EP3540709A1 - Road monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a road surveillance system having a plurality of sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements are arranged along at least a portion of a road. In this case, the sensor elements each have a housing with a bottom for mounting on and an upper side. Furthermore, at least one sensor is provided for detecting a measured variable, wherein the sensor is connected to an evaluation device arranged in the housing, in particular for the autonomous evaluation of the detected measured variable. In this case, the evaluation device is designed such that an event and / or a state can be determined from the detected measured variable.

Description

The present invention relates to a road monitoring system and a method for road monitoring with such a road monitoring system.

In known road surveillance systems, a small number of sensors are provided, which are arranged along the road and usually detect only the presence of vehicles. The information thus acquired is forwarded to a common and central control, which uses the data collected to control the information panel or the like in order, for example, to adjust the permitted maximum speed of the detected traffic density.

The disadvantage of this is that due to the small number of sensors a failure of a single sensor may already lead to the fact that the entire road monitoring system is no longer available. Likewise, a failure of the central control immediately leads to failure of the entire road monitoring system. Furthermore, although the data collected by the road monitoring system is used to control the traffic within the road section covered by the road surveillance system. A forwarding of the collected information, for example, for large-scale traffic control, does not take place or such traffic control must be manually generated by competent personnel.

Object of the present invention is to provide a road surveillance system which is fail-safe and versatile.

The object is achieved by a road monitoring system according to claim 1 and a method for road surveillance according to claim 10.

The road surveillance system according to the invention has a multiplicity of sensor elements. In this case, the sensor elements are arranged along at least a portion of a road or a roadway. In particular, the road or track is a highway, a two-lane road on which traffic is routed in both directions, but also around any other road, such as village thoroughfares, country roads, highways, or the like. Likewise, it may be at the street or the track to a parking lot, a parking garage or an underground car park. Each of the sensor elements has in each case a housing with a bottom for attachment to a particular stationary structure and an upper side. Likewise, the sensor elements have at least one sensor for detecting a measured variable. The sensor can be arranged inside the housing, partially outside or completely outside the housing. In this case, the sensor is connected to an evaluation device arranged in the housing for, in particular, autonomous evaluation of the detected measured variable. Thus, the evaluation by the evaluation device takes place in particular without forwarding the detected measured variables to an external and central control device. The evaluation device is designed such that an event and / or state can be determined from the detected measured variable. Thus, an event or condition is determined by the respective sensor element itself. It is not necessary to forward the recorded measured variables. Thus, a fail-safe road monitoring system is provided, since the failure of a sensor element, the road monitoring system remains functional, due to the large number of independent sensor elements. Furthermore, no central control is mandatory, the failure of which would lead to a failure of the road monitoring system.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements are formed to be directly attached to the road surface. Alternatively, an adapter element or adapter plate can be provided, by means of which the respective sensor element is mounted on or on the road. Alternatively, the respective sensor element can also be attached to a building wall, a guardrail, a guide post, a snow bar, Betonleitwand or soundproof wall. In this case, an adapter element or an adapter plate is again preferably provided, by means of which the respective sensor element is fastened to one of the aforementioned structures. Due to the adapter element or the adapter plate secure attachment is possible but also a quick replacement is ensured, for example for maintenance purposes.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements on a solar cell, wherein the solar cell is arranged on the upper side of the housing in particular over the entire surface. Alternatively or additionally, at least one, several or all sensor elements on a battery for storing electrical energy. Through the solar cell and / or the battery is a long-lasting and self-sufficient power supply of the respective sensor element. Thus, the individual sensor elements and, as a consequence, the road monitoring system are also low in maintenance. Alternatively, however, a wired power supply is possible, which is particularly fail-safe.

