In-ground Radar Sensor for Low-power Vehicle Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar detectors consume excessive energy and primarily detect vehicle motion rather than presence, lacking efficiency in energy usage and accuracy for presence detection.
Innovation Solution
The integration of radar sensors embedded in the ground, coupled with wireless sensor nodes and power control circuits, which use low-power radar pulses and magnetic sensors to detect vehicle presence, transmitting state messages via radio antennas, and synchronize clock estimates for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar is mounted above the vehicle to detect motion, then vehicle motion detection is achieved, but energy consumption is excessive and presence detection accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radar mounting approach by placing the radar sensor in the ground below the vehicle rather than mounting it above the vehicle. This inversion allows the radar to detect vehicles from underneath, enabling presence detection with lower energy consumption since the radar operates at a closer distance to the vehicle
2Reliability
If radar is mounted above the vehicle, then motion detection is achieved, but the system remains far from the vehicle causing excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the radar sensor in specific locations (in the ground at intersections, ramps, and other strategic locations) rather than universally mounting radars on vehicles. This localized placement optimizes the detection zone and reduces the distance to detected vehicles, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable detection
3Measurement precision
If conventional radar detectors are used mounted above vehicles, then detection capability is provided, but battery life is limited due to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radar mounting approach by placing the radar sensor in the ground below the vehicle rather than mounting it above the vehicle. This inversion allows the radar to detect vehicles from underneath, enabling presence detection with lower energy consumption since the radar operates at a closer distance to the vehicle, thereby extending battery life
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 low-power, long-lasting battery operation of radar sensors, reducing energy consumption while accurately detecting vehicle presence and traffic patterns, including distinguishing between different types of vehicles and aircraft, with potential for extended battery life up to 10 years.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radar configured to be used in ground for generating a radar reading based upon the presence of at least one vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The sensor module may include at least one magnetic sensor for generating a magnetic sensor reading based upon the presence of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A package, wireless sensor module, wireless sensor node and wireline sensor node are disclosed including a radar configured to embed beneath vehicles in pavements, walkways, parking lot floors and runways referred to herein as in ground usage. An access point interfacing to at least one of the sensors is disclosed to provide traffic reports, parking reports, landing counts, takeoff counts, aircraft traffic reports and/or accident reports based upon the sensor's messages regarding the radar and possibly magnetic sensor readings. A runway sensor network is disclosed of radar sensors embedded in lanes of at least one runway for estimating the landing count and/or takeoff count effect of aircraft.