KR19990008209A - Signs automatic survey system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems for automatically maintaining and inspecting road signs and road structures include signs and structures with transponders for electromagnetic communication. The signs and structures also have a memory that stores information about the signs and structures. The in-vehicle unit is installed in the vehicle and communicates with the in-signal transponder to identify and receive information from the sign. The location module and graphical user interface assist in the navigation and identification of the signs. After the installation, maintenance or inspection of the signs is completed, the memory in the signs as well as the in-vehicle memory are updated. The central database stores information about all signs.

Description

Signs automatic survey system

Many of the road signs and road structures needed to manage road safety and traffic flows give special symbolic logic to departments responsible for the installation and maintenance of road signs and structures, such as the Transportation and Transportation Bureau. Signs and structures should be properly installed where needed and surveys of these signs and structures should be maintained for future reference. In addition, signs and structures shall be checked regularly and, if necessary, maintained.

Field workers are regularly dispatched to check signs installed. The site operator must first determine the set of signs to be checked from the installed signs. The site operator then evaluates whether these signs and scoreboards need to be maintained and finds signs that need to be checked out of the myriad of signs. If maintenance is required, the site operator will make the necessary repairs or replacements in accordance with the records of inspection and maintenance activities. When performing such maintenance, it is more desirable if the field operator uses information about each sign, such as installation date and past maintenance record. Similarly, it is desirable to use information on signs installed for maintenance or replacement scheduling at a central control station, such as a transport station. Procedures for planning the proper inspection route for field workers, inspecting signs, evaluating the findings of signs and documenting any repairs or repairs performed are errors in paperwork and at the location of signs. Can occur frequently and can be an inefficient procedure.

Due to the tremendous increase in traffic on the road, more efficient and safer road traffic maintenance is required. This need has been achieved by various mechanisms locally, i.e. with regard to specific vehicles and specific information, or unidirectional or bidirectional communication between roadsides and vehicles. Some instruments have a directional antenna selected for radio frequency, continuous and pulsed and encoding the signal. Electronic road signs have been developed such as one-way or two-way communication between the vehicle and the roadside, such as signals generated in the vehicle. Electronic road signs have surfaces printed with visible information for visual delivery of the desired information, such as toll collection, traffic control information, or dangerous situation warnings. The electronic road sign also has a transmitter for electronically transmitting information related to the road sign. The in-vehicle generation signal causes the vehicle on the road to electronically receive the information from the roadside transmitter and display it inside the vehicle. The electronic road sign may include a receiver that receives information from the vehicle to confirm the transaction upon toll collection, or from a traffic control center to update message information delivered to the vehicle.

Electronic road signs are desirable because the clock between the vehicle and the road sign effectively communicates information to the vehicle in a bad situation. Electronic road signs can provide redundant information to ensure that the driver of the vehicle receives the information. For example, on August 5, 1993, German patent DE 41 42 091 A1, issued to Siemens Matsushita Components, has an active transponder installed inside the vehicle and a passive transponder provided near the traffic sign, below the sign. An identification system is disclosed for recognizing traffic information in a vehicle mounted on a vehicle. Retroreflective electronic road signs that improve the visual visibility of road signs are more desirable and even more desirable integrated retroreflective electronic road signs because they further improve the delivery of information. The detachable antenna can be installed on the side of the road sign, or on a fixture equivalent to the road sign, while preventing road sign oversupply, ease of installation, reducing costs, preventing tampering, and safety considerations. It is desirable to integrate road signs with antennas or receivers so that they can be used to build infrastructure to implement road signs. Such integrated retroreflective electronic road signs are disclosed in US Pat. No. 08 / 196,294 to Bantli et al. Entitled Integrated Retroreflective Electronic Display.

The US Department of Defense deploys more than 18 satellites in orbit around Earth as a key component of the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS is well known and has been used for defense and non-military purposes. From the deployed satellites, a user with a suitable GPS receiver can locate their location anywhere in the world within ± 100 m. The GPS receiver can receive a high frequency simultaneous communication signal from the satellite and calculate the user's location from this signal. Errors intentionally inserted into the system by the US Department of Defense limit the accuracy of civil GPS to ± 100m. GPS with errors inserted changes over time.

