EP0565992B1 - Method and system for supervising traffic and informing road users - Google Patents

Abstract

In the method for traffic surveillance and for promptly informing and warning road users, traffic states or road states which have been input or detected via means of sensors are displayed by means of light elements which are arranged spaced along the route of the road and can be actuated together or successively. As a result, continuous traffic information and, if appropriate, warning of traffic problems, are provided in real time. The surveillance and information system which serves for carrying out the method has one or more measurement points with traffic or load detection devices which act in each case essentially transversely with respect to the carriageway and at least two light elements which are spaced along the route of the road and at least one evaluation and control unit for evaluating detected traffic or road states and for actuating and activating the light elements which are coupled to one another. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring the Road traffic and for the information of road users, by means of Detected or entered traffic or street conditions by means of display elements are displayed on the street-side sensors become.

Such a system is a local highway warning system from DE-OS 1,516,669. Here is arranged along the road selective microphones the number and speed of vehicles within of a monitored route section is detected and when a defined danger situation, in particular a slowdown in traffic an indication of within the monitored route section one or more warning lights are generated.

In addition, DE OS 1 943 596 describes a method for path and speed control known from vehicles via a sensor characteristic of traffic characteristics record one or more traffic computers to determine a desired traffic flow and there in a speed path and / or distance specification for the individual implemented vehicles. This requirement is the road users via signaling devices installed along the road, e.g. Lamps, mediated.

Both systems have no real-time behavior. This makes the systems in particular rapid changes in the traffic and / or environmental situation not grown. This means that temporary false indications are possible which in turn is the acceptance of the traffic management system and thus its effectiveness belittle.

The invention is therefore based on the object of a method and a system to monitor road traffic and to inform road users to create that can react in real time and thus a allows dynamic monitoring of all road traffic without that special vehicle equipment would be required for this.

This task is carried out for the method mentioned at the beginning by a method with the features of claim 1 and for that mentioned System through a traffic and surveillance system with the characteristics of claim 8 solved. Advantageous refinements of the method and of the system are according to the features of subclaims 2 to 7, and of sub-claims 9 to 29 given.

The invention is therefore that depending on Traffic and / or road conditions by the traffic and load sensing devices determined or entered, the road users spaced apart from one another along the route of the road arranged signal lights information about these states and / or Disorders are brought to the direct attention of behavior the road users act. To achieve real-time behavior and To cover continuous road sections, light chains are used either by control by means of a road sensor element with evaluation electronics and automatic fault detection or manual activation operated and thus shortest system response times achieved or with a medium response time by activation as a result of evaluation the traffic data from two or more sensors and evaluation units and through comparative traffic data assessment or with a longer reaction time by control via evaluation of the sensors using the method in Control rooms.

The light chains can continuously with a predetermined light chain length are operated as road guidance aids.

For example, this can be done in two directions forward and backward Light pulses running along the respective light chain happen, whereby Pulse lengths, frequency and duty cycle can be changeable.

Within the scope of an embodiment of the method according to the invention can with measured violations, such as excessive Speed, truck overtaking ban, axle overloading, wrong direction of travel or the like, the signal lights of the lighting elements operated in flashing mode and thereby information for the respective road user found violations are given. Conveniently the light chains interact in real time with the traffic and / or load detection devices when using different fault detection algorithms operated. The flashing modes can also of individual signal lights in front of a vehicle each visible at the same walking speed and operate the same route, and with advantage until the end of the determined Violation. A road user is therefore not only kept informed of his misconduct, but thereby also to return to traffic-related Driving stopped.

Displayed in the interest of special effectiveness Warnings or particularly important information sees another embodiment of the invention Procedure before that the threshold sensitivity and the threshold level of the signal lights compared to permanent lighting through ergonomic optimized pulse rate increased or optimized, so the subjective conspicuousness is increased. According to the invention the lighting elements can also vary Day or season (day / night, summer / winter) operated with different brightness.

Another important process design enables an effective traffic control in that the signal lights of the light chains connected to each other with in the direction of travel along the light chain light pulses running at the directional speed are operated with the consequence that the road users are intuitively trying their driving speed by those running in the direction of travel Adjust light pulses given the target speed. This leads to an equalization and Traffic calming due to synchronous driving all road users.

Another process design sees before that the signal lights of the light chains with traffic-driving and running in the direction of travel Light pulses are operated so as not traffic-related congestion or viscous liquids dissolve in traffic, such as often in the event of an accident on the opposite lane or for spectacular, but traffic-independent Events can occur. It can be useful be the signal lights of the lighting elements to operate with differently colored light pulses. The lighting conditions of the lighting elements or Light chains can also be from a control room be monitored and controlled.

Another important process variant provides that each of a street sensors with connected evaluation and control unit backwards several light chain elements against the direction of traffic can be controlled and activated in order the subsequent traffic information about traffic and / or Road conditions in the one in front of him Submit route section.

The related to the creation of a traffic surveillance and Information system for performing the above The stated method is the task solved that in the system according to the preamble of Claim 8 of a measuring point with essentially transverse traffic and / or to the lane of a road Load detection devices at least two of the road guidance subsequently spaced apart, static or dynamically coupled lighting elements with signal lights as optical signal generators and at least a road processor as an evaluation and control unit for evaluating determined traffic and / or road conditions and to control and activate the signal lights assigned.

