DE2557185A1 - Traffic control monitoring unit - photocells generate pulse rates for determination of speed, number and length of vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The monitoring unit may either be located over a road on a fixed gantry or else on the underside fuselage of a traffic control aircraft. A lens located at the apex of a pyramid section housing has a ground glass screen on the top surface. The detector consists of a disc with two rows of photocells parallel to each other. The disc has an annular ring gear that may be rotated by turning an adjusting knob. The disc is mounted in a central plate that may be moved in one direction in a compound slide that is located in guides. For traffic monitoring the photocells are aligned perpendicular to the traffic flow. Pulse rates permit traffic parameters to be measured.

Description

Device for the determination of the strap traffic.

The invention relates to a device for determining road traffic by counting the vehicles. The invention aims in particular to provide such Train the device for determining the road traffic so that it is better than so far corresponds to the various requirements of practice by in particular an analysis of the road traffic that is as complete as possible (counting the vehicles, Measurement of speeds, order according to vehicle type, etc.), namely preferably instantaneously ("in real time"), where it is easy to end and has good accuracy.

The ereindungsgemape device for determining the road traffic is characterized by means which provide an image of the investigation road section and, in particular, to form a brand that is fixed in relation to this, as well as by means for counting the images of vehicles that have passed during a certain counting time drive the image of the fixed brand.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention the counting means on a receiving block, which at least one row of contains photoelectric probes, e.g. photosensitive diodes, which are transverse to the axis of the image of the road section is arranged. The use of photosensitive Diodes of very small dimensions make it possible to drive past with high accuracy those driving on the different lanes of the route section vehicles to determine, reducing the risk of lost counts or multiple counts will.

The device according to the invention can expediently be designed in this way because it determines the speed of the counted vehicles. Include for this the counting means two rows of photoelectric probes parallel to the tables, which have a certain shift in the axis of the image of the road section, and also means for measuring the time interval between successive ones Instances of counting the same vehicle through a pair of parallel to that Probes aligned with the axis of the image of the road section are provided.

From the individual speeds of the counted vehicles obtained in this way one can then expediently, preferably using an automatic computer, Information about the average speeds of the counted vehicles on each Lane and / or on all lanes corresponding to the same direction of travel the road and at the same time in the opposite direction of travel.

The device according to the invention can also be designed so dap it determines the length of the counted vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles and distinguish the trucks. For this purpose funds are provided, which the duration best men during which a probe is influenced by the image of the same vehicle will.

The detection device according to the invention can be from a luxury vehicle be worn, which senabschnitt the Ermittlungsstrav in practically constant Overflies altitude at a steady speed and in a practically constant direction, wherein the counting means are designed so that they during the counting time one of the Keep rows of probes in line with the image of the fixed mark.

This arrangement of the inventive detection device on an aircraft offers numerous important advantages over the previously used Determination of road traffic known means. In particular, the determination be made in real time, for which the determination parameters by an automatic Computer are treated, which is preferably on board the nift vehicle or possibly at one fixed central office is located on which the parameters are transmitted by radio telegraph. Furthermore, the fast Aircraft movements, in a short time the traffic on a large number of Identify strap sections which are several kilometers away from each other could be.

In order to use the device according to the invention with any Meteorological conditions, especially at night, must be possible the means for forming an image of the investigation road section is a lens have with a vertical axis, which is preferably transparent to infrared. This lens can be that of a photographic apparatus, its focusing screen is within reach of the crew of the IiLift vehicle. It can also be the lens of a television camera, which is coupled to a television receiver which in turn lies in the field of view of the crew of the aircraft.

The device can also be in a fixed position over the investigation road section with one of the rows of probes coinciding with the image of the fixed mark. In this case, the permanent mark does not need to be implemented on the street section to become, since the device and the rows of probes are stationary. The one that did not materialize The mark is actually the image of the row of probes in the section of the street formed space.

A stationary device for determining road traffic is preferably characterized in that the receiving block is stationary above the Road section is attached, and that the same detection device one second receiving block, which second means for forming an image is assigned, which is also stationary over the road section in a certain Distance from the first receiving block attached in the axis of the direction of travel are, this second receiving block also a number of photoelectric Having probes, connection means between the two receiving blocks as well Means for measuring the interval between successive moments counting the same vehicle are provided by each receiving block.

It is useful to have a pair of reception blocks for each direction of travel assigned to the road section subject to the determination, so dap two arrangements of receiving blocks, which in the axis of the direction of travel a certain distance have to be formed.

These two arrangements of receiving blocks are aa holding means, which have a height of less than twenty meters and preferably less than ten Meters above the investigation road section.

The distance between the receive blocks of the same pair is coarser than the mean greatest length of a light vehicle, but smaller as the smallest mean length of a heavy vehicle, this distance in particular is taller than six meters.

According to a further characteristic of the invention is the device to determine road traffic, if they are to be installed on board a Determination of road section overflying aircraft is determined, wherein the device has means, which cut an image of the investigation road section, and in particular a mark fixed in relation to this section, as well as counting means with a receiving block with at least two rows of photoelectric probes, e.g. light-sensitive diodes, characterized by the photoelectric Probes are designed so that they provide a set of information which Permitted, from them, a complete picture of the overflown by the Ialft vehicle Road section and terrain to win, in such a way, dap this reproduced image of the overflown area the determination of the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground.

