Wireless Traffic Head Using Optical and Radio Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic preemption systems face challenges in efficiently prioritizing emergency and public transportation vehicles at intersections, particularly in high-traffic conditions, and lack effective methods for wireless communication to change traffic light status without wired infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless head system that includes optical and radio receivers, a head RF modem, and a wakeup circuit to identify and transmit signals from a vehicle preemption unit to an intersection controller, allowing for the wireless communication of traffic preemption signals and the triangulation of vehicle distance from the intersection, enabling the automatic change of traffic lights in favor of approaching vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired traffic preemption systems are used, then reliable communication is achieved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system using optical receivers and radio transceivers. The wireless head mounted on traffic fixtures communicates with vehicles through optical and radio signals, eliminating the need for physical wiring infrastructure while maintaining communication functionality for traffic preemption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wired infrastructure is installed for traffic preemption, then stable signal transmission is achieved, but system complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication functionality from the wired infrastructure and implements it through standalone wireless components. The wireless head contains integrated optical receivers, radio transceivers, and processing units that operate independently without requiring external wiring, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining signal transmission stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication components are added to the wireless head, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up cycles where the wireless head alternates between low-power sleep mode and active communication mode. The optical receivers and radio transceivers are activated only when needed to receive or transmit preemption signals, rather than operating continuously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless head includes energy harvesting capabilities through solar panels that automatically recharge the battery, reducing the need for external power sources and minimizing the impact of power consumption on the overall system design.
4Reliability
If the wireless head operates continuously to detect signals, then signal detection reliability is improved, but battery power depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary signal detection using low-power optical receivers that operate in a screened mode before full system activation. These receivers can detect incoming optical preemption signals and trigger the main processing units only when a valid signal is detected, ensuring reliable detection while conserving battery power during extended idle periods.
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 wireless communication for traffic preemption, reducing installation costs and time, allowing for flexible placement, and effectively prioritizing emergency and public transportation vehicles by automatically changing traffic lights based on vehicle presence and distance, enhancing safety and traffic flow.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical receivers adapted to identify an optical signal transmitted by an optical transmitter
Implementation Method 2
one or more head radio transceivers adapted to identify a radio signal transmitted by a vehicle radio transceiver
Implementation Method 3
a solar panel coupled with the wireless head where the solar panel is adapted to supply a portion of the power to operate the wireless head
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless head for a traffic preemption system. Implementations may include one or more optical receivers adapted to identify an optical signal transmitted by an optical transmitter included in a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle and one or more head radio transceivers adapted to identify a radio signal transmitted by a vehicle radio transceiver included in the vehicle preemption unit. A head radio frequency (RF) modem may also be included adapted to transmit one or more radio signals to an intersection RF modem. The head may be mounted to a traffic support fixture. The one or more optical receivers, one or more head radio transceivers, and the head RF modem may all be operably coupled together within the wireless head. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted.