GB2513567A

GB2513567A - Road traffic monitoring equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2513567A
Application number: GB1307679.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Smith
Original assignee: ERH HOLDINGS Ltd
Current assignee: ERH HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-29
Filing date: 2013-04-29
Publication date: 2014-11-05
Also published as: GB201307679D0

Abstract

A system for monitoring road traffic flow on a roadway 1 comprises a central control unit 30 for deployment near a roadway and multiple roadside detection modules 20. Each detection unit is operable to monitor a traffic flow parameter (e.g. using RADAR or LIDAR); generate an alarm condition in dependence upon a monitored traffic flow parameter and a predetermined alarm condition; and consequently transmit 31 traffic flow parameter information to the central control unit. The central control unit may include a camera such that an image of a portion 2 of the roadway may be captured and transmitted 32 with the flow information to a recipient. Transmission 31, 32 may be wireless. The central control unit and detection module may be lightweight for ease of transportation and temporary deployment, e.g. to monitor traffic near road works.

Description

ROAD TRAFFIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT

The present invention relates to road traffic monitoring equipment and deployment thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The UK Department for Transport recommends that, when road work is undertaken on a motorway (highway, autoroute) or trunk road within the United Kingdom, a means of detecting queues and incidents is provided within the established temporary traffic management system.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates schematically a previously considered road traffic monitoring system. The system is deployed along a roadway 1 which includes road works region 2. Traffic flow is indicated by arrow 3. The road traffic monitoring system is deployed to monitor the road traffic entering the road works region 2, as well as monitoring road traffic actually in the road works region 2.

In this previously-considered system, closed circuit television (CCTV) camera installations 4 are deployed along the edge of the roadway 1. A temporary central control room 5 is provided to receive CCTV signals from the camera installations 4 by way of respective coaxial CCTV cables 6. The control room 5 typically contains a bank of display screens which are monitored by operators so that queues and incidents within the area of coverage can be identified and acted upon. A power supply 7 provides electrical power for each of the camera installations 4 via power cabling 8.

The previously-considered system of traffic monitoring at road works includes a number of CCTV camera installations 4, as described. Figure 2 illustrates a typical CCTV camera installation 4 in more detail. The installation includes a large ballast block 10, usually of concrete. Extending upwardly from the ballast block 10 is a mast or column 11. The mast or column is of steel or aluminium construction and is designed to support a CCTV camera unit 12 at a sufficient height, usually 7m to 8m from the road surface, to give sufficient coverage for the camera. The CCTV cables 6 and power supply cables 8 are connected to each of the installations. These CCTV installations are transported to site using a rigid or articulated flatbed lorry capable of legally transporting the mass of the blocks together with the length of column. The installations 4 are placed at the roadside using a truck mounted loading crane, site forklift, suitable excavator or small mobile telescopic crane.

The coaxial cable 6 that connects the CCTV camera 12 at the roadside is usually laid on the surface of the verge or aftached in a temporary manner to roadside street furniture such as the boundary fence or similar. This CCTV cable 6 is deployed from large cable drums attached to a cable trailer towed by a suitable vehicle. This cable infrastructure can consist of several kilometres of cable to enable all roadside monitoring locations to be connected to the control room 5. The power cables 8 are then deployed and installed.

The deployment of the CCTV installations takes a considerable amount of time over a number of days. The actual time period is dependent upon the size and numbers of temporary CCTV monitoring locations and their distance from the central monitoring location.

In addition, the size of current equipment means that large transportation and handling equipment is needed, and this makes deployment more complex due to safety requirements and the need for temporary traffic management during deployment.

Such previously-considered systems have several drawbacks, including the amount of time taken for deployment, the high cost of the equipment and deployment, and the amount of physical space that the system as a whole consumes. The manual observation of the CCTV pictures by operators, with the subsequent chances of delays and errors, is also a drawback of the current systems and methodologies.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system and technique for road traffic monitoring that addresses the drawbacks of the previously-considered systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for monitoring road traffic flow on a roadway, the system comprising a central control unit for deployment in a vicinity of a roadway to be monitored, a plurality of roadside detection modules for deployment adjacent a roadway, each detection unit including a monitoring device operable to monitor at least one traffic flow parameter, and a controller operable to generate an alarm condition in dependence upon a monitored traffic flow parameter and a predetermined alarm condition, and to transmit traffic flow parameter information to such a central control unit upon generation of an alarm condition.

In one example, the central control unit and each roadside detection module include respective wireless communications units for wireless communication therebetween.

In one example, the central control unit includes a camera unit operable to capture an image of a roadway being monitored upon receipt by the central control unit of traffic flow parameter information from a roadside detection module following generation of an alarm condition.

At least one of the monitoring devices may be provided by a radar device. At least one of the monitoring devices may be provided by a laser device.

An example system further comprises a plurality of lightweight support structures for supporting respective roadside detection modules.

An example system further comprises a lightweight height-adjustable support structure for supporting the central control unit.

