Apparatus and system for detecting road surface conditions, and method for detecting road surface conditions by using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for detecting a road surface condition, and a method for detecting a road surface condition by using the apparatus and system, wherein the road surface condition is determined by means of a sound signal. The apparatus for detecting a road surface condition according to the present invention includes a sensor unit installed on a road and measuring a sound signal generated according to movement of a moving object on the road; and a control unit that distinguishes the sound signal measured by the sensor unit as normal or abnormal, and in the case of an abnormality, determines a road surface condition including at least one of rain (wet), freezing (icy), muddy, and snowy (snowy), so that quick and accurate action corresponding to the road surface condition of a specific road section can be taken from a remote location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a road condition detection device, and more particularly, to a road condition detection device and system for determining road conditions by means of sound signals, and to a road condition detection method using the road condition detection device and system. Background Art

[0002] Black ice is a thin layer of snow or rain that seeps into the cracks of asphalt roads during the day, mixes with road oil and dust, and freezes thinly onto the road at night.

[0003] Black ice is often considered a leading cause of traffic accidents because it is less noticeable when driving on the road and can easily lead people to believe that the road is just slightly wet.

[0004] In recent years, various studies have been conducted to detect black ice in advance and warn drivers or perform snow removal operations.

[0005] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0140272 discloses “Apparatus and Method for Sensing Black Ice.”

[0006] A black ice sensing device is disclosed, which is equipped in a vehicle to sense black ice. The device includes a sensing unit for measuring road surface temperature and ambient temperature; a control unit for determining the presence of black ice using the road surface temperature and ambient temperature; and a communication unit for transmitting black ice information to a navigation device when the control unit determines the presence of black ice.

[0007] While black ice can be detected by emitting laser light or ultrasonic waves to measure temperature and then receiving the waveform, as disclosed in black ice sensing devices, the sensing range is limited to a few meters ahead of the vehicle, leaving the driver with little time to react to danger.

[0008] In addition, various studies have been conducted, such as determining black ice based on anti-lock braking system (ABS) operation (ie, wheel rotation speed difference of a vehicle), but still cannot solve the above problem. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a device and system for detecting road conditions and a method for detecting road conditions using the device and system, which can determine the road conditions of a specific road section from a remote location, thereby quickly and accurately taking measures corresponding to the road conditions.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] According to the present invention, an apparatus for detecting road conditions may include: a sensor unit, which is installed on a road and measures a sound signal generated according to the movement of a mobile body on the road; and a controller, which distinguishes the sound signal measured by the sensor unit as a normal state or an abnormal state, and in the case of the abnormal state, determines the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions.

[0013] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may learn the road surface condition based on the sound signal measured by the sensor unit and determine the road surface condition with the help of stored learning data.

[0014] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may filter a background value and noise from the sound signal measured by the sensor unit, and determine the road surface condition based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition.

[0015] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may determine the road surface condition in real time based on each moving body, and finally determine the corresponding road surface condition when the road surface condition matches for a predetermined number of moving bodies.

[0016] In the device according to the present invention, the sensor unit can measure road surface temperature, ambient temperature and humidity.

[0017] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may determine the road surface condition using the sound signal, calculate a dew point using the road surface temperature and the humidity measured by the sensor unit, and determine the road surface condition using the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature.

[0018] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may determine that the road surface is icy when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value and when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined value.

[0019] In the apparatus according to the present invention, the controller may determine a pothole, a collision, or a skid by means of the sound signal measured by the sensor unit.

[0020] According to the present invention, a system for detecting road conditions may include: a road condition detection device, which is installed on a road and measures a sound signal generated according to the movement of a mobile body on the road; and a management server, which receives the sound signal from the road condition detection device, distinguishes the sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state, and in the case of the abnormal state, determines the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions.

[0021] In the system according to the present invention, the road surface condition detection device may be provided as a plurality of road surface condition detection devices installed to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals on the road.

[0022] In the system according to the present invention, the management server may calculate the speed of the moving body based on a predetermined distance between the road surface condition detection devices and by measuring the passing time of the moving body according to the sound signal measured by the road surface condition detection devices.

[0023] In the system according to the present invention, the management server may determine the range of the road surface condition based on whether the road surface conditions determined from adjacent road surface condition detection devices overlap with each other.

[0024] In the system according to the present invention, the management server can output the determined road condition via an electronic road sign (VMS, variable message sign), or operate a snow removal device installed at a corresponding position depending on the determined road condition.

[0025] According to the present invention, a method for detecting road conditions may include: measuring, by a road condition detection device installed on a road, a sound signal generated according to the movement of a mobile body on the road; distinguishing, by the road condition detection device, the measured sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state; and in the case of the abnormal state, determining, by the road condition detection device, the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions.

[0026] According to the present invention, a method for detecting road conditions may include: a management server receiving a sound signal generated by a mobile body moving on the road from a road condition detection device installed on the road; the management server distinguishing the sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state; and in the case of the abnormal state, the management server determining the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] The road condition detection device according to the present invention can determine the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions with the help of sound signals, so that measures corresponding to the road condition of a specific road section can be taken quickly and accurately from a remote location without any obstructed areas due to its wide coverage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a road surface condition detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a road surface condition detection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a road surface condition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Graph showing frequency characteristics of sound signals according to road conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the following description and drawings, in order to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention, well-known technologies may not be described or illustrated in detail. In all figures, the same or similar reference numerals consistently represent corresponding features.

[0035] The terms and words used in the following description, drawings, and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] In addition, the terms including the expressions "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish one element from other elements, and do not limit the corresponding elements. Moreover, these ordinal expressions do not mean the order and / or importance of the elements.

[0037] In addition, when it is stated that a certain element is “coupled” or “connected” to another element, the element may be logically or physically coupled or connected to the other element. That is, the element may be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or a new element may exist between the two elements.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms used herein are merely examples for describing specific embodiments and do not limit the various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive without limitation. That is, these terms are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, element, component, or combination thereof disclosed herein and should not be interpreted as excluding the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a road surface condition detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 A road condition detection system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a road condition detection device 100 and a management server 200 .

[0042] The road surface condition detection devices 100 can be arranged at regular intervals along the road. The road surface condition detection devices 100 can be arranged in a zigzag pattern on both sides of the road, or in a row on one side. For example, on a road section prone to icing, the road surface condition detection devices 100 can be installed at intervals of 100 meters. Alternatively, on a road section prone to icing near a steep slope or sharp bend, the road surface condition detection devices 100 can be installed at intervals of 80 meters.

[0043] Furthermore, the road condition detection device 100 measures, in real time, sound signals generated by a moving object moving on the road. The moving object can typically be, but is not limited to, a vehicle. Various moving objects, such as motorcycles, can generate noise when moving on the road.

[0044] Furthermore, the road surface condition detection device 100 distinguishes the measured sound signals as normal or abnormal, and in the case of abnormal conditions, determines road conditions, including wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions. A normal road surface condition is dry. Furthermore, the road surface condition detection device 100 can use the sound signals to determine potholes, collisions, or skidding. Specifically, the road surface condition detection device 100 according to the present invention learns road surface conditions based on the measured sound signals and determines the road surface conditions using stored learning data.

[0045] Therefore, the road surface condition detection device 100 itself can measure sound signals and determine the road surface condition based on the measured sound signals. If the road surface condition detection device 100 itself determines the road surface condition, the device configuration becomes complex, and each road surface condition detection device 100 must store a large amount of data. Therefore, it is desirable that the road surface condition detection device 100 collect sound signals based on the movement of the mobile object and transmit the collected sound signals to the management server 200 in real time.

[0046] The management server 200 has the ID of each road surface condition detection device 100 and also has a reference value of each road surface condition detection device 100 , that is, a frequency spectrum of sound when traveling on a dry road.

[0047] Therefore, after receiving the sound signal from the road condition detection device 100, the management server 200 can distinguish the sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state. That is, the management server 200 can mainly determine whether the road surface is in a normal state or an abnormal state.

[0048] In addition, when the road condition is abnormal, the management server 200 determines that the road condition includes at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions. In particular, the management server 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention learns the road condition based on the measured sound signal and determines the road condition with the help of stored learning data.

[0049] Management server 200 can output specific road conditions via electronic road signs (VMS, variable message signs), or operate snow removal equipment installed at corresponding locations based on the specific road conditions. For example, management server 200 can operate in conjunction with a control system to manage and monitor road conditions, or be installed within the control system and automatically display abnormal road conditions and locations on a screen. Thus, the control system can output warning messages via electronic road signs, spray salt water or calcium chloride via snow removal equipment installed on the road, or dispatch a tow truck in the event of an accident.

[0050] Furthermore, the management server 200 can calculate the speed of the moving object based on a predetermined distance between the road surface condition detection devices 100 and by measuring the transit time of the moving object based on the sound signals measured by the road surface condition detection devices 100. That is, the management server 200 can determine the peak value of the sound signal measured by each road surface condition detection device 100 as the transit time of the moving object, and calculate the speed of the moving object by measuring the transit time of the road surface condition detection devices 100. The measured speed can be used in conjunction with cameras installed on the road to sanction speeding of the moving object. In this way, the cost of speeding measurement equipment embedded in the road can be reduced. While the management server 200 has been described as performing the function of measuring the speed of the moving object, this is not a limitation. Alternatively, the road surface condition detection devices 100 themselves can measure the speed of the moving object through mutual communication and operate in conjunction with the cameras.

[0051] In addition, the management server 200 may determine the range of the road condition based on whether the road conditions determined from adjacent road condition detection devices 100 overlap with each other. For example, when the road condition corresponding to the first road condition detection device 100a and the second road condition detection device 100b is determined to be icy, the management server 200 may determine that the road section between the first road condition detection device 100a and the second road condition detection device 100b is an icy road section.

[0052] Therefore, the road condition detection system 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine the road condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions with the help of sound signals, so as to quickly and accurately take measures corresponding to the road condition of a specific road section from a remote location without any obstructed areas due to its wide coverage.

[0053] Hereinafter, the road surface condition detection apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0054] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a road surface condition detection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 , a road surface condition detection apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a communication unit 110 , a sensor unit 130 , a storage unit 150 , a power supply unit 170 , and a controller 190 .

[0056] The communication unit 110 transmits and receives data with the management server 200 or corresponding components in the road surface condition detection device 100. In particular, the communication unit 110 can transmit the sound signal measured by the sensor unit 130 to the controller 190 or the management server 200, and when the road surface condition detection device 100 itself analyzes the sound signal, transmit the analysis result (i.e., information about the current road surface condition) to the management server 200. The communication unit 110 can receive the sound signal from the sensor unit 130 or transmit the sound signal to the management server 200 via long-range (LoRa) communication, long-term evolution (LTE) communication, 5G communication, etc. The communication unit 110 can include a modem that modulates the signal to be transmitted and demodulates the received signal.

[0057] The sensor unit 130 can measure sound signals when the mobile body moves on the road. The sensor unit 130 can be a non-directional high-sensitivity microphone for measuring sound signals. In addition, the sensor unit 130 can include: a temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperature; a humidity sensor for measuring ambient humidity; and an infrared (IR) surface temperature sensor for measuring road surface temperature. The sensor unit 130 can transmit the measured sound signals, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and road surface temperature to the controller 190 in real time. The sensor unit 130 can be installed separately from the controller 190, or can be formed integrally with the controller 190. That is, the controller 190 can be configured to cover multiple sensor units 130 with the help of the communication unit 110, and one controller 190 can be configured to collect sound signals, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and road surface temperature from multiple sensor units 130. In addition, one sensor unit 130 can be formed integrally with one controller 190.

[0058] The storage unit 150 stores programs and data required for the functional operation of the road surface condition detection device 100. Specifically, the storage unit 150 may store an algorithm for distinguishing the sound signal measured by the sensor unit 130 as normal or abnormal. For example, the algorithm for distinguishing the sound signal as normal or abnormal may be a generative model. Furthermore, the storage unit 150 may store an algorithm for determining road surface conditions, including wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions, in the event of an abnormal condition. For example, the algorithm for determining road surface conditions may be a discriminant model.

[0059] The power supply unit 170 supplies power according to the functional operation of the road surface condition detection apparatus 100. The power supply unit 170 may be configured to receive commercial power or to generate power by itself by having a solar panel and a battery.

[0060] The controller 190 controls the overall functional operation of the road condition detection apparatus 100. The controller 190 may include a primary determination module 191 and a secondary determination module 192.

[0061] The primary determination module 191 distinguishes the sound signal measured by the sensor unit 130 as a normal state or an abnormal state. The controller 190 may determine the normal state or the abnormal state with the help of a generation model stored in the storage unit 150 and learn the result.

[0062] at the same time, Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of sound signals according to road conditions. Here, Figure 6 is a graph showing frequency characteristics according to movement of a vehicle on a sunny day, Figure 7 is shown according to the same vehicle in Figure 6A graph showing the frequency characteristics of movement at the same location on a rainy day. Figure 6 The graph shows a small difference between the values ​​when there is no vehicle (a) and the values ​​when the vehicle is moving (b), while Figure 6 Compared to the chart, Figure 7 The graph of φ shows a significant difference between the value (a) when there is no vehicle and the value (b) when the vehicle is moving. As described above, the primary determination module 191 can determine the normal state or the abnormal state by means of the frequency difference between the normal state and the abnormal state.

[0063] In the event of an abnormal condition, secondary determination module 192 determines whether the road condition is at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy. Here, secondary determination module 192 may filter background values ​​and noise from the sound signal measured by sensor unit 130, and then determine the road condition based on a frequency range configured for each road condition. In this case, secondary determination module 192 may determine the road condition using a discriminant model and learn the determination result.

[0064] To improve the accuracy of the road surface condition determination results, the secondary determination module 192 can determine the road surface condition in real time for each mobile object, and when the road surface conditions match for a predetermined number of mobile objects, the corresponding road surface condition is finally determined. In other words, instead of transmitting the determination result for a single mobile object to the management server 200 in real time, the secondary determination module 192 can accumulate the determination results for a predetermined number of mobile objects and, when the accumulated determination results match, notify the management server 200 of the corresponding road surface condition, thereby improving accuracy.

[0065] Furthermore, the secondary determination module 192 may determine the road surface condition not only using the sound signal but also by calculating the dew point using the road surface temperature and humidity measured by the sensor unit 130, and applying the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature to determine the road surface condition. For example, the secondary determination module 192 may determine that the road surface is wet when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value, and may determine that the road surface is icy when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined value while the road surface is wet.

[0066] Also, the secondary determination module 192 may determine a pothole, a collision, or a skid by means of a sound signal measured by the sensor unit 130 .

[0067] Furthermore, the secondary determination module 192 can calculate the speed of the mobile object by measuring the distance to a predetermined road surface condition detection device 100 and the time it takes for the mobile object to pass through the predetermined road surface condition detection device 100. Specifically, the secondary determination module 192 can receive the time the mobile object passed through the predetermined road surface condition detection device 100 from the predetermined road surface condition detection device 100 via the communication unit 110. In this case, the predetermined road surface condition detection device can be a road surface condition detection device located at a preceding position in the direction of movement of the mobile object. Based on the time received from the predetermined road surface condition detection device and the time the mobile object currently passed through, the secondary determination module 192 can calculate the time required to pass from the predetermined road surface condition detection device to the current road surface condition detection device. Furthermore, the secondary determination module 192 can calculate the speed of the mobile object based on the calculated time and the distance to the predetermined road surface condition detection device stored in the storage unit 150. When the calculated speed exceeds the predetermined speed, the secondary determination module 192 can transmit this information to a nearby camera to capture the mobile object. In other words, the secondary determination module 192 can be used to coordinate with cameras installed on the road to sanction speeding of the mobile object. In this way, the costs of speed measuring equipment buried in the road can be reduced.

