System and method for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure

Abstract

It is disclosed a system for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure. The system comprises a central server and a set of grazing lighting devices suitable for illuminating the road infrastructure. The grazing lighting devices are installed along the road infrastructure and are connected to the central server. Each grazing lighting device comprises at least one signaling light source. Upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, the central server transmits an activation command to a subset of the set of grazing lighting devices, the subset comprising one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure preceding the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the said road infrastructure. The signaling light source of each grazing lighting device included in the subset switches on upon reception of the activation command.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIGNALING AN ANOMALOUS TRAFFIC EVENT ALONG A ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of techniques for controlling vehicle traffic along road infrastructures. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for signaling to the drivers of vehicles in transit along a road infrastructure (for example a road and / or highway section, a viaduct, a tunnel, etc.), an anomalous traffic event occurring along said road infrastructure.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] As is known, along a road infrastructure (for example a road and / or highway section, a viaduct, a tunnel, etc.) anomalous traffic events may occur, i.e. events which affect the normal traffic flow along the road infrastructure. These anomalous events may for example include accidents involving one or more vehicles, traffic jams or slowed traffic due to particularly heavy traffic, roadworks, diversions, vehicles stopped along the roadway, e.g. due to a breakdown or fault, vehicles traveling on the wrong side of the road, particularly adverse weather conditions (thick fog, heavy rain, snow or ice), etc.

[0006] These anomalous traffic events represent a potential danger for the vehicles in transit along the road infrastructure. For this reason, generally the road infrastructure is provided with a signaling system which, in the event of an anomalous traffic event, is activated so as to alert the drivers of the vehicles in transit, allowing them to adopt a suitable driving behavior (for example by slowing down and / or avoiding traveling along the roadway where the anomalous traffic event has occurred). These signaling systems are generally positioned ahead of the location where the anomalous traffic event occurred (or started), so as to give the drivers due warning in advance and allow them to adopt a suitable driving behavior in time so that adequate safety conditions are ensured for the traffic.

[0007] A known example of these signaling systems are the variable message panels, which are typically arranged on overpasses or bridges which cross the highways. In the event of an anomalous traffic event the variable message panels show a text message which provides information about the event (for example “ROADWORKS AT KM 253 - MEN AT WORK” or “ACCIDENT AT KM 35 - 10 KM QUEUE OF VEHICLES”). The text message may also be accompanied by one or more symbols which conventionally are used in roadway signaling systems to represent for example an accident, traffic jam, diversion or roadworks.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] The Applicant has perceived the need to provide an improved system and method for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure, compared to the known systems and methods.

[0010] According to the present invention, a system for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure is provided, said system comprising a central server and a set of grazing lighting devices suitable for illuminating the road infrastructure. The grazing lighting devices are installed along the road infrastructure and are connected to the central server. Each grazing lighting device comprises at least one signaling light source. Upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, the central server transmits an activation command to a subset of the set of grazing lighting devices, the subset comprising one or more grazing lighting devices situated along a section of the road infrastructure preceding the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the road infrastructure; upon reception of the activation command, the signaling light source of each grazing lighting device included in the subset lights up.

[0011] Upon reception of the activation command, therefore, the signaling light sources light up and for example start to flash, thus signaling the anomalous traffic event to the drivers of the vehicles traveling along the roadway infrastructure section preceding the event itself, so that the drivers may adopt a suitable driving behavior (for example slowing down). For example, these signaling light sources may comprise LEDs which, possibly by means of suitable filters, emit an amber or other colored light in accordance with the regulations applicable along the road infrastructure.

[0012] In the continuation of the present description and the claims, the expression “grazing lighting device” will indicate a lighting device suitable for being installed at a height H from the road surface of not more than 150 cm, preferably between 50 cm and 120 cm, for example about 80 cm. These grazing lighting devices are typically installed along the edges of the road infrastructure, for example by fixing them to a surface of a New Jersey barrier, to a beam of a guardrail or to the sidewall of a tunnel.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present invention, therefore, the function of signaling anomalous traffic events is integrated within the grazing lighting devices. This results in various advantages compared to the known signaling systems, for example the known systems which use variable message panels.

[0014] Firstly, since they are situated at a height lower than that of the driver's eyes, the signaling light sources are more visible than the variable message panels which are typically arranged on overpasses or bridges, since the driver's vision is most of the time directed downwards (i.e. towards the road surface). The visibility of the signaling light sources located at a height within the aforementioned range is greater in any conditions, but in particular at nighttime and in the event of reduced visibility, for example due to rain or fog. Furthermore, advantageously, the signaling light sources included in the same grazing lighting devices provide a kind of luminous guiding system which allows the driver to assess, even in adverse weather conditions, the features of the road infrastructure section which is being traveled along (width of the roadway, presence of bends, junctions, etc.).

[0015] Moreover, advantageously, the signal generated by the signaling sources included in the grazing lighting devices (for example a flashing signal) may be easily and readily interpreted and does not require particular attention or time to be understood.

