Road mounted sensors and related systems

Abstract

A road mounted sensor comprising: a housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; the road mounted sensor is further self-contained with all components located within the housing and the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor is configured to measure a variety of traffic and other infrastructure data, which may be used to provide feedback to a processor; and sensed data may comprise vehicle image or radar data, gas concentration proximate a road surface, vehicle weight in motion and vehicle propulsion means.

Description

[0001] ROAD MOUNTED SENSORS AND RELATED SYSTEMS

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application derives priority from New Zealand patent application number 806781 filed on 19 December 2023 with WIPO DAS code 9901, incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] Described herein are road mounted sensors and related systems. More specifically, road mounted sensors and road mounted sensor systems are described to measure a variety of traffic and other infrastructure data and which may be used to provide feedback to a processor.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Road mounted sensors are currently used for a variety of applications such as to measure traffic count and road surface temperature.

[0008] Road count for example may be measured using a tube placed across a road surface that vehicles drive over. As the tube is displaced by a vehicle, a measurement is taken corresponding to one vehicle. This method has a number of drawbacks in that the devices lack accuracy, the tube needs to be coupled firmly to the road and in time may become detached from the road or require regular maintenance. Data collection is typically by a measuring device on the roadside that manually measures tube deflections. To collect and read the measured results, the measuring device must be physically visited and readings taken from the device.

[0009] The inventor has produced and marketed a road mounted sensor in 2013 onwards to detect temperatures about a road surface when ice may form. The sensor was designed to flash a warning light to motorists in the event of ice forming temperatures being reached. This road sensor received some commercial success and resulted in a change in road codes to allow for the use of road sensors such as the one described in W02013043061. A strength and drawback of this sensor was that it was manufactured from passive components and, whilst robust and able to be used reliably in remote locations, the sensors lacked capacity to provide remote signalling of sensed variables to distant processors. The sensors were also reliant on older technology hence the accuracy was not always as high as may be desired. In the last decade, components that may be used in road sensors and sensors generally have reduced in size and increased in reliability and robustness. Energy requirements from such processors and the like have also reduced. These changes have opened up new opportunities for road sensors.

[0010] Australian patent no. 2021107499 describes an alternative road sensor. In this specification, the sensor comprises a body housing a magnetometer and a battery. The magnetometer measures changes in magnetic field as a vehicle passes over the road mounted sensor. The sensor looks visually similar to an art ‘cat eye ’and it is mounted directly to a road surface using adhesive, the housing standing no more than 25mm above the road surface. Am aim of the device is to avoid damaging the road surface. Surface mounting is not ideal since vehicles or objects moving over the road surface may strike the sensors and dislodge the sensors altogether or damage the sensor housing and internal components. Sensors mounted proud of the road surface may be particularly problematic where the sensors are used in regions prone to snow and where snow ploughs are used to remove snow from a road surface. Snow ploughs will tend to strike and dislodge objects sitting proud of the road surface.

[0011] The sensor may comprise a wireless transmitter to send collected data. In practical scenarios, the collected data is sent to a collection box on the roadside from the road mounted sensors and not via a wider network to a distant processor. This arrangement requires more manufacturing and installation and potentially greater maintenance than simply relying on the sensor itself individually to collect and send data to a remote processor.

[0012] This road sensor also requires the use of elastomeric layers between electronics layers in the sensors to cushion the electronics from vehicles travelling over the sensor housing. Inclusion of elastomeric layers adds to the sensor cost and manufacturing complexity.

[0013] The sensor housing requires a specific geometry to address stresses placed on the sensor such as up and down ramps and rigid reinforcing portions. The ramps, and rigid reinforcing portions again add to the complexity and cost of the sensor.

[0014] The sensor must also desirably include a vibration sensor described as being used to enhance sensor accuracy. An additional sensor further adds to the complexity and cost of manufacture of the sensor.

[0015] A road mounted sensors that addresses some of the above describes drawbacks or, at least provides the public with a choice. Further aspects and advantages of the road mounted sensors and sensor systems will become apparent from the ensuing description that is given by way of example only.

[0016] SUMMARY

[0017] Described herein are road mounted sensors and road mounted sensor systems configured to measure a variety of traffic and other infrastructure data and which may be used to provide feedback to a processor. Sensed data may comprise: vehicle image or radar data, gas concentration proximate a road surface, vehicle weight in motion and vehicle propulsion means.

[0018] In a first aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor comprises an optical or radar capture apparatus, the optical or radar capture apparatus configured to capture an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor.

