WO2022013444A1

WO2022013444A1 - Road traffic system

Info

Publication number: WO2022013444A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/070028
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manuel Silva
Original assignee: Hd-Signs
Priority date: 2020-07-17
Filing date: 2021-07-16
Publication date: 2022-01-20
Also published as: FR3112644B1; FR3112644A1

Abstract

The system comprises roadside systems (26) with a road sign (3) provided with a mast (4) resting on the ground at the roadside, and an electrical cabinet (7) attached to the mast (4), and a road sign front face (6) having a circular, triangular, rectangular or square shape. A meteorological station (12) comprises a sensor (13) for repeatedly measuring a meteorological variable. A traffic detection system comprises a sensor (17) for measuring a road traffic characteristic on the road at the road sign (3). A computerised characterisation module determines a composite index of the meteorological variable and the road traffic from the measured data of the meteorological variable and the road traffic characteristic.

Description

SYSTEM FOR ROAD TRAFFIC

[1] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[2] The present invention relates to road traffic.

[3] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[4] In the field of road traffic, it is known to see a certain number of vehicles circulating on the roads. For a long time there has been developed a system of road signs. This system includes panels arranged along the roadside, and providing information to road users. These panels meet certain standards. The signaling code used is relatively universal, and is learned and recognized by road users.

[5] In addition, climatic conditions are a factor that has a very strong impact on road traffic. However, a driver's sources of weather information remain very limited. Motor vehicles themselves are equipped with measuring devices, such as a thermometer that measures the ambient temperature, and a humidity sensor on the windshield that can be used to trigger the windshield wipers. On the other hand, only users equipped with vehicles equipped in this way can benefit from this information.

[6] For the rest, users will generally content themselves with macroscopic meteorological information, such as that provided during a national or regional meteorological bulletin broadcast by a medium, for example television, and therefore very macroscopic, relative to the scale of the road journey made.

[7] WO 2017/037.379 describes a road sign equipped with a rain sensor, so as to control the display of the road sign. If the legislation imposes, on certain roads, a speed limit which depends on the weather conditions, the sign of the tens of the number displayed on the panel, corresponding to the maximum authorized speed, can be modified according to the rain sensor.

[8] This panel can also be linked to a web server for supervision.

[9] WO 2016/080.820 also describes a variable display sign integrating its own meteorological sensors.

[10] GB 2 497757 describes a display controller which can receive various external inputs, and a stimulus generator adapted to generate stimuli adapted to a new display instruction, The external inputs can be based on sensors environmental sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a light sensor, and a traffic sensor.

[11] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[12] Thus, the invention relates to a system comprising:

- at least one, and in particular, a plurality of roadside systems, each roadside system comprising:

. a road sign provided with a mast resting on the ground at the edge of the road, and an electrical cabinet fixed to the mast, and comprising a front signaling face of round, triangular, rectangular or square shape,

. a meteorological station comprising at least one sensor suitable for repeatedly measuring a meteorological quantity, and an electronic box housed in the electrical cabinet.

[13] Each roadside system further includes:

. a traffic detection system comprising at least one sensor adapted to measure a characteristic of the road traffic on the road at the level of the road sign, and an electronic box housed in the cabinet,

.a communication system adapted to communicate said meteorological magnitude and said road traffic characteristic to a remote server.

[14] The system comprises said remote server, which comprises a computerized characterization module adapted to determine a composite index of the meteorological quantity and of the road traffic from the measured data of meteorological quantity and road traffic characteristic.

[15] Thanks to these provisions, completely new elaborated data are available, which are useful in a large number of applications for road traffic assistance.

[16] Depending on various aspects, it is possible to provide for one and/or the other of the provisions below.

[17] According to one embodiment, the communication system is adapted to also communicate with another roadside system and/or a motor vehicle.

[18] According to one embodiment, the computerized characterization module is adapted to determine a composite index of the meteorological quantity, the road traffic and the location of the roadside system from the measured data of meteorological quantity, traffic characteristic road, and a location of the roadside system. [19] According to one embodiment, the computerized characterization module also takes into account measured data of meteorological magnitude and road traffic characteristic, or even location, coming from at least one other roadside system.

[20] According to one embodiment, the sensor of the meteorological station of at least one roadside system is implantable in the roadway, and is adapted to measure a meteorological quantity at the level of the roadway.

[21] According to one embodiment, the sensor of the traffic detection system of at least one roadside system is implantable in the roadway, and is adapted to measure a characteristic of the road traffic at the level of the roadway.

