Patent Grant
7015827
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to detection, identification, and classification of metallic objects, and more particularly, to a system and method for using ferromagnetic loops to identify and classify vehicles.
2. Background of the Invention
A typical automatic toll collection system for a highway involves the use of a toll collection station or toll booth positioned between each lane of traffic. Vehicles driving on the highway must pass through a toll lane alongside the toll collection station.
The passage of vehicles by the toll collection stations is monitored with a combination of loop detectors, treadles, or other such devices capable of detecting passing vehicles. These devices provide vehicle classification information after the vehicle has passed a payment point. Although these devices can be used for audit purposes, they do not address the potential for error when an attendant makes a mistake, nor do they address the ability to properly classify all transactions.
In early toll collection systems, attendants were employed to manually collect fares from the operators of vehicles and to regulate the amount of tolls. Utilizing attendants to collect fares involves numerous problems including, but not limited to, the elements of human error, inefficiencies, traffic delays resulting from manually collected tolls, employment costs of toll attendants, and embezzlement or theft of collected toll revenues. As a result, devices have been developed to automatically operate toll collection systems without the need for toll attendants. In these systems, the toll fees paid are a fixed price for all vehicles regardless of the number of axles or vehicle type.
Accordingly, a need arises for a system and method that can allow collection of different toll rates from different classes or categories of vehicles without user intervention. In other words, there is a need for a toll collection system in which a toll booth attendant need not be present to classify vehicles to apply different rates of toll charges.
One example of such toll collection system is described in the '937 application. The '937 application discloses an intelligent vehicle identification system (IVIS) that includes one or more inductive loops. The inductive loops disclosed in the '937 application includes signature loops, wheel assembly loops, intelligent queue loops, wheel axle loops, gate loops, vehicle separation loops, and enforcement loops.
The present invention discloses additional designs, configurations, installation, and other characteristics associated with the loops previously disclosed in the '937 application. In other words, a ferromagnetic loop in accordance with the teaching of the present invention can be adapted to be utilized as one or more of the loops disclosed in the '937 application. Of course, the ferromagnetic loops of the present invention have applications beyond those in the toll road context and those disclosed in the '937 application. For example, the ferromagnetic loops of the present invention can be adapted to serve various purposes including traffic law enforcement, traffic surveys, traffic management, detection of concealed metallic objects, treasure hunting, and the like.
A ferromagnetic loop of the present invention has many applications. For example, it can be used to detect metallic objects, sensing moving vehicles, and classifying vehicles for toll road applications. A preferred embodiment of the ferromagnetic loop is characterized by a continuous wire. Preferably, the continuous wire is shaped in a serpentine manner. Preferably, the continuous wire is shaped in the serpentine manner on a plane having a footprint. The footprint has an axis. A frequency associated with the ferromagnetic loop is affected when there is a relative motion between the ferromagnetic loop and a metallic object along the axis of the footprint. For example, the frequency fluctuates when the object moves along the axis above the ferromagnetic loop. Similarly, the frequency can fluctuate if the ferromagnetic loop moves in a direction along the axis above the object.
The footprint can take one of several shapes. For example, the footprint can be one of a triangle, a rectangle, a square, a circle, an ellipse, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and the like. Preferably, the continuous wire forms multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint. Preferably, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can assume one of several shapes. For example, each of the contiguous polygons can be one of a rectangle, a square, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and the like. Preferably, there are at least three contiguous polygons within the footprint. The contiguous polygons may be parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle with respect to the axis of the footprint.
