Vehicle detection system

The vehicle detection system addresses the limitations of existing methods by using transmitters to accurately detect vehicle size and occupancy, enhancing traffic management through precise traffic signal control.

JP2025130102APending Publication Date: 2025-09-08KOITO MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024027039
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-27
Publication Date
2025-09-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle detection technologies, such as imaging and radar-based systems, struggle to accurately detect vehicle size, type, and occupancy over a wide area, leading to challenges in effective traffic signal control.

Method used

A vehicle detection system using transmitters mounted on vehicles that emit signals containing vehicle information, detected by a device that calculates vehicle size and position based on the transmitter positions, enabling accurate detection of vehicle occupancy and traffic volume.

Benefits of technology

Enables high-accuracy detection of vehicle body size and occupancy over a wide area, improving traffic signal control and congestion management.

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Abstract

To provide a vehicle detection system capable of detecting occupancy or traffic volume of vehicles on a road with high accuracy by detecting vehicle body sizes of vehicles being present over a wide area.SOLUTION: A vehicle detection system comprises a transmitter 2 which is mounted on a vehicle 3 and transmits a required signal including vehicle information, and a vehicle detection device 1 which receives a signal of the transmitter 2 and detects a position of the transmitter 2 from the received signal. The vehicle detection device 1 includes: a communication section 11 which communicates with the transmitter 2; a position detector 12 which detects the position of the transmitter 2 from a signal of the transmitter 2; an information detection section 13 which detects vehicle information included in the signal; and a vehicle detection section 14 which detects a vehicle body size of the vehicle from the detected position and vehicle information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle detection system suitable for detecting the body size of vehicles traveling on a road or the like, and detecting the vehicle occupancy rate and traffic volume on the road. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been proposed for controlling traffic lights based on the volume of vehicle traffic to enable smooth passage of vehicles traveling on roads. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for detecting vehicles entering an intersection and controlling traffic lights based on the detected vehicle driving conditions in order to reduce or eliminate congestion at intersections.

[0003] In this type of technology, a technique for detecting vehicles, including automobiles, is used, for example, to capture an image of an intersection using an imaging device and detect automobiles entering the intersection from the captured image. However, detection methods using imaging devices are limited in the detectable area due to constraints such as the resolution and angle of view of the imaging device. As a result, it is difficult to detect vehicles present in a wide area, including an intersection, which is an obstacle to performing advanced and highly accurate traffic light control.

[0004] Furthermore, detection devices using radar, such as LiDAR, have been proposed as a method for detecting vehicles. While radar-based detection devices are effective in detecting a wider range than imaging methods, it is difficult to widen the radar projection angle, and so-called blind spots can occur. Therefore, it is difficult to identify vehicle size (width and length) and vehicle type (e.g., large, medium, small, or light vehicle), and to detect vehicle traffic volume and vehicle occupancy on a road, which can make it difficult to perform appropriate traffic signal control in response to traffic volume. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-94223 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-125829 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 2 proposes a vehicle detection technology that uses lamps installed at the front and rear of an automobile to detect the direction and size of the vehicle. The technology in Patent Document 2 captures an image of the vehicle with an imaging device and detects the direction and size of the vehicle from the colors of lamps installed at multiple locations on the vehicle body. However, like Patent Document 1, the technology uses an imaging device for detection, and it is difficult to detect vehicles over a wide area. Furthermore, because the detection relies on the colors of the lamps, it is difficult to detect the colors of the lamps when the lamps are not lit, which creates issues with the accuracy and precision of vehicle detection.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle detection system that can detect the body size of vehicles present in a wide area and detect the vehicle occupancy rate and traffic volume on a road with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a vehicle detection system that includes at least one transmitter that is mounted on a vehicle and emits a required signal containing vehicle information about the vehicle, and a vehicle detection device that receives the signal from the transmitter and detects the position of the transmitter from the received signal, and the vehicle detection device detects the body size of the vehicle from the detected position of the transmitter and the vehicle information contained in the signal.

[0009] In the present invention, for example, a plurality of transmitters are provided and mounted at different positions on the body of the same vehicle, and the vehicle information of the plurality of transmitters includes ID information of the same vehicle and position information of each of the plurality of transmitters on the body. In this case, the plurality of transmitters are mounted at specific planar positions for detecting the longitudinal length and lateral length of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the planar positions of the plurality of transmitters are mounted at different positions on the body so as to form different planar shapes depending on the type of vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle detection device of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives signals from multiple transmitters mounted on the same vehicle, a position detection unit that detects the positions of the multiple transmitters from the received signals, and a vehicle detection unit that detects the body size of the vehicle based on the detected positions of the multiple transmitters and vehicle information from the signals received from the multiple transmitters.

