Cellular Traffic Display System for Remote Locations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic display devices face challenges in receiving and displaying timely information, especially in remote locations without Internet coverage, and require frequent manual updates, which is impractical for widespread deployment along roadways like bridges or in construction zones.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction traffic control and information device equipped with a cellular modem, external sensors, and a controller that receives and decodes wireless cellular communications to display alphanumeric messages, allowing for real-time updates and notifications on traffic conditions, weather, and other alerts, using a cellular network for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional traffic display devices use Internet or hard-wired communication, then information can be transmitted to remote display devices, but coverage is limited to areas with Internet infrastructure and devices require manual updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cellular telephones and text messaging services as intermediary components between the central control system and remote display devices. This intermediary communication layer enables information transmission to devices in locations without Internet infrastructure, as cellular networks provide broader geographic coverage than traditional Internet connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical update processes with automated electronic communication systems. Instead of requiring physical access to devices for manual information updates, the system uses automated text messaging and wireless communication to deliver information remotely, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display devices are deployed in remote locations without Internet coverage, then broader coverage is achieved, but conventional communication methods cannot transmit information reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cellular telephones with multiple communication capabilities (text messaging, voice calls, data transmission) to serve as universal communication interfaces. This multi-functionality ensures that information can be transmitted reliably to remote display devices regardless of Internet availability, as cellular networks operate independently of Internet infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular network acts as an intermediary communication layer that bridges the gap between central control systems and remote display devices in areas without Internet coverage. This intermediary system provides reliable communication through established cellular infrastructure that extends coverage to previously unreachable locations.
3Productivity
If multiple display devices are interconnected along roadways, then comprehensive traffic information can be provided, but manual adjustment of each device becomes highly inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service update mechanisms where display devices automatically receive and display information through wireless communication without requiring manual adjustment. The system autonomously manages information distribution across multiple devices, eliminating the need for human operators to physically access and adjust each device individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of display devices with automated electronic information distribution systems. Instead of requiring physical access to each device for updates, the system uses automated text messaging and wireless communication to remotely update all devices simultaneously, dramatically improving operational efficiency.
4Loss of time
If frequent information updates are implemented, then timely traffic information is provided, but manual updates become increasingly impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated information update mechanisms that operate without interruption. The system continuously receives, processes, and transmits traffic information to display devices through wireless communication, ensuring timely updates without requiring periodic manual intervention. This continuous automated operation maintains information freshness while eliminating operational burdens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service information updates automatically, continuously refreshing display content without human intervention. The automated update mechanism monitors traffic conditions and immediately pushes new information to relevant devices, maintaining timeliness while eliminating the impracticality of frequent manual updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction traffic control and information system of the present invention includes external condition sensors and various devices each having one or more display portions to display alphanumeric messages and a local communications module functionally linked to a local network. At least one device further includes a cellular communications module and a system controller. The controller receives a display data string including a message displayable by one or more of the devices, as transmitted from a remote source via a cellular network, determines at least one of the devices to display the message, and routes the message to at least one display portion associated with the one or more determined devices. The controller further generates a return data string based on external condition data sensed by the one or more sensors, and transmits the return data string across the cellular network to the remote source.