Each of the multiple contiguous polygons is associated with a spacing dimension. The spacing dimension may be constant for all the contiguous polygons. Alternatively, there may be different spacing dimensions among the polygons. For example, the spacing dimensions of the contiguous polygons may demonstrate a gradient characteristic as shown in loop 4900 in
In a specific implementation for vehicle detection applications, the present invention provides a ferromagnetic loop that is installed on a travel path for detection of vehicles moving in a direction along the travel path. In the specific implementation as shown in
In one embodiment, each of polygon width dimensions 2718 is substantially equal to footprint width dimension 2708 and a sum of all the polygon length dimensions 2716 is substantially equal to footprint length dimension 2706. In a different embodiment, any of polygon length dimensions 2716 is as long as any other polygon length dimensions 2716. In still a different embodiment, one or more of polygon length dimensions 2716 is longer than at least one other polygon length dimension 2716. In other words, the spacing dimension 2716 between any two contiguous polygons may be the same or vary.
In a different preferred embodiment of the ferromagnetic loop shown in
In another embodiment shown in
The present invention further provides methods for installing a ferromagnetic loop for detection of vehicles. A preferred method includes the step of providing a web of grooves on a traveling lane. The web of grooves is characterized by multiple contiguous polygons. The method further includes the step of laying a continuous wire in a serpentine manner within the web of grooves. The method also includes the step of securing the continuous wire within the web of grooves using a bonding agent. Preferably, the method can further include the step of laying the continuous wire at least two turns in at least one groove of the web of grooves. Preferably, the at least two turns are laid side-by-side within the at least one groove. Preferably, the web of grooves has a spacing between any two parallel grooves. The spacing may be from about three inches to about eight inches. Furthermore, the web of grooves may have a gradient spacing between the parallel grooves. The gradient spacing can range from between about three inches and about eight inches.
The present invention further includes a method for preparing a ferromagnetic loop. The method includes the step of pre-forming a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons. The method also includes the step of attaching one or more fasteners along the continuous wire to maintain the multiple contiguous polygons. The fasteners are adapted to maintain the multiple contiguous polygons. The method can further include the step of providing at least two turns of the continuous wire to form at least one of the multiple contiguous polygons. The at least two turns of the continuous wire are preferably arranged side-by-side.
Overview of the Invention Disclosed in the '937 Application
It is noted the present invention can be adapted for a large number of different applications. For example, the profile information generated by a classification loop array using the present invention can be used in traffic management and analysis, traffic law enforcement, and toll collection.
Classification loop array 110 comprises at least one signature loop and at least one wheel assembly loop. Briefly, the signature loop is adapted to indicate changes in electromagnetic field which can be processed to produce initial signature information as it detects the presence of vehicle 120 over it. The initial signature information represents changes of inductance which can be interpreted to identify, among other characteristics of vehicle 120, a speed of the vehicle, an axle separation of the vehicle, and a chassis height of the vehicle. The wheel assembly loop is adapted to indicate changes in electromagnetic field which can be processed to produce wheel assembly information as it detects the presence of vehicle 120 over it. The wheel assembly information represents changes of inductance which can be interpreted to identify, among other attributes of vehicle 120, the axle count and the axle separation with increased accuracy and details. Specifically, the wheel assembly loop can detect, among other things, the separation between two successive wheels of vehicle 120 that is traveling in direction 130. The initial signature information and the wheel assembly information, collectively, are also known as profile information of the vehicle.
Device 150 is in communication with classification loop array 110. As discussed below, device 150 can be one of many different devices that can be used in conjunction with classification loop array 110. Although device 150 is shown in
In a traffic management and analysis application, classification loop array 110 can be arranged such that it can be used to sense movement of vehicle 120 along path 100 in direction 130. For example, path 100 can be a specific stretch of a highway. In this application, device 150 can be, for example, a computer adapted to perform statistical analysis based on data collected by classification loop array 110. Device 150 can, for example, use the data collected by classification loop array 110 to determine the types of vehicles that use the highway, the number of vehicles passing that point each day, the speed of the vehicles, and so on.
In a traffic law enforcement application, classification loop array 110 can be used in conjunction with other devices. For example, device 150 can be a camera that is positioned to take a photograph of the license plate of vehicle 120 if classification loop array 110 detects a speed of vehicle 120 exceeding a speed limit. In still another example, path 100 is a restricted lane that prohibits large vehicles such as tractor trailers and device 150 is a camera used to capture an image of the license plate of vehicle 120 if classification loop array 110 detects the presence of a tractor trailer in path 100.