[0016] Moreover, while a variable message panel provides a lumped signaling of the event, the signaling light sources included in the grazing lighting devices provide instead a distributed signaling, since they are located at regular intervals along the road infrastructure section located ahead of the event. While, therefore, there is a significant risk that a driver may not notice the message shown on a variable message panel (for example because of a momentary distraction or too high a speed or the presence of heavy traffic), the risk of a driver not noticing the distributed signaling provided by the signaling light sources included in the grazing lighting devices is instead negligible. The signals produced by the signaling sources included in the grazing lighting devices are therefore much more effective.

[0017] The system according to embodiments of the present invention may anyway be used in combination with other known signaling systems, such as systems which make use of variable message panels or other vertical signaling systems (for example lane control signs) or systems which broadcast news about traffic conditions via radio, television, third party apps (for example Google Maps or Waze) or social channels (for example Twitter). In this case, the system according to embodiments of the present invention advantageously not only signals the presence of the event in good time and efficiently, but also has the function of ensuring that the driver pays more attention to the information supplied by the variable message panels and / or consults other signaling systems in order to obtain more detailed information about the event.

[0018] Furthermore, the incorporation of the signaling light sources inside the grazing lighting devices advantageously allows the shared use of at least the housing, supporting and power supply components by both the signaling lighting source of each grazing lighting device and the illumination light source included within the same device. This therefore results in a reduction not only of the amount of energy used for signaling, but also of the system installation and maintenance costs.

[0019] Also the environmental and visual impact of the signaling system is advantageously reduced, it not being necessary to provide special support structures for the signaling light sources.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure is provided, the system comprising:

[0021] - a central server; and

[0022] - a set of grazing lighting devices suitable for lighting said road infrastructure, the grazing lighting devices being installed along the road infrastructure and being connected to the central server, each grazing lighting device comprising at least one signaling light source; wherein the central server is configured, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, to transmit an activation command to a subset of the set of grazing lighting devices, the subset comprising one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure preceding the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the road infrastructure; and wherein the signaling light source of each grazing lighting device included in the subset is configured to switch on upon reception of the activation command.

[0023] Preferably, each grazing lighting device also comprises at least one sensor suitable for providing data about said anomalous traffic event, and the central server is configured to detect the anomalous traffic event on the basis of the data about said anomalous event provided by the at least sensor.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of:

[0025] - an impact sensor suitable for measuring an acceleration to which said each grazing lighting device is subjected and / or a support structure to which said each grazing lighting device is fixed;

[0026] - a vehicle transit sensor;

[0027] - a distance meter; and

[0028] - a sensor suitable for detecting visibility conditions along the road infrastructure.

[0029] Preferably, the central server is configured to send a notification of the anomalous traffic event detected to a road infrastructure management system.

[0030] Preferably, the central server is configured to send a notification of the anomalous traffic event to a further signaling system, the further signaling system comprising at least one of:

[0031] - a management system of road signaling devices installed along the road infrastructure, said road signaling devices comprising at least one variable message panel and / or a lane control sign; and

[0032] - a system for broadcasting traffic news via radio, television, third party apps or social channels.

[0033] Preferably, the signaling light source of each grazing lighting device included in the subset is configured to start flashing upon reception of the activation command.

[0034] Preferably, the central server is configured to insert into the activation command information about an activation mode, said information comprising at least one of the following: luminous intensity of the signaling light source, flashing frequency and type of flashing.

[0035] Preferably, the central server is configured to determine a length D of the section of the road infrastructure preceding the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the road infrastructure on the basis of features of the road infrastructure and / or the type of event detected.

[0036] Preferably, each grazing lighting device also includes an acoustic signaling source, the acoustic signaling source being configured to switch on upon reception of the activation command.

[0037] The grazing lighting devices may be placed on both sides of the road infrastructure, preferably on one side only, at a mutual distance L between 2 m and 12 m, more preferably between 5 m and 12 m.

[0038] Preferably, each grazing lighting device of the set of grazing lighting devices also comprises an illumination light source suitable for lighting a portion of the road infrastructure.

[0039] Preferably, the central server is configured to, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, accordingly adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination light source of at least one grazing lighting device of the set of grading lighting devices.

[0040] For example, the central server may be configured to:

[0041] - if the detected anomalous traffic event is a queue, transmit to at least one grazing lighting device located along the queue a command for the at least one grazing lighting device to reduce the luminous intensity of its illumination light source; and / or

[0042] - if the detected anomalous traffic event detected is rain or fog along a section of the roadway infrastructure, transmit to at least one grazing lighting device located along the section of the roadway infrastructure a command for the at least one grazing lighting device to increase the luminous intensity of its illumination light source.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the central server may be configured to adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination light source of at least one grazing lighting device of the set of grazing lighting device upon detection of a change in traffic volume or weather conditions, even when such a change does not generate an anomalous traffic event.

[0044] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road structure is provided, the road infrastructure being illuminated by a set of grazing lighting devices installed along the road infrastructure (IF) and connected to a central server, each grazing lighting device comprising at least one signaling light source, the method comprising:

[0045] - by means of the central server, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, transmitting an activation command to a subset of the set of grazing lighting devices, the subset comprising one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure preceding the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the road infrastructure; and

[0046] - upon receiving the activation command at each grazing lighting device included in the subset, switching on the signaling light source of each grazing lighting device included in the subset.

