Traffic monitoring device

Abstract

A traffic monitoring device is disclosed. The traffic monitoring device comprises a detection device for acquiring environmental information and a processing unit for processing the acquired environmental information. The traffic monitoring device can be coupled to a stationary traffic control device or designed as a traffic control device that can replace a traffic control device already present on the roadway. The traffic control device can be a lane divider.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a traffic monitoring device. In particular, the invention relates to systems for detecting traffic violations. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Traffic monitoring systems have been used for many years to detect and document traffic violations. Current systems are expensive and complex to operate. SUMMARY

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a traffic monitoring device with improved handling. This object is achieved by a traffic monitoring device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] A traffic monitoring device is disclosed. The traffic monitoring device may comprise a detection device for detecting environmental information. The traffic monitoring device may comprise a processing device for processing the detected environmental information. The traffic monitoring device may be designed to be coupled to a stationary traffic control device. Alternatively, the traffic monitoring device may be designed as a traffic control device that can replace a traffic control device present on the roadway. The traffic control device may be a roadway delimitation device. The roadway delimitation device may comprise a guide post or be a guide post.

[0005] The traffic monitoring device may have a coupling section. The coupling section may be configured to couple the traffic monitoring device to a stationary traffic control device. The coupling section may be configured to be attached to an upper end section of the traffic control device. The coupling section may be designed to be plugged onto the traffic control device.

[0006] The coupling section can have a receiving section designed to receive the upper end section of the traffic control device. The receiving section can have a depression, indentation, or cutout. The receiving section can be sleeve-like. The receiving section can have an inner contour that corresponds to the outer contour of the traffic control device. An upper end of the traffic monitoring device can be beveled towards the roadway when mounted. The traffic monitoring device can be designed such that, when coupled to the traffic control device, it does not obscure a license plate present on the traffic control device. The license plate present on the traffic control device can have a daily license plate, for example a colored marking such as a black band.The license plate present on the traffic control device can have a nighttime license plate, for example, a reflector. The traffic monitoring device can have a license plate on its exterior, for example, a daytime license plate such as a colored marking, for example, a black band, or a nighttime license plate, for example, a reflector. The traffic monitoring device can be designed such that, when coupled to the traffic control device, the traffic monitoring device conceals a license plate present on the traffic control device and replaces it with the license plate on the traffic monitoring device.

[0007] The coupling portion may comprise a fastening device for securing the traffic monitoring device to the traffic control device. The fastening device may comprise a clamping device. The coupling portion may comprise an activation portion that activates or switches on the traffic monitoring device once it is correctly positioned on the traffic control device and / or locked to the fastening device.

[0008] The traffic monitoring device may have an elongated shape. The traffic monitoring device may have an elongated body, such as an elongated housing. The elongated body may be cylindrical, at least in sections. The elongated body may have a round, oval, or angular, for example triangular, structure.

[0009] The detection device may comprise a measuring device for optical distance measurement. The detection device may comprise a measuring device for optical speed measurement. The measuring device may comprise a laser scanner. The measuring device may comprise a lidar sensor. The measuring device may be oriented in the direction of vehicle approach. The measuring device may have a main orientation direction. The main orientation direction may extend in the transverse direction of the roadway. The measuring device may have a detection range. The detection range may be greater than 90°.

[0010] The detection device can have at least one camera. For example, the detection device can have two or more cameras. At least one camera can be oriented in the direction of approach of the vehicle. In particular, the camera can be aligned so that it can detect the vehicle from the front. The camera can be configured to detect the front of a vehicle. The camera can be configured to detect an occupant, in particular the driver. The camera can be configured to detect a license plate of a vehicle. In addition to a first camera, the detection device can have a second camera. The two cameras can be provided at different locations in the circumferential direction of the traffic monitoring device and detect different surrounding areas.The individual surrounding areas can overlap or be adjacent to one another, allowing the cameras to monitor a contiguous surrounding area. The detection device can be configured to monitor a 360-degree surrounding area. The first camera can detect a first area in which objects, such as vehicles, are approaching. The second camera can detect a second area in which the objects, such as vehicles, are moving away. The detection device can further comprise a flash unit, such as an infrared flash unit.