[22] According to one embodiment, said at least roadside system comprises a pavement module adapted to be melted into the pavement, and comprising said sensor of the weather station implantable in the pavement and said sensor of the implantable traffic detection system in the pavement.

[23] According to one embodiment, roadside systems have different measurement periodicities of the weather station sensor.

[24] According to one embodiment, the meteorological station defines a measurement periodicity as a function of the values detected for the meteorological magnitude.

[25] According to one embodiment, the roadside system is a first roadside system, and the system further comprises a second roadside system associated with the first roadside system, and comprising at least one panel road signaling device provided with a mast resting on the ground at the edge of the road, and an electrical cabinet fixed to the mast, and comprising a signaling front face of round, triangular, rectangular or square shape, an operable signaling device, and a communication system adapted to receive said composite indicia from a remote server, and wherein the controllable display system is controlled by said received composite indicia.

[26] According to one embodiment, the first and the second roadside systems are spaced along a half road, a distance between 50 meters and 300 meters.

[27] According to one embodiment, the remote server is adapted to also receive a meteorological variable from a server separate from the roadside systems, and/or a variable from a motor vehicle, and in which the computerized characterization module is adapted to determine the composite index of the meteorological quantity and of the road traffic on the basis, in addition, of the said meteorological quantity originating from a server dissociated from the roadside systems, and/or of the said quantity originating of a motor vehicle. [28] According to one embodiment, the measured meteorological quantity and road traffic characteristic data correspond to an acquisition time interval, and the characterization module is adapted to determine a composite index comprising a composite forecast of the meteorological quantity and the road traffic, at a time subsequent to the acquisition time interval.

[29] According to one embodiment, the remote server includes a diagnostic module suitable for determining a confidence index of data from a roadside system based on data from other roadside systems.

[30] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [31] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[32] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a road for automobile traffic, seen from a motor vehicle traveling on this road.

[33] [Fig. 2] is a partial side view of a roadside system usable according to one embodiment of the invention.

[34] [Fig. 3] is a representative diagram of an electronic system used in a roadside system.

[35] [Fig. 4] is a front view of a roadside system according to a second embodiment. [36] [Fig. 5] is a schematic view of a traffic assistance system.

[37] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects.

[38] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[39] Figure 1 schematically represents a road 1. To fix the ideas, the invention is presented in the context of a direction of traffic on the right. However, the invention would be just as applicable for a direction of traffic on the left. Route 1 is for example a paved road.

[40] The road is delimited, on the right side, by a roadside 2, which can be of any suitable nature, for example in earth (case of the countryside) or in synthetic material (concrete, etc... - case of cities). Typically, roadside 2 is unsuitable for road traffic.

[41] A road sign 3 is attached to the roadside. Road sign 3 complies with the regulations in force, that is to say, for France, meeting the decree of November 24, 1967 on road signs (amended by successive orders) and the interministerial instruction on road signs, compliant with the standard and marked "CE", which is equivalent to approval for road signaling equipment on the priority date of the patent application. The road sign may comply with other regulations, depending on the territory and the date of implementation of the invention.

[42] In the example shown, the signaling panel 3 comprises an elongated vertical mat 4 fixed to the ground in any appropriate manner, and a signaling device 5. The signaling device 5 is fixed to the mat at a sufficient height, even standardized, so that it can be seen by road users in normal traffic conditions.

[43] To fix ideas, we denote by Z the vertical direction, and by X the horizontal direction of the road at road sign 3. The Y direction completes the orthonormal X-Y-Z reference.

[44] The signaling device 5 comprises a signaling face 6, called "front", which faces the road, that is to say which is visible to a road user, rolling in the direction of traffic X, and advancing in the direction of traffic sign 3. The traffic sign face has signage corresponding to road signs. This signage is characterized by a shape of the signage face, seen in the X direction. This shape can be circular, in the example presented, or, as a variant, square (commonly called a "diamond" because of its position oriented at 45 °, but in reality a square according to the geometric definition of this one), rectangular, triangular, even octagonal. In the example shown, the front panel has signage which is understood by any road user as a maximum authorized speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour (km/h).

[45] Figure 2 shows from the side a portion of the signaling panel 3 at the level of the signaling device 5. The signaling panel 3 comprises an electrical cabinet 7, which is concealed behind the signaling face 6.

[46] The electrical cabinet is substantially watertight, under normal conditions of use, which allows it to house electrical components. It can be opened for maintenance by a qualified operator equipped with suitable tools.

[47] The system includes a power supply.