The present invention relates to a system for automatically maintaining and inspecting road signs and structures.

1 is a view showing a normal road.

2 shows a general component of the survey system of the present invention.

3A and 3B are examples of data field structures for signs and structures.

4A and 4B are cross-sectional and back views of a signage in which a transponder is incorporated in the signage.

5A and 5B are cross-sectional and back views of another embodiment of the signage with the transponder incorporated in the signage.

6 is a schematic diagram of a signage incorporating a manual backscatter transponder in the signage;

7 is a schematic diagram of a signage incorporating a read / write transponder in the signage.

8 is a schematic representation of an in-vehicle unit.

9A-9E are examples of touch screens used to display information and receive input from a user when the system is in Inventory mode.

10A and 10B are examples of touch screens used to display information and incoming input from a user when the system is in Maintenance mode.

11 is an example of a touch screen used to display information and incoming input from a user when the system is in Notes mode.

12 is an example of a touch screen used to display information and incoming input from a user when the system is in Incedental Sign Evaluation mode.

The automatic signage survey system of the present invention automates the maintenance and survey procedures of objects such as road signs and road structures. The mobile processing device of the system stores information about signs that are installed, inspected or maintained in a memory so that the user can access this information as well as enter additional information about a particular sign. Signs and structures have electronic means of communication, such as transponders, as well as memories for storing information related to particular signs. Such a system can identify individual signs and receive information from these signs through electromagnetic communication using signs and structures. After installation, during the inspection or maintenance of the signage, the signage memory can be updated. The central database also stores information about all signs and structures.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, such as corresponding component reference numbers.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference numerals form part of the drawings in accordance with the drawings, and are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized and structurally modified without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.

The system of the present invention is intended to assist data entry regarding the transport planning station's business planning, record keeping and on-site sign installation activities, to assess the condition of the sign and to repair or replace the sign if necessary. The system improves the installation and maintenance efficiency with respect to the signaling system, thereby improving the overall stability of the transportation system. The system is not limited to road signs and transportation systems, but may be used for a number of structures installed on the roadside, such as guide rails, or other structures within an area accessible to the mobile unit equipped with the survey system of the present invention. 1 shows a typical road with a sign 2 installed next to the road 4. Other structures, such as guide rails 6 and street lights 8, are installed next to the road 4.

2 shows the general components of the survey system of the present invention. Signs 20 and structures 22 were installed next to the road. Sign 20 and structure 22 were provided with any means for communicating information electromagnetically, for example, using high frequency (RF) energy, as will be described later. In-vehicle unit 24 is a portable module, communicates with signs 20 and structures 22, receives location data from GPS satellites 28 or Geographic Information System (GIS), and provides central control station information. Various electronic components are provided for downloading and receiving data from the system 26, as well as for processing and maintaining information received from the different components of the system and the operators of the system. In one embodiment, the communication between the on-board unit 24 and the sign 20 and the structure 22 is bidirectional communication, and in another embodiment the communication is from the sign 20 and the structure 22. 24) is unidirectional.

In order to improve the efficiency of sign and structure positioning, that is, to investigate installed signs and to maintain the signs and structures, information about each sign and structure is programmed in the memory installed in each sign and structure. do. 3A and 3B show examples of data in data fields of the sign and structure memory, respectively. It is desirable that two types of information of permanence and variability be programmed into the memory of the sign and the structure. Since the permanence information will not change with respect to the sign, the information related to the sign can be programmed at the time of manufacture. For example, the permanent information columns 30 and 40 of the data fields for signs and structures may contain information such as the serial number of the sign, where and when the sign was manufactured and the type of sign can be programmed in memory in the manufacturing area. have. Since variability information, information that can be changed, is unknown at the time of manufacture or difficult to collect at the installation site, information related to manufacturing and installation is programmed after manufacturing, such as at the installation site. In the variable information columns 32 and 42 of the data field, information such as the sign maintenance officer, the location of the sign or structure, the date of installation, and the status of the sign can be programmed into the memory. In addition, after any repairs have been made, the maintenance records stored in the memory are updated, providing repair details on signs or structures for subsequent maintenance by field workers.