[0068] Hereinafter, the configuration of the management server 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0069] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] refer to Figure 3 , the management server 200 may be configured to include a server communication unit 210 , a server storage unit 220 , and a server controller 230 .

[0071] The server communication unit 210 can transmit and receive data with the road condition detection device 100. Specifically, the server communication unit 210 can receive sound signals from the road condition detection device 100, or, when the road condition detection device 100 itself analyzes the sound signals, the server communication unit 210 can receive the analysis results, i.e., information about the current road condition. The server communication unit 210 can receive sound signals or analysis results from the road condition detection device 100 using Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication, 5G communication, or the like. Furthermore, the server communication unit 210 can transmit and receive data by communicating with a control system that manages and monitors road conditions.

[0072] The server storage unit 220 stores programs and data required for the functional operation of the management server 200. Specifically, the server storage unit 220 may store an algorithm for distinguishing between normal and abnormal conditions for the sound signals measured by the road surface condition detection device 100. For example, the algorithm for distinguishing between normal and abnormal conditions for the sound signals may be a generative model. Furthermore, the server storage unit 220 may store an algorithm for determining road surface conditions, including wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions, in the event of an abnormal condition. For example, the algorithm for determining road surface conditions may be a discriminant model.

[0073] The server controller 230 controls the overall functional operation of the management server 200. The server controller 230 may include a primary determination module 231 and a secondary determination module 232.

[0074] The preliminary determination module 231 classifies the sound signal received from the road condition detection apparatus 100 as normal or abnormal. The preliminary determination module 231 may determine the normal or abnormal state using a generation model stored in the server storage unit 220 and learn the result.

[0075] In the event of an abnormal condition, secondary determination module 232 determines whether the road condition is at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy. Here, secondary determination module 232 may filter background values ​​and noise from the sound signal received from road condition detection device 100, and then determine the road condition based on a frequency range configured for each road condition. In this case, secondary determination module 232 may determine the road condition using a discriminant model and learn the determination result.

[0076] To improve the accuracy of road condition determination results, secondary determination module 232 can determine road conditions in real time for each mobile object. When the road conditions match for a predetermined number of mobile objects, the corresponding road condition is finally determined. Specifically, instead of transmitting the determination results for a single mobile object to management server 200 in real time, secondary determination module 232 can accumulate the determination results for a predetermined number of mobile objects and, when the accumulated determination results match, notify the control system of the corresponding road condition, thereby improving accuracy.

[0077] Furthermore, the secondary determination module 232 may determine the road condition not only using the sound signal but also by calculating the dew point using the road surface temperature and humidity received from the road surface condition detection device 100 and applying the calculated dew point and ambient temperature to determine the road condition. For example, the secondary determination module 232 may determine that the road surface is wet when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value, and may determine that the road surface is icy when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined value while the road surface is wet.

[0078] Also, the secondary determination module 232 may determine a pothole, a collision, or a skid by means of a sound signal received from the road condition detection apparatus 100 .

[0079] Secondary determination module 232 can output the determined road condition via electronic road signs (VMS, variable message signs), or operate snow removal equipment installed at corresponding locations based on the determined road condition. For example, secondary determination module 232 can operate in conjunction with a control system for managing and monitoring road conditions, or be installed within such a control system, and can automatically display abnormal road conditions and locations on a screen. Thus, the control system can output warning messages via electronic road signs, spray salt water or calcium chloride via snow removal equipment installed on the road, or dispatch a tow truck in the event of an accident.

