Flash Illuminator Lifespan Extension via ALPR Vehicle Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HOV lane enforcement and HOT lane tolling methods are inefficient due to the high power consumption and short lifespan of illuminators used for occupancy detection, leading to increased maintenance costs and lane closures.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes vehicle identification information, such as license plate recognition, to selectively enable flash illuminators only when necessary, reducing the frequency of illuminator use and extending its lifespan by coordinating with occupancy detection units and integrating RFID transponders for intelligent flashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high power near infrared strobe illuminator is employed to automatically detect occupancy, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but illuminator lifespan deteriorates and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vehicle identification using ALPR (automatic license plate recognition) before occupancy detection. By identifying the vehicle first and checking if its occupancy has already been measured at a prior location, the system can avoid unnecessary illuminator activation, thereby extending illuminator lifespan while maintaining detection accuracy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vehicle identification information from ALPR to self-determine whether occupancy detection is necessary. The vehicle identification unit provides data that enables the occupancy detection unit to make intelligent decisions about illuminator activation, reducing redundant operations and extending component life
2Measurement precision
If high power near infrared strobe illuminator is employed to automatically detect occupancy, then occupancy detection accuracy is improved, but traffic volume measurement capability deteriorates due to recharge time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vehicle identification and occupancy status checking before attempting occupancy detection. By using ALPR to identify vehicles and check databases for existing occupancy data, the system avoids unnecessary illuminator cycles, maintaining high traffic volume measurement capability while preserving detection accuracy for vehicles that require it
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic occupancy detection only when necessary, rather than continuous or frequent illumination. By using vehicle identification to trigger selective periodic detection, the system maintains accuracy for undetected vehicles while allowing high traffic flow through without interruption from recharge cycles
3Productivity
If multiple sequenced illuminators or fast recharge illuminator are employed to maintain traffic volume requirements, then traffic volume measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vehicle identification information to self-regulate illuminator activation. By having the vehicle identification unit provide data to the occupancy detection unit, the system automatically determines when illumination is needed, eliminating the need for complex multi-illuminator configurations or fast-recharge systems while maintaining traffic volume measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through vehicle identification data. The ALPR system provides information about vehicle identity and occupancy status that feeds into the occupancy detection decision-making process, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes illuminator usage without requiring additional complex hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for selecting a target vehicle for occupancy detection utilizing vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification information (e.g., license plate information) can be obtained from a vehicle identification unit (e.g., ALPR) to identify a vehicle approaching a high occupancy measurement zone. The vehicle identification information from the vehicle identification unit can be transferred to a vehicle occupancy unit having a flash illuminator unit and an image-capturing unit. The flash illuminator unit and the image-capturing unit are not enabled if the vehicle's occupancy state has already been measured at a prior location based on the vehicle identification information. The vehicle occupancy detection unit and the vehicle identification unit work together in a coordinated fashion to reduce the number of times the flash illuminator unit needs to fire and extends the life of the illuminator unit, thus reducing the cost of maintenance.