configured to: determine the position of the vehicle based on the image captured by the camera, adjust the antennas for beamforming based on the position of the vehicle, and wirelessly communicate with an on board device (OBU) of the vehicle via the beamforming provided by the adjusted antennas.