EP1555643A1 - Mobile information preventive system with respect to speed - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a processing unit for extracting and recognizing a registration number of a vehicle from an image acquired by a camera (103). The camera acquires the image if vehicle speed measured by a speed detector is greater than a threshold. The camera and the detector are mounted on a post comprising an upper part (100b) that revolves around a horizontal axis till its rear side contacts with rear side of a lower part (100a). An independent claim is also included for a land vehicle identification and speed detection system comprising a land vehicle identification and speed detection device.

Description

The invention relates to a mobile detection and possible to display the instantaneous speed of the vehicles and their registration number ("plate number"). More specifically, she a system designed for preventive purposes, to encourage users roads and highways to slow down as construction approaches areas in which a temporary speed limit is in effect. Good that this is not its main purpose, such a system may also have repressive function, making it possible to establish infringements of speed.

Patent Application JP 6068376 discloses a system including radar speed detector, camera, system automatic reading license plate and a panel to variable message simultaneously displaying speed and number registration of a vehicle. However, it is a fixed system, which is adapted when it is necessary to permanently incite users of the road to limit their speed, such as when approaching a bend dangerous, but which is not suitable for temporary use, such as a job site that can be as short as one or two days.

US Patent 5,231,393 shows a cart which can be transported near a construction site and which includes a radar detector speed and a variable message panel to display the speed of a vehicle. This device does not include means of acquisition, reading and displaying the registration number. In addition, the fact fixedly combine the speed sensor and the display panel has major disadvantages. Indeed, even if the detectors speed can work effectively up to a distance of several hundreds of meters, such a distance does not allow the acquisition of a image with sufficient definition to allow reading of the plate (in In any case, when the use of a flash is necessary, the image must be acquired at a close distance). It follows that a sign at the same location that the detector can only display the speed of a vehicle when better a few moments before its passage: the driver does not have the time to read the message, let alone recognize his number of plate.

Significantly the same remarks are valid for the Patent Application FR 2,601,144. This document presents two modes of realization of the same device; the first embodiment is not easily transportable and the second embodiment is integrated with a vehicle. This last solution allows easy transport, but requires expensive immobilization of a vehicle and limits the possibility of choosing the best location for the system.

Patent Application EP 1,148,457 describes a module compact, transportable and equipped with wheels, comprising a detector of speed and a camera and a flash triggered by the latter. This However, the document does not mention automatic means of reading number plates or variable message sign to display the speed of the vehicles as well as their plate number. A module of this type has the disadvantage that, in order to avoid excessive clutter, the camera is located at a relatively low level relative to the ground and does not can not be oriented freely (it is inside the module, behind a window). This is an important limitation for a application in correspondence of a building site, where many obstacles could stand between the camera and a vehicle: people, tools, heap of earth or gravel.

In conclusion, none of the known devices of the prior art does not seem well suited to providing an easily transportable system and positionable to detect and possibly display the speed of a vehicle and its registration number, particularly in the environment of a road or motorway project.

The present invention relates to a mobile device of detection of speed and identification of land vehicles consisting of a trolley on which are arranged a camera and a speed detector, also comprising electronic control circuits for acquiring the speed of a vehicle measured by the detector and, if that speed exceeds one predefined threshold, trigger the camera to acquire an image of said vehicle, characterized in that it also comprises means for producing for extract and recognize the registration number of the vehicle of the image acquired by the camera, and in that the camera and the speed detector are mounted on a support extending vertically from a base which ensures the stability of the whole.

• le support comporte une partie inférieure fixée à la base et une partie supérieure connectée à ladite partie inférieure par des moyens de pivotement de manière à pouvoir pivoter d'environ 180° autour d'un axe horizontal, ce qui permet de replier le dispositif pour en réduire l'encombrement lors de son transport et de son entreposage;
• la caméra et le détecteur de vitesse sont fixés à la partie supérieure du support ;
• le support est un mât ;
• le support a une hauteur comprise entre 2 m et 3m, de préférence d'environ 2,50 m, car le présent inventeur s'est rendu compte que, sur un chantier, il est avantageux de placer la caméra et le détecteur de vitesse à une hauteur relativement élevée ; le support étant pliable, l'encombrement du dispositif lors de son transport et de son entreposage reste réduit;
• la base contient des batteries d'alimentation, ce qui rend le dispositif autonome du point de vue énergétique ; accessoirement, les batteries peuvent avoir une fonction de lest ;
• la base comporte des roulettes pour faciliter le transport du chariot ; et
• le support comporte des moyens de pivotement permettant un pivotement d'environ 90° autour d'un axe horizontal par rapport à la base, de manière à se disposer en position horizontale pour réduire ultérieurement l'encombrement du dispositif.

According to advantageous embodiments:

• the support has a lower part fixed to the base and an upper part connected to said lower part by pivoting means so as to be able to pivot about 180 ° about a horizontal axis, which allows the device to be folded in order to reduce congestion during transportation and storage;
• the camera and the speed detector are attached to the upper part of the support;
• the support is a mast;
• the support has a height of between 2 m and 3 m, preferably about 2.50 m, because the present inventor has realized that, on a site, it is advantageous to place the camera and the speed detector at a relatively high height; the support being foldable, the size of the device during its transport and storage remains reduced;
• the base contains power batteries, which makes the device stand-alone from an energy point of view; incidentally, the batteries may have a ballast function;
• the base has rollers for easy transport of the carriage; and
• the support comprises pivoting means allowing pivoting about 90 ° about a horizontal axis relative to the base, so as to be arranged in a horizontal position to further reduce the size of the device.

The experiments carried out by the plaintiff have shown that the psychological effect of speed display is significantly enhanced by a "personalization" of the message by the simultaneous display of the number registration of the vehicle.

le dispositif mobile de détection de vitesse et d'identification de véhicules terrestres et au moins un panneau à message variable sont disposé au bord d'une route ;

au moins un panneau à message variable est disposé en aval, dans le sens de la circulation, par rapport au dispositif mobile de détection de vitesse et d'identification de véhicules terrestres, et il est orienté de façon à être facilement visible depuis la route ;

au moins un panneau à message variable reçoit du dispositif mobile de détection de vitesse et d'identification de véhicules terrestres la vitesse et le numéro d'immatriculation d'un véhicule qui roule à une vitesse supérieure à un seuil prédéfini et les affiche d'une manière lisible pour le conducteur dudit véhicule.

For this reason, another object of the present invention is a mobile speed detection and identification system of land vehicles for displaying their speed and their registration number, comprising a mobile device for detecting speed and for identifying land vehicles as previously described and at least one variable message sign, in which:

the mobile device for detecting speed and identification of land vehicles and at least one variable message sign are disposed at the edge of a road;

at least one variable message sign is disposed downstream, in the direction of the traffic, with respect to the mobile device for detecting speed and identification of land vehicles, and is oriented so as to be easily visible from the road;

at least one variable message sign receives the speed and registration number of a vehicle traveling at a speed above a predefined threshold from the mobile speed detection and land vehicle identification device and displays them in a legible way for the driver of said vehicle.

la figure 1 montre une vue générale du système comprenant un chariot mobile et un panneau d'affichage, positionné sur un chantier autoroutier ;

la figure 2 montre, plus en détail, le chariot mobile en position dépliée, prêt à l'usage ;

les figures 3A et 3B montrent ce même chariot en position repliée, prêt pour être transporté ; et

la figure 4 montre comment un seul opérateur peut transporter et positionner le chariot par roulement.