At least one, several or all sensor elements preferably have a reflector element. In this case, the reflector element is arranged in particular on the upper side of the housing. In this case, the reflector element has, in particular, a reflection surface which points at least partially in or counter to the direction of travel. Incident light is reflected by the reflector element on the reflection surface and thus a current-independent guidance of the vehicles is ensured in the dark. In particular, the reflector element is detachably connected to the respective sensor element and can, for example be connected by a plug connection, snap connection or screw with the housing. In particular, the reflector element has different colors. In particular, the reflection surface is formed by a reflection foil but preferably by glass reflectors.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements as a sensor on at least one of the following sensor types: temperature sensor for detecting the temperature; Moisture sensor for detecting the humidity; Air pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure, which is both the static air pressure due to the weather conditions and the dynamic air pressure generated by passing vehicles; Motion sensor for detecting a movement, such as a vehicle, a person near the road or a wild animal near the road, wherein the motion sensor can be configured as an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) or radar, wherein the motion sensor is formed in particular the speed passing by Detect vehicles; a precipitation sensor for detecting precipitation; an anemometer for detecting wind speeds; a brightness sensor for detecting light radiation, for example solar radiation and the position of the sun, and the detection of headlights of vehicles; Acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration and vibration, for example by passing vehicles or people or wildlife in the immediate vicinity, as well as seismic activity or anomalies; Sensors that detect the presence of vehicles, persons or wildlife, such sensors being designed, for example, as an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, motion sensor, inductive or capacitive sensor, Hall sensors, LIDAR or radar; a microphone for detecting sound waves caused by precipitation, passing vehicles, animals or humans, as well as for acoustic detection of accidents; a camera and an optical sensor for visual detection of events and conditions; causes a sound level sensor for detecting the sound level for example, by traffic, so that a nationwide sound level measurement in particular in accordance with EU Directive 2002/49 / EC; a sensor for detecting the air quality, for example for the determination of fine dust, ozone, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide and the like; Sensor for detecting chemical substances, which are, for example, from operating vehicles escaping supplies, leaking dangerous goods or charge incurred in fires. Likewise, the chemical substances may be salinity on the road due to weather-related salt scattering. In particular, one, several or all sensor elements have more than one of these sensors. In this case, the provided sensor types can be selected according to the respective applications, so that a versatile road surveillance system is provided.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements have a warning device, wherein the warning device is connected to the evaluation device and generates a warning at a predetermined event or state. This may in particular be an optical warning, for example in the form of one or more LEDs, or an audible warning tone. Thus, the warning can be issued to passing vehicles or to people near the road. Also can be effectively distributed by the acoustic or visual warning wild animals. The type of warning is generated depending on the detected event or condition. In particular, this is an event or state which was detected by a different sensor element than the sensor element which generates the warning. The sensor element which detects the event or the state is not identical to the sensor element which generates the warning. Thus, it is possible to warn early approaching vehicles from detected hazards or the like. If, for example, a wild animal near the road surface is detected by a sensor element, traffic is warned by the sensor elements at least 100 m before the event, with The specified distance may not be understood as limiting and depending on the usual speed of road users can be adjusted. At the same time, however, the sensor element, which has detected the wild animal, as well as possibly directly adjacent sensor elements can drive off the wild animal by a warning sound or flash light and the like.

Preferably, more than one and in particular all sensor elements have a communication device for generating a first wireless communication connection between the sensor elements. In this case, the communication device is configured to transmit status information of one or more sensor elements and / or an event and / or a state from one sensor element to the next sensor element. As a result, a communication network is generated for transmitting status information, events or states along and by means of the sensor elements. Thus, it is no longer necessary to connect each individual sensor elements with a common control or receiving station. In case of failure of a sensor element, the data within the communication network are still forwarded. Also, the forwarding of the acquired data by means of the first wireless communication link, for example, to a sensor element can be made, which has connection to a central controller or the like. Likewise, the detected measured variables can also be forwarded by the first wireless communication connection for the common evaluation of the detected measured variable. In particular, the first wireless communication connection is a wireless communication connection formed by means of ZigBee, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, WLAN or comparable radio technology.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements have a communication device for generating a second wireless communication connection between the sensor element and a cloud server.

In this case, the communication device is designed to transmit status information of one or more sensor elements and / or a state and / or an event. Alternatively or additionally, it may also be possible to transmit the measured variables themselves to the cloud server so that the user of the data provided can evaluate these measured variables in accordance with the individual requirements. Thus, the road surveillance system is connected to a cloud server by means of the second wireless communication link. The cloud server collects status information, events or statuses and, for example, makes them available to other users as part of cloud data mining. In particular, the second wireless communication link is formed by means of GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G or a further generation, WLAN or is identically formed with the first wireless communication link. In this case, each of the existing sensor elements can generate a second wireless communication connection to the cloud server, whereby a high reliability is given. Alternatively, if only individual sensor elements generate a second wireless communication link, these sensor elements serve as an uplink to the cloud server. Thus, when a sensor element detects a condition or event, it will first be forwarded by means of the first wireless communication connection within the communication network to the sensor element which serves as the uplink and from there to the cloud server.

The status information is preferably, for example, the state of charge of the battery of the respective sensor element and / or contains further information about the functionality of the respective sensor element.

Preferably, at least one, several or all sensor elements have a communication device for generating a third wireless communication connection between the sensor element and a vehicle. there the communication device is configured by means of the third wireless communication link to transmit an event and / or a state to the vehicle or to receive vehicle information. The vehicle information is, for example, vehicle type, vehicle speed, travel time and, in particular, autonomous vehicles start and / or destination. In this case, the third wireless communication connection is in particular formed by means of GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G or a further generation, WLAN or a V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure) standard. In particular, the third wireless communication connection may be identical to the first wireless communication connection and / or the second wireless communication connection. In particular, by the third wireless communication connection, a measured variable of a sensor element or a plurality of sensor elements can also be transmitted to the vehicle and evaluated by the vehicle itself. Thus, by the immediate communication of the road monitoring system with, for example, autonomous vehicles, it is easily possible to communicate the information about the environment required for autonomous driving to the vehicle. Thus, the required data does not have to be routed through a central server, which improves the reliability, for example, by demolishing the radio connection between autonomous vehicles and servers. At the same time, critical data are available faster for the autonomous vehicle, since not only a connection must be made via a server, so that due to the low latency timely safety measures by the autonomous vehicle, such as braking, can be initiated. For example, an obstacle can be detected as an event by a sensor element. This event is then transmitted by means of the third wireless communication link to approaching in particular autonomous vehicles, which can brake in time. The braking can in particular already be initiated before the sensors of the autonomous vehicle capture the obstacle. Thus, the limited range of the sensors of autonomous vehicles is being compensated by the present road monitoring system.

