Wireless Traffic Signal Functional Test Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic signal systems require extensive time and personnel for functional and assignment tests, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues due to incorrect signal and detector assignments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a wireless data transmission connection between a test control device and the control unit of the traffic signal system allows for remote testing of functional units, eliminating the need for physical presence at each signal head or detector, enabling quicker and less labor-intensive verification of correct assignments and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional functional tests are performed with technicians physically present at each signal head and control unit, then accurate assignment verification is achieved, but testing time and personnel requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical presence of technicians at signal heads with a wireless communication system. The test control device establishes a wireless data transmission connection to the control unit, allowing remote actuation and observation of signal functions without physical proximity to the signal heads themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the test control device and the functional units (signal heads). The test control device sends actuation commands wirelessly to the control unit, which then triggers the appropriate signal functions, and returns observation data wirelessly to the test control device, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction at each signal head.
2Reliability
If conventional functional tests require technicians to physically access each signal head and detector, then direct observation of functionality is possible, but personnel requirements and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical observation and manual testing procedures with automated wireless communication. The test control device remotely actuates functional units through the control unit and automatically receives and processes observation data, eliminating the need for technicians to physically access and manually observe each signal head or detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-testing capabilities where the control unit automatically responds to actuation commands from the test control device and provides feedback on functional unit status. The system tests itself remotely without requiring external physical intervention at each component location.
3Reliability
If extensive functional testing is performed to ensure correct signal and detector assignments, then system safety is improved, but testing complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test control device serves multiple functions: it actuates functional units, receives observation data, processes test results, and controls the wireless communication protocol. This multi-functional approach consolidates testing capabilities into a single device, reducing the need for multiple specialized testing instruments and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of interfacing with multiple functional units. It receives actuation commands from the test control device, translates them into appropriate signals for various functional units, collects observation data, and returns it to the test control device, thereby simplifying the overall testing architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300, 400, 500) for testing the functionality of a controllable functional unit (FEi) of a traffic signal system (L) is described. In this method (300, 400, 500), a wireless data transmission link (35) is established between a test control device (20b) for controlling a central control unit (20a) of the traffic signal system (L) and the central control unit (20a). Furthermore, the test control device (20b) is moved to the position of the functional unit (FEi) of the traffic signal system (L) under test. Subsequently, a control function (SF) is triggered by actuating the test control device (20b) from the position of the controllable functional unit (FEi), whereby a control command for controlling the functional unit (FEi) under test is wirelessly transmitted to the central control unit (20a) of the traffic signal system (L).The procedure then checks at the position of the controlled functional unit (FEi) whether the triggered control function (SF) is executed in the controlled functional unit (FEi). A functional test device (30) is also described. Furthermore, a signaling system (L) is also described.