EP0741377B1 - Road traffic control system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system monitors road traffic to determine when driving laws are broken, e.g. to detect speeding, driving through red lights, driving to close for safety etc. Objects, e.g. vehicles are monitored by an object sensor (24). Output signals are generated as actual values in dependence on sensed movement or positions. The actual values are processed in n analysis unit (30) connected to the object sensor (24) and are compared with predetermined target or threshold values. A deviation of the actual value from the target or threshold value indicates that a rule or law has been broken and a trigger signal is generated. The trigger signal causes a camera (32) to record an image of the object together with data on the law broken. In the case that a law is broken, the recorded image together with the corresponding data is transmitted as electric data signals via a data connection (6) to a receiving station (4). The latter is remotely situated from the object sensor (24) and the analysis unit (30). The transmitted data is stored and/or further analysed at the receiving station (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a monitoring system of road traffic in order to identify violations of the rules, such as driving too fast, driving on with red traffic light, insufficient safety distance and / or the like, with at least one object sensor Objects monitored and depending on their sensory recorded movements or positions output signals as Actual values are generated in a with the object sensor connected evaluation device processed and with predetermined Target or limit values are compared, and where in the case of a deviation of the actual value from the respective predetermined target or limit value Rule violation a trigger signal is generated, which a Acquisition of an image of the respective object using a camera together with data about the respective rule violation causes, in the event of a detected violation the captured image together with the associated one Data as electrical data signals over a data connection to one of the object sensor and the evaluation device remote acquisition station for storage and / or further evaluation is transmitted.

For speed measurement, stationary and mobile radar devices or mobile laser measuring devices, so-called Laser guns known. With the last mentioned laser devices is a disadvantage that due to the highly bundled Laser beam the device manually the moving object must be tracked. The device usually has to do this be held directly in front of the eye, it turns out has that this is the health of the eye of the Operator, but also the occupant (s) of each measured vehicle. Further is known for measuring speed or for checking stopping e.g. Induction loops in front of red traffic lights to be used in the carriageway or light barriers. The known systems therefore work with different types Measuring devices and either without Image acquisition, whereby due to the necessary immediate Stopping the respective road user high personnel expenses in order to determine the personal details is required, or with a photochemical Image capture (photography), which also becomes a very high effort and costs for maintenance and administration leads. So the footage has to be at certain intervals changed manually, time-consuming transport and processed and finally also manually for and holder detection can be evaluated. Everything this and also the subsequent sending of fines requires extremely high personnel and administrative burden. There is also an extremely high failure rate; for example, by early consumption of the Subsequent rule violations can no longer be used for film material be recorded. After all, the known systems are too highly vulnerable to sabotage or vandalism Destruction or theft of footage previously "traffic offender" caught a fine or one Could evade law enforcement.

There are therefore already systems of the type described at the beginning, the preamble of claim 1 corresponding type known from each of documents WO-A-93/21617 and DE-A-34 22 764. It is in each case by means of a Object sensor and an evaluation unit detected rule violation controlled a camera to take a picture of the object, and this picture is then associated with it Information processed electronically and via a Data connection to a remote acquisition station transfer.

In the system described in WO-A-93/21617 are as Object sensor detection means in the form of two detectors arranged in slots in the roadway (obviously provided in the manner of induction loops), while according to DE-A-34 22 764 a measuring arrangement with two Light barriers running across the road are provided should be. In both cases it is a question of Street-related sensor elements mainly for speed detection. Above all, light barriers are natural very easy to manipulate and are subject to a very high Risk of sabotage because their function is very easy e.g. by objects placed to interrupt the light beam can be disturbed. Induction wires or loops must be embedded in the pavement, which represents quite a lot of assembly work.

Furthermore, from WO-A-93/19441 an "object (screen) Monitoring system "(monotoring system) known. Objects should be through permanent image acquisition (video surveillance) be monitored. There is an object detection using a variety of cameras (detection cameras) provided with which a constant image acquisition (monitoring) of the respective objects on their journey over one certain traffic route. Based on this constantly monitored images will determine if it is the respective vehicle by a certain vehicle type, e.g. a truck, trades, and then maybe one more special picture (practically as a still picture) by means of a additional camera (image acquisition camera) can be captured. In any case, however, the means of detection cameras constantly captured images to a control station transmits, not just those on special occasions captured (still) images of the acquisition cameras.

