Traffic Enforcement System Time Tracking and Recertification Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traffic enforcement systems lack features to alert operators when the minimum tracking time period has been met and when device recertification is due, which can lead to missed enforcement opportunities and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a real-time clock and GPS circuitry into traffic enforcement systems to track time and date, enabling alerts for minimum tracking time completion and upcoming recertification dates, with options for setting local time and date, and disabling the device if recertification expires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking time monitoring is used by law enforcement officers, then operational simplicity is maintained, but tracking accuracy and compliance reliability deteriorate due to human error and missed enforcement opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors and tracks the minimum tracking time period without requiring manual intervention by the law enforcement officer. The real-time clock circuitry self-manages the timing function, eliminating human error while keeping the interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor-based control system performs multiple functions including speed detection, video capture control, and automatic time tracking within a single integrated unit, adding timing functionality without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If manual recertification date tracking is used by law enforcement agencies, then administrative simplicity is maintained, but compliance reliability deteriorates due to missed recertification deadlines and data lockout issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with recertification date information and automatically monitors the elapsed time. The real-time clock circuitry continuously tracks time and compares it against the stored recertification date, providing advance warning before the deadline is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the law enforcement agency about the current tracking time period and recertification status. This includes displaying elapsed time and providing alerts when the minimum tracking period is complete or when recertification is approaching.
3Productivity
If no automatic time tracking is implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to missed enforcement opportunities and manual time monitoring inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of time monitoring by officers is replaced with an electronic automated system using real-time clock circuitry and microprocessor-based control. This substitution enables continuous automatic tracking without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs time tracking and compliance verification functions without requiring manual operation. The real-time clock circuitry continuously monitors time and the control system automatically determines when minimum tracking periods are complete, enabling officers to focus on enforcement activities.
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
Ensures accurate tracking of minimum tracking times and timely recertification reminders, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance by preventing data lockout due to expired certifications.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a real-time clock and GPS circuitry into traffic enforcement systems to track time and date
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a real-time clock and GPS circuitry into traffic enforcement systems to track time and date
Implementation Method 3
The emitted electromagnetic radiation, e.g., radio waves, microwaves, or light waves, may also be employed to determine the range or distance of a targeted object from the emitter or TES unit
Implementation Method 4
The use of radar and lasers to determine the speed of travel of objects, such as motor vehicles has been employed for quite some time
Implementation Method 5
U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,827 to Williams et al discloses a laser-based speed measurement system that transmits image capture signals to a digital camera
Implementation Method 6
A video camera may be used to capture an image of the target vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for capturing a video image and speed of a target vehicle. A ranging device detects a distance to a target vehicle. The focal distance or zoom of a video camera is set and adjusted based on the distance. The speed of travel of the vehicle is detected, displayed, and/or stored in association with a video image captured of the vehicle by the video camera. A range of distances within which to capture the video image and speed of the vehicle may be set by detecting distances between a pair of landmarks or using GPS and compass heading data. An inclinometer is provided to aid initiation of a power-conservation mode. A target tracking time may be determined and compared to a minimum tracking time period. A device certification period can be stored and displayed and the device deactivated upon expiration thereof.