Wireless Traffic Cabinet Adaptor for Legacy Network Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic network systems face challenges with high costs and complexity due to heterogeneous cabinet configurations and the need for expensive hardwired connectivity, which limits efficient communication and maintenance across traffic intersections.

Innovation Solution

A system enabling two-way wireless communication between a cloud-based traffic operations service and traffic control cabinets using a connected intersection module with a communications hub and adaptor device, allowing for remote monitoring, firmware updates, and timing plan management across heterogeneous networks without requiring new infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardwired connectivity (copper or fiber optic cabling) is used to connect traffic control cabinets to a central monitoring system, then reliable communication is achieved, but implementation and maintenance costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired connection system (copper/fiber cabling) with a wireless communication system. The cabinet adaptor device includes a wireless network interface that enables wireless communication between the traffic control cabinet and the central monitoring system, eliminating the need for physical cable installation while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hardwired connectivity is used, then stable communication link is established, but time required for implementation and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidimplementation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system replaces the time-consuming mechanical cable installation process. The cabinet adaptor device can be quickly deployed with wireless network interface, eliminating the need for trenching, cable laying, and physical connections that characterize hardwired systems, thereby dramatically reducing implementation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If technicians travel to intersections for hardware/software upgrades and fault investigation, then direct access to equipment is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect equipment accessVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables remote self-service capabilities where the central monitoring system can directly communicate with and control the traffic control cabinets through the cabinet adaptor device. Technicians can perform hardware/software upgrades, retrieve logs, and investigate faults remotely without traveling to the intersection, as the adaptor device provides direct digital access to all cabinet components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cabinet adaptor device acts as an intermediary between the central monitoring system and the traffic control cabinet components. It includes interfaces with the communication bus and wireless network interface, mediating all communications between the remote monitoring system and local equipment, thereby enabling remote access to controllers, detectors, and terminal facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing heterogeneous cabinet configurations are maintained, then legacy system compatibility is preserved, but network uniformity and management consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy system compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork heterogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet adaptor device is designed as a universal interface that can work with heterogeneous cabinet configurations. It includes multiple communication interfaces (communication bus interface and wireless network interface) that can adapt to different cabinet types, controllers, and detectors, providing a standardized wireless access point regardless of the underlying hardware variety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor device serves as a mediating layer between the diverse legacy cabinet configurations and the unified central monitoring system. It translates and standardizes communications from different cabinet types through its communication bus interface, presenting a consistent wireless interface to the remote system while preserving compatibility with various legacy hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9836969B2System and method for connecting traffic intersections

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 MIOVISION TECH INC

AI summary

A system and method are provided for connecting intersections, to enable two-way wireless communication between a cloud-based traffic operations service and new and existing traffic cabinet hardware using “connected intersection” technology. By providing hardware in existing (or new) traffic control cabinets that can communicate wirelessly with a cloud-based traffic operations system, customers can enhance and upgrade legacy traffic networks using existing IT infrastructure (i.e. servers, hard drives, etc.) or existing communication networks. The connected intersection technology further provides software functionalities including real-time alerts, connectivity between existing cabinets and central systems, and signal timing-plan management for customers that lack an existing central system.