The present invention is based on the object universal for different monitoring situations to create applicable traffic monitoring system with the time and manpower required for the operation and the maintenance as well as the risk of sabotage to a minimum reduced and thereby also the detection security can be increased significantly.

According to the invention it is provided that the object sensor is designed as a laser sensor with one in the direction of the object optically expanded laser beam emitted is working. This makes it advantageously possible to Object sensor stationary within a protective housing (for example in the form of a so-called "starter box") so that it is relatively well protected from acts of sabotage can be. By using a laser sensor, a high detection accuracy guaranteed.

The image and are expediently transmitted the associated additional data immediately after recording of the respective rule violation and preferably after one temporary storage in the evaluation device, whereby through the preferably provided temporary storage the possibility in the event of a transmission difficulty a repeated transmission of the image and additional data consists.

The system according to the invention is in familiar way - a practically unattended, automatic monitoring system, which increases personnel and administrative expenses significantly reduced. That's the way it is especially unnecessary to replace film material and to process photochemically, since the pictures together with the additional data electronically transmitted and evaluated become. The immediate transmission of the data also eliminates the risk of images being used as evidence can be destroyed or stolen because the Destruction of the camera cannot destroy the image since this already together with the additional information in the form of electrical, especially digital signals transferred and especially on CD-ROM for documentation has been saved. It is advantageous that practical hardly the possibility of an unauthorized intervention in the central acquisition station.

Within the framework of the system according to the invention, preference is given to external monitoring stations used with regard to their technical structure is basically the same, "universal" are trained, but still optional for used to monitor various traffic situations can be. This is supported by an appropriate, computer-based Evaluation of the output signals of the object sensor reached. The actual laser object sensor can in particular in all cases the same as a distance sensor be trained by the runtime method is working. About the preferably digital evaluation from its time-dependent distance signals can stop or driving through, the speed, the (safety) distance and also determined the number of vehicles become. This is how the stopping becomes constant over time of the time-dependent distance signal, the speed is about the time derivative of the distance signal determined and the distance between two vehicles over the time difference between two equal levels of time-dependent Distance signal. The distance between two Vehicles e.g. in meters also over the speed be determined. The number of vehicles, i.e. the respective Traffic volume is based on a count of measurement events or distance changes determined.

In this way, in the case of a deviation from the respective sensed "actual signals" of given or adjustable "target or limit values" Violation, e.g. a measured, too small distance, too high a speed and / or in the case of detected driving over a red traffic light system or a stop sign, automatically one in particular digital image can be recorded, which then over a Interface read into a computer module of the evaluation device and there with the case-specific additional information over time, location, speed, distance, etc. becomes. The signals can then be compressed and buffered and about the data connection, especially about the ISDN network of Deutsche Telekom, automatically to the central Detection station are transmitted. There is in another computer receive the image, the vehicle registration number can then use suitable image processing software are automatically recognized and it can over a suitable network of computers Vehicle owners can be determined. It is also advantageous possible, via a saved fine table also set the respective fine as well as automatically print out and send the fine. Possibly automatic monitoring then also takes place of the incoming payments from the fine notices possibly sending reminders or similar follow-up measures.

Further advantageous design features of the invention are in the subclaims and the following description contain.

Fig. 1

Komponenten des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer Anordnung zur Überwachung der Geschwindigkeit eines Fahrzeugs und/oder des Abstandes zwischen zwei Fahrzeugen,

Fig. 2

Komponenten des erfindungsgemäßen Systems in einer gegenüber Fig. 1 ergänzten Anordnung zur zusätzlichen Überwachung des Anhaltens oder Durchfahrens im Falle eines Rotlichtsignals und

Fig. 3

eine Anordnung ähnlich Fig. 2 zur Erfassung des "Überfahrens" eines Stoppschildes.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several practical exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention, which are illustrated in the drawing. Show:

Fig. 1

Components of the system according to the invention in an arrangement for monitoring the speed of a vehicle and / or the distance between two vehicles,

Fig. 2

Components of the system according to the invention in an arrangement supplemented with respect to FIG. 1 for additional monitoring of stopping or driving through in the case of a red light signal and

Fig. 3

an arrangement similar to FIG. 2 for detecting the "overrun" of a stop sign.