The photoelectric probes that provide such information can, can also on fixed devices for determining the road traffic to be used.

An embodiment of such a photoelectric is expedient Probes for providing information to reproduce an image of the stretch of road formed by two strips, rows or bars of microphotodiodes which are separated from each other spaced on the order of 50 microns and successively larger Be sensitized to speed.

The device intended for installation in an aircraft for determining of the road traffic is preferably designed in such a way that it enables an analysis of the road traffic when flying at an altitude of the order of 500 meters at a speed allows the Iaift vehicle to travel at a speed of around 250 km / h from the ground, wherein the objective of the optics assigned to the receiving block has a focal length of on the order of 50 millimeters.

Such a device for determination built into an aircraft of the road traffic can be the complete analysis of a city traffic at any Position of the speed vectors of the vehicles forming the subject of the analysis enable.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawing explained by way of example.

Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically a first embodiment with one of detector block carried by a rotary head.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the rotating head of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows schematically another embodiment and its application under the wing of an airplane.

4 and 5 show schematically the forms of use of the various Embodiments of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 6 shows schematically part of a stationary according to the invention Device for determining road traffic.

Fig. 7 is a diagram of the complete analysis of the traffic at a fixed point.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a receiving block and the associated receiving means, Fig. 9 is a diagram for the general case in which the speed of the vehicle on the ground makes an angle with the speed of the aircraft provided with the detection device.

Fig. 10 is a summary overview scheme for evaluating the Information which is from an inventive, built into an aircraft Detection device be delivered, in particular according to the hall of FIG. 9.

The embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a cone with an optical perspective, which is essentially through a camera 1 is formed whose lower wall with one for the visible and the infrared Rays transparent lens 2 is provided.

The upper wall of the camera 1 is formed by a frosted glass pane 3. The whole thing is with the interposition of Dichtunge organs in one in the lower Wall and inner floor of an aircraft, e.g. one (not shown) Airplane or helicopter, built-in trained opening, their properties are described below.

The photographic apparatus is arranged so that it is horizontal In flight of the aircraft, the axis 2a of its lens 2 is practically perpendicular, the ground glass 3 horizontally in the cabin of the aircraft within reach the crew of the same, in particular a specialized observer.

A receiving block 4 is parallel to the flat surface of the ground glass 3 movable. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this is Installation implemented as follows, but this is only a non-limiting example is indicated: A rectangular frame 5 slides on or in two rails 6a and 6b, which along two first parallel sides of the rectangular ground glass 3 are attached. A carriage 7 is attached to the frame 5 so that it is parallel can slide to the other two sides of the ground glass 3. In a circular Opening of the slide 7 is a rotary head 8 in which the receiving block 4 is installed is rotatable, its pivot being perpendicular to the ground glass 3. At this Embodiment, the rotary head 8 is, for example, essentially transparent Disc made of molded pre> wet, the circumference of which has external teeth 8a, which is formed on an attached metal ring or also molded at the same time.

An external toothing with the same pitch as the toothing 8a of the rotary head 8 supporting knurled button 9 is rotatable on the carriage 7 so that dap it enables the rotating head 8 to be rotated.

While the carriage so by hand on the frame 5 in the direction Y the second sides of the ground glass 3 can be moved, the movement of the frame 5 in the direction X of the first sides of the ground glass 3, e.g. be made by a geared motor unit 10 and a transmission 11, wherein the feed circuit of the geared motor unit 10 contains a control switch 12, for example.

In the embodiment under consideration, the in the rotary head 8 is off transparent material built-in receiver essentially by two identical parallel rows 4a and 4b formed by photoelectric probes, in particular miniaturized ones light sensitive diodes. Each of the two rows 4a and 4b contains, for example, fourteen Photosensitive diodes (each represented by a point in FIG. 2), each of which has a diameter of about 0.1 mm. The diodes of each of the two rows 4a and 4b have an even distance of 1 = 1.1 mm, and the two rows of probes 4a and 4b have a distance of L = 5 mm. The outputs of the twenty-eight photosensitive Diodes are electrical with an equal number (not visible) slip rings connected, which e.g.

by metallization on the cylinder surface of the (not visible) Base of the rotary head 8 are applied and with an equal number of (not visible) fixed contacts cooperate, as is known per se.

If the vehicle is launched under the conditions specified below flies over a section of road to determine the traffic, appears on the Screen 3 a picture of this street section.

In Fig. 1 and 2 the picture of the road section is schematically through the images A and B of the roadsides and through the image X of the two directions of travel separating median shown. The picture can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 R is a brand that is fixed in relation to the street section, e.g. by a Color stripes drawn across the road or formed by planinetric details on the side of the road, which are marked because of their good visibility will.

The above device is used as follows: The pilot of the The aircraft controls it in such a way that the Investigation off road cut at a practically constant height of e.g. 500 m with an even Speed of e.g. 120 km / h and overflown in a practically constant direction will. In other words, the pilot tries to find one while flying over to be kept to a precise course of 2 °, preferably in the direction of the axis M of the Detection road section, or in a slightly inclined to this axis M Direction. As soon as the image of the fixed mark R appears on the focusing screen 3, brings the observer moves the rotary head 8 over the image of the mark R by moving the frame 5 through Actuation of the hand switch 2 in the direction X and the slide 7 by hand the frame 5 moves. If the course flown then does not coincide exactly with the axis M of the road section coincides, the observer swivels the rotary head 8 by means of the operating button 9 so that the image of R through the transparent Rotary head 8 appears practically parallel to the rows of probes 4a and 4b (accurate to 100). The field of view of the observer then has the appearance shown in FIG. On that if the observer refines the previous settings, the row of probes dap 4a coincides with the image of the R mark. The observer then dissolves you, for example twelve or thirteen seconds pre-set counter (not shown) for the investigation time.