[0047] Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of possible embodiments thereof, provided by way of a non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0049] - Figure 1 shows in schematic form a system for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 2 shows in greater detail a grazing lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Figure 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] - Figure 4 shows an exemplary scenario of application of the system according to Figure 1 .

[0053] The Figures are not to scale.

[0054] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0055] Figure 1 shows in schematic form a system 100 for signaling an anomalous traffic event along a road infrastructure IF, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The road infrastructure IF, which does not form part of the system 100, preferably comprises a road and / or highway section and / or one or more bridges and / or one or more viaducts and / or one or more tunnels.

[0056] The system 100 preferably comprises a set of grazing lighting devices, denoted overall by the reference number 101. The grazing lighting devices are positioned along the road infrastructure IF. In the non-limiting example of embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the system 100 comprises five grazing lighting devices, which are individually indicated by respective reference numbers 1011 -1015. Below, for simpler illustration, reference will be made to the device 101 or to the devices 101 in order to indicate, respectively, a generic grazing lighting device of the set of devices 1011 -1015, or the set of grazing lighting devices 1011 -1015 as a whole, when it is not of importance (for the purposes of the features discussed) to distinguish between the individual devices.

[0057] As mentioned above, the grazing lighting devices 101 are preferably positioned along the road infrastructure IF. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the grazing lighting devices 101 are positioned along one side of the road infrastructure IF and substantially equidistant at a distance L from each other. The distance L is preferably comprised between 2 m and 12 m, more preferably between 5 m and 12 m, for example it may be about 8 m. This is however not limiting, since the grazing lighting devices 101 may be distributed along the road infrastructure IF in any position and / or at variable distances from each other (depending, for example, on the operating features of the devices and / or the type and form of the road infrastructure IF and / or on regulatory constraints).

[0058] The grazing lighting devices 101 are positioned at a height H from the road surface of the road infrastructure IF. The height H is not greater than 150 cm and is preferably comprised between 50 cm and 120 cm, for example it is about 80 cm. The grazing lighting devices 101 are also preferably fixed to a support structure. Each device 101 may have its own support structure or at least some of the devices 101 may make use of a common support structure. For example, in the case where the road infrastructure IF is flanked by a New Jersey barrier or a guardrail, the grazing lighting devices 101 may be fixed to a surface of the New Jersey barrier or to a beam of the guardrail. If, instead, the road infrastructure IF comprises a tunnel, the grazing lighting devices 101 may be fixed to the sidewall of the tunnel.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, each grazing lighting device 101 comprises an illumination light source 102 and a signaling light source 103.

[0060] The illumination light source 102 is suitable for illuminating a portion of the infrastructure IF. The illumination light source 102 may, for example, comprise one or more LEDs, in particular one or more LEDs which emit white light. The light source 102 is preferably such as to allow the implementation of a level of illumination in compliance with UNI standard 11248 “Road lighting - Selection of lighting categories”. The illumination light source 102 optionally may have an adjustable luminous intensity, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

[0061] The signaling light source 103 is suitable for lighting up when the device 101 receives a suitable activation command, so as to signal an anomalous traffic event which occurs along the road infrastructure IF. The signaling light source 103 may for example comprise one or more LEDs. Optionally, the signaling light source 103 may also comprise one or more filters suitable for giving the light emitted by the source 103 an amber color or another color, depending on the regulations applicable with regard to signaling along the section of the road infrastructure section IF. Optionally, in addition to the signaling light source 103, each device 101 may also comprise an acoustic signaling unit (not shown in the drawings) such as a siren.

[0062] Each grazing lighting device 101 preferably also comprises a communication interface 104. The communication interface 104 may be a wired interface or a radio interface.

[0063] Each grazing lighting device 101 preferably also comprises a data processing unit 105.

[0064] Each grazing lighting device 101 preferably also comprises a power supply circuit 106 suitable for providing an electric power supply to the other components of the device. The power supply circuit 106 of each device 101 is preferably connected to an electricity supply network. More preferably, the power supply circuit 106 of each device 101 is connected to two separate power supply lines, so as to be able to guarantee the power supply also in the event of a fault along one of the two lines.

[0065] Optionally, each device 101 may also comprise a sensor 107 suitable for providing data about anomalous traffic events which may occur along the road infrastructure IF. According to one embodiment, the sensor 107 comprises at least one of the following:

[0066] - an impact sensor, such as an accelerometer (for example a MEMS) suitable for measuring accelerations affecting the device 101 or the support structure to which the device 101 is fixed; the data supplied by this type of sensor allows detecting possible impacts due to vehicles hitting the support structure to which the device 101 is fixed;

[0067] - a vehicle transit sensor, such as a radio sensor suitable for detecting corresponding radio devices present on-board the vehicles in transit; the vehicle transit sensor may be for example a beacon based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology, or a DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communications) device, or a device provided with a mobile communications interface (for example based on 5G mobile technology); the radio device present on-board the vehicle and detectable by the sensor 107 may be a personal device of the driver (for example a mobile phone) or may be a device associated with the vehicle (for example, an on-board remote toll collection unit) or incorporated therein (for example, forming part of the infotainment system of the vehicle); the data provided by this type of sensor allows detecting any congestion, slow-moving traffic or vehicles traveling in the wrong direction;