In a toll collection application in which device 150 is a payment point (e.g., an automated toll collection mechanism), profile information associated with vehicle 120 that is collected by classification loop array 110 can be used to classify vehicle 120 before it arrives at the payment point. The classification can then be used to notify an operator of vehicle 120 about an appropriate fare associated with the classification. In this toll collection application, vehicle 120 is classified and the appropriate fare is determined before it arrives at device 150. More importantly, the classification is made without input from a toll attendant, thereby eliminating human errors associated with classification of vehicles. When vehicle 120 arrives at device 150, the appropriate fare can be collected from the operator. It is noted that device 150 can be replaced by a toll attendant even though in this application the toll attendant does not classify vehicle 120 to determine the fare. In the toll collection application of the present invention, it is preferable that vehicle 120 clears classification loop array 110 (i.e., the entire vehicle 120 must clear classification loop array 110) before vehicle 120 reaches device 150.
Preferred Embodiments for Implementation in a Toll Lane
Preferably, classification loop array 110 has a length and a width. The width is preferably wide enough so that no vehicle can travel on toll lane 100 without being detected by classification loop array 110. The length, indicated in
In this embodiment, the signature loop (not shown in
Preferably, classification loop array 110 further comprises at least one wheel axle loop (not shown in
Intelligent vehicle identification unit 170 is in communication with classification loop array 110, intelligent queue loop 140, and device 150. In the preferred embodiment, when vehicle 120 is traveling over classification loop array 110, profile information of vehicle 120 is generated and provided to intelligent vehicle identification unit 170. As noted above, the profile information represents changes of inductance which can be interpreted to identify, among other characteristics of vehicle 120, an axle count of the vehicle, an axle spacing of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, and a chassis height of the vehicle.
As suggested above, the profile information includes initial signature information that is produced based at least in part on data collected by the signature loop of classification loop array 110. Preferably, the profile information also includes wheel assembly information that is produced based at least in part on data collected by the wheel assembly loop. When vehicle 120 travels over intelligent queue loop 140, subsequent signature information is produced based at least in part on data collected by intelligent queue loop 140. The profile information and the subsequent signature information are provided to intelligent vehicle identification unit 170.
If the initial signature information and the subsequent signature information indicate that the vehicle previously detected by classification loop array 110 is now at device 150, intelligent vehicle identification unit 170 notifies the operator of vehicle 120 of the appropriate fare associated with the profile information. In other words, intelligent queue loop 140 verifies that that the vehicle at device 150 is the same vehicle for which the fare was determined from classification loop array 110. This serves to detect if one or more vehicles have disturbed the queue order.
In addition to classification loop array 200, the preferred embodiment shown in
Each of front signature loop 210, rear signature loop 230, and intelligent queue loop 240 is preferably generally rectilinear or rectangular in shape. Preferably, each of these loops has two or more turns of wire. The width of each of these loops is preferably six feet. However, the width can be almost as wide as toll lane 100. In an example in which toll lane 100 is 12 feet wide, the width of each of these loops can be between about three feet and about eleven feet. Preferably, each of these loops is a square, in other words, the length of each of these loops is the same as the width. Preferably, each of these loops measures six feet by six feet.
Each of front signature-loop 210, rear signature loop 230, intelligent queue loop 240, and gate loop 250 is basically an inductive loop. Each of these loops is used to detect, among other-things, a presence of a vehicle over it, the vehicle's chassis height, an axle count of the vehicle, and the movement of the vehicle. Each of these loops preferably produces a flux field or an electromagnetic field that is high enough to be affected by the chassis of each vehicle that uses toll lane 100. The chassis of the vehicle creates eddy currents and disperses the flux field of the loop. This results in lowering the inductance of the loop circuit. One of skill in the art could consult Traffic Detector Handbook, Publication No. FHWA-IP-90-002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, for further information regarding inductive loops. The loop's detector (e.g., loop detector 260) processes these inductive changes in the loop circuit.
