A lifting height-limiting sign and a vehicle guiding method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a lifting type height-limiting sign and a vehicle guiding method thereof. The sign comprises a height-limiting frame installed at a lane branch, a sign installed above the height-limiting frame, an indicator lamp, a camera, an alarm and an infrared detector. A height-limiting rod is arranged below the height-limiting frame. The height-limiting rod is connected with a lifting cylinder installed on the height-limiting frame. The lifting cylinder is electrically connected with a signal processing module. The signal processing module is electrically connected with the sign, the indicator lamp, the camera, the alarm and the infrared detector. The signal processing module is wirelessly connected with a traffic control center. The infrared detector and the camera collect the height and distance information of the vehicles on the lane by mutual assistance. Then, the infrared detector sets an infrared detection line. The infrared detection line detects the position of the vehicles on the lane and predicts the vehicles driving into the height-limiting area in advance. The predicted data and the height information are sent to the signal processing module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a retractable height restriction sign and a vehicle guidance method thereof, and particularly to the field of height restriction sign technology. Background Technology

[0002] In sections of road with height restriction signs, the signs may be missing, inconspicuous, obscured, or the signs may become ineffective due to ground subsidence. This can cause vehicles to get stuck in the height restriction facilities, resulting in damage to road infrastructure and vehicles. In addition, some vehicles may not be able to find a suitable route when they reach a height restriction section, leading to problems such as reversing or driving against the flow of traffic. Therefore, it is necessary to anticipate the height restrictions of vehicles in advance and guide their direction or route. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: One purpose is to propose a retractable height restriction sign to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art; further, to propose a vehicle guidance method for the retractable height restriction sign.

[0004] Technical solution: A retractable height restriction sign, comprising:

[0005] The system includes a height restriction frame installed at the lane fork, a sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector installed above the height restriction frame, a height restriction bar installed below the height restriction frame, the height restriction bar being connected to a lifting cylinder installed on the height restriction frame, the lifting cylinder being electrically connected to a signal processing module, the signal processing module being electrically connected to the sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector, and the signal processing module being wirelessly connected to the traffic control center.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the lifting cylinders are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the height restriction bar, the cameras and infrared detectors are evenly arranged on the height restriction frame according to the number of lanes, and the signal processing module receives the control signals from the traffic control center and feeds back the collected signals to the traffic control center.

[0007] A vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign includes: when a vehicle enters the height restriction detection section of the height restriction frame, an infrared detector and a camera installed on the height restriction frame cooperate to collect information on the height and distance of vehicles traveling in the lane. Then, according to the lane distribution, infrared detection lines are set by the infrared detectors. The infrared detection lines detect the position of the vehicles in the lanes individually and make advance predictions of vehicles traveling into the height restriction area. The predicted data and height information are then sent to a signal processing module.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the signal processing module stores the collected vehicle height information and compares it with the height set by the height restriction bar. If the vehicle exceeds the height limit, the camera captures the license plate information and transmits it to the alarm and signage to remind the driver that the vehicle exceeds the height limit. Then, the vehicle is guided into a road section without height restrictions and a light prompt is given. If the vehicle ignores the warning and still runs through the height restriction bar, an alarm is triggered to sound a buzzer warning, the vehicle information of the vehicle exceeding the height limit is saved, and a voice prompt is given to the vehicle with height restriction via the signage. The information of the vehicle that ran through is also uploaded to the traffic control center. If the vehicle does not exceed the height limit, it can pass normally.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the vehicle's position is detected based on the setting of the infrared detection line. Since the time it takes for a vehicle to pass the infrared detection line is different, the detection results triggered sequentially will also be different. The position of the first or second oversized vehicle in the lane is determined by calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the lane. When the time is less than or equal to a threshold, the vehicle is in the first position; when the time is greater than the threshold, the vehicle is in the second position. The vehicle's position in the lane is then determined based on the triggering order of the infrared detectors. The departure direction is guided based on the position of the oversized vehicle in the lane. The formula for calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the first and second lanes is as follows:

[0010] Vehicles in the first lane

[0011] Vehicles in the second lane

[0012] In the formula, t1 and t2 represent the time of travel of vehicles in the first and second lanes, l represents the width of the infrared detection line, x represents the width of the vehicle, v1 and v2 represent the speeds of the first and second vehicles, and θ represents the angle between the vehicle and the infrared detector.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the signage provides information warnings and prompts during vehicle route planning. Based on the road height restriction period and height restriction requirements, the lifting cylinder is controlled to automatically adjust the height of the height restriction frame and the alarm status. If no vehicle passes through the height restriction frame, the infrared detector is in a dormant state. When a vehicle that does not exceed the height limit passes through the height restriction frame, the signage does not display information.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the camera takes pictures of vehicles traveling in the first lane and the second lane. When the cameras in the first lane and the second lane take pictures of the same vehicle at the same time, parallax will be generated. Then, the distance between the vehicle and the height of the vehicle and the height of the vehicle can be determined based on the change in the parallax value, so as to control the infrared detector in the dormant state in advance.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the actual distance between the limiting rod and the camera or infrared detector is calculated by subtracting the height of the limiting rod from the ground based on the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height limit frame. This actual distance is then fed back to the lifting cylinder, which adjusts the height range of the limiting rod accordingly. The calculation method is as follows:

[0016] H = HC-HT

[0017] In the formula, H represents the height of the limiting rod from the ground, HC represents the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height restriction frame, and HT represents the distance between the camera or infrared detector and the height restriction frame.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the distance between the vehicle and the height restriction bar is determined based on the change in parallax value. The specific steps are as follows:

[0019] Step 11: The camera calculates the distance difference threshold α based on the vehicle's speed υ1.

[0020] Step 12: The distance difference αN between the camera at time N and time N+1. When αN≦α, the predicted distance DN is used as the predicted distance value. This predicted value is then fed back to the infrared detector, which collects the vehicle's height.

[0021] Step 13: If distance detection fails or vehicle targets are not detected continuously during the distance acquisition process, the distance is increased based on DN, and the final distance prediction value is fed back to the infrared detector.

[0022] In a further embodiment, when the vehicle is captured by the camera and infrared detector, the tilt of the road surface or height restriction frame may cause deviations in the captured vehicle height. Therefore, the range of captured vehicle height values ​​is adjusted. The specific steps are as follows:

[0023] Step 21: Use the distance difference value αN between the camera at time N and time N+1 and the distance difference threshold α to determine whether the disparity value is valid. If it is invalid, output the average of the valid height prediction values ​​as the current height prediction value to the signal processing module. If the disparity value is valid, predict the current vehicle height value GH based on DN.

[0024] Step 22: If vehicle height detection fails or the vehicle height target cannot be detected in consecutive frames during height acquisition, the infrared sensor will assist in predicting the vehicle height, comparing the vehicle height with the height limit bar, and then feeding the result back to the signal processing module.

[0025] Beneficial Effects: This invention proposes a retractable height restriction sign. First, an infrared detector and a camera work together to collect height and distance information of vehicles traveling in the lane. Then, the infrared detector sets up infrared detection lines to detect the position of vehicles in the lane and predict the vehicles entering the height restriction area in advance. The predicted data and height information are then sent to the signal processing module. The signal processing module stores the collected vehicle height information and compares it with the height set by the height restriction bar to determine whether the vehicle entering the detection section exceeds the height limit. If it does, the vehicle is guided to enter the unrestricted area and a light warning is given. The sign provides information warnings and prompts during the vehicle's travel route planning. According to the road height restriction period and height restriction requirements, the lifting cylinder automatically adjusts the height of the height restriction bar. If the tilt of the road surface or the height restriction bar causes deviations in the collected vehicle height, the height range value is adjusted to avoid errors in data collection and collisions between the height restriction bar and the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the signage module of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the signage structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle height acquisition according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle distance acquisition according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The applicant argues that in sections of road with height restriction signs, the signs are missing, inconspicuous, obstructed, or affected by ground subsidence, rendering the signs ineffective. This causes vehicles to become stuck within the height restriction facilities, resulting in damage to road infrastructure and vehicles. Furthermore, some vehicles, upon reaching height-restricted sections, are unable to find a suitable route, leading to problems such as reversing or driving against traffic in these areas.

[0031] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a liftable height restriction sign and its vehicle guidance method, which collects the height and distance of vehicles traveling on the lane and plans the travel routes of over-height vehicles, ensuring that over-height vehicles bypass height restriction sections under the guidance of the sign.

[0032] The present solution will be further described in detail below through embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In this application, we propose a retractable height restriction sign and the same, which includes the following steps:

[0034] The system includes a height restriction frame installed at the lane fork, a sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector installed above the height restriction frame, a height restriction bar installed below the height restriction frame, the height restriction bar being connected to a lifting cylinder installed on the height restriction frame, the lifting cylinder being electrically connected to a signal processing module, the signal processing module being electrically connected to the sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector, and the signal processing module being wirelessly connected to the traffic control center.

[0035] The lifting cylinders are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the height restriction bar. The cameras and infrared detectors are evenly arranged on the height restriction frame according to the number of lanes. The signal processing module receives the control signals from the traffic control center and feeds back the collected signals to the traffic control center.

[0036] A vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign includes: when a vehicle enters the height restriction detection section of the height restriction frame, an infrared detector installed on the height restriction frame adjusts its emission angle according to the different road inclination angles; the infrared detector and a camera cooperate to collect height and distance information of vehicles traveling in the lane; then, according to the lane distribution, infrared detection lines are set by the infrared detector; the infrared detection lines detect the position of vehicles in the lanes individually; and vehicles traveling into the height restriction area are predicted in advance; and the predicted data and height information are sent to a signal processing module.