[0011] In this vehicle detection device, the vehicle detection unit detects the size of the vehicle based on the number of transmitters and the planar layout of the detected transmitters. Preferably, the vehicle detection unit detects the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle based on vehicle information from the detected signals of the transmitters. Preferably, the vehicle detection unit detects the position of the vehicle on the road based on the positions of the transmitters detected by the position detection unit, and detects the vehicle occupancy rate on the road from the detected position and vehicle size. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the vehicle detection system of the present invention, the vehicle detection device detects the position of a transmitter mounted on a vehicle and detects vehicle information contained in the signal from the transmitter, thereby making it possible to detect the vehicle body size and further the vehicle position. This makes it possible to detect vehicles within an area where communication with the transmitter is possible, and to detect vehicle occupancy and traffic volume on roads over a wide area with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the system of the present invention is applied to an intersection. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an automobile (four-wheeled vehicle) and its transmission chip. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a car's transmitting chip and the vehicle information (ID information, vehicle body information) contained in the signal. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a transmitting chip of a motorcycle and its planar arrangement. [Figure 4B] Schematic diagram showing the bicycle's transmitter chip and its planar layout. [Figure 4C] Schematic diagram showing the transmitter chip of a senior car and its planar layout. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle detection device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing map information of a vehicle detection unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of vehicle detection. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a system for detecting vehicles traveling on a road near an intersection, and a vehicle detection device 1 is installed on the roadside. In this case, it is installed integrally with one of multiple traffic lights SIG installed at the intersection. This vehicle detection device 1 identifies vehicles 3 traveling on the road and detects their body sizes. It also detects the positions of the vehicles 3 and, based on the detected information, detects the degree of vehicle congestion on the road, in this case at the intersection, i.e., the road occupancy rate.

[0015] The detected information is then transmitted to a traffic light control device 100 installed at the intersection, which can ensure the smooth passage of vehicles 3 through the intersection. Although not shown in Fig. 1, this traffic light control device 100 is connected to multiple traffic lights SIG installed at the intersection, and is also connected to the vehicle detection device 1 wirelessly or via a wire to receive detection signals from the vehicle detection device 1.

[0016] In the vehicle detection system of the present invention, a vehicle to be detected is equipped with a transmitter 2 that transmits a predetermined wireless signal. The vehicle detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is capable of detecting the body size and vehicle position of the vehicle 3 to be detected by receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 2 equipped in the vehicle 3. This transmitter 2 is capable of transmitting a wireless signal containing predetermined vehicle information in a predetermined radio wave format, and is configured, for example, as a transmitter chip formed by integrating electronic circuits. In this example, it is configured as an IoT chip, but any chip component with equivalent functions can be used without being limited to a specific name.

[0017] 2 shows an example of an automobile (four-wheeled automobile) 31 as a vehicle, with left and right front lamps 312 installed at the front of the body 311 and left and right rear lamps 313 installed at the rear. A transmitting chip 2 is installed inside each of the lamps 312, 313. That is, one transmitting chip 2 is provided at each of the left and right sides of the front and rear of the body of the automobile, i.e., at each of the four corners of the body. The four transmitting chips 2 are arranged to form a rectangle in a plan view.

[0018] 2 also shows an example of a transmitter chip disposed in a left front lamp 312 of an automobile 31. Lamp units 315, 316 for a head lamp and a clearance lamp are housed within a lamp housing 314 of the left front lamp 312 of the automobile. A transmitter chip 2 is housed within a portion of this lamp housing 314. This transmitter chip 2 is mounted, for example, on a portion of a light source board for lighting the lamp units 315, 316, and is powered by an on-board battery, and is powered and begins transmitting at least when the automobile 31 is in a state in which it can run, that is, when the main key (ignition key) is turned on.

