Abstract: A method and a device for extensive traffic situation monitoring of a road network on which vehicles can travel is provided. Remote photographs are taken by aircraft of the area to be monitored, and the images thus taken are subjected to an image-processing process to localize the roads in the road network and to recognize vehicles on them. On the basis of the detected vehicles, conclusions are then drawn about the traffic situation. A device for performing this method incorporates an evaluation center to which the data from the pictures taken by the aircraft are supplied and which has a suitable image-processing system.

Abstract: A parking meter includes a payment input device, an optical indicating device with optical indicating elements, actuating elements for a corresponding number of parking spaces provided for and interacting with the indicating elements, wherein the indicating elements, the actuating elements and the input device are connected in a common control device. An actuating key labeled “zero” is provided for initiating operation of the parking meter The optical indicating device includes a luminescent diadoe panel with indicating lights. The actuating device includes additional actuating keys. Only one indicating light is provided for each actuating key. A sound reproduction device with a loudspeaker is provided for an acoustic announcement of the paid parking time.

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another from either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are moveable blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the image signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: A method of monitoring traffic flow comprises reading registration plates of the vehicles of a multiplicity of series of vehicles passing respective locations on a road network, if necessary selecting samples of readings from the readings relating to the vehicles of the series, and determining whether readings of the samples are deemed to contain matching readings. The samples are used as probes or targets to measure average journey times which are compared with reference journey times. The selecting of the samples at the respective reading locations is performed according to an algorithm common to all of the locations.

Abstract: A traffic incident detection system (10) includes both the collection and analysis of traffic data and employs a time-indexed traffic anomaly detection algorithm which partitions time into categories of “type of day,” and “time of day”. Using this partition, a fuzzy neuromorphic, unsupervised learning algorithm calibrates fuzzy sets as “normal” and “abnormal” for a plurality of traffic descriptors. Fuzzy composition techniques are used, on a per traffic lane basis, to combine multiple traffic descriptors in order to determine membership in a “normal” or “abnormal” lane status. Each lane status is then combined to determine the overall status of a road segment. Initial training of the algorithm occurs during the first few weeks after a sensor (12) is installed. On-line background training continues thereafter to continually tune and track seasonal changes affecting system performance.

Abstract: A driveway alarm system for disposing along a driveway of a home or business for warning an occupant of the premise about an object, including a vehicle, on the driveway, or for warning a driver of a vehicle about an overhanging object in the driveway. The overhead warning and driveway alarm system includes a solar panel, a battery, a magnetic field generator, a driveway probe and a transmitter. The solar panel charges the battery which powers the driveway probe and the transmitter. The driveway probe creates a magnetic field. When the magnetic field is disturbed, the transmitter is activated, sending a radio signal to the receiver. In operation, when a car or other object disturbs the magnetic field proximate the driveway probe sensor, the transmitter provides a radio alert signal to the indoor subsystem.

Abstract: A vehicle detectors with at least one inductive loop is used as a sensor. An oscillator circuit comprises a fixed-frequency oscillator, which is directly connected to one of the inductive loops' two terminals, for purposes of exciting said loop. In addition, a phase/amplitude controller is arranged between the fixed-frequency oscillator and the other terminal, which forms a summation point of the inductive loop to deliver a compensation signal that is derived from the transmit signal in an amplitude-controlled and phase-controlled manner. The inductive loop, the fixed-frequency oscillator and the phase/amplitude controller form a bridge circuit in which (with reference to the resulting voltage at the summation point) the transmit signal and the compensation signal add up to zero in the resting state of the inductive loop. A detection signal for the presence of a vehicle in the detection range of the induction loop is derived from a voltage at this summation point which deviates therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another form either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are movement blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the images signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: A method and system for determination of dynamic traffic information or traffic events. Relevant data from vehicle-mounted terminals are recorded automatically, by remote interrogation or manually, and transmitted directly, together with a location identifier, via a wide-coverage mobile-telephone network, for example, GSM, to other mobile-telephone subscribers and/or a higher level exchange. In the exchange, the incoming data are processed and fed to selected terminals and/or third parties. In addition, the results of interrogation, for example, braking behavior, can be pre-defined by a traffic-control center and transmitted by radio broadcast or mobile telephone system to the terminals of road users in a geographically limited area who can then "observe" the flow of traffic directly and immediately report incoming interrogation results by mobile telephone back to the exchange.