[0037] The signal processing module stores the collected vehicle height information and compares it with the height limit bar. If the vehicle exceeds the limit, the camera captures the license plate information and transmits it to the alarm and signage to remind the driver that the vehicle is too tall. The module then guides the vehicle into an area without height restrictions and provides a light warning. If the vehicle ignores the warning and still runs through the height limit bar, the alarm is triggered, a buzzer sound is emitted, and the vehicle information is saved. The signage then provides a voice prompt to the vehicle with the height restriction, stating, "Vehicle with license plate number xxx exceeds the height limit and is prohibited from entering." The information of the intruding vehicle is also uploaded to the traffic control center. If the vehicle does not exceed the height limit, it can pass normally.

[0038] The position of vehicles is detected based on the infrared detection lines. Since vehicles pass through the infrared detection lines at different times, the detection results triggered at different times will also differ. The position of the first or second oversized vehicle in the lane is determined by calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the lane. When the time is less than or equal to a threshold, the vehicle is in the first position; when the time is greater than the threshold, the vehicle is in the second position. The position of vehicles in the lane is then determined based on the triggering order of the infrared detectors. The departure direction is guided based on the position of the oversized vehicle in the lane. The formula for calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the first and second lanes is as follows:

[0039] Vehicles in the first lane

[0040] Vehicles in the second lane

[0041] In the formula, t1 and t2 represent the time of travel of vehicles in the first and second lanes, l represents the width of the infrared detection line, x represents the width of the vehicle, v1 and v2 represent the speeds of the first and second vehicles, and θ represents the angle between the vehicle and the infrared detector.

[0042] The signage provides information warnings and prompts during vehicle route planning. Based on the road height restriction period and requirements, the lifting cylinder automatically adjusts the height of the height restriction frame and the alarm status. If no vehicle passes through the height restriction frame, the infrared detector is in sleep mode. When a vehicle that does not exceed the height limit passes through the height restriction frame, the signage does not display any information.

[0043] The height restriction barrier is equipped with cameras in both the first and second lanes. The cameras take pictures of vehicles traveling in the first and second lanes. When the cameras in the first and second lanes take pictures of the same vehicle at the same time, parallax will be generated. The distance between the vehicle and the height of the vehicle and the height restriction barrier will be determined based on the change in the parallax value, so as to control the infrared detectors in the dormant state in advance.

[0044] The actual distance between the limit bar and the camera or infrared detector is calculated by subtracting the height of the limit bar from the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height restriction frame. This actual distance is then fed back to the lifting cylinder, which adjusts the height range of the limit bar accordingly. The calculation method is as follows:

[0045] H = HC-HT

[0046] In the formula, H represents the height of the limiting rod from the ground, HC represents the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height restriction frame, and HT represents the distance between the camera or infrared detector and the height restriction frame.

[0047] In height restriction detection sections, the distance between a vehicle and the height restriction bar is determined based on changes in parallax value. The specific steps are as follows:

[0048] Step 11: The camera calculates the distance difference threshold α based on the vehicle's speed v1.

[0049] Step 12: The distance difference αN between the camera at time N and time N+1. When αN≦α, the predicted distance DN is used as the predicted distance value. This predicted value is then fed back to the infrared detector, which collects the vehicle's height.

[0050] Step 13: If distance detection fails or vehicle targets are not detected continuously during the distance acquisition process, the distance is increased based on DN, and the final distance prediction value is fed back to the infrared detector.

[0051] In height-restricted road sections, when cameras and infrared detectors collect data on vehicles, the tilt of the road surface or height restriction frame can cause deviations in the collected vehicle height values. Therefore, adjustments to the range of vehicle height values ​​are necessary. The specific steps are as follows:

[0052] Step 21: Use the distance difference value αN between the camera at time N and time N+1 and the distance difference threshold α to determine whether the disparity value is valid. If it is invalid, output the average of the valid height prediction values ​​as the current height prediction value to the signal processing module. If the disparity value is valid, predict the current vehicle height value GH based on DN.

[0053] Step 22: If vehicle height detection fails or the vehicle height target cannot be detected in consecutive frames during height acquisition, the infrared sensor will assist in predicting the vehicle height, comparing the vehicle height with the height limit bar, and then feeding the result back to the signal processing module.