[48] According to an exemplary embodiment, provision is made for the rear face 8 of the electrical cabinet 7 to carry one or more photovoltaic panels 9 suitable for capturing sunlight (or public lighting) and converting it into electricity supplying a battery 10 disposed in the electrical cabinet 7. As a variant or in addition, the battery 10 can be powered by a wired electrical network connected to which the signaling panel 3 is connected. As a variant, the battery 10 cannot be charged with energy in the signaling panel 3. It is replaced periodically during a maintenance operation.

[49] The battery 10 supplies energy to a controller 11, processor or other programmable electronic machine placed inside the electrical cabinet 7.

[50] The system also includes a weather station 12. The weather station 12 includes at least one sensor 13 suitable for making a weather measurement, and a processor. As sensor 13, one can for example consider a thermometer, which measures an ambient temperature. The thermometer is for example arranged inside the electrical cabinet 7. Alternatively, the thermometer protrudes outside the electrical cabinet 7, so as to measure the temperature of the ambient air. As a further variant, the sensor 13 can be arranged entirely outside the electrical cabinet 7. For example, the sensor 13 can be arranged in a box 32 fixed at the upper end of the mast 4. As sensor 13, it is also possible to envisage a humidity or rain sensor. As sensor 13, it is also possible to envisage an optical sensor, a barometer, a weather vane (detection of the direction of the wind) or an anemometer. As a variant or in addition, a sensor 13 located in the roadway can be used. For example, the sensor 13 implanted in the roadway is flush with the surface near the road sign 3, and is connected to the electrical cabinet 7 for example by wire. The meteorological data measured may thus include one and/or other of the following data: humidity level in the air, wind speed, wind direction, visibility, dew point temperature, road surface temperature , freezing point temperature, height of the film of water on the roadway or height of snow on the roadway, type of precipitation, quantity of precipitation, level of humidity of the roadway, ... In particular, a characterization of the road grip and/or visibility characterization. Visibility is typically impacted by night, fog and/or dust (sand, etc.) depending on the road. The processor of the weather station is, schematically, integrated into the controller 11. Thus, the reference to the controller 11 is a generic reference designating all the electronic boxes for controlling or controlling the various electronic equipment of the system.

[51] The sensor 13 is connected to the controller 11 in any suitable way, for example wired or wirelessly. If the sensor 13 is outside, or partially outside, the electrical cabinet 7, it is connected, in particular by wire, to the controller 11, through the enclosure of the electrical cabinet 7 in a sealed manner.

[52] The electrical cabinet 7 also houses a clock 15 which allows certain events to be timestamped. [53] The electrical cabinet 7 also houses a memory 14 in which various data are stored, in particular data relating to measurements made by the sensors 13, and clock data.

[54] The electrical cabinet 7 also houses a communication system 16 with the outside. In the example presented, the communication system 16 is a wireless communication system. However, as a variant, a wired communication system can be provided in certain places, in particular if the signaling panel 3 is connected for its power supply.

[55] The system also includes a traffic detection system. The traffic detection system comprises a traffic sensor 17 connected to the controller 11. The traffic sensor 17 is suitable for detecting information relating to road traffic at the level of the road sign 3. Information relating to road traffic may comprise the absence or presence of a motor vehicle within the detection range of the traffic sensor 17. Alternatively, the information may comprise an instantaneous speed of movement of the detected motor vehicle.

[56] The traffic sensor 17 can be based on a radio or optical wave detection technology propagating in the air, and disturbed, for example reflected, by a motor vehicle, for example by a metal mass. The traffic sensor 17 can for example be arranged inside the electrical cabinet 7, and oriented towards the road, the material constituting the signaling face 3 being transparent to the waves emitted by this sensor as reflected by the vehicle.

[57] Alternatively or in addition, as shown in Figure 4, the traffic sensor 17 may include a probe integrated into the road surface 19. For example, the traffic sensor 17 is flush with the surface near the road sign 3 , and is connected to it by wire. Such a traffic sensor can, for example, carry out vehicle or axle counting. Such a traffic sensor can be integrated into the roadway with minimal installation work.

[58] If necessary, there is thus a pavement module embedded in the pavement, and comprising both a weather station sensor 13 and a traffic measurement probe. The roadway module is connected to the signaling panel 3 by wire for its energy supply and/or communication. As a variant, the roadway module could communicate with the electrical cabinet 7 wirelessly, and be supplied with energy independently.

