Dynamic Fare Collection Data Probe Gain Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fare collection systems using fixed intensity infrared emitters and detectors face limitations in data transfer rates due to detector blindness and varying gain levels across devices, leading to reduced efficiency and increased errors.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic fare collection data probe system that automatically adjusts transmitter and receiver gain options using a processor to optimize data transfer rates and compensate for variances in emitter and detector parameters, employing a transmitter, receiver, and processor to select optimal gain settings through pulse modulation and resistor selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed intensity infrared emitters and fixed gain infrared detectors are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the data transfer rate is limited due to detector blindness at high rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment for the infrared detector, allowing the system to adapt the detector's sensitivity in real-time based on operating conditions. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to maintain optimal performance across varying data transfer rates without being constrained by fixed gain settings, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high productivity and maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies the detector's gain parameter during operation to optimize data transfer performance. By changing the gain parameter dynamically rather than using a fixed setting, the system can overcome detector blindness at high data rates while maintaining relative simplicity through automated parameter adjustment rather than complex manual control mechanisms.
2Productivity
If fixed gain infrared detectors are used, then the device is simple and reliable, but gains vary significantly from device to device limiting overall data transfer rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust the detector gain based on actual performance measurements. This feedback system compensates for manufacturing variances between devices by continuously monitoring and adapting to the specific characteristics of each detector, thereby achieving consistent high data transfer rates across different devices without requiring manual calibration or complex device-specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of detector gain parameters without external intervention. Each device automatically characterizes its own detector characteristics and optimizes its operating parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex setup procedures. This self-service capability ensures consistent performance across devices while maintaining simplicity.
3Productivity
If data transfer rate is increased, then productivity improves, but the detector becomes effectively blinded by the emitter
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detector gain in response to increasing data transfer rates and corresponding emitter intensities. As the data rate increases and the emitter intensity increases, the gain adjustment mechanism activates to compensate for the approaching blindness condition, allowing the system to maintain optimal detection sensitivity even at high data transfer rates where fixed gain settings would cause detector blindness.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors detector performance and emitter intensity, automatically adjusting gain to prevent detector blindness. When the system detects that operating conditions are approaching the blindness threshold, it preemptively adjusts the gain to maintain adequate signal detection, thereby enabling high productivity without suffering from the harmful effect of detector blindness.
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 faster data transfer rates, reduces errors, and ensures more efficient fare data transfer by dynamically adjusting gain levels, improving the overall performance of fare collection systems.
Implementation Method 1
A user holds a data probe up to a window (known as a data port) on the fare collection device and transfers data in both directions through infrared light
Implementation Method 2
transfers data in both directions through infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device, system, and method for receiving and transmitting fare collection data with a dynamic fare collection data probe. Specifically, the dynamic fare collection data probe automatically adjusts gain to allow for faster data rates and compensate for variances within emitter and detector parameters associated with a fare collection system.