Freeway lane-level vehicle spacing confirmation system and method

Abstract

The application provides a highway lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system and method, and relates to the technical field of traffic safety, comprising a control terminal, a vehicle measurement structure and a vehicle distance indication structure; wherein the vehicle measurement structure is arranged on each single lane of the highway, a plurality of vehicle measurement structures are arranged in each single lane, and the vehicle measurement structure is used for sending an axle load signal of a vehicle to the control terminal when detecting that the vehicle passes through the single lane; the control terminal is used for determining a target safety vehicle distance corresponding to the vehicle according to the axle load signal of the vehicle and current environment data, and controlling the vehicle distance indication structure arranged on the single lane to give a vehicle distance prompt to the vehicle according to the target safety vehicle distance. The application can dynamically recommend a safety vehicle distance with higher safety, and can assist a driver in confirming the safety vehicle distance through the vehicle distance indication structure arranged on each single lane, so that effective, clear and differentiated vehicle distance prompts for the single lane are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of traffic safety technology, and in particular to a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system and method for highways. Background Technology

[0002] Statistics show that rear-end collisions are frequent on highways, with failure to maintain a safe following distance being a prominent cause and a major contributing factor. Currently, reminders and confirmations are typically provided through roadside signs and warning horns, but there is a lack of effective, clear, and differentiated methods for confirming following distances for individual lanes. Furthermore, existing methods for confirming safe following distances usually only consider vehicle speed, leading to room for improvement in the safety of the determined safe following distances. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system and method for highways, which can dynamically recommend safer vehicle distances and assist drivers in confirming safe vehicle distances through vehicle distance indicator structures deployed on each lane, thereby achieving effective, clear and differentiated vehicle distance prompts for each lane.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways, comprising: a control terminal, a vehicle measurement structure, and a vehicle distance indication structure, wherein the control terminal is communicatively connected to both the vehicle measurement structure and the vehicle distance indication structure; wherein...

[0005] The vehicle measurement structure is deployed on each lane of the highway, and multiple vehicle measurement structures are deployed in each lane. The vehicle measurement structure is used to send the axle load signal of the vehicle to the control terminal when it detects that a vehicle has passed through the lane.

[0006] The control terminal is used to determine the target safe distance for the vehicle based on the axle load signal and current environmental data, and to control the distance indication structure deployed on the single lane to provide distance prompts to the vehicle based on the target safe distance.

[0007] In one embodiment, the vehicle measurement structure includes a sensor array and a wireless transmission module, wherein the wireless transmission module is communicatively connected to the sensor array and the control terminal, respectively.

[0008] in,

[0009] The sensor array is used to detect the axle load signal of vehicles passing through the single lane;

[0010] The wireless transmission module is used to send the shaft load signal to the control terminal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sensor array includes at least one piezoelectric sensor and / or at least one geomagnetic sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the vehicle distance indicator structure includes a first vehicle distance indicator structure and a second vehicle distance indicator structure, which are respectively deployed on both sides of the single lane.

[0013] In one embodiment, a measurement area and a vehicle distance confirmation area are marked within the single lane. The vehicle distance confirmation area is located downstream of the measurement area. A vehicle distance confirmation start line is marked at the starting point of the vehicle distance confirmation area. The vehicle measurement structure is deployed in the measurement area of ​​each single lane of the highway. The vehicle distance indication structure includes multiple LED indicator lights, and each of the LED indicator lights is deployed sequentially downstream of the measurement area at a specified interval.

[0014] The LED indicator light is used to receive LED control signals sent by the control terminal and to emit different colored indicator lights according to the LED control signals;

[0015] Specifically, if the distance between the LED indicator and the vehicle distance confirmation starting point mark is less than the target safe vehicle distance, the LED indicator emits a first-color warning light; if the distance between the LED indicator and the vehicle distance confirmation starting point mark is greater than the target safe vehicle distance, the LED indicator emits a second-color warning light.

[0016] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways, the method being applied to a control terminal in the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in any of the first aspects, the method comprising:

[0017] Receives axle load signals from the measurement structure of each vehicle within a single lane;

[0018] Based on the axle load signal of the vehicle and the current environmental data, determine the target safe distance between the vehicle and the vehicle.

[0019] Based on the target safe distance, the vehicle distance indicator structure deployed on the single lane is controlled to provide distance prompts to the vehicles.

[0020] In one implementation, determining the target safe distance for the vehicle based on the axle load signal and current environmental data includes:

[0021] The vehicle weight data is determined based on the axle load signal; and the vehicle speed data is determined based on the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the current vehicle measurement structure, the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the next vehicle measurement structure, and the distance between the current vehicle measurement structure and the next vehicle measurement structure.

[0022] Based on the vehicle weight data and the vehicle speed data, determine the initial safe following distance for the vehicle.

[0023] The initial safe following distance is adjusted based on the current environmental data to determine the target safe following distance for the vehicle.

[0024] In one implementation, based on the target safe following distance, controlling a vehicle distance indicator structure deployed on the single lane to provide following distance guidance to the vehicle includes:

[0025] From the LED indicators included in the distance indicator structure, determine the first LED indicator whose distance to the distance confirmation starting point marking on the single lane is less than the target safe distance, and send a first LED control signal to the first LED indicator to make the first LED indicator emit a first color of indicator light;

[0026] In addition, from the LED indicators included in the distance indication structure, a second LED indicator whose distance from the distance confirmation starting point mark is greater than the target safe distance is determined, and a second LED control signal is sent to the second LED indicator to make the second LED indicator emit a second color of indicator light.

[0027] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a control terminal, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor executes the computer-executable instructions to implement the method described in any of the first aspects.

[0028] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when invoked and executed by a processor, cause the processor to implement the method described in any of the first aspects.

[0029] This invention provides a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system and method for highways, comprising: a control terminal, a vehicle measurement structure, and a vehicle distance indication structure. The control terminal is communicatively connected to both the vehicle measurement structure and the vehicle distance indication structure. The vehicle measurement structure is deployed on each lane of the highway, with multiple vehicle measurement structures deployed in each lane. The vehicle measurement structure sends an axle load signal to the control terminal when it detects a vehicle passing through a lane. The control terminal determines the target safe vehicle distance based on the vehicle's axle load signal and current environmental data, and controls the vehicle distance indication structure deployed on each lane to provide distance guidance to the vehicle based on the target safe vehicle distance. The aforementioned lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways deploys vehicle measurement structures and vehicle distance indication structures on each lane. For each lane, the vehicle measurement structure detects the axle load signal of vehicles passing through that lane. The control terminal then combines the axle load signal with current environmental data to determine the target safe vehicle distance. Compared to existing methods that only consider vehicle speed to confirm safe vehicle distance, this invention can dynamically recommend safer vehicle distances. In addition, the control terminal controls the vehicle distance indication structure on each lane according to the target safe vehicle distance, so that the vehicle distance indication structure provides distance prompts according to the target safe vehicle distance. This invention assists drivers in confirming safe vehicle distances by deploying a vehicle distance knowledge structure on each lane, achieving effective, clear, and differentiated distance prompts for each lane.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained in accordance with the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle measurement structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a control terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining lane-level vehicle distance on a highway, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining lane-level vehicle distance on a highway, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] Currently, according to relevant regulations, when driving on highways, motor vehicles exceeding 100 kilometers per hour should maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from the vehicle in front in the same lane. When driving below 100 kilometers per hour, the distance can be appropriately shortened, but the minimum distance should not be less than 50 meters. When driving at night or in low-visibility weather conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust storms, or hail, the safe following distance should be appropriately increased. In addition, the total mass of a vehicle also has a significant impact on the safe following distance; for example, at the same speed, a truck requires a significantly longer braking distance than a car. However, the existing highway following distance confirmation signs and markings cannot provide corresponding safe following distance confirmation information based on different weather conditions, vehicle speed, and vehicle mass. Furthermore, the existing following distance confirmation signs do not differentiate between lanes, which can easily cause misunderstanding and confusion for drivers. Moreover, due to the high speeds and the lack of obvious reference points on highways, relying solely on the ground markings for the starting point of the following distance (some of which are worn) is insufficient for clearly and effectively confirming the safe following distance. The internationally used method for confirming vehicle distance is the "two-second rule" or "three-second rule," which means maintaining a distance of two or three seconds from the vehicle in front.

[0043] In addition to traditional roadside vehicle distance confirmation signs, existing vehicle distance confirmation solutions include: an intelligent vehicle distance indication system and method for highways (CN 113034973 A), a dynamic vehicle distance warning device and method for highways (CN 113034974 A), a vehicle speed and distance warning system and method based on microwave radar and video images (CN 112216111A), a road vehicle distance confirmation warning system (CN 111477031 A), a safe speed and distance warning system for highways (CN 105719480 A), and a vehicle distance confirmation and road congestion query system based on 5G communication technology (CN 110853352 A). Existing solutions have the following main objective disadvantages:

[0044] (1) The existing solution does not take into account the difference in safe distance caused by different vehicle weights;

[0045] (2) The existing scheme uses roadside signs, warning horns, etc. to remind and confirm, but lacks an effective, clear and differentiated method for confirming the distance between vehicles in a single lane;

[0046] (3) Existing solutions often involve installing multiple cameras or radars on one or more gantries to measure the speed of passing vehicles. The construction and debugging cycle is long and the cost is high. The results of camera solutions are greatly affected by the weather.

[0047] Based on this, the present invention provides a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system and method for highways, which can dynamically recommend safer vehicle distances and assist drivers in confirming safe vehicle distances through a vehicle distance knowledge structure deployed on each lane, thereby achieving effective, clear and differentiated vehicle distance prompts for each lane.

[0048] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, a detailed description of a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways disclosed in this embodiment of the invention will be provided first. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for a highway. The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system includes: a control terminal 1, a vehicle measurement structure 2, and a vehicle distance indication structure 3. The control terminal 1 is communicatively connected to the vehicle measurement structure 2 and the vehicle distance indication structure 3, respectively.

[0049] In one implementation, vehicle measurement structures 2 are deployed on each lane of the highway, with multiple vehicle measurement structures 2 deployed in each lane. These vehicle measurement structures 2 are used to send axle load signals to a control terminal when a vehicle is detected passing through the lane. In one example, two or more vehicle measurement structures 2 should be deployed on each lane.

[0050] The spacing between two adjacent vehicle measurement structures 2 is not fixed. In one example, the spacing between two adjacent vehicle measurement structures 2 does not exceed 3 meters.

[0051] For example, suppose two vehicle measurement structures 2 are deployed in a single lane. When a vehicle passes through the single lane, the two vehicle measurement structures 2 will be triggered in sequence to send the axle load signal of the vehicle. It should be noted that the axle load signal carries time information, which can characterize the time when the axle load signal is generated or the time when the axle load signal is sent.

[0052] In one embodiment, the control terminal 1 is used to determine the target safe distance between the vehicle and the vehicle based on the vehicle's axle load signal and current environmental data, and to control the distance indication structure 3 deployed on the single lane to provide distance prompts to the vehicle based on the target safe distance.

[0053] In one example, the control terminal 1 may be located outside the median strip or roadside guardrail of the highway, and this embodiment of the invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0054] In one example, control terminal 1 can interface with the local meteorological platform to obtain local weather conditions. The weather conditions are used as current environmental data, and combined with the vehicle's axle load signal and the time information carried by the axle load signal, the target safe distance is determined. Based on the target safe distance, a control signal is sent to the distance indication structure on the corresponding single lane to provide distance reminders to the vehicle through the distance indication structure.

[0055] The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in this invention deploys vehicle measurement structures and vehicle distance indication structures on each lane of the highway. For each lane, the vehicle measurement structure detects the axle load signal of vehicles passing through that lane. The control terminal then combines the axle load signal with current environmental data to comprehensively determine the target safe vehicle distance. Compared to existing methods that only consider vehicle speed to confirm safe vehicle distance, this invention can dynamically recommend safer vehicle distances. In addition, the control terminal controls the vehicle distance indication structure on that lane according to the target safe vehicle distance, so that the vehicle distance indication structure provides distance prompts according to the target safe vehicle distance. This invention assists drivers in confirming safe vehicle distances by deploying a vehicle distance knowledge structure on each lane, achieving effective, clear, and differentiated distance prompts for each lane.

[0056] To facilitate understanding of the aforementioned vehicle measurement structure, this embodiment of the invention provides a vehicle measurement structure deployed within a measurement zone on each single lane of a highway. The measurement zone can have N measurement modules, where N≥2. When N>2, the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results can be improved, ensuring the system maintains normal operation even if some sensors are damaged or malfunctioning. Furthermore, multiple measurement modules can also be used for verification of the measurement results.

[0057] Specifically, the vehicle measurement structure includes a sensor array and a wireless transmission module, which are communicatively connected to both the sensor array and the control terminal. The sensor array detects the axle load signal of vehicles passing through a single lane; the wireless transmission module transmits the axle load signal to the control terminal.