[0068] - a distance meter, such as an ultrasound sensor, suitable for detecting the presence of possible objects stationing along the road infrastructure; the data provided by this type of sensor allows detecting for example possible traffic jams or broken-down vehicles; and

[0069] - a sensor suitable for detecting the visibility conditions; for example, this sensor may comprise a contrast meter; the data provided by this type of sensor allows detecting poor visibility conditions due to particularly adverse atmospheric conditions which may occur, for example in the event of heavy rain or fog. According to an advantageous variant, each device 101 also comprises a vibration sensor 108 suitable for detecting possible vibrations affecting the device 101 , for example as a result of incorrect fixing to the support structure, or due to the structure itself. Such a vibration sensor may coincide with the sensor 107 (where it comprises the aforementioned accelerometer) or may be a sensor separate from the sensor 107.

[0070] Moreover, according to an advantageous variant, each device 101 also comprises a contrast meter (not shown in the drawings) suitable for providing information about the clean condition of the window through which the signaling light source of the grazing lighting device situated after or before the device 101 emits light. Said sensor may coincide with the sensor 107 (for example where it comprises the aforementioned sensor suitable for detecting the visibility conditions) or may be a sensor separate from the sensor 107.

[0071] The system 100 preferably comprises a central server 110. The central server 110 preferably comprises one or more server units and / or one or more databases. The central server 110 may be installed at a distance far from or relatively far from the grazing lighting devices 101 or in the vicinity of one of the devices 101 .

[0072] The central server 110 is connected to the grazing lighting devices 101. The connection is preferably implemented by means of a communications network 120. The communications network 120 may be a wired network, a radio network or a mixed wired and radio network. The network 120 may comprise a mobile communications network. In any case, each grazing lighting device 101 is connected to the communications network 120 via its communication interface 104 which manages the communication between the grazing lighting device 101 and the central server 110. For example, one or more devices 101 arranged consecutively may be connected by means of respective wired networks to the same gateway (not shown in Figure 1 ). The gateway in turn has a radio connection (which for example may use Wi-Fi technology) with the central server 110.

[0073] The central server 110 may also be connected to a road infrastructure management system 130 which provides information about the travel conditions along the road infrastructure IF. This information may comprise information about the presence and / or extent of any traffic jams along the road infrastructure IF, the degree of congestion along the road infrastructure IF, accidents which have occurred along the road infrastructure IF, the presence of roadworks along the road infrastructure IF, the state of the road surface of the road infrastructure IF, the visibility conditions or weather conditions along the road infrastructure (wind, snow, temperature, humidity or pressure). The road infrastructure management system 130 is also preferably provided with at least one screen 130a suitable for being installed in a control room and to allow at least one operator to view the aforementioned information, so as to constantly monitor the state of the road infrastructure IF.

[0074] The central server 110 may also optionally be connected to one or more external signaling systems 140. These external signaling systems 140 may comprise for example one or more of the following:

[0075] - a management system for road signaling devices (for example variable message panels and / or lane control signs) installed along the road infrastructure IF (not shown in Figure 1 ); and

[0076] - a system for broadcasting traffic news via radio, television, third party apps (for example Google Maps or Waze) or social channels (for example Twitter).

[0077] The connection between the central server 110 and the one or more external signaling systems 140 may be implemented by means of the communications network 120 or by means of a dedicated connection. For example, the communication with any management system for variable message panels may be implemented by means of DATEX2. The operation of the system 100 is described hereinbelow with reference to the flow diagram shown in Figure 2.

[0078] Once the grazing lighting devices 101 are installed along the road infrastructure IF and activated, they start to function. The illumination light source 102 of each device 101 therefore lights up (step 301), thus illuminating a respective portion of the road infrastructure IF. The light source 102 in general does not remain permanently lit, but over the course of the day (24 hours) remains lit only for a predetermined time period, corresponding to the nighttime or in any case to the period of the day when the natural light is not sufficient to ensure adequate visibility. The switching on or the switching off of the light source 102 may be managed by the data processing unit 105 included in each device 101 , for example on the basis of a local timer (not shown in the drawings), or may be managed by the central server 110 via the transmission of suitable switching on / off commands. The luminous intensity of the light source 102 may also be adjusted by means of the sending of suitable commands by the central server 110.

[0079] If the device 101 also comprises the sensor 107, upon activation of the device 101 , the latter starts to acquire data about anomalous traffic events which may occur along the road infrastructure IF (step 302) and to transmit said data to the central server 110, if necessary following processing by the data processing unit 105 (step 303). The transmission is preferably implemented via the communication interface 104 and the communications network 120. The data acquired by the sensor 107 is then received by the central server 110 (step 304).

[0080] The type of traffic data acquired and their mode for acquisition, processing and transmission thereof depend on the type of sensor 107.

[0081] For example, in case the sensor 107 comprises an impact sensor, the sensor 107 does not provide any information until there is an impact. In the event of an impact, the sensor 107 detects a corresponding acceleration and transmits it to the data processing unit 105. If the data processing unit 105 determines that the detected acceleration exceeds a certain predefined threshold (the sensor 107 could also detect accelerations due, for example, to vibrations of the support structure to which the device 101 is fixed, which are certainly of a smaller magnitude than that resulting from the impact of a vehicle), it preferably generates corresponding data indicative of the impact. The data indicative of the impact may for example comprise time and date of the impact and information about the position of the impact (for example an identifier of the device 101 , the position of which is known to the central server 110). The data processing unit 105 then transmits the data indicative of the impact to the central server 110.

[0082] In case the sensor 107 (also) comprises a vehicle transit sensor, the sensor 107 does not provide any data until a vehicle passes by the device 101. When a vehicle passes by, the sensor 107 detects the transit thereof (preferably in an anonymous form) and transmits it to the data processing unit 105. The data processing unit 105 then generates corresponding data indicative of the congestion state of the road infrastructure IF. The data indicative of the congestion state of the road infrastructure may for example comprise time and date of each transit and data indicative of the position of the transit (for example an identifier of the device 101 , the position of which is known to the central server 110). The data processing unit 105 then transmits the data indicative of the congestion state of the road infrastructure IF to the central server 110.

[0083] For example, in case the sensor 107 (also) comprises a distance meter, the sensor 107 periodically provides distance data. In case, for example, a broken-down vehicle stops in the vicinity of the device 101 , the sensor 107 detects a variation in the detected distance data. The data processing unit 105 therefore preferably generates corresponding data indicative of the presence of the broken-down vehicle. Said data may comprise, for example, time and date of detection of the presence of the broken-down vehicle and data indicative of the detection position (for example an identifier of the device 101 , the position of which is known to the central server 110). The data processing unit 105 then transmits the data indicative of the presence of the broken-down vehicle to the central server 110.

[0084] For example, in case the sensor 107 (also) comprises a sensor suitable for detecting the visibility conditions, the sensor 107 periodically provides data indicative of the visibility. In the case where, for example, there is a sudden worsening in the visibility (for example owing to sudden heavy rain), the sensor 107 detects a variation in the detected visibility data. If the data processing unit 105 determines that the detected variation exceeds a certain predefined threshold (the sensor 107 may also detect slight variations in visibility which do not need to be signaled), it preferably generates corresponding data indicative of the worsened visibility conditions. Said data may comprise for example time and date of detection of the visibility variation and data indicative of the detection position (for example an identifier of the device 101 , the position of which is known to the central server 110). The data processing unit 105 then transmits the data indicative of the visibility variation to the central server 110.

[0085] The data processing unit 105 may transmit data whenever it receives a detection signal from the sensor 107. According to an advantageous embodiment, if the data processing unit 105 does not receive any detection signal from the sensor for a predefined time period Tmax, it sends anyway a signal to the central server 110 such that the central server 110 may be informed that the device 101 is functioning correctly.

[0086] Alternatively, the data processing unit 105 may transmit data at predefined times. For example, in case of a vehicle transit sensor, the processing unit 105 could generate and transmit data periodically, by grouping together the transit data which is provided by the sensor 107 during the same period.

[0087] Referring back to the flow chart of Figure 3, while it receives the data detected by the sensor 107 (if present), the central server 110 checks whether anomalous traffic events are occurring along the road infrastructure (step 306). These anomalous traffic events may for example include accidents involving one or more vehicles, traffic jams or slowed traffic due to particularly heavy traffic, roadworks, diversions, vehicles stopped along the roadway, e.g. due to a breakdown or fault, vehicles traveling on the wrong side of the road, particularly adverse weather conditions (thick fog, heavy rain, snow or ice), etc.

[0088] An anomalous traffic event may be detected automatically by the central server 110 itself, for example on the basis of the data detected by the sensors 107 included in the devices 101 (if present). Alternatively, the anomalous event may be signaled to the central server 110 by an external entity. Said signaling may be performed automatically, for example by the road infrastructure management system 130. Alternatively, the signaling may be performed manually, for example by the operator in the control room where the screen 130a showing the travel information provided by the road infrastructure management system 130 is located.

[0089] In any case, upon detection of an anomalous traffic event, the central server 110 activates signaling of the event by means of the grazing lighting devices 101. In particular, the central server transmits an activation command to a subset 10T of the set of grazing lighting devices 101 , the subset 10T comprising one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure preceding IF the anomalous traffic event in the travel direction of the said road infrastructure (step 307). The transmission of the activation command is preferably performed via the communications network 120.

[0090] If the anomalous traffic event has been automatically detected by the central server 110 itself, the central server 110 optionally sends a notification of the event to the road infrastructure management system 130, which may show the notification on the screen 130a so as to inform the operator in the control room. The operator may thus undertake one or more measures in response to the event, such as carrying out a visual check of the area affected by the event by means of one or more telecameras positioned along the road infrastructure IF and managed by the management system 130 and / or forwarding the notification to the police and / or to the emergency services, if necessary.