[0019] In a second aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises at least one load cell located within the housing configured to convert force or weight imposed on the road mounted sensor into an electrical signal, the road mounted sensor being configured to measure vehicle weight while a vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor.

[0020] In a third aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises: a sensor within the housing configured to sense a differentiating characteristic between vehicle propulsion types as a vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor; communicating the sensed differentiating characteristic to a processor; and the processor configured to compare sensed differentiating characteristic to a database of known vehicle differentiating characteristic and their propulsion means and from this, determining a propulsion means categorized between internal combustion engine, electric vehicle, and hybrid engine.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises sensor configured to measure gas concentration proximate a road surface on which the road mounted sensor is embedded.

[0022] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a road comprising multiple road mounted sensors substantially as described above.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of: capturing an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor; and / or measure vehicle weight while a vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor; and / or determining a propulsion means categorized between internal combustion engine, electric vehicle, and hybrid engine; and / or measure gas concentration proximate a road surface on which the road mounted sensor is embedded; by: selecting a road mounted sensor substantially as described above; embedding the road mounted sensor into a road surface.

[0024] The above described sensor and sensor systems provides a number of advantages including the ability to sense many different parameters around vehicles in a road way from one relatively small device. The sensor or sensor system may be concealed in a road way with minimal if any intrusion to the road surface.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further aspects of the road mounted sensor and sensor systems will become apparent from the following description that is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a sensor system in a vehicle speed measurement example;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a sensor configured to measure vehicle length; Figure 3 shows a road mounted sensor, configured to measure gas concentration proximate a road surface;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a road mounted sensor mounted into a road surface, the road mounted sensor configured to measure vehicle weight while the vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a schematic image of the road mounted sensor in a perspective view from above;

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic image of the road mounted sensor in a plan elevation;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a schematic image of an installed sensor in a roadway; and

[0033] Figure 8 shows a schematic of the road mounted sensor system.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] As noted above, described herein are road mounted sensors and road mounted sensor systems configured to measure a variety of traffic and other infrastructure data and which may be used to provide feedback to a processor. Sensed data may comprise: vehicle image or radar data, gas concentration proximate a road surface, vehicle weight in motion and vehicle propulsion means.

[0036] For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about ’or ‘approximately ’or 'substantially' and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

[0037] The term 'comprise1and grammatical variations thereof shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements.

[0038] Vehicle Image Capture or Radar Measure

[0039] In a first aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor comprises an optical or radar capture apparatus, the optical or radar capture apparatus configured to capture an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor.

[0040] Self-Contained / Independent Operation

[0041] As noted, the road mounted sensor may be entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing.

[0042] One road mounted sensor may operate independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network. Alternatively, one sensor may collect data from other sensors in an array and that one sensor transmits (and optionally also receives) data for the array.

[0043] There are no external parts beyond the housing. There is no need for a roadside cabinet or other similar member to collate data from the road mounted sensor(s).

[0044] Image / Radar Capture

[0045] The optical or radar capture apparatus may in one embodiment comprise a camera. The camera may be located in the housing. A line of sight for the camera may be from a side of the housing to a location external to the housing.

[0046] The camera may be mounted at an angle in the housing. The angle may be such that the line of sight of the camera extends forwards and upwards from the top of the housing. The angle may be from about 5 to 90, or 10-70, or 30-60 degrees from a horizontal plane.

[0047] The optical or radar capture apparatus may have a resolution of at least 720p HD. This may be important as anything lower than this may not accurately resolve the licence plate number of a vehicle. The resolution may be 1024p HD or higher.

[0048] The camera noted may be a miniature camera being less than 10mm3in size. The road mounted sensor may be configured to capture an image or video or radar measure of a vehicle that is: approaching the road mounted sensor; departing the road mounted sensor; or approaching and departing the road mounted sensor.

[0049] For an approaching and departing sensor, two cameras / radars may be installed in the road mounted sensor pointing to opposing directions.

[0050] The road mounted sensor may be configured to actuate the optical or radar capture apparatus based on a measured characteristic selected from: vehicle detection, vehicle speed, a measured conductivity. Actuation may be the process of taking a photo, taking a video or taking a radar reflection image.

[0051] In a series of road mounted sensors, a first road mounted sensor may sense a measurement e.g. of vehicle speed, and this measure may trigger the optical capture or radar measure apparatus in a further road mounted sensor to actuate.

