Optical Fiber Vehicle Detection Using Temporal Vibration Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber-based travelling vehicle detection systems face challenges in improving sensitivity from a soft aspect, leading to inconsistent detection of vehicles based on size and lane proximity.
Innovation Solution
A travelling vehicle detection apparatus that includes a measurement unit to measure continuous physical quantities using an optical fiber sensor laid along a road, a detection unit to detect temporal change patterns in these measurements, and a determination unit to identify the presence of a travelling vehicle based on these patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only the sensitivity of the optical fiber is increased from a physical aspect, then the detection capability is improved, but the detection consistency and reliability deteriorate due to false detections and missed detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into three distinct functional units: a measurement unit that collects raw physical quantity data, a detection unit that extracts temporal change patterns, and a determination unit that makes final vehicle presence decisions. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in its specific task, improving overall detection reliability while maintaining sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit uses temporal change patterns as feedback to continuously adjust and refine vehicle detection decisions. By analyzing how physical quantities change over time rather than relying on single-point measurements, the system feedback-mechanically eliminates false detections and missed detections, thereby improving detection consistency without sacrificing sensitivity.
2Area of stationary object
If the optical fiber sensor is laid along the road to detect vehicles, then the detection coverage is improved, but the ability to distinguish actual vehicles from false targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by focusing on temporal changes in physical quantities rather than static values. The detection unit identifies vehicles based on how physical quantities evolve over time, capturing the dynamic characteristics of moving vehicles versus stationary false targets. This dynamic approach enables accurate target discrimination across the entire road coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from static physical quantity values to temporal change patterns of these quantities. By monitoring how physical quantities change over time, the determination unit can distinguish between actual vehicles (which produce characteristic temporal patterns) and false targets (which do not), thereby improving target discrimination accuracy while maintaining broad detection coverage.
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
The apparatus enhances sensitivity in detecting travelling vehicles by analyzing temporal change patterns in physical quantities, thereby improving detection accuracy and consistency regardless of vehicle size or lane proximity.
Implementation Method 1
A method for detecting a travelling vehicle using optical fiber sensing has been developed... passage of traffic over the optical fiber sensor is arranged to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a travelling vehicle detection apparatus including: a measurement unit that that measures a continuous physical quantity at a predetermined place using an optical fiber sensor laid along a road, a detection unit that detects a temporal change pattern of the physical quantity from a measurement result of the measurement unit, and a determination unit that determines whether there is a travelling vehicle based on the change pattern of the physical quantity. Here, the physical quantity is a vibration intensity, and the change pattern is a change in absolute value, a change in difference, a change in ratio, or a change in graph shape.