[59] It will be noted that, independently of the construction of the traffic sensor 17, FIG. 4 also represents a road sign according to an alternative embodiment, in which the signaling face 6 is equipped with electronic signaling devices 20. Indeed, due to the presence near the signaling face, of a battery 10 and a controller 11, it is possible to supply energy and to control electronic signaling devices 20. According to this example, the electronic signaling devices 20 potentially comprise light-emitting diodes whose activation is controlled by the controller 11. For example, these light-emitting diodes are arranged in specific places, on one or more colored parts of the sign face 6. However, even in this embodiment, the sign remains a sign in the direction of the road, as defined above. Thus, the invention does not target devices fitted with screens which would have a purely informative function, but which do not comply with the regulations as defined above.

[60] According to one embodiment, a measurement by the weather station 12 is carried out periodically. The periodicity may depend on the quantity measured. In addition, the periodicity can be variable depending on the location of panel 3 (a panel 3 placed in a location requiring precise monitoring of weather conditions (for example on a bridge or a work of art) can be configured with higher measurement frequency). As a variant or in addition, the periodicity of the measurement may depend on the meteorological conditions. For example, if the detected temperature is close to freezing point, measurements can be made more often than when the temperature is far from freezing point.

[61] According to one embodiment, the controller 11 comprises a computerized characterization module 21 suitable for determining a composite index of a meteorological quantity and of road traffic from the measured data of meteorological quantity and road traffic characteristic.

[62] The composite index of meteorological magnitude and road traffic is an index determined on the basis of detected meteorological data and detected road traffic data.

[63] According to one example, the composite index is a Boolean index determined from a Boolean index relating to traffic and a Boolean index relating to meteorology.

[64] In this example, the boolean index relating to traffic can be the presence of traffic.

[65] The Boolean index relating to meteorology can be the detection of a meteorological characteristic value greater than a certain threshold, for example, a detection of rain during a past period of a predetermined duration, for example one hour.

[66] Therefore, in this example, the composite index of weather and road traffic magnitude can take: The value "1" in the event of the presence of detected traffic and detection of rain for a period of less than one hour before the current instant,

The value “0” otherwise.

[67] According to another embodiment, the Boolean index relating to traffic can be the determination of an instantaneous speed of a vehicle greater than a predetermined threshold.

[68] In this example, the composite index of meteorological magnitude and road traffic can take:

The value "1" in the event of the presence of traffic detected at an instantaneous speed greater than the predetermined threshold and detection of rain for a period of less than one hour before the current instant,

The value “0” otherwise.

[69] According to yet another example, the predetermined threshold for the instantaneous speed may depend on meteorological data. In this example, the composite index of meteorological magnitude and road traffic can take:

In the event of positive rain detection for a period of less than one hour before the current time: o The value "1" in the event of the presence of traffic detected at an instantaneous speed greater than a first predetermined threshold,

In the event of detection of negative rain for a period of less than one hour before the current time: o The value "1" in the event of the presence of traffic detected at an instantaneous speed greater than a second predetermined threshold (typically greater than the first predetermined threshold ),

The value “0” otherwise.

[70] As a further variant, the predetermined duration may be different for the determination of the speed threshold and for the determination of the value "1" or "0" for the composite index, once the scenario chosen which depends on the first predetermined duration.

[71] The above descriptions are simple examples, but other examples are possible which involve road traffic data and meteorological data, and determine a composite index from these data.

[72] In the example of Figure 4, the controller 11 can control the electronic signaling devices 20 according to the determined composite index. [73] The term “roadside system” 26 refers to the system arranged on the roadside, comprising the road sign 3 and the electrical cabinet 7 comprising the various electronic components described above. The integration of the electrical cabinet in the road sign makes it possible to measure information in the immediate vicinity of the road, and therefore relevant information relating to the road. A compact device can be made. For example, the constituent material of the panel and/or of the electrical cabinet is a suitable plastic, for example an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

[74] The roadside system 26 may also include other electronic components, such as, for example, an anti-theft device, an anti-intrusion alarm, a motion detector, a shock detector, an accelerometer or a beacon. location (implementing for example a satellite detection technology sometimes designated by the acronym "GPS" for "Ground Positioning System") detecting an unforeseen movement of the sign 3, for example in the event of a break-in, theft or shock. A camera may also be provided to take an image which may be used to determine the cause of an alert. It is also possible to provide a pollution sensor, for example an ozone level detector at the level of the roadside system 26.

[75] According to another example, as shown in Figure 5, the system further comprises a remote server 22. The remote server 22 comprises at least one processor 23 adapted to process data, a memory 24 adapted to store data, and a communication system 25 adapted to communicate with the communication system 16 of the roadside system. The communication system 25 is for example adapted to communicate wirelessly with the communication systems 16 of roadside systems equipped with wireless communication, and wiredly with the communication systems 16 of roadside systems. road equipped with wired communication. Communication may be through telephone technologies. Alternatively, communication between the remote server 22 and the roadside system may be via satellite technology. This variant is particularly interesting when the telephone coverage at the location of the roadside system is of poor quality. The remote server 22 can thus at least collect information relating to the correct operation of the roadside system 16, for example in particular in the event of detection of suspicious movement.