The same in the different figures of the drawing or functionally corresponding parts and components always provided with the same reference numerals so that they usually only be described once.

A traffic monitoring system according to the invention exists as essential "main components" from at least one external, i.e. at the location of the desired traffic monitoring to be arranged monitoring station 2 and one removed lying ("central") detection station 4, wherein the monitoring station 2 with the detection station 4 over a data link 6 is connected to a wired (electrical conductor / light conductor) or wireless (public) data network belongs, in particular to the ISDN network 8 of Deutsche Telekom or to a radio network or digital radio telephone network 10 (see Fig. 3). In practice will of course be a variety of external monitoring stations 2 are provided, which are then determined in each case Locations or "traffic hotspots" arranged and each via a data connection 6 with the "central" detection station 4 can be connected.

Each monitoring station 2 is expediently basically similar and in particular "modular" structure; she consists at least of a sensor module 12, an evaluation or computer module 14, preferably a camera module 16 Flash device module 18, in particular a buffer module 20 and a data interface module 22. The sensor module 12 has an object sensor 24, which is designed according to the invention as a laser distance sensor, the - to make a stationary arrangement possible - with an optically widened laser beam 26 operates, which is a tracking of the beam with respect to the moving objects 28 (especially motor vehicles) makes redundant.

The evaluation or computer module 14 forms the essential Part of an evaluation device 30 that measures the measured values of the object sensor 24 by means of suitable computer operations evaluates whether a rule violation of the respective object 28 is present or not.

The camera module 16 has a camera 32, in which it preferably a digital (electronic) still camera (e.g. so-called "CCD camera").

With the system according to the invention, road traffic is ongoing or but only during certain ones, for example by a random number generator fixed times by the object sensor 24 monitors. Results in the mathematical evaluation by the Evaluation device 30 that a violation of certain traffic rules (Road traffic regulations) is present, then a Trigger signal generated, which is the acquisition of an image of the respective object by means of the camera 32 together with Data about the respective rule violation. The captured image is together with the associated one Data via the data link 6 to the central acquisition station 4 for storage and / or further arithmetic evaluation transferred. The transfer was made is preferably from the detection station 4 to the each monitoring station 2 reported back; if there is no response, there is an automatic retransmission or repeated transmission until the correct Feedback received. For this, the image and Additional data temporarily stored in the intermediate storage module 20, the data at the earliest after transmission confirmation to be deleted.

In the central detection station 4, the electrical Images and data then transmitted data signals evaluated mathematically in practically any way become. So it is particularly possible to have an automatic To cause license plate recognition and holder identification, why the detection station 4 expediently with further data memories 34, for example from vehicle registration offices is networked, and preferably also over data connections 6. Furthermore, an automatic Determination of fines and an automatic submission of fines.

The system according to the invention can advantageously also with self-monitoring especially of the external monitoring stations 2 equipped against sabotage and vandalism be. The or each external monitoring station can do this 2 at least one additional movement and / or have a touch detector in the event of an approach and / or manipulation by an unauthorized person Person causes an alarm and in particular an alarm transmission via the data connection 6 and / or a detection and transmission of an image of the unauthorized person. For this purpose it can be useful to use the external monitoring station 2 at least one second monitoring station 2 so that each station 2 in the image capture area the other station 2 is located. This is Mutual image capture is possible, including unauthorized ones To be able to visually capture people who are the other, opposite monitoring station approach for unfair purposes. Thus, by two Cameras 32 mutually monitor the monitoring stations 2 realized, at the same time also an object 28 can be "photographed" from the front and back.

