On Board Equipment Audio Integration for Traffic Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for transferring messages from a toll station to vehicles, such as those using piezo-electric buzzers, face challenges in sound quality due to background noise and require expensive upgrades, and existing methods for converting messages to voice signals are complex and invasive.
Innovation Solution
An On Board Equipment (OBE) that receives signals from a station via a first wireless communication link and converts traffic information messages into audio outputs through an existing vehicle audio system using a second wireless communication link, allowing the messages to be delivered as voice messages through a prioritized channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If piezo-electric buzzers are used in transponders to convey coded messages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound quality becomes insufficient for voice messages and is difficult to hear due to background noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the message transfer system with audio interface) that converts coded messages from the simple piezo-electric buzzer into high-quality voice messages through synthesis and audio system integration, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high sound quality requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezo-electric buzzer system with an electronic message transfer system that uses audio synthesis and digital signal processing to generate voice messages, substituting mechanical sound generation with electronic methods to achieve superior sound quality
2Manufacturing precision
If high quality buzzers are installed in transponders to improve voice message quality, then the sound quality is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the message transmission function with the vehicle's existing audio system, combining the simple buzzer with the car's sophisticated audio infrastructure to achieve high-quality voice messages without the cost of expensive specialized buzzers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing audio system serve multiple functions by using it not only for entertainment but also for message delivery, allowing the system to handle both music/audio playback and prioritized message transmission through the same hardware infrastructure
3Reliability
If a synthesized voice message is generated and transferred to the audio system through a switching unit, then the message transfer is achieved, but the solution becomes complicated and requires modifications to the audio system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing audio system to handle message transfer independently by utilizing its own receiving means and processing capabilities, allowing the system to self-manage the message transmission without requiring external switching units or complex modifications
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the audio system to accommodate message transfer, the patent inverts the approach by having the message transfer system adapt to and utilize the existing audio system architecture, thereby avoiding complex modifications while maintaining reliable message delivery
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 improves message transfer by ensuring clear, audible voice messages in vehicles despite background noise without the need for expensive upgrades, using standard audio system components and prioritized channels for effective communication.
Implementation Method 1
The OBE antenna is arranged to receive a signal from a station via a first wireless communication link
Implementation Method 2
The OBE is arranged to convert the traffic information message for transfer to an audio output through at least one speaker
Implementation Method 3
delivering said traffic information message as a voice message on said speakers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an On Board Equipment, OBE, suitable for mounting on a vehicle. The OBE comprises an OBE antenna connected to an OBE transmit/receive unit. The OBE antenna is arranged to receive a signal from a station via a first wireless communication link. The signal comprises at least one traffic information message from the station. The OBE is arranged to convert the traffic information message for transfer to an audio output through at least one speaker in an existing audio system of the vehicle wherein said transfer of the traffic information message to the existing audio system is arranged to be performed via a second wireless communication link. The traffic information message is arranged to be picked up by standard receiving means of the existing audio system and to be delivered as a voice message on said speakers through a prioritized channel of the existing audio system. The invention also provides a method for transferring a message from a station to a vehicle using an On Board Equipment, OBE, mounted on the vehicle and a traffic information system comprising the station, the OBE and the wireless communication links.