Wheel assembly loop 220 is also an inductive loop. Preferably, wheel assembly loop 220 is adapted to detect the wheel assemblies of the vehicle and to minimize the detection of the chassis of the vehicle and maximize the detection of the axles of the vehicle. Wheel assembly loop 220 is adapted to indicate changes in electromagnetic field which can be processed to produce wheel assembly information.
Intelligent queue loop 240 preferably senses the beginning of the vehicle, the end of the vehicle, the chassis height of the vehicle, and the vehicle's presence over it. Gate loop 250 is preferably adapted to detect the presence of the vehicle. The detection of the vehicle by gate loop 250 controls toll gate 252.
Each of front signature loop 210, wheel assembly loop 220, rear signature loop 230, intelligent queue loop 240, and gate loop 250 is in communication with one or more loop detector 260. Loop detector 260 preferably has a loop signal processor and discriminator unit (LSP&D) (not shown). Preferably, each of front signature loop 210, rear signature loop 230, intelligent queue loop 240, and gate loop 250 can be used to determined signature information including one or more of vehicle presence, vehicle speed, vehicle length, chassis height, and vehicle movement. The signature information, as discussed above, can be represented in an inductance vs. time plot.
Note that each of curves 910, 1010, and 1110 exhibits a similar pattern. Each of these curves shows that when the vehicle is not detected, the inductance value is in between 121000 units and 121200 units. Each of these curves also shows that when the vehicle is in the center of the signature loop, the inductance value is in between 120000 units and 120200 units. The noticeable difference between these three curves is the width of the gap between two points on the curve when the presence of the vehicle is detected. Indeed, each of these curves characterizes the same vehicle (incidentally, the vehicle is a pickup truck) moving at speeds of five miles per hour, 10 miles per hour, and 30 miles per hour, as represented by curves 910, 1010, and 1110, respectively, over the same signature loop.
Referring now to
Referring back to
Intelligent identification unit 270 is in communication with display and local interface 272 and remote access and interface 274. Intelligent identification unit 270 has access to a vehicle library comprising predefined vehicle classifications or categories, and their associated fares. The vehicle library can be modified through a graphical user interface associated with intelligent identification unit 270. Modification of the vehicle library can involve, for example, adding, deleting, and editing of vehicle categories. The modification can be performed through a computer associated with a local area network with which intelligent vehicle identification unit 270 is associated. Preferably, the modification can also be performed through a computer associated with a wide area network with which intelligent vehicle identification unit 270 is associated.
Once the information received from loop detector 260 is processed by intelligent vehicle identification unit 270, the resultant signature data of the vehicle is utilized in a comparison engine. The comparison engine employs both stored typical vehicle signatures for various distinct categories of vehicles and neural network processing to intelligently associate the exact data received with a representative vehicle signature previously defined. Also, the initial signature information is stored for later comparison with the subsequent signature information received from intelligent queue loop 240.
After processing this data against the vehicle library and through the neural network processing, the microprocessor assigns a distinct classification identifier to the vehicle and internally queues the data thus received and awaits a detection signal from intelligent queue loop 240. The vehicle library is preferably stored in a database accessible by intelligent vehicle identification unit 270.
Once the subsequent signature information is received from intelligent queue loop 240 by the microprocessor, the microprocessor performs an analysis on this signature information to see if it properly represents the next internally queued vehicle for purposes of ascertaining that the vehicle arriving at payment point 290 is the same vehicle that the system expects to be arriving at payment point 290. Under one circumstance, a vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, could potentially pass over classification loop array 200 and then exit toll lane 100 early. In another instance, the vehicle could potentially miss passing over classification loop array 200 and move into toll lane 100 at a later point, thus missing being correctly classified by the system beforehand. Intelligent queue loop 240 is utilized in both circumstances to detect such queuing anomalies.