[0019] In the automobile 31 shown in FIG. 2, the wireless signals transmitted from the four transmitting chips 2 mounted on the four corners of the body 311 are each configured as a signal containing vehicle information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the four transmitting chips 2 (21-24) No. 1 to No. 4 mounted on the automobile 31 are configured as signals with a frame structure in which the vehicle information is coded, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The vehicle information includes ID information, which is information unique to the vehicle, and vehicle body information indicating the vehicle size. In the case of an automobile, the ID information is configured by a license number or the like, but may also include vehicle type information (passenger car, freight vehicle, large vehicle, etc.). The vehicle body information is information indicating the longitudinal and lateral positions on the vehicle body on which the transmitting chip 2 is mounted, and includes, for example, "front," "rear," "front-rear center," etc. indicating the longitudinal position, and "left," "right," "left-right center," etc. indicating the lateral position.

[0020] In this embodiment, the four transmitting chips 21-24, No. 1 to No. 4, are all mounted on the same automobile 31, and therefore have the same ID information, "KT101." However, the vehicle body information differs depending on the location where they are installed. The vehicle body information of the No. 1 transmitting chip 21 on the front right of the vehicle body is "front right," the vehicle body information of the No. 2 transmitting chip 22 on the front left of the vehicle body is "front left," the vehicle body information of the No. 3 transmitting chip 23 on the rear right of the vehicle body is "rear right," and the vehicle body information of the No. 4 transmitting chip 24 on the rear left of the vehicle body is "rear left."

[0021] Vehicles other than automobiles have a unique number of transmitting chips arranged at predetermined positions on the body, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C. Figure 4A shows a motorcycle 32, and as shown in Figure 4A (a), a total of four transmitting chips 2 are installed inside one headlamp 322 installed at the front of the body 311, one tail lamp 323 installed at the rear of the body, and two rearview mirrors 324 installed on both the left and right sides of the body. As shown in Figure 4B (b), the four transmitting chips 2 are arranged to form a diamond shape in a plan view. The ID information of each transmitting chip 2 includes information for identifying the motorcycle 32. The body information of the transmitting chips 2 of the headlamp 322 and tail lamp 323 is "front" and "rear," and the body information of the transmitting chips 2 of the rearview mirror 324 is "left center" and "right center."

[0022] FIG. 4B shows a bicycle 33, and as shown in FIG. 4(a), a total of two transmitting chips 2 are installed inside one lighting lamp 332 mounted on the front of a body 331 and one rear reflector (RR: reflex reflector) 333 mounted on the rear of the body. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the two transmitting chips 2 are arranged so as to form a straight line in a plan view. The transmitting chips 2 contain information for identifying the bicycle 33. The body information of the transmitting chips 2 of the lighting lamp 332 and the rear reflector 333 is "front" and "rear."

[0023] FIG. 4C shows a senior car 34, and as shown in FIG. 4(a), three combined transmitting chips are installed inside one lighting lamp 342 mounted on the front of the body 341, and two reflectors 343 mounted on the left and right sides of the rear of the body 341. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the three transmitting chips are arranged to form a triangle in a plan view. These three transmitting chips contain information for identifying the senior car. The lighting lamp's transmitting chip has body information of "front," and the two reflector transmitting chips have body information of "rear right" and "rear left."

[0024] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the invention can also be applied to electric kick scooters. Electric kick scooters are relatively short, so one transmitting chip is installed. In this case, the pedestrian may carry a transmitting chip. In this embodiment, it is also possible to detect pedestrians carrying transmitting chips. The pedestrian 4 shown in Figure 1 carries one transmitting chip 2 in a personal item such as a bag. For electric kick scooters and pedestrian transmitting chips, ID information is included as vehicle information, but vehicle information does not need to be included.

[0025] 5, the vehicle detection device 1 includes a communication unit 11 that receives a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter chip 2 mounted on the vehicle 3, a position detection unit 12 that detects the position of the transmitter chip 2 based on the received wireless signal, and an information detection unit 13 that performs signal processing (decodes) on the wireless signal of the position-detected transmitter chip 2 and detects the ID information and vehicle body information of the vehicle contained in the wireless signal.The vehicle detection device 1 also includes a vehicle detection unit 14 that detects the body size of the vehicle 3 based on the position of the transmitter chip 2 detected by the position detection unit 12 and the ID information and vehicle body information detected by the information detection unit 13, and detects the type and vehicle position of the vehicle 3.

[0026] The communication unit 11 receives, via the antenna 10, radio signals transmitted from the transmitting chips 2 of one or more vehicles 3 present in a desired area, for example, a wide area including an intersection as shown in FIG.