[76] According to the embodiment of Figure 5, two roadside systems are shown. These two roadside systems are designated, respectively, by the references 26a and 26b. This embodiment can be used for a larger number of roadside systems, for example three roadside systems, ten roadside systems, even a thousand roadside systems. For illustrative purposes only, FIG. 5 shows a first roadside system 26a as described above according to a first embodiment of FIG. 1, and a second roadside system 26b as described above according to a second embodiment embodiment of Figure 4. However, other embodiments are possible.

[77] Each roadside system 26 communicates with the remote server 22 via their communication systems 16 and 25. An identifier is associated with each roadside system 26, so as to associate communications with each roadside system 26. The remote server 22 thus collects composite indices associated with each roadside system 26.

[78] In one aspect, a geographic location is known for each roadside system 26 (eg, by regular communication from the positioning beacon). The remote server 22 can thus associate a composite index of the meteorological magnitude and of the road traffic with a location. This location is for example entered in the memory of the remote server 22, and associated with the identifier of the roadside system, when the roadside system is put into service.

[79] The remote server is thus able to generate a composite index of weather, road traffic and location.

[80] This processing can be done, for example, for a single roadside system 26.

[81] Alternatively, this processing may be performed for a plurality of roadside systems.

[82] According to a particular embodiment, a road map of the region in which the roadside systems are installed is available.

[83] Thus, the location of roadside systems can be, alternatively or in addition to an absolute location (of the ground positioning type), a location interpreted or relative to road mapping. According to examples, various road objects can be identified, such as for example a road, a half-road (that is to say in a single direction of traffic for a road with two traffic directions), a road section, a route, a particular location (dangerous bend, crossroads, access ramp, toll, entrance to agglomeration, etc.). Each road object can be associated with an identifier.

[84] From the composite indices of the meteorological quantity and the road traffic associated with each roadside system associated with an interpreted location, it is possible to determine a composite index of the meteorological quantity, the road traffic and the location . [85] According to one example, the processor 23 identifies a traffic jam in access ramp No. 0163D to the motorway, associated with a risk of ice in this access ramp.

[86] The server 22 can be connected to a man-machine interface 27. The man-machine interface 27 makes it possible to present a composite index of the meteorological magnitude, the road traffic and the location to an operator. The man-machine interface 27 can include several devices, such as one or more displays, indicator lights or audible warning devices relating to alarms, etc. In addition, the man-machine interface 27 can allow an operator to communicate with the server 22, for example requesting more information relating to the location concerned, or to the surrounding locations. The man-machine interface 27 can make it possible to trigger several operations such as, for example, the dispatch of relief, of a police patrol, of a maintenance team, etc.

[87] According to another example, the server 22 is provided with an interface module 28 intended to transmit relevant information to the vehicles. This requires that a vehicle 29 be equipped with a communication module 30 allowing it to receive information, and a geolocation system 31 allowing the location of the vehicle 29 to be determined. Depending on the location of the vehicle 29, determined by the geolocation system 31, the vehicle can receive, via its communication module 30, a composite index of the meteorological quantity and of the road traffic relevant to the location of the vehicle. The composite index in question is not necessarily that of the location of the vehicle, but may relate to a location downstream of the vehicle along a route followed by it. Thus, if a future location of the vehicle is known, or at least predicted, the vehicle can receive, via its communication module 30, a composite index of the meteorological magnitude and of the road traffic at this future location.

[88] This system fitted to the vehicle can be integrated into the vehicle, or a removable system such as, for example, a removable navigation box or even a smartphone, generally designated by the Anglicism "smartphone", of the driver or a passenger .

[89] According to the previous example, the roadside system 26 is adapted to determine a composite index of the meteorological magnitude and road traffic, and to transmit this composite index to the server 22 for further processing.

[90] Alternatively, it would be possible for the composite index of the weather quantity and road traffic associated with a roadside system 26 to be determined by the processor 23 of the server 22. In this case, the roadside systems road 26 transmit the measured data to the processor 23, and the processor 23 determines the composite index of the meteorological quantity and the road traffic associated with each roadside system. According to this alternatively, in addition, the processor 23 is able to determine other composite indices, for example a composite index of weather quantity and location, and/or a composite index of road traffic and location, and/or a composite index of road traffic, weather magnitude and location (as shown above) from one or more roadside systems 26.