Preferably, the first wireless communication connection and / or the second wireless communication connection and / or the third wireless communication connection is encrypted, so that a manipulation of the transmitted data is prevented. In particular, this ensures that no manipulated data or data manipulated sensor elements reach the road monitoring system, which could be used to abuse the road monitoring system. For this purpose, the individual data can be made identifiable by a hash function, for example, so that the recipient of the data can clearly verify the integrity of the data as well as of the sender. For this purpose, for example, a blockchain method can be used. Thus, the security is increased.

Preferably, the sensor elements are identical. Particularly preferably, all sensor elements are identical except for one sensor element, wherein only the one sensor element has a communication device for generating a second wireless communication connection as an uplink.

A state is preferably a temperature, wherein the state is in particular comprised of critical temperatures, which can lead to ice formation, for example. Another condition is the presence of precipitation such as rain, hail, snow and the like. Another condition is the presence of fog and reduced visibility. Another condition is the presence of ice or snow on the road and another condition is the lighting conditions such as solar radiation, sunshine direction and the like. One Another state is the position of the respective sensor element, so that, for example, as a state, the position of a sensor element can be transmitted to an autonomous vehicle together with the distance of the autonomous vehicle from the sensor element. Furthermore, a state is the normal state in the presence of no further states and / or events in which a safe driving is possible. Another condition is the sound level, which is generated in particular by the road users. Another condition is the salt content on the road during a winter salt spill.

For example, the event is congestion, such as a jam end. Another event is the passage through a vehicle or the presence of a vehicle in the sensor area of a respective sensor element. Another event is the vehicle distinction, for example between cars and trucks by the generated noise, the vibrations generated, the length of the vehicle or the like. Another event is the vehicle weight of a passing vehicle, for example, detected by vibration. Another event is the vehicle speed determined by the passing speed of the vehicle at a single sensor or determined by the combined detection of a plurality of sensor elements. Another event is the lingering of a vehicle, an accident or a platter detected, for example, also by the noise generated in this case. Another event is people in the lane or wild near or on the lane detected for example by infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors or image acquisition. Another event is the damage to the road, for example, by the formation of potholes, which can be identified in particular by means of a modified driving noise. Another event is damage to a structure adjacent to the road, such as street lighting, road signage, crash barriers, noise control and the like. Thus, a failure of the street lighting can be identified, for example, by the drop in the background brightness at the location of a sensor element.

Preferably, in at least one, several or all sensor elements, the respective electronics on a common module or PCB (printed circuit board) summarized, so that a rapid replacement of the electronics is guaranteed in case of maintenance. As a result, the maintenance is reduced.

• Erzeugen einer Warnung und Ausgeben der Warnung mittels Warnvorrichtung. Wird beispielsweise ein Stauende erfasst durch ein Sensorelement kann eine Warnung vor stockendem Verkehr ausgegeben werden. Hierbei kann es sich um eine akustische oder optische Warnung handeln. Werden beispielsweise Personen nahe der Fahrbahn erkannt, wird ebenfalls eine Warnung durch eines oder mehrere Sensorelemente ausgegeben. Ebenfalls bei Erfassung eines Fahrzeugs, welches in die falsche Fahrtrichtung fährt, kann eine Warnung vor diesem Fahrzeug durch die jeweiligen Sensorelemente ausgegeben werden. Ebenfalls kann eine Warnung an Wildtiere ausgegeben werden um diese zu vertreiben, sofern Wildtiere nahe der Fahrbahn erfasst werden.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu wird eine Statusinformation mindestens eines Sensorelements und/oder das erfasste Ereignis und/oder der erfasste Zustand und/oder die erfasste Messgröße selbst an einen Cloud-Server übertragen und hierdurch zugänglich gemacht für eine weitere Nutzung. Bei der Statusinformation kann es sich beispielsweise um den Ladezustand der Batterie eines der Sensorelemente handeln oder allgemein um die Funktionsfähigkeit eines bestimmten Sensorelements. Bei den übertragenen Ereignissen oder Zuständen kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Verkehrsdichte, eine Geschwindigkeitserfassung, Wetterdaten oder dergleichen handeln.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt ein Übertragen des erfassten Ereignisses oder Zustands an ein insbesondere autonomes Fahrzeug. Bei dem Ereignis oder Zustand kann es sich beispielsweise um die Position des jeweiligen Sensorelements und/oder den Abstand des Fahrzeugs zum Fahrbahnrand oder ein Normalzustand -"Alles Ok"- handeln, so dass das autonome Fahrzeug seine Fahrt fortsetzt.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for road surveillance with a road monitoring system as described above. In the method, an event and / or a state is detected by a sensor element and, depending on the detected state, at least one of the following steps is carried out:

• Generating a warning and issuing the warning by means of a warning device. If, for example, a jam end is detected by a sensor element, a warning of stalling traffic can be output. This may be an audible or visual warning. For example, if people are detected near the roadway, a warning is also issued by one or more sensor elements. Also, upon detection of a vehicle driving in the wrong direction, a warning may be issued to that vehicle by the respective sensor elements. Also, a warning may be issued to wildlife to evict them, as far as wildlife near the lane is detected.
• Alternatively or additionally, a status information of at least one sensor element and / or the detected event and / or the detected state and / or the detected measured variable itself are transmitted to a cloud server and thereby made accessible for further use. The status information can be, for example, the state of charge of the battery of one of the sensor elements or, in general, the functionality of a specific sensor element. The transmitted events or states may be, for example, a traffic density, a speed detection, weather data or the like.
• Alternatively or additionally, a transfer of the detected event or condition to a particular autonomous vehicle takes place. The event or state may be, for example, the position of the respective sensor element and / or the distance of the vehicle to the roadside or a normal state - "all ok" - act, so that the autonomous vehicle continues its journey.

• Erzeugen einer Warnung im Auto, beispielsweise vor Wildtieren nahe oder auf der Fahrbahn, Stau, dem Stauende, Personen im Bereich der Fahrbahn, Fahrbahnverhältnisse wie beispielsweise Schnee, Eis, oder einem Unfall. Dabei wird die Warnung im Auto erzeugt, beispielsweise durch einen akustischen Hinweis, einen optischen Hinweis oder dergleichen.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit von dem Ereignis und/oder Zustand ein Ändern der geplanten Fahrroute. Hierdurch kann beispielsweise einem Stau oder einer Straßensperrung aufgrund eines Unfall ausgewichen werden, um eine möglichst kurze Reisezeit zu erzielen.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt ein Anpassen der ermittelten Zielankunftszeit in Abhängigkeit davon, ob auf der geplanten Fahrroute durch das Straßenüberwachungssystem, Stau oder Störungen ermittelt werden.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt insbesondere bei einem autonomen Fahrzeug eine Änderung der Fahrtrichtung, der Fahrtgeschwindigkeit, beispielsweise durch Abbremsen des Fahrzeuges, bei Gefährdung oder die Änderung eines anderen Fahrparameters wie beispielsweise bei beginnender Dunkelheit das Einschalten der Fahrzeugbeleuchtung. Somit kann durch das Straßenüberwachungssystem auf unmittelbare Weise mit einem insbesondere autonomen Fahrzeug kommuniziert werden und erforderliche Daten insbesondere für die sichere Fahrt bereitgestellt werden. So ist es beispielsweise ebenfalls möglich bei Erfassung eines Hindernisses, welches sich noch nicht im Bereich der Sensoren des autonomen Fahrzeugs befindet, bereits frühzeitig eine Bremsung einzuleiten. Somit ergänzen sich das Straßenüberwachungssystem und die Sensorik eines autonomen Fahrzeugs zur Erzeugung einer verbesserten Sicherheit beim autonomen Fahren.

Preferably, the method comprises in the presence of an event or state, wherein the event and / or the state is transmitted to a particular autonomous vehicle and takes place depending on the event and / or the state of at least one of the following steps:

• Generating a warning in the car, for example, of wild animals near or on the road, traffic jam, the jam end, people in the area of the road, road conditions such as snow, ice, or an accident. The warning is generated in the car, for example by an audible indication, an optical indication or the like.
• Alternatively or additionally, depending on the event and / or condition, a change of the planned travel route takes place. As a result, for example, a traffic jam or a road closure due to an accident can be avoided in order to achieve the shortest possible travel time.
• Alternatively or in addition thereto, the determined target arrival time is adapted as a function of whether congestion or disruptions are determined on the planned driving route by the road monitoring system.
• Alternatively or additionally, in particular in an autonomous vehicle, a change in the direction of travel, the driving speed, for example by braking the vehicle, at risk or the change of another driving parameter such as the onset of darkness switching on the vehicle lighting. Thus, can be communicated by the road monitoring system in a direct manner with a particular autonomous vehicle and required data are provided in particular for safe driving. That's the way it is, for example also possible when detecting an obstacle, which is not yet in the range of the sensors of the autonomous vehicle to initiate early braking. Thus, the road monitoring system and the sensors of an autonomous vehicle complement each other to produce improved safety during autonomous driving.