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another form either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are movement blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the images signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: A method of controlling traffic signals on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic signals, red and green, wherein both phases are equal in duration and the amber interval is a part of the green interval. The coordinated two-dimensional progression traffic signal system requires simultaneous changes of the signal cycle at three levels of the designated grid plan. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined by the time required to traverse two contiguous lengths of the optimum grid rectangle. A band length is determinable from the calculation of the duration of the phases and corresponds to the integral number of roadway intersections to be crossed by a vehicle. Between bands, adjacent band widths are in the reciprocal phase from one another. Between avenues, parallel band widths on adjacent avenues and streets are also in reciprocal phases from one another, and between interphases.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring device comprising a picture recording unit, a traffic dectection zone determination unit and a picture analysis unit, the traffic detection zone determination unit of which being provided to determine as traffic detection zone a follower axis extending substantially in parallel with a traffic axis in said traffic road and situated thereon, and in that said picture analysis unit is further provided to realize said verification pointwise on predetermined points situated on said follower axis and upon detection of such an object to assign thereon an identification pattern and to check within subsequent pictures within said sequence if patterns corresponding with said identification pattern occur.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining traffic conditions using stationary data collection devices that are installed in a road network. The data collection devices collect data about traffic conditions at the respective installation sites in keeping with an established measurement and then forward the collected information to a traffic center in keeping with an established reporting procedure where the data is analyzed to determine the traffic condition. At least a portion of the results of the analyses of the traffic center is transmitted to particular data collection devices. The measurement and reporting procedures of the particular data collection devices are modified or influenced based on the results of the analyses of the traffic center and as a result the data transmissions between the traffic center and data collections devices are substantially reduced.

Abstract: With a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites, instantaneous photographs of all large cities can be made available in real-time or near real-time. Those photographs can be downloaded to ground stations, and there photographically interpreted to determine traffic conditions. The use of high and low photographic resolution permit making distinctions between different causes of traffic conditions. A color-coded map may be generated showing all major roads and their current status, showing such conditions as light traffic, medium traffic, heavy traffic and traffic accidents or jams, for example. These color-coded maps or color-coded alphabetized lists of streets may be broadcast to subscribers (broadcast stations, companies or individuals). From the color-coded traffic report, the subscribers are updated about which routes to avoid and what the best detours are around the more congested areas.

Abstract: In a method for automatically monitoring traffic, traffic data are recorded at several measuring points of the traffic network. The time-dependent positions of the upstream back-up flank and of the downstream back-up flank are estimated continuously according to characteristic relationships which take into account the flow and the density of the traffic in the back-up, the point in time at which the upstream back-up flank passes a respective first measuring point, the point in time at which the downstream back-up flank passes this measuring point as well as the flow and the average vehicle speed at this first as well as at a second measuring point which is situated upstream of the upstream back-up flank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for predicting the traffic flow in a road network. Sensors in the road network register the passage of vehicles and two of the parameters, flow, density, speed enable all three parameters to be calculated. The correlation between the traffic at a point X at a certain time and the traffic at another point Y some period .tau. later can in certain cases and under certain conditions provide good values. In these cases, the traffic can also be predicted with good precision. The invention utilizes this fact and relates the prediction factor to the correlation coefficient. The invention also uses the methods to divide a traffic parameter into various frequency components to be used in various situations and improves the prediction by using the corresponding prediction factor for the corresponding frequency components of the traffic parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for monitoring vehicle (V) usage on a roadway (H). An AC light source (12) comprises either an incandescent or gas discharge light source. The light source has a detectable AC ripple in its output. The light source is mounted or installed above the roadway surface on a conventional light standard (16) or highway information standard (18) such that the light source directs its rumination downwardly onto the roadway. A light detector (34) detects light reflected from off the roadway. Light from the light source together with the collection optics of the light detector define a "footprint" (30) on the roadway surface and vehicles moving over the roadway pass over this footprint. The directed, reflected light has characteristics which are varied in response to passage of a vehicle over the roadway and through a path (X1, X2) of light between the source and detector.

Abstract: An object recognition system using the image processing in which an area having a unique feature is extracted from an input image of an object, the unique image is registered in a shade template memory circuit as a shade template, the input image is searched for an image similar to the shade template registered by a shade pattern matching circuit, the position of an object is determined for each template, the speed and direction of movement of the object is determined from the positional information, and the results thereof are integrated by a separation/integration circuit, thereby recognizing the whole of the moving object.

