Smart Traffic Signs I can communicate! By: Salil S. Gokhale Preston DeFrancis
Smart Traffic Signs I. Designing a Smart Traffic Sign II. III. Demonstrating a Working Prototype Enhancing the Concept Think!
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign General problem Road signs do not always convey information effectively 1. Inclement weather 2. Poor or infrequent placement 3. Stolen for dorm room decoration
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Interstate Traffic Sign Problem
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Solution: a Smart Traffic Sign 1. Transmits information over a wireless link 2. Replaces or augments traditional road signs 3. Delivers information directly inside a motor vehicle
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Goal: Deliver a prototype of a Smart Traffic Sign that Uses a 433.9.2 MHz radio frequency link Operates on power supplies available in cars(receiver) and near interstate signs (transmitter) Outputs information to driver on an illuminated LCD screen
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign System-level architecture Transmitter: Flash EEPROM Stamp PIC PIC on the modules Receiver: LCD display Flash EEPROM Stamp PIC PIC on the modules Transmitter sends data serially to the receiver
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Software components for Modules: Transmitter: - Encodes information - Contains Protocol Receiver: - Decodes Information - Contains protocol conversion program - Includes LCD driver
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Power Supplies: 1. Receiver: Plugs into +12V DC supply of car s cigarette lighter 2. Transmitter: Uses 120 V AC supply of urban bridge structure signs
Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Summary of Specifications: Frequency of operation Receiver Power Supply Transmitter Power Supply Display Antenna Type 433.92 MHz 12V DC 120 V AC Backlit LCD Loop
Demonstrating a Working Prototype Packaging the Modules: Receiver: Small, user-friendly package that attaches with Velcro to car s dashboard Transmitter: Weatherproof package enclosing power supply and module
The First Car! The 1995 Dodge Neon was the first car to have the Smart Traffic Sign installed in it
Demonstrating a Working Prototype Testing the modules in heavy snow Approximate distance of operation: 300 ft.
Demonstrating a Working Prototype Testing the modules in clear weather Approximate distance of operation: 310 ft
Demonstrating a Working Prototype Conclusions for test: 1. Weather conditions do not significantly impair performance 2. Current minimum range is enough to transmit 3072 characters at 9600 baud, more than enough for the demonstration
Demonstrating a Prototype
Demonstrating a Prototype Summary of Prototype: 1. Transmitter and receiver housed in appropriate packages 2. Field tests verified the meeting of project goals 3. Demonstration validated the real-world operation of the prototype
Enhancing the Concept A second generation prototype will: 1. Provide more range: increased receiver sensitivity allows better range from same transmitter power 2. Decrease size of units: new, smaller modules could make units more attractive
Enhancing the Concept A second generation prototype will: 1. Use more sophisticated modulation: improve resistance to noise 2. Provide antenna flexibility: Many types of antenna could provide directional transmission
Enhancing a Concept Further Improvements: 1. Lane Specificity - provide lane-specific information, perhaps using a buried antenna 2. User interface - Determine best method of getting information to driver
Enhancing the Concept Work has begun on the second generation model
Enhancing the Concept Summary of Recommendations: 1. Build a second-generation prototype for increased performance 2. Develop a method of providing lane specific information 3. Research most effective user interfaces
Acknowledgements Professor Frank Merat, Project Technical Advisor Professor Bob Gura, Project management Advisor Professor Sreenath, Course Instructor Dr. R.L. Mullen, Civil Engineering Advisor Brian Leech Ted Square
Smart Traffic Signs I can communicate! Demonstration!