[0052] The photo / radar image, potentially with other measured data may be used for example as (a) a road safety management tool that allows a provider to know the frequency and type of vehicle speeding (or not speeding); or (b) to provide an automated speed ticketing method where a speeding vehicle is detected, the number plate read off the photograph and a fine sent to the registered vehicle owner.

[0053] Weight in Motion

[0054] In a second aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises at least one load cell located within the housing configured to convert force or weight imposed on the road mounted sensor into an electrical signal, the road mounted sensor being configured to measure vehicle weight while a vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor.

[0055] Transducer

[0056] The at least one load cell may be a transducer. The transducer may convert a force or weight into electrical signals. The force or weight may be caused by a vehicle rolling over the road mounted sensor.

[0057] Multiple Sensors

[0058] Multiple road mounted sensors may be used to measure vehicle weight, each road mounted sensor comprising at least one load cell and the combined readings used to measure vehicle weight.

[0059] Vehicle Propulsion Means

[0060] In a third aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises: a sensor within the housing configured to sense a differentiating characteristic between vehicle propulsion types as a vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor; communicating the sensed differentiating characteristic to a processor; and the processor configured to compare sensed differentiating characteristic to a database of known vehicle differentiating characteristic and their propulsion means and from this, determining a propulsion means categorized between internal combustion engine, electric vehicle, and hybrid engine.

[0061] Sensor Types for Detecting Propulsion

[0062] The differentiating characteristic noted may be vehicle conductivity and the road mounted sensor may comprise a magnetic field sensor or a piezoelectric sensor that detects changes in magnetic field characteristics as the vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor.

[0063] The magnetic field sensor may be an inductive loop sensor.

[0064] The differentiating characteristic may be vehicle presence and the road mounted sensor may comprise an infrared (IR) or ultrasonic wave sensor that detects changes in emitted IR or ultrasonic wave signals and measure a reflection of these waves which change as a vehicle moves over the sensor.

[0065] The differentiating characteristic may be vehicle conductivity and the road mounted sensor may comprise an electromagnetic induction sensor configured to detect changes in electromagnetic fields by inducing currents in conductive material as the vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor.

[0066] Radar or lidar sensors may also be used to distinguish vehicle type. As noted elsewhere in this specification, radar and lidar emit a signal and measure a reflection to determine characteristic e.g. vehicle speed. Radar and lidar may be used to develop and map of a vehicle or surroundings and from this distinguish vehicle types e.g. lack of a radiator grill in an electric vehicle versus and combustion engine.

[0067] Propulsion detection may be detected based on the size and / or chemistry of the battery i.e.: the composition of batteries in traditional internal combustion engine batteries are considerably smaller than electric car batteries and this changes the magnetic conductivity of the vehicle.

[0068] Specifically, internal combustion engine vehicles comprise:

[0069] Lead-Acid: traditional vehicles typically use lead-acid batteries. These batteries consist of lead dioxide (PbCh) as the positive electrode, sponge lead (Pb) as the negative electrode and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) electrolyte solution; Liquid Electrolyte: they also contain liquid electrolyte which is a solution of sulfuric acid and water. The liquid nature of the electrolyte allows for chemical reactions to occur, generating electric energy;

[0070] Low Energy Density, heavy and bulky.

[0071] Electric vehicles comprise:

[0072] Lithium-Ion Chemistry: predominantly use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries feature various lithium-bases compounds, including lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoCh), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePC jand others, as the cathode materials;

[0073] The anode is typically made of graphite;

[0074] Solid or Gel;

[0075] High Density;

[0076] Lighter and compact.

[0077] A variety of sensor types including those noted above may be used based on the inventor's experience.

[0078] In a yet further embodiment, a weight sensor like those described elsewhere in this specification may also be used to distinguish vehicle type, in this case on the assumption that electric vehicles are heavier due to the increased battery weight.

[0079] Gas Detection

[0080] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises sensor configured to measure gas concentration proximate a road surface on which the road mounted sensor is embedded. Infra-Red Sensor

[0081] The road mounted sensor may comprise an infra-red (IR) sensor configured to emit an infra-red (IR) energy from the housing in a direction away from the top of the housing and, further configured to receive reflected infra-red energy about the road surface.

[0082] Measured Gas

[0083] The gas concentration may be selected from one or more of: carbon dioxide (CO2); hydrocarbons; nitrogen oxides; carbon monoxide; particulate matter.

[0084] Specifically, gas concentration (which may be measured about the road surface) may be selected from one or more of:

[0085] Carbon dioxide (CO2); or

[0086] Hydrocarbons (e.g. methane CH4);

[0087] Nitrogen oxides (NOX) is a group of highly reactive gases that contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. NOx can also contribute to respiratory problems, including asthmas and bronchitis.