[0058] In one example, the sensor array includes at least one piezoelectric sensor and / or at least one geomagnetic sensor. Multiple geomagnetic sensors can be referred to as a geomagnetic sensor matrix. In practical applications, each vehicle measurement module has at least one piezoelectric sensor module. Multiple piezoelectric sensor modules can improve the accuracy and reliability of measurement results and can also be used for verification of measurement results. The geomagnetic sensor matrix does not limit the number or arrangement of geomagnetic sensors. In practical applications, if the wireless transmission module does not support the simultaneous transmission of signals generated by multiple piezoelectric sensors or multiple geomagnetic sensors, multiple wireless transmission modules can be set up; that is, one wireless transmission module corresponds to one piezoelectric sensor, and one wireless transmission module corresponds to one geomagnetic sensor. If the wireless transmission module supports the simultaneous transmission of signals generated by multiple piezoelectric sensors or multiple geomagnetic sensors, then only one wireless transmission module needs to be set up.

[0059] For example, see Figure 2 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a vehicle measurement structure. Figure 2The diagram illustrates two vehicle measurement structures deployed within the measurement area, denoted as vehicle measurement structure a and vehicle measurement structure b. Each vehicle measurement structure includes a wireless transmission module, two piezoelectric sensors, and one geomagnetic sensor array. The distance between vehicle measurement structures a and b is L, which can be used to measure vehicle speed data. Optionally, the vehicle measurement structures within the measurement area do not need to be equally spaced. Optionally, it is recommended that the distance L not exceed 3 meters, in which case the vehicle speed can be considered as uniform. The specific value of the distance L is not limited here; an appropriate value can be selected based on the actual situation.

[0060] For example, a vehicle travels in the direction of travel on a single lane. First, it passes the first vehicle measurement structure a. The piezoelectric sensor and geomagnetic sensor within vehicle measurement structure a detect the vehicle and generate signals, which are then transmitted wirelessly to the control terminal. When it passes the second vehicle measurement structure b, both the piezoelectric sensor and geomagnetic sensor within vehicle measurement structure b generate signals and transmit them wirelessly to the control terminal. The control terminal can then determine the vehicle's speed based on the time information carried by the two received signals and the distance between vehicle measurement structures a and b. Additionally, the signal generated by the piezoelectric sensor is an axle load signal, which can be used to determine the vehicle's weight. Therefore, the control terminal can determine the vehicle's weight upon receiving the axle load signal. Finally, the control terminal combines the vehicle speed data, vehicle weight data, and current environmental data to determine the target safe distance for the vehicle.

[0061] To facilitate understanding of the above-described vehicle distance indication structure, this embodiment of the invention also provides a vehicle distance indication structure, as shown in Structure 1 and Structure 2 below:

[0062] Structure 1: The vehicle distance indicator structure includes a first vehicle distance indicator structure and a second vehicle distance indicator structure, which are respectively deployed on both sides of a single lane. The specific structures of the first and second vehicle distance indicator structures are identical. For example, assuming a highway has three single lanes, numbered c1, c2, and c3 from left to right, then the first vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the left side of lane c1, and the second vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the right side; the first vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the left side of lane c2, and the second vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the right side; and the first vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the left side of lane c3, and the second vehicle distance indicator structure is deployed on the right side.

[0063] Structure 2: The distance indication structure includes multiple LED (Light-Emitting Diode) indicator lights. Each LED indicator light is deployed sequentially at specified intervals downstream of the measurement area. The LED indicator lights are used to receive LED control signals sent by the control terminal and emit different colored indicator lights according to the LED control signals. Optionally, the LED indicator lights can be powered by active power or solar energy.

[0064] In one implementation, a measurement zone and a distance confirmation zone are marked within a single lane. The distance confirmation zone is located downstream of the measurement zone, and a distance confirmation start line is marked at the beginning of the distance confirmation zone. Alternatively, a measurement start line marking, such as a roadside sign or LED indicator, can be installed at the measurement zone to alert the driver that they have entered the measurement zone.