[0027] The position detection unit 12 detects the position of the transmitting chip 2 based on the signal received from the transmitting chip 2. This position detection can be performed, for example, by receiving the radio signal from the transmitting chip 2 with antennas 10 provided at two different locations on the communication unit 11, determining the distance to the transmitting chip 2 or the direction of the transmitting chip based on the two obtained signals, and then using triangulation based on these and the distance between the two antennas. Alternatively, if the radio signal from the transmitting chip 2 includes a GPS signal, the GPS signal is used to detect the position.

[0028] The information detection unit 13 detects vehicle information, ie, ID information and vehicle body information, contained in the radio signal from the transmitting chip 2 whose position has been detected by the position detection unit 12, and outputs the information to the vehicle detection unit .

[0029] The vehicle detection unit 14 stores map information covering a detection area, in this case a wide area including the intersection in FIG. 1, as a reference when detecting the vehicle 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, map information including roads in the area near the intersection is stored in association with XY coordinates. This map information includes at least information on the roadway DW on which the vehicle travels. Note that it may also include information on roads such as sidewalks SW and crosswalks CW. The transmitting chips 2 of the vehicles 3 whose positions have been detected by the position detection unit 12 are displayed as points on the roads represented by the map information.

[0030] Vehicle detection in the vehicle detection device 1 configured as described above is performed, for example, as follows. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of vehicle detection. First, the communication unit 11 receives a signal from the transmitting chip 2, and the position detection unit 12 detects the transmitting chip 2 and detects its position (S11). The detected transmitting chip 2 is then displayed as a point on the road in the map information shown in Fig. 6. Next, the information detection unit 13 detects ID information from the vehicle information of each transmitting chip 2 (S12) and outputs it to the vehicle detection unit 14.

[0031] The vehicle detection unit 14 compares the ID information of the multiple transmitting chips 2 (S13), and determines that transmitting chips 2 having the same ID information are transmitting chips installed in the same vehicle (S14). As a result, individual vehicles are detected from the multiple transmitting chips 2 displayed on the map information (S14). Note that in this example, the vehicle position is detected at the same time as the position of the detected transmitting chip 2 is detected, but this may be detected in a later process. In step S13, if the ID information does not match, it is determined that the respective transmitting chips 2 belong to different vehicles (S15).

[0032] For multiple transmitting chips 2 that are identified as belonging to the same vehicle, the planar layout of the vehicle 3 is recognized based on the number of transmitting chips 2 and the positions of the transmitting chips 2 on the vehicle body, and the vehicle body shape (planar shape) of the vehicle 3 is determined based on this recognition (S16). In this case, for example, the planar shape of the vehicle body may be detected by determining the coordinate positions of multiple transmitting chips 2 that make up the same vehicle pointed to in the map information, and the detected planar shape may be detected by comparing it with the planar shapes shown in each of (b) of Figures 3 and 4A to 4C.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 6, a vehicle 3 with four transmitting chips 2 arranged in a rectangle, which are considered to be the same vehicle, is detected as an automobile (four-wheeled vehicle) 31 (S17a). A vehicle 3 with four transmitting chips 2 arranged in a diamond shape is detected as a motorcycle 32 (S17b). A vehicle 3 with two transmitting chips 2 arranged in a straight line is detected as a bicycle 33 (S17c). Although not shown, a vehicle 3 with three transmitting chips 2 arranged in a triangle is detected as a mobility scooter 34 (S17d). When one transmitting chip is detected, the vehicle is detected as an electric kick scooter or a pedestrian (S17e). In the case of a transmission kick scooter, two transmitting chips may be installed. In this case, the vehicle size may be detected as a predetermined length.

[0034] The vehicle detection unit 14 detects the body size of the vehicle 3 based on the detected body shape of the vehicle 3 and the body information of the detected transmitting chips 2. That is, the body size of the vehicle 3 is detected by detecting the body information of the detected transmitting chips 2, i.e., the position on the body, i.e., whether the location on the body where each transmitting chip 2 is mounted is in the front-to-back or left-to-right direction of the body. For example, if the vehicle is the automobile shown in FIG. 4A, the length of the body 311 of the automobile 31 is detected from the spacing between the transmitting chips 2 mounted at the front and rear. Furthermore, the width of the body 311 is detected from the spacing between the transmitting chips 2 mounted at the left and right. The spacing between the transmitting chips 2 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions can be detected from the lengths in the X and Y directions between the transmitting chips on the coordinate system of the map information. At the same time, the front-to-back direction of the detected vehicle can also be detected.