[0054] As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle guidance method using a retractable height restriction sign, wherein the retractable height restriction sign includes a height restriction frame installed at a lane fork, a sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector installed above the height restriction frame, a height restriction bar is provided below the height restriction frame, the height restriction bar is connected to a lifting cylinder installed on the height restriction frame, the lifting cylinder is electrically connected to a signal processing module, the signal processing module is electrically connected to the sign, indicator light, camera, alarm, and infrared detector respectively, and the signal processing module is wirelessly connected to a traffic control center. The lifting cylinders are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the height restriction bar. The cameras and infrared detectors are evenly arranged on the height restriction frame according to the number of lanes. The signal processing module receives the control signals from the traffic control center and feeds back the collected signals to the traffic control center. Its features are, The vehicle guidance method includes the following steps: when a vehicle enters the height restriction detection section of the height restriction frame, the infrared detectors and cameras set on the height restriction frame work together to collect information on the height and distance of vehicles traveling in the lane. Then, according to the lane distribution, infrared detection lines are set by the infrared detectors. The infrared detection lines detect the position of the vehicles in the lanes separately and make advance predictions of vehicles traveling into the height restriction area. The predicted data and height information are then sent to the signal processing module. The camera takes pictures of vehicles traveling in the first lane and the second lane. When the cameras in the first lane and the second lane take pictures of the same vehicle at the same time, parallax will be generated. The distance between the vehicle and the height of the vehicle and the height of the vehicle will be determined based on the change in the parallax value, so as to control the infrared detector in the dormant state in advance. The specific steps for determining the distance between a vehicle and a height restriction bar based on changes in parallax are as follows: Step 11: The camera calculates the distance difference threshold α based on the vehicle's speed ʋ1. Step 12: The distance difference αN between the camera at time N and time N+1. When αN≦α, the predicted distance DN is used as the predicted distance value. This predicted value is then fed back to the infrared detector, which collects the vehicle's height. Step 13: If distance detection fails or vehicle targets are not detected continuously during the distance acquisition process, the distance is increased based on DN, and the final distance prediction value is fed back to the infrared detector. When collecting vehicle data using cameras and infrared detectors, the tilt of the road surface or height restriction barrier can cause deviations in the collected vehicle height data. Therefore, the range of vehicle height data collected needs to be adjusted. The specific steps are as follows: Step 21: Use the distance difference value αN between the camera at time N and time N+1 and the distance difference threshold α to determine whether the disparity value is valid. If it is invalid, output the average value of the valid height prediction value as the current height prediction value to the signal processing module. If the parallax value is valid, predict the current vehicle height value GH based on DN; Step 22: If vehicle height detection fails or the vehicle height target cannot be detected in consecutive frames during height acquisition, the infrared sensor will assist in predicting the vehicle height, comparing the vehicle height with the height limit bar, and then feeding the result back to the signal processing module.

2. The vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing module stores the collected vehicle height information and compares it with the height set by the height restriction bar. If the vehicle exceeds the height limit, the camera captures the license plate information and transmits it to the alarm and signage to remind the driver that the vehicle is too tall. Then, the vehicle is guided to a road section without height restrictions and a light prompt is given. If the vehicle ignores the warning and still runs through the height restriction bar, the alarm is triggered and a buzzer is sounded. The vehicle information of the vehicle exceeding the height limit is saved, and the vehicle with height restriction is given a voice prompt via the signage. The information of the vehicle that ran through is also uploaded to the traffic control center. If the vehicle does not exceed the height limit, it can pass normally.

3. The vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of vehicles is detected based on the infrared detection lines. Since vehicles pass through the infrared detection lines at different times, the detection results triggered at different times will also differ. The position of the first or second oversized vehicle in the lane is determined by calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the lane. When the time is less than or equal to a threshold, the vehicle is in the first position; when the time is greater than the threshold, the vehicle is in the second position. The position of vehicles in the lane is then determined based on the triggering order of the infrared detectors. The departure direction is guided based on the position of the oversized vehicle in the lane. The formula for calculating the time difference between vehicles traveling in the first and second lanes is as follows: Vehicles in the first lane , Vehicles in the second lane , In the formula, and This indicates the time of travel for vehicles in the first and second lanes. This indicates the width of the infrared detection line. Indicates the width of the vehicle. and Indicates the speeds of the first and second vehicles. This indicates the angle between the vehicle and the infrared detector.

4. The vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signage provides information warnings and prompts during vehicle route planning. Based on the road height restriction period and requirements, the lifting cylinder automatically adjusts the height of the height restriction frame and the alarm status. If no vehicle passes through the height restriction frame, the infrared detector is in sleep mode. When a vehicle that does not exceed the height limit passes through the height restriction frame, the signage does not display any information.

5. A vehicle guidance method for a retractable height restriction sign according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actual distance between the limit bar and the camera or infrared detector is calculated by subtracting the height of the limit bar from the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height restriction frame. This actual distance is then fed back to the lifting cylinder, which adjusts the height range of the limit bar accordingly. The calculation method is as follows: ， In the formula, Indicates the height of the limit rod from the ground. This indicates the height of the camera or infrared detector on the height restriction frame. This indicates the distance between the camera or infrared detector and the height restriction barrier.

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