In the case of the embodiment under consideration and among those indicated above Flight conditions appear when lens 2 also has a focal length of 250 mm, the image of the investigation road section on the idattscheibe 3 in one Scale of about 1/2000. Under these conditions, each of the two rows of probes 4a and 4b with a length of about 15.4 mm, the entirety of a street with a Detect a width of about 32 m, as shown in Fig. 2.

Under the simplest assumption, in which e.g. the first pages in the direction X of the ground glass 3 are parallel to the axis of the aircraft, and if the drift of its flight is neglected, the picture shifts the mark R on the l.tiattscheibe 3 parallel to the direction X and in the direction of flight opposite sense. The observer then only needs the geared motor unit 10 to be operated during the entire duration of the investigation in such a way as to dap the row of probes 4a constantly coincides with the image of the R brand. Of course they were the speed and dinnertime of the automatic displacement of the frame 5 beforehand for this purpose determined as a function of the blug conditions given above. The investigation time automatically comes to an end before the image of the brand R disappears from the focusing screen 3.

During the entire duration of the investigation, every road vehicle which crosses the fixed mark R, on the focusing screen 3 a picture which only affects one of the probes of row 4a, and the output signal of this probe becomes on the above-mentioned fixed contact and then, if necessary, via a circuit to produce a rectangular shape on a computing device built into the liLift vehicle transfer.

When a vehicle drives on the left lane (Fig. 2) and will be Image, for example, has influenced the probe 13a of the first row 4a, has the same effect When the vehicle has passed ten meters, its image shows the probe 13b of the Row 4b, which with 13a is a pair of parallel to the image M of the axis of the road section aligned probes, and the output of the probe 13b also becomes transferred to the computing device at this moment. If on the other hand it is a vehicle driving on the right-hand lane affects its image initially a probe 14b of the row 4b before there is the probe 14a of the same pair on the row 4a affects which is held on the fixed mark R image.

The computing device also receives periodic signals from a (not shown) electrical or electronic timer and is programmed to that, according to the invention, at least certain of the following information is available at its outputs appears: 1. The total number of vehicles, which during the concerned Determination time through their images on the screen 3 the different probes e.g. the line 4a, and the sums of these numbers for each of the two Lanes, i.e. the total number of vehicles counted in both directions.

2. The single speed of each of the same pair of Probes 13a, 13b or 14a, 14b detected vehicle, this speed e.g. by counting the periodic timing signals between the - successive moments of detection of the same vehicle the pair of probes is obtained.

3. The length of the counted vehicles in order to change the passenger vehicles to be distinguished from the trucks.

This length can, for example, be based on the duration of the rectangular shape Brought pulse can be derived, which on the computing device of the corresponding Probe has been transferred.

The mean speed and even the mean length of the Counted vehicles can of course also by the computing device from their speeds and their individual lengths can be derived.

Regardless of whether the vehicle is used several times in a row under the conditions given above, however, possibly in different directions flies over the same investigation road section, or whether there are different ones one after the other You can fly over sections of the investigation road, e.g. in the same urban area the arithmetic unit the mean values of the various successive determination times derived information received, in particular the hourly amount of vehicles in both directions on the same street. All of these operations can be displayed in the in-vehicle, e.g. on the screen of one at the exit connected to the computing device. You can also check it out for a later Evaluation can be recorded, e.g. on a magnetic carrier, e.g. a Magnetic tape, a cassette or a punched tape. Eventually they can by radio telegraph be transferred to a central office, which by several, in Iitift vehicles built-in similar devices is fed, resulting in an identification of the traffic on different road sections of the same geographical zone.

The use of an infrared lens 2 and a ground glass 3 sensitive to this radiation enables the determination of traffic under any meteorological conditions, especially at night.

The variable appearing through the transparent rotating head 8 Image of the investigation road section can also be recorded during each investigation time will, e.g. by means of a second photographic apparatus, a cinema camera or else a television camera connected to a magnetoscope. The rotary head 8 must then be trained so that he carries the camera and takes it with him when he moves, which the observer controls using the camera's viewfinder.

The embodiment of the device according to the invention described above numerous design modifications, some of which are referred to below as non-limiting examples are given.

The movement of the frame 5 in the direction X while following the Image of the mark R can be controlled automatically, in particular by a control device of a type known for aerial photography. A more intricate control device Mup used when drifting the aircraft ii flies the sides the direction X of the ground glass 3 is not exactly and always parallel to the speed of the lift vehicle are. In this case the slide must be shifted 7 on the frame 5 can also be controlled automatically by the control device. To take account of the above drift, it is also possible to use the entire photographic Apparatus 1-2-3 to be attached to a rotating head, which is preferably connected to the Axis 2a of the lens 2 coincident axis is pivotable. It can then be known Means used to stop the rotation of the turret from the drift of the vehicle to make dependent so that the sides of the direction X of the ground glass 3 constantly parallel to the speed of the lift vehicle.