[0080] Furthermore, the secondary determination module 232 can calculate the speed of the moving object by measuring the transit time of the moving object based on the sound signals measured by the road condition detection devices 100, based on a predetermined distance between the road condition detection devices 100. Specifically, the secondary determination module 232 can determine the peak value of the sound signal measured by each road condition detection device 100 as the transit time of the moving object, and calculate the speed of the moving object by measuring the transit time of the road condition detection devices 100. This measured speed can be used in conjunction with cameras installed on the road to sanction speeding of the moving object. In this way, the cost of speeding measurement equipment embedded in the road can be reduced.

[0081] Additionally, the secondary determination module 232 may determine the range of the road condition based on whether the road conditions determined from adjacent road condition detection devices 100 overlap. For example, when the road condition corresponding to the first road condition detection device 100a and the second road condition detection device 100b is determined to be icy, the secondary determination module 232 may determine that the road section between the first road condition detection device 100a and the second road condition detection device 100b is an icy road section.

[0082] Hereinafter, a method for detecting a road condition according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0083] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a road surface condition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] refer to Figure 4 , at step S10 , the road condition detection device measures the sound signal.

[0085] Next, at step S20, the road surface condition detection device performs a preliminary determination of the road surface condition. Specifically, at step S20, the road surface condition detection device classifies the acoustic signal measured at step S10 as normal or abnormal. In this case, the road surface condition detection device can use a generative model to determine normal or abnormal conditions and learn from the results.

[0086] Next, if the road condition is abnormal at step S30, the road condition detection device may perform a secondary determination of the road condition at step S40. In this case, the road condition detection device determines the road condition as at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy. Here, the road condition detection device may filter background values ​​and noise from the sound signal and then determine the road condition based on a frequency range configured for each road condition. In this case, the road condition detection device may determine the road condition using a discriminant model and learn the determination result. The road condition detection device may transmit the determined road condition to the management server.

[0087] refer to Figure 5 In step S110 , the management server receives a sound signal from the road condition detection device.

[0088] Next, at step S120, the management server preliminarily determines the road surface condition. Specifically, at step S120, the management server classifies the sound signal measured at step S110 as normal or abnormal. In this case, the management server can use a generative model to determine normal or abnormal conditions and learn from the results.

[0089] Next, if the road condition is abnormal at step S130, the management server may perform a secondary determination of the road condition at step S140. In this case, the management server determines the road condition as at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy. Here, the management server may filter background values ​​and noise from the sound signal and then determine the road condition based on a frequency range configured for each road condition. In this case, the management server may determine the road condition using a discriminant model and learn the results of this determination.

[0090] Furthermore, at step S150, the management server may output the determined road condition via electronic road signs (VMS, variable message signs), or operate snow removal equipment installed at corresponding locations based on the determined road condition. For example, the management server may operate in conjunction with a control system for managing and monitoring road conditions, or be installed within such a control system, and may automatically display abnormal road conditions and locations on a screen. Thus, the control system may output warning messages via electronic road signs, spray salt water or calcium chloride via snow removal equipment installed on the road, or dispatch a tow truck in the event of an accident.

[0091] Although the specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be understood as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be exclusive to a particular embodiment of a particular disclosure. Certain features described in the specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, or even initially claimed as such, one or more features in a claimed combination may in some cases be removed from that combination, and a claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0092] In addition, although this specification describes the operations performed in a predetermined order with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should not be understood that it is necessary to perform the operations sequentially or in a predetermined order, which is shown to obtain preferred results, or that all the operations shown need to be performed. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. In addition, it should not be interpreted that the division of various system components is required in all types of implementations. It should be understood that the described program components and systems are usually integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0093] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for detecting road conditions, comprising: a sensor unit installed on a road and measuring a sound signal generated according to movement of a moving object on the road; as well as a controller that primarily determines the road surface condition by distinguishing the sound signal measured by the sensor unit as a normal state or an abnormal state, and, in the case of the abnormal state, secondarily determines the road surface condition including at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions, wherein the primary determination is performed based on a frequency difference between the normal state and the abnormal state, and the secondary determination is performed based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition, The sensor unit measures the road surface temperature, ambient temperature and humidity. wherein the controller determines the road surface condition by means of the sound signal, calculates the dew point by means of the road surface temperature and the humidity measured by the sensor unit, and determines the road surface condition by applying the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature, and Wherein, when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value and when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the controller determines that the road surface is icy.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller learns the road surface condition based on the sound signal measured by the sensor unit and determines the road surface condition with the help of stored learning data.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The controller filters a background value and noise from the sound signal measured by the sensor unit and determines the road surface condition based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The controller determines the road surface condition in real time based on each moving body, and finally determines the corresponding road surface condition when the road surface condition matches for a predetermined number of moving bodies.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The controller determines a pothole, a collision, or a skid using the sound signal measured by the sensor unit.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The controller primarily determines the normal state or the abnormal state by means of a generative model, and secondarily determines the road surface condition by means of a discriminative model.