[0011] The processing device can be configured to determine object information from the environmental information obtained by the detection device. Multiple pieces of object information can also be determined from the obtained environmental information. The object information can be the speed of a detected vehicle. The object information can be the distance of a detected vehicle from a vehicle traveling ahead. The object information can be license plate information. The object information can be the presence of a living being and / or the type of living being. The processing device can be configured to output or further process the determined object information. The processing device can be configured to determine and / or document a traffic violation depending on the determined object information.The processing device can be configured to compare the determined object information with a predetermined target information, for example, a target speed or a target distance, and to provide traffic violation information if the predetermined target information is exceeded. The processing device can be configured to calibrate the traffic monitoring device based on environmental information obtained by the detection device. The processing device can be configured to detect and / or document unlawful handling of the traffic monitoring device by unauthorized persons.

[0012] The traffic monitoring device may further comprise an integrated power source. The traffic monitoring device may comprise a communication device connected to the processing device. The communication device may be configured as a mobile communication device. The communication device may transmit the information generated and received by the processing device, for example, to a cloud structure and / or a remote computing unit. The communication device may receive control signals for the processing device, for example, target information. The mobile communication device may be configured for operation in a mobile radio network.

[0013] The traffic monitoring device may have an activation section, via which a user can put the traffic monitoring device into an operating mode. The activation section may have a reader, for example, an RFID reader or a QR reader.

[0014] Furthermore, a traffic monitoring system is disclosed. The traffic monitoring system may comprise two or more traffic monitoring devices. Each traffic monitoring device may be a traffic monitoring device as described above. In the traffic monitoring system, the traffic monitoring devices may be arranged at a distance from one another. The traffic monitoring devices may be configured to determine an average speed of a vehicle and compare it with a permissible average speed.

[0015] The traffic monitoring device is designed at least partially in the form of a traffic guidance device, in particular a roadway demarcation device, for example a delineator post or a snow marker. The traffic monitoring device can be designed as a delineator post or as part of a delineator post. The traffic monitoring device can be designed as an attachment delineator post or as part of an attachment delineator post.

[0016] A traffic control device is a device that is part of the road's equipment and clarifies traffic flow to road users. The traffic control device is intended to prevent road users from leaving the roadway or crossing into oncoming traffic. A traffic control device is not to be confused with a traffic control system. A traffic control system consists of measures and devices for directing vehicle flows on the road network.

[0017] The clamping device can be configured to clamp the traffic monitoring device to the upper end portion of the roadway delineation device. The clamping device can comprise a clamping component that is provided in the coupling portion and is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The clamping component can comprise a contact surface that comes into contact with the traffic control device, for example, a guide post.

[0018] It should be noted that the features of the embodiments mentioned above and below can be combined in a suitable manner.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the above-mentioned aspects and embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be understood as limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a roadway monitored by a traffic monitoring device. Fig. 2 shows different views of the traffic monitoring device.

[0021] The features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Embodiments and modifications are described below with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is merely exemplary and not restrictive.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a roadway with two traffic control devices 2 in the form of delineators and a vehicle 7. A traffic monitoring device 1 is arranged on an upper end section 4 of one delineator 2, which monitors a surrounding area 8. A vehicle 7 is approaching the surrounding area 8.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a possible structure of the Fig. 1 traffic monitoring device 1 arranged on the delineator post 2 according to one embodiment. The traffic monitoring device 1 has an elongated body forming an elongated housing. The body is designed to be plugged onto the delineator post 2. For this purpose, the traffic monitoring device 1 has a coupling section 30 designed to receive the upper end section 4 of the traffic guidance device 2. The coupling section 30 has a receiving section 31. The receiving section 31 can have a depression, indentation, or recess. In the present embodiment, the receiving section has a recess. The receiving section 31 is sleeve-like. The receiving section 31 has an inner contour that resembles the outer contour of the upper end section 4 of the traffic guidance device 2.For example, an upper end of the traffic monitoring device 1 can be configured to correspond to an upper end of the traffic guidance device 2 or, in the assembled state, extend parallel to an upper side of the traffic guidance device. For example, as shown in the embodiment, the upper end of the traffic guidance device 2 can be beveled toward the roadway. The upper end of the traffic monitoring device 1 can also be beveled accordingly.