As mentioned above, the sign 20 and structure 22 have several means for communication with the on-vehicle unit 24. In one embodiment, the RF communication transponder may be installed on a detachable support near the sign 20, more preferably on an infrastructure supporting the sign 20 or the structure 22. However, in a more preferred embodiment, the transponders can be used to support electronic road signs, facilitate installation, reduce costs, prevent tampering, and build infrastructure for safety considerations. ) And the structure 22. In addition, the transponder is integrated into the sign 20 during manufacture, reducing the likelihood of error when programming in the field.

4A and 4B show cross-sectional and back views, respectively, of a signage having a transponder integrated into the signage. The transponder 52 is preferably concealed from the sight of the vehicle driver and pedestrian as well as from reaching the destroyers. It is also desirable to integrate the transponder 52 into the signage during manufacture rather than at the installation of the signage 50. Most road signs include retroreflective sheeting to provide an improved night vision on its front face. A high-performance spectroscopic retroreflective sheet that completely internally reflects light rays with a pure dielectric material was developed by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota. The retroreflective sheet has a first substantially flat side and a second side on which cube-corner elements are arranged. An example of a spectroscopic retroreflective sheet is 3M's trademark Scotchlite (R) Reflective Sheeting Diamond Grade. Another example is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,588,258, filed May 13, 1986, to Hoopman. Since the cube retroreflective sheet uses a dielectric material, the material can be installed in front of the transponder 52 without inhibiting the transmission of the high frequency signal of the sign, so that the material is the retroreflective sheet 54 of the sign 50. Can be used.

The back plate 56 of the sign 50 is typically a metal substrate, such as an aluminum substrate. The recess may be imprinted on the backplate 56 in the predetermined, regular position of each sign to accommodate the transponder 52. In manufacture, after the sign 50 is programmed with permanence information, the transponder 52 may be installed in the concave of the back plate 56 and sealed in the concave using adhesive or epoxy. The sealing can be done further so that the transponder 52 can not be easily removed from the sign 50 if desired.

Other types of retroreflective sheets, such as closed lens-type retroreflective sheets and encapsulated lens-type retroreflective sheets, are more commonly used for road signs. The enclosed lens type retroreflective sheet usually uses a single layer in which a transparent coating film made of glass microspheres is inserted into the bonding layer. Spaced below from the bonding layer, an almost continuous reflective coating is formed. This continuous reflective coating is preferably chemically deposited aluminum. However, the almost continuous reflective metal coating acts as a conductive plane, thus neutralizing any RF communication means installed behind the metal coating. Likewise, encapsulated lens-type retroreflective sheets, such as the 3M trademark Scotchlite Reflective Sheeting High Intensity Grade manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, can neutralize any RF communication device installed behind the coating. . The encapsulated lens type retroreflective sheet has a single layer inserted into a support layer of bonding material, consisting of microspheres, such as glass droplets. An almost hemispherical reflective coating lies below and is present in the optical connection with the insertion surface of each of the microspheres. The reflective coating is preferably chemically deposited aluminum. A gap is formed between each of the nearly semispherical reflective coatings of each microsphere, thereby forming a discontinuous vapor coating layer. The microspheres are encapsulated and sealed in a pocket. Examples of such retroreflective sheets are disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,190,178, filed June 22, 1965 to McKenzie, and US Pat. No. 4,664,966, filed May 12, 1987 to Bailey et al.

5A and 5B show cross-sectional and back views, respectively, of a signage with transponder 62 integrated into a signage 60 with a closed or encapsulated lens of the retroreflective sheet 64 type. Like the sign 50 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the sign 60 has a recessed surface at a predetermined regular position to house the transponder 62 and the back plate 62, which is preferably an aluminum substrate. Have As described above, the vapor coating layer of the retroreflective sheet 64 suppresses the transmission of radio signals from the transponder 62. Therefore, an RF window is provided to the transponder 62. In one embodiment, the RF window is created by cutting out a portion of the retroreflective sheet. The color pieces of the spectroscopic retroreflective sheet made of dielectric material by equally standardizing and matching are installed on the window, providing a global reflective surface and having an RF window for the transponder 62. Although two embodiments incorporating retroreflective signs have been described, other signs with electromagnetic communication capabilities may be used in current systems, as disclosed in the application of Bantli et al., Entitled above, Integrated Retroreflective Electronic Display.