Advantageously at least one variable message panel is placed on a trailer equipped to be able to also contain and transport the mobile device for speed detection and identification of land vehicles.
Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of example and in which:

Figure 1 shows a general view of the system comprising a movable carriage and a display panel, positioned on a highway project;

Figure 2 shows, in more detail, the carriage in unfolded position, ready for use;

Figures 3A and 3B show the same carriage in the folded position, ready to be transported; and

Figure 4 shows how a single operator can transport and position the carriage in rotation.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to the invention during its use in correspondence of a motorway project. A carriage 1 is arranged on the emergency stop strip of the motorway, preferably in the initial part of the site, oriented in the direction of from the vehicles. A variable message display panel 2 is also arranged on the emergency stop strip, downstream in the direction of the relative to the carriage, and is oriented so as to be easily visible by motorists. The distance between the carriage 1 and the panel 2 is typically between a few tens and a few hundred meters, its exact value being determined by considerations congestion, visibility and security.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel 2 comprises a fixed "construction" sign, two flashing orange flashes and two or three lines of 10 variable characters, with a height of 200 mm.

Preferably the panel 2 is mounted on a trailer 20, to be transported to the job site and positioned easily. Advantageously, the trailer 20 integrates power supply batteries of the panel 2 (minimum autonomy of 24 hours) and can accommodate the carriage 1 in position folded (see Figures 3A and 3B).

When a vehicle enters the area covered by a speed sensor ("radar") 101 mounted on the carriage 1, the latter measures its speed. If the latter exceeds a predetermined threshold, an infrared flash 102 is triggered and a camera 103 takes an image of the vehicle 3. Then the image is processed by means of processing 104 to extract the registration number ("plaque"). The registration number and the vehicle speed are transmitted, preferably via a radio link or GSM, at panel 2 which displays them, with an invitation to slow down; the message is maintained for a sufficient time to allow reading, which may be fixed depending on the speed of the vehicle 3. When no vehicle in excess of speed is not detected, Panel 2 remains off, or it displays a reminder of the speed limit.

The means of production 104 generally comprise a universal computer and a program of image processing and character recognition. Such means are known, for example, from US 4,817,166 and US 4,878,248. It is important observe that, in a preventive application, a relatively high error rate high on the recognition of the registration number is permissible, this which is not true in the case of a repressive application. For exemple, it can be estimated that a plate recognition rate of 90% with a intensity of 100 vehicles / hour and 60% with an intensity of 1500 vehicles / hour would be sufficient for this application.

It is observed that the speed sensor 101, the flash 102 and the camera 103 are positioned in height to have an unobstructed view of the road, despite the presence of beacons and signs. there a preferred element of implementation of the present invention.

Of course, recognition of the registration number makes the use of the system to punish speeding, but this application faces regulatory hurdles more than than technical: therefore, only preventive use is considered in detail in this document.

The mobile carriage 1 is now described in detail in FIG. 2. It comprises a mast 100 made of metal profile, of a height of 2 to 3 m and preferably about 2.50 m, which is fixed on a front side 131 of a base 130. The mast 100 is composed of a part lower part 100a and an upper part 100b, preferably connected by a hinge 120, located on the rear side of the mast 100, and by a system of 121, located on its front side. The upper part 100b of the mast 100 is shorter from the bottom 100a, and the difference in length is greater than the height of the base 120: this allows the folding of the mast, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

At the top of the mast 100, a camera 103, integrated in a waterproof and dustproof case according to IP66 and equipped with a sun visor, is fixed by ball joint, rotatable in site and in azimuth.

Near the top of the mast, on its back side to not be an obstacle to the orientation of the camera, is also arranged an antenna 105, to provide a radio or GSM link with the variable message sign 2.

Below the camera 103, on the front side of the mast 100, is positioned a flash, especially infrared, 102 that can be triggered at the same time as the camera to acquire an image of a vehicle in speeding.

Below the flash 102 is the speed detector 101, including a Doppler radar. Both the radar 101 and the flash 102 are integrated into IP66 sealed boxes and are preferably less partially orientable.

The radar 101, the flash 102, the camera 103 and the antenna 105 arranged in height to function properly, particularly because of obstacles that could be between the truck and the section of road to control, regulate ; for this reason they are attached to the upper part 100b of the mast.

• un ordinateur embarqué qui reçoit la valeur de la vitesse mesurée par le radar 101, la compare à un seuil prédéterminé et, si elle dépasse ce seuil, déclenche la caméra 103 et le flash 102, acquiert une image d'une voiture en excès de vitesse et, par l'intermédiaire des moyens (logiciels) d'élaboration 104 en extrait le numéro de plaque du véhicule ;
• un modem et un transmetteur radio ou GSM, pour transmettre la vitesse et le numéro de plaque de la voiture en excès de vitesse au panneau 2 ; et
• éventuellement d'autres circuits auxiliaires, tels qu'un stabilisateur de la tension d'alimentation de l'ordinateur embarqué, du modem, du transmetteur, du radar 101, du flash 102 et de la caméra 103 (12 V continu, en général) et une alarme pour prévenir des actes de vandalisme.

All electronic circuits that ensure the operation of the truck are assembled in a technical box 106, consisting of a watertight and dustproof box according to IP65. These electronic circuits include:

• an on-board computer which receives the value of the speed measured by the radar 101, compares it with a predetermined threshold and, if it exceeds this threshold, triggers the camera 103 and the flash 102, acquires an image of a car in excess of speed and, by the means (software) for producing 104 extract the plate number of the vehicle;
• a modem and a radio or GSM transmitter, for transmitting the speed and the plate number of the car in speeding to the panel 2; and
• possibly other auxiliary circuits, such as a stabilizer of the supply voltage of the on-board computer, the modem, the transmitter, the radar 101, the flash 102 and the camera 103 (12 V continuous, in general) and an alarm to prevent acts of vandalism.

The antenna 105 can be fixed to the technical box, instead to be positioned at the top of the mast.

As a variant, the on-board computer can be integrated into the camera.

All devices and electronic devices mounted on the must be able to operate within a temperature range at least between -20 ° C and + 60 ° C, with a humidity level of up to 100%. Devices meeting these specifications are available in the trade.

The technical box 106 is preferably provided with a plug 107 allowing the connection of a display console provided with a keyboard 108 (for example a laptop), in order to be able to program the on-board computer, for example by adjusting the speed of threshold, the message to display, flash and camera delay, etc. Yes the box 106 also includes a radio receiver, it is also possible to perform remote programming, via the antenna 105.

There is no reason to install the technical box 106 in height, on the contrary it is advantageous for the stability of the whole of the attach to the lower part 100a of the mast, in a low position.

Above the technical box 106 is a handful of rolling, whose function will be explained with reference to FIG.

The base 130 is essentially constituted by a box waterproof 132 fitted on its right and left sides of two handles of 133, on its front side 131, two wheels 134 and on its side back of two feet 135. Inside the box 132 are placed batteries that power the electrical devices mounted on the cart; he is preferably two 12 V, 100 Ah batteries, disconnectable and rechargeable. Such batteries ensure, under normal conditions of operation, a range greater than 24 hours.

The base 130 also has the function of making the carriage 1 Stable enough, even in the presence of wind and air movement induced by the passage of vehicles, despite the height of the mast 100. For this because its dimensions may exceed the minimum necessary for contain the batteries. If the weight of the batteries proves to be insufficient for to ensure the stability of the assembly, a ballast could be integrated into the base 130, in the form of a metal mass or the like.

Power supply and signal cables that connect the different components of the carriage 1 preferably pass inside the mast 100. They must not be too tight, so as not to prevent folding said mast, and not to be torn off.

FIG. 3A shows the folding operation of the mast 100 for put the carriage 1 in the transport position. First of all, it is necessary to to unlock the fastening system 121 which prevents the mast 100 from retreating when the system is in use and which can, for example, be constituted by a hook connected to the lower part 100a which is introduced into a integrated ring at the top 100b. Once unlocked, the upper part 100b of the mast pivots 180 ° around a horizontal axis passing through the hinge 120, until its rear side comes into contact with the rear side of the lower part 100a. It is clear from the figure 3A, that the length of the top 100b, including the camera 103 mounted on its end, must be at most equal to the length of the portion of the lower part 100a which protrudes from the base 130. Not to constitute an obstacle to the folding of the mast, the antenna 105 can be pivoting, as shown in the figure, or telescopic. Eventually additional fixing means (not shown) may be provided for block the upper part 100b in its folded position.