[0091] Step 307 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0092] It is assumed that, along the road infrastructure IF, an anomalous traffic event E (for example, an accident) occurs in an intermediate position between the grazing lighting device 1014 and the grazing lighting device 1015. The event E is detected at the central server 110. The detection may be performed by the central server 110 itself, on the basis of the traffic data provided by an impact sensor 107 included in the grazing lighting device 1014 and / or in the grazing lighting device 1015, if the sensor 107 is present and if the impact occurs sufficiently close to one of these two grazing lighting devices. Alternatively or in addition, the event E may be signaled to the central server 110 by the road infrastructure management system 130 or by an operator.

[0093] In any case, upon detection of the event E, the central server 110 preferably determines the position of the event E and identifies a section of the road infrastructure IF preceding this position in the travel direction of the said infrastructure. The identified section preferably has a predefined length D. The length D may be defined by the manager of the road infrastructure IF and depends on the features of the road infrastructure IF and the travel conditions along it (for example, maximum speed limits, light conditions, visibility conditions, amount of traffic, etc.) and the features of the event E (for example type of event and its severity). For example, in the event of an accident along a highway section, the length D is preferably greater than 1 km, more preferably greater than 2 km. The greater the length D, the more in advance the drivers of the vehicles in transit along the road infrastructure IF will be alerted as to the event E. The central server 110 then preferably identifies, within the subset of the set 101 of the grazing lighting devices 1011 -1015, the subset 10T of grazing lighting devices located along the section of length D. By way of a non-limiting example, in Figure 4 the subset 10T comprises the grazing lighting devices IOI2- I4. The central server 110 then preferably transmits the activation command to the devices of the set 101’.

[0094] With reference again to the flow chart of Figure 3, the signaling light source 103 of each grazing lighting device included in the subset 10T switches on (step 308) upon reception of the activation command.

[0095] The reception of the activation command by each grazing lighting device included in the subset 10T occurs via the communication interface 104. The command is then processed by the data processing unit 105 which, in response thereto, switches on the signaling light source 103. For example, the signaling light source 103 of the grazing lighting devices included in the subset 10T (namely the devices IOI2- I4 in the exemplary scenario of Figure 4) may be activated so as to start flashing. If, in addition to the signaling light source 103, the device also comprises an acoustic signaling unit, this may also be activated upon reception of the activation command. In this way, the driver of a vehicle V traveling along the section of the road infrastructure IF preceding the event E is alerted in advance of the event E and may thus adopt a suitable driving behavior (for example slowing down).

[0096] Optionally, the activation command may comprise information about the activation mode of the signaling light source 103. The information may for example comprise the luminous intensity of the signaling light source 103, its flashing frequency and type of flashing. These parameters may also be determined by the central server 110 and / or by the manager of the road infrastructure IF depending on the features of the road infrastructure IF, the travel conditions along it (for example visibility conditions) and the features of the event E (for example type of event and its seventy). In this case, the data processing unit 105 preferably switches on the light source 103 according to the information contained in the activation command.

[0097] According to an advantageous variant, before switching on the signaling light source 103, the data processing unit 105 preferably checks the inclination data provided by an inclination sensor optionally included in the device 101. If said data indicates an anomalous inclination of the device 101 so that switching on of the signaling light source 103 could result in dazzling of the driver of the vehicle V, then the data processing unit 105 does not switch on the signaling light source 103. If instead the data indicates a correct inclination of the device 101 , the data processing unit 105 switches on the signaling light source 103.

[0098] Moreover, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event, the central server 110 optionally may inform also the external signaling systems 140 of the event (step 309), so that the latter are also activated in order to signal the event.

[0099] In the system 100, therefore, the function of signaling anomalous traffic events is incorporated within the grazing lighting devices 101. This results in various advantages compared to the known signaling systems, for example the known systems which use variable message panels.

[0100] Firstly, since they are situated at a height lower than that of the driver's eyes, the signaling light sources 103 are more visible than the variable message panels which are typically arranged on overpasses or bridges, since the driver's vision is most of the time directed downwards (i.e. towards the road surface). The visibility of the signaling light sources 103 located at a height within the aforementioned range is greater in any conditions, but in particular at nighttime and in the event of reduced visibility, for example due to rain or fog.

[0101] Furthermore, advantageously, the signaling light sources 103 included in the grazing lighting devices of the subset 10T provide a kind of luminous guiding system which allows the driver to assess, even in adverse weather conditions, the features of the section of the road infrastructure IF which is being traveled along (width of the roadway, presence of bends, junctions, etc.).

[0102] Moreover, advantageously, the signal generated by the signaling sources 103 included in the grazing lighting devices of the subset 10T may be easily and readily interpreted and does not require particular attention or time to be understood.

[0103] Moreover, while a variable message panel provides a lumped event signaling, the signaling lighting sources 103 included in the grazing lighting devices of the subset 10T provide instead a distributed signaling, since they are distributed at regular intervals along a section located ahead of the event E. While, therefore, there is a significant risk that a driver of the vehicle V may not notice the message shown on a variable message panel (for example because of a momentary distraction or too high a speed), the risk of the same driver not noticing the distributed signaling provided by the signaling light sources 103 included in the grazing lighting devices of the subset 10T is instead negligible. The signaling is therefore much more effective.