[0025] The traffic monitoring device 1 can, as in Fig. 2, be designed such that, when coupled to the traffic control device 2, it does not cover a license plate present on the traffic control device 2, for example a day license plate 5 such as a color marking, for example a black band, or a night license plate 6, for example a reflector.

[0026] The coupling section 30 may comprise a fastening device (not shown) for securing the traffic monitoring device 1 to the traffic control device 2. The fastening device may comprise a clamping device.

[0027] The coupling section 30 may have an activation section 33. The activation section may be configured to activate or switch on the traffic monitoring device 1 as soon as it is correctly positioned on the traffic guidance device 2.

[0028] The detection device 10 has a measuring device 11 for optical distance and / or speed measurement. The measuring device 11 has a laser scanner, for example a lidar sensor. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the measuring device is oriented in the direction of vehicle approach.

[0029] The detection device 10 has at least one camera 12, 13. In the embodiment shown, the detection device 10 has two cameras, one on its front side, as shown on the right side in Fig. 2, and one on its back, as shown on the left in Fig.2. The front and rear sides can run at an angle to one another and can each be oriented towards the roadway when the traffic monitoring device 1 is attached to the traffic control device. Very generally, a camera 12 can be oriented in the direction of vehicle approach in order to capture a vehicle front and / or an occupant, in particular the driver. A second camera 13 can be provided at a different location in the circumferential direction of the traffic monitoring device. The cameras can thus capture different surrounding areas. The first camera 12 can capture a first area 8 in which the vehicles 7 are approaching. The second camera can capture a second area in which the vehicles 7 are moving away from the traffic monitoring device 1. The detection device 10 can have a flash device, for example an infrared flash device.

[0030] The traffic monitoring device 1 has a processing device 20 that is connected to the detection device. The processing device 20 is configured to determine object information from the environmental information obtained by the detection device 10. The object information can be the speed of a detected vehicle 7, the distance of a detected vehicle 7 from a vehicle traveling ahead, license plate information, and / or the presence of a living being.

[0031] The processing device 20 can be configured to output or further process the determined object information. The processing device 20 can be configured to determine and / or document a traffic violation depending on the determined object information. The processing device 20 can be configured to compare the determined object information with a predetermined target information, for example a target speed or a target distance, and to provide traffic violation information if the predetermined target information is exceeded. The processing device 20 can be configured to automatically calibrate the traffic monitoring device 1 based on environmental information obtained by the detection device 10.The processing device 20 can be configured to detect and / or document any unlawful handling of the traffic monitoring device 1 by unauthorized persons.

[0032] Although not shown in detail, traffic monitoring device 1 may include an integrated power source and / or a communication device connected to the processing device. Communication device 40 may be configured as a mobile communication device. The communication device may transmit the information generated and received by processing device 20 and / or receive control signals for processing device 20. The mobile communication device may be configured for operation in a mobile radio network.

[0033] The traffic monitoring device 1 can have an activation section 50, via which a user can put the traffic monitoring device 1 into an operating mode. The activation section 50 can have a reader, for example, an RFID reader or a QR reader. The QR reader can be formed by one of the cameras.

[0034] Although not shown in detail, a traffic monitoring system with two traffic monitoring devices 1 can be created. The traffic monitoring devices 1 can be arranged at a distance from one another and configured to determine an average speed of a vehicle and compare it with a permissible average speed. For example, one traffic monitoring device 1 can be arranged on adjacent traffic control devices 2 or on traffic control devices 2 provided at a greater distance from one another.

[0035] Terms such as "comprising" or "having" do not exclude the presence of additional elements or steps. Furthermore, the features described in connection with the various embodiments may be combined in any way.

