Intelligent light guiding system for highway ramp

Abstract

This utility model discloses an intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, including a main control unit and vehicle identification sensors, illuminance sensors, and a video PTZ camera connected to the main control unit. It also includes an LED light strip mounted on the ramp guardrail and a lighting controller mounted on the guardrail at the center of the light strip. The lighting controller and the main control unit interact wirelessly. The main control unit determines whether to activate the light strip lighting based on the vehicle information obtained from the vehicle identification sensors and the parameters from the illuminance sensors. When the lighting conditions are met, the main control unit sends a command to the lighting controller to activate the light strip lighting, and then turns it off after a set delay. This utility model achieves "lights on when a vehicle approaches, lights off when a vehicle leaves" intelligent safety light strip guidance and warning, and also has energy-saving effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of highway traffic management technology and relates to an intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, incidents of vehicles crashing into guardrails while driving on highway ramps are frequent, especially for inexperienced novice drivers driving at night. Due to poor visibility at night and slow reaction time to changes in the route, traffic accidents often occur. Therefore, it is necessary to install lighting strips on ramps as a safety guidance and warning system, which is essential to improve safe driving on ramps.

[0003] Chinese patent application number 202420134898.0, entitled "A Highway Ramp Lane Change Warning Device," discloses a highway ramp lane change warning device, which is a ramp warning light strip on the inner wall of the outer guardrail of the ramp. This kind of guidance warning light strip lacks intelligent management functions and cannot achieve the accompanying intelligent safety warning control and energy-saving effect of "lights on when a vehicle approaches and lights off when a vehicle leaves." At the same time, these light strips are prone to failure due to scratches or impacts from accident vehicles or environmental changes during long-term use, and relying solely on manual inspection will result in low work efficiency and untimely maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model proposes an intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps. By intelligently controlling the on and off of the lights, it achieves accompanying intelligent safety warning control and energy-saving effects, with lights turning on when a vehicle approaches and turning off when a vehicle leaves.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A smart lighting guidance system for highway ramps includes a main control unit and a vehicle identification sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a video PTZ camera connected to the main control unit. It also includes an LED light strip installed on the ramp guardrail and a lighting controller installed on the guardrail at the middle position of the light strip body. The lighting controller and the main control unit interact wirelessly. The vehicle identification sensor is installed facing the ramp entrance to obtain whether a vehicle is entering the ramp; the main control unit decides whether to start the light strip lighting based on the vehicle information obtained by the vehicle identification sensor and the parameters of the illuminance sensor; when the lighting conditions are met, the main control unit sends a command to the lighting controller to turn on the light strip lighting, and then turns off the lights after a set delay.

[0006] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, the lighting controller includes a lighting control MCU module, a relay, a current detection module, and a power supply module. The power supply module is electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the relay. One signal output terminal of the lighting control MCU module is connected to the control terminal of the relay. The power supply module is connected to the upper contact of the relay, and the lower contact of the relay is connected to the current input terminal of the current detection module. The current output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the power supply terminal of the light strip. The signal output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module. The lighting control MCU module sends the current parameters of the light strip to the main control unit. The main control unit cuts off the power supply to the light strip or sends maintenance information to the command and control center based on the change in the light strip current.

[0007] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, the lighting control MCU module is an STM32F0 / F microcontroller, the current detection module is an ACS758, and the Vout terminal of the ACS758 is connected to the first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module.

[0008] The aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps also includes a vibration detection module electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the power supply module. The vibration detection module includes several vibration detection units installed at intervals on the light strip body. Each vibration detection unit consists of an upper resistor, a vibration switch, and a lower resistor connected in series between the power output terminal and the ground terminal. The connection point between the vibration switch and the lower resistor of each vibration detection unit is connected in series to the second AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module. The vibration switch is a normally open ball switch. After the main control unit acquires the vibration signal, it controls the video PTZ camera to scan and record the video of the ramp, and at the same time sends the information to the command and control center.

[0009] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, both the upper and lower resistors are initially 100kΩ resistors.

[0010] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, the lower resistor is 100kΩ, and the resistance value of the upper resistor is arranged in an arithmetic sequence according to the channel number of the vibration detection unit. The resistance value of the first channel is 10kΩ, and the resistance value of the nth channel is 10kΩ+(n-1)kΩ, where n is a positive integer from 20 to 100.