At least one of the roadside detection modules may include an electrical power source. The central control unit may include an electrical power source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying a system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of loading the plurality of roadside detection modules, the central control unit and respective associated support structures onto a transport vehicle, delivering the plurality of roadside detection modules, the central control unit and the respective associated support structures to respective positions, locating the roadside detection modules on respective support structures adjacent the roadway to be monitored, locating the central control unit on a support structure in the vicinity of the roadway to be monitored, and initialising each roadside detection module and the central control unit.

Systems and techniques embodying these aspects of the present invention address the short comings of existing systems In particular, such systems consume less space on the roadway, and can be deployed without causing extensive disruption and congestion themselves.

Deployment time is reduced, thereby meeting the requirement of the authorities for contractors to appear on the road network for as short a period as possible at times when traffic flows are lowest. In addition! such systems address the requirements of the authorities regarding reductions in overall roadwork construction period, roadwork construction costs, and road worker exposure time on the roadway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure lillustrates a roadway with a roadwork region and a previously-considered road traffic monitoring system; Figure 2 illustrates a camera installation of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a roadway with a roadwork region and a road traffic monitoring system embodying an aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates a roadside detector unit of the system of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates schematically components of the unit of Figure 4; Figure 6 illustrates a roadside camera unit of the system of Figure 3; Figure 7 illustrates schematically components of the unit of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of deploying the system of Figure 3; and Figure 9 is a flowchart showing steps in a method of operating the system of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 3 illustrates a road traffic monitoring system embodying an aspect of the present invention. The system of Figure 3 is deployed alongside a roadway 1, which includes a road works region 2. Road traffic flow is indicated by arrow 3. The system includes roadside detection units 20 which are deployed to a side of the roadway 1. The system also includes a roadside camera and control unit 30 which is in communication 3lwith the roadside detection units 20. A plurality of roadside detection units 20 are deployed in an array with a single camera and control unit 30.

Figure 4 illustrates a roadside detection unit 20 of the system of Figure 3. The unit 20 includes a support structure 21 which engages with the ground 22. A detection module 23 is mounted on the support structure 21. The support structure, in one example, is provided by a collapsible stand, and suitable removable ballast. The support structure is lightweight in nature and is hand portable or wheeled. This light weight nature of the equipment reduces the need for large transportation and lifting equipment for each installation.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically components of the detector module 23 roadside detector unit 20 of Figure 4. The detector module 23 includes a monitoring unit 24, a controller 25, a wireless communications unit 26, an antenna 27 and a power supply 28. In one example, the monitoring unit 24 is provided by a radar device. Alternatively, the monitoring unit could be provided by a laser device, or any other suitable speed monitoring device.

In use, as will be described in more detail below, the monitoring unit 24 is arranged to monitor traffic flow in a specified portion of the roadway, under control of the controller 25.

The monitoring unit 24 determines the speed of the road traffic flow, and the rate of occupancy of the specified portion of roadway. The monitoring unit 24 supplies road traffic flow information to the controller 25 for processing.

The wireless communications unit 26 and antenna 27 provide wireless radio frequency communications with other units in the system, as will be described below. The controller 25 receives the road traffic flow information from the monitoring unit 24, and processes this information. The result of the processing by the controller 25 is supplied to the central roadside camera and control unit 30 (Figure 3), for further processing.

The monitoring unit 24, the controller 25 and the wireless communications unit 26 are provided with electrical power by the power supply unit 28. The power supply unit 28 may be provided by any suitable power source, such as batteries, a generator, wind turbine, fuel cell and/or a solar power unit.

Figure 6 illustrates a roadside camera and control unit 30 of the system of Figure 3. The unit includes a support structure 31 which engages with the ground 32. A camera and control module 33 is mounted on the support structure 31. The camera and control module 33 includes a camera 34. The support structure, in one example, is provided by a wheeled wind up tower mast. The support structure 31 is lightweight in nature and reduces the need for large transportation and lifting equipment for each installation. The support structure 31 and camera and control unit 33 is delivered to an appropriate roadside location, and then the support structure 31 raised to a required height, such that the camera 34 has a suitable view of the roadway and road works region.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically components of the camera and control unit 30 of Figure 6.

The camera and control unit 30 includes the camera 34, a central controller 35, a wireless communication unit 36, an antenna 37, and a power supply unit 38.

The wireless communications unit 36 and antenna 37 provide wireless radio frequency communications with other units in the system, as will be described below. The central controller 35 receives road traffic flow information from the roadside detection units via the wireless communications unit 36, and processes that information, as will be described below. The central controller 35 controls the camera 34 in dependence upon received road traffic flow information, and also communicates with a remote monitoring system located away from the roadway concerned.

The camera 34, the central controller 35 and the wireless communications unit 36 are provided with electrical power by the power supply unit 38. The power supply unit 38 may be provided by any suitable power source, such as batteries, roadside mains power, a generator, fuel cell, wind turbine and/or a solar power unit.

Deployment of the system and units of Figure 3 will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 8. At step A, the required equipment (roadside detection units and camera and control unit) is loaded onto a suitable transport vehicle, which then transports the equipment to site (step B). The transport vehicle is preferably equipped with a small side loading equipment ramp that allows the lightweight equipment that cannot be lifted off manually to be offloaded when the vehicle is parked safely adjacent to highway features such as the permanent vehicle restraint system (barrier), a temporary vehicle restraint system (temporary barrier), an embankment, a French drain, or an emergency services observation platform.