It is therefore a question of everyone with street sensors equipped measuring point next to an evaluation and Control unit at least two, but preferably in large numbers, lighting elements with signal lights are assigned, the mutual distances of the Light elements depending on the respective Circumstances are more or less large.

In contrast to the explained prior art are in the form of the system according to the invention of light chains installed along at least one side of the street Luminous elements not by radio from the vehicle's own Sensors and transmitters or from a control room from, but by means of roadside sensors one the traffic and / or covered by the latter Controlled road processor processing road conditions, then the determined traffic situation send out corresponding signals. It can be individual pulses or group pulses in front of moving vehicles act, but also synchronized light waves, the forward or backward with different Frequencies continuously for driving or braking the Serve traffic.

In the system according to the invention, there is therefore nothing direct communication between individuals at traffic participating vehicles and the lighting elements, but become the vehicles participating in traffic monitored by roadside sensors. At the traffic surveillance therefore not only take with special Sensors and motor vehicles equipped with transmitters part, but basically all vehicles.

The system can also run along a street in predetermined Distances from each other several measuring points with traffic and / or load detection devices, coupled lighting elements and each at least one street processor as evaluation and Have control unit, so that at least in sections Track-based surveillance and information system is present. The lighting elements arranged on the right or left side following the course of the road his. Has proven particularly useful, however the arrangement of the lighting elements on both sides of the street proven. The lighting elements can be used as a light bus linked together in chains and individually, in groups or controllable together and also on at least two different ones Signal colors, such as yellow and red, can be switched.

An equally important further training provides that at least part of the lighting elements or signal lights with a manually operated emergency switch is equipped to switch on light chains, for example to light elements in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic for one that can be determined depending on the road layout Activate distance.

In the system according to the invention can expediently also those that serve as evaluation and control units Street processors of several measuring points that are dependent of the local conditions, for example spaced a few hundred meters apart connected to each other via a communication network his.

At the traffic and / or load detection facilities it can expediently be speed sensors, Axis detectors, induction loops, weighing plates, Wheel load meters and similar devices act.

It is expedient, likewise according to a further training, each measuring point as an evaluation unit with one Street processor for recording and evaluating determined Traffic and / or road conditions and as Control unit with one with the traffic processor functionally connected signal processor for controlling the light modules or light elements.

Another important design of the system sees before that the roadside sensors of the measuring points to Capture the traffic and / or road conditions via one Network is connected to a road processor that as the main processor, the signal lights of the lighting elements individually, together or in a predetermined sequence controls and interface cards for different Coordinates sensors or signal processing units.

The roadside sensors can be in Road surface laid induction loops, axis detectors or weighing sensors act, such as Weighing plates based on strain gauges, piezo sensors or capacitive stripe sensors, but it can also use sonar sensors that are not Microwave sensors and / or for example also Infrared sensors are used.

Within the scope of the present invention, longitudinally a road successively measuring points with each connected to a road processor via a network Sensor technology for recording traffic and / or road conditions be equipped, the street processors with each other using a processor network are connected. In this configuration stands hence every street processor with the one assigned to it Sensor technology in active connection and the different Road processors assigned to route sections communicate together. With such a system is the basis of real-time control of traffic.

Another embodiment of the invention sees one Structure of the road processor in such a way that the total measuring cross section of the lanes of a road and Sensor technology defined for each lane can be flexibly configured is and a processor system several measurement cross sections and / or to use lighting elements.

According to a further embodiment, the street processor built and encompassed in modular architecture different signal processors and interface modules as well as the signal processors and interface modules coordinating master processor. Conveniently takes place in such a configuration programming the master processor in a high-level language, their in the interest of a higher working speed the signal processors, for example, in Assembler can be programmed.

According to a further development, the street processor is included Slots for any extensions or for the Exchange of sensors or sensor interfaces provided and thus structured in such a way that diverse expansion options exist, such as for example the further development of a traffic counter and Classification device to a dynamic Weighing system with a load flow cross section. To it is necessary to insert a sensor interface card and appropriate sensors, such as weighing plates. Also can be piezoelectric or capacitive stripe sensors serve this purpose.

The above-mentioned training of the street processors but also enables an expansion of the Actuatorik by the processors for driving Variable message signs, traffic control systems, illuminated signs and illuminated signs are used can. Of course, the system can also do so be designed that signals from traffic control systems can be used to with appropriate processing to activate the warning systems in the street processors.

It has proven particularly useful if everyone Processors and slots using a backplane interchangeable with each other in the form of a motherboard are connected. The sensor coupling can be modular Connection boards serve and it should or depending on the sensor type Interface a corresponding connection board can be plugged on his.

These boards should have built-in lightning protection have and the standard interfaces for sensors be expandable or interchangeable as needed. The Signal cables are then connected to the boards via terminal strips connected and one cable harness leads to one Sensor board.

According to another important embodiment, the Road processor using a special interface module network-compatible for a real-time computer network as well as for the synchronous operation of parallel networks and accordingly for the real-time coupling of sensors and Actuator trained. This enables meaningful Real-time coupling of traffic detection sensors with spaced apart along at least one Luminous elements arranged on the street side, but also with Mandatory illuminated signs, illuminated signs or variable message signs.

The road processor should expediently be checked its function and sensors as well as Diagnose any errors with a self-test equipped and the latter be constructed so that in easily by inexperienced personnel, for example Road maintenance workers who Device function can be checked. To that extent the self-test is equipped with an automatic search or by connecting a portable computer and can be carried out via function menus.

