Radio Beacon Cargo Detection via OBU Signal Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic telematics systems face challenges in accurately detecting and tracking cargo within vehicles for tolling purposes, particularly in systems where cargo is towed, as existing methods require special positioning of cargo onboard units (OBUs) and are inefficient in minimizing radio communications.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing radio beacons for communication with onboard units (OBUs) on vehicles and cargo, where characteristic data is exchanged between OBUs to create a log of cargo information, allowing for tolling and monitoring without requiring special positioning of cargo OBUs, using phase shift, amplitude difference, or Doppler shift to measure distance, and prioritizing radio communications to minimize data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If characteristic data is exchanged between OBUs via radio communications, then cargo tracking and tolling accuracy is improved, but the number of radio communications and data exchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing radio communications between the vehicle OBU and cargo OBU before actual tolling operations. The cargo OBU is pre-positioned and configured to exchange characteristic data with the vehicle OBU, so that when tolling is required, the data exchange can proceed efficiently without additional setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the radio beacon evaluates radio signals from both OBUs and uses this information to determine when to initiate and terminate data exchange. The beacon monitors the communications continuously and adjusts the timing based on real-time feedback about the vehicle-cargo relationship status.
2Loss of information
If radio communications with both OBUs are handled simultaneously, then complete data exchange is achieved, but the complexity of communication management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases: first establishing communication with the vehicle OBU, then establishing communication with the cargo OBU, and finally exchanging characteristic data between the OBUs. This segmentation allows the radio beacon to manage multiple communications systematically without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio beacon acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the vehicle OBU and cargo OBU. It receives radio signals from both OBUs, evaluates them to determine their relationship status, and facilitates data exchange only when appropriate, thereby simplifying the overall communication management.
3Measurement precision
If cargo OBU is positioned specially within vehicle or trailer, then detection accuracy is improved, but the ease of installation and operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be universal in its approach, working with cargo OBUs regardless of their specific positioning within the vehicle or trailer. The radio beacon can detect and communicate with the cargo OBU whether it is mounted in the cargo bay, on the trailer, or in other locations, maintaining detection accuracy without requiring special positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different cargo OBU positions by changing its detection parameters. The radio beacon adjusts its signal characteristics and evaluation criteria based on the detected position and status of the cargo OBU, allowing accurate detection regardless of where the OBU is mounted within the vehicle or trailer.
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
Enables efficient tolling and monitoring of cargo by creating a log of cargo information, reducing unnecessary radio communications and preventing separate charging of cargo OBUs, while ensuring accurate tracking and compliance with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the phase shift between the two radio communications is used to measure the distance between the OBUs
Implementation Method 2
the amplitude difference and/or the Doppler shift of the two radio communications may be used to measure the movements of the OBUs
Implementation Method 3
the amplitude difference and/or the Doppler shift of the two radio communications may be used to measure the movements of the OBUs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting vehicles with cargo in a traffic telematics system comprising at least one radio beacon for radio communication with onboard units (OBUs) carried by vehicles and their cargo. The method including: establishing radio communications between said radio beacon and a first OBU, and between said radio beacon and a second OBU, via radio signals; electronically evaluating said radio signals; and when said evaluation indicates that said first and second OBUs are moving at a limited and constant distance from one another, receiving characteristic data from the first OBU in the radio beacon, transmitting the characteristic data from the radio beacon to the second OBU, and recording the characteristic data in a memory of the second OBU.