6 is a schematic diagram of a sign with a transponder that may be used in the system of the present invention. The sign 70 has a retroreflective sheet 72 provided on the front side in a manner similar to that in FIG. 4A or 5A. The passive transponder only makes the memory 80 store the information. The information stored in the memory 80 can be read later, but cannot be programmed later. The memory 80 of the transponder 74 is preferably an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) that is programmed at the time of manufacture of the sign, which is similar to the permanence information described above. Transponder 74 has another antenna, such as an antenna for RF communication and an antenna used in in-vehicle reader 82, which will be described later herein. The antenna 76 is preferably a microstrip patch antenna or a wire coil antenna, but various types of antennas may be used. Instead, these transponders are activated by getting RF energy. Once activated, the antenna 76 receives RF energy and the radio frequency electronic component 78 receives the signal and generates a DC voltage from the alternating current. The radio frequency electronic component 78 provides desired information to the in-vehicle reader 82 by amplitude modulating an acquisition signal having binary information stored in the memory 80.

7 is a schematic diagram of a sign with another transponder that may be used in the system of the present invention. Sign 90 has a retroreflective sheet 92 on the front face provided in a similar manner as in FIG. 4A or 5A. Since the transponder 94 is an active read / write transponder, the memory 100 can be programmed later, as well as during manufacture, such as after the sign 90 is installed. Therefore, the transponder 92 can store both permanent and variable information. Since transponder 94 is an active transponder, power source 104, such as a battery, is required to power radio frequency electronics 98 and signal processing electronics 102 and conserve memory. To minimize power consumption, the signal processing electronic component 102 may be programmed not to transmit until RF energy above a certain threshold is received by the antenna 96, such as received from an in-vehicle reader. In addition, the transponder 92 may shut itself off if there is no transmission signal after a predetermined period.

Like the antenna of transponder 74, antenna 96 may be any number of suitable antennas, such as microstrip patch antennas or wire coil antennas. The memory 100 preferably includes both a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM) for storing variability information, as well as an EEPROM for storing permanent information. The RAM preferably has a lithium backup battery when power is lost from the power source 104. The signal processing electronic component 102 makes a logic decision based on an instruction included in the received signal and executes a transmission protocol. The component also formats the message into a digital bit stream to be transmitted, and the formatted message is transmitted to the transmitting circuitry of the radio frequency electronic component 98. The signal processing electronic component 102 may have a receiver decoder for decoding such a digital signal into a binary bit stream, a protocol logic unit for decoding the protocol, and an electronic component for monitoring the state of the power supply 104. It may be provided. The radio frequency electronic component comprises a modulation / demodulation circuit for converting a signal between digital and analog formats, a field length detector, a received signal detector, a decoder for receiving the signal, and a transmit oscillator / modulator for transmitting the modulated RF voltage to the antenna 96. And components well known in the art, such as transmit power amplifiers.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the in-vehicle unit 110 well installed in the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 2. The core elements of the on-vehicle unit 110, a portable module for data processing and electromagnetic communication, have data about signs to be installed, inspected or maintained, as well as the system for the individual to read and enter information about the signs. A computer system having a user interface that enables the use of a communication module and a communication module that can identify individual signs from a moving vehicle. This computer system includes an internal memory 118 consisting of a central processing unit (CPU) and software 116, a read-only memory (ROM) and a RAM. The CPU and associated software 116 read inputs from various ports and devices and process the inputs according to the system configuration described above. The communication module includes an antenna 112 and an RF electronic component 114. The antenna 112 is preferably a fine wire antenna that can be attached to the windshield of the vehicle. Optionally, the antenna 112 may be integrated in a vehicle built-in unit, which may be installed on the vehicle dashboard. The RF electronic component 114 includes a demodulation circuit for converting signals between a digital format and an analog format. The power supply 120 supplies power to both the computer system and the communication module. The battery backup 140 supplies power to the system when the power supply 120 is not operated.