[0104] Moreover, the system 100 not only signals the presence of the event E in due time and effectively, but also has the effect that the driver of the vehicle V may pay more attention to the variable message panels and / or consult the one or more external signaling systems 140 in order to obtain greater and more detailed information about the event E. The information provided by the system 100 and the information provided by the one or more external signaling systems 140, if present, thus advantageously supplement each other.

[0105] Furthermore, the incorporation of the signaling light sources 103 inside the grazing lighting devices 101 advantageously allows the shared use of at least the housing, supporting and power supply components by both the signaling lighting source 103 of each grazing lighting device 101 and the respective illumination light source 102. This therefore results in a reduction not only of the amount of energy used for signaling, but also of the installation and maintenance costs of the system 100.

[0106] Also the environmental and visual impact of the signaling system 100 is advantageously reduced, it not being necessary to provide dedicated support structures for the signaling light sources 103.

[0107] According to advantageous embodiments, the central server 110 may be configured, depending on the type of anomalous traffic event E detected, to perform also one or more functions additional to the aforementioned signaling function. The additional functions depend on the type of anomalous traffic event detected. For example, in case the anomalous traffic event E involves a variation in the level of illumination of the road infrastructure IF, the central server 110 may consequently adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination sources 102 of one or more of the devices 101 .

[0108] More particularly, in case the anomalous traffic event E detected is a traffic jam, the central server 110 may transmit to the devices 101 located along the traffic jam a command for them to reduce the luminous intensity of their illumination sources 102, illumination of the road being most likely already ensured by the lights of the vehicle in the traffic jam. On the other hand, in case the anomalous traffic event E detected is heavy rain or thick fog along a certain section of the road infrastructure IF, the central server 110 may transmit to the devices 101 located along that section a command for them to increase the luminous intensity of their illumination sources 102. The capability of the central server 110 to adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination sources 102 of the devices 101 advantageously allows optimization of both the electric power consumption of the devices 101 and the lighting efficiency.

[0109] In case the anomalous traffic event E detected is a vehicle mistakenly traveling on the wrong side of the road along the road infrastructure, the central server 110 may activate an additional signal warning the driver as to the offence being committed. For this purpose, in addition to the components described above, each grazing lighting device 101 preferably also comprises an additional signaling light source, such as one or more red LEDs. While the signaling light source 103 is directed towards the vehicles traveling along the road infrastructure IF in the correct direction, the additional signaling light source is preferably directed in the opposite direction. Upon detection of the presence of the vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road, the central server 110 preferably transmits to the grazing lighting devices forming part of the subset 10T an activation command which has a dual function:

[0110] - switching on the signaling light sources 103 so as to warn drivers of the vehicles who are traveling along the road infrastructure IF in the right direction of the danger; and

[0111] - switching on the additional light signaling sources so as to warn the driver of the vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road of the offence being committed.

[0112] According to an advantageous embodiment, the central server 110 is also configured to monitor the operation of the grazing lighting devices 101 and their components, for example the operation of their light sources 102, their clean condition, their correct fixing to the respective support structures or their connectivity to the communications network 120.

[0113] In particular, as regards monitoring the operation of the light sources 102, each grazing lighting device 101 is preferably configured to periodically transmit to the central server 110 data concerning the state of their respective light source 102 (operating correctly or faulty). The central server 110 receives this data and, on the basis of said data, monitors the illumination of the road infrastructure IF.

[0114] Moreover, in the event of a faulty light source 102 of at least one grazing lighting device 101 , the central server 110 may also automatically carry out one or more corrective measures in order to preserve a suitable level of lighting of the road infrastructure IF. For example, of the central server 110 receives from at least one grazing lighting device 101 data indicating a faulty state of its light source 102, it may transmit to at least one device 101 adjacent to it (and / or to at least one device 101 situated on the opposite side of the road infrastructure IF) a command which induces it to increase the luminous intensity of its light source 102. In this way, the central server 110 rectifies at least partly in an automatic manner the effect of the fault on the level of illumination of the road infrastructure IF.

[0115] The central server 110 preferably transmits to the management system 130 the data relating to the state of the light sources 102 of the devices 101 and also any information relating to any corrective measures taken.

[0116] The management system 120 may display this data on the screen 130a. For example, the management system 130 may be suitable for showing one or more representations of the road infrastructure IF and the lighting devices 101 arranged along it. The representations may be more or less detailed.

[0117] For example, in a first representation, the road infrastructure IF may be divided into zones, each zone corresponding for example to a section having, arranged along it, the devices 101 associated with a same gateway connected to the communications network 120. Each zone may be represented on the display 130a by means of a label showing information relating to any faults present in that zone. For example, the label may have a color indicating any faults present in that zone, i.e.:

[0118] - green if there are no faults in the zone;

[0119] - orange if at least one fault is present in the zone, but corrective measures have already been taken by the central server 110; and

[0120] - red if at least one fault is present in the zone, but it is not possible to take any corrective action.

[0121] The label may also show the value of a parameter indicating the level of illumination of the zone. This parameter may be for example a percentage where 0% corresponds to the level of illumination if all the sources 102 are switched off (for example during the daytime) and 100% corresponds to the level of illumination if all the sources 102 are switched on and correctly functioning. Intermediate values may correspond to the situation where a fault has occurred in the zone and following which a corrective measure may have been taken.