Abstract: Digitally-effectuated, automatic control over the message or messages displayed on one or more programmable display mediums in response to changing conditions, or anticipated changing conditions, in the vicinity of the display mediums is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on roads (AS), preferably freeways. With measuring points (measuring cross sections MQ1, MQ2, . . . ) set up for the purpose for vehicle detection using traffic sensors (VS) and with a traffic data processing arrangement (VDVE) for traffic control, at regular intervals traffic data (VD), such as vehicle speed (v), traffic intensity (Q) and traffic density (K), are determined and traffic parameters determined therefrom are formed in a traffic data processing system (VDA). Two adjacent measuring points. (MQi, MQ(i+1) form a measuring section (MA) of a given length (l).

Abstract: A wide area surveillance system for application to large road networks is described. The system employs smart sensors to identify plural individual vehicles in the network. These vehicles are tracked on an individual basis, and the system derives the behavior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the system derives traffic behavior on a local basis, across roadway links, and in sections of the network. Processing in the system is divided into multiple processing layers, with geographical separation of tasks.

Abstract: In a method for recognizing disruptions in road traffic within a road sector that is to be monitored at respective measurement cross-sections at the beginning and at the end of the sector, the number and the speed of the vehicles passing through the measurement cross-sections are continuously acquired as measured data, which are collected and compiled cyclically during finite measurement intervals to provide average values of the traffic flow and the speed, and are then evaluated. Each measurement cross-section thereby encompasses all lanes of traffic that can be used in one direction of travel.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring vehicular traffic and providing information and warnings to drivers of traffic disruptions, driver error, dangerous road conditions, and severe weather. Road and traffic conditions are detected with roadside traffic sensing equipment, and the conditions are displayed over luminescent elements with signal lamps distributed at intervals along the road and combined into chains of lamps. The luminescent elements are illuminated simultaneously or in sequence for providing continuous traffic information. A processor network and a signal network are combined through a communication network to regulate the luminescent elements by processing, if necessary, under real time controlled conditions.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for remote all-weather monitoring of civilian road traffic over large portions of a metropolitan region, using one or more microwave radar systems situated at elevated locations, such as high towers or pilotless aircraft. Pulse-Doppler waveforms provide, for each position of the radar beam, range-velocity maps of traffic over a number of selectable roadway sections, which maps are used to estimate the speed, density, and volume of traffic flow and to identify discontinuities in the flow which may be indicative of accidents or obstructions. In addition, a high-resolution wideband waveform can be included to provide detailed examinations of selected portions of the monitored roadway sections.

Abstract: A device for detecting one or several wheels of a vehicle or of a wheeled engine and a process using this device. The device is constituted by at least one electromagnetic loop and by an evaluation unit. The electromagnetic loop or loops have a small dimension in the direction of the displacement of the vehicle or of the axis of the roadway, which is less than the diameter of the wheels of the vehicles to be identified, and a rectangular shape and/or a rectilinear arrangement disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the roadway, the loop or loops being sensitive in a distinct and opposed manner to the electromagnetic influences of the metallic masses moving in translation and in rotation, at the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A video camera is placed so as to overlook vehicles' attitudes at an intersection and in the vicinity of the intersection. Video signals provided by the video camera are sent to the main body of a vehicles movement measuring apparatus. An A/D converting unit in the main body converts the video signals into digital data. Digital data in two frames, one of which is taken a certain length of time after the other, is stored in image memory units. Another image memory unit stores data of an input image including no vehicle image. An image data processing unit performs image processing on the data stored in the image memory units and extracts data about vehicles from the processed data. Information relating to speeds, tracking, etc., of vehicles is output from a data input-output unit. This processing of the obtained image data measures vehicles' movement as the degree of traffic jam or the smoothness of the downstream traffic flow on a road with detection of data regarding vehicles presence or speeds.