[0011] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, a vibration detection unit is installed every 5-10 meters along the light strip body.

[0012] The aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps also includes a wireless module that is electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module via an RS485 interface. The lighting control MCU module interacts with the remote master control unit via the wireless module.

[0013] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, the vehicle identification sensor is either a camera or a radar tester.

[0014] In the aforementioned intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps, the main control unit consists of an STM32F407VET6 microcontroller and peripheral devices. The main control unit interacts with the command and control center wirelessly.

[0015] The technical effects of this utility model are as follows: I. This utility model installs a vehicle identification sensor and a light intensity sensor at the ramp entrance. The main control unit determines whether to activate the light strip lighting based on the oncoming vehicle information obtained by the vehicle identification sensor and the parameters of the light intensity sensor. When the lighting conditions are met, the main control unit sends a command to the lighting controller to turn on the light strip lighting, and then turns off the lights after a set delay according to the minimum driving speed. This achieves the accompanying intelligent safety light strip guidance and warning of "lights on when a vehicle approaches and lights off when a vehicle leaves", and also has an energy-saving effect.

[0016] II. This utility model's lighting controller includes a lighting control MCU module, a relay, and a current detection module. Besides providing power to conventional LED light strips, the current detection module monitors changes in the LED light strip's power supply current to determine if a fault has occurred. On one hand, if the power supply current suddenly decreases significantly, the information can be sent to the control center via the remote main control module to alert maintenance personnel for timely repairs. On the other hand, if excessive power supply current is detected, the relay can cut off the power supply to prevent damage to electrical components due to overcurrent.

[0017] III. This utility model installs LED light strips on both sides of the ramp, with a vibration sensing unit installed every 5-10 meters on the light strips. The light controller acquires signals from the vibration sensors to determine if a vehicle has collided with the guardrail. If an abnormal sensor output is detected, information is sent to the command and control center via a remote main control unit, and a rotating video PTZ camera captures video of the accident scene, allowing for timely recording and assistance of the affected vehicle, thus ensuring traffic safety on the ramp. The vibration detection module can be wired along the light strip body and powered and signal-detected via the light strip's power supply and a microcontroller. It features a simple and reliable vibration detection principle, convenient wiring and power supply, and effectively provides collision warnings for ramp guardrails and light strips.

[0018] Fourth, in determining the vibration location, this utility model adopts a working method of encoding the signal amplitude according to the sequence of vibration detection units. Each vibration detection unit is equipped with a different resistor, and the voltage signal amplitude output by each vibration detection unit is different during vibration. Therefore, the location of the vibration can be determined according to the detected amplitude. Then, the directional rotating video PTZ camera collects and records the video of the vibration location, which can quickly determine the accident location and ensure the normal operation of traffic facilities and driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This invention relates to the composition principle of the intelligent lighting safety guidance system for highway ramps. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lighting controller of this utility model. Figure 3 This is the pin diagram of the current detection chip of this utility model. Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the vibration detection module of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of the vibration detection module with amplitude encoding according to this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1-Main road; 2-Ramp; 3-Ramp entrance; 4-Vehicle; 5-Vehicle identification sensor; 6-Illumination sensor; 7-Main control unit; 8-Light strip; 9-Lighting controller; 10-Command and control center; 12-Vibration detection unit; 13-Video PTZ camera; 14-Vibration switch; R1-Upper resistor; R2-Lower resistor; GND-Ground terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the intelligent lighting safety guidance and warning system for highway ramps includes a vehicle identification sensor 5, a lighting controller 9, a main control unit 7, an illuminance sensor 6, and a video PTZ camera 12. The vehicle identification sensor 5, main control unit 7, and illuminance sensor 6 are mounted on poles along the roadside of the main road 1. The vehicle identification sensor 5 is a camera or radar tester, installed facing the ramp entrance 3. The video PTZ camera 12 is mounted on a high pole, and its pan-tilt unit can rotate to image the entire ramp section. The vehicle identification sensor 5 collects the travel information of vehicles 4 about to enter ramp 2 and sends the signal to the main control unit 7. The light strip is an LED light strip, and the light strip itself is installed on the guardrails on both sides of ramp 2. The illuminance sensor is made of photodiodes, measuring illuminance in the range of 0-200,000 Lux. It has a built-in 485 interface and can interact with the main control unit 7. When the ambient brightness is below a certain threshold, it is considered that the lighting strip needs to be turned on.