[0088] Carbon monoxide, (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that interferes with the body's ability to transport oxygen. High levels of CO exposures can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even death in extreme cases.

[0089] Particulate matter (PM): is a mixture of microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. PM can penetrate deep into the lungs causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

[0090] Gases absorb and reflect electromagnetic energy in different ways. In this way, sensed variations in received electromagnetic energy may be used to infer gas concentrations about the sensor.

[0091] Gas Location

[0092] In the inventor's experience, using the above sensor configuration, gas sensing may be measured up to a height of 80mm above the road surface. An advantage of this form of sensing is that the gas concentration is measured at or about the height or a person or child walking on the road as opposed to elevated gas detectors used often currently that may be above a person and / or distant to the localised high gas concentration that is more appropriate to measure.

[0093] A Road

[0094] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a road comprising multiple road mounted sensors substantially as described above.

[0095] The road may comprise multiple road mounted sensors substantially as described above; and wherein, the road comprises a lane and the lane comprises multiple road mounted sensors mounted approximately centrally in a lane of the road approximately 1 to 100 metres apart.

[0096] The vehicle may describe a path of travel from an upstream to a downstream position and the road mounted sensor may be positioned upstream of the vehicle path of travel.

[0097] If multiple road mounted sensors are used, the road mounted sensors may be in series, one placed after the other.

[0098] The road mounted sensors may be placed in a common plane and parallel to a road side or a road direction.

[0099] The road mounted sensors may be mounted 1 to 100, or 1 to 75, or 1 to 50, or 1 to 25, or 1 to 20, or 1 to 15, or 5 to 15, or 8 to 12 or approximately 10 metres apart.

[0100] The road mounted sensor(s) may be mounted orthogonal to a road lane longitudinal length.

[0101] The sensor(s) may be mounted between lane sides.

[0102] The sensor(s) may be mounted centrally within a road lane between lane sides.

[0103] Method of Use

[0104] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of: capturing an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor; and / or measure vehicle weight while a vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor; and / or determining a propulsion means categorized between internal combustion engine, electric vehicle, and hybrid engine; and / or measure gas concentration proximate a road surface on which the road mounted sensor is embedded; by: selecting a road mounted sensor substantially as described above; embedding the road mounted sensor into a road surface.

[0105] Embedding

[0106] The sensor(s) may be set into a road surface. For example, the sensor may be fitted into a hole in the road surface so that the sensor top surface is exposed and approximately flush with the road surface.

[0107] Fitting may be completed by drilling an opening into the road surface with a size corresponding to the sensor width and then inserting and adhering the sensor into the opening.

[0108] For a circular shaped housing, the hole may have a diameter the same or slightly larger than the housing diameter so as to have a snug fit into the road surface.

[0109] The road mounted sensor may have no protruding features that interfere with the path of traffic or items over the sensor. As a result, they may be installed in snow prone locations without risk of being removed from the road surface by a snow plough or grader.

[0110] Further features of the road mounted sensor substantially as described above may be common to all of the above aspects and are described further below.

[0111] Low Voltage

[0112] The circuit may be a low voltage circuit comprising a 3.3-6 or 3.3-5, or 4-5V circuit. This may be important for longevity of the road mounted sensor and to match the power needed with this generated by the solar panel and stored in the battery. Electromagnetic Energy Filter

[0113] The housing may further comprise an electromagnetic energy filter configured to isolate energy emittance from the source to a specific wave length or wave lengths.

[0114] Timing of Data Transmission

[0115] Transmission of sensed data from the road mounted sensor may occur at or about a time of data collection.

[0116] Alternatively, transmission of sensed data from the road mounted sensor may occur at specific time intervals where a bundle of measured moments of time measurements are transmitted.

[0117] Further Measurements

[0118] Additional sensors may also be used beyond those noted above.

[0119] In one embodiment, the road mounted sensor comprises all of the above sensors and methods combined into one device.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the road mounted sensor may also comprise further sensors selected from one or more of: a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor configured to measure a change in conductivity, a weather monitoring sensor.

[0121] Vibration sensors may be useful to monitor vibrations caused by vehicles or seismic activity. This data can be used to help with road maintenance, assess road condition, and be an early warning of road safety concerns. Vibration may be correlated with vehicle size and weight and used to also verify other measured criteria noted above.