In the preferred embodiment, the on-vehicle unit 110 includes additional components. The user display 122, such as a computer monitor or LCD display, provides images and information to the user. Input device 124, such as a keyboard or mouse and pointer, is used by the transportation transport station to request the desired information and enter other commands. In the preferred embodiment, the user display 122 and the input device 124 are combined into a single unit, such as a touch screen with a graphical user interface. An example of such a unit and its operation will be described later. In addition, the audible signal module 126 may provide an audible signal to a user in a situation in which the user's attention is required, such as when approaching a desired sign. In addition, removable memory 128, such as a diskette or a smart card, allows relevant information to be stored and modified in a single memory unit that can be inserted and removed as needed, and stored in a central control station if necessary. In addition, the voice input module 130 generally allows a user who is driving a vehicle to input a voice command without inputting a command by hand. The printer port 138 allows the vehicle type unit 100 to connect to the printer to make a hard copy of the information.

The positioning module 136 may be a GPS module for calculating the position of the on-vehicle unit. The GPS module receives the GPS signal from the GPS satellites and processes the signal to determine various navigation data about the vehicle, such as the location, destination and speed of the vehicle. Therefore, the positioning module 136 may correlate the location of the on-vehicle unit 110 with the sign position related information stored in the database of the computer system. The positioning module 136 may use other known techniques instead of the GPS system. Examples of known techniques include location beacons, Loran C, GPS-like ground systems, or dead reckoning, which simultaneously communicate a particular location in a small radius range through which a controlled vehicle passes. The reflectometer port 132 allows the unit 110 to receive information from the reflectance, thereby allowing the unit to make a judgment about the state of the retroreflective sheet on the sign. The communication port 134 allows uploading and downloading of information from a database at a central control station, ie from a central database.

The components influence each other well in the following manner. The central database in the central station information system has a database of information about signs, including the location of each sign and the identification code or sign serial number in the survey list. The operator of the transport station, while driving through certain signs, such as all signs on the selected road number, visually checks whether the signs are readable, writes the estimates into the computer system of the in-vehicle device, and performs the work. Prior to leaving the central control station, information is transmitted from the central database to the onboard unit via the unit's communication port. In addition, the routing information can be included as part of the data sent to the in-vehicle unit via an inspection session to provide nautical assistance to the field operator. If the in-vehicle unit is equipped with a GPS module, the module constantly calculates the relative position of the vehicle with respect to the destination sign. The module and associated software can alert field workers through a graphical display or an audible signal or both when approaching a sign. After verifying the content of the sign and visually inspecting the sign, the field operator can enter the check value of the sign. In addition, other checkpoints of the signs, i.e. checkpoints generated or received by other modules, such as information relating to the retroreflectiveness of the signs received from the retroreflectometer, may be stored in the memory. The identification number for the sign and the evaluation input for the sign status can be stored in the onboard memory for later upload to the central database of the central control station.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signs and structures do not comprise any communication means for communication with the onboard unit. In this embodiment, the in-vehicle unit preferably includes information about the location of each sign and structure and the type of sign or structure. This information is recorded in a central database that is updated when new signs or structures are installed. The in-vehicle unit preferably includes routing information for guiding the site worker through the route, and includes a GPS module that calculates the relative position of the vehicle relative to the target sign and alerts the site worker when the vehicle is near the sign. It is more preferable.

In another embodiment of the invention, the signs and structures have a transponder similar to the transponder shown in FIG. Since these transponders are passive transponders and cannot be programmed, the central database is the only source of information about the variable information of the signs, including the same permanence information as the signs. Therefore, before the onboard unit is deployed, both the permanence information and the variability information are uploaded from the central database to the onboard unit. The onboard unit searches the uploaded data from the central database to identify signs and display variable information. The site operator can then inspect and enter the assessment. Likewise, when installing or repairing signs, the field operator enters variable information, such as location and date of installation or type of maintenance performed, into the memory of the onboard unit, which is later downloaded to the central database.