The microprocessor that is utilized to analyze the various loop signatures can preferably send data to another main processing device to gather data, control traffic flow, or otherwise process the data in a meaningful manner. In a toll collection embodiment of the invention, this collection processing device would be another microprocessor unit designed to assimilate various input data and toll collection device control to assist in collecting proper fare amounts for vehicles passing through the toll lane.
If a vehicle crosses intelligent queue loop 240 and is not recognized as the next classified vehicle, the microprocessor will check any other queued classified vehicles to see if the signature matches any other vehicles thus queued. If the subsequent signature information matches a later vehicle, then the microprocessor will assume that any earlier queued vehicles have exited the lane after crossing classification loop array 200 and will discard those vehicles from the queue.
If a vehicle crosses intelligent queue loop 240 and is not recognized as the next classified vehicle or as any of the vehicles subsequent in the vehicle classification queue, the microprocessor will then make the assumption that the vehicle entered toll lane 100 late and that it was not properly classified. A new vehicle classification record will then be inserted into the queue at that point and marked such that the system does not reliably know what type of vehicle is currently at the head of the queue.
If a vehicle entered toll lane 100 late, thus causing an anomaly in the proper queuing of vehicles, an appropriate message will be sent from the microprocessor to the main processing device so that the main processing device can make an appropriate decision based on the type of anomaly that occurred in queuing and present the toll attendant with the appropriate information for making an informed decision on how to handle the errant vehicle, if the toll lane is a manual collection lane. The collection-processing device must make a decision on the expected toll based on rules established by the authority (default fare) if the main processing device is utilized to automatically operate a toll collection lane without the use of a toll attendant.
Other than the previously specified anomaly situation in queuing, the microprocessor will normally pass information regarding the next queued vehicle to the toll collection processing device. The processing device receives this classification identifier from the inductive loop control microprocessor and cross-references the classification identifier against a cross-reference database of identifiers and toll classifications as defined by the tolling authority. This cross-reference action is used to assign a particular authority classification and, thus, an appropriate fare amount expected for the vehicle.
Since many vehicles with distinct classification identifiers are of the same general type as it pertains to the local tolling authority's fare structure, this cross-reference action serves to reduce the number of distinct vehicle classifications to just those distinct classifications and associated fare amounts as defined by the tolling authority. For example, a particular tolling authority might assign the same general classification to a motorcycle and a passenger car even though these two vehicles would generate two distinct classification identifiers or profile information.
Once the collection processing device has received and cross-referenced the vehicle data internally, it will communicate the appropriate classification and fare expected for the vehicle to the toll attendant if the lane is operating in a manual operational mode. If the toll lane is operating in an automatic mode, the data will be used to communicate to any attached automatic toll collection equipment the expected fare amount that the vehicle operator must present to gain passage through toll lane 100.
In order to provide the cross-reference database utilized in the toll collection processing device, a user program is provided with the corresponding toll management system. This program allows the toll authority to select each vehicle type that is distinctly identified by the loop system microprocessor program and match it with one of the predefined or predetermined classifications set up by the authority, which subsequently defines the amount of the fare expected for that vehicle type.
The user program can preferably be adapted to employ the use of digital photographs for each type of vehicle to further illustrate the exact type of vehicle (or vehicles) which would fall under each category of vehicles classified by the loop system microprocessor for visual reference. The authority personnel would then create the cross-reference table by matching up each loop microprocessor classification with the corresponding authority classification.
Additionally, for vehicles with too many axles to be classified by the authority's base classification system, the cross-reference table also allows the user to define the additional number of axles to add to the base classification axle count to determine the total fare for such vehicles.
As the user completes the cross-reference process utilizing the user program for such purposes, the data is saved to the plaza system database and subsequently distributed to each toll lane processing computer for subsequent use in cross-referencing subsequent vehicles for automatic classification purposes.