[0122] The magnetic sensor may be used for measurement of traffic count, traffic speed and / or vehicle length measurement. Traffic in this scenario may be vehicles but also pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters and so on.

[0123] May monitor barometric pressure, rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed.

[0124] Weather sensing may be about the road surface on which the road mounted sensor is mounted. Weather sensing may be used to provide: Real-time data: the system offers precise real-time temperature or other weather data measurements of the road surface, enabling timely responses to for example, temperature fluctuations and weather conditions.

[0125] Weather-Responsive Road Signage: weather data may trigger changes in road signage to inform road users of hazardous conditions, such as icy roads or extreme heat, therefore enhancing road safety.

[0126] Optimised Gritter Deployment: in freezing conditions, the road mounted sensor or processor receiving weather data from the sensor may automatically or manually deploy road gritters or salt deployment to prevent ice formation.

[0127] Effective Heat Management: during extreme heat, the road mounted sensor or processor receiving weather data from the sensor may initiate measures like sand spraying of water to prevent road surface damage.

[0128] Road Mounted Sensor Communication

[0129] The road mounted sensor may communicate wirelessly to a processor as noted.

[0130] A road mounted sensor may independently wirelessly transmit sensed data from the individual road mounted sensor and the processor may collate all sensed data.

[0131] In a variation to the above, the road mounted sensors may communicate wirelessly to each other. In this variation, one road mounted sensor may be a 'master' sensor and a further road mounted sensor or sensors may be 'slave' sensors. The slave sensors may signal data collected to the master sensor. The master sensor may collect data measured from the master and slave sensors. The master sensor may wirelessly transmit sensed data from the master and slave sensors to the processor. Slave to master transmission may be via Bluetooth™ although a variety of other wireless technologies may be used for data transfer.

[0132] As noted, the signals described above may be transmitted wirelessly. In the inventor's experience a variety of wireless networking means may be used, examples including via a Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, mobile cellular networks and via satellite networks.

[0133] A more recent advance is the availability of Starlink™ satellite systems that enable the road mounted sensor to transmit a signal via satellite. This has the advantage of allowing the road mounted sensor to be located almost anywhere in the world with all data collected by a remote processor located almost anywhere in the world. Many roads are located in remote areas where monitoring would be of benefit but this is currently not possible at all in real time. Satellite enabled road mounted sensors like those described can resolve this problem.

[0134] The road mounted sensor may further be configured to receive data communicated wirelessly from the processor or another source. This may be used to switch functions of the road mounted sensor on and off. Singla receiving may also be useful to adjust a road mounted sensor setting remotely and / or to calibrate a setting.

[0135] Sensor Shape and Form

[0136] The sensor itself may take a variety of forms and shapes.

[0137] The sensor as noted may comprise an external housing. This external housing may be circular in cross-section. The sensor external housing may be cylindrical shaped with the top noted, a base, a common diameter and a variable depth. The sensor external housing may be ice hockey puck shaped. Embodiments tested by the inventor have a diameter of approximately 100 to 200mm and a depth of 10 to 50mm.

[0138] The road based sensor may have inside a vibration absorbing member other than the housing that itself that insulates the internal parts from vibrations. The vibration absorbing member may be a resilient foam, gel or semi-solid. This vibration absorbing member may be epoxy based.

[0139] The top of the housing may have a transparent surface. This may be to facilitate solar panel charging, sensor probe measuring and emitting e.g. for an IR beam to be broadcast and received through.

[0140] The housing may seal the components therein. The housing may be an IP67 or IP68 rated casing.

[0141] The housing may be manufactured from a plastic. The plastic may be a polycarbonate due to the longevity of such plastics. The housing may be made from a UV resistant and non-corrosive material.

[0142] The road mounted sensor may comprise a layered configuration of the housing top, solar panel and any externally facing sensor probes, PCB and other components (microcontroller, battery, transmitter, receiver, sensor(s), beneath the panel), then the resilient material and the housing base with the housing sides linking the base and top. Processor

[0143] The processor may be external to the sensor or sensors.

[0144] The processor may be an individual computer or cloud computing facility and this may be configured to receive data transmitted from the road mounted sensors or sensors.

[0145] The processor may communicate with traffic infrastructure and, based on sensed data from the road mounted sensors, adjust traffic infrastructure to alter a sensed characteristic e.g. re-direct traffic from a polluted roadway with high gas emissions.

[0146] Road Mounted Sensor ID and Location

[0147] The road mounted sensor may have a unique ID and may have geo-location data. This may be used to remotely track road mounted sensor location and correlate any data collected to a specific location. This may also be a tool to identify where any faults may have occurred to speed repairs by identifying any faulty sensors to a specific ID tag or location.