The system according to the invention can advantageously also used regardless of established rule violations be used, for example, to carry out searches after, for example, stolen vehicles. To do this expediently already in the monitoring station 2 or a running, regular in the evaluation device 30 Image capture of each moving object 28 with License plate recognition carried out, the determined License plate automatically with a saved license plate list (Wanted list) are compared and in the case a determined reporting function a certain reporting function is triggered. With this reporting function it can is an alarm, preferably together with the license plate directly to a specified number, for example a police station. In the the monitoring station 2 stored license plate list can advantageously via the data connection 6 can be updated each time.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the data recorded by sensors, in particular with regard to the respective Speeds, safety distances and / or the traffic in addition also for control of automatic (electronic) traffic signs or Warning boards or the like evaluated. This is it possible, the road users early, for example attentively to sources of danger, such as traffic jams do.

In addition, the monitoring system can also be equipped with additional Air quality sensors, in particular pollutant sensors, be equipped, the output size preferably also for controlling automatic traffic signs or warning signs or the like is evaluated. It can also automatically reports to the relevant authorities and / or media (traffic radio) are triggered if not permitted high concentrations of pollutants are detected.

The monitoring stations 2 can advantageously very much easily in traffic light systems (traffic lights) and / or traffic signs integrated or attached as additional devices. Each monitoring station 2 is basically portable, so that in the event of any malfunction also a simple one Exchange is possible.

Will the system for monitoring the stopping or driving through during the red phase of a traffic light system used so it can during the green and Yellow phase advantageously on speed monitoring "toggled".

Claims (12)

1. System for monitoring road traffic with the aim of detecting infringements such as, in particular, driving too fast, driving through a red traffic light, too small a safety distance and/or the like, it being the case that at least one object sensor (24) is used to monitor objects and, as a function of their movements and/or positions detected by sensing, to generate output signals as actual values which are processed and compared with predetermined desired and/or limiting values in an evaluation device (30) connected to the object sensor (24), and that in the case of an infringement detected as a deviation of the actual value from the respective predetermined desired and/or limiting value a trigger signal is generated which causes a picture to be taken of the respective object by means of a camera (32) together with data on the respective infringement, and that in the case of a detected infringement the picture taken is transmitted together with the associated data as electric data signals via a data connection (6) to a detecting station (4), situated remote from the object sensor (24) and the evaluation device (30), for the purpose of storing and/or further evaluation, characterized in that the object sensor (24) is designed as a laser sensor which operates using a laser beam (26) emitted in an optically expanded fashion in the direction of the object (28).
2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the data signals to be transmitted are buffered in the evaluation device (30), this temporary store not being erased until transmission to the detecting station (4) has been performed.
3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that pictures and data are transmitted digitally, in particular via a line-conducted or wireless data network.
4. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the picture is taken digitally, in particular as an individual digital picture.
5. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, characterized by a modular design at least of the external, sensor-side system components, an external monitoring station (2) having at least a sensor module (12), an evaluation and/or computer module (14), a camera module (16) preferably with a flash module (18), in particular a buffer module (20) and a data interface module (22).
6. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 5, characterized by self-monitoring, in particular of the external system components against sabotage and vandalism.
7. System according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the external monitoring station (2) has at least one additional motion detector and/or touch sensor which in the event of approach and/or manipulation by an unauthorized person triggers an alarm, in particular the transmission of an alarm via the data connection (6) and/or taking and transmission of a picture of the unauthorized person.
8. System according to one or more of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the external monitoring station (2) is assigned at least one second monitoring station (2) in such a way that in each case one station (2) is situated in the picture-taking region of the other station (2).
9. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the picture taken is used for automatic identification of the respective motor vehicle registration number and, in particular, also for automatically identifying the vehicle holder, preferably followed by automatic despatch of penalty notices and, if appropriate, monitoring of the receipts of payment.
10. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the data detected by sensing are evaluated, in particular, with reference to the respective speeds, safety distances, and/or the respective traffic volume for the purpose of controlling automatic traffic signs and/or warning panels or the like.
11. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that - if appropriate, even independently of infringements - a picture with identification of the registration number is taken regularly in the monitoring station (2) for each object, all the registration numbers being automatically compared with a stored list of registration numbers, especially one which can be input via the data connection, and a specific reporting function being triggered in the event of detecting a correspondence.
12. System according to one or more of Claims 1 to 11, characterized by additional air-quality sensors, in particular pollutant sensors, whose output variable is preferably evaluated for the purpose of controlling automatic traffic signs and/or warning panels or the like.

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