NTCIP Traffic Sign Controller Merging Communication Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable message sign systems are costly to install and maintain due to expensive direct communication links and multiple potential failure points, requiring cumbersome and error-prone central coordination for combining information from various sources.
Innovation Solution
A traffic sign system with multiple information centers connected via a National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol (NTCIP) compliant communication network, allowing a single sign controller to manage multiple physical and virtual signs through non-NTCIP compliant local control links, reducing the need for multiple communication links and central coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct communication link (fiber optic) is used between each variable message sign and the Remote Management Station, then communication reliability is improved, but installation cost and equipment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication links into a single shared communication link between the Remote Management Station and the sign controller. Instead of each variable message sign having its own direct fiber optic link to the RMS, multiple signs share one communication link through a controller that manages messages for multiple signs, thereby reducing installation cost while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device between the Remote Management Station and multiple variable message signs. The controller receives messages from the RMS and distributes them to the appropriate signs, eliminating the need for each sign to have a direct communication link to the RMS while ensuring reliable message delivery.
2Reliability
If each variable message sign has a dedicated controller with direct communication link, then sign control reliability is improved, but the number of potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control functions for multiple variable message signs into a single controller. Instead of each sign having its own dedicated controller, one controller manages messages for multiple signs, reducing the total number of controllers and potential failure points while maintaining reliable sign control through the shared communication link.
3Stability of the object's composition
If information from multiple information centers is combined at the Remote Management Station before updating signs, then system coordination is improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the controller as an intermediary that receives information from multiple information centers and directly distributes it to the appropriate variable message signs. This eliminates the need for the Remote Management Station to manually combine and coordinate information from multiple sources, simplifying the update process while maintaining proper system coordination through the controller's message distribution logic.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a traffic sign system that has a number of information centers. A communication network provides a communication path between the information centers. The communication network is National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol (NTCIP) compliant. A sign controller is in communication with the information centers through the communication network. A first sign has a first address with a local control link to the sign controller. The local control link is not National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol compliant. A second sign has a second address with a second local control link to the sign controller. The second local control link is not National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol compliant.