[91] Thus, according to one embodiment, the server 22 receives road traffic and meteorological quantity data from a roadside system 26, and other data, and determines a composite index of road traffic, of the meteorological quantity and the other data. According to an example already given, the other datum comprises a location of the roadside system 26 in question. According to another example already given, the other datum comprises road traffic datum, meteorological quantity datum and/or location datum of another roadside system 26. According to yet another example, the other data may include a characteristic instant of the acquisition of road traffic data and meteorological magnitude. According to yet another example, the other data may come from a remote server. For example, the other datum may comprise a meteorological quantity coming from a remote server. The meteorological magnitude in question may be a magnitude dissociated from any roadside system. According to yet another example, the other data coming from a remote server can come from a motor vehicle. The data originating from a motor vehicle may comprise traffic data of this motor vehicle, location data and/or meteorological data of this motor vehicle not acquired by a roadside system 26.

[92] More particularly, according to a first example, the server 22 receives traffic data and weather data from a roadside system 26, and weather data from a weather server. The composite index can take:

The value "1" in the event of the presence of traffic detected, detection of rain for a period of less than one hour before the current time, and temperature data provided by the meteorology server of the order of 0° C or less.

The value “0” otherwise.

[93] In the example above, the meteorological data provided by the meteorology server can be associated with the location of the roadside system 26, i.e. all the data provided by the meteorology server is for a region in which the roadside systems 26 are located, or that the server 22 has location data of the roadside system 26. In this case, the composite index may be associated with the location of a roadside system 26, or may be associated with a predefined geographic region, for example around the roadside system 26.

[94] More particularly, according to a second example, the server 22 receives traffic data and weather data from a roadside system 26, and data from a motor vehicle. The data coming from a motor vehicle can for example comprise traffic data associated with the motor vehicle, such as for example an instantaneous speed, or an average speed over the last ten minutes. The composite index can take:

The value "1" in the event of the presence of traffic detected, detection of rain for less than one hour before the current time, and instantaneous vehicle speed data above a certain threshold.

- The value “0” otherwise.

[95] The data from a motor vehicle may for example include meteorological data associated with the motor vehicle, such as information relating to the operation of the windshield wipers, or information relating to the ambient temperature around the vehicle.

[96] Data from a motor vehicle has the advantage that, the motor vehicle moving over time, it can provide information relating to the weather and traffic at different places and at different times course of time.

[97] In the example above, the traffic data or the meteorological data provided by the motor vehicle can be associated with the location of the roadside system 26, for example if this data comprises a location data of the vehicle automobile or of the location of acquisition of the data, and that the server 22 has location data of the roadside system 26. In this case, the composite index can be associated with the location of a system of roadside 26, or can be associated with a predefined geographical region, for example around the roadside system 26.

[98] Communication between roadside system 26 and remote server 22 may also relate to maintenance of the roadside system. The latter communicates to the server 22 information relating to its operation, technical faults (battery, photovoltaic panel, etc.) or alerts. The server 22 can also communicate to the roadside systems 26 information or updates.

[99] According to one embodiment, the composite index determined by the server 22 is a forecast. The server 22 takes as input one or more of the data mentioned above above, and determines a parameter representative of a future state of circulation from a predetermined rule. The existence of a forecast necessitates taking into account the time factor for the determination of the composite predictive index. For example, the server 22 can implement the determination of a predictive index of traffic congestion at a time t+At as a function of the traffic data v(L; t ₂ ) during a time interval [L; t ₂ ] and meteorological data p(t ₃ ; t ₄ ) during a time interval [t ₃ ; t ₄ ] by solving an expression IC(t+At)= f(v(L; t ₂ ); p(t ₃ ; t ₄ )), where t represents the instant of the determination, IC (t+At) represents the forecast composite index at a time t+At subsequent to time t, at t ₄ are times prior to time t, with prior to t ₂ and t ₃ prior to t ₄ . Where applicable, ti=t ₃ and t ₂ =t ₄ .

[100] For example, if the average speed, during the time interval [L; t ₂ ] of the vehicles detected at the level of the roadside system is lower than a predetermined threshold, and that a meteorological parameter at the level of the roadside system is lower than a predetermined parameter (visibility, ambient temperature, hygrometry, .. .) during the time interval [t ₃ ; t ₄ ], then the function f can determine a high traffic congestion risk at the location of the roadside system at time t+At.

[101] As a variant, the function f can also take time t as a parameter. So, for example, in the previous example, the function f can determine a high traffic congestion risk at the roadside system location for time t+At only if t is within a particular time range [t _A; t _B].

