DSP-Microcomputer Architecture for Radar Traffic Sensor Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traffic sensors, such as inductive loop and video sensors, face challenges like high installation and maintenance costs, and operational limitations in adverse weather conditions, while radar sensors lack efficient processing capabilities for accurate vehicle detection and traffic information transmission.
Innovation Solution
A processor architecture for a traffic sensor comprising an antenna/transceiver module, a DSP, and a microcomputer, where the DSP processes reflected microwave signals to determine vehicle presence and position, and the microcomputer generates traffic information signals for external management systems, enabling efficient and real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inductive loop sensors are installed under the pavement, then accurate traffic data can be obtained, but installation and maintenance costs increase and roadwork is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inductive loop sensors (which require pavement installation) with radar sensors that use electromagnetic waves to detect vehicles. This substitution eliminates the need for roadwork while maintaining vehicle detection capability, as radar sensors can be mounted on poles or structures above the roadway and detect vehicles through reflected microwave signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-processor architecture consisting of a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and a microcomputer. The DSP handles real-time signal processing of reflected radar waves to detect vehicle presence and calculate parameters like speed and distance, while the microcomputer manages data transmission to external traffic management systems. This intermediary processing structure enables accurate traffic monitoring without requiring invasive installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If video sensors are used to obtain traffic information, then installation cost decreases, but operational capability is limited in dark or adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces video sensors (optical systems) with radar sensors that operate using microwave radiation. Unlike video sensors that require visible light, radar sensors transmit and receive microwave signals that can penetrate fog, rain, snow, and darkness, enabling reliable traffic monitoring in all weather conditions and at night without requiring installation costs to increase.
3Device complexity
If a single DSP processor is used for all computational functions, then device complexity decreases, but processing capability for accurate vehicle detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing functions into two distinct processors: a DSP dedicated to real-time signal processing of reflected radar waves (calculating vehicle presence, speed, distance), and a microcomputer dedicated to data management and communication with external traffic management systems. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall vehicle detection accuracy and system efficiency.
4Reliability
If radar sensors are used for traffic monitoring, then operational reliability in various weather conditions improves, but processing capability for real-time data transmission is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides processing tasks between a DSP optimized for high-speed real-time signal processing of reflected radar waves and a microcomputer optimized for data management and communication protocols. The DSP rapidly processes incoming radar signals to extract vehicle parameters in real-time, while the microcomputer handles data formatting and transmission to external traffic management systems, thereby achieving both weather reliability and real-time processing productivity.
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 architecture allows for accurate and cost-effective vehicle detection and traffic data collection, operating effectively in various weather conditions and reducing maintenance disruptions, by efficiently processing and transmitting traffic information in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting radiation at a vehicles on a roadway; receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicles
Implementation Method 2
processing the stream of electrical signals using the DSP to determine if a vehicle detection threshold is met
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicular traffic data is obtained using a traffic sensor having an antenna/transceiver module, a DSP and a microcomputer. This involves (a) transmitting radiation at a vehicles on a roadway; (b) receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (c) producing a stream of electrical signals based on the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (d) processing the stream of electrical signals using the DSP to determine if a vehicle detection threshold is met, and, if the vehicle detection threshold is met, to determine an initial vehicle position; (e) when the vehicle detection threshold is met, generating a first signal representing the initial vehicle position using the DSP; (f) transmitting the first signal to the microcomputer; (g) deriving a first traffic information signal from the first signal using the microcomputer; (h) transmitting the first traffic information signal to an external traffic management system.