Abstract: A traffic monitoring system including a non-intrusive lane monitor is provided. The lane monitor comprises one or more laser channels, a user interface, and a programmable controller in communication with the laser channels and the user interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of laser channels are provided. The first laser axis is substantially parallel to the second laser axis and the first and second laser axes lie substantially in a common horizontal plane. The programmable controller is configured to generate reflected laser pulse count corresponding to reflection of a pulsed laser signal from a target positioned along one of the laser axes and identify the reflected signal as a valid or invalid target by comparing the pulse count to a predetermined valid target count.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system including a non-intrusive lane monitor is provided. The lane monitor comprises one or more laser channels, a user interface, and a programmable controller in communication with the laser channels and the user interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of laser channels are provided. The first laser axis is substantially parallel to the second laser axis and the first and second laser axes lie substantially in a common horizontal plane. The programmable controller is configured to generate reflected laser pulse count corresponding to reflection of a pulsed laser signal from a target positioned along one of the laser axes and identify the reflected signal as a valid or invalid target by comparing the pulse count to a predetermined valid target count.

Abstract: Interference patterns are generated in response to temporally coherent light incident upon an interferometer which directs the interference patterns upon an array of photosensitive elements. The photosensitive elements are connected to generate signals representative of the optical energy respectively incident on the elements. The output signals of the photosensitive elements are averaged by a passive resistor network coupled to the photosensitive elements and the signals generated by the individual elements are compared to the average signal by individual comparator circuits to detect the presence and position of an interference pattern directed upon the array.