[0122] A second representation displayed by the management system 130 may be more detailed and show the single grazing lighting devices 101 for each zone. Each device 101 may be shown together with information indicating its state. For example, each device 101 may be shown with a symbol (for example a circle) having a color indicating the state of its light source 102, i.e.:

[0123] - light source 102 functioning correctly;

[0124] - light source 102 faulty, but corrective measures have been taken by the central server 110; and

[0125] - light source 102 faulty, but it is not possible to take any corrective action.

[0126] If necessary, in the event of a fault, information indicating the type of fault may also be shown.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . System (100) for signaling an anomalous traffic event (E) along a road infrastructure (IF), the system (100) comprising: a central server (110); and a set of grazing lighting devices (101 ) suitable for lighting said road infrastructure (IF), the grazing lighting devices (101 ) being installed along the road infrastructure (IF) and being connected to the central server (110), each grazing lighting device (101 ) comprising at least one signaling light source (103), wherein the central server (110) is configured to, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event (E), transmit an activation command to a subset (101') of the set of grazing lighting devices (101 ), the subset (101') comprising one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure (IF) that precedes the anomalous traffic event (E) in the travel direction of the road infrastructure; and wherein the signaling light source (103) of each grazing lighting device included in the subset (101') is configured to switch on upon reception of the activation command.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein each grazing lighting device (101 ) also comprises at least one sensor (107) suitable for providing data about said anomalous traffic event, and wherein the central server (110) is configured to detect the anomalous traffic event (E) on the basis of the data about said anomalous traffic event provided by the at least one sensor (107).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one sensor (107) comprises at least one of:an impact sensor suitable for measuring an acceleration to which said each grazing lighting device (101 ) is subjected and / or a support structure to which said each grazing lighting device (101 ) is fixed; a vehicle transit sensor; a distance meter; and a sensor suitable for detecting visibility conditions along the road infrastructure.

4. The system (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the central server (110) is configured to send a notification of the anomalous traffic event (E) detected to a road infrastructure management system (130).

5. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central server (110) is configured to send a notification of the detected anomalous traffic event (E) to a further signaling system (140), the further signaling system (140) comprising at least one of: a management system for road sign devices installed along the road infrastructure (IF), said road sign devices including at least one variable message panel and / or a lane control sign; and a system for broadcasting traffic news via radio, television, third-party app or social channel.

6. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling light source (103) of each grazing lighting device included in the subset (10T) is configured to start flashing upon reception of the activation command.

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the central server (110) is configured to insert into the activation command information about an activation mode, said informationcomprising at least one of the following: luminous intensity of the signaling light source (103), flashing frequency and type of flashing.

8. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central server (110) is configured to determine a length D of the section of the road infrastructure (IF) preceding the anomalous traffic event (E) in the travel direction of the road infrastructure based on features of the road infrastructure (IF) and the type of event (E) detected.

9. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each grazing lighting device (101) also includes an acoustic signaling source, the acoustic signaling source being configured to turn on upon reception of the activation command.

10. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the grazing lighting devices (101 ) are placed along one side of the road infrastructure (IF) at a mutual distance (L) between 2 m and 12 m.

11. The system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each grazing lighting device (101 ) of said set of grazing lighting devices (101 ) further comprises an illumination light source (102) suitable for illuminating a portion of the road infrastructure (IF).

12. The system (100) according to claim 11 , wherein the central server (110) is configured to, upon detection of the anomalous traffic event (E) or upon detection of a change in traffic volume or weather conditions such that an anomalous traffic event is not generated, accordingly adjust the luminous intensity of the illumination light source (102) of at least one grazing lighting device (101 ) of said set of grazing lighting devices (101 ).

13. The system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the central server (110) is configured to: if the detected anomalous traffic event (E) is a queue, transmit to at least one grazing lighting device (101 ) located along the queue a command for the at least one grazing lighting device (101 ) to reduce the luminous intensity of its illumination light source (102); and / or if the detected anomalous traffic event (E) is the presence of rain or fog along a section of the road infrastructure (IF), transmit to at least one grazing lighting device (101 ) located along the section of the road infrastructure (IF) a command for the at least one grazing lighting device (101 ) to increase the luminous intensity of its illumination light source (102).

14. Method for signaling an anomalous traffic event (E) along a road infrastructure (IF), the road infrastructure (IF) being illuminated by a set of grazing lighting devices (101 ) installed along the road infrastructure (IF) and connected to a central server (110), each grazing lighting device (101 ) comprising at least one signaling light source (103), the method comprising: by means of the central server (110), upon detection of the anomalous traffic event (E), transmitting an activation command to a subset (10T) of the set of grazing lighting devices (101 ), the subset (10T) including one or more grazing lighting devices located along a section of the road infrastructure (IF) that precedes the anomalous traffic event (E) in the travel direction of the road infrastructure; and upon receiving the activation command at each grazing lighting device included in the subset (10T), switching on the signaling light source (103) of each grazing lighting device included in the subset (10T).

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