[0065] Based on this, if the distance between the LED indicator and the starting point mark for determining the vehicle distance is less than the target safe distance, the LED indicator emits a first-color warning light; if the distance between the LED indicator and the measurement area is greater than the target safe distance, the LED indicator emits a second-color warning light. In one example, after determining the target safe distance, the control terminal identifies the LED indicators whose distance from the starting point mark is less than the target safe distance and sends a first LED control signal to these LED indicators, causing them to emit orange light; simultaneously, it sends a second LED control signal to the LED indicators whose distance from the starting point mark is less than the target safe distance, causing them to emit green light, thus alerting the driver. The meanings of the lights are as follows: if the LED indicator near the vehicle in front emits orange light, it indicates that the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front is too close (less than the target safe distance), and the vehicle needs to slow down; if the LED indicator near the vehicle in front emits green light, it indicates that the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle in front is appropriate (greater than or equal to the target safe distance), and the vehicle can drive normally.

[0066] In one implementation, when deploying LED indicator lights, it is recommended that the deployment distance of LED indicator lights within a single vehicle distance confirmation zone be no less than a specific distance (which can be combined with road conditions and experience), such as 150m or 200m. This is because if the deployment distance of LED indicator lights is too short (e.g., 50m), the indicator light may be less than the initial safe vehicle distance (e.g., 100m), causing the LED indicator lights in the vehicle distance confirmation zone to only display one color (the first color of the indicator light for too close a distance), and the driver cannot accurately determine the target safe vehicle distance through the second color of the indicator light.

[0067] In one implementation, the LED indicator light can automatically turn off after a preset duration. For example, the LED indicator light will automatically turn off after a certain period of time (such as 3 seconds) to avoid the LED indicator light remaining on when a vehicle passes by.

[0068] To facilitate understanding of the control terminal described above, this embodiment of the invention also provides a control terminal, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The diagram shows a control terminal, which includes a power supply, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, storage, a wireless receiving module, and a wireless transmitting module. The power supply provides power to the CPU, memory, storage, wireless receiving module, and wireless transmitting module. The CPU determines the target safe distance based on vehicle weight data, vehicle speed data, and weather conditions. The memory temporarily stores CPU processing data, the storage is used to store data, the wireless receiving module receives axle load signals from the vehicle measurement structure, and the wireless transmitting module sends control signals to the distance indication structure.

[0069] In summary, the principle of this invention is as follows: The measurement area uses multiple vehicle measurement modules composed of piezoelectric sensors and geomagnetic sensor matrices to simultaneously measure the speed and weight of vehicles passing through a single lane, and calculates a suitable target safe following distance based on current environmental data. The distance confirmation area has LED indicator lights on both sides of each lane, using different colored LEDs to assist drivers in informing them of the appropriate safe following distance. Drivers can observe the indicator lights and, in conjunction with the relative position of the vehicle in front, confirm whether their distance to the vehicle ahead is reasonable. The lane-level distance system can combine the status of passing vehicles (including vehicle weight and speed data) to provide differentiated distance confirmation reminders for each lane.

[0070] The core solution of this invention includes a piezoelectric sensor, a geomagnetic sensor matrix, a wireless transmission module, LED indicator lights, and a control terminal. The piezoelectric sensor, geomagnetic sensor matrix, and wireless transmission module constitute the vehicle measurement structure, which is deployed within each lane. LED indicator lights are arranged according to a certain rule on both sides of each lane; these can be active LED indicator lights or solar-powered LED indicator lights, and can be controlled to switch on and off via wireless signals. The control terminal can be deployed outside the median strip or roadside guardrail; no specific restrictions are placed here.

[0071] To facilitate understanding of the above embodiments, this invention provides a specific structure for a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways, see below. Figure 4 The diagram shows another lane-level vehicle distance determination system. Figure 4 It is a three-lane highway in one direction with a hard shoulder. Figure 4Taking single-lane C2 as an example, the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system consists of a measurement area and a vehicle distance confirmation area, with the control terminal deployed within the median strip. When a vehicle in single-lane C2 passes through the measurement area, its speed and axle load information are accurately and promptly measured by the vehicle measurement structure and transmitted to the control terminal via a wireless transmission module. After receiving the measurement values ​​(including axle load information), the control terminal calculates a suitable safe following distance by combining the time information and weather conditions (i.e., current environmental data) carried by the measurement values.