• Erfassen und Auswerten eines Verkehrsaufkommens. Die so erfassten Daten können beispielsweise bei Planung neuer Straßen oder Auslegung und Änderung der vorhandenen Straßen herangezogen werden.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt ein automatisches Routing der Fahrzeuge insbesondere auf automatischen Anzeigetafeln auf Grundlage des erfassten Verkehrsaufkommens oder Verkehrsbehinderung wie beispielsweise Unfällen oder Sperrungen. Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu können die Routinginformationen unmittelbar an insbesondere autonome Fahrzeuge übertragen werden, wodurch die Routenführung der autonomen Fahrzeuge angepasst wird. So können beispielsweise bei erhöhten Verkehrsaufkommen durch das Routing ein Teil der Fahrzeuge über Nebenstraßen abgeleitet werden, so dass insgesamt ein Stau auf der Hauptroute verhindert wird. Auch können durch das Routing beispielsweise Empfehlungen für die Route beispielsweise durch automatische Anzeigetafeln erzeugt werden. Ebenso ist es möglich die Fahrtzeiten auf automatischen Anzeigetafeln beziehungsweise Straßenschildern zu einem nächsten Fahrtziel anzugeben auf Grundlage der erfassten Ereignisse und/oder Zustände.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt ein Nachverfolgen der Fahrt eines Fahrzeugs innerhalb des Abschnitts. So kann beispielsweise kontinuierlich eine fahrzeugspezifische Signatur von den Sensorelementen erfasst werden und somit das Fahrzeug nachverfolgt werden, um dessen Route zu erfassen. Bei der fahrzeugspezifischen Signatur handelt es sich beispielsweise um eine spezifische Vibration, die von den jeweiligen Sensorelementen erfasst wird, eine optische, visuelle Erfassung, eine spezifische Fahrzeugakustik oder eine induktiv gemessene Signatur oder dergleichen.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit von dem erfassten Ereignis und/oder dem Zustand ein Auslösen eines Notrufs bei einem Unfall. Wird beispielsweise durch ein Sensorelement ein Unfall detektiert, kann automatisch ein Notruf erzeugt werden.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt eine Erzeugung einer Warnung auf einer automatischen Anzeigetafel in Abhängigkeit des übermittelten Ereignisses und/oder Zustands. Bei der Warnung kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Warnung von Wettereinflüssen, Stau, Stauende, Unfall oder einem Hindernis in der Fahrbahn oder dergleichen handeln.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit der übermittelten Statusinformationen das Auslösen einer Wartung. Wird beispielsweise aufgrund der Statusinformation erfasst, dass eines der Sensorelemente nicht mehr funktioniert, kann dies durch das Auslösen der Wartung behoben werden.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten Schallpegels eine flächendeckende Auswertung der Lärmbelastung durch den Verkehr auf der jeweiligen Straße oder Fahrweg. Insbesondere kann hierdurch eine flächendeckende Schallpegelmessung entsprechend der EU-Richtlinie 2002/49/EG erfolgen.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit von dem erfassten Ereignis und/oder dem Zustand ein Auslösen einer Straßenwartung bei Beschädigung der Straße selbst beispielsweise durch die Bildung von Schlaglöchern oder einer Beschädigung angrenzender Strukturen wie Straßenbeleuchtung, Straßenschilder, Leitplanken, Schallschutz und dergleichen.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu erfolgt in Abhängigkeit von dem erfassten Ereignis und/oder dem Zustand ein Auslösen und Koordinieren von Betriebsdiensten, wie Räumfahrzeugen, Streufahrzeugen, Kehrfahrzeugen oder Fahrzeugen zur Beschneidung und Beseitigung von Straßenbewuchs. So können Räumfahrtzeuge und Streufahrzeuge beispielsweise koordiniert werden um zunächst wesentliche Verkehrspunkte freizuhalten. Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu können die Streufahrzeuge koordiniert werden anhand des Salzgehalts auf der Straße, wobei ebenso eine Ausbringmenge an Salz, sowie die Anfahrtsfrequenz der Streufahrzeuge koordiniert wird.

Preferably, the method comprises the step that the status information and / or the event and / or the state and / or a measured variable itself is transmitted to a cloud server and depending on the status information and / or the event and / or the state and / or at least one of the following is measured:

