Communication Control Device for Toll Collection Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic toll collection systems face significant costs and maintenance challenges due to the need for electromagnetic wave absorbing panels to prevent erroneous communications, which are caused by electromagnetic wave reflections at tollgates.
Innovation Solution
A communication control device with an erroneous communication prevention antenna and a signal alteration unit that receives and alters signals from outside the dedicated short-range communication region, preventing erroneous communications by cutting off or altering signals that are not intended for the main control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic wave absorbing panels are installed to prevent erroneous communications, then communication reliability is improved, but system cost and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an erroneous communication prevention antenna as an intermediary component that detects electromagnetic waves from vehicles outside the dedicated short-range communication region. This mediator antenna works together with a signal alteration unit to intercept and modify erroneous signals before they reach the main communication system, thereby preventing communication errors without requiring expensive electromagnetic wave absorbing panels throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the erroneous communication prevention function from the overall toll collection system by implementing it as a separate, dedicated antenna and signal processing unit. This modular approach allows the system to address communication reliability independently, using only the necessary components (erroneous communication prevention antenna and signal alteration unit) rather than requiring comprehensive electromagnetic shielding of the entire structure.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic wave absorbing panels are installed to prevent erroneous communications, then communication reliability is improved, but maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The erroneous communication prevention antenna serves as a maintenance-friendly intermediary that actively monitors and prevents communication errors through electronic detection and signal alteration, replacing the passive, physically vulnerable electromagnetic wave absorbing panels that require regular inspection and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electromagnetic wave absorbing panels with an electronic system consisting of the erroneous communication prevention antenna and signal alteration unit. This substitution eliminates the need for physical panels that can fall or deteriorate, transitioning to an electronic solution that requires minimal maintenance.
3Device complexity
If a simple configuration is used to reduce erroneous communications, then system cost is reduced, but the ability to suppress erroneous communications may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the erroneous communication prevention antenna as a simple yet effective intermediary that specifically targets and detects erroneous communications from vehicles outside the dedicated region. paired with the signal alteration unit, this simple configuration achieves reliable suppression of erroneous communications without requiring complex electromagnetic shielding structures.
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 effectively suppresses erroneous communications with a simple configuration, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable communication in toll collection systems without the need for extensive electromagnetic wave absorbing panels.
Implementation Method 1
an erroneous communication prevention antenna (21) operable to receive electromagnetic waves sent from an electromagnetic wave leakage monitoring region (Q2)
Implementation Method 2
a signal alteration unit (320) disposed on a communication interconnection between the dedicated short-range communication antenna and a main control device (31) and operable to alter a received signal that is received from the dedicated short-range communication antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A communication control device is provided with: an erroneous communication prevention antenna capable of receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from an electromagnetic wave leakage monitoring region, which is defined in a region different from a dedicated short-range communication region where valid communication with a dedicated short-range communication antenna is carried out; a signal alteration unit which is provided on a communication interconnection between the dedicated short-range communication antenna and an antenna controller, and which alters a signal received from the dedicated short-range communication antenna; and a signal alteration unit control unit which, when the erroneous communication prevention antenna has received electromagnetic waves, causes the signal transmitted from the dedicated short-range communication antenna to the antenna controller to be altered.