EP0991044B1 - Method for traffic monitoring by radar - Google Patents

Abstract

The method uses telecommunications, for speed measurement and control and for automatically performing the resulting operations or functions. A miniaturized monitoring and measurement device (2), integrated into a road traffic sign (1), especially a speed restriction sign, detects vehicles (4) exceeding the speed limit using radar. The detected data and information are transmitted via a telecommunications medium to a device or control point (7) for evaluation. The control point has a database for vehicle holder identification and may be connected to a traffic offender index (9). It can also be connected via telecommunications paths or post to the home (11) for delivering documents. An Independent claim is also included for a circuit for implementing the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for automatic Traffic monitoring and control according to the preamble of claim 1 specified type.

Both for monitoring road traffic as well for measuring speed overshoots Speed-limited routes are measuring stations in the form of stationary and mobile stations basically known and in use. This is especially intended one of the causes of traffic hazards and for Traffic accidents due to excessive speed or Failure to adhere to stated speed limits be reduced as much as possible. The Traffic control done by means of radar measurements but today only sporadically and relatively few Ask, so the impact on the emergence of Traffic accidents due to excessive speed or Failure to comply with a prescribed speed still relatively low.

From EP 0 741 377 A1 is a generic method for automatic radar traffic monitoring and control and a corresponding arrangement known. With the arrangement disclosed there is road traffic monitored for the purpose of establishing rule violations be, with at least one lens sensor Objects are monitored and, depending on their sensory detected movements or positions output signals are generated as actual values that are in one with the Object sensor connected processing device processed and compared with predetermined setpoints or limits become. In case of a deviation of the actual value from the current predetermined setpoint or limit value detected rule violation becomes a trigger signal which generates a capture of an image of the respective Object by means of a camera together with data over the respective offense causes. in case of a detected rule violation will be recorded Picture together with the associated data as electrical Data signals over a data connection to one of the Object sensor and the evaluation remote lying Detection station for storage and / or transmitted further evaluation. In the rule violation it can be, for example, too high a speed act. The signals can be transmitted over the ISDN network be transferred to the German Telekom. The object sensor and the camera are easily in lights (traffic lights) and / or traffic signs integrated or as additional devices mountable.

From DE 196 48 130 A1 is a traffic information system known to pass the at a traffic sign Road traffic over the traffic sign yourself and about the average speed of the Forward traffic informed. This is done at the traffic sign a measuring device for detecting the speed passing vehicles and one on the following Traffic directed information transmitter provided. The individual vehicle owns the information transmitter associated receiver and a driver assigned optical and / or acoustic reproduction device for the information obtained. The receiver can also communicate with the vehicle's own speedometer and possibly cruise control (Automat for fine adjustment of a given speed) and connected to a distance measuring device and coupled be. By the connection to a cruise control can a regulation of speed can be made. The setting can be adjusted to the set speed, z. B. the maximum speed, or the actual speed, so z. B. the calculated Average speed of forward traffic, done.

The invention is based on the object, a method for radar-controlled automatic traffic monitoring and control or speed control, the nationwide can be readily used and practically without time delay, and also an arrangement for carrying out the method to create.

This task is characterized by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with the preamble features solved.

Further solutions and embodiments of the invention are Subject matter of the subclaims 2 to 5.

• die Messeinrichtungen werden adressierbar gestaltet (Scharfmachen)
• die Aktivierung des Systems wird mit stochastischen Prinzipien (Zufallsgenerator) gesteuert, wobei die Zeitdauer des Scharfseins der Einrichtung vorwählbar ist
• die Messeinrichtungen besitzen eine Kennung, die es ermöglicht, Prioritäten hinsichtlich der Messdauer, der Messhäufigkeit und ähnliches, zum Beispiel für sehr neuralgische Punkte im Strassenverkehr zu vergeben und
• die Messeinrichtungen enthalten eine Speichermöglichkeit für Bilder von Fahrzeugen, die die Geschwindigkeit überschritten haben, um zum Beispiel durch ein Polling-Verfahren die Messergebnisse zu funknetz-verkehrsschwachen Zeiten ferngesteuert abrufen zu können.