• Acquisition and evaluation of a traffic volume. The data collected in this way can be used, for example, when planning new roads or when designing and modifying existing roads.
• Alternatively or additionally, an automatic routing of the vehicles takes place in particular on automatic scoreboards on the basis of the recorded traffic volume or traffic obstruction such as accidents or blockages. Alternatively or additionally, the routing information can be transmitted directly to particular autonomous vehicles, whereby the route guidance of the autonomous vehicles is adjusted. Thus, for example, in the case of increased traffic through the routing part of the vehicles can be derived via side roads, so that a total of congestion on the main route is prevented. Also, for example, recommendations for the route can be generated by the routing, for example by automatic scoreboards. It is also possible to specify the travel times on automatic scoreboards or street signs to a next destination based on the detected events and / or states.
• Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle is tracked within the section. Thus, for example, a vehicle-specific signature can be detected continuously by the sensor elements and thus the vehicle is tracked to track its route. The vehicle-specific signature is, for example, a specific vibration that is detected by the respective sensor elements, an optical, visual detection, a specific vehicle acoustics or an inductively measured signature or the like.
• Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected event and / or the condition, an emergency call is triggered in the event of an accident. If, for example, an accident is detected by a sensor element, an emergency call can be generated automatically.
• Alternatively or additionally, a warning is generated on an automatic display panel as a function of the transmitted event and / or status. The warning may be, for example, a warning of weather conditions, traffic jams, jams, accidents or an obstacle in the road or the like.
• Alternatively or additionally, the triggering of a maintenance takes place in dependence on the transmitted status information. If, for example, it is detected due to the status information that one of the sensor elements no longer functions, this can be remedied by triggering the maintenance.
• Alternatively or additionally, depending on the determined sound level, a nationwide evaluation of the noise pollution by the traffic on the respective road or track. In particular, a comprehensive sound level measurement can be carried out in accordance with EU Directive 2002/49 / EC.
• Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected event and / or the condition, a road maintenance is triggered in the event of damage to the road itself, for example through the formation of potholes or damage to adjacent structures such as street lighting, street signs, crash barriers, sound insulation and the like.
• Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected event and / or the condition triggering and coordinating operating services, such as clearing vehicles, gritting vehicles, sweepers or vehicles for the circumcision and elimination of road growth. For example, broaching vehicles and gritting vehicles can be coordinated in order to first keep essential traffic points free. Alternatively or additionally, the gritting vehicles can be coordinated on the basis of salinity on the road, as well as an application rate of salt, and the approach frequency of the scattering vehicles is coordinated.

• Erzeugen einer Wetterwarnung. Die Wetterwarnung enthält beispielsweise eine spezifische Nennung der Gefahr wie beispielsweise Gewitter, Sturm, Schnee oder dergleichen sowie eine Position an der die Gefährdung auftritt.
• Alternativ oder zusätzlich hierzu kann in Abhängigkeit des übertragenden Ereignisses und/oder Zustands eine Wetterprognose erzeugt werden. Hierbei wird aufgrund der Vielzahl der vorhandenen Sensorelemente ein kleines Grid erzeugt, welches eine präzise Erfassung von Wetterdaten erlaubt, wodurch die Genauigkeit einer Wetterprognose insbesondere für einen bestimmten Ort deutlich verbessert wird.

In the method, the event and / or the state is preferably transmitted to a weather station and, depending on the event and / or state, at least one of the following steps is carried out:

• Generating a weather alert. The weather warning includes, for example, a specific mention of the risk such as thunderstorms, storm, snow or the like and a position at which the hazard occurs.
• Alternatively or additionally, a weather forecast can be generated as a function of the transmitting event and / or status. In this case, a small grid is generated due to the large number of existing sensor elements, which allows a precise detection of weather data, whereby the accuracy of a weather forecast is significantly improved, especially for a specific location.

Figur 1

eine Ausführungsform des Sensorelements

Figur 2

ein schematischer Aufbau eines Sensorelements,

Figur 3

eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Straßenüberwachungssystems

Figur 4

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren

Figur 5

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren

Figur 6

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren und

Figur 7

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

an embodiment of the sensor element

FIG. 2

a schematic structure of a sensor element,

FIG. 3

an embodiment of the road monitoring system according to the invention

FIG. 4

a flow diagram of a method according to the invention

FIG. 5

a flowchart of another method according to the invention

FIG. 6

a flowchart of a further inventive method and

FIG. 7

a flow diagram of another method according to the invention.

The sensor element 10 shows in FIG. 1 has a housing 12 with a top 14 and a bottom 16. The bottom 16 stands on a road surface and is attached to this. On the upper side 14 of the housing 12, a solar module 18 is arranged for self-sufficient power supply of the sensor element 10. Furthermore, a battery is arranged to support the power supply in the housing 12, which can be charged by the solar module 18. In the housing 12, at least one sensor 20 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) arranged. Also in the housing 12, an evaluation device 22 is arranged, which is connected to the sensor 20. Furthermore, the sensor element 10 may have one or more communication devices 24. These may be designed as separate communication devices or combined to form a common communication device 24. Parts of the sensor 20 may also be arranged outside the housing 12, for example for detecting a wind speed or the like.

Furthermore, on the upper side 14 of the sensor element 10, a reflector 26 is arranged, which in particular by flexible connecting element 28 with the Sensor element is connected. The reflector element 26 has a front side 30 and a rear side 32, which are equipped with reflectors, in particular glass reflectors.

FIG. 3 shows the road surveillance system according to the invention with a plurality of sensor elements 10, which are arranged along a road 34 and a road section. In this case, the sensor elements 10 are arranged in particular equidistant.

