INFRARED VEHICLE DETECTOR (IRVD) SYSTEM DESIGN

This paper describes the system configuration design of the infrared vehicle detector (IRVD) necessary to achieve the advanced mobile information systems (AMIS) and dynamic route guidance systems (DRGS), which are elements of the universal traffic management systems (UTMS)--a new concept in traffic management systems with an emphasis on the essential conditions for interface between the IRVD and the in-vehicle unit. The IRVD uses infrared rays to detect a vehicle driving on the road. It also enables two-way communication with a vehicle. The IRVD is the most important part for implementing the UTMS. The IRVD offers use as an essential element in its application to the travel time measuring system that produces travel time information from the up-link data received from a traveling vehicle, as well as to the AMIS that supplies down-link traffic information to the vehicle. The IRVD is capable of supplying requested down-link information in response to the up-link information received from individual vehicles. This has opened the way for the IRVD into a sophisticated DRGS to meet the drivers' needs. To implement such elaborate dedicated short-range communication through IRVD, it is essential to clarify, conduct experiments concerning, and demonstrate the requirements for physical interface between the IRVD and the in-vehicle unit. This paper describes: 1) system requirements to be met by IRVD and UTMS; 2) basic IRVD specifications; 3) system configuration employing IRVD and communicational functions; 4) IRVD's communication zone; 5) communication allowance between IRVD and the in-vehicle unit; and 6) IRVD's radiant power and receiver's sensitivity.