[0022] The main control unit 7 consists of an STM32F407VET6 microcontroller and peripheral devices. The main control unit 7 acquires signals from the illuminance sensor 6 to determine whether the light strip needs to be turned on. Once the lighting conditions are met at night, it sends a command to the lighting controller 9 to illuminate the light strip, ensuring that the vehicle 4's lights are on before entering ramp 2, providing a safety reminder. The lights automatically turn off after the vehicle 4 leaves ramp 2, achieving a synchronized intelligent safety warning control effect of "lights on when a vehicle approaches, lights off when a vehicle leaves." The duration of the light strip illumination is estimated based on the minimum driving speed and distance of the ramp, with a time allowance to ensure that most vehicles can exit the ramp. For example, at a certain interchange on the Baomao Expressway, the minimum driving speed is set to 10 km / h. This test section includes a transition section and a deceleration section, with a total ramp length of 404.01 m. The initial design duration of the light strip illumination is 145 seconds.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the lighting controller 9 of this utility model includes a housing and a lighting control MCU module, a relay, a current detection module, and a power supply module installed inside the housing. The power supply module is electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the relay, and is used to supply power to the lighting control MCU module and the light strip. The power supply module includes a voltage regulator and a DC-DC module electrically connected to it. The AC power of AV220V is converted into DC220V DC power after passing through the voltage regulator and rectifier of model SITOP PSU100B. One output terminal is applied to the contacts of the relay, and the other output terminal is converted into DC12V through the DC-DC module to power the lighting controller 9.

[0024] The lighting control MCU module uses an STM32F0 / F chip. One of its signal output terminals is connected to the control terminal of the relay. The output terminal of the voltage regulator and rectifier is connected to the upper contact of the relay, and the lower contact of the relay is connected to the current input terminal of the current detection module. The upper and lower contacts are normally open contacts. Only when the lighting control MCU module outputs a high level and applies it to the relay control terminal will the lower and upper contacts of the relay close, thus supplying power to the LED strip.

[0025] The power output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the power supply terminal of the LED strip 8, and the signal output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module to obtain the current value passing through the LED strip 8. Under normal operation, the power supply current per meter of LED strip is 36mA, so the magnitude of the current can be used to determine whether there is a broken wire or short circuit in the LED strip. Figure 3 As shown, the current detection module is a high-precision linear current sensor ACS758 based on the Hall effect. The first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module is connected to the Vout terminal of the ACS758 to obtain the power supply current of the light strip. Terminals 4 and 5 are used to pass the current.

[0026] Figure 2The central lighting control MCU module interacts wirelessly with the remote main control unit 7 via an RS485-loRa converter. The loRa wireless module enables wireless data transmission over a range of more than 2km and sends the current parameters of the light strip to the main control unit 7. The main control unit 7 then sends the information to the command and control center 10 via an RS485-4G module.

[0027] When the main control unit 7 detects a sudden and significant decrease in the current of the light strip, indicating a substantial length of damage, it sends the information to the command and control center 10. The command and control center 10 then determines whether to dispatch personnel for maintenance based on the extent of the damage. Typically, each meter of light strip requires 36mA of power, so a 300m ramp would require 10.8A. Considering the lifespan of the light strip, its current decreases gradually with natural aging. Therefore, a sudden drop in current exceeding 5% may indicate damage caused by vehicle collision or other reasons. The command and control center 10 then determines whether on-site maintenance is necessary. Conversely, when the main control unit 7 detects a sudden increase in the light strip current exceeding the set current threshold, to prevent potential short circuits, the lighting control MCU module outputs a low level and applies it to the relay control terminal. This causes the lower and upper contacts of the relay to disconnect, cutting off power to the light strip and preventing further damage to on-site electronic components. Simultaneously, the main control unit 7 sends the information to the command and control center 10, which then dispatches personnel for timely maintenance, ensuring the normal operation of traffic facilities and driving safety.

[0028] As a further implementation, this utility model incorporates a vibration warning unit on the light strip. The purpose is to address the lack of collision warning devices on traditional ramps, which means that even if a vehicle crashes into a guardrail on the ramp, it cannot be detected in time. Firstly, it is difficult to locate the vehicle involved in the accident after damage to traffic facilities has occurred; secondly, timely assistance cannot be provided after a major traffic accident.

