RU2457544C2 - Method of coordinating traffic and complex monitoring of road traffic safety - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: vehicle or fixed switch post is fitted with a system of devices including an access unit, a control unit, a global radio navigation system module and a wireless information transmission module. On the vehicle, the system of devices is augmented with sensors for marking, distance, side spacing, impact, airbag operation, photographic and video cameras, exhaled air analysers and other devices. During motion, the control unit receives information on the vehicle, the state of the driver and control parameters from several different information sources, processes these data with a data base to ensure traffic safety and if necessary, communicates through wireless information transmission modules with other vehicles and/or fixed switch posts. If there are deviations, the control unit detects those deviations, informs the driver, records and transmits information through the wireless information transmission module to other vehicles or fixed switch posts, and if necessary, generates control actions to the onboard system of the vehicle.

EFFECT: invention enables to automatically provide vehicle safety, perform total monitoring and control for the entire traffic and each vehicle separately, provides better vehicle control, coordination of movement of two or more vehicles, possibility of automatic two-way communication with vehicles in distant deserted territories.

1 dwg

Description

The method of comprehensive monitoring of road safety and vehicle traffic coordination (hereinafter referred to as the “Method”) relates to automated control systems for technical devices and assemblies and can be used to track the movement of vehicles, control traffic flows, and monitor compliance with traffic rules around the clock and emergency assistance. The method can be implemented by installing a set of special equipment on any vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the "TS") moving on the ground part of the Earth’s surface under human control. Advantageously, the method can be used to control cars and trucks, buses, trolleybuses, trams, railway trains, motorcycles, special construction equipment and other similar devices.

A known method of monitoring safety, carried out in the framework of the "European program for the transfer of vehicle coordinates in the event of a traffic accident", described in [1]. This method is implemented as follows: a special control unit is installed in the vehicle, which, in a traffic accident (accident), receives an accident signal from shock sensors and / or deployed airbags and initiates an emergency mode in which the exact location of the vehicle is requested from installed in the navigation equipment block of the GPS system and via GSM / GPRS standard communication channels is transmitted together with the SOS signal to the emergency console. This method allows you to: firstly, automatically, without the participation of a person and unauthorized persons, make an instant call for emergency services, which is very important in desert areas, and secondly, more quickly come to the scene of an accident to emergency services by accurately describing the location of the accident , which significantly reduces the waiting time for qualified assistance. The main disadvantages of this program are the impossibility of transmitting a signal from one vehicle to another along a chain (for example, in the area where there is no GSM network in the highlands) to a vehicle located in the “network” and capable of transmitting a signal; and passivity regarding the prevention of traffic violations (traffic rules) and the occurrence of accidents. In addition, there is no fixation of the circumstances of the accident before and after what happened with the backup power source.

In [2, 3], communication methods between two vehicles are described by exchanging data via the Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) channel, which allow transmitting hazard warnings arising from accidents, traffic jams, fog, ice, and duplicating signals external light signals such as a brake light and direction indicators. During the tests, one of the cars played the role of a transmitter, the other a switch and a receiver. Among other things, cars also exchanged data on their speed, engine speed, and wheel speed. Thus, in this case, the problem of signal transmission between two cars is solved, however, a backup communication channel is not provided, for example, the same GSM / GPRS, and the task of preventing accidents lies solely with the driver of the vehicle, which, using auxiliary signals received through this device, can coordinate their actions faster. The function of monitoring compliance with traffic rules is still completely absent.

According to the materials [4, 5], there are methods that allow you to control the behavior of the vehicle on the roadway by marking line sensors and ultrasonic sensors-emitters (so-called sonars or “parking sensors”) that control the distance and the lateral interval to the obstacle. In the event of a threat - a critical approach or movement, these sensors transmit a signal to a special control unit, which either informs the driver about the danger by giving an audio or light signal, or automatically forcibly intervenes in driving, adjusting the direction and speed of movement. A common drawback of these methods is the lack of fixing their readings and the ability to intelligently compare data with a reference markup card or coordination between vehicles. In other words, these systems only detect deviations and give a signal, partially interfering with the control, which can lead to accident in itself in certain cases.

The solution proposed in [6] allows, by equipping vehicles with navigation devices (such as GLONASS) and devices for transmitting their coordinates to a dispatch center (such as GSM / GPRS), to monitor the fleet of vehicles around the clock, that is, track their movement on an electronic map on the subject compliance with the established route. This decision is aimed at trucking organizations that can thus control their rolling stock, fuel and lubricants consumption, drivers' operating hours; however, this method does not provide the function of monitoring road safety and the ability to exchange information between cars.

One of the analogues of the invention is the method described in [7]. This method is an analogue of the European program [1]. The main difference is the use of the GLONASS navigation system and more advanced capabilities for monitoring vehicles, which include constant monitoring of the vehicle, and not only in the event of an accident. The main disadvantages of this method are, again, the impossibility of monitoring compliance with traffic rules and fixing violations, the inability to coordinate movement on auxiliary sensors and a reference card, the inability to directly exchange data between neighboring vehicles in the absence of a GSM / GPRS network, the absence of other data sources, for example, a channel communication with the engine control unit (transmission).