According to another important feature of the invention the street processor with at least one interface equipped for remote data transmission. With remote data transmission it can be, for example, a telephone connection with modem or a modem operation with Act radio, such as directional radio, satellite radio or the like.

Another important design feature exists in that the road processor is capable of remote diagnosis and accordingly by remote diagnosis in his Function can be checked. It is expedient in Another training course related to the street processor connected sensors also by remote diagnosis verifiable in their function. As part of a such remote diagnosis are malfunctions, for example the induction loops can be checked, likewise the main processor unit and / or modules of the Sensor technology in the self-test. Any communication and environmental recording units can also be self-tested by Remote diagnosis checked for functionality become.

They are also part of further training Processors equipped with remote data transmission are designed that parameters and limit values are entered and checked can be. Access is easier Way possible by code word and can by a password be protected.

According to another important design feature is the road processor through the use of fault detection algorithms for the detection of traffic disruptions designed in different hierarchies. Both different hierarchies, it can be the measurement cross section with limit criteria, such as Limit speeds or changing speeds act, but also sections of the route between adjacent cross sections. But it can also a comparison of the measurement cross-section of a section of the route with the measuring cross section of the previous one or subsequent section of the route become. A route can also span several measurement cross sections with different types of acquisition, time constant and applicable methods and algorithms in Come into consideration.

An equally important embodiment provides that the street processor captured for processing Vehicle data from individual vehicles or vehicle groups as well as is designed for data processing generate the following parameters and set them with Compare limit values. Examples are one Speed threshold matrix for individual vehicles and n vehicles in a row, a speed change matrix, a distance threshold matrix for the vehicle following distance for individual or n vehicles, changes the distance matrix, a load threshold matrix for Axle weight and / or total weight and a change the load threshold matrix.

The road processor of the aforementioned configuration can but also for the comparison of individual parameters or selected combinations of parameters with a configurable limit values containing violation matrix be equipped so that those in question Parameters individually or in selected combinations compared to the violation matrix, as violations or limit violations recognized and processed further become.

The road processor can also be used within the scope of the invention also for the classification of different Traffic disruptions. It can be Wandering congestion, accident, wandering disturbances, road narrowing, Act on construction site congestion or driver misconduct, which as a traffic condition based on the measured Classified parameters and resulting violations become. The classification of traffic conditions includes thereby rule sets for simple threshold violations (singular rules) and / or rule sets for coupled Threshold violations, the coupling rules for example combinative processing of speeds in connection with individual distances or several vehicles.

The street processor can also be used within the scope of the invention for operation with conventional traffic disturbance algorithms designed in a single process or multimodal be, so with a combination of different Fault detection method or in combined algorithms operate.

Likewise, in the context of the invention, the street processor also for conventional vehicle detection and classification of signal patterns from induction loops and / or axis detectors, based on the detuning process or the center distance pattern and / or by Weight analysis can be designed.

With conventional classification, correspondingly different according to the task Vehicle types can be defined. If necessary can recognize up to 50 vehicle classes become. It is easily possible to create new vehicle classes after their occurrence directly on the system assign to an existing class or one to define a new vehicle type. The necessary ones Limit values, for example center distances, vehicle length and detuning history, can be on site or also entered into the system via remote data transmission become.

A system designed in this way is able to take the measured values record, display and forward individual vehicles or or in condensed form in to store pre-structured files, on the one hand can be saved, but also for Further processing can be used. With the measured values individual vehicles are counting, occupancy, Distances, vehicle classification, vehicle weights, Axle loads, speeds and other events and violations.

Another important further training provides that the Road processor for processing the captured Traffic and / or road conditions in neural architectures is designed. It can be particularly act that a fault tolerant and a wide range of similar signal patterns showing associative matrix that real-time processing allowed on site for coding limit violations and for the classification of traffic conditions serves. Such an associative matrix has an input variable the different traffic parameters and Limit violations and forms these on the output variables depending on the traffic condition classes. The traffic condition wins has the most fulfilled input parameters.

In the case of processing the recorded traffic and / or Road conditions in neural architectures Road processor designed for real-time classification of traffic situations and traffic disruptions also serve a trained hetero-associative network and in particular it can be a neural Act network in which in a learning file on traffic condition classes summarized images of traffic quantities and limits based on practical Measured values and / or synthetically generated training patterns and / or signal patterns modified with variances have been used for training. After convergence of the network, such a network is able in a can phase in real time traffic situations and Classify traffic incidents. The process is ongoing directly in the street processor and can be in a separate Module handled as an insert or in a module become.

In the context of the invention, the street processor can also for a classification of vehicle types in neural Architectures can be designed, using the signal pattern individual sensors, such as detuning of Induction loops or combined signal patterns multiple sensors that detected vehicle classes become. It is therefore a neural pattern recognition, in which the values thus obtained for further processing serve as part of fault detection.

Finally, the traffic safety system according to the invention also by the design for a power supply with mains power and / or for battery operation be labeled, with an energy buffer using a back-up battery to back up stored Data and new measured values in the event of a power failure has proven to be appropriate.

An energy consumption optimization has also proven to be expedient Interpretation proven. So have practical Experiments with a realized system shown that with 12 volt DC operation, the current consumption is about 200 mA. Given this consumption-optimized Interpretation is unproblematic battery operation or the supply of solar energy is also possible.

This can also be an important configuration be marked that each street processor with at least one interface for coupling environmental sensors equipped and for processing and if necessary Storage of environmental data and when exceeded predefined limit values for triggering Alarms or actual value displays.

