Communications: electrical – External condition vehicle-mounted indicator or alarm – Highway information
Patent
1996-09-12
1997-12-09
Hofsass, Jeffery
Communications: electrical
External condition vehicle-mounted indicator or alarm
Highway information
340933, 340934, 340919, 364436, 364437, G08G 109
Patent
active
056965028
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on roads, the roads having measuring points and measuring cross sections.
The constantly increasing volume of traffic on the roads, in particular freeways, with the resulting reduction in safety and the difficulties in correspondingly expanding the overall road or freeway network have led in recent decades to considerations concerning the use of electronics for increasing the efficiency and safety of roads.
There are in the meantime various systems and various methods which, on the basis of traffic measurements, switch appropriate displays on the variable message signs. The control is point-specific, if it relates to a specific point of the traffic flow (for example roadworks or narrowing of roadways), section-specific (generally referred to by the term "line influencing"), if its relates to a section, or network-specific, if it undertakes the automatic diversion from a normal route to an alternate route (variable route guidance).
Existing line influencing systems are very complex and expensive and are therefore installed selectively on sections where there is particularly heavy traffic. At the same time they require very high expenditure with respect to data acquisition and evaluation and for information transmission by means of variable message signs. To maintain clear relationships between the traffic situation and the controlled display, the control logic is of a relatively simple construction. The processed local measured values, such as generally smoothed traffic intensity, smoothed speed and local traffic density, are compared with predefined threshold values in order to make a statement or to activate the variable message sign.
In the case of systems in operation with traffic sensing and control of the traffic by variable message signs, until now the control has been carried out by definitive Yes/No statements, based on decision logics. For example, if traffic is heavy it can be harmonized by displaying the same speed restriction on all lanes. If the driving speed is reduced, a jam can be detected and a warning given. If relatively great traffic disruption is detected, it can be counteracted by means of a uniform speed restriction. Weather-dependent ambient conditions, which are sensed by separate sensors, are likewise displayed for line influencing. An early and reliable detection of hazardous traffic conditions is not readily possible with the known systems, because the traffic data acquired do not provide clear information on the actual traffic situation.
European reference EP-A-0 171 098 discloses a method of sensing traffic and controlling traffic on roads which has at least two measuring points for vehicle detection with traffic sensors. In this method, traffic data in the form of vehicle speeds are determined, processed and assessed taking into account the traffic intensity. It involves considering the determined speed data of at least two measuring points spaced apart by a certain length and comparing them with predetermined speed values on the basis of logic decisions.
The article "Traffic Prediction Method by Fuzzy Logic", Second IEEE International Conference on Fuzzy Systems (Cat. No. 93CH3136-9), Proceedings of IEEE 2nd International Fuzzy Systems Conference, San Francisco, Calif., U.S.A., 28 Mar.-1 Apr. 1993, ISBN 0-7803-0614-7, 1993, New York, N.Y., U.S.A., IEEE, U.S.A., pages 673-678 Vol. 2, Iokibe T. et al., discloses a method in which only the traffic intensity is measured and this is assessed together with empirical traffic intensity values with the aid of fuzzy logic in order to obtain an estimate of the traffic to be expected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is an early and reliable automatic detection of critical traffic situations, such as traffic disruptions caused by the forming of a jam or an accident, on roads in order to warn the road users of this situation in good time.
In general terms the present invention is a method for sensing t
REFERENCES:
patent: 3536900 (1970-10-01), Iwamoto et al.
patent: 4750129 (1988-06-01), Hengstmengel et al.
patent: 5357436 (1994-10-01), Chiu
Second IEEE International Conference On Fuzzy Systems, Proceedings of IEEE 2nd International Fuzzy Systems Conference, San Francisco, CA., Mar. 28, 1993, to Apr. 1, 1993; Traffic Prediction Method by Fuzzy Logic, by T. Iokibe et al; pp. 673-678.
Busch Fritz
Ghio Andrea
Konrad Johannes
Edwards, Jr. Timothy
Hofsass Jeffery
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
LandOfFree
Method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on ro does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on ro, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on ro will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1610956