The vehicle is parked (step C) such that the ramp passes over any obstruction.

Alternatively, a small swing out electric vertical hoist can be used. This allows the equipment to be moved from the transport vehicle and lowered to ground level. The roadside detection units 20 are located appropriately, and switched on (step E). The camera and control unit 30 is wheeled to its deployment location, and switched on (step F). The support structure 31 is then raised to the desired height (step G).

The camera and control unit 30 is then accessed remotely for control and set up of the system (step H).

Removal of the system is carried out in reverse in a similar manner. The equipment is loaded onto the transport vehicle, craned upwards beside or wheeled up the side to the vehicle and removed from site.

Since the equipment is lightweight, it can be safely lifted, wheeled or craned off in such a manner as not to require a large crane or vehicle with stabilisers.

This reduction in the weight of the equipment to be offloaded allows the use of a transport vehicle that occupies a smaller area of roadway during deployment, and so requires less traffic management to provide a safe working area for those working on the deployment.

This requirement for less traffic management allows the operation to be carried out during daylight hours, further improving the safety of the deployment operation. In addition, the system is small and lightweight such that an entire system can be deployed within one shift, whereas previously it took between ten to fourteen shifts. Furthermore, a single transport vehicle is needed with a system embodying an aspect of the present invention, unlike previously-considered systems that require multiple vehicles for deployment. The roadside units do not require any ground preparation, and are significantly smaller compared to previously-considered systems. The provision of power supplies in the units and the use of wireless communications remove the need for cabling, and simplify deployment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing steps on a method of operation of the system of Figure 3.

Following initialisation of the system, the roadside detection units 20 continually monitor road traffic conditions (step I). The road traffic conditions being monitored include traffic flow speed and occupancy. The monitoring unit 24 of each detection unit 20 supplied road traffic condition information to the controller 25 of the unit concerned for processing. The controller 25 compares the received condition information with predetermined threshold information (steps J and K). If a predetermined set of alarm conditions are not met, then the roadside detection unit 20 reverts to monitoring.

If the predetermined alarm conditions are met, then the controller 25 transmits the alarm condition information, and the traffic condition information to the camera and control unit 30, via the wireless communications unit 26 (step L).

The central controller 35 of the camera and control unit 30 receives the information from each of the roadside detection units 20 in the array (step M), and collates and processes the received information (step N). The central controller 35 operates the camera 34 to provide an image of the road works region 2 when the alarm conditions are met from one or more of the roadside detection units 20 (step 0). The central controller 35 then transmits the road traffic information and image to a remote control point using the wireless communications unit 36 (step P). The information and image may be provided to a remotely-located operator in the foim of an email, an internet feed, oi a mobile telephone message (such as SMS), or any appropriate combination thereof. Reception of the information and image enables a decision regarding the handling of the traffic situation to be made by the operator (step 0).

The system continues to monitor and report on the road traffic conditions.

The alarm conditions that need to be met for a roadside detection unit 20 to transmit information to the camera and control unit 30 are based on a definition of a queue condition.

If the detected road traffic flow speed drop to below a first threshold value (for example, 30mph or 45 km/h), and the detected roadway occupancy exceeds a second threshold value (for example 10%) for a predetermined time period (for example 10 seconds), then the alarm conditions are met, and the information is transmitted to the camera and control unit. The threshold values are chosen in dependence upon the expected type of tiaffic conditions, and the definition of a queue for the roadway and road works region concerned. The predetermined time period is required in order to reduce the chance of an anomalous alarm being generated.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A system for monitoring road traffic flow on a roadway, the system comprising: a central control unit for deployment in a vicinity of a roadway to be monitored; a plurality of roadside detection modules for deployment adjacent a roadway, each detection unit including a monitoring device operable to monitor at least one traffic flow parameter, and a controller operable to generate an alarm condition in dependence upon a monitored traffic flow parameter and a predetermined alarm condition, and to transmit traffic flow parameter information to such a central control unit upon generation of an alarm condition.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit and each roadside detection module include respective wireless communications units for wireless communication therebetween.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the central control unit includes a camera unit operable to capture an image of a roadway being monitored upon receipt by the central control unit of traffic flow parameter information from a roadside detection module following generation of an alarm condition.
4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices is provided by a radar device.
5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the monitoring devices is provided by a laser device.
6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding clams, further comprising a plurality of lightweight support structures for supporting respective roadside detection modules.
7. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims! further comprising a lightweight height-adjustable support structure for supporting the central control unit.
8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the roadside detection modules includes an electrical power source.
9. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central control unit includes an electrical power source.
10. A method of deploying a system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a. loading the plurality of roadside detection modules, the central control unit and respective associated support structures onto a transport vehicle; b. delivering the plurality of roadside detection modules, the central control unit and the respective associated support structures to respective positions; c. locating the roadside detection modules on respective support structures adjacent the roadway to be monitored; d. locating the central control unit on a support structure in the vicinity of the roadway to be monitored; and e. initialising each roadside detection module and the central control unit.