A traffic safety system designed in this way is able to record and process environmental data and the road processor is able to supply programmable environmental measuring devices with measuring programs that can be specifically tailored to individual measured values, to accept and process the recorded data and to store them in compacting files and trigger alarms if necessary. Such alarms can be forwarded to a control center if limit values for CO, CO ₂ , NHX etc. are exceeded or can be operated in conjunction with traffic control measures. For example, a driving ban for trucks can be displayed by means of an alternating traffic sign that can be controlled by a road processor in the form of a mandatory sign, as can speed reductions and the like. It is therefore possible to influence traffic in real time in a manner that is dependent on environmental pollution in order to reduce the environmental pollution. The invention thus enables a hypermetric interplay of environmental measurement technology and traffic control to be implemented using a wide variety of strategies and limit values in order to keep the environmental pollution caused by traffic within limits.

If the system in a further embodiment of the invention through the design for automatic operation with On-site detection of violations and automatic alarm triggering the response check is successful or switching of traffic bids automatically without switching on a control center. Such a "booth alone "operation is characterized by complete Independence from personal responsibilities and organizational patterns the authorities otherwise required, such as Police, highway authorities and the like.

Within the scope of the invention, violations can also be detected of individual vehicles or groups of vehicles a calculated lead that depends on the speed is displayed to these vehicles or as Real-time warning using suitable warning devices be communicated.

Likewise within the scope of the invention can be used for traffic disruption detection among other criteria, such as number of vehicles, vehicle types or driving speed, in particular the vehicle weight or the axle loads Estimation of traffic variables and / or disruptions are used as their prediction. Further violations of pre-stored limit values, like speed, direction of travel, overtaking maneuvers, recognized and passed on for further processing become.

According to another important embodiment, the Light elements with light emitting diodes, halogen lamps or Incandescent lamps can be equipped as signal lights and individually or in groups of lighting units form. It has also proven to be useful if the lighting elements on a holding device anchored in the ground are included. The lighting elements can but also attached to guardrails or in street reflection posts be integrated. Conveniently should be the main beam direction of the light distribution curve of the lighting elements in the direction of the incoming traffic aligned and adjustable depending on the course of the road his.

Finally, a redesign provides that the lighting elements individually or mutually programmable and entered manually or by computer or by means of roadside traffic and / or load detection devices established traffic or Road conditions are controllable.

A powerful and expedient is important adjustable radiation pattern of the Luminous flux of the signal lights in such a way that the Main beam in the direction of the one in question Luminous element is aligned to approaching traffic and the respective signal for a long time in the viewing angle of the Driver of a starting vehicle lies. As special In this respect, it has proven advantageous if, according to a Further development of the invention, the signal lights Have beam angles of approx. 30 ° and so on the oncoming Traffic is geared towards the outside of the road Flank the signal light cone with about Roadside collapse on which the light elements are spaced from each other. Such Alignment of the signal lights ensures that the Signals moving longer in the driver's field of vision Vehicles remain and the main beam direction does not is undesirably perpendicular to the course of the road.

In the traffic control and information system according to the invention the lighting elements can be retrofitted Modules that can be installed in existing road guide posts be trained, approximately in the form that the installation of a formed as a module light element in a guide post intermediate piece takes place, or with the lighting elements can be complete devices in the form of Trade light posts.

Another useful development of the invention provides before that the signal lights with single-color luminous elements in different colors if necessary, equipped like red and yellow and / or as a mixed color operable luminous surface elements are formed, the do not need reflectors or covers. In particular can the luminous surface elements as energy optimal operable LED arrays constructed and by a for brightness control not visible to the human eye by means of pulsating control with frequencies above 50 Hz. For this purpose the LED arrays operated via their normal operating current, which ensures a high luminous efficiency. The total energy requirement a luminous area array with approx. 120 LEDs is, for example, in the range of less than 3 watts.

Yet another development of the invention provides before that the LED arrays each form a light sheet element encapsulated in a plastic frame and / or to simplify the wiring on one Circuit board are applied. In accordance with that The LED arrays are said to feature above a radiation characteristic preferably of ± 15 ° to have. The beam angle can be broadened but in a simple way by tilting the outer Reach the LED frame before casting the LEDs.

There is also an important further training feature in that the LED arrays by potting in the lower area of the LEDs designed for direct outdoor use are. Contamination remains with such a design in the lower area of the individual LEDs without Effect on brightness because of the luminous flux on the dome of the LEDs is fixed and this is a natural one Self-cleaning effect is subject.

It has also proven to be advantageous if according to a further training, the LED arrays for Formation of the luminous surface elements in the interest of Contrast increase in a dark, preferably black environment are arranged.

According to a further development of the Invention, the lighting elements with at least one each with its main beam direction the oncoming and outgoing traffic signal light equipped his. With such a configuration warned in both directions and the Traffic can be affected.

Another important training is through control the signal lights of the lighting elements by means of intelligent electronics. Conveniently the electronics includes its own computer module with bus interface and is programmed with one Enable control of a lighting element own address.

This intelligent electronics can be used in the lighting elements directly integrated, but also from the lighting elements installed separately in special floor boxes his. It has proven to be useful if the Signal lights of the lighting elements on their intelligent Electronics via removal and / or tear-off contact plug are switched.

