Road Sign Inspection Data Capture With Edge Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inspecting and maintaining road signage are inefficient, relying on manual data entry, expensive equipment, and labor-intensive visual inspections, which can lead to missed issues and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A data collection system that uses a device equipped with sensors, cameras, and computing capabilities to autonomously collect and process data on road signage, reducing the need for extensive data transmission and processing on servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data entry and visual inspection methods are used for signage maintenance, then labor costs and time consumption increase, but measurement precision and reliability of data collection remain limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated image processing systems using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system captures images of road signs and automatically analyzes them for maintenance issues, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly improving both measurement precision and reducing inspection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-inspection capabilities where the signage infrastructure monitors its own condition through automated image capture and analysis. The processing system automatically detects maintenance issues without human intervention, allowing the system to serve its own inspection needs efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If extensive data is transmitted to remote servers for processing, then measurement precision improves, but data transmission costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignage condition detection accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission and processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data processing function into two segments: local preprocessing at the roadside using edge computing devices, and selective transmission of only critical results to remote servers. This segmentation reduces the volume of data transmitted while maintaining detection accuracy, as the local system handles initial image processing and filtering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the image capture devices and the remote server. This intermediary performs preliminary analysis and filtering locally, transmitting only essential data to the server, thereby reducing transmission complexity while preserving measurement precision through multi-stage processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12300001B2System and method for traffic signage inspection through collection, processing and transmission of data
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 VISUAL DEFENCE INC
  • US12300001B2 patent drawing
  • US12300001B2 patent drawing
  • US12300001B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and methods for automated sign data collection and reporting while operating a vehicle on the road using a device. The device automatically determines when to collect, store, process and transmit data. Additionally, a system and method for further storing, transmitting, processing, organizing and accessing the information with respect to the collected data.