Statistical Population Tracking via Entry Exit Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking population dynamics over an area require devices on each population member, leading to high computational and transmission resource usage, and are infeasible for contexts where device installation is impractical or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize entry and exit counters at obligatory passage points to statistically track population dynamics without requiring devices on population members, reducing resource usage by relying on entry and exit counter data to estimate the number of members within an area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices are installed on each population member to determine positions, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces obligatory passage points (entry/exit points) as intermediary structures that mediate between the population members and the monitoring system. Instead of equipping each member with a tracking device, the system installs sensors at the passage points where members must pass through to enter or exit the area. This intermediary approach allows accurate tracking of population dynamics while avoiding the complexity of device installation on each individual member.
2Speed
If devices are installed on each population member, then real-time position data is obtained, but transmission resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position determination function from the population members themselves and relocates it to the stationary infrastructure (entry/exit point sensors). By taking out the tracking capability from mobile devices and placing it in fixed locations, the system eliminates the need for continuous transmission of position data from numerous moving devices, thereby significantly reducing transmission resource usage while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
3Productivity
If periodic transmission of position data from all vehicles is implemented, then traffic conditions are monitored, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring approach by dividing the area into distinct zones with obligatory passage points (entry and exit points). Instead of processing continuous position data from all vehicles throughout the entire area, the system only monitors and processes data at the segmented boundary points. This segmentation reduces the volume of data requiring computational processing while maintaining the ability to monitor overall traffic conditions and population dynamics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for statistically tracking the dynamics of a population over an area comprising entry points and exit points such that each population member entering through one entry point either exits through one exit point or stations within the area. At each entry point, an entry counter counts the number of entering members and, at each exit point, an exit counter counts the number of exiting members. Based on the counter values, the dynamics of the population are statistically tracked in terms of evolution in time of the number of members stationing in the area. The number of stationing members is retroactively adjusted when during an observation period it is determined that the number of exiting members is higher than the number of entering members, plus the number of members which were stationing within the area at the beginning of the observation period.