[102] Alternatively, server 22 may further determine a forecast from other data, as listed above, such as data from another roadside system, data from from a meteorological server and/or data from motor vehicles.

[103] Thus, according to a particular example, the server 22 can determine for example a forecast IC(t+At,; Xj)= f(v(t _{5, k} ); p(t _6,i )) for a plurality of future instants t+At, at a plurality of locations Xj (x being able for example to designate a coordinate along a half-road, a two-dimensional coordinate such as a rectangular box defined by longitude and latitude) as a function of traffic data v at different times t _5,k from roadside systems at different locations and/or motor vehicles, and weather data p at different times t _6,i measured by roadside systems at different locations and/or from a weather server for different locations.

[104] Following a concrete example, the server 22 determines a probability of traffic congestion downstream of a roadside system 26 from detections showing that the instantaneous speed of motor vehicles at the level of the roadside system 26 tends to decrease, the density of traffic detected by roadside systems 26 upstream, along the half-road, increases, the temperature at the level of the roadside system decreases towards zero, it is eight o'clock in the morning and a weather server reports precipitation ten kilometers west of the Highway 26 edge system in question.

[105] The server 22 can communicate to the roadside system 26 the identified composite index corresponding to the data detected by the roadside system in question. For example, if the roadside system 26 is provided with operable signaling means, as in the example of FIG. 4 above, these actuable signaling means are actuated according to the composite index received.

[106] According to yet another embodiment, the server 22 can communicate information determined from the composite index to several roadside systems 26. This will be the case, for example, if these belong to a predetermined road object. If, for example, the server 22 determines a risk in a road section, information can be sent to one or more roadside systems 26 upstream of this section. This arrangement is particularly suitable for signaling devices which are associated with the same road event: typically, an announcement signaling device which warns the road user of the imminence of a road event, then a signage at the site of the actual road incident. These two signaling devices are typically spaced apart, along a road, between 50 meters and 300 meters. For example, for a dangerous bend, it is not uncommon to have, upstream, a signaling device relating to the dangerous bend, a signaling device which alerts, a few hundred meters earlier, of the imminence of the dangerous bend. Thus, in the event that a relevant composite index was determined for the location of the downstream roadside system, this information could be communicated to the upstream roadside system, even if, for this one, no particular composite index should be noted.

[107] According to yet another embodiment, provision may be made for roadside systems close to each other to communicate with each other as an alternative or in addition to communication with the remote server 22. Thus, a processor 11 of a roadside system 26a is adapted to determine a composite index of the meteorological quantity and of the road traffic on the basis, in addition, of data relating to the meteorological quantity and/or of the road traffic coming from a another neighboring roadside system 26b, the identity of which is known by the roadside system 26a, even the relative location, even several of these neighboring roadside systems 26b. [108] For example, at a crossroads, or on a section of road comprising several roadside systems, a composite index of the meteorological magnitude and road traffic can be determined locally from data coming from a limited number of roadside systems.

[109] According to yet another embodiment, the roadside system 26 is adapted to communicate directly with a vehicle 29 passing nearby. This requires that the communication system 16 be adapted to communicate with the communication module 30 of the vehicle. If the vehicle communicates information to the roadside system 26, this information can be used as information relating to road traffic. This information may include a vehicle identifier, instantaneous information relating to the vehicle and/or its occupants, such as for example an instantaneous speed determined by the on-board recorder, a destination entered in a navigation device of the vehicle, a provenance, a number of occupants, etc., but also information relating to the weather, such as for example temperature or rain detection data recorded by the on-board computer.

[110] If the roadside system 26 communicates information to the vehicle, this may at least include information relating to traffic, such as for example a number of vehicles having recently passed through the roadside system, and /or meteorology. Whether received from the roadside system 26 or from the server 22, this information can be used by the vehicle's on-board computer for driving assistance, or even for driving an autonomous vehicle.

[111] Although the invention has been presented above with reference to a roadside system 26 comprising a mast, it can also be used with roadside systems without masts, fixed for example on a railing guard or another object close to the road.

[112] According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite index is an index representing a condition of the road, in particular a state of wear of the road. Indeed, the condition of the road can be related to weather or traffic. In particular, the server 22 can be adapted to determine an index representative of the condition of the road according to the traffic and the meteorological conditions on this road. This determination can be implemented to predict the need for road maintenance operations.

