Method and device of pavement smoothness analysis using regular vehicles, automatic calibration, and spatial statistical classification

Abstract

This invention concerns an innovative method and device for recording and analyzing road surface smoothness, implemented via a telematics device-main unit (1) installed on a transport vehicle [e.g., truck, bus, etc.] (7) performing independent tasks, such as waste collection, goods transportation, passenger transport, or surveillance. The telematics device - main unit (1) records acceleration [vertical - longitudinal - lateral] (8) and angular velocity through the integrated three-axis accelerometer (2), gyroscope (3), and GPS receiver. Subsequently, the processor-controller (6) correlates the data with geographic coordinates and transmits them via the cellular communication module (5) to the cloud-based computing platform (9), where data is visualized on a GIS map with color-coded smoothness indicators, alert algorithm output, and administrative classification [Municipality, Region, Highway] (10). The device automatically calculates the vertical axis when the vehicle is stationary, regardless of the mounting orientation. It further applies corrections in cases of high longitudinal or lateral acceleration by filtering out vibrations unrelated to road surface degradation. The platform displays the latest measurements for each point, maintains historical records, and activates alerts only when new wear or damage is detected. The data is categorized into geographic units (municipalities, regions, highways), enabling the production of statistical and comparative reports per area, thereby supporting evidence-based planning and prioritization of maintenance interventions.