In another embodiment of the present invention, transponders similar to the transponders shown in FIG. 7 are installed in signs and structures. As mentioned above, these transponders are read / write transponders and can store both permanence information and variability information. The central database of the central station can hold both permanence and variability information. However, the database table of contents of this situation is the same as the information stored in the signs. In such a system, when the field operator performs the inspection work, it is not necessary to upload the above duplication information. Only a limited amount of data, such as routing information or other work orders, is needed to upload from the central database to the onboard unit. When approaching a sign, the onboard unit responds by sending both the permanence information and the variability information to the sign. After installation, inspection or maintenance of the sign or structure, the onboard unit programs the sign with the new variable data and the new permanence data that can be downloaded later to update the central database. The central control station information system performs various functions, such as updating the work log, financial information, and signage survey lists, and estimates planned work such as replacement schedules.

As described above, in a preferred embodiment of the in-vehicle unit, the user interface and input device are coupled to a single touch screen device, the screen displaying the information to the user, and the screen having an icon that allows the user to command a desired command. Touch the area to enter the command. 9A-9E show an example of the screen of the user interface used in this preferred embodiment when executing the irradiation function. 9A shows a survey screen that graphically shows the following three signs, and the onboard unit will face signs 152, 154, 156, for example. The screen also shows the distance from each vehicle's current location to each sign. The current distance is 500, 515, 540, and this number increases as the vehicle moves towards the sign. Horizontal lines 158 represent an abstract one-dimensional map of the vehicle route, and signs, for example, signs 152, 154 and 156, have read / write or manual backscatter transponders, or smart transponders, indicated by striped lines. For example, such as sign 160 does not have any transponders represented by shorter lines. Intersections 162 and 164 may be shown on the map. In such a display, the in-vehicle unit is equipped with a GPS module or other GIS module to provide location information and the central database contains display panel location and road location information. The upper row of icons allows the user to select from various screens by touching the screen on which the icons are displayed. The icon 166 surrounded by the thicker black box selects the Inventory screen that is primarily selected. Icon 168 selects the Maintenance screen and icon 170 selects the Notes screen. Help icon 172 may also be provided.

9B is an example of an Inventory screen when a vehicle with onboard unit is within a predetermined distance from the next signage to be evaluated. A predetermined distance is chosen so that the sign evaluator is appropriately provided to evaluate the sign. In this regard, the audible signal can also be emitted from the onboard unit. When only the driver needs to do a visual check that indicates whether the sign status is acceptable, the driver selects two icons. The icon 180 in the check mark illustration indicates that the sign state is acceptable to the driver. Icon 182, a picture of a thumb down, indicates that the sign state is not acceptable to the driver. The third icon 184 re-requests a sub screen of detailed information on the subject sign. As shown in Fig. 9B, the touch screen of the system allows the driver to check the contents of the sign and evaluate the sign status while driving. Easily readable evaluation inputs are simply entered by using a touch sensitive menu on the screen. In most circumstances, the need for stopping the vehicle and eliminating the tendency for error in paperwork, thus allowing the entry of an effective sign evaluation.

9C shows an optional survey screen in which the location of the vehicle and the sign are displayed in two-dimensional space. Similar to the survey screen of FIG. 9A, the following three signs are displayed graphically and the distance between these signs and the vehicle is also displayed. Additional information such as intersections may also be provided.

FIG. 9D shows the survey screen shown in FIG. 9C when the vehicle is approached fairly close to the next signage for the driver to perform the assessment. Basic information 910 may be displayed, such as a series of signs and the date of installation of the signs. More detailed information can be accessed by touching the information icon 192.