[0148] Energy Production and Storage

[0149] The top of the road mounted sensor may comprise a solar panel. This may be used to charge a battery.

[0150] The road mounted sensor may be solar powered using an internally mounted photovoltaic panel or panels to produce energy to power the road mounted sensor.

[0151] The road mounted sensor may be optimally placed / positioned on the road mounted sensor to receive solar energy to charge the solar panel.

[0152] Power generated by the solar panel may as noted be stored in a battery. The battery may be located in the housing. The battery life may be 20 days or more of life without charging based on the inventor's experience hence, allows for plenty of low light / darkness before a re-charge is needed.

[0153] Memory

[0154] The road mounted sensor may comprise memory capability configured to store sensed data.

[0155] This memory capability may be for a period of time such as between data transmission times. Advantages

[0156] The above described sensor and sensor systems provides a number of advantages including the ability to sense many different parameters around vehicles in a road way from one relatively small device. The sensor or sensor system may be concealed in a road way with minimal if any intrusion to the road surface.

[0157] The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

[0158] Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0159] WORKING EXAMPLES

[0160] The above described road mounted sensor and sensor systems are now described by reference to specific examples and the items and numbering listed below:

[0161] 1 Road surface

[0162] 2 Road centre line

[0163] 3 Road Mounted Sensor

[0164] 4 Signal

[0165] 5 Processor

[0166] 6 Vehicle

[0167] 7 Vehicle direction of travel

[0168] 8 Vehicle tyre

[0169] 9 Vehicle force direction

[0170] 10 Gas cloud

[0171] 11 Transmitted energy signal

[0172] 12 Reflected energy signal

[0173] 14 Housing 15 Top of the housing

[0174] 16 Housing diameter

[0175] 17 Housing depth

[0176] 20 Load cell

[0177] 21 Camera / radar

[0178] 22 PCB and related components

[0179] 24 Inductive loop sensor

[0180] 25 IR sensor

[0181] 26 Resilient material

[0182] 27 Solar panel

[0183] 100 Vehicle image input

[0184] 101 Gas input

[0185] 102 Vehicle weight input

[0186] 103 Vehicle conductivity input

[0187] 200 Road mounted sensor system

[0188] 210 Camera sensor

[0189] 220 Radar sensor

[0190] 230 Magnet / conductivity sensor

[0191] 240 Load cell

[0192] 250 IR sensor

[0193] 300 Wireless communication

[0194] 400 Processor

[0195] 410 Image output e.g. with speed as well

[0196] 420 Measured gas output

[0197] 430 Measured propulsion type 440 Measured weight

[0198] 500 Transmission to traffic infrastructure

[0199] 600 Transmission to receiver on road mounted sensor

[0200] EXAMPLE 1

[0201] The sensor and sensor system in a vehicle speed measurement example is now described with reference to Figure 1.

[0202] As shown in Figure 1, two road mounted sensors 3 are mounted in series along a path of travel 7 of a vehicle 6 on one side of a road 1 centreline 2. Each road mounted sensor 3 comprises a housing and a magnetic sensor within the housing. The magnetic sensor is configured to measure a change in conductivity associated with the vehicle 6 travelling over the road mounted sensor 3. A first road mounted sensor 3 in the path of travel 7 measures a moment of time at which the vehicle 6 passes over the first road mounted sensor 3 via a change in conductivity. A second road mounted sensor 3 in a path of travel 7 downstream of the first road mounted sensor 3 measures a moment of time at which the vehicle 6 passes over the second road mounted sensor 3 via a change in conductivity sensed by the magnetic sensor.

[0203] The sensed moment of time for each reading and a known distance of separation between the sensors 3 are used by a processor 5 to calculate the vehicle 6 speed, data transmission 4 to the processor being via a wireless means.

[0204] The road mounted sensor 3 may also be configured to capture a vehicle image or radar measure. In this example, the road mounted sensor may comprise a housing and an optical capture or radar measure apparatus within the housing configured to capture an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle 6 travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor 3. Like above, the data sensed by the sensor or sensors 3 may be transmitted 4 to a processor 5.

