Traffic Apparatus Beacon Tracking for Accurate Portable Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved system and method to acquire and maintain accurate location information for portable traffic sensors and flow control apparatus deployed in traffic monitoring or regulation systems, as these devices are often temporary, lightweight, and self-powered, requiring efficient location tracking without the need for permanent infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A beacon system integrated with traffic apparatus, which broadcasts apparatus data periodically or responsive to proximity, utilizing wireless transceivers and sensors to transmit location and functionality data to a remote device, which then forwards this information to a computer processing system for maintenance and third-party platform integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable traffic apparatus are used to enable easy deployment and mobility, then portability and ease of deployment are improved, but accurate location tracking becomes more difficult without permanent infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device as an intermediary between the portable traffic apparatus and the central system. This remote device captures beacon signals and apparatus data, enabling location tracking without requiring permanent infrastructure at the traffic apparatus location. The intermediary bridges the gap between portable deployment and accurate location monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/location-based tracking systems with wireless beacon technology. Instead of using permanent physical infrastructure for location tracking, the system uses electronic beacons that transmit data wirelessly to remote devices, enabling location monitoring through electromagnetic signals rather than mechanical means.
2Measurement precision
If permanent traffic sensors are installed to ensure stable location information, then location accuracy is improved, but deployment complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location tracking function from the permanent infrastructure and places it in a portable beacon system. The beacon contains the essential location identification data, separating the location tracking capability from any permanent installation requirements. This allows location information to be maintained without the complexity of permanent sensor installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable traffic apparatus includes an integrated beacon that automatically transmits its own location information without requiring external permanent infrastructure. The system serves itself by containing all necessary location identification data within the portable unit, eliminating the need for complex external installation and maintenance of permanent tracking systems.
3Weight of moving object
If portable traffic apparatus are made lightweight for easy movement, then portability is improved, but structural strength and visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the portable apparatus including structural elements, visibility features (lights/reflectors), and the beacon system with location data. By merging these functions into a single integrated unit, the apparatus achieves adequate strength and visibility without requiring separate heavy permanent structures, maintaining portability while fulfilling all functional requirements.
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
This solution enables efficient and accurate acquisition and maintenance of location information for portable traffic apparatus, supporting real-time traffic management and regulation without the need for extensive infrastructure, while also conserving power through periodic data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon system integrated with traffic apparatus, which broadcasts apparatus data periodically or responsive to proximity, utilizing wireless transceivers
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of acquiring and maintaining location information associated with traffic apparatus deployed in connection with a traffic flow monitoring or regulation system are disclosed. In some implementations, an apparatus identifier may distinguish a particular traffic apparatus from others that are deployed in proximity, and a functional identifier may define a functionality of the particular traffic apparatus; positioning, orientation, and movement or acceleration data may also be provided for real-time or near real-time system applications. These apparatus data may be used to derive and to maintain a record of location data associated with each traffic apparatus deployed in a particular application.