[0036] Embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description are intended to provide a convenient guide to implementing an exemplary embodiment; it should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of application as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Traffic monitoring device (1) with a detection device (10) for detecting environmental information, a processing device (20) for processing the acquired environmental information, wherein the traffic monitoring device (1) can be coupled to a stationary traffic control device (2) or is designed as a traffic control device which can replace a traffic control device (2) present on the roadway, wherein the traffic control device (2) can be a roadway demarcation device (3). [2] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a coupling section (30), wherein the coupling section (30) is configured to couple the traffic monitoring device (1) to a stationary traffic control device (2), wherein the coupling section (30) can be configured to be attached to an upper end section (4) of the traffic control device (2) and / or wherein the coupling section (30) can be configured to be pluggable onto the traffic control device (2). [3] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the coupling section (30) has a receiving section (31) which is designed to receive the upper end section (4) of the traffic control device (2), wherein the receiving section (31) can have a depression, indentation or recess and / or can be designed in a sleeve-like manner, wherein the receiving section (31) can have an inner contour which corresponds to the outer contour of the traffic control device (2), and / or wherein an upper end of the traffic monitoring device (1) in the mounted state can be designed to be bevelled towards the roadway, and / or wherein the traffic monitoring device (1) is designed such that, when coupled to the traffic control device (2), it can receive a license plate present on the traffic control device (2), for example a day license plate (5) such as a color marking, for example a black band, or a night license plate (6),for example, a reflector, not covered and / or wherein the traffic monitoring device (1) has on its outside a marking, for example a day marking such as a color marking, for example a black band, or a night marking, for example a reflector, and is designed such that, when coupled to the traffic control device, it covers a marking present on the traffic control device and replaces it with a marking on the traffic monitoring device (1). [4] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling section (30) has a fastening device for securing the traffic monitoring device (1) to the traffic control device (2), wherein the fastening device can have a clamping device, and / or wherein the coupling section (30) can have an activation section (33) which activates or switches on the traffic monitoring device (1) as soon as it is correctly positioned on the traffic control device (2) and / or locked with the fastening device (22). [5] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic monitoring device (1) has an elongated shape, in particular an elongated body, such as an elongated housing, wherein the elongated body can be cylindrical at least in sections and / or can have a round, oval or angular, for example triangular, structure. [6] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (10) has a measuring device (11) for optical distance and / or speed measurement, and / or wherein the measuring device (11) has a laser scanner, wherein the measuring device (11) can have a lidar sensor, wherein the measuring device can be oriented in the direction of approach of the vehicle and / or can have a main orientation direction in the transverse direction of the roadway and / or can have a detection range that is greater than 90°. [7] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (10) has at least one camera (12, 13), for example two cameras, wherein the at least one camera (12) is oriented in the direction of vehicle approach in order to detect a vehicle front and / or an occupant, in particular the driver, wherein a second camera (13) can be provided, wherein the two cameras (12, 13) are provided at different locations in the circumferential direction of the traffic monitoring device and detect different surrounding areas, wherein the first camera (12) detects a first area (8) in which the vehicles (7) are approaching, and the second camera detects a second area in which the vehicles (7) are moving away, and / or wherein the detection device (10) has a flash device, for example an infrared flash device. [8] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing device (20) is configured to determine object information from the environmental information obtained by the detection device (10), wherein the object information can be the speed of a detected vehicle (7), the distance of a detected vehicle (7) to a vehicle in front, license plate information and / or the presence of a living being, and to output or further process the determined object information, wherein the processing device (20) can be configured to determine and / or document a traffic violation depending on the determined object information, wherein the processing device (20) can be configured to compare the determined object information with a predetermined target information, for example a target speed or a target distance,to compare and to provide traffic violation information if the predetermined target information is exceeded, and / or wherein the processing device (20) is configured to calibrate the traffic monitoring device (1) based on environmental information obtained by the detection device (10), and / or wherein the processing device (20) can be configured to detect and / or document unlawful handling of the traffic monitoring device (1) by unauthorized persons. [9] Traffic monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an integrated power source and / or a communication device (40) connected to the processing device, wherein the communication device (40) can be configured as a mobile communication device, wherein the communication device can transmit the information generated and received by the processing device (20) and / or can receive control signals for the processing device (20), wherein the mobile communication device is configured for operation in a mobile radio network, and / or wherein the traffic monitoring device (1) can comprise an activation section (50) via which a user can put the traffic monitoring device (1) into an operating mode, wherein the activation section (50) can comprise a reading device, for example an RFID reading device or a QR reading device. [10] Traffic monitoring system with two traffic monitoring devices (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic monitoring devices are arranged at a distance from one another and are designed to determine an average speed of a vehicle and to compare it with a permissible average speed.

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