[0205] Figure 2 shows a road mounted sensor 3 configured to measure vehicle 6 length. As shown in Figure 2, a sensor 3 is mounted in the path of travel 7 of a vehicle 6. The sensor 3 in this example has magnetic sensor within the housing configured to measure a change in conductivity associated with a vehicle 6 travelling over the sensor 3. The sensor 3 measures: a moment of time ti at which the vehicle 6 first passes over the sensor 3 via a sensed change in conductivity; and a moment of time t2 at which the vehicle 6 finishes passing over the sensor 3 via a sensed change in conductivity. The time difference between first passing ti and finishing passing t2 equates to a vehicle 6 length. Like above, the data sensed by the sensor 3 may be transmitted 4 to a processor 5.

[0206] Figure 3 shows a further example of a road mounted sensor 3 in this example, configured to measure gas 10 concentration proximate a road surface 1 on which the sensor 3 is mounted. In this example, the sensor 3 comprises an electromagnetic energy source or emitter 11 and an electromagnetic energy receiver 12, the source 11 and receiver 12 located within the sensor 3 housing. The source 11 is configured to broadcast a beam of electromagnetic energy from the sensor 3 in a direction upwards from the housing and about the road surface 1 and the receiver 12 is configured to receive reflected electromagnetic energy. The sensor 3 measures changes in gas 10 concentration about the road surface 1 based on changes in received 12 electromagnetic energy by the sensor 3 receiver.

[0207] Figure 4 shows a sensor 3 mounted into a road surface 1, the sensor 3 configured to measure vehicle 6 weight while the vehicle 6 is in motion over the sensor 3. In this example, the sensor 3 comprises load cells 20 configured to convert force or weight into electrical signals. The sensor 3 is installed beneath the road surface 1 at specific points that a vehicle passes over and the load cell(s) 20 configured to measure the force 9 applied by the vehicle's 6 tires 8 as the vehicle 6 tyres 8 pass over the load cell(s), thereby enabling calculation of the vehicle 6 weight.

[0208] Figure 1 noted above also may be used to show a sensor 3 configured to measure vehicle 6 propulsion means. The sensor 3 is mounted in the path of travel 7 of a vehicle 6 and the sensor 3 comprises a magnetic sensor in this example, the magnetic sensor configured to measure a change in conductivity associated with a vehicle 6 travelling over the sensor 3. The measured magnetic conductivity is sent to a processor 5 wirelessly 4 and compared against a range of known vehicle 6 conductivities and the propulsion means categorised between internal combustion, electric and hybrid engine.

[0209] EXAMPLE 2

[0210] In this example, the sensor itself is described in more detail.

[0211] Figure 5 and Figure 6 show a schematic images of the sensor 3 itself and Figure 7 shows a schematic image of the installed sensor 3 in a roadway 1.

[0212] As shown, the sensor comprises an external housing 14 that is cylindrical shaped with a common diameter 16 and variable depth 17. The road mounted sensor 3 external housing 14 may comprise a slightly rounded to generally flat top surface 15. The road mounted sensor 3 as shown is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing 14.

[0213] One road mounted sensor 3 may operate independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor 5 via a network. Alternatively, one road mounted sensor 3 may collect data from other road mounted sensors 3 in an array and that one road mounted sensor 3 transmits (and optionally also receives) data for the array to and from the processor 5.

[0214] The road mounted sensor(s) 3 may be set into an opening 60 in the road surface 1 so that the sensor 3 top surface 15 is approximately flush with the road surface 1.

[0215] Fitting of the road mounted sensor 3 may be completed by drilling the opening 60 into the road surface 1 with an opening size corresponding to the road mounted sensor 3 diameter 16 and then inserting and adhering the sensor 3 into the opening 60. The opening 60 may have a diameter the same or slightly larger than the road mounted sensor 3 diameter 16 so as to have a snug fit into the road surface 1.

[0216] The road mounted sensor 3 may have no protruding features that interfere with the path of vehicles 6 or items over the sensor 3.

[0217] The housing 14 may contain the various sensing items described including a load cell 20, a camera or radar 21, a PCB and related items 22, an inductive loop sensor 24, an IR sensor 25, resilient material 26 and a solar panel 27.

[0218] EXAMPLE 3

[0219] The wider system is now described with reference to Figure 8.

[0220] As shown schematically, the road mounted sensor 200 receives a variety of inputs. Examples shown include a vehicle image input 100, a gas input 101, a vehicle weight input 102, a vehicle and / or conductivity input 103.