The electronics set off from the lighting elements the advantage that a simple replacement of the lighting elements in the event of damage or work on Roadside, such as mowing the lawn, reached can be. This applies equally to those in the Guidepost integrated lighting elements as well their training as complete devices in the form of light posts.

Expediently, also in the context of a repeated Continuing education, the intelligent electronics with one Self-test program for testing the activated signal lights and / or the bus interfaces his.

Another further development of the invention provides before that the lighting elements with a push button to Control of the signal lights for triggering alarm signals are equipped via a bus system.

Such push buttons can be operated by anyone be trained, but also as a key switch, for example for use by the police, employees and road maintenance or other authorized People. But it can also be a pulse-coded actuation be provided as well as training as Key switch Protection against misuse guaranteed.

Finally, further training provides that the lighting elements to a native computer network coupled communication means can, such as infrared, microwaves or the like. Also can within the scope of the invention, the lighting elements sensors for traffic flow detection be like ultrasonic detectors that have a native Computer network with a street processor communicate.

By means of such a design of the lighting elements becomes a functional extension to light and sensor elements reached. The advantages over conventional ones Measuring systems, such as those laid in the road Induction loop sensors are continuous Measurement of traffic at a distance from the edge of the Light elements and the resulting avoidance of costly Installation of sensors in the street.

The method according to the invention and that of carrying out the method serving system enable an effective Road traffic monitoring and early information and warnings of road users in the event of traffic disruptions, own misconduct or special Traffic risks. In particular, the method enables and the system according to the invention provides timely information and warning of subsequent road users Accidents, mass collisions, but also bad ones Visibility conditions, such as due to fog, and critical Road conditions, for example due to ice formation, over longer road sections in continuous form and especially preventive in the approach area of traffic on fault points. The process and the developed Systems continue to allow warning and discipline of traffic with those measured by coupled sensors Violations, which are speed violations, Overload, disregard of prohibitions to overtake and the like can act more.

The invention takes into account accidents or malfunctions of traffic at any point and at any time in one Section of the route can occur and that traffic-securing, influencing and guiding measures on site initiated as well as the parent Circumstances have to be adjusted. It takes into account furthermore that backlog effects in definable light chains as early warning sensors along the previous one Street can be displayed dynamically and especially with opposite the build-up speed before the start of the jam move towards the direction of travel. Thereby reversing police traffic jam warning vehicles unnecessary, as they were previously required on highways. About that in addition, the method according to the invention and that of Monitoring and information system used to carry out the process not just on expressways like highways, but also on exits, winding Routes, construction sites and other hazardous areas can be used.

Fig. 1

einen mit dem Verkehrsregelungs- und Informationssystem ausgerüsteten Streckenabschnitt einer kurvenreich verlaufenden Straße,

Fig. 2

in einer gegenüber Fig. 1 vergrößerten Darstellung den Systemaufbau mit den einzelnen Systemkomponenten,

Fig. 3

alternativ zu Fig. 2 in einer Schemadarstellung einen Systemaufbau mit jeweils einem bestimmten Streckenabschnitt zugeordneten und über ein spezielles Netzwerk miteinander verbundenen Straßenprozessoren,

Fig. 4

den Aufbau eines Straßenprozessors zum Verarbeiten erfaßter Verkehrs- und/oder Straßenzustände und zum Ansteuern von Signalgebern der Anlage und/oder sonstiger Verkehrszeichen.

Fig. 5

einen als Leuchtpfosten mit Signalleuchte ausgebildeten Straßen-Leitpfosten und ein die Elektronik aufnehmendes Bodengehäuse im installierten Zustand,

Fig. 6

ein Leitpfosten-Zwischenstück mit je einer nach vorwärts und rückwärts gerichteten Signalleuchte,

Fig. 7

ein Bodengehäuse mit der Elektronik eines Leuchtelements,

Fig. 8

ein als LED-Array aufgebautes Leuchtflächenelement einer Signalleuchte für sich allein und

Fig. 9

einen Drucktaster zum Ansteuern der Signalleuchten zwecks Auslösung von Alarmsignalen über ein Bus-System.

Two embodiments of the traffic control and information system according to the invention and an embodiment of a road processor and a lighting element constructed as a light post are to be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Schematic views show:

Fig. 1

a section of a curved road equipped with the traffic control and information system,

Fig. 2

in an enlarged representation compared to FIG. 1, the system structure with the individual system components,

Fig. 3

alternatively to FIG. 2 in a schematic representation, a system structure with street processors each assigned to a specific route section and connected to one another via a special network,

Fig. 4

the construction of a road processor for processing detected traffic and / or road conditions and for controlling signaling devices of the system and / or other traffic signs.

Fig. 5

a street guide post in the form of a light post with a signal light and a floor housing for the electronics in the installed state,

Fig. 6

a guide post intermediate piece, each with a forward and backward signal light,

Fig. 7

a bottom housing with the electronics of a lighting element,

Fig. 8

a luminous area element of a signal lamp, constructed as an LED array, on its own and

Fig. 9

a push button to control the signal lights to trigger alarm signals via a bus system.

The traffic regulation and information system after the Invention comprises, as subsystems, a roadside Sensors for recording the traffic and / or road conditions, a processor system for processing the detected Traffic and road condition data and a warning system with by means of the processor depending on the detected Controllable traffic and road conditions Signal lights.