The means for installing the to the flat surface of the ground glass 3 parallel displaceable receiving block 4 and to adapt the direction of the same to the direction of the image of the mark R can be different from those shown in Fig. 1 and described above may be significantly different, as would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art it's clear. The receiving block only needs a single row of photoelectric ones Probes to have when identifying road traffic on the count of the Vehicles can be restricted.

Fig. 3 partially shows another embodiment of the invention Detection device with a remote camera 15, which in a profiled body 16 is installed, which by means of a suitable holder 17 is attached under a wing 18 of an observation aircraft. The arrangement is c taken, dap the axis of the lens of the television camera 15 in level flight is perpendicular. The electrical output signals of the television camera 15 are through a cable 19 transmitted to a television receiver (not shown), which is arranged in the cabin of the aircraft in front of the observer. One of the ones described above Detector block similar to detector block is parallel to the practically flat surface of the screen of the television receiver can be moved from the center in, which the shown in Fig. 1 can correspond.

Bss. this arrangement can, however, affect the glider (in horizontal flight) given any inclination to the perpendicular, e.g. perpendicular can be arranged in front of the observer.

The television camera can of course also be installed tightly in one of the walls The opening formed in the cabin of the aircraft is used, the opening shown in FIG. 3 However, arrangement has the advantage of forming such an opening, which is very costly to make unnecessary.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the jet vehicle also provided with an altimeter, in particular a point probe, its altitude information to determine the exact scale of the image of the investigation road section is used. This height information is not only for checking the horizontal Skimming the investigation zone is essential, but can also take into account allow a zone to determine the traffic, the axis of which is against the horizontal (at an angle # greatly exaggerated in FIG. 4) FIG. Fig. 4 shows such Conditions for determining traffic. It is assumed with her that the camera possessed in lens with an angular aperture of 450. V1 and V2 indicate the position of the aircraft in level flight when the image of the fixed mark R is in the Field of the lens enters or exits from it. In this case it will be the exact Scale of the picture of the investigation road section, its for for one exactly. Calculation of the individual speeds of the counted vehicles is essential, from the altitude information h derived which the radio probe at Flight of the aircraft through the middle position Vm, which delivers perpendicular over the fixed mark R, with the height information at half that of the horizontal Flight route V, - V2 of the aviation eye corresponding counting time is supplied.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the main one electronic devices which, according to the invention, are a pair of parallel to associated with the axis of the road section aligned probes 13a and 13b (Fig. 2) can be to from their one and the same road vehicle corresponding output signals the speed v of the same and its length category I1 (passenger vehicle) or 12 (Iastwan), as well as to count the number N of vehicles which successively influence this pair of probes during a determination time. In Fig. 5 corresponds to the block 20 of a monostable multivibrator, which the output signal brings the probe 13a influenced by a vehicle to be counted into position, in which its output a corresponding DC voltage to the first input of a AND gate 21 applies. When the same vehicle the probe 13b before tilting back influenced by the monostable multivibrator, its output signal is via a circuit 22 for producing a rectangular shape on the second input of the gate circuit 21 transmitted, the output of which then sends this square pulse to an integrating circuit 23 and a shaping circuit 24 transmits. The integrating circuit 23 has two Outputs with threshold value, one of which then generates a signal that the counted Vehicle assigned to one or the other of the two categories above. To the The output of the shaping circuit 24 appears, for example, a short pulse, which e.g. the leading edge of the rectangular output pulse of the gate circuit 21 corresponds.

This short impulse is the one on an input for premature Resetting of the monostable multivibrator 20 and on the other hand to a vehicle counter 25 transferred.

Of course, the block diagram of Figure 5 is relative schematic example. Others can use the technology commonly used in electronics Means for hanging the information supplied by the device according to the invention be derived.

In particular, the block diagram can be designed so that it works in the same way for each of the two separate directions of travel.

If a vehicle has a single one of the two probes 13a and 15b during influences a duration corresponding to the period of the monostable multivibrator 20, no pulse appears at the output of the gate circuit 21, and the monostable multivibrator 20 automatically returns to its rest position if it was previously brought out of this had been.

From the output of the monostable Kippschaltuiig 20 to the first The voltage applied to the input of the gate circuit 21 is integrated by a circuit 26, which generates an output signal whose amplitude at the time between the points in time on which the two probes 13a and 13b of one and the same vehicle are affected were, is proportional. A divider 27 receives the output of the integrating circuit 26, the indication X (distance between the two rows of probes in Figo 2) and the through the Computer determined exact MaP-stab E of the image of the investigation road section. The output signal of the divider 27 is the counted vehicle for the speed v proportional. One and the same, the period of the monostable multivibrator 20 corresponding lowest speed is displayed for the vehicles which only have a single of the two probes 13a and 13b, as well as for those who have one have a speed below this lowest value.

It is to be noted, a ¢ any other, with an electronic Analog or digital counting system connected to the timer for handling the from the Information provided according to the invention can be used.

The one shown in Fig. 1 and described above, or an equivalent Device in which the perspective optical cone by a with a Television receiver-coupled television camera is replaced, can be fixed in place the detection road section are held, the receiving block so set is that one of its rows of probes coincides with the image of the fixed mark.

6 shows a stationary device for determining the road traffic by counting the vehicles.

This device comprises means 31a, 41a, etc.

for forming an image of an investigation road section.