By the sensor 20 of the respective sensor element 10, a state or an event is detected. The condition or event may be, for example, detection of vehicles, vehicle types, vehicle weight, vehicle speed, congestion, jams, an accident or a stagnant vehicle, and people in the road or wildlife near or on the road and the like. Also can be determined by the sensors 20 of the respective sensor element 10, a state such as temperatures, precipitation such as rain, hail, snow or the like, fog and limited visibility, stagnant water, ice on the road surface and snow, the prevailing lighting conditions and storm and wind conditions. Similarly, the controls may have determined or stored their respective position.

By means of the communication device 24, a first wireless communication link 36 can be generated, for example based on ZigBee, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, WLAN or the like. As a result, a communication network or grid is created, whereby the respective sensor elements 10 are connected to each other and thus the forwarding of status information about individual sensor elements 10 and detected states and events is made possible. By creating the grid, the road surveillance system becomes particularly fail-safe, since, for example, in case of failure of one of the sensor elements 10, the forwarding of states and events on the other sensor elements 10 can be done by means of the network grid.

Furthermore, the sensor elements 10 can communicate by means of the communication device 24 with a cloud server 40 by means of a second wireless communication connection 42. In this case, all the sensor elements 10 can be designed to communicate with the cloud server 40 by means of a second communication connection 42. Alternatively, only a few sensor elements 10 or only one sensor element 10 can communicate with the cloud server 40 by means of a second wireless communication connection 42. This one sensor element 10 serves as an uplink to the cloud server 40. Status information, events or states, which are detected by other sensor elements 10 are transmitted by means of the first wireless communication link 36 to the sensor element 10, which serves as the uplink and then to the cloud Server 40 transfer. In the cloud server, the events or states that were detected by the road surveillance system, retrievable and can be used for example by means of data mining for traffic analysis to create traffic-adapted routes, for the prediction of events and conditions, especially those that disturb the flow of traffic or represent a danger to the respective road users, preferably due to recurring patterns that lead to the respective events or states, recurrent events or an increased probability of occurrence of such events or conditions. In particular, use is also made by autonomous vehicles, for the control of automatic scoreboards along roads, which contain recommendations or indications of travel times. Furthermore, 40 weather data can be passed through the cloud server to create a weather forecast or the like. By means of the traffic analysis it is also possible to make the planning of new traffic routes or the adaptation of existing traffic routes suitable. Furthermore you can the events and / or conditions detected in this way are transmitted to vehicles 44 by means of a further wireless communication 41 and thus, for example, the detected traffic data are used by, in particular, autonomous vehicles 44 for establishing efficient routes from a start to a destination.

Furthermore, the sensor elements 10 can communicate with vehicles 44 via the communication device 24 via a third wireless communication link 46. Here, for example, the positions of the respective sensor elements 10 can be transmitted to the vehicle 44, so that always an exact positioning of the vehicle 44 is made possible. Further information may be transmitted to the vehicle such as the occurrence of an obstacle 38. The vehicle 44 is thus no longer dependent solely on its on-board sensors. Rather, the events and conditions detected by the sensor elements 10 can be forwarded to the vehicle 44 and thus warn the vehicle occupants and, in particular, autonomously control the vehicle in an autonomous vehicle, for example by braking to avoid an accident. Thus, the autonomous vehicle 44 can drive ahead as the on-board sensors would permit.

FIG. 4 shows a method according to the invention, in which first an event or condition is detected by a sensor unit 10 S01 and then by the same sensor unit 10, a warning is issued S02, this being, for example, a visual or audible warning. In FIG. 3 is indicated that the sensor elements 10 have a sensor area 48, in which the occurrence of wild animals is detected. If a wild animal is detected by one of the sensor elements in the sensor region 48, a warning in the form of an acoustic signal can be output in order to keep the wild animal away from the road 34.

In a further embodiment, the event detected by a first sensor unit 10 or the state S01 is first transmitted to another sensor unit S03 by means of a first wireless communication connection 36 and then issued by the further sensor unit 10 a warning in the form of an optical warning or an acoustic signal S04 , If, for example, an obstacle 38 or a wild animal in the sensor area 48 is detected by one of the sensor units 10, this event is transmitted to a sensor unit 10 which is further away from the direction of travel by means of the first wireless communication connection 36 and a warning issued by this sensor unit 10 further away, so that the traffic and in particular the vehicle 44 is warned in time of possible dangers such as the obstacle 38 or the approaching wildlife.

