Embedded Road Sensor System for Real-Time Condition Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road condition monitoring methods, such as direct visual observation and camera systems, are inadequate as they provide general or outdated information, are not continuously available, and are difficult to maintain, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas, lacking real-time and location-specific data for drivers and authorities.
Innovation Solution
A road sensor system with implantable wireless sensors that collect and transmit real-time traffic, weather, and environmental data via a communications network to both local and remote data receivers, including visual feedback through lights, allowing for continuous and accurate monitoring of road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If camera systems are placed high above and far away from the road surface to provide wide coverage, then the angle of view and coverage area are improved, but the difficulty of repair and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical mounting (high above road) to horizontal embedding (within road surface), changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows sensors to be close to the road surface for easy maintenance while still providing wide coverage through strategic positioning at intersections and along road corridors.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is divided into multiple distributed sensor nodes embedded at various locations rather than relying on a single high-mounted camera. This segmentation allows each sensor to cover a specific area while collectively providing comprehensive coverage, and enables independent maintenance of individual nodes without affecting the entire system.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are placed far away from the road surface to provide wide angle coverage, then the view of road conditions is improved, but the difficulty of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system embeds sensors horizontally within the road surface rather than mounting them vertically on towers or structures. This dimensional change eliminates the need for complex high-altitude installation infrastructure while enabling sensors to be positioned close to the road surface for optimal monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The road infrastructure itself serves as the mounting structure for sensors. By embedding sensors within the road surface, the road provides both the platform for sensor placement and the power/communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing installation complexity.
3Device complexity
If visual observation methods are used to monitor road conditions, then the simplicity of the system is improved, but the availability of real-time data worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates autonomously without requiring human observers. Sensors continuously collect and transmit data automatically, eliminating the need for human presence while ensuring consistent real-time monitoring availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical visual observation systems (cameras requiring power lines and manual operation) with wireless electronic sensors that automatically detect and transmit data. This substitution eliminates the need for complex power and communication infrastructure while improving data availability.
4Area of stationary object
If cameras are used to monitor road conditions in remote areas, then the coverage capability is improved, but the ease of maintenance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are embedded horizontally within the road surface at strategic locations including remote areas, rather than being mounted high above on structures. This allows sensors in remote locations to be accessed and maintained from ground level through road surface openings, dramatically improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring network is segmented into distributed wireless sensor nodes that can be independently maintained. Each node operates autonomously, allowing maintenance of individual sensors in remote areas without affecting other parts of the system.
5Ease of manufacture
If direct visual observation is used for road condition monitoring, then the cost of the system is reduced, but the precision of location-specific data worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The road monitoring system is divided into multiple discrete sensor nodes positioned at specific locations. Each sensor provides precise data for its immediate vicinity, and multiple sensors collectively provide comprehensive location-specific coverage across the entire road network at reasonable cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive manual observation systems with automated wireless sensor nodes that provide continuous, precise, location-specific data. Each sensor is equipped with GPS or other positioning capabilities to accurately identify its location, ensuring precise spatial data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A road sensor system for sensing data about a road surface and for providing that data, in real time, to data receivers. The system includes a communications network and a data control center that receives and transmits data via the communications network. Sensor assemblies include a housing that is implanted into the road surface, a sensor in the housing that collects sensor data related to an area local to the sensor assembly, and a communications module for communicating sensor data via the communications network from the sensor to the data control center for storage in the database. Sensor data received and stored is associated with location data for a location of the road surface where the housing is implanted. The data receivers receive sensor data or metadata derived from sensor data via the communications network.