By applying the most modern technology in the field of sensor technology, whereby radar sensors and micro-photo / video cameras on a few chips or even in extreme cases on a chip are possible, it is in combination with the known telecommunications means (for example GSM supported transmissions) it is possible to set up comprehensive control systems in which a microprocessor-controlled, miniaturized device comprising radar device, camera and transmitter is implemented, in particular on / in each speed limit sign. The transmitting device can be designed in such a way that people can also make emergency calls - emergency call signals - to the central receiving point. The camera is used to take a photo of the driver and vehicle license plate. If the transmission of the extensive image data takes place with a time delay in order to use times of low network traffic, a direct transmission of the vehicle identifier as image section or via pattern recognition software as plain text makes sense, in order to avoid subsequent sabotage / destruction of the individual system to prevent vehicle / driver identification. In addition, a receiver device and a microprocessor may also be integrated to perform and control certain functions, such as power on and off, at specific times and in certain situations. Such a system, consisting of the procedure and the equipment, makes it possible to comply with relatively fair conditions for operation and for road users, especially if the following additional aspects are fulfilled:

• the measuring devices are designed to be addressable (arming)
• the activation of the system is controlled by stochastic principles (random number generator), whereby the duration of being armed is preselected
• the measuring equipment has an identifier which makes it possible to prioritize the duration of the measurement, the frequency of measurements and the like, for example for very sensitive points in road traffic and
• The measuring devices contain a storage facility for images of vehicles that have exceeded the speed, for example, by means of a polling method, the results can be remotely retrieved at radio-low-traffic times.

The radio signals are transmitted over a mobile network, for example to a central measuring device, with nationwide coverage Solutions, in particular to regional centers. There, the data is automatically updated with data of the Registration card for the determination of vehicle owners and For example, with the traffic offenders in Flensburg compared. The "ticket" or penalty or fines note exhibition takes place automatically, as well as the expedition the fee notifications. Payments will be automatically monitored via the specified bank details and reminders and the like are also automatically exported. Besides, it is with such Solution also possible, radar or radio warning pulses to a corresponding receiver in a motor vehicle to send a forced speed reduction and limit triggers. This can be altogether the traffic control and traffic automatically also a preset speed limit automatically comply.

Further advantages, features and applications The present invention will become apparent from the following Description in connection with in the Drawing illustrated embodiment.

The invention is described below with reference to one in the Drawing illustrated embodiment described in more detail. In the description, in the claims, of the abstract and in the drawing in the list of reference numerals given below used terms and associated reference numbers used.

Fig. 1

eine prinzipielle Darstellung eines Systems zur automatischen Verkehrsüberwachung und - steuerung.

In the drawing mean:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a system for automatic traffic monitoring and control.

Before the detailed operation and mode of action of the inventive method with reference to FIG. 1 explained is, first, a description of the fundamental Mode of action of the method or implementation consequences.

Through modern technology development in the sensor sector It is basically possible today, radar sensors and photo / video cameras, in particular micro video cameras, to realize as a one-chip solution. By the use of this modern technology is with help of telecommunications and information technology Means possible, nationwide Build control systems by adding to each speed limit sign in traffic for example a miniaturized device as a radar device, Camera and transmitter is implemented. additionally can still have a receiving device and a microprocessor be implemented with memory to radio signals received and in particular for the inputs and To make it possible to eliminate it.

These in road signs, in particular speed limit signs integrated measuring points are via telecommunication lines or radio signals, if necessary via satellite, with one or more central measuring points, for example in regional centers, connected. There, the data is automatically with data For example, an admission card to determine the Vehicle owner and for example with the traffic offenders file compared in Flensburg. The exhibition of a corresponding declarations are then made in the central Set automatically and as well the expedition of the corresponding Fee assessments. Also the incoming payments are monitored via the specified bank details and reminders and the like are automatic exported. A modification of the system is still by it possible that the radar device or a corresponding Radio with sufficient time Flow, that is in sufficiently large reaction distance, a warning pulse to a radar receiver in the vehicle emits. The driver does not respond by appropriate Braking, then, for example, automatically Brake mechanism triggered, while still different can be whether the driver is aware of whether or it does not fire. This can be done by a random control be microprocessor controlled. A additional possibility of the method according to the invention It consists of radar or radio warning pulses to send a corresponding receiver in the vehicle, coupled to the gas supply or the braking device is and a forced speed reduction or deceleration triggers. The warning signal would have to in such a case, information about the Set speed included.