[0029] Figure 2 The lighting controller 9 also includes a vibration detection module electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the power supply module; the vibration detection module includes several vibration detection units 12 installed at intervals on the body of the light strip 8, each vibration detection unit 12 consists of an upper resistor R1, a vibration switch 14 and a lower resistor R2 connected in series between the DC power output terminal and the ground terminal GND; the connection point between the vibration switch and the lower resistor R2 of each vibration detection unit is connected in series to the second AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module.

[0030] Vibration switch 14 is a commercially available normally open ball switch. When subjected to vibration, the ball intermittently contacts the switch electrodes, causing the switch to conduct intermittently. A ball switch, also known as a vibration switch or ball tilt switch, is a mechanically triggered vibration sensor. Its working principle is simple and inexpensive, and it is commonly used to detect vibration, tilt, or displacement. The core structure includes a conductive metal ball and a housing. Conductive metal electrodes are fixed to both ends or side walls of the housing, and the spacing is designed so that the ball is not in contact with the electrodes when stationary. In the stationary state, the ball remains at the bottom of the housing due to gravity, not in contact with the electrodes, and the circuit is open (open circuit state). When subjected to vibration or tilt, the ball rolls due to inertia or gravity. The ball contacts one or more electrodes, forming a conductive path, and the circuit is closed (conducting state). After the vibration stops, the ball returns to the bottom, and the circuit is open again. Its sensitivity mainly depends on the ball mass, housing shape, and electrode spacing. In this project, to prevent signal interference caused by small amplitude disturbances, the SW200NO type ball switch was selected, and its sensitivity was optimized and improved.

[0031] Figure 4 In the circuit, the upper resistor R1 is a 100kΩ resistor, and the lower resistor R2 is also a 100kΩ resistor. The upper resistor is connected to a 5V DC power supply. The connection point between the vibration switch and the lower resistor R2 is connected to the second AD acquisition terminal of the lamp control MCU module. When the vibration switch is in a state of no interference, all channels are disconnected, and the signal at the second AD acquisition terminal is 0. When the ball switch is subjected to a large vibration, the ball contacts the electrode, forming a conductive path. At this time, the signal at the second AD terminal is 2.5V, but this signal presents an intermittent pulse signal depending on the characteristics of the vibration.

[0032] Under normal circumstances, all vibration detection unit channels (1# to n#) are in an open-circuit state, and the signal at the second AD terminal is 0. When a vehicle scrapes or hits the guardrail, one or more vibration detection units at the point of impact will oscillate at high frequency and output a pulse square wave signal, which can then be acquired from the second AD acquisition terminal. After acquiring the signal, the lighting control MCU module interacts wirelessly with the remote main control unit through an RS485-loRa converter. The loRa wireless module enables wireless data transmission over 2km and sends the vibration switch signal, i.e., the output level value of the vibration detection module, to the main control unit 7.

[0033] Once a vibration signal is detected, the main control unit 7 sends a command to the video PTZ camera 13. The PTZ camera 13 then scans the entire ramp area to detect any vehicles passing through and records their video feeds. Simultaneously, the main control unit 7 transmits the information to the command and control center 10 via an RS485-4G module, triggering an early warning report. This allows for manual assessment of vehicle damage and subsequent handling of the traffic accident. Because this vibration detection module can be wired along the light strip and powered and signal-detected via the light strip's power supply and a microcontroller, it features a simple and reliable vibration detection principle and convenient wiring and power supply, ensuring the normal operation of traffic facilities and driving safety.

[0034] As a further implementation method, to achieve rapid location and judgment of vibration positions on ramps, this utility model proposes a working method that encodes signal amplitude according to the sequence of vibration detection units. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the vibration switch 14 is still a normally open ball switch. The lower resistor (R2) is uniformly 100kΩ, and the resistance value of the upper resistor (R1) is arranged in an arithmetic sequence according to the channel number of the vibration detection unit. The resistance value of the first channel is 10kΩ, and the resistance value of the nth channel is 10kΩ+(n-1)kΩ, where n is a positive integer from 20 to 100.