FIG. 3B shows the same carriage 1 in the folded position, seen by its back side.

Although this is not shown in the figures, it is possible to make the mast 100 pivoting about 90 ° around an axis horizontal relative to the base 130, so as to position it horizontally to further reduce the size of the trolley 1 during of its storage.

Figure 4 shows how a single operator can move the carriage 1, by grasping it by the rolling handle 109, by tilting so as to lift the feet 135 from the ground and by doing so roll with the wheels 134. The base 130 has a counterweight effect which balance the carriage 1 and make transport easier.

If the vehicle carrying the trolley 1 of a warehouse of storage to the site of use and vice versa is provided with a ramp, only one person is enough to put the system in place. During its displacement, the carriage 1 is preferably transported in the trailer 20 which supports the panel 2 or in the vehicle that draws said trailer.

When it is not possible to move the carriage 1 by rolling (presence of an obstacle such as a step, loading / unloading of a vehicle not equipped with a ramp, muddy or accidentally ...) two operators can lift the truck 1 by grabbing it by the carrying handles 133.

In both cases, the implementation of the system less than half an hour, which is particularly advantageous in the case short-term worksites or temporary limitation of speed to an accident. Moreover, in the case of yards extending over more day it is possible to dismantle the system in the evening, when no operator is no longer present on the site, to resettle in the morning. That is particularly useful to prevent the carriage or the billboard from be vandalized.

Claims (10)

Mobile device for detecting speed and identification of land vehicles consisting of a carriage (1) on which are arranged a camera (103) and a speed detector (101), also comprising electronic control circuits for acquiring the speed of a vehicle (3) measured by the detector (101) and, if this speed exceeds a predefined threshold, triggering the camera (103) to acquire an image of said vehicle (3), characterized in that it also comprises means for developing (104) for extracting and recognizing the vehicle registration number (3) of the image acquired by the camera (103), and in that the camera (103) and the speed detector (101) are mounted on a support (100) extending vertically from a base (130) which ensures the stability of the assembly. Device according to claim 1, wherein the support (100) has a lower portion (100a) attached to the base (130) and a portion upper (100b) connected to said lower portion (100a) by means pivoting member (120) so that it can be rotated about 180 ° about a horizontal axis. Device according to claim 2, wherein the camera (103) and the speed sensor (101) are attached to the upper part (100b) of the support (100). Device according to any one of the claims in which the support (100) is a mast. Device according to any one of the claims in which the support (100) has a height of between 2 m and 3 m. Device according to any one of the claims in which the base (130) contains battery packs. Device according to any one of the claims wherein the base (130) has casters (134) for facilitate the transport of the carriage (1). Device according to any one of the claims in which the support (100) comprises means for pivoting allowing about 90 ° pivoting about a horizontal axis relative to the base (130) so as to be arranged in a horizontal position. Mobile speed detection and identification system for land vehicles for displaying their speed and registration number, comprising a mobile device for speed detection and identification of land vehicles (1) according to one of any of the preceding claims and at least one variable message panel (2), wherein: the land vehicle speed detection and identification device (1) and at least one variable message panel (2) are arranged at the edge of a road; at least one variable message sign (2) is disposed downstream, in the direction of the traffic, relative to the mobile speed and identification device for land vehicles (1), and is oriented so as to be easily visible from the road; at least one variable message sign (2) receives from the land speed identification and identification device (1) the speed and registration number of a vehicle (3) traveling at a speed exceeding a predefined threshold and displays them in a readable manner for the driver of said vehicle (3). Mobile speed detection and identification system terrestrial vehicles according to claim 9, wherein at least one variable message sign (2) is placed on a trailer (20) equipped to be able to contain and carry also the mobile device of speed detection and identification of land vehicles (1).

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