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US 10,520,629 B2Granted
Vehicle detection loop and loop deterioration assessment
AssigneeH.M. Electronics, Inc.
InventorsDavid O'Gwynn, Shane Robert Petcavich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for vehicle detection and assessments of loop deterioration rely on changes in inductance of a loop sensor. The conductive element of the loop sensor is modeled using one or more inductances and one or more resistances. Sets of stimuli at different frequencies are provided to the loop sensor, and the resulting responses form the basis for vehicle detection and for an assessment whether the loop sensor has deteriorated.
Claims16
A loop condition assessment system configured for assessing deterioration of a loop sensor, the system comprising:
- a power source configured to generate a set of stimuli that are provided to the loop sensor, wherein the set includes individual stimuli, wherein the set includes a first stimulus having a first frequency and a second stimulus having a second frequency, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are different from each other;
- the loop sensor including a conductive element arranged in a loop, the loop sensor being configured to generate output signals conveying changes in inductance of the conductive element, wherein the output signals are generated responsive to provisions of the individual stimuli;
- an impedance component configured to determine, based on the output signals generated by the loop sensor, impedances of the conductive element during the individual stimuli, wherein the impedance component is configured to determine:
- a first impedance responsive to provision of the first stimulus,
- a second impedance responsive to provision of the second stimulus;
- an analysis component configured to determine, based on the first impedance and the second impedance, model inductances and model resistances for a model of the loop sensor for the individual stimuli, wherein the analysis component is further configured to determine a first aggregate model inductance based on aggregation of at least two individual model inductances that correspond to the individual stimuli;
- and
- an assessment component configured to assess whether the loop sensor has deteriorated based on one or more of the first aggregate model inductance, the determined model inductances, and the determined model resistances.
5 more elements
A method for assessment of deterioration of a loop sensor, the method comprising:
- arranging a conductive element that is included in the loop sensor in a loop;
- generating a set of stimuli that is provided to the loop sensor, wherein the set includes individual stimuli, wherein the set includes a first stimulus having a first frequency and a second stimulus having a second frequency, and wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are different from each other;
- generating, by the loop sensor, output signals conveying changes in inductance of the conductive element, wherein the output signals are generated responsive to provisions of the individual stimuli;
- determining, based on the output signals generated by the loop sensor, impedances of the conductive element during the individual stimuli, wherein the impedances include:
- a first impedance determined responsive to provision of the first stimulus,
- a second impedance determined responsive to provision of the second stimulus;
- determining, based on the first impedance and the second impedance, model inductances and model resistances for a model of the loop sensor for the individual stimuli;
- determining a first aggregate model inductance based on aggregation of at least two individual model inductances that correspond to the individual stimuli;
- and
- assessing whether the loop sensor has deteriorated based on one or more of the first aggregate model inductance, the determined model inductances, and the determined model resistances.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.