In addition to speed limit bids, there are still a number of other road signs and traffic signs Rules with bids and prohibitions, for Example traffic lights, closures, motorway traffic monitoring systems and much more, which then in the present System can be fully integrated.

In Fig. 1, a system is shown, on the basis of which both the method and the arrangement for automatic Traffic monitoring and control by means of Telecommunications is described. In the speed limit sign, symbolically represented here is a radar finder, a photo / video camera and a radio transmitter and a memory integrated. Furthermore In addition, a radio receiver and a microprocessor be integrated when the automatic traffic monitoring via telecommunications on and to be implemented as switchable. The in the road sign 1 integrated device 2 with Radarsucher etc. sends out a radar beam 3, which is on the Road motor vehicle 4 detected and then in the video / photo field of view triggers 5 functions, the Ensuring the information and data in case of speeding required are. Over a Line or radio connection are those of the device 2 recorded data and information to one Control center 7 for evaluation via a device 6 for addressing and arming and for data retrieval, especially at times of low traffic in the Network, transmitted. The control center 7 takes over the automatic Data analysis, the random activation, the data retrieval, if necessary the generation a receipt, the fee collection control and the automatic reminder. The control center compares for the evaluation as device 7, the data with a Database for vehicle owner identification 8 and with a traffic offender card 9. Of course You can also use other databases with the facility 7 are connected for evaluation easily.

The receipt or the penalty order or penalty notice is the respective motor vehicle owner via the post or telecommunications directly into his home 11 or, if approved, to his bank account transmitted.

As already briefly described, there are variations in that, for example, a random Activation, adjustability according to time of day or Activation duration with or without priority switch on neuralgic points and changeable fee level programmatically adjustable is made. Furthermore can be a categorization of control points, the same an electronic indexing and filtering made for example, a criminalization to avoid society.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Road Sign, in particular speed limit sign

2

Monitoring and measuring equipment

3

Radar-ray detection

4

motor vehicle

5

Video / Photo field of view

6

Device for addressing and data retrieval

7

Control center for evaluation

8th

Database for car holder identification

9

Driving record

10

Post or telecommunications connection between Control center and home of the vehicle owner

11

Home of the car owner

Claims (5)

1. Method for automatic radar traffic monitoring and control by means of telecommunications, more particularly for speed measurement and control and for automatic execution of the therefrom resulting functions and/or operations, wherein motor vehicles (4) exceeding the prescribed speed are detected through a radar beam detector (3) by a miniaturized monitoring and measuring means (2) integrated in a road traffic sign (1), more particularly in a speed limit sign, the detected data and information being transmitted via telecommunications transmission means to a means and/or control centre for evaluation (7), the control centre (7) for evaluation being connectable to a database (8) for motor vehicle owner identification and, where applicable, to a traffic offender index (9), the control centre (7) being additionally connectable via telecommunications paths (10) or conventional postal means to the home of the motor vehicle owner (11) for the purpose of the service of a notice, characterized in that the measuring means (2) integrated in the traffic signs (1) can in controlled manner be switched on and off and/or addressed by a means (6) and in that, in addition, a polling method is used to retrieve data via the means (6), for example at times of little traffic in the network.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring means (2) integrated in the traffic sign (1) are activated stochastically by a random generator, the duration of activation of the means (2) being preselectable.
3. Method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring means (2) have an identification allowing the control and setting of priorities with regard to measuring duration, measuring frequency and/or measuring conditions and/or circumstances and in that the measuring means (2) have a memory for images of vehicles which have exceeded the speed limit, the measurement results being retrievable through the polling method at times of little traffic, wherein important detail information from the image, extracted by pattern recognition software, such as vehicle licence number, is transferred instantaneously.
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radar means integrated in the measuring means (2) transmits with sufficient lead time a warning pulse to a radar receiver in the motor vehicle (4) and then, with or without random control, triggers a braking mechanism if the respective driver has not responded by braking.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the warning signal contains information about the required speed and in that the warning signal is transmitted to a corresponding receiver in the motor vehicle and compulsorily triggers and undertakes speed control and/or speed reduction.

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