Road-side noise level detecting and warning system

Abstract

A roadside noise level detecting and warning system comprises a processor, noise detection unit 1 for detecting noise produced by passing vehicles, display unit (e.g. LED sign) 2 and optionally ANPR c

Description

Field of the invention The invention relates to road-side noise level detecting and warning systems. Embodiments of the systems are incorporated into road sign or retro-fitted to existing road signs. These may also be mounted on the road side, be portable or deployed in new locations depending on needs. Background and prior art known to the Applicant(s) The applicant is not aware of any prior art road-side noise detection and warning systems. There is a wide range of undesirable noises in the modem street. Many citizens will be of the opinion that vehicle exhausts, modified engines, vehicle horns, antisocial behaviour, loud music are not desirable. At the same time, many citizens will understand that the sirens of emergency vehicles are essential and must be tolerated. Furthermore, the level of acceptance might also vary depending on a particular location and the time of the day or night. One of the objectives of the invention is to provide a system which can warn against excessive noise levels and cope with the complexities of the diverse nature of the noises in order to provide appropriate and accurate feedback. SUMMARY In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a road-side noise level detecting and warning system comprising at least one noise detection unit configured to detect noise produced by passing vehicles, and at least one display unit for displaying a message or symbol relating to a detected noise level; said units being sequentially positioned relative to a road; whereby said noise detection unit is located at a distance before said display unit; said system further comprising a processor for determining whether the detected noise level is acceptable, or whether it exceeds a pre-determined threshold; when said detected noise level exceeds a pre-determined threshold, said processor is configured to communicate a signal to cause said display unit to display a message or symbol relating to said detected noise level. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it allows the warnings to be targeted immediately to the particular culprit. It may allow thus a greater degree of compliance with acceptable noise levels in a particular area. It may thus be targeted. In a subsidiary aspect, the noise detection unit comprises at least one microphone for receiving sound waves; the processor and a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to the display units. This is particularly advantageous as it allows the unit in certain embodiments to be readily retrofitted onto existing road-side infrastructure. It is also particularly compact. In a further subsidiary aspect, the display unit comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from the detection units and a display screen for displaying a message or symbol in response to said signal. This allows the units to be spaced apart whilst still being targeted at an individual shortly after the detection of the excessive noise level. This kind of very rapid feedback will provide a greater degree of compliance. hi a further subsidiary aspect, the noise detection unit comprises a housing and a bracket for mounting the unit to a post located in the vicinity of the road. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it allows the units to be readily retrofitted to existing road side infrastructure. In a further subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises a solar panel for powering at least one of the units; the solar panel being an external surface of the housing. The power requirements of these units may be relatively low and may thus be entirely met by in this configuration the external surface of the housing. This provides a particularly compact and environmentally friendly configuration. In a further subsidiary aspect, the processor is programmable to allow an operator to modify the value of the threshold noise level. This allows the system to have a greater or lesser sensitivity level depending on a particular location and the objectives of particular owners of the units. In a further subsidiary aspect, the display unit comprises an array of light emitting diodes suitable for displaying a pre-determined message or symbol. This allows rapid display of messages targeted to driver’s shortly after the emission of excessive noise. In a further subsidiary aspect, the processor is configured to analyse the detected noise and compare it against pre-determined noise profiles; the noise profiles including frequencies which either correspond to allowable noise profiles OR unallowable noise profiles; wherein if the noise profile corresponds to allowable noise profiles no signal is dispatched to the display unit OR a signal corresponding to the noise profile is sent as appropriate; and wherein if the noise profile corresponds to an unallowable noise profile, a signal is dispatched to the display unit to cause the display of a warning message or symbol. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it allows the system to cope with both acceptable such as an ambulance siren and unacceptable noise levels such as a modified exhaust. In a further subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises means for wirelessly communicating a signal to a location remote from either detection unit or the display unit. In certain embodiments, this configuration provides the option to include a third party or a remote control hub to monitor the performance of the system or to initiate an intervention if necessary. In a further broad independent aspect, the invention provides a road-side noise level detecting and warning system comprising at least one noise detection unit configured to detect noise produced by passing vehicles, and at least one display unit for displaying a message or symbol relating to a detected noise level; the units being sequentially positioned relative to a road; whereby