1, the two Adjacent lanes 11, 11 'for opposite Having driving directions is a winding one Route section with the monitoring and Information system equipped. This system includes per lane spaced three in the direction of travel arranged measuring points 12, 12 'with a road processor 13, 13 'as evaluation and control unit and each arranged at the edge of the road following the course of the road Light elements 14, 14 'The light elements are each with electronics 15, 15 'and with each other signal lights 16, 16 'connected to light chains provided and form a light bus 17, 17 '.

The measuring points 12, 12 'are dependent on the course of the road at different distances from each other arranged that with less winding route the distances between adjacent measuring points larger, however, with winding route are smaller. The same applies analogously to the Distance of the light chains connected to each other Luminous elements 14, 14 'with the signal lights 16, 16'.

In the system overview illustrated in FIG. 1 serves each one on the right edge of the lane Lane 11, 11 'along extending chain of lights connected to each other to form a light bus 17, 17 ' Luminous elements 14, 14 'of the information transmission the drivers of the assigned lane. The respective Arrows 18, 18 'show directions of travel.

Fig. 2 shows a section of one with the monitoring and Information system equipped route section 20 with two lanes running side by side 21, 21 'for the same directions of travel. The latter indicate the arrows 22, 22 '.

This system comprises one in each lane 21, 21 ' Measuring point 24, 24 'with transverse to the longitudinal extent of the road traffic and load detection devices embedded in the lane. Furthermore, like this also FIG. 1 shows measuring points at greater intervals along the road arranged the same configuration. The measuring points are with axle detectors 25, 25 ', vehicle detectors 26, 26 'in the form of induction loops, weighing plates 27, 27 'and dynamic wheel load meters 28, 28' equipped. The traffic sensors can also also with environmental sensors not shown in the exemplary embodiment be equipped.

The road and traffic sensors of the are coupled adjacent measuring points 24, 24 'of both lanes 21, 21 'each with an evaluation unit in the form a road processor 30 for detecting the to the Detectors of the respective measuring point Speeds, vehicle classes, vehicle weights and Axle weights and for local and if necessary in pairs and higher-level traffic incident calculation using automatic traffic disturbance algorithms. In Active connection with the street processor 30 is one of the Signal processor 32 assigned to measuring point and with this are on a network 33 on both sides along the Lane edge spaced from each other intelligent lighting elements 34, 34 'with signal lights 35, 35 'operatively connected', which in turn are static or dynamically coupled with each other and thus to lighting chains or a light bus 36, 36 'are connected.

As also shown in Fig. 1, are spaced in the direction of travel several measuring points with assigned evaluation and control units and associated light chains intended. The spaced along the lane Road processors 30 associated with measuring points 24, 24 ' are connected to one another via a communication network 38 and the downstream of the respective signal processor 32 For their part, light chains stand together as Light bus 36, 36 'in connection. Each is there Light element 34 with a manually operated emergency switch 40, 40 'equipped in the event of an accident or other needs, the manual activation of the Light chains over one of the course of the route dependent distance against the direction of travel enables.

If by means of the traffic sensors of a measuring point 24, 24 ' a traffic disruption is detected, such as driving of different road users with very different Driving speeds, this is assigned by the Street processor 30 detected and based on predetermined Traffic disruption algorithms automatically recognized. This leads to that which is operatively connected to the street processor Signal processor 32, for example for a control of the light chains in such a way that their Signal lights 35, 35 'with in the direction of travel at the directional speed pulses of light running along the road operated and thereby the road users to synchronous Animated driving behavior with target speed become. Correspondingly, driving over the road and Traffic sensors of a measuring point with excessive Speed to operate the light chains in the Way that the flashing modes of individual signal lights The chain in front of the vehicle is always visible with the same Running speed operated until the road user its excessive driving speed on a permissible dimension has reduced.

In the illustrated in Fig. 3 in a schematic representation System structure is that a road 50 with two adjacent lanes 51, 51 ' for opposite directions with a Surveillance and information system is equipped, each consisting of a street processor Subsystems exists. The directions of travel indicate that Arrows 52, 52 '. Each subsystem has two in Measuring points spaced apart from one another along the street 53, 53 'and 54, 54', their sensors via networks 55, 55 'and 56, 56' with the assigned street processors 58, 59 are connected. Extend further spaced apart along the two sides of the road arranged lighting elements 60, 60 'with signal lights 61, 61 'and electronics 62, 62', those via a network 63, 63 'or 64, 64' with each other to light chains 65, 65 'or 66, 66' and each with the associated road processor 58, 59 are connected. After all, they are along the street road processors assigned to successive subsystems via a processor network 68 with one another in Connection and are also due to an only indicated Power supply 69. Also any street processor provided with a modem connection 70 and with a if applicable, the existing headquarters can be connected.

3 differs of the system structure explained above in connection with FIG. 2 in that the street processors 58, 59 with corresponding slots for the individual functions are equipped and therefore there are no separate signal processors requirement.

In the road processor 75 illustrated in FIG. 4 is a device in which the individual Functional elements within an externally encapsulated Housing 76 are included. Between a power supply 77 connected to an external power cable 78 is connected, and a backup battery 80 are five slots, arranged in which the different processor cards added are. So is located right next to the power supply 77 the central processor 82 with a Leptop interface 83 and next to it are two induction loop processor cards 84, 85 added to the an insert 86 for neural processing follows. Between this slot and the backup battery 80 is then an interface card Data network trained slot 87, the immediately with a data interface modem led out of the housing 76 88 is connected.