[0035] Although a detailed explanation of the flow will be omitted, the body size of other vehicles can also be detected in the same manner as for automobiles in steps S18b, S18c, S18d, and S18e of Fig. 7. In the case of motorcycle 32 of Fig. 4B, the vehicle length is detected from the front and rear transmitting chips 2, and the vehicle width is detected from the left and right transmitting chips 2. The same applies to bicycle 33 of Fig. 4C and senior car 34 of Fig. 4D. In the case of these vehicles, the transmitting chips 2 may not necessarily be mounted at the ends of the body, so some margin may be added to the front-to-rear length and left-to-right length when detecting.

[0036] The vehicle detection unit 14 also detects the position of the detected vehicle 3 on the road. For example, the center of gravity of a plane shape such as a rectangle or diamond formed by the multiple transmitting chips 2 of the detected vehicle 3 is detected as the position of the vehicle. In this case, points displayed on map information can also be used. Furthermore, the speed and traveling direction of the vehicle 3 can be detected from the change in the position of the detected vehicle 3 over time. These detections make it possible to detect the traffic status of vehicles on the road. In addition, it is possible to detect vehicles going the wrong way and illegal parking.

[0037] If the speed of change in position of each of a plurality of transmitting chips can be detected, it can be determined based on this that these transmitting chips belong to the same vehicle, and this can be substituted for steps S13 and S14 in Fig. 7. That is, the positions of a plurality of transmitting chips 2 that make up the same vehicle change integrally in the same direction at the same speed as the vehicle 3 moves, so it is also possible to detect that the transmitting chips 2 belong to the same vehicle 3 without determining the ID information as in step S13.

[0038] In this way, when the type and body size of vehicle 3 are detected, and further the position and speed of vehicle 3 are detected, the traffic conditions of vehicle 3, such as the number and speed of vehicles traveling on the road shown in the map information, can be detected by integrating this information on multiple detected vehicles. Furthermore, since the area (surface area) that one vehicle occupies on the road can be detected from the body size detected by vehicle detection unit 14, the vehicle occupancy rate on the road that is highly relevant to traffic congestion on the road can be detected with high accuracy by integrating the body sizes of each vehicle for multiple vehicles existing on the road.

[0039] As described above, in the vehicle detection system of the embodiment, vehicle detection device 1 detects the body size and even the vehicle position of vehicle 3 based on signals from transmitter chip 2 mounted on vehicle 3, and therefore vehicle detection device 1 can detect vehicles in an area where it can receive signals from transmitter chip 2. Generally, vehicle detection using an imaging device is limited to detection within an area of ​​several tens of meters, but vehicle detection device 1 makes it possible to detect the body size and vehicle position of vehicles present within an area of ​​100 meters or more where communication is possible. Furthermore, because vehicle detection device 1 detects vehicles based on the position of transmitter chip 2 shown on a map, it is possible to detect vehicle size and occupancy rates that are difficult to detect using radar methods such as LiDAR.

[0040] 1, various pieces of information such as the vehicle size and vehicle position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle detection device 1 are output as road information to a traffic light controller 100 of a traffic light SIG installed at an intersection. A traffic light control unit 101 of the traffic light controller 100 controls the lighting state of the traffic light SIG, particularly the lighting timing of red and green lights, based on the input road information, thereby performing control so that vehicles can pass smoothly through the intersection. Various technologies for controlling this traffic light SIG have already been proposed, so only a brief explanation will be given here.

[0041] For example, the occupancy rate of a road in one direction at an intersection can be detected from the number, position, and vehicle size of that road. If this occupancy rate is higher than that of the intersecting road, the green light time of the traffic light on the road in one direction is made longer than that of the traffic light on the intersecting road. Conversely, if the occupancy rate of a road in one direction is lower than that of the intersecting road, the green light time of the traffic light on the road in one direction is made shorter than that of the traffic light on the intersecting road. In these cases, when a pedestrian is detected, the green light time of the traffic light on the vehicle side is shortened based on the length of time the pedestrian's position does not change and the occupancy rate of vehicles on the road.

