Abstract: A method and apparatus for level of service assessment at signalized intersections is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for estimating an average delay per vehicle at a signalized intersection with a traffic signal, including sampling vehicle arrival rates at the signalized intersection, sampling vehicle departure rates at the signalized intersection, analyzing generated shock waves at the traffic signal, wherein the traffic signal shock wave is a change in vehicle density due to changes in the traffic signal, and estimating the average delay per vehicle based on the vehicle arrival rates, the vehicle departure rates, and the traffic shock waves at the signalized intersection.

Abstract: A clipboard is realised as a base for a sheet of paper and with a fastening therefor, with the base provided with at least one RFID transponder. It comprises a marking on the base, which indicates, where exactly the paper is to be placed, as well as at least one sheet of paper with a RFID transponder, wherein a RFID transponder each of the base and of the paper are arranged so as to be close to each other for communication, when the sheet of paper is fixed to the fastening. The base includes a plurality of switches, which are preferably arranged in a matrix, whereas the sheet is provided with various information, instructions and/or choice variants as well as with a number of marking fields, which are respectively arranged at the locations of the switches of the clipboard, when the sheet is fastened on the marking of the base.

Abstract: A sensor device measuring a distance to an object includes: a light projection unit repeatedly emitting detection light toward the object; a light reception unit receiving reflected light of the detection light and outputting a binarized light reception signal (RT); a light projection oscillation unit controlling the emission of the detection light and outputting a start signal synchronized with the emission of the detection light; a counter measurement unit starting counting of the RT when receiving the RT and the start signal, and outputting a stop signal corresponding to a feature point of the RT; a delay line measurement unit outputting a delay line output signal corresponding to the delay time of the RT near the feature point of the RT when receiving the RT and the stop signal; and a distance calculation unit calculating the distance to the object based on the delay line output signal.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a vehicle, and a server configured to communicate with the vehicle. The vehicle generates a captured image of scenery outside the vehicle. The vehicle or the server: starts a first detection processing of successively detecting a first subject in the captured image; determines, as a target region, a partial region of the captured image including a prescribed number of first subjects when the prescribed number of the first subjects are detected; terminates the first detection processing of the target region; and performs image processing of lowering visibility of an image on the target region. The server then transmits the captured image subjected to the image processing to a transmission destination other than the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting the crossing of a vehicle, including: a primary set of coils, of rank 1 to N and arranged in a particular layout, a secondary set of coils, of rank 1 to N, arranged in the same particular layout, a primary power supply and measurement device connected to each coil of the primary set so as to supply power to and measure the inductance of each coil, a secondary power supply and measurement device connected to each coil of said secondary set so as to supply power to and measure the inductance of each coil, wherein each secondary power supply and measurement device is synchronized with the primary power supply and measurement device, a storage device for recovering information relating to the number of vehicles detected by each set.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to techniques for traffic monitoring. The techniques utilize a relatively low cost sensing system, referred to here as “smart tape.” Smart tape is adhered directly to the roadway and provides the ability to temporarily monitor traffic. It can be applied in an appropriate length for the roadway condition. Smart tape is responsive to the pressure of a vehicle's tires passing over it. Furthermore, smart tape does not require an attached monitoring device, unlike certain known traffic monitoring techniques.

Abstract: The invention concerns a traffic detector (200) comprising: a hermetically closed tube (202); the said tube (202) delimiting at least one chamber (218), each chamber (218) extending from one of the ends of the said tube (202), for each chamber (218), a piezoelectric sensor placed at the corresponding end of the tube (202) and suitable for transforming the shock waves received into an electrical signal; the traffic detector (200) being characterised in that it comprises an elastic band (204) and fixing devices (208, 210) intended to keep the said elastic band (204) tensioned between the ends of the said tube (202).

Abstract: A block-based object counting apparatus and a block-based object counting that improves the counting of objects by using a camera. The object counting apparatus includes: a camera acquiring an image; a storage unit for storing average sizes and error data of an object in units of image blocks; and a control unit having a data inputter for receiving the acquired image for input, an object size determinator for determining appearance of the object by comparing a current image with a previous image and then determining the size of the object, a block determinator for determining a block where the object is located, and a counter for counting the object and fixing the counting of the object by comparing the size and location data of the object with data stored in a storage unit.