The individual plug-in modules are located above connection modules in the form of modular connection boards in connection and these boards are equipped with terminal strips, which the direct connection to the processor network, the Sensor technology and a data interface for the signal network convey. This is the processor network 90 via a suitable cable entry in the outer housing and the connection to the central processor mediating connection board 91 switched. At the embodiment shown are two processor cards intended for induction loops, each with a connection board 92, 93 are connected. The connection mediate with the assigned sensors Cable feedthroughs in the housing 94, 95 on the terminal blocks of this Connection boards are switched. On the rest Connection board 96, which with the interface card data network is connected, the signal lines 97, 98 to Controlling the lighting elements switched. For the rest are the connection modules with integrated lightning protection equipped.

The lighting element illustrated in FIG. 5 acts it is designed as a light post 100 Road post. This guide post has the typical cross section in the form of an isosceles Triangular and is with its lower end on the edge of one Road anchored to ground 101. The one of the two Legs of the triangle formed the top of the triangular Guide post cross section points to the road and the the area facing the oncoming traffic is included a rectangular and in its main extent vertically extending reflector 102.

The convertibility from the conventional guide post to Illuminated post 100 conveys a module Delineator intermediate piece 105, which is above the reflector 102 and arranged in the one shown in FIG Way with one oncoming and one flowing off Signal light 106, 106 'facing traffic and with a manually operated push button 107 is provided. The guide post intermediate piece has a lower and upper insertion section 108, 108 ', the cross-sections of the inner cross-section of the guide post are adjusted. With the light post 100, this is as Module-formed intermediate piece 105 between the the vertically extending reflector 102 Area of the delineator and an upper delineator cap added. The signal lights 106, 106 'are in the two converging towards the road in a point converging flat sides of the intermediate piece 105 arranged, however, the manually operated push button 107 in the flat side pointing away from the street.

Immediately next to the light post 100 is in the ground 101 a bottom housing 110 with a removable top cover 111 arranged in which to this Electronics 112 belonging to the luminous element is accommodated. The electronics are connected to the cable network 115 Electronics of neighboring lighting elements in connection and is with those in the guide post spacer 105 arranged signal lights 106, 106 'and the push button 107 via lines 116, 117 and a contact plug 118 connected, as a removal or tear-off connector is trained and in case of malfunctions or for other reasons the simple expansion of the Guide post intermediate piece with the signal lights and the push button.

The signal lights arranged in the guide post intermediate piece 105 of the light post are with light surface elements 120 equipped in the form of LED arrays. Here it is recorded in a plastic frame 121 LEDs 122, in the interest of easy wiring applied to a board, not shown and in the plastic frame in its lower area are shed. By shedding the LEDs just in their lower area ensures that their No brightness when used outdoors due to dirt can be affected because the domes of the LEDs are subject to a natural cleaning effect and the Luminous flux is fixed on the domes.

Claims (29)

1. Method for monitoring road traffic and for early information and warning of road users, in which method traffic states or road states, which are entered or are ascertained by means of sensors arranged at the roadside, are brought to display by means of indicating elements, characterised in that traffic disturbances, faulty behaviour, dangerous road conditions and/or critical weather conditions are detected in three different operating modes by means of traffic-detecting and/or load-detecting equipment and brought to display by way of light chains, which are arranged at a spacing from one another, of interconnected light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100), which are controllable together or one after the other, with signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') and thereby a continuous traffic information and, in a given case, warning take place in real time in such a manner that the light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100) of the light chains

   are operated by drive control by means of a road sensor element (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') with electronic evaluating system (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59) and automatic fault recognition or manual switching-on in an operating mode "shortest reaction time"

   are operated by drive control in consequence of an evaluation of the traffic data from two or more sensors and evaluating units and of a comparative traffic data evaluation in another operating mode "medium reaction time" or

   are operated by drive control by way of evaluation of the sensors by means of processing at control points in a further operating mode "long reaction time".
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the light chains of interconnected light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100) are operated continuously with preset light chain length as route aids.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') of the light chains are operated with variable pulse lengths, variable frequency and variable keying ratio of the light pulses.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that in the case of measured transgressions, such as increased speed, heavy goods vehicle overtaking prohibition, overloading of axles, wrong direction of travel or the like, the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61', 106, 106') are operated in flashing mode and instructions are thereby given to the respective road user.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') of the light chains are operated in real time in interplay with the traffic-detecting and/or load-detecting equipment with use of different disturbance algorithms.
6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the lighting states of the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') of the light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100) of the light chain are monitored and controlled from a control point.
7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that several light elements are controlled in drive and activated rearwardly directed against the flow of traffic each time by a respective road sensor system with a connected evaluation and control unit.
8. Traffic monitoring and information system with means for the performance of the method according to one of the claims 1 to 7, with sensors arranged at the roadside and display elements arranged along the road, characterised in that light elements are arranged as display elements along at least one side of the road to follow the route and are provided as light bus (17, 17', 36, 36') with the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106'), which are connected together into light chains and controllable in drive individually, in groups or together for signal delivery respectively in dependence on detected and/or preset traffic and/or road states, wherein measurement points (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') with traffic or load detection equipment (25, 26, 27, 28 or 25', 26', 27', 28') acting substantially transversely to the travel path of a road (10, 20, 50) are provided as sensors and are associated with at least two statically or dynamically coupled light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100), which are spaced from each other and follow the route, with signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') as optical signal transmitters, as well as are associated with at least one road processor (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59) as evaluating and control unit and for the evaluation of the established traffic or road states and for the drive control and activation of the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106').
9. System according to claim 8, characterised in that at least two measurement points (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') with traffic and/or load detection equipment are arranged at predetermined spacings from each other along a road (10, 20, 50) and connected with light elements, which are coupled together, with signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') and with at least one road processor (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59) as evaluating and control unit.
10. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the road processors (13, 13', 30, 32' 58, 59) of several measurement points (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') are connected together by way of a communications network.
11. System according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that speed sensors, axle detectors, induction loops, weighing platforms, wheel load meters and the like are concerned in the case of the traffic or load detection equipment.
12. System according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the roadside sensor system of measurement points (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') is, for the detection of the traffic and/or road states, connected by way of a network with a road processor (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59), which as a main processor controls the drive of the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61, 106, 106') of the light elements (14, 14', 34, 34', 60, 60', 100) individually, together or in a predetermined sequence and co-ordinates interface maps for different sensors and signal processing units.
13. System according to claim 12, characterised in that measurement points (12, 12', 24, 24', 53, 53', 54, 54') following one another along a road (10, 20, 50) are each connected by way of a respective network with a sensor system, which is connected with a road processor (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59), for the detection of the traffic and/or road states and that the road processors (13, 13', 30, 32', 58, 59) associated with the respective route sections are connected together by way of a network.
14. System according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that