[113] According to one embodiment, the server 22 implements a method for diagnosing data from a roadside system 26 based on data from another or other roadside systems 26, in particular neighbors. Thus, in particular, the data coming from a roadside system 26 are compared with data coming from at least two roadside systems 26 to determine an index of confidence in the roadside system 26 in question. If data from roadside system 26 is far from data from neighboring roadside systems 26 (for example, detection of light traffic while neighboring roadside systems, along the same half -route, detect sustained traffic, and/or inconsistency of meteorological data), these data may not be taken into consideration by the server 22 for determining the composite index. In addition, a maintenance operation of the roadside system can be decided, or at least a notification to a manager.

[114] Route 1 References

Roadside 2 Road sign 3 Mat 4

Signaling device 5

Sign face 6

Electrical cabinet 7

Rear side 8

Photovoltaic panel 9

Battery 10

Controller 11

Weather station 12

Sensor 13

Memory 14

Clock 15

Communication system 16 Traffic sensor 17 Road surface 19 electronic signaling devices 20 computerized characterization module 21 Remote server 22

Processor 23 Memory 24

Communication system 25 Roadside system 26 Man-machine interface 27 Interface module 28 Vehicle 29 communication module 30 geolocation system 31 box 32

Claims

1. System including:

- at least one, and in particular, a plurality of roadside systems (26), each roadside system comprising:

. a road sign (3) provided with a mast (4) resting on the roadside ground, and an electrical cabinet (7) fixed to the mast (4), and comprising a signaling front face (6) round, triangular, rectangular or square,

. a meteorological station (12) comprising at least one sensor (13) suitable for repeatedly measuring a meteorological magnitude, and an electronic unit housed in the electrical cabinet (7), characterized in that each roadside system (26) also includes:

. a traffic detection system comprising at least one sensor (17) adapted to measure a characteristic of the road traffic on the road at the level of the road sign (3), and an electronic unit housed in the cabinet,

.a communication system (16) suitable for communicating said meteorological magnitude and said road traffic characteristic to a remote server, and in that the system comprises said remote server comprising a computerized characterization module (21) suitable for determining a composite index meteorological quantity and road traffic from measured data of meteorological quantity and road traffic characteristic.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system (16) is adapted to further communicate with another roadside system (26) and/or a motor vehicle (29).

3. System according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the computerized characterization module (21) is adapted to determine a composite index of the meteorological magnitude, the road traffic and the location of the roadside system from measured data of weather magnitude, road traffic characteristic, and location of the roadside system (26).

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the computerized characterization module (21) also takes into account measured data of meteorological magnitude and road traffic characteristic, or even location, from at least one other roadside system (26).

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the sensor (13) of the weather station (12) of at least one roadside system (26) can be implanted in the roadway, and is adapted to measure a meteorological quantity at road level.

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor (17) of the traffic detection system of at least one roadside system (26) is implantable in the roadway, and is adapted to measure a feature of road traffic at pavement level.

7. System according to claims 5 and 6, wherein said at least roadside system (26) comprises a pavement module adapted to be melted into the pavement, and comprising said sensor (13) of the weather station (12) implantable in the roadway and said sensor (17) of the traffic detection system implantable in the roadway.

8. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, in which:

- roadside systems have different measurement periodicities of the sensor (12) of the meteorological station, and/or

- the meteorological station defines a measurement periodicity according to the values detected for the meteorological quantity.

9. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the roadside system is a first roadside system, and further comprising a second roadside system associated with the first roadside system. road, and comprising at least one road sign (3) provided with a mast (4) resting on the roadside ground, and an electrical cabinet (7) fixed to the mast (4), and comprising a face signage front (6) of round, triangular, rectangular or square shape, an operable signage device, and a communication system (16) adapted to receive from a remote server said composite indicia, and in which the display system controllable is controlled by said received composite index.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first and second roadside systems are spaced apart along a half road, by a distance of between 50 meters and 300 meters.

11. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, in which the remote server (22) is adapted to also receive a meteorological magnitude from a server dissociated from the roadside systems (26), and /or a quantity coming from a motor vehicle, and in which the computerized characterization module (21) is suitable for determining the composite index of the meteorological quantity and of the road traffic also from the said meteorological quantity coming from a server dissociated from roadside systems (26), and/or said quantity coming from a motor vehicle.

12. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, in which the measured meteorological magnitude and road traffic characteristic data correspond to an acquisition time interval (h, t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ ), and in which the characterization module is adapted to determine a composite index comprising a composite forecast of the meteorological magnitude and of the road traffic, at a time (t+At) subsequent to the acquisition time interval.

13. System according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, in which the remote server (22) comprises a diagnostic module suitable for determining a confidence index of the data coming from a roadside system (26) by function of data from other roadside systems (26).