9E shows an example of a survey screen for an in-vehicle unit without GPS. Such a system will not have information about the vehicle location until the vehicle faces a sign of known location with a read / write transponder or other programmable communication means. The driver's display does not contain information about the location of the vehicle or the distance from the vehicle to the next sign. However, the screen can be a list of signs in a geographically ordered manner, as distance or relative distance from a known location. Also, while the relative distance from the vehicle to the sign is not displayed, a map showing the location of each sign plate may be displayed (not shown). The survey operation can be continued in a non-stop manner, so that when faced with a sign with a record / read transponder, the system can identify and identify the sign location.

10A and 10B show an example screen when the system is in maintenance mode. FIG. 10A shows a set of signs required for geographic area and maintenance work in the northwest upper bound. After selecting an item from the list of signs, additional detailed information is displayed in box 200 to provide the user with the necessary maintenance guidance. After completing maintenance or installing a new sign, the user presses a check icon indicating completion of the task and the system identifies by signaling the sign and checking the response of the antenna. If more information is required, the user can request more information by pressing the i button. 10B is an example of some form of information that may be provided on an information screen.

The system of the present invention provides easy user control with respect to the user's activities and sequence of activities. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates a situation in which some unusual condition is mentioned as the driver is performing a planned survey or maintenance activity. The driver presses the Notes icon 170 to request various conditions. The user presses the next icon for the condition description 208 in either the high priority column 210 or the zhou priority column 212 with the exclamation point!. If it does not exist as an existing condition on the list, the user can press Other to enter a specific condition. The system records the location and reports the type of problem and the report of these conditions to a central database for later processing. Likewise, FIG. 12 shows a screen that the driver may reclaim if the driver's initial work is something other than an investigation. As with the heterogeneous report shown in FIG. 11, the driver can later perform an unplanned evaluation that is downloaded to the central database.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that any method or apparatus calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the illustrated steps and specific configurations. This application is intended to protect some modifications or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the appended claims and the like.

Claims (27)

A system for managing survey control of multiple signs, operable by a user, Electronic means for providing electronic communication and storing information related to the sign, provided near each sign of the plurality of signs; A database for storing said information associated with said plurality of signs; A portable module, the portable module comprising: An antenna for communicating with said electronic means disposed near each said sign; Processing means for processing data; Interface means for providing an interface to the user; And a memory for storing said information from said database. The system of claim 1, further comprising a location module for determining the location of the portable module. The system of claim 2, wherein the location module uses a satellite navigation system. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the location module uses a geographic information system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic means includes a programmable read only memory for storing permanent information. The system of claim 1, wherein said electronic means comprises a random access memory for storing variable information. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic means is embedded in the sign. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic means comprises a microstrip patch antenna. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface means comprises a passive backscatter antenna. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface means comprises a display device. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface means further comprises an input device. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface means comprises a touch screen for displaying information and receiving input from the user. The system of claim 1, wherein said interface means provides an audible signal to said user. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory is removable. The system of claim 1, wherein the sign has a retroreflective plate, and the system further comprises a reflectometer for determining the state of the retroreflective plate. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for providing routine information to the user. 2. The system of claim 1, comprising means for providing a relative vehicle position with respect to the sign. In the method of managing a plurality of object irradiation control and maintenance using a portable module capable of electronic communication and data processing, Storing information related to the plurality of objects in a central database; Providing, in each said object, electronic means capable of storing electronic communication and information related to each said object; Transmitting information from the central database to the memory in the portable module; Moving the portable module by the object; Storing information related to the object in the memory in the portable module when moving the portable module by the object; And transmitting data from the memory in the portable module to the central database. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the information stored in the central database includes the location of the object. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the information stored in the central database includes an identification number corresponding to each of the objects. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein storing information related to the object includes storing information received as input from a user. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein storing information related to the object includes storing information received as information from a reflectometer. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein storing information related to the object comprises storing information received through electronic communication with the electronic means provided in the object. And maintenance management methods. 19. The plurality of object survey control and maintenance management of claim 18, wherein the plurality of objects are a plurality of signs and the step of moving the portable module comprises installing the portable module in a vehicle. Way. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing routine information for the step of moving the portable module. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a portable module location relative to the object. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising updating the information stored in the electronic means included in the object when the portable module is moved by the object. Maintenance management method.