Autonomous Vehicle Traffic Sensor Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle traffic monitoring systems are expensive to install and maintain due to the use of elevated detection devices connected by electric wires, requiring costly interventions and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the duration of sensor pause phases is adjusted based on traffic state criteria, such as vehicle flow and speed, using autonomous detection devices with radioelectric signal transmission/reception circuits, reducing energy consumption by implementing pause phases between transmission/reception phases, and synchronizing communication phases with a central unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor operates continuously to monitor traffic flow and vehicle speed, then the monitoring precision and reliability are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic scanning phases followed by pause phases, rather than continuously. The control unit activates the sensor to scan for vehicles, then deactivates it during pause phases to conserve energy. This periodic operation maintains adequate monitoring precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the duration of pause phases based on detected traffic conditions. When vehicles are detected, the pause phase is shortened or eliminated to maintain monitoring precision. When no vehicles are present, the pause phase is extended to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring and energy savings.
2Reliability
If the transmission/reception circuit operates continuously to communicate with the central unit, then the communication reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission/reception circuit operates in periodic phases synchronized with the sensor scanning phases. Communication with the central unit occurs only during active scanning phases when there is data to transmit, rather than continuous operation. This periodic communication maintains reliability for reporting detected vehicles while reducing energy consumption during pause phases.
3Loss of energy
If the pause phase duration is extended to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the response time to detect traffic changes worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pause phase duration is dynamically adjusted based on traffic conditions. When the sensor detects vehicles during a scanning phase, the system shortens or eliminates the upcoming pause phase to maintain quick response time. When no vehicles are detected, the pause phase is extended to maximize energy efficiency. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vehicle detection to control pause phase duration. The control unit monitors scanning results and adjusts the pause phase timing accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes both energy efficiency and response time based on actual traffic conditions.
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 approach reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs by optimizing sensor operation and communication phases, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of vehicle traffic monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor capable of delivering signals relating to detected vehicles traveling on said route and a circuit for transmitting/receiving electromagnetic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
System for monitoring vehicle traffic on a route and method of operation of such a system comprising a central facility (2) furnished with a circuit (6) for sending/receiving radioelectric signals exhibiting communication windows or phases and at least one autonomous detection device (3) comprising a sensor (7) able to deliver signals relating to vehicles detected travelling on said route and a circuit (8) for sending/receiving radioelectric signals. The sensor (7) exhibits polling phases and pause phases as a function of at least one traffic state criterion. The send/receive circuit (8) exhibits send/receive phases established as a function of at least one traffic state criterion and of the pause phases, the duration of the pause phases being dependent on at least one traffic state criterion and on the communication windows or phases of the central facility.