Each means 31a, 41a etc. is in particular controlled by a micro camera with continuously open lens with a vertical optical axis above the axis of the road section The device also contains counting means, which are formed by a receiving block are formed, which at least one row of photoelectric probes 34a, 44a, etc., e.g., photosensitive diodes. This row is 34a, 44a, etc. in the plane of the image of the road section and transversely to the axis of this image arranged. These rows 34a, 44a thus correspond in the image plane of the street section a fixed marking line lying on the level of this section of the road. It is However, it is clear that this marking is not really on the lane of the road section needs to be formed, since the rows of probes 34a, 44a are stationary.

A second receiving block, which also has a number of photoelectric Probes 34b, 44b, etc., is also stationary over the road section at a certain distance L from the rows 34, 44a, etc. of the first reception blocks arranged in the direction of the lane axis.

Electrical connection means formed by cables 30, 40 are between the probes 34a, 34b assigned to one another are provided. Measurement and analysis means of type described above are provided in an arrangement 5 for local synthesis, with which by electrical cables C the associated pairs of receiving blocks are connected are. The measuring means of the arrangement S allow the measurement of the time interval between don successive moments of counting one and the same vehicle D through each row of probes 34a, 34b of a pair of associated probes.

The rows of probes 34b, 44b are of course provided with means 31p, 41b kcibiniert, which are designed like the means 31a, 41a to form an image of the detection road section to build.

It can therefore be said that compared to the above the stationary device according to the invention for Determination of road traffic provides a kind of decoupling of the receiving knee means (micro cameras 31a, 31b), wherein a receiving means is associated with each row of probes 34a, 34b.

A system of the device according to the invention, which is fixed over a driveway is arranged, is practically no longer through the angular field the receiving means 31a, 31b conditionally. In particular, these receiving means can be in be installed at a relatively low height H above the road section, where II is in particular less than 10 meters.

This gives the considerable advantage of being able to attach the probes existing superstructures above the carriageway can be used. These superstructures can e.g. be transitions or signal portals.

A pair of receiving blocks 34a, 34b is useful for each lane assigned to the road section. In the case of a motorway section with e.g. two lanes in each direction, i.e. with four lanes, are four pairs of probes available, i.e. a total of eight probes. Each pair is assigned by a lane The probe is practically arranged above the axis of this roadway, as can be seen in FIG. 6.

In Fig. 6, only a single direction of travel I is a street with two lanes in each direction 1 and II shown. The axis of the road is marked with M.

The distance L between the mutually associated probes one and the same The pair is greater than the mean greatest length of a light vehicle and smaller than the mean smallest along a heavy vehicle. L is appropriate on the order of 7 meters.

A heavy vehicle (longer than L) affected so at the same time the probes 34a, 34b, while a light vehicle (with a length smaller than L) has ceased to influence one of the probes 34a, 34b, if it affects the other of these two probes.

The classification of the vehicles in one of the two categories, difficult Vehicles and light vehicles, therefore, can be even simpler than the previous one Execution.

This classification of the vehicles can be done by a third, for "two-wheeled Vehicles "reserved category must be completed.

It should be noted that the scheme of FIG. 5 is an example of electronic circuits allow the measurement of the speed of vehicles exiting the time interval between the on and off of the probes 34a, 34b pulses delivered by the same pair when the same vehicle is passing undertake, with the counting of the number and the classification of these vehicles in the Case of the device of Fig. 6 is possible.

These various computing operations are carried out in the arrangement 5 made for local synthesis, which is designed so that it is periodic Makes broadcasts, e.g. every minute, to a traffic control center (Pc). These Shipments can be made by wire or by truck shafts.

The device for determining the road traffic can also be used can be completed by a fixed television camera, which allows the process observe the traffic measured in another way and resolve the doubt, if the information given by the probes of a vehicle quantity is zero and a speed Correspond to zero. In this case, a significant number of people can be on the road There may be stationary vehicles, or there may be no vehicle on the Lane.

However, a full understanding of the traffic conditions can be can also be achieved in the absence of this television camera. The device for determination road traffic can also be achieved through the synthesis of the rows of photodiodes incoming signals can be completed into a single video signal, which is then displayed on a device, e.g. a television screen whose "Line scanning" then corresponds to the detection of the photoprobe rows while the "image sample" is provided by a time base. The length of the image of a each vehicle is then proportional to the time of its passage under the probes, i.e. the visible length represents exactly the occupancy rate of the lane, what the Removal of the indeterminacy of an indication "Vehicle quantity zero - speed Zero "allowed.

The following information can be given as a non-limiting numerical example become: The rows of probes 34a, 34b become through microphotodiodes at a pitch of 50 microns, with each row 34a, 34b of probes one Length (transverse to the direction of travel axis) of 5 millimeters.

The lens of each micro camera is at a height of 5 meters attached above the roadway. The main distance of the lens is 7.14 mm. That Image of a roadway, the width of which is 3.5 meters, has a width of 5 millimeters, i.e. it is equal to the dimension of the row of probes.

The microphotodiodes of each row of probes are sequentially sensitized with great speed. The sampling frequency of the complete series, i.e. the frequency with which the information from all microphotodiodes in a row are delivered is so rough that the determination accuracy of the speed the vehicles is sufficient. With the numerical examples above, a sampling enables with 150 periods per second the determination of the speed of a with 100 km / h driving vehicle accurate to 2 ffi.

It is to be noted that the dz probe rows 34a, 34b through the usual Photodiodes and, in the borderline case, can even be formed by a single photodiode could.