The method [8] describes a method for monitoring the operation of vehicles based on a comparison of information about speed, direction of travel, type and technical characteristics with information from a database of restrictions that apply to this section of the road network. If the parameters do not match the database, an information packet is generated and converted into a signal for transmission over the air. This method involves obtaining information and comparing it with the database from only one source - the navigation system, excluding other sources of information.

Another method [9] describes a system for collecting and analyzing data about a traffic accident, based on a similar application of a navigation system, but supplemented by a vehicle motion parameters meter block, which is part of the on-board measuring unit. It is assumed that the on-board measuring unit receives information from the base on-board system of the vehicle, namely speed, engine speed and so on. However, this does not take into account the use of information sources such as a video camera, marking position sensors, and an exhaled air analyzer that cannot be obtained from the vehicle’s basic on-board systems.

Finally, the method [10] is the closest analogue of the proposed invention. This method involves the use of a navigation system for monitoring compliance with road safety similar to the method [8], only using the differential mode of the satellite navigation system. In addition, the method provides for equipping stationary elements of the road infrastructure (traffic lights, etc.) with means of communication with mobile vehicles. However, in this method, in contrast to [9], secondary sources of information are not used at all to confirm the objectivity of fixing a violation according to the data of a satellite navigation system. This drawback makes it impossible to record violations in the absence of a signal from a satellite navigation system.

An analysis of the options considered shows that in order to achieve the goals of preventing and preventing accidents, as well as for the effectiveness of eliminating the consequences of accidents, a comprehensive unified system of monitoring road safety and vehicle coordination based on round-the-clock total monitoring of compliance with traffic rules and vehicle control is required, allowing quickly monitor in real time all movements of vehicles in a large area, fix broken I analyze and coordinate traffic flows, and in the case of occurrence of an accident to immediately take measures to alert the emergency services and the surrounding vehicles.

Thus, the challenge facing the present invention is to create a single system that allows you to automatically control the movement of vehicles around the clock by receiving data from several independent sources of information, analyze and compare these data for compliance with road safety, based on this, provide supporting information to the driver, to record, accumulate and transmit data on violations to the dispatch center, as well as coordinate and manage drive traffic in a metropolis; promptly notify "emergency services and the surrounding vehicle about an accident using several communication channels.

The solution to the problem is expected by implementing a set of measures to change the design of vehicles and road infrastructure in order to create a single functioning system. In terms of changing the design of the vehicle, it is planned to install several modules, in particular, a system control unit with software, a navigation module for one or more satellite systems, wireless information transmission modules, an access unit, an information projector on the windshield, one or more video cameras, sensors; an air analyzer and auxiliary antennas and devices, such as a battery.

Changing the road infrastructure is to create the so-called switch posts (RMB). A PCM consists of a control unit and / or electronic computer, a module for wired or wireless information transmission, and a satellite system module for operating in differential mode. PKM as a set of devices can be installed in the control center, traffic light, checkpoint of the road guard service of the State Road Safety Inspectorate (traffic police traffic police), a vehicle of the operational services crew, a railway crossing or any other large architectural object of road infrastructure, e.g. mast, bridge leg, viaduct, underground tunnel.

The operation of the system consists in receiving data from a source of information, for example, a navigation module of a satellite system, processing and analyzing it for ensuring vehicle safety, for example, by comparing the coordinates of road markings or permitted directions of movement with a reference electronic map, recording these data and outputting processing results for driver’s information or transmission via wireless communication modules, such as WiMAX, to other road users. In addition, in the case of fixing violations or for the purposes of statistical accounting and coordination of traffic flows, the accumulated data is transmitted to the RMB using the modules of wireless information exchange when the vehicle passes the RMB. The reverse situation is also possible when PCMs or systems of other traffic participants, using the same wireless information exchange modules, transmit data to the system of a particular vehicle, for example, about the state of weather conditions or traffic intensity along the route.

New in the claimed invention is the integrated use of several independent devices for positioning and coordinating the movement of vehicles, devices for transmitting information, processing it by comparing and analyzing with certain reference (set) values, driver information output devices, driver identification devices, sensors, video cameras, air analyzers and other auxiliary devices, as part of a single functioning system that provides increased road safety and regional softening vehicle control methods wherein the interaction and their sequence of application of devices in a single system has not been used previously in the art.

These distinctive features and new features have not been identified from the existing level of technology, which allows us to conclude that the claimed invention meets the criterion of "inventive step".

The proposed system can be implemented in a set of devices, a diagram of which is presented in the figure.

Before driving, the driver identifies himself - for example, inserts a driver’s license with a built-in SIM card into access unit 7 and enters an access code. During movement, the control unit 10 receives the vehicle coordinates from the navigation module 10.6 and compares them with the values of the reference electronic map, on which speed modes, marking line coordinates, road signs and other information regarding road safety are plotted. If the coordinates of the vehicle differ from the permissible coordinates for this section, embedded in the electronic map, the control unit 10 determines the violation.