In another embodiment, after detecting an event or condition of a sensor unit S01, the detected condition or event is transmitted to a vehicle 44 S05. In the vehicle 44, a warning is then output S06, alternatively or additionally, the control of the vehicle 44 is adjusted due to the detected event or state S07, for example by braking the vehicle 44. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the detected event or state, the navigation of the vehicle changed S08, so that, for example, a traffic jam or an obstacle can be widely circumnavigated.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention shown in FIG FIG. 7 the detected event or the detected state S01 is transmitted to a cloud server S09. On the basis of the transmitted events or states, it is possible to generate a weather forecast or a weather warning S10, provided the transmitted events or states are weather data or weather-relevant data. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to generate a warning depending on the detected event or condition S11. This warning can then be sent to a vehicle 44 are transmitted S111 and output there to warn the occupants of the vehicle 44 S1111. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to transmit the warning to scoreboards S112 which issue the warning S1121, so that passing vehicles 44 can detect the warning.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to carry out a traffic analysis based on the event or states transmitted to the cloud server 40 S12. Based on the traffic analysis, it is possible to make an intelligent routing of road users S121, so that congested roads are relieved and vehicles 44 are diverted, for example, on minor roads, but without that it comes to congestion of the side road. Furthermore, the events and states transmitted to the cloud can be used in a data mining method for the prediction of events and states, in particular those which disturb the traffic flow or present a danger to the respective road users, preferably on the basis of recurring patterns the respective events or conditions, recurring events or an increased probability for the occurrence of such events or conditions. Furthermore, the data thus acquired can be taken into account when planning new traffic routes S123. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out a toll calculation on the basis of the detected events or states S122 if individual vehicles are tracked along their route. Thus, the amount of the toll to be collected can be determined.

Alternatively or additionally, the determined traffic analysis is transmitted to the vehicle 44 S124. This transmitted traffic analysis can be taken into account in the navigation, that is to say when adapting a route between a predetermined start and a predefined final destination S1241. In particular, in the case of autonomous vehicles, the transmitted data can be used to change the control of the autonomous vehicle S1242. Also in a prediction of the expected arrival time, the traffic analysis data S1243 which is transmitted from the cloud server 40 to the vehicle 44 may be used.

Claims (12)

Road surveillance system with
a plurality of sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements are arranged along at least a portion of a road or a travel path,
wherein the sensor elements each comprise: a housing with a bottom for attachment to a particular stationary structure and a top, at least one sensor for detecting a measured variable, wherein the sensor is connected to an evaluation device arranged in the housing, in particular for the autonomous evaluation of the detected measured variable, wherein the evaluation device is designed such that an event and / or state can be determined from the detected measured variable. Road monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one sensor element comprises a solar cell, wherein the solar cell is arranged in particular on the entire surface of the upper side of the housing. Road monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one sensor element has a reflector element, wherein the reflector element is arranged in particular on the upper side of the housing. Road monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one sensor element as a sensor at least one of the following sensor types: temperature sensor, humidity sensor, air pressure sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, microphone, brightness sensor, IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, anemometer, LIDAR, radar , Precipitation sensor, Hall sensor, inductive or capacitive sensor, position sensor, camera and optical sensor, sound level sensor, sensor for detecting the air quality and sensor for detecting chemical substances. Road monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one sensor element comprises a warning device, wherein the warning device is connected to the evaluation device and generates a warning at a predetermined event and / or condition. Road monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that more than one sensor element comprises a communication device for generating a first wireless communication connection between the sensor elements, wherein the communication device is formed a status information of one or more sensor elements and / or an event and / or a State to transfer. Road monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one sensor element comprises a communication device for generating a second wireless communication link between the sensor element and a cloud server, wherein the communication device is formed a status information of one or more sensor elements and / or an event and / or to transmit a state. Road monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one sensor element comprises a communication device for generating a third wireless communication link between the sensor element and a vehicle, wherein the communication device is adapted to transmit an event and / or state. Method for monitoring a road with a road monitoring system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which an event and / or a state is detected by one of the sensor elements and at least one of the following steps takes place depending on the detected event and / or state: Generating a warning and issuing the warning by means of a warning device; - Transmitting a status information of at least one sensor element and / or the detected event and / or status to a cloud server; - Transmission of the detected event and / or condition to a particular autonomous vehicle. Method according to Claim 9, in which, when an event and / or condition is present, the event and / or the status is transmitted to a vehicle and, depending on the event and / or status, at least one of the following steps takes place: - generating a warning in the car; - changing a driving route; - adjusting the determined arrival arrival time; - Changing the direction of travel, travel speed or another driving parameter. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the status information and / or the event and / or the state is transmitted to a cloud server and depending on the status information and / or the event and / or the state of at least one of the following steps takes place : - detecting a traffic volume; - Routing, in particular on automatic scoreboards, route recommendations, indication of driving times on road signs to a next destination; - tracking the travel of a vehicle within the section; - triggering an emergency call in the event of an accident; - generating a warning on a scoreboard; - triggering a maintenance of a sensor element; - Evaluation of a nationwide sound level measurement; - triggering a road maintenance in case of damage to the road or adjacent structures; and - Trigger and coordinate operations services to ensure the safe operation of the road or the traffic route. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11, in which the event and / or the status is transmitted to a weather station and, depending on the event and / or status, at least one of the following steps takes place: - generating a weather warning; - generate a weather forecast.

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