[0072] Safe following distances are indicated by different colors on LED indicators in the distance confirmation zone to accurately inform drivers of appropriate safe distances. For example, excessively close distances may be displayed in red or orange, while appropriate distances may be displayed in green. Drivers can assess whether their distance from the vehicle in front is reasonable by using the LED indicators. For ease of understanding, this embodiment of the invention also provides an application example of a lane-level distance confirmation system for highways, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The diagram shows another type of lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways. Figure 5 The system indicates that the vehicle driven by the driver in lane c2 is vehicle X. After passing through the measurement area, the system calculates the appropriate safe distance and displays it using different colors on the LED indicators on both sides of lane c2. A filled LED indicator represents orange, indicating a too close distance; a white LED indicator represents green, indicating a suitable distance; and a black LED indicator indicates that the indicator is not lit. Figure 5 The distance between vehicle X (driven by the driver) and vehicle Y (driven by the driver in front) is too close, while the distance between vehicle X and vehicle Z (driven by the driver in front) is more appropriate. Therefore, the driver should reduce speed appropriately and increase the distance to vehicle Y. The distance confirmation systems for the three lanes operate independently and can provide differentiated distance confirmation reminders for each lane based on the status of passing vehicles.

[0073] In summary, the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in this embodiment of the invention has at least the following characteristics:

[0074] (1) The solution of this invention, by employing piezoelectric sensors and modules as well as a geomagnetic sensor matrix, can accurately measure the speed and weight of passing vehicles and transmit the data wirelessly to the roadside control terminal. This allows for the calculation of a safe distance suitable for the current lane, and LED indicator lights remind drivers to maintain a proper safe distance. LEDs deployed on both sides of each lane use different colored indicator lights to assist drivers in confirming a safe following distance. The LED indicator lights have a long visibility distance and are particularly effective at night and in adverse weather conditions. Lane-level differentiated following distance confirmation can be performed on multi-lane highways.

[0075] (2) Compared with the current static safety distance scheme or the scheme that only obtains the safety distance by measuring vehicle speed, the embodiments of the present invention take into account the different safety distances caused by vehicle speed and vehicle weight, and can realize lane-differentiated safety distance confirmation according to the vehicle status, which has practical significance for promotion.

[0076] (3) The embodiments of the present invention do not require the installation of a gantry, and do not require the use of expensive equipment such as cameras or radar for speed measurement. The cost is low, the construction is convenient, and the maintenance is easy.

[0077] Regarding the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways provided in the foregoing embodiments, this embodiment of the invention also provides a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways. This method is applied to the control terminal of the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways provided in the foregoing embodiments. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The diagram shows a flowchart of a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways. The method mainly includes the following steps S602 to S606:

[0078] Step S602: Receive axle load signals from each vehicle measurement structure within a single lane. The axle load signals carry time information. For example, assume two vehicle measurement structures, denoted as vehicle measurement structure a and vehicle measurement structure b, are deployed within the measurement area, and the axle load signals from vehicle measurement structure a and vehicle measurement structure b are received sequentially.

[0079] Step S604: Determine the target safe following distance for the vehicle based on the vehicle's axle load signal and current environmental data. The current environmental data refers to the weather conditions. In one embodiment, the vehicle's weight data can be determined based on the axle load signal. Furthermore, the vehicle's speed data can be determined based on the time information carried by the axle load signal and the distance between the two vehicle measurement structures. An initial safe distance is determined based on the weight and speed data. The target safe following distance is obtained by adjusting the initial safe distance using the weather conditions. Specifically, see steps 1 to 3 below:

[0080] Step 1: Determine the vehicle's weight data based on the axle load signal; and determine the vehicle's speed data based on the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the current vehicle measurement structure, the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the next vehicle measurement structure, and the distance between the current and next vehicle measurement structures. In practical applications, the axle load signal is the maximum total vehicle weight that can be distributed across each axle, thus the vehicle weight signal can be determined based on the axle load signal. Additionally, the vehicle speed data can be calculated based on the time interval between two received axle load signals and the distance between the two vehicle measurement structures. Specifically, the calculation method is as follows: The distance between the two vehicle measurement structures is L (in meters), and the two measurement structures send two axle load signals at times t1 and t2 (t2>t1, in seconds), respectively. The vehicle speed calculation formula is: v=3.6*L / (t2-t1), in km / h.

[0081] Step 2: Determine the initial safe following distance based on vehicle weight and speed data. In one implementation, the initial safe following distance is positively correlated with vehicle weight and speed. That is, the heavier the vehicle and the faster the speed, the larger the initial safe following distance; conversely, the lighter the vehicle and the slower the speed, the smaller the initial safe following distance.