Additionally, the control unit 10 compares the received data with the data from the electronic engine control unit (for example, ECU), video camera 8, sensors 11, and other base units of the car. All received information is analyzed and recorded by the control unit 10 in the read-only memory 10.3. This and other supporting information is constantly displayed using the projector 6 on the windshield and, in case of an attempted violation, a warning appears. In the event that the driver ignores it and commits a violation of the rules of the road, video camera 8 captures this and all information, including coordinates, sensor readings, photographs, etc., is transmitted through one of the means of wireless transmission of information depending on the severity of the violation, immediately through GSM / GPRS-module 10.5, or when driving past the nearest stationary post - through the wireless information transfer module 5.

In addition, the control unit 10, through the wireless information transmission module 5, exchanges data on its coordinates and speed with surrounding vehicles and switch posts (traffic lights, traffic police posts and crews, overpasses). The data obtained are processed by the control unit 10 and are also displayed using the projector 6 on the windshield, helping the driver to navigate in a traffic situation and choose the optimal speed and distance.

In the case of driving a vehicle while intoxicated, the control unit 10 analyzes the information about the function of the trajectory of the coordinates of movement with the help of special software set in 10.3, which uses a comparison of average statistics on the function of the trajectory of movement and the reaction of the driver to obstacles over time. Also taken into account the readings of the analyzer of exhaled air 9 and other data from the base units of the vehicle. In the case of confirmation of the intoxication state, the control unit 10 further operates according to the above-described scenario of fixing violations.

If the vehicle has an accident, then the control unit 10, having received a signal from the base units of the vehicle about a collision (sensors, airbag units), instantly turns on the emergency warning mode. This mode implies transmission to emergency services and surrounding vehicles via GSM / GPRS - module 10.5 and / or module for wireless transmission of information about the accident signal 5 with its exact coordinates. All circumstances before and after the accident, such as coordinates, the speed of both vehicles, the readings of sensors, cameras and other modules are stored in a permanent storage device 10.3, which is ensured by turning on the power from the battery 10.4.

Thus, the main functions of the system are:

monitoring compliance with traffic rules;

assistance in coordinating the movement of a vehicle in a road setting;

emergency warning of a traffic accident;

fixing the circumstances of a traffic accident;

accounting for the route of the vehicle, operating conditions and operation of the units.

Technological solutions used to perform basic functions allow you to determine the following distinctive features:

- a single system, which represents the whole range of devices and means for the safety and coordination of vehicles;

- absolute control over compliance with traffic rules 24 hours a day 365 days a year;

- impartiality of the system and lack of opportunities for corruption;

- independence from natural and climatic conditions;

- facilitation of driving an inexperienced driver or in difficult weather conditions;

- determination of the state of intoxication of the driver without examination;

- reduction in fuel consumption and wear of working units;

- fixing the moments of violation and accident for the court and the insurance company;

- emergency automatic call of the rescue service with the transfer of the exact location;

- the ability to coordinate vehicle flows in a metropolis;

- The principle of confirmation of information from several sources.

These distinctive features identified as a result of the integrated implementation of all technological devices and solutions that make up the system are a confirmation of the solution of the problem and allow us to conclude that the claimed invention meets the criterion of "industrial applicability".

List of sources of information

1. The website of the European Association of Intelligent Transport Systems Market Players ERTICO -

http://www.esafetysupport.org/en/esafety_activities/esafety_forum/ .

2. Volkswagen company website -

http://www.volkswagen-media-services.ru/documents/detail/?id=3344 .

3. Nissan website -

http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2008/_STORY/080805-01-e.html .

4. Volvo Kars website -

http://www.volvocars.com/us/footer/about/NewsAndEvents/default/Pages/default.aspx .

5. The website of the electronic encyclopedia Wikipedia -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSRC.

6. The website of the company M2M-Telematics (Moscow) -

http://m2m-t.ru/solution/?branches=regnav .

7. The website of the Federal Target Program "Improving Road Safety for 2006-2012" -

http://www.fcp-pbdd.ru/tech_obdd/experience/detail.php?BLOCK=88&ID=14947 .

8. RF patent No. 2257616 "Method of monitoring the operation of vehicles and the system for its implementation", publ. 07/27/2005.

9. RF patent No. 2222830 "System for the collection and analysis of data on road traffic accidents", publ. 01/27/2004.

10. RF patent No. 2304813 "Method of control of vehicles and a device for its implementation", publ. 08/20/2007.

Claims (1)

A method of coordinating the movement of vehicles and comprehensive monitoring of road safety, which consists in the use of satellite navigation systems, wireless data transmission systems, as well as various sensors, analyzers and video cameras on vehicles and switchboards, characterized in that the vehicle system control unit receives information on road safety from several independent sources of information (the coordinates of its location - from navigation system, information - from the on-board system, signals - from sensors, data - from an air analyzer and a video camera, as well as data from systems of other vehicles and switch posts), comprehensively processes the information received to ensure road safety, comparing the parameters with reference, stored in the memory of the control unit, informs the driver and fixes the processing results, if necessary, transmitting them using wireless information transmission to other participants in the system, and in the event of a traffic accident it goes into emergency mode, in which it saves this information and urgently notifies rescue services.

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