the noise detection unit is located at a distance before the display unit; the system further comprising a processor which is configured to analyse the detected noise and compare it against pre-determined noise profiles; the noise profiles including frequencies which either correspond to allowable noise profiles OR unallowable noise profiles; wherein if the noise profile corresponds to allowable noise profiles no signal is dispatched to the display unit OR a signal corresponding to said noise profile is sent as appropriate; and wherein if the noise profile corresponds to unallowable noise profile, a signal is dispatched to the display unit to cause the display of a warning message or symbol. In a further subsidiary aspect, the noise detection unit comprises at least one microphone for receiving sound waves; the processor and a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to the display units. hi a further subsidiary aspect, the display unit comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from the detection units and a display screen for displaying a message or symbol in response to the signal. In a further subsidiary aspect, the noise detection unit comprises a housing and a bracket for mounting the unit to a post located in the vicinity of the road. In a further subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises a solar panel for powering at least one of the units; the solar panel being an external surface of the housing. In a further subsidiary aspect, the processor is programmable to allow an operator to add or remove acceptable noise profile. In a further subsidiary aspect, the display unit comprises an array of light emitting diodes suitable for displaying a pre-determined message or symbol. In preferred embodiments, the system is portable and can be deployed in different locations depending on needs. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it may be used in unusual locations, for example, during some sport or cultural events, near specific residential areas to control the noise level etc. In a further subsidiary aspect, the processor of the detection unit can be programmed to set the value of the threshold noise level. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it provides a virtually universal system, which can be used in different countries and be adapted for different desired thresholds. In a further subsidiary aspect, the message displayed on the display unit may be a word or two such as “TOO LOUD” or like. This allows to display warning messages to drivers or to passerby’s to encourage them to reduce noise levels. In a further broad independent aspect, the invention provides a noise level measuring and warning system comprising at least two units: at least one noise detection unit for detection and measuring sound level with its own power supply, and at least one information displaying unit for displaying a text message; said unit being powered by its own supply, wherein the units are positioned sequentially, and the noise detection unit is located at some distance before the display units; the units are optionally wireless connected with each other, wherein each noise detection unit can send a wireless signal to the display units; and each noise detection unit comprises: at least one microphone for receiving sound waves, a sound level meter for measuring the sound level, a processor for determining, wherein the processor analyses the source of the sound, filters the received sounds by ignoring the allowed sounds, measuring other sounds in order to determine whether their sound level is acceptable, or it exceeds a set threshold, a wireless transmitter for sending a relevant signal to the display units to display a relevant message in the case where the sound level exceeds a set threshold; and each display unit comprising: a radio receiver to receive a wireless signal sent by the detection units, and a display with capacity to show a message according to the signal received from the detection unit (units). This configuration is particularly advantageous as, in certain embodiments, it avoids the reaction of a system which would otherwise fail to distinguish the allowed category of noises. Certain kinds of noise are essential noises, such as, for example, emergency siren noise from emergency vehicles. The noise detection unit or units may be configured to constantly measure environmental noise levels, process the sound and its level and, from its frequency be able to determine the source of the sound. The noise detection unit with the assistance of the processor is able to determine whether the sound is from a vehicle exhaust, modified engine, vehicle horn, siren from an emergency vehicle, loud music or antisocial behaviour. The sound will be analysed and processed to determine the source of the sound. Should the sound be from a vehicle exhaust, vehicle horn, antisocial behaviour or loud music, and the noise level is above a set threshold, the noise detection unit will send a radio signal or other wireless signal to a LED sign located further down the road, to display a relevant message. If the source of the loud noise is that of an emergency vehicle siren then this will be filtered out and ignored. In a further subsidiary aspect, the wireless communication between the units of the system is propagated via radio signal, Bluetooth™, radar, WIFI or the like. This configuration further simplifies the communication between the units and allows quick and reliable transmission of the signals. In a further subsidiary aspect, the system comprises a solar panel for powering of each unit. This configuration allows the system to function without the connection to a mains power supply. In a further subsidiary aspect, the system is portable and can be deployed in different locations depending on needs. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it may be used in unusual locations, for example, during a temporary sport or a cultural event, near temporary road works or near residential areas to control the noise level. In a further subsidiary aspect, the processor of the detection unit can be programmed to set the value of the threshold noise level and the profile of allowed sounds. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it provides the universal system, which can be used in different countries and be adaptable to different sets of threshold and to accommodate different kinds of allowed sounds. In a further subsidiary aspect, the relevant messages displayed on the display unit depend on the source of sound and can be programmed to display relevant information and / or warning. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it provides real time or near real time messages which are targeted to certain noise sources. These may also be adapted to specific local languages. hi a subsidiary aspect, the system further comprises means for wirelessly communicating a warning signal to an emergency service. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it provides additional warning in case of dangerous sounds which may be related to certain kinds of antisocial behaviours and which may be classified as dangerous for society. In that case a signal may be sent to an emergency service such as the Police who may then intervene at the location and independently assess the situation. This may assist in preventing the violation of a permitted noise level, antisocial behaviour, or even preventing casualties. In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the system operates in conjunction with a camera. Preferably, the camera is an automatic number plate recognition camera (so called ANPR). In one embodiment, the camera is integrated in the detection unit. In another embodiment, the camera of the system is separate from the detector unit and may be located in one of the following positions: the same post, a dedicated post or on the same post as the display unit when the display unit is secured to a post. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows a system containing several noise detection units 1 and display units 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a system containing a single detection noise unit and a single display unit and details of their elements. Figure 3 shows a diagram explaining the process of how the noise level is measured and how the message is displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a diagram explaining the process of how the noise level is determined, measured and how the message is displayed in a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the system with a camera. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 provides an overview of a system containing several noise detection units 1 and display units 2. The system can comprise several noise detection units 1, which are preferably located before the display units 2. The units can be of different shape, size and height. In one of the embodiments, when the system is used as a road sign system, the noise detection units can incorporate a roadside pole, or be attached to other pre-existing road signs. A bracket may be provided between the housing of the noise detection units and the pole of a road sign in order to position the detection unit in close proximity to the passing traffic. The size of the unit must be sufficient to house all its elements. The housing may be waterproof and fireproof as appropriate. The following inner elements of the noise detection units 1 may be included within its housing: a power source - power supply or a battery or solar battery; a processor; a wireless transmitter for sending a signal to the display units if the sound level exceeds a set or pre-determined threshold. Each unit also includes at least one microphone 3 and / or set of microphones 3, shown in Figure 2. In a preferred embodiment, each one of the units (noise detection units and display units) may be wireless connected with each other, wherein each noise detection unit can send a wireless signal to the display units. During installation a specific pair of unit may be paired to avoid interference from other neighbouring units. The display unit may have any shape, size and form, suitable for providing its main function of displaying a relevant message to the public. The following inner elements of the display units 2 may be provided: a power source - power supply or a battery or solar battery; a receiver for receiving wireless signal sent by the detection units; a display with the possibility of showing a relevant message according to the signal, received from the detection unit. In one of the envisaged embodiments, the display unit may be mounted to a post on the side of the road. The display of the display unit 2 may be a light emitting diode (also known as LED) display, or any known display which is suitable for providing bright enough and informative messages to attract the attention of the drivers and / or if appropriate other members of the public. In such an embodiment, the noise detection unit monitors the traffic noise, and any vehicle with a loud exhaust will cause the unit to send a radio signal to illuminate a LED sign further ahead, with the message that the vehicle is emitting too much noise. The message itself may be displayed as “Too Loud” or any other similar message (as shown in figure 2). Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the system with a single noise detection unit 1 and a single display unit 2, the unit being advantageously wirelessly connected as described above. In one of the embodiment, the noise detection unit 1 comprises a set of microphones 3, which can be located on the upper surface of the unit and / or on the side surface if the unit around the circumference or from each side wall of the unit to provide the better detection of the noise and its level. The display unit 2 of figure 2 shows the display 4 of the message in one of the possible embodiments - the message simply display the words“TOO LOUD”. In one of the embodiments, the system is used as a system of road signs, and the display unit may be mounted to a post on the side of the road and the shape of the display may be similar to other already existing informative road signs. Figure 3 shows a diagram explaining the