Smart Traffic SignsSmart Traffic Signs

By:

Salil S. Gokhale

Preston DeFrancis

I can communicate

!

Smart Traffic SignsSmart Traffic Signs

I. Designing a Smart Traffic

Sign

II. Demonstrating a Working

Prototype

III. Enhancing the Concept

Think!

Designing a Smart Traffic SignDesigning a Smart Traffic Sign

1. Inclement weather

2. Poor or infrequent placement

3. Stolen for dorm room decoration

General problem – Road signs

do not always convey

information effectively

Designing a Smart Traffic Sign Designing a Smart Traffic Sign

Interstate Traffic Sign Problem

Designing a Smart Traffic SignDesigning 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 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 SignDesigning a Smart Traffic Sign

System-level architecture

Flash EEPROM Stamp PIC

PIC on the modules

Flash EEPROM

LCD display Stamp PIC

PIC on the modules

Transmitter sends data serially to the receiver

Transmitter:

Receiver:

Designing a Smart Traffic SignDesigning 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 SignDesigning 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 SignDesigning a Smart Traffic Sign

Summary of Specifications:

Frequency of operation 433.92 MHz

Receiver Power Supply 12V DC

Transmitter Power Supply 120 V AC

Display Backlit LCD

Antenna Type Loop

Demonstrating a Working PrototypeDemonstrating 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 First Car!

The 1995 Dodge Neon was the first car to have the Smart Traffic Sign installed in it

Demonstrating a Working PrototypeDemonstrating a Working Prototype

Testing the modules in heavy snow

Approximate distance of operation: 300 ft.

Demonstrating a Working PrototypeDemonstrating a Working Prototype

Testing the modules in clear weather

Approximate distance of operation: 310 ft

Demonstrating a Working PrototypeDemonstrating 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 PrototypeDemonstrating a Prototype

Demonstrating a PrototypeDemonstrating 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 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 ConceptEnhancing 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 ConceptEnhancing 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 ConceptEnhancing the Concept

Work has begun on the second generation model

Enhancing the ConceptEnhancing 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

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

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 SignsSmart Traffic Signs

I can communic

ate!

Demonstration!