7. A system for detecting road conditions, the system comprising: a road surface condition detection device installed on a road and measuring a sound signal generated according to movement of a moving object on the road; as well as a management server that receives the sound signal from the road condition detection device, primarily determines the road condition by distinguishing the sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state, and, in the case of the abnormal state, secondarily determines the road condition to include at least one of wet, icy, muddy, and snowy conditions, wherein the primary determination is performed based on a frequency difference between the normal state and the abnormal state, and the secondary determination is performed based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition, The road condition detection equipment measures road surface temperature, ambient temperature and humidity. wherein the management server determines the road condition by means of the sound signal, calculates the dew point by means of the road temperature and the humidity measured by the road condition detection device, and determines the road condition by applying the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature, and Wherein, when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value and when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the management server determines that the road surface is icy.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The road surface condition detection device is provided as a plurality of road surface condition detection devices installed so as to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals on the road.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The management server calculates the speed of the moving body based on a predetermined distance between the road surface condition detection devices and by measuring a passing time of the moving body according to the sound signal measured by the road surface condition detection devices.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The management server determines the range of the road surface condition based on whether the road surface conditions determined from the adjacent road surface condition detection devices overlap with each other.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The management server outputs the determined road condition by means of an electronic road sign, ie, a variable message sign VMS, or operates a snow removal device installed at a corresponding position depending on the determined road condition.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The management server primarily determines the normal state or the abnormal state by means of a generation model, and secondarily determines the road surface condition by means of a discrimination model.

13. A method for detecting road conditions, the method comprising the following steps: measuring, by a road condition detection device installed on a road, a sound signal generated according to movement of a moving object on the road; The road surface condition detection device primarily determines the road surface condition by distinguishing the measured sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state; as well as In the case of the abnormal state, the road condition is secondarily determined by the road condition detection device to include at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions, wherein the primary determination is performed based on a frequency difference between the normal state and the abnormal state, and the secondary determination is performed based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition, The road condition detection equipment measures road surface temperature, ambient temperature and humidity. wherein the road surface condition detection device determines the road surface condition by means of the sound signal, calculates the dew point by means of the road surface temperature and the humidity measured by the sensor unit, and determines the road surface condition by applying the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature, and Wherein, when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value and when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the road surface condition detection device determines that the road surface is icy.

14. A method for detecting road conditions, the method comprising the following steps: receiving, by the management server, a sound signal generated according to movement of a mobile object on the road from a road condition detection device installed on the road; The management server preliminarily determines the road condition by distinguishing the sound signal as a normal state or an abnormal state; as well as In the case of the abnormal state, the management server secondarily determines that the road condition includes at least one of wet, icy, muddy and snowy conditions, wherein the primary determination is performed based on a frequency difference between the normal state and the abnormal state, and the secondary determination is performed based on a frequency range configured for each road surface condition, The road condition detection equipment measures road surface temperature, ambient temperature and humidity. wherein the management server determines the road condition by means of the sound signal, calculates the dew point by means of the road temperature and the humidity measured by the road condition detection device, and determines the road condition by applying the calculated dew point and the ambient temperature, and Wherein, when the calculated dew point exceeds a predetermined value and when the ambient temperature is lower than a predetermined value, the management server determines that the road surface is icy.

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