process of how the noise level may be measured and the message subsequently displayed in real time or near real time: (5) the noise detection units 1 receive sound waves; (6) measuring a noise level by a noise level meter; (7) comparing a noise level with an acceptable (set threshold) level by a processor; (8) processor determining whether the noise level is higher than an allowed pre-determined threshold. If the answer is NO, nothing happens, the signal is not sent to the display unit and the noise detection unit continues to receive sound waves and the process goes to step (5); If the answer is YES, the process continues (9) the processor activates the process of sending a signal by wireless transmission from the detection units to the display unit(s); (10) a radio receiver in the display units receives the signal from the measuring unit; (11) display(s) illuminate a LED sign showing the message text or symbol. The noise detection unit monitors the traffic noise, and any vehicle with a loud exhaust will cause the unit to send a radio signal to illuminate a LED sign located further ahead or down the road, with the message that the vehicle is emitting too much noise. The message itself may be “Too Loud” or similar. In another embodiment , the sign may display a symbol indicative of excessive noise having been detected. Figure 4 shows a diagram explaining the process of how the noise level is measured and the message is displayed in a further broad aspect: (12) the noise detection units 1 receive sound waves; (13) analysing, whether the received noise is one of the allowed noises? (14) if the answer is YES, nothing happens, the allowed loud sound is ignored; the signal is not send to the display unit and the noise detection unit continues to receive sound waves and the process goes to step (12); (15) if the answer is NO, the noise level is measured by noise level meter; (16) comparing a noise level with the acceptable (set threshold) level by a processor; (17) processor determining whether the level noise is higher than an allowed threshold. In case if the answer is NO, nothing happens, the signal is not send to the display unit and the noise detection unit continues to receive sound waves and the process goes to step (12); If the answer is YES, the process continues; (18) the processor detects the source of the sound by a processor; (19) the processor activates the sending of a relevant signal depending on the source of the noise by a wireless transmitter from the detection units to the display unit(s); (20) a radio receiver in the display units receives the signal from the measuring unit; (21) display(s) illuminate a LED sign showing the message text or symbol. This latest broad aspect may constantly measure the noise levels, process the sound and its level and, from a comparison of its frequency profile against known frequency profiles be able to determine the source of the sound. Thus, the noise detection unit is able to determine whether the sound is, for example, from a vehicle exhaust, modified engine, vehicle horn, siren from an emergency vehicle, loud music or antisocial behaviour. For example, the siren from an emergency vehicle, has a distinctive repeating pattern where as the loud music being produced by a vehicle will have a pattern which can be readily distinguished. Furthermore, a vehicle exhaust profile will likewise have a distinctive frequency profile. The burst from a vehicle exhaust will therefore be readily distinguished from the repetitive bursts typical of an emergency siren. The sound is preferably analysed and processed to determine the source of the sound. Should the sound be from a vehicle exhaust, vehicle horn, antisocial behaviour or loud music, and the noise level be above a set threshold, the noise detection unit will send a radio signal to a LED sign located further down the road, to display a relevant message so as to be visible to the driver as he / she passes by the display. If the source of the loud noise is that of an emergency vehicle siren then this will be filtered out and ignored. This system could be portable to be retrofitted to any location or be installed as part of the road traffic infrastructure at fixed locations. In one of the further embodiments, in case of the detection of an emergency sound, the system may send a signal to the emergency service, using the same wireless transmitter of the noise detection units. The processor may also incorporate a clock (not shown) and be configured to allow the activation of the system dependent upon the time of the day. For example, in a residential area, the warning system may be selected to be active during a particular time bracket eg. the evening or night as appropriate. Furthermore, the thresholds may also vary dependent upon the time of the day in order to have for example a lower threshold to trigger the warning sign in the evening or at night than during the day. The processor may be controllable remotely in order to allow the adjustment of this functionality. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment where a camera such as an ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) camera is provided in addition to the noise detection unit 1 and the display sign 2. The camera 22 in this embodiment is secured to a dedicated post 23. The camera may be retrofitted to the system depending on demand or be part of the system or one of the units from the outset. The camera would be triggered in response to the detection of the noise as per any of the previous embodiments for example when the noise level exceeds a pre-determined threshold or when the noise profile corresponds to an undesirable noise profile. The camera may be located on the same post as the detector, the same post as the display unit or sign or on a dedicated post as shown in figure 5. The images may be stored locally on the camera for download via a wireless connection such as a Wi-Fi link, a Bluetooth ® connection or via a mobile data connection. Alternatively, the units may have an ethemet connection to allow a wired connection to one or more of the units described 5 above. 01 10 24

