RFID Transit Bike Storage Capacity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring rider accessory storage capacity on transit vehicles are cumbersome, difficult to install, and expensive, and do not effectively communicate or disseminate information about available space for rider accessories like bikes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an accessory storage device, a determining device (such as an RFID tag), and a communicating device, which communicates the presence of an accessory to an on-board computer and mobile data terminal, allowing riders to request and receive information on available capacity through a mobile data terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired sensor is connected to a vehicle mobile data terminal for monitoring accessory storage capacity, then reliable communication is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome, difficult to install, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical sensor connections with wireless RFID communication. The RFID tag attached to the accessory storage device communicates accessory presence information wirelessly to the mobile data terminal, eliminating the need for physical wiring while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary device between the accessory storage device and the mobile data terminal. This intermediary enables indirect wireless communication, simplifying the system architecture while ensuring reliable data transmission about accessory storage capacity.
2Loss of information
If existing monitoring systems are implemented, then accessory storage capacity can be tracked, but information about rider accessory storage capacity cannot be effectively accepted and disseminated to riders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the RFID tag continuously monitors accessory presence and transmits this information to the mobile data terminal, which then provides real-time feedback to riders about available storage capacity. This ensures riders have current information when deciding whether to bring accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables riders to self-check accessory storage availability through the mobile data terminal without requiring manual intervention from operators. Riders can independently query and receive information about current storage capacity, simplifying the information dissemination process.
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 and cost-effective monitoring and communication of rider accessory storage capacity, allowing riders to determine if a transit vehicle can accommodate their accessories, improving the management of bike storage and enhancing transit services.
Implementation Method 1
The determining device may be an RFID tag and the communicating device may be the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transit industry vehicle rider accessory capacity monitoring whereby an RFID tag, or other ‘determining’ technology, indicates the presence or absence of a rider accessory in an accessory storage and such presence or absence is communicated and received by a transit industry vehicle to be disseminated to users of such systems and methods.