The arrangement S for local synthesis forms a microcomputer, which is designed according to the required functions, such as in particular the Calculation of the instantaneous speeds, the mean speeds, the Total number of vehicles, the classification of vehicles into categories, etc.

However, it is important to do an identity recognition one at a time to provide one and the same pair of signals / delivered by two probes 34a, 34b, so that the various calculations, especially the speed, actually do made with the signals generated by a single and the same vehicle will.

Figure 7 is a high level schematic of the local synthesis arrangement in the case of a road with two Falxrbahnen in each direction of travel I and II.

The (not shown in Fig. 6) the lanes of the direction of travel II (Fig. 6) associated probes are denoted by 54a, 54b and 64a, 64b.

The overview scheme shows the dap of the probes a and the same pair of information supplied can be summarized to the one To result in information pertaining to the lane in a certain direction of travel. The information relating to each lane in the same direction of travel will be summarized to provide the information relating to this direction of travel. The synthesis arrangement S receives those relating to the two directions of travel I and II Information. It calculates and then transfers it to the traffic control center the quantity Q of the vehicles in each direction of travel, sorted by category, and the mean speed of these vehicles.

According to a further feature of the invention, the device to determine the road traffic when they are installed in a section of the road to be determined overflying aircraft on photoelectric probes, which are designed so, since they provide an arrangement of information that allows exit from this information a complete picture of that overflown by the aircraft To reproduce road sections and terrain, with this information the determination the speed of the aircraft depending on the ground.

The photoelectric probes are expediently by two one mutual spacing of one millimeter strips or rows of microphotodiodes formed, which in turn on the same strip a small distance of on the order of 50 microns. These diodes are sequentially with great Sensitized speed, and there is a time counting device provided to determine the position of the diode which is sensitizing at a given point in time and sends out information. Such strips of microphotodiodes are available in the stores.

In Fig. 8 an apparatus is shown which the general Has the form of the device of FIG. Means are found for forming an image of the street section with a micro camera 71 (or a cone with optical Perspective) and a lens 72 again. The strips of photoelectric probes 74a, 74p can be attached to a rotary head 78, the angular position of which is changed its center can be adjusted. The rotary head 78 can with respect to the plane 73, on which the image of the road section is formed, none Perform translational movement.

The microphotodiodes of each strip are opened with great rapidity sensitized.

The totality of the photodiodes of each strip delivers simultaneously information with a sampling frequency of preferably over 100 Hz.

Electronic counting means enable the position to be fixed of each microdiode in the strip and making a match the atomic number of a microdiode in the strip? 4a with a microdiode in the strip 74b for the corresponding measurements related to the passage of the image one and the same Object, in particular a vehicle, in front of these two associated with one another Microdiodes correspond.

I) the information received from the microphotodiode strips by means of a transmitter by radio waves to a traffic command center located on the ground transfer. This command post is equipped as follows: - to capture the Real-time flight times and for magnetic recording; - for generation a television picture with the aid of the odiodenate strips from one of the microphotographs, e.g. information provided to strip 74a; - for calculating the number of vehicles Q per direction of travel and the type of vehicles in real time; - for the graphic Output to an apparatus for drawing the directional velocity vectors V.

The information provided by this strip 74a enables get a moving picture of the overflown landscape in real time. The first The scanning column (perpendicular to the direction of flight) forms the front border of the image. The other columns of the picture, maintained by remanence, deliver them landscapes flown over earlier times and then disappear from the format of the picture.

The picture is continuous. Its magnification perpendicular to that Flight depends on the focal length of the recording means and on the flight altitude. The magnification in the direction of flight depends on the speed of the Iaift vehicle opposite to the Ground, altitude and the focal length of the recording means.

This picture of the overflown landscape enables the determination the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground.

There are electronic means provided, which from the measurements the speed of the vehicles in relation to the aircraft and the speed of the aircraft compared to the ground the speed of the motor vehicles compared to the ground derive from the ground. The flight of the aircraft takes place practically parallel to the Axis of the investigation road section.

The measurement of the speed of the vehicles in relation to the aircraft takes place at the exit of the strips? 4a, 74b as the image passes one and the same vehicle supplied pulses as explained above.

The ground speed of the aircraft is preferred obtained under the output of the information supplied by the edge microdiodes, which the information from the lateral sections lying outside the road of the landscape.

Since the device for the detection of road traffic with photoelectric If probes permit the reproduction of an image of the area flown over, it can serve to fully analyze traffic in an urban area.

In Fig. 9, the direction of flight of the aircraft is shown schematically by X'-X and represented by T the trajectory of a vehicle t. This path forms when equated with a straight line an angle # with the direction X'-X.

The vehicle forms its image ml on the street 74a at the time t1. The same vehicle forms its image at m2 on strip 74b at the time t2.

The components of the movement of the vehicle are: - dx = Vx dt Die Component of the speed of the vehicle in the flight direction X'-X becomes as above based on the time interval between the signals obtained by the stripes? 4a, 74b influenced by the same vehicle will.

The component dy is determined by the differences in the ordinal numbers of the microphotodiodes corresponding to the images m1 and m2.

Knowing dx and dy enables the direction to be determined and the value of the vector V of a vehicle.

The evaluation of the received by the microphotodiodes and by Information transmitted by radio waves is half-delayed.