Claims

1. A road-side noise level detecting and warning system comprising at least one noise detection unit configured to detect noise produced by passing vehicles, and at least one display unit for displaying a message or symbol relating to a detected noise level; said units being sequentially positioned relative to a road; whereby said noise detection unit is located at a distance before said display unit; said system further comprising a processor for determining whether the detected noise level exceeds a pre-determined threshold; when said detected noise level exceeds a pre-determined threshold, said processor is configured to communicate a signal to cause said display unit to display a message or symbol relating to said detected noise level; wherein said noise detection unit comprises at least one microphone for receiving sound waves; said processor and a wireless transmitter for sending said signal to said display units.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said display unit comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from said detection units and a display screen for displaying a message or symbol in response to said signal.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said noise detection unit comprises a housing and a bracket for mounting said unit to a post located in the vicinity of said road.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a solar panel for powering at least one of said units; said solar panel being an external surface of said housing.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processor is programmable to allow an operator to modify the value of said threshold noise level.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit comprises an array of light emitting diodes suitable for displaying a pre-determined message or symbol.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is configured to analyse the detected noise and compare it against pre-determined noise profiles; said noise profiles including frequencies which either correspond to allowable noise profiles OR unallowable noise profiles; wherein if the noise profile corresponds to unallowable noise profile, a signal is dispatched to said display unit to cause the display of a warning message or symbol.01 10 248. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises means for wirelessly communicating a signal to a location remote from either detection unit or said display unit.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a camera for capturing images of a vehicle or part of a vehicle when said noise level is detected to be in excess of a pre-determined threshold.

10. A road-side noise level detecting and warning system comprising at least one noise detection unit configured to detect noise produced by passing vehicles, and at least one display unit for displaying a message or symbol relating to a detected noise; said units being sequentially positioned relative to a road; whereby said noise detection unit is located at a distance before said display unit; said system further comprising a processor which is configured to analyse the detected noise and compare it against pre-determined noise profiles; said noise profiles including frequencies which either correspond to allowable noise profiles OR unallowable noise profiles; wherein if the noise profile corresponds to allowable noise profiles no signal is dispatched to said display unit; and wherein if the noise profile corresponds to an unallowable noise profile, a signal is dispatched to said display unit to cause the display of a warning message or symbol; wherein said noise detection unit comprises at least one microphone for receiving sound waves; said processor and a wireless transmitter for sending said signal to said display units.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said display unit comprises a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from said detection units and a display screen for displaying a message or symbol in response to said signal.

12. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein said noise detection unit comprises a housing and a bracket for mounting said unit to a post located in the vicinity of said road.

13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a solar panel for powering at least one of said units; said solar panel being an external surface of said housing.

14. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said processor is programmable to allow an operator to add or remove acceptable noise profile.CM15. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the display unit comprises an array of light emitting diodes suitable for displaying a pre-determined message or symbol.

16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the system further comprises a camera for capturing images of a vehicle or part of a vehicle when said noise level is detected to correspond to an unallowable or undesirable noise profde.

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