Congestion Estimation via Radio Propagation Loss Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In environments where it is difficult to set up cameras, such as high or privacy-protected areas, traditional methods for measuring congestion degrees of humans and vehicles using images are ineffective, and existing radio communication-based techniques do not adequately address the measurement of congestion.

Innovation Solution

An estimation method and apparatus that calculate congestion degrees by acquiring and analyzing propagation losses in radio communication, determining the number of blocking entities per unit area based on received power, propagation losses, and integrating data over time, allowing for the estimation of congestion even in challenging environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If camera-based measurement is used, then congestion degree can be measured, but it becomes difficult to set up in high or privacy-protected areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion degree measurementVSAvoidcamera setup difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical camera-based measurement system with a radio communication-based measurement system. Instead of using cameras to capture images and count objects, the invention uses propagation loss measurements from radio waves to estimate the number of blocking entities (humans and vehicles), thereby eliminating the need for physical camera setup in difficult locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If camera is used in high-frequency bands, then measurement capability improves, but privacy protection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecongestion degree measurementVSAvoidprivacy intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes camera-based optical measurement with radio communication-based measurement. This replacement eliminates privacy intrusion because the system only measures propagation loss values and estimates congestion degrees without capturing any images or visual information about individuals, thus protecting privacy while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional camera methods are used, then direct visualization is achieved, but applicability to restricted areas is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement environment flexibilityVSAvoidcongestion data in restricted areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system using radio communication that can function in diverse environments including high places, privacy-protected areas, and locations with restricted camera access. The system uses propagation loss measurements which can be obtained through existing radio communication infrastructure, making it adaptable to various restricted environments where traditional camera methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables accurate estimation of congestion degrees in areas where camera placement is difficult, using existing radio communication systems to quantify the number of blocking entities, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional imaging methods.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter and a receiver performing radio communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

calculating propagation losses between the transmitter and the receiver, based on the received power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropagation loss: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11909459B2Congestion degree estimation method using propagation loss of wireless communication, estimation device and estimation program

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

The following are executed: received power acquisition processing; propagation loss calculation processing of calculating propagation losses between the transmitter and the receiver, based on received power; median processing of calculating a median of a plurality of the propagation losses calculated in the propagation loss calculation processing in a predetermined time period, and outputting the median as propagation losses to be used for subsequent processing; loss peak acquisition processing of acquiring a maximum value of the propagation losses output in the median processing; distance calculation processing of calculating a distance between the transmitter or the receiver and blocking entities, at least based on the maximum value, heights of antennas, and a wavelength of the radio communication; and congestion degree calculation processing of estimating a congestion degree by calculating the number of the blocking entities in chronological order, based on the distance, integrating the number for a predetermined time period, and thereby calculating the number of the blocking entities per unit area.