Abstract: A roadway vehicle sensor includes a coextrusion having a linear conductive section and a linear non-conductive section forming a vehicle deformable closed housing. The linear conductive section has an inwardly projecting conductive plunger along the length thereof which is fused to wedge removal arms. The linear non-conductive section has a pair of inwardly projecting insulating wings having wing tips spaced apart a distance defining a plunger gap. The insulating wings also define a contact chamber into which the plunger protrudes only upon deformation of the vehicle deformable housing by a vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle deformable housing has a flat side on the exterior for engagement with a roadway surface. A contact assembly in the contact chamber has one or more flat conductive lane switch segment, each flat conductor lane switch segment having a width which avoids phantom switch closures.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting inductance, which is generally disposed outside of the roadway surface. The apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed beside the roadway, on either or both sides, to detect vehicular traffic passing nearby. Alternatively, the apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed such that vehicular traffic passes through the opening defined by the wire-loop(s).

Abstract: The system provides a method for gathering and sending monitored traffic data via a short messaging system message over a wireless network through a publicly switched telephone network (“PSTN”) to a central computer. A remote traffic monitoring unit acts as a data collection device collecting data regarding the traffic count and other conditions at its particular location. The remote traffic monitoring unit can monitor different types of traffic—for example, motor vehicles, trains, and pedestrians. The system routes data messages including monitored traffic count data from the remote traffic monitoring unit to a central computer and routes control information from the central computer to the remote traffic monitoring unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the inductance of a wire-loop without direct reference to any particular time-constant or frequency. Low-frequency noise induced into the wire-loop is canceled within the detector circuit and crosstalk between a plurality of adjacent wire-loops is nullified using passive transformers. New wire-loop configurations utilize the permeability-modulated carrier referencing to provide repeatable inductive signatures with less intrusive, and non-intrusive installations.

Abstract: A load mechanism operation cycle counter is provided for use with a dump truck or similar vehicle. The counter preferably is operated in response to the initiation and/or cessation of signal to the counter in response to either a load containing body position sensor or the electrical state of load body position control device.

Abstract: A detection device for data relating to the passage of vehicles over a road. The detection device is to be placed in a groove provided in the upper portion of the road and comprises a first profiled strip provided with an upper cavity in a U-shape, and a piezoelectric cable of the coaxial type arranged in the bottom of the cavity of the first profiled strip. A second profiled strip is arranged in the cavity of the first profiled strip on top of the coaxial cable. The second strip has a shape and dimensions such that it fills up the remaining volume of the cavity above the cable and seals this cavity.

Abstract: The alleyway-monitoring device disclosed has, mounted at different heights, two light barriers (16 to 26, 28 to 30), the higher of which is at a height at which the light beam can be broken only by fork-lift trucks. The light barriers produce output signals which enable the direction of motion of the objects which break the beam to be determined, the output signals being passed to associated up/down counters (50, 52) which are in turn connected to the inputs of a monitoring circuit (54). The monitoring circuit triggers an acoustic alarm (56) if non-permitted counter-reading combinations occur.

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 bi-directional portable laser light detection device for receiving and detecting laser light from one or more of a plurality of sources includes a laser light pipe that comprises a solid body of material that has a high index of refraction and has an input end, an output end, and at least one wall member connecting the input end and the output end. A generally planar laser light admitting zone on the exterior of the solid body at the input end thereof is oriented so as to generally face the expected direction of the path of laser light from a source along a first opposed path so that, in use, the laser light enters the solid body by way of the admitting zone so as to become admitted laser light. A generally planar laser light emitting zone on the exterior of the solid body at the output end thereof is oriented so as to generally face outwardly toward a laser light sensor such that laser light emitted from the laser light emitting zone is received by a laser light sensor.

Abstract: Parking for vehicles is facilitated, monitored and controlled by using sensors to determine the availability of vacant parking spaces and by indications to alert vehicle operators at a substantial distance of the availability a vacant space. A computer controlled system monitors the sensors and controls the delivery indicator signals. Data regarding parking occupancy is used to inform drivers entering the facility and prospective users, via a telephone interface, of the availability of parking. The telephone interface further allows users to reserve parking spaces and charge the cost of the reserved space.