    the road processor (58, 59, 75) is built up in modular style and comprises different signal processors and interface inserts as well as a master processor co-ordinating the signal processors and interface inserts,

    the road processor (58, 59, 75) is provided with plug-in places for possible enlargements or for the exchange of sensors or sensor system interfaces and all processors and plug-in boards are exchangeably connected together by means of a bus board (mother board),

    modular connecting boards (91, 92, 93, 96) serve for the sensor coupling,

    a corresponding connecting board (91, 92, 93, 96) can be plugged on for each sensor type or interface and

    the connecting boards (91, 92, 93, 96) are equipped with integrated lightning protection.
15. System according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is constructed by means of a special interface module to be network-adaptible for a real-time computer network as well as synchronous operation for parallel networks and accordingly constructed for real-time coupling of sensor system and actuator system.
16. System according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) and/or the sensor system connected thereto is constructed to be capable of remote diagnosis and accordingly checkable in its functions by remote diagnosis.
17. System according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the processing of detected vehicle data (individual vehicles or groups of vehicles) as well as for generating following parameters during the data processing and comparing these with settable limit values and that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the comparison of individual parameters or selected combinations of parameters with a transgression matrix containing configurable limit values.
18. System according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the classification of different traffic disturbances.
19. System according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the operation of conventional traffic disturbance algorithms in an individual process or multimodally (in combined algorithms).
20. System according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that

    the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the processing of the detected traffic and/or road states in neuronal styles,

    an association matrix, which operates in fault-tolerant manner, has a great catchment range and permits a real-time processing in situ, serves for the coding of limit value transgressions and for the classification of traffic states,

    a trained hetero-associative network, in which images of traffic magnitudes and limit values, which are summarised into traffic state classes in a learning data file, have been used for training with the aid of practical measurement values and/or synthetically generated training patterns and/or signal patterns modified by variances and are utilised in real time in a "can phase" for class formation of the traffic states, serves for the real-time classification of traffic situations and traffic disturbances.
21. System according to claim 20, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is designed for the classification of vehicle types in neuronal styles, wherein the vehicle classes are recognised with the aid of the signal patterns of individual sensors, such as perhaps detuning of inductive loops or also from combined signal patterns of several sensors.
22. System according to one of claims 11 to 21, characterised in that the road processor (58, 59, 75) is equipped with at least one interface for coupling to environmental sensors and is designed for processing and, in a given case, storage of environmental data and for preferably automatic triggering of alarms or actual value displays when preset limit values are exceeded.
23. System according to one of claims 11 to 22, characterised in that for the recognition of traffic disturbances, apart from other criteria such as number of vehicles, vehicle types or travel speed, the vehicle weight or the axle loads, in particular, are drawn upon for estimation of traffic-technical magnitudes and/or disturbances as their prediction.
24. System according to one of claims 8 to 23, characterised in that the light elements are programmable individually or alternately and controllable manually or by means of computer by traffic or road states which are entered or are ascertained by roadside traffic-detecting and/or load-detecting equipment of the measurement points.
25. System according to claim 24, characterised in that the light elements are constructed as modules (105), which can be installed subsequently into existing road reflector posts.
26. System according to claim 24 or 25, characterised in that the signal lamps are equipped with monochrome light surface elements in, in a given case different colours and/or as light surface elements (120) operable in mixed colours and that light-emitting diode arrays operable optimally in terms of energy are the light surface elements (120).
27. System according to claim 25 or 26, characterised by drive control of the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61', 106, 106') of the light elements by means of an intelligent electronic system (13, 15, 30, 32, 62, 62', 112) and in that the intelligent electronic system comprises its own computer module with bus interface as well as with its own address enabling the programmed drive control.
28. System according to claim 27, characterised in that the signal lamps (16, 16', 35, 35', 61', 106, 106') of the light elements are connected to their intelligent electronic system (112) by way of extension and magnetic contact plugs (118).
29. System according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterised in that the light elements are equipped with sensors, such as ultrasonic detectors, for the detection of traffic flow, which sensors are connected with a road processor by way of a computer network belonging to the system.

Images