Fig. 10 shows a very brief overview scheme by way of example for evaluation in the case of surface analysis, e.g. of a city. The motor vehicles then have any direction in relation to the path of the aircraft.

C1 and C2 represent the outputs of the in flight over a selected zone magnetic made of the general landscape which contains the examined roadway Records.

The information contained in these records is that of the probes with two microdiode strips 74a, 74b.

The circuits C3, C4 are through the signals coming from C1 and C2 influenced mono stable multivibrators.

These flip-flops fulfill, so to speak, the same task as that monostable multivibrator 1 of FIG. 5.

The circuit C5 forms a gate circuit and a circuit for Recognize the shape of the vehicle. This circuit compares the shape of the Microphotodiodes supplied signals and allows the detection of the microdiode series of strips 74a, 74b influenced the same vehicle.

The distance between the two strips is z .3. so chosen, dap the immediate Coincidence of the signals coming from C, and C2 indicates the presence of a serious one Vehicle while the coincidence at the by a monostable Eipp circuit extended signal from C1 indicates the presence of a light vehicle. the Device distinguishes the presence of two light vehicles from that of a heavy vehicle by a minimum of time tm driving the vehicles from Ci after.

The shaft C6 generates an output signal whose amplitude increases proportional to the interval between the points in time is to which Microdiodes of the strips 74a, 74b were influenced by one and the same vehicle. This information relates to the component related to the path of the lift vehicle the path of the aircraft in relation to the motor vehicle.

The circuit C7 represents the difference in the ordinal number of the same vehicle firmly influenced microdiodes of the two strips 7Xa, 74b. This difference provides the information about the transverse component of the trajectory of the Aircraft versus the motor vehicle.

The circuit C8 is a divider, which the signals of the integrating circuits C6 and C7 as well as a map stick relating to the image of the ground on the diodes Signal E receives.

The output circuit C9 of the divider C8 supplies the speed V and the direction e of the vehicles in relation to the aircraft.

The circuit C10 contains the stored information about the middle Speed of the aircraft relative to the ground, as derived from an overall treatment of the area captured by the strips of the microphotodiodes.

The circuit C1 is a computer, which the data of the circuits C9 and Cio receives and the speed V of the vehicle with respect to the ground as well as its direction G is calculated.

The entire device is preferably in one under the aircraft arranged profiled body installed, as shown in Fig. 3. This profiled Body contains the micro camera equipped with the two microphotodiode strips, a ptin probe and a transmitter for radio transmission of the microphotodiodes and the radio probe received information.

To define the terms, below are some numerical values for an application example is given.

It is assumed that the aircraft is in the process of determining the traffic at a speed of the order of 250 ki / h at a height of 500 Meters.

The length of the strips 74a, 75b is 20 millimeters and the spacing of these two strips 1 millimeter.

The lens of the optics has a focal length of 50 millimeters.

The map scale of the picture is 1 / 10,000, so is the distance between the two strips 74a, 74b on the ground at a distance of 10 meters on the roadway is equivalent to.

Two consecutive microphotodiodes of one and the same strip have a spacing of 50 microns, which means a separation capacity of 0.50 meters at the bottom results.

The information of each strip 74a, 74b is sent at the same time, with a frequency above 100 Hz.

This gives a resolution of the order of magnitude in the direction of flight 0.50 m, which is the determination of a vehicle speed of 130 km / h up to 2 % exactly allowed.

f in the case of a full analysis of the traffic with vehicles whose Have speeds in any direction (surface investigation of a city or a motorway slip road), you can use the automatic drawing of the speed vectors of the vehicles of the entire overflown area.

At the same time, in the laboratory, one can find out from the information from Microphotodiodes (which are similar to those obtained by image scanning) generate photographic image. This image enables the streets to be identified and places. The vectors can also be eliminated by electronic means, which lie outside a window defined in coordinates, which is a path isolated and the middle one for each street due to the direction of travel and vehicle type Speeds and the vehicle quantities obtained, which are derived from the quotient of the The number of vehicles and the mean of their values.

As can be seen from the above, the invention is Device easier to use than the previously known.

Claims (27)

