DE102013221007A1 - Method for providing machine-readable traffic information on traffic signs - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing machine readable traffic information on traffic signs, wherein the road signs are printed in the area of the border with a rotating QR bar code that encodes an Internet link to the traffic information in question.

Description

The invention relates to a method for providing machine-readable traffic information on traffic signs according to claim 1.

It is well known that street signs are used throughout the world to share traffic information, such as speed, etc. with vehicle drivers.

However, the street signs are mostly static, i. unchangeable. However, it is inevitable that the number of street signs needed and thus their flood of information will increase, making it almost impossible for the driver to process, memorize and observe all the information.

From the JP 3890825 B2 It is known to read a 2D barcode on street signs to obtain navigation information. A similar system is from the US 6,213,401 B1 as well as the DE 10 2012 219 106 A1 known.

With these systems, it would be possible for the vehicles to retrieve the information automatically and incorporate it into suitable driver assistance systems.

However, there is still the desire for an improved alternative.

This object is achieved by the method given in claim 1.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that if the road signs are printed in the area of the red border with a circulating QR barcode, the barcode can be applied without much effort, since the sign is already printed in this area anyway.

Advantageously, the QR bar code can encode the traffic information of the traffic sign. For a simple traffic sign recognition is possible, the road sign itself does not have to be changed in its shape and design.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the QR barcode codes an Internet link to the traffic information in question. This makes it possible to keep the information up-to-date if necessary to change or supplement, since they are not statically applied to the sign.

Thus, the QR barcode can be read by cameras from the vehicles, with these networked smartphones, etc., and the information about the coded link can be called up by means of a mobile data connection and processed or used accordingly.

As dynamically retrievable information z. B in question: road type and condition, traffic density, traffic jams, accidents, construction sites, weather and temperature conditions, etc.

Preferably, the QR barcode is applied as a two-dimensional QR barcode in the circumferential direction of the border, so that it is not perceived as disturbing and at the same time can code enough information.

It is also possible to apply the QR barcode using color visible only to cameras or their CCD sensors.

In addition, the QR barcode can encode static information, such as max. Speed, number of lane lanes and one-way streets, etc. Thus, important basic information can be used even with disturbed mobile data radio.

Furthermore, it is possible that the QR barcode itself is dynamic, i. changeable displayed on the road sign, z. B. by means of matrix-like bulbs, such as LED's etc. Then, as required, the coded Internet links can be updated or changed.

Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawing. Show it:

1 a schematic illustration of a road sign and

2 a schematic illustration of a vehicle when reading the road sign from 1 ,

In the figures one is as a whole with 1 designated round road sign shown that in this case is designed as a speed sign for a maximum speed of 30 km / h. It consists of the central number 2 with red border or in the red circle 3 , Inside the red circle 3 is encircling a two-dimensional QR barcode B imprinted. It contains or encodes in a circle the otherwise quadratically arranged Internet link data 4 over a range of about 180 degrees, version information 5 over a range of about 90 degrees and basic static information 6 over the remaining 90 degrees.

Thus, a motor vehicle K the shield 1 or the QR bar code B mounted thereon, if this is from the vehicle front camera 7 is detected and recorded. Then you can the on-board computer 8th decode and use the coded information.

The basic information, as available max. Speed of 30 km / h, can be used directly to inform the driver etc. In particular, he can use the decoded Internet link 4 via mobile data radio 9 to retrieve dynamic information on the road conditions and to incorporate into the vehicle's own assistance systems.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 3890825 B2 [0004]
• US 6213401 B1 [0004]
• DE 102012219106 A1 [0004]

Claims (7)

Method for providing machine-readable traffic information on traffic signs, characterized in that the road signs are printed in the area of the border with a rotating QR barcode. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that QR bar code encodes the traffic information of the traffic sign. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that QR bar code encodes an Internet link to the traffic information in question. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the QR barcode is applied as a two-dimensional QR barcode in the circumferential direction of the border. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the QR bar code codes static information. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the QR bar code is at least partially dynamic. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the QR barcode is represented by means of LEDs.

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