[0221] 200 Road mounted sensor comprises sensors to manage these inputs, examples shown being a camera sensor 210, a radar sensor 220, a magnet / conductivity sensor 230, a load cell 240, and an IR sensor 250. These measured outputs are sent wirelessly via a network 300 e.g. a cellular to satellite network to a processor 400. The processor then uses the inputs 210-250 to calculate outputs from the system such as image and speed 400, gas levels report 420, propulsion type 430 and / or vehicle weight 440. This information may optionally be used by the processor to communicate 500 with traffic infrastructure by switching lights to alter traffic flow or by switching on a warning sign as two examples. The processor 400 may also transmit a signal 600 to a receiver in a road mounted sensor to cause an action e.g. to switch a function 210-250 on or off.

[0222] Aspects of road mounted sensors and related systems have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor comprises an optical or radar capture apparatus, the optical or radar capture apparatus configured to capture an image or radar measure associated with a vehicle travelling to, or over, or past, the road mounted sensor.

2. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the optical or radar capture apparatus comprises a camera, the camera located in the housing and with line of sight for the camera from a side of the housing to a location external to the housing.

3. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the camera is mounted at an angle in the housing so that the line of sight of the camera extends forwards and upwards from the top of the housing.

4. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the optical or radar capture apparatus has a resolution of at least 720p HD.

5. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the road mounted sensor is configured to capture an image or video or radar measure of a vehicle that is: approaching the road mounted sensor; departing the road mounted sensor; or approaching and departing the road mounted sensor.

6. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the road mounted sensor is configured to actuate the optical or radar capture apparatus based on a measured characteristic selected from: vehicle detection, vehicle speed, a measured conductivity.

7. A road mounted sensor comprising:a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises at least one load cell located within the housing configured to convert force or weight imposed on the road mounted sensor into an electrical signal, the road mounted sensor being configured to measure vehicle weight while a vehicle is in motion over the road mounted sensor.

8. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 7 where the at least one load cell is a transducer.

9. A road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises: a sensor within the housing configured to sense a differentiating characteristic between vehicle propulsion types as a vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor; communicating the sensed differentiating characteristic to a processor; and the processor configured to compare sensed differentiating characteristic to a database of known vehicle differentiating characteristic and their propulsion means and from this, determining a propulsion means categorized between internal combustion engine, electric vehicle, and hybrid engine.

10. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the differentiating characteristic is vehicle conductivity and the road mounted sensor may comprise a magnetic field sensor or a piezoelectric sensor that detects changes in magnetic field characteristics as the vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor.

11. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the differentiating characteristic is vehicle presence and the road mounted sensor comprises an infrared (IR) or ultrasonic wave sensor that detects changes in emitted IR or ultrasonic wave signals and measure a reflection of these waves which change as a vehicle moves over the sensor.

12. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the differentiating characteristic is vehicle conductivity and the road mounted sensor comprises an electromagnetic induction sensor configured to detect changes in electromagnetic fields by inducing currents in conductive material as the vehicle travels over the road mounted sensor.

13. A road mounted sensor comprising: a housing, the housing configured to be embedded in a road surface and the housing comprising a top which is exposed to and flush with the road surface when embedded in the road surface; the housing enclosing: a circuit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a solar panel, sensors and sensor probes, a microcontroller, a battery, and a transmitter; and wherein the road mounted sensor is entirely self-contained with all components located within the housing and wherein the road mounted sensor operates independently to sense and transmit (or receive) data collected wirelessly to a processor via a network; wherein the road mounted sensor further comprises sensor configured to measure gas concentration proximate a road surface on which the road mounted sensor is embedded.

14. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sensor is an IR sensor configured to emit an infra-red (IR) energy from the housing in a direction away from the top of the housing and, further configured to receive reflected infra-red energy about the road surface.

15. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gas concentration measured about the road surface is selected from one or more of: carbon dioxide (CO2); hydrocarbons; nitrogen oxides; carbon monoxide; particulate matter.

16. The road mounted sensor as claimed in claim 13 wherein the gas concentration is measured up to a height of 80mm above the road surface.

17. The road mounted sensor as claimed in any one of the above claims wherein transmission of sensed data from the road mounted sensor occurs at or about a time of data collection.

18. The road mounted sensor as claimed in any one of claims 1-16 wherein transmission of sensed data from the road mounted sensor occurs at specific time intervals where a bundle of measured moments of time measurements are transmitted.

19. The road mounted sensor as claimed in any one of claims 1-16 further comprising additional sensors selected from one or more of: a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor configured to measure a change in conductivity, a weather monitoring sensor.

20. A road comprising multiple road mounted sensors as claimed in any one of claims 1-16; wherein, the road comprises a lane and the lane comprises multiple road mounted sensors mounted approximately centrally in a lane of the road approximately 1 to 100 metres apart.

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