Abstract: A microwave signal is generated from a fixed source across a fixed path to trigger individual FM transmitters in passing objects such as race vehicles. A vehicle transceiver then sends an omnidirectional specific frequency FM radio carrier signal with a tone imposed to a console and a portable remote receiver. As the FM signal and tone are detected and decoded by the console receiver, data word is sent to a scoring computer which displays the lap of that particular vehicle and the current order of all vehicles.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing an traffic flow measurement method and apparatus attaining the stable measurement without being affected by the change in the brightness of the external environment such as daytime vehicle front, et al. In order to achive the above object, the traffic flow measurement apparatus for practicing the traffic flow measurement method comprises image input unit for receiving image information derived from the ITV camera, detection unit for detecting sampling points which are candidates for a vehicle fronts in a measurement area, and measurement processing unit for determining a position of the vehicle front in the measurement area from the candidate points detected by the detection unit. The measurement processing unit calculates a vehicle velocity based on a change between a position of the vehicle front derived from past image information and a current position of the vehicle front.

Abstract: A vehicle classification system automatically identifies types of vehicles traveling along a vehicle lane of toll road. The system has a detector for detecting the passage of the vehicle at a plurality of positions along the vehicle lane. The system further has a pickup device for picking up profile information of the vehicle in accordance with the detected passage and an identification device for identifying the vehicle type based on the detected profile information.

Abstract: A parking lot traffic control and fee collection system is disclosed for use in stadium type parking lots. A vehicle counter installed in a portable traffic pylon is provided at the entry point for each entrance lane of the parking lot for marking the station of the parking attendant. The vehicle counter is installed in a tamper-proof arrangement and the cumulative count of vehicles is presented on a display device which is viewable without opening the enclosure provided by the pylon. A parking supervisor may read the cumulative count at any time and pick-up the receipts from the parking attendant during or at the completion of the parking process. The amount of the receipts collected is compared with the reading on the display device and discrepancies are noted by the supervisor. The vehicle counter is provided with a tamper-proof reset switch.

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: A method and apparatus for counting the laps completed by a remote-controlled model that detects a spurious radio-frequency electromagnetic signal spontaneously generated by the unmodified model. Presently, each model must carry on-board lap-counting signal generating apparatus. This invention eliminates the need for such apparatus, and reduces the complexity, weight, and cost of such models.

Abstract: A method of updating the reference count in a period shift measurement vehicle detector permits conditional reference count updating in the No Call direction whenever the sample count minus reference count difference value lies between the upper limit of a jitter/vibration guard and band and a positive freeze reference threshold. Decrementing of the reference count is permitted in the call direction whenever the sample count minus reference count lies in a range from 0 to a negative freeze reference threshold. Variable hysteresis for call/no call signal generation is provided in a single vehicle detector, with the call direction threshold selectable between two values.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based real-time flash x-ray controller, which completely eliminates the "guesswork" in capturing projectiles on radiographs. The microcomputer measures the projectile velocity with high precision, calculates the correct delays in real-time and sends out appropriate triggering pulses to activate the x-ray tubes, arbitrarily arranged along the projectile flight path, to capture the projectile on radiographs at desired locations. The system imposes virtually no restrictions on x-ray tube locations downrange. It is software driven, user friendly and fully programmable for various ballistic range set-ups and it can be easily adapted to synchronize the time-critical controls of other equipment such as high speed cameras, target instrumentations, and the like. The use of a personal computer, centralizes the range operations as equipment control and experiment record-keeping become an integral task.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle detection system within a toll collecting system has a scanning laser unit positioned on one side of a roadway, a vertical photoelectric detector on the opposite side of the roadway and a treadle extending across the roadway. The laser beam scans the height of the detector at regular intervals, and the detector produces a first signal indicative of a vertical dimension of an object (car or truck) intercepting the laser beam. The treadle detects each set of wheels and produces a second signal indicative of a horizontal length of the object. A control circuit uses the first and second signals to generate a count of the number of objects and to categorize each object as one of a plurality of known vehicles.