Abstract: A traffic sensor including piezoelectric sensors having different polarities in different lanes of the roadway so that traffic data for different lanes of a roadway may be discriminated from the polarity of the received signal(s). Preferably, the piezoelectric sensors are formed by splicing oppositely polarized piezoelectric cables or films, by changing the applied electric field during manufacture so that adjacent portions of a piezoelectric cable or film have different polarities, or by applying an electric field of a reversed polarity to respective longitudinal sections of a piezoelectric film. Traffic data from up to 8 different lanes of traffic may be discriminated using only two piezoelectric sensors in accordance with the invention by providing unique combinations of output polarities for deflections of the piezoelectric sensors in the different lanes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vehicular traffic information using presently existing cellular telephone system technology. Traffic sensors monitor the control and voice channel transmissions of cellular units within a cellular telephone system. Data from these transmissions is extracted and analyzed according to a statistical model and derived vehicle geolocating information to generate vehicular traffic information that is transmitted to a central control center. By combining the information from all of the traffic sensors and each individual cell within a cellular telephone system, a picture of the traffic conditions existing along major thoroughfares may be determined.

Abstract: A method for predicting a traffic flow rate at a point on a road to control a traffic light signaling system measures a traffic density on the road to predict a traffic flow rate by utilizing the fact that a velocity of a vehicle on the road is restricted by an interval between successive vehicles, since the traffic density is locally increased when the vehicle interval is not uniform and therefore the spatial mean speed is lowered. This method offers higher accuracy by utilizing a correction coefficient obtained from an actual vehicle distribution, for instance, a coefficient derived from entropy.

Abstract: This invention comprises a system for calculating at least one vehicular traffic check parameter. The system according to the invention includes a pulse modulated radar placed at a high point at the side of the lanes to be monitored. The radar emits pulses having a frequency f.sub.o and width .tau. according to a radiation diagram. The radiation diagram is narrow in plan and sufficiently wide in elevation to cover all lanes to be monitored, and inclined in elevation and plan such that at least one range bin of the radar is included in a lane. Echo signals received by the radar are then processed by a signal processing module and a parameter extraction module. The invention is particularly useful in automobile traffic, for calculation of the number of vehicles travelling in lanes, the vehicles speed and length, etc. The advantage of the this inventive system compared with previous systems is that it enables simultaneous checking of several traffic lanes.

Abstract: A vision processing apparatus and method for detecting and monitoring traffic flow. The method includes the steps of generating successive images of a section of roadway; transducing the successive images into successive arrays of pixels, each pixel having a luminance value associated therewith; summing the luminance values of all pixels contained within a subarray, or "window" in each one of the arrays; comparing the pixel luminance sum for each one of the subarrays to a reference value; and generating data indicative of the presence of traffic in the section of the path when the difference between the pixel luminance sum and the reference value exceeds a predetermined value. The generated data can thereafter be analyzed to determine various traffic and vehicle parameters, or can be used to operate traffic control devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method an apparatus for measuring traffic flows or in other words, the flows of vehicles, inside and near a crossing, and is directed to provide method and apparatus capable of extracting vehicles with a high level of accuracy.Overlap of vehicles can be avoided by setting the field of a camera not to a range from the inflow portion to the vicinity of center of the crossing, but to a range from the center to the vicinity of the outflow portion (151) of the crossing. Accordingly, accuracy of traffic flow measurement can be improved.

Abstract: A traffic flow change monitoring system is disclosed, which uses data obtained from a vehicle perceiving sensor placed on a road and which can detect a traffic congestion or an unexpected event. Since a change in traffic flow is monitored on the basis of the speeds or the like of individual vehicles and the distances between successive vehicles, it is possible to monitor a positional relationship between successively running vehicles Also, it is possible to make a prompt detection of an unexpected event such as an accident by detecting a change in relative vehicle speed difference between traffic lanes at each measurement spot.

Abstract: The central version of the road traffic control system maintains nonstop flow of traffic on selected lanes of fastroads (1A, 1B, 1C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 31A, 31B, 31C, 32A, 32B, 32C) all the time by grouping the vehicles in closed columns in moving travel zones alternating with empty zones, marked by fixtures (6) emitting zone marker signals controlled by central processor (7). Columns of vehicles are grouped in travel zones (21A, 21B, 33A, 33B) alternating with empty (vacate) zones (211, 331), and are laid out in a centrally controlled grid pattern of fastroads (1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B). The control system guides the moving travel zones through the empty zones of the cross roads without stopping. In local version having light traffic, stopping is reduced and quasi-nonstop traffic flow is introduced on locally controlled crossings (41, 42) by sensor ( 45A, 45B, 46A, 64B, 46C) controlled traffic lights operated by local processor (47).