[0082] Step 3: Adjust the initial safe following distance based on the current environmental data to determine the target safe following distance for each vehicle. In practical applications, the initial safe following distance should be appropriately increased in rainy, snowy, or foggy weather conditions compared to sunny weather. In an optional implementation, multiple types of current environmental data, such as temperature, weather, and fog presence, can be pre-configured, and a weighting coefficient can be assigned to each type of current environmental data. This weighting coefficient can be an empirical value. Then, the product of each weighting coefficient is calculated as the total weight, and the product of the total weight and the initial safe following distance is used as the target safe following distance.

[0083] Step S606: Based on the target safe following distance, control the vehicle distance indicator structure deployed on the single lane to provide distance guidance to the vehicles. In one embodiment, see steps one and two below:

[0084] Step 1: From the LED indicators included in the distance indicator structure, identify the first LED indicator whose distance to the measurement area on the single lane is less than the target safe distance, and send a first LED control signal to the first LED indicator to make the first LED indicator emit a first color of indicator light;

[0085] Step two: From the LED indicators included in the distance indicator structure, identify the second LED indicator whose distance from the measurement area is greater than the target safe distance, and send a second LED control signal to the second LED indicator to make the second LED indicator emit a second color of indicator light.

[0086] In one implementation, the distance between each LED indicator and the measurement area can be pre-stored. Then, it is determined whether the distance corresponding to each LED indicator is less than the target safe vehicle distance. If so, the LED indicator is determined to be the first LED indicator and is controlled to emit a first color indicator light. If not, the LED indicator is determined to be the second LED indicator and is controlled to emit a second color indicator light.

[0087] For ease of understanding, this invention also provides a specific implementation of a lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The diagram shows another method for determining lane-level vehicle distance on highways. This method mainly includes the following steps S702 to S710:

[0088] Step S702: When the vehicle passes through the measurement area, the vehicle measurement structure in the measurement area measures the axle load signal of the vehicle.

[0089] In step S704, the wireless transmission module sends the axle load signal to the control terminal.

[0090] Step S706: The control terminal calculates the target safe distance.

[0091] Step S708: The control terminal sends an LED control signal to the LED indicator.

[0092] In step S710, the LED indicator lights in the distance confirmation area light up so that the driver can confirm the distance based on the color of the LED indicator lights.

[0093] The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation method for highways provided in this invention deploys vehicle measurement structures and vehicle distance indication structures on each lane of the highway. For each lane, the vehicle measurement structure detects the axle load signal of vehicles passing through that lane. The control terminal then combines the axle load signal with current environmental data to comprehensively determine the target safe vehicle distance. Compared to existing methods that only consider vehicle speed to confirm safe vehicle distance, this invention can dynamically recommend safer vehicle distances. In addition, the control terminal controls the vehicle distance indication structure on that lane according to the target safe vehicle distance, so that the vehicle distance indication structure provides distance prompts according to the target safe vehicle distance. This invention assists drivers in confirming safe vehicle distances by deploying a vehicle distance knowledge structure on each lane, achieving effective, clear, and differentiated distance prompts for each lane.

[0094] The method provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same implementation principle and technical effect as the aforementioned device embodiment. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in the method embodiment can be referred to the corresponding content in the aforementioned device embodiment.

[0095] This invention provides a control terminal, specifically, the control terminal includes a processor and a storage device; the storage device stores a computer program, and the computer program, when run by the processor, executes the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0096] Figure 8 The present invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a control terminal 100, which includes a processor 80, a memory 81, a bus 82 and a communication interface 83. The processor 80, the communication interface 83 and the memory 81 are connected through the bus 82. The processor 80 is used to execute executable modules, such as computer programs, stored in the memory 81.

[0097] The memory 81 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Communication between this system network element and at least one other network element is achieved through at least one communication interface 83 (which can be wired or wireless), such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, etc.

[0098] Bus 82 can be an ISA bus, PCI bus, or EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 8 The symbol is represented by a single double-headed arrow, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0099] The memory 81 is used to store programs. After receiving an execution instruction, the processor 80 executes the program. The method executed by the device for defining the flow process disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the processor 80 or implemented by the processor 80.