[0042] In the vehicle detection system of the present invention, the vehicle detection device 1 is not limited to being installed at one intersection on a road or its vicinity, but may be installed at multiple intersections separated from each other or over a long distance on a road. The multiple vehicle detection devices may be connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so that vehicle information detected by each of the multiple vehicle detection devices can be shared among the multiple vehicle detection devices.

[0043] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a vehicle detection device 1 installed on a road may be wirelessly connected to a communication network (Internet) NW and connected to a traffic control center or a traffic manager (administrative authority) 200 via this communication network MW. The traffic control center can comprehensively control traffic lights over an extremely wide area based on the vehicle size and vehicle position of the vehicle detected by the vehicle detection device 1, as well as its occupancy rate on the road. This also enables the traffic manager to ensure the safety of vehicles. For example, the location and time when a vehicle is moving or stopped can be detected, and vehicle accidents, illegal stopping, speeding, and wrong-way driving can be discovered. In particular, in the event of an accident, road congestion can be predicted based on the vehicle size, enabling appropriate response measures.

[0044] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, the vehicle detection system of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of vehicle detection devices 1. In this case, the plurality of vehicle detection devices 1 may be interconnected wirelessly or by wire, and information related to detected vehicles, particularly vehicle size and vehicle position, may be shared among the vehicle detection devices 1. In this way, it becomes possible to track and detect the same vehicle over a wide area where a plurality of vehicle detection devices 1 are installed, enabling appropriate control of traffic lights at many intersections over a wide area and smooth traffic control.

[0045] In the present invention, each component constituting the vehicle detection device 1 may be configured independently. For example, the communication unit 11 may be disposed along a road, while the position detection unit 12, information detection unit 13, and vehicle detection unit 14 may be disposed in separate locations and connected to each other wirelessly or via wired connection. Alternatively, a single signal processing unit, i.e., a single integrated unit that combines the position detection unit 12, information detection unit 13, and vehicle detection unit 14, may be connected to multiple communication units 11, and the transmitter chips detected by the multiple communication units 11 may be detected collectively by this single signal processing unit. Alternatively, when the vehicle detection device 1 is connected to a communication network NW as described above, only the communication unit 11 may be connected to the communication network, and the signal processing in the signal processing unit may be performed using the cloud of the communication network NW. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Vehicle detection device 2. Transmitter chip (transmitter, IoT chip) 3 vehicles 10 Antennas 11 Communications Department 12 Position detection unit 13 Information detection unit 14 Vehicle detection unit 31 Automobiles (four-wheeled vehicles) 32 Motorcycles 33 Bicycle 34 Senior Car 100 Traffic light control device 101 Traffic light control unit 200 Administrative Authority SIG traffic light NW communication network

Claims

1. A vehicle detection system comprising at least one transmitter mounted on a vehicle that emits a required signal containing vehicle information about the vehicle, and a vehicle detection device that receives the signal and detects the position of the transmitter from the received signal, wherein the vehicle detection device detects the position of the transmitter detected and the body size of the vehicle from the vehicle information contained in the signal.

2. 2. The vehicle detection system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitters are provided in multiple locations on the body of the same vehicle, and the vehicle information of the multiple transmitters includes ID information of the same vehicle and position information of each of the multiple transmitters on the body.

3. 3. The vehicle detection system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of transmitters are mounted at specific planar positions for detecting the longitudinal length and lateral length of the vehicle body.

4. The vehicle detection system according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of transmitters are mounted at different positions on the vehicle body so that the planar shapes of the transmitters vary depending on the type of vehicle.

5. 3. The vehicle detection system according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle detection device comprises a receiving unit that receives signals from a plurality of transmitters mounted on the same vehicle, a position detecting unit that detects the positions of the plurality of transmitters from the received signals, and a vehicle detection unit that detects the body size of the vehicle based on the detected positions of the plurality of transmitters and vehicle information of the received signals from the plurality of transmitters.

6. The vehicle detection system according to claim 5 , wherein the vehicle detection unit detects the size of the vehicle based on the number of the plurality of transmitters and the planar layout of the detected plurality of transmitters.

7. 7. The vehicle detection system according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle detection unit detects the forward and backward directions of the vehicle based on vehicle information of the detected signals from the plurality of transmitters.

8. 7. The vehicle detection system according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle detection unit detects the position of the vehicle on the road based on the positions of the plurality of transmitters detected by the position detection unit, and detects the vehicle occupancy rate on the road from the detected position and vehicle body size.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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