Abstract: An estimate of the number of vehicles crossing a loop inductor having one or more interconnected discrete loops of the type found in vehicle detector system installations. A measuring signal follows changes in loop inductance caused by the influence of vehicles crossing the loop inductor. A vehicle count threshold value is computed by observing changes in the measuring signal caused by the first car crossing the loop. Subsequent excursions of the measuring signal between relative minima and relative maxima are tested against the threshold and a vehicle count event is registered when the differences exceed the threshold. After a predetermined count period, the number of vehicle counts is estimated from the total count events by multiplying them by an interpolation factor determined empirically from the type of loop inductor. Apparatus for perfoming the method is combined with a conventional vehicle detector system in a switch selectable apparatus for specifying vehicle detector mode or vehicle count mode.

Abstract: An installation of traffic detection cables adapted for sub-surface mounting or adapted for top surface mounting which comprises a moulding of prismatic type, that is having the substantially same cross sectional shape extending longitudinally in which two detection cables are embedded, in which the cables are separated to reduce to acceptable levels or levels which can be handled by suitable electronic circuitry or logic signal processing cross cable interference effects when an impulse is applied to the profile by passage of the vehicle wheels. A void or plate can separate the cables in a matrix of about 85 Shore hardness.

Abstract: The In-Vehicle Traffic Congestion Information System (ICI system) consists of a technique to provide real-time traffic congestion data to drivers of suitably equipped vehicles. The ICI system includes apparatus for gathering and formatting data at a central location, transmitting the data to vehicles, processing data in the vehicles and presenting it to the drivers. The ICI system design provides inputs for a wide range of data sources at a central location where, through a data fusion process, information from a range of sources may be accumulated and aggregated into a single congestion level data value for each section of road. In the vehicles, a range of options may be available for presenting relevant congestion data to the driver including text, voice and map displays.

Abstract: The In-Vehicle Traffic Congestion Information System (ICI system) consists of a technique to provide real-time traffic congestion data to drivers of suitably equipped vehicles. The ICI system includes apparatus for gathering and formatting data at a central location, transmitting the data to vehicles, processing data in the vehicles and presenting it to the drivers. The ICI system design provides inputs for a wide range of data sources at a central location where, through a data fusion process, information from a range of sources may be accumulated and aggregated into a single congestion level data value for each section of road. In the vehicles, a range of options may be available for presenting relevant congestion data to the driver including text, voice and map displays.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and recording the time and frequency of occurrence of events at a predetermined surveillance site includes a sensor providing successive output signals corresponding to successive detections of an event occurrence at the surveillance site. The output signals from the sensor are input to a central processing unit operating a control program stored in a memory which stores in the memory the date, time and number of occurrences of events at the surveillance site. The apparatus also includes a keyboard for inputting start date and start time information and for initiating the operation of sensing of events and the recall of stored date, time and event occurrence number information for display on a digital display mounted on the apparatus. All of the operative components of the apparatus are powered by a d.c. electric power source and are contained in a waterproof housing mountable at a predetermined surveillance site.

Abstract: A portable, microprocessor-based data collection unit can be plugged directly into traffic detectors for recording event data, such as traffic volume, disconnected from the traffic detector without loss of data, and then plugged directly into a personal computer to unload the data, communicating via a serial communications cable without any additional interface device or reader. Developed with retrofitting in mind, with its own microprocessor, and battery-powered real-time clock and data storage all interconnected in one circuit, the data collection unit can use existing air switches/loop detectors and power supplies of prior traffic counters. The microprocessor, with suitable software burned into an EPROM, can operate as a microcomputer for interchangeably collecting traffic data and unloading the data to another computer via a common connector.

Abstract: Priority is given to the movement of buses at intersections controlled by traffic lights, by lengthening the duration of the green lights on the street on which the bus approaches the intersection, and shortening the duration of the red lights, not only in response to the presence or absence of the bus, but also in accordance with the total amount of traffic on that street and the cross street. For each of the streets on which buses travel, there are provided "mini-green" programmer wheels which permit display of the green for two time periods of minimum duration on the relevant street, one time period corresponding to flowing traffic and the other to non-moving traffic. On each street where buses travel, there are also "time extension" programmer wheels, which permit setting of two time extensions of the duration of the green light on the associated street, again for flowing traffic and for non-moving traffic.