[0035] In practice, for example, if the vibration sensor on channel #2 detects vibration, the signal acquired by the second AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module is a voltage divider of 100 kΩ and 11 kΩ to 5V, with an amplitude of 4.45V; similarly, for channel #10, it is a voltage divider of 100 kΩ and 19 kΩ to 5V, with an amplitude of 4.05V. Therefore, the location of the vibration can be determined based on the detected amplitude. Then, the main control unit issues a command based on the pre-coded location to rotate the video PTZ camera to acquire and record the vibration location, which can quickly determine the location of the vibration, that is, the location where the vehicle scrapes or hits the guardrail.

[0036] This invention adds a vehicle identification sensor and an illuminance sensor to the traditional guide light strip, achieving an accompanying intelligent safety light strip guidance and warning effect of "lights on when a vehicle approaches and lights off when a vehicle leaves". At the same time, it introduces light strip power supply current and vibration detection sensors into the light control unit, realizing intelligent guidance of vehicles traveling on ramps while saving energy, improving the reliability of the system, and ensuring the normal operation of traffic facilities and driving safety.

Claims

1. A smart lighting guidance system for highway ramps, comprising a main control unit (7) and a vehicle identification sensor (5), an illuminance sensor (6), and a video PTZ camera (13) connected to the main control unit, characterized in that: It also includes an LED light strip (8) installed on the guardrail of the ramp (2) and a light controller (9) installed on the guardrail at the middle position of the LED light strip (8); the light controller (9) and the main control unit (7) interact wirelessly. The vehicle identification sensor (5) is installed facing the ramp entrance (3). The main control unit (7) determines whether to turn on the LED light strip (8) based on the parameters of the illuminance sensor (6). When the lighting conditions are met, the main control unit (7) sends an instruction to the lighting controller (9) based on the output result of the vehicle identification sensor (5) to turn on the LED light strip (8) and turn off the LED light strip (8) after a set delay.

2. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lighting controller (9) includes a lighting control MCU module, a relay, a current detection module, and a power supply module; The power supply module is electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the relay; one signal output terminal of the lighting control MCU module is connected to the control terminal of the relay, the power supply module is connected to the upper contact of the relay, the lower contact of the relay is connected to the current input terminal of the current detection module, and the current output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the power supply terminal of the LED strip (8); the signal output terminal of the current detection module is connected to the first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module; the lighting control MCU module sends the current parameters of the LED strip to the main control unit (7); the main control unit (7) cuts off the power supply of the LED strip or sends maintenance information to the command and control center (10) according to the change amplitude of the LED strip current.

3. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lighting control MCU module is an STM32F0 / F microcontroller, and the current detection module is an ACS758. The Vout terminal of the ACS758 is connected to the first AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module.

4. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lighting controller (9) also includes a vibration detection module electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module and the power supply module; The vibration detection module includes several vibration detection units installed at intervals on the LED light strip (8) body. Each vibration detection unit consists of an upper resistor (R1), a vibration switch (14), and a lower resistor (R2) connected in series between the power output terminal and the ground terminal (GND). The connection point between the vibration switch (14) and the lower resistor (R2) of each vibration detection unit is connected in series to the second AD acquisition terminal of the lighting control MCU module. The vibration switch (14) is a normally open ball switch. After the main control unit (7) acquires the vibration signal, it controls the video PTZ camera (13) to scan and record the video of the ramp (2) and sends the information to the command and control center (10).

5. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the upper resistor (R1) and the lower resistor (R2) should initially be 100kΩ resistors.

6. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower resistor (R2) is 100kΩ, and the resistance value of the upper resistor (R1) is arranged in an arithmetic sequence according to the channel number of the vibration detection unit. The resistance value of the first channel is 10kΩ, and the resistance value of the nth channel is 10kΩ+(n-1)kΩ, where n is a positive integer from 20 to 100.

7. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vibration detection unit (12) is installed every 5-10 meters along the LED light strip (8) body.

8. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lighting controller (9) also includes a wireless module that is electrically connected to the lighting control MCU module via an RS485 interface. The lighting control MCU module interacts with the remote master control unit (7) via the wireless module.

9. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle identification sensor (5) is a camera or radar tester.

10. The intelligent lighting guidance system for highway ramps according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit (7) consists of an STM32F407VET6 microcontroller and peripheral devices. The main control unit (7) interacts with the command and control center (10) wirelessly.

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