Abstract: A device for measuring the distance travelled by and the speed of a rail vehicle fitted with wheel-coupled distance-pulse generators is disclosed in which both distance and speed are calculated from the time distance between successive distance pulses, and in which the change in wheel diameter due to wheel wear is already taken into account in the measurement of the time distance between the distance pulses (distance-pulse intervals). To measure the distance-pulse intervals, clock pulses of reduced repetition rate are counted which are obtained by dividing basic clock pulses of high repetition rate in an adjustment divider (T1). The wheel diameter is taken into account by changing the division ratio of the adjustable divider by means of a coding switch (S1).

Abstract: A housing assembly of the apparatus includes a roadway mounted base plate to which a housing is secured with the housing having a low profile and inclined side and end walls to permit placement of the housing assembly along a course of lane markers. The housing defines a chamber in which transducer and electronic components are housed. A collapsible road tube terminates within the housing in communication with the transducer. A retainer prevents road tube separation from the housing. An electrical cable of flat section passes downwardly through the base plate and terminates at a remote tallying component.

Abstract: An improved traffic monitoring system is disclosed in which a microprocessor is connected to an analog to digital converter providing a series of digital samples of the pressure within a road tube for analysis of the signals. If a pulse is detected exceeding a threshold level, corresponding to passage of a tire over the road tube at a relatively high rate, the microprocessor then determines whether pressure in the tube subsequently drops below a repetitively-updated baseline value. If the pulse in the pressure does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the microprocessor determines whether the pressure continues to rise for a stated period of time and to exceed a set minimum value, whereupon the conclusion is reached that a relatively slowly moving tire has passed over the road tube. The microprocessor is disabled from detecting a second tire within varying intervals after detection of a pulse.

Abstract: This invention is a means for detecting and logging the number of instances that predetermined speeds have been exceeded. This device can be used by car owners to monitor their driving habits as well as those of others using the car. Also the device of the present invention can be used by insurance companies in determining insurance rates based on driving performance.

Abstract: A Hall effect element, incorporated into an integrated circuit unit with temperature compensation, voltage regulation, and amplification, is mounted on top of a permanent magnet made of ceramic material with the critical Hall axis aligned with the magnet pole axis. To avoid saturating the Hall cell, it is positioned within a pole-to-pole hole in the magnet, which creates a flux null space. The permanent magnet and Hall cell assembly is mounted on the rail a predetermined distance below the top so that the flange of passing wheels occupies the air gap between the magnet and the rail through which the major portion of the magnet flux flows. Reduction of the air gap increases the level of the magnet flux and thus the level of voltage output of the Hall cell. The output of the Hall cell is applied to a Schmitt trigger whose switching level is set by a threshold voltage unit.

Abstract: A speed independent system is used for obtaining a preselected number of samples from an object moving along a fixed path, such as a railroad train passing through a sensing zone along the section of track. The sensing zone is defined by a pair of wheel sensors. Upstream of the sensing zone a third sensor is positioned. The distance between the third sensor and the closer of the pair of sensors comprises a reference distance which is the length of the sensing zone multiplied by a known multiple. The time for the train to pass through the reference distance is obtained and then divided by a divisor comprising the product of the known multiple and the desired number of samples to obtain a single interval. During the time the train passes through the sensing zone consecutive intervals are counted off to obtain the desired number of samples.

Abstract: A circuit consisting of five cascaded binary coded decimal, UP-DOWN circuits with associated gates, a first input causes the counters to count up, at a 10 Mhz rate until any second input, which latches into memory the accumulated time in the counters, and causes the counters to count down at 5 Mhz rate, when the counters reach zero an output pulse, suitable for triggering photo flash strobes is generated.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the passage of heavy objects on a roadway, wherein the detector is an elongate strip in the form of nested channel-section members, said members comprising, from the outside towards the insidea first channel section bar (1) made of a strong material;a second channel section bar (2) made of a shock-absorbing material embedded in the channel of said first bar;a third channel section bar (3) made of a strong material embedded in the channel of said second bar; anda sensor (4) embedded in the channel of said third bar.