PATENT TO SPR U 0 HE 1. Device for determining road traffic, in particular by counting the vehicles, characterized by means (1, 31a, 31b ....) for Formation of an image of the assessment road section and in particular one against this fixed mark (R), as well as by means (25) for counting the images of vehicles, which during a certain counting time on the picture of the fixed Drive brand. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the counting means dap have an end block (4) which has at least one row (4a 4b - 34a, 34b .....) of photoelectric probes, e.g. light-sensitive diodes, which are arranged transversely to the axis of the image of the road section. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, 3 to Determining the speed of the counted vehicles the counting means two identical parallel rows (4a, 4b; 34a, 34b; 44a, 44b ....) of photoelectric probes include, which are offset from one another in the axis of the image of the road section are, wherein auffierdem means (26, 27) for measuring the time interval between the consecutive moments of counting one and the same vehicle a pair of aligned parallel to the axis of the image of the street section Probes are provided. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that to determine the length of the counted vehicles, in particular to distinguish them of passenger vehicles and trucks, means (23) are provided which the Determine the duration during which a probe through the image of one and the same vehicle being affected. 5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that that it is carried by an Iaift vehicle, which is the investigation road section at a practically constant height at a steady speed and in one flies over practically constant direction, the counting means being designed in such a way that because during the counting time it is one of the rows (4a, 4b) of the probes with the fixed mark Keep (R) in accordance. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the receiving block dap (4) displaceable parallel to the practically flat surface of the base (3) is, e.g. a ground glass or a screen, on which the image of the Ermittlungsstrassenabsc is formed. 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the Receiving block (4) from a movable parallel to both sides of the image carrier Carriage (7) is carried by means of a rotating head (8), which in turn on the The carriage is pivotable, its pivot pin being perpendicular to the image carrier (3) lies. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that a dap first side of the image carrier (3) parallel to the axis or the speed of the Aircraft is held, manual or automatic means being provided which, before counting, move the carriage (7) to the image of the fixed mark (R) bring and adjust the rotary head (8) according to the direction of this mark, whereupon they move the carriage (7) parallel to the first side of the during the counting time Move the image carrier at a speed which is equal to the shift speed of the image of the permanent brand isto 9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the lift vehicle with an altimeter, in particular a radio probe, which at half the counting time an altitude information supplies which for determining the exact scale of the image of the investigation road section is used. 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that dap the means for forming an image of the investigation road section preferably have infrared permeable lens (2) with a vertical axis. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the Lens (2) is that of a perspective optical cone, the focusing screen of which (3) is within range of the aircraft's assessment. 12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the Lens that of a television camera (15), which is with one in the field of view the crew of the aircraft horizontal television receiver coupled is. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the dap TV camera (15) is built into a profiled body (16), which under is attached to the lift vehicle, e.g. under a wing (18). 14. Device according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized by an electric or electronic timer and a calculator whose Inputs the timer signals, the signals from the photoelectric probes (13a, 13b) as well as possibly receiving the information from the altimeter, the outputs the calculator's information about the total number of vehicles counted for each Counting time on every lane and / or on all lanes of the corresponding street in each direction of travel and, if necessary, information about the hourly number of vehicles in both directions of travel, via the individual speeds and / or the middle speeds Speeds of the toothed vehicles and the lengths of these vehicles, i.e. about their types, deliver. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the dap Output information from the computer is displayed, for example, on a television screen and / or recorded, e.g. on a magnetic pad or on a punched tape, and / or can be transmitted to a central office by Punk. 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by photographic, cinematographic or magnetic means (magnetoscope) for recording the changing image of the investigation road section during every count. 17. Device according to one of claims 3 to 16, characterized by means (20, 21) for elimination from the count of each vehicle whose Image a single probe influences one of the same pair of probes. 18. Device according to claim 1 for determining road traffic, especially by counting vehicles, with means only forming an image an investigation road monitoring device as well as counting means with a receiving block with at least one series of photoelectric probes, e.g., photosensitive ones Diodes, this row of probes transverse to the axis of the image of the Street section is arranged, characterized in that the receiving block as well as the means (31a, 41a ....) for forming an image stationary over the road section are arranged, and that the device has a second receiving block and this associated means (31b, 41b ....) for forming an image, this second block also stationary over the road section at a certain distance (L) from the first receiving block is arranged in the axis of the direction of travel, the second receiving block also a number of photoelectric probes (34b, 44b ...) comprises, wherein connecting means (30) between the two receiving blocks and measuring means to measure the time interval between the successive points in time of the Counting e in and the same vehicle are provided by each receiving block. 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that, ß each Lane of the road section a pair of reception blocks C3Ia, 31b; 41a, 41b; ....) assigned. 20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that dap the receiving blocks (31a ...) are arranged on suspension means, the height of which (H) is less than 20 meters, this suspension means in particular by existing upper edges be formed with a height of less than 10 meters. 21. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that that the distance (L) between the receiving blocks of one and the same pair is coarser than the greatest mean length of a light vehicle but less than the smallest is the mean length of a heavy vehicle, this distance being greater in particular than 6 meters. 22. Device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized by an arrangement (S) for local synthesis, which in particular the amount of Vehicles and the average speed per lane and this determines the number of vehicles, information relating to the speed and the visualized appearance transmits to a traffic command post. 23. Device according to claim 5 for determining road traffic, in particular by counting the vehicles, for installation in an investigation road section Overflying aircraft with means for forming an image of the investigation route section as with counting means with a collecting block with at least two rows of photoelectric Probes, e.g. light-sensitive diodes, these rows of probes being transverse to the axis of the image of the road section are arranged, characterized in that the photoelectric probes (4a, 4b; 34a, 34b; .....) are formed so that they provide a set of information that allow going out from them a complete picture of the road section overflown by the aircraft and to reproduce terrain in such a way that this reproduced image of the flown over Terrain the determination of the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground allowed. 24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that dap each row of photoelectric probes (4a, 4b; 34a, 34b ....) through one Strips of microphotodiodes is formed, which have a spacing of the order of magnitude 50 microns and sensitized one by one. 25. The device according to claim 23 or according to claim 23 and 24, with two rows of photoelectric probes characterized by electronic means to calculate the speed of the vehicles in relation to the floor below the exit the speed of the vehicles in relation to the aircraft and the speed of the aircraft with respect to the ground. 26. The device according to claim 23 or 25, characterized in that dap it is trained to do an analysis of the road traffic during a flight at an altitude of 500 meters and at a speed of the Iaift vehicle of the order of magnitude of 250 km / h, with the lens the optics has a focal length of the order of 50 mm. 27. The device according to claim 26, characterized by its net Application for the complete analysis of a traffic of vehicles, their speeds have any location, especially city traffic 5.