Wireless Vehicle Detector Aggregator with Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless vehicle detection systems are cumbersome, expensive, and require multiple repeaters for effective communication, leading to high installation costs and reduced opportunities for using vehicle detection technology.
Innovation Solution
A flexible wireless vehicle detection system with extended communication range, eliminating the need for repeaters, using sensor pods with a unique antenna for long-distance signal transmission and a hybrid layer capacitor to extend battery life, along with a base station and access point for data processing and storage, allowing for direct communication between sensor pods and access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple repeaters are used to extend communication range, then communication reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes repeaters from the system architecture entirely. Instead of adding intermediate relay devices, the invention uses sensor pods with enhanced transmission capability that can communicate directly with the controller over extended distances, eliminating the need for repeaters and reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the wireless communication system by using lower frequency bands (sub-1 GHz) which provide better propagation characteristics and longer range. This parameter change allows direct communication between sensor pods and controllers without requiring repeaters, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Length of stationary object
If repeaters are deployed to extend range, then communication distance is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts repeaters from the system and replaces them with sensor pods that have integrated long-range transmission capability. This eliminates the need for additional repeater devices and their associated installation costs, while achieving the same extended communication distance goal
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor pod serves multiple functions: it detects vehicle presence and simultaneously transmits data over long distances directly to the controller. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate repeater devices, reducing both equipment costs and installation expenses while maintaining extended communication range
3Reliability
If wired communication with multiple cables and circuit boards is used, then connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (cables and multiple circuit boards) with a wireless communication system. Sensor pods transmit data wirelessly to the controller, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and complex circuit board assemblies, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining connection reliability through robust wireless protocols
4Length of stationary object
If transmit power is increased to extend range, then communication distance is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from high power to low power operation by using sub-1 GHz frequency bands that provide better propagation characteristics. This allows the sensor pod to achieve extended transmission range with lower transmit power, thereby preserving battery life while maintaining long-range communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the sensor pod adapts its transmit power based on communication needs and signal conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to use minimal power for routine communications while maintaining the capability for longer range transmission when necessary, optimizing battery life utilization
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods of the present invention include efficient, reliable aggregation and transfer of one or more sensor pods detect status to the base station and then the traffic controller. An embodiment of an access point maintains a sensor state array, which is the current status of the sensor pods in communication with the access point. The access point can maintain the sensor state array in its memory and relay the sensor state array to the base station. An embodiment of a base station can use the sensor state array information to generate and update a vehicle detector array, which is the current status of all the sensor pods in the wireless vehicle detector network. An embodiment of the base station emulates one or more bus interface units and uses the vehicle detector array to relay detector information to the traffic controller periodically or when polled.