[0100] The processor 80 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of the processor 80 or by software instructions. The processor 80 may be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc.; it may also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this invention. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this invention can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory 81. The processor 80 reads the information in memory 81 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0101] The computer program product of the readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the foregoing method embodiments. For specific implementation, please refer to the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0102] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways, characterized in that, include: The system includes a control terminal, a vehicle measurement structure, and a vehicle distance indication structure, wherein the control terminal is communicatively connected to both the vehicle measurement structure and the vehicle distance indication structure; wherein... The single lane is marked with a measurement area and a vehicle distance confirmation area. The vehicle distance confirmation area is located downstream of the measurement area, and a vehicle distance confirmation start line is marked at the starting point of the vehicle distance confirmation area. The vehicle measurement structure is deployed in the measurement area of ​​each lane of the highway, and multiple vehicle measurement structures are deployed in each lane. The vehicle measurement structure is used to send the axle load signal of the vehicle to the control terminal when it detects that a vehicle has passed through the lane. The vehicle distance indicator structure includes multiple LED indicator lights, each of which is deployed sequentially downstream of the measurement area at a specified interval. The LED indicator lights are used to receive LED control signals sent by the control terminal and emit different colored indicator lights according to the LED control signals. The control terminal is used to determine the target safe distance for the vehicle based on the axle load signal and current environmental data, and to control the distance indication structure deployed on the single lane to provide distance warnings to the vehicle based on the target safe distance; wherein, if the distance between the LED indicator and the distance confirmation starting point mark is less than the target safe distance, the LED indicator emits a first color warning light; if the distance between the LED indicator and the distance confirmation starting point mark is greater than the target safe distance, the LED indicator emits a second color warning light. Determining the target safe following distance for the vehicle based on the axle load signal and current environmental data includes: determining the vehicle's weight data based on the axle load signal; determining the vehicle's speed data based on the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the current vehicle measurement structure, the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the next vehicle measurement structure, and the distance between the current vehicle measurement structure and the next vehicle measurement structure; determining the initial safe following distance for the vehicle based on the weight data and the speed data; and adjusting the initial safe following distance based on the current environmental data to determine the target safe following distance for the vehicle.

2. The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle measurement structure includes a sensor array and a wireless transmission module, wherein the wireless transmission module is communicatively connected to both the sensor array and the control terminal; wherein... The sensor array is used to detect the axle load signal of vehicles passing through the single lane; The wireless transmission module is used to send the shaft load signal to the control terminal.

3. The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor array includes at least one piezoelectric sensor and / or at least one geomagnetic sensor.

4. The lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle distance indicator structure includes a first vehicle distance indicator structure and a second vehicle distance indicator structure, which are respectively deployed on both sides of the single lane.

5. A method for determining lane-level vehicle distance on a highway, characterized in that, The method is applied to the control terminal of the lane-level vehicle distance confirmation system for highways according to any one of claims 1-4, and the method includes: Receives axle load signals from the measurement structure of each vehicle within a single lane; Determining the target safe following distance for the vehicle based on the axle load signal and current environmental data includes: determining the vehicle's weight data based on the axle load signal; determining the vehicle's speed data based on the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the current vehicle measurement structure, the time information carried by the axle load signal sent by the next vehicle measurement structure, and the distance between the current vehicle measurement structure and the next vehicle measurement structure; determining the initial safe following distance for the vehicle based on the vehicle weight data and the vehicle speed data; and adjusting the initial safe following distance based on the current environmental data to determine the target safe following distance for the vehicle. Based on the target safe distance, the vehicle distance indicator structure deployed on the single lane is controlled to provide distance prompts to the vehicles.

6. The method for determining lane-level vehicle distance on highways according to claim 5, characterized in that, Based on the target safe following distance, the vehicle distance indicator structure deployed on the single lane is controlled to provide following distance prompts to the vehicles, including: From the LED indicators included in the distance indicator structure, determine the first LED indicator whose distance to the distance confirmation starting point marking on the single lane is less than the target safe distance, and send a first LED control signal to the first LED indicator to make the first LED indicator emit a first color of indicator light; In addition, from the LED indicators included in the distance indication structure, a second LED indicator whose distance from the distance confirmation starting point mark is greater than the target safe distance is determined, and a second LED control signal is sent to the second LED indicator to make the second LED indicator emit a second color of indicator light.

7. A control terminal, characterized in that, The method includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing computer-executable instructions executable by the processor, the processor executing the computer-executable instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 5-6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when invoked and executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described in any one of claims 5-6.

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