Preferably, intelligent identification unit 270 includes management software tools. The software tools enable every transaction (e.g., each vehicle's passing through the toll lane) to have a complete audit trail. Tracking each transaction increases the accuracy of the revenue collection process.
The system shown in
As disclosed above, the capability to charge different toll fees for different vehicle types at payment point 290 without a toll attendant is possible with the present invention.
For convenience, a system of the present invention as shown in
The IVIS, as implemented in
In
Each of the wheel assembly loops 320 and 322 is designed to detect primarily tires and wheel assemblies of a vehicle. The small concentrated field width of each of the wheel assembly loops 320 and 322 is obtained by controlling the spacing between the wire turns. Preferably, the spacing ranges between four and seven inches. The wheel assembly loops are designed in accordance with the range of ground clearance present in the vehicle population. Preferably, the single wire that is used to form each wheel assembly loop is looped at least twice, thus creating two overlapping layers of wire for each wheel assembly loop.
Design of wheel assembly loops 320 and 322 depends on a number of factors. The factors include characteristics of vehicles anticipated for the toll lane at which the loop is to be installed. The characteristics include number of axles, distance between axles, speed of vehicle through the toll lane, height of chassis from top of roadway, and other attributes of vehicles detectable by inductive loops.
Vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 are designed to be used to gain additional information on the target vehicle. For example, vehicle separator loops 340 and 342 can determine the beginning and end of a vehicle by analyzing the percent in change of inductance. Also, the magnitude of the percent change in inductance is proportional to the chassis size and distance from the vehicle separation loops 340 and 342. In addition, vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 can be used to, as it's name suggests, “separate” each vehicle one from another.
The use of vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 provides vehicle presence, vehicle speed, and chassis length information. A special signal discriminator is preferably provided with the two processed signals received from vehicle separation loops 340 and 342. Preferably, the signal discriminator processes this information and compares the vehicle speed, chassis length, axles, and chassis height information being collected from vehicle separation loops 340 and 342. The signal discriminator considers several factors during this process. For example, the percent in the change of inductance is used to sense the beginning of a vehicle and the end of a vehicle. Also, the magnitude of the percent change in inductance is proportional to the bottom chassis height and distance from each of the loops. For example, a motorcycle being followed closely by a car or truck would have a significant difference in the percent of inductance change. The movements or speed of the vehicle is also measured on each of these loops. The movements or speed of the vehicle is determined as a function of percent change of inductance over time. The function of these two factors is used to calculate the speed of the vehicle. When the vehicle is not moving or static the percent change in inductance becomes constant.
These constant values for the percent change of inductance appear as flat horizontal lines when displayed on an inductance vs. time plot in which the Y-axis represents the percent change in inductance and the X-axis represents time. A single vehicle or a vehicle towing another vehicle will normally maintain the same speed. When two vehicles are following each other in close proximity, the vehicles typically have somewhat different speeds or start and stop independently of each other. The signal discriminator measures these differences to separate the vehicles. Also the length of the vehicle chassis is calculated to determine if it is a single vehicle.
Again, this processor is unique since it performs this function independently, provides outputs and transfers the information within the IVIS. This information can be used to provide volume counts. This process can be used in tolling or other applications to replace light curtains, optical scanners, video detectors, and microwave detectors.
A single vehicle or a vehicle towing another vehicle will normally maintain the same speed. When two vehicles are following each other in close proximity, the vehicles typically have different speeds. Vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 measure these differences to separate the vehicles. Also, the length of the vehicle chassis is calculated to verify the existence of one or multiple vehicles. Accordingly, vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 can be used in the tolling application to replace light curtains, optical scanners, video detection, and microwave detectors that are currently in use.
The loop signal processor and discriminator (LSP&D) unit preferably has two or more channels of detection that compares the information processed on a continuous basis to determine when a vehicle ends and when a new vehicle starts. The end of the vehicle is used to end the collection of the transaction information. The LSP&D has the ability to determine the beginning of a vehicle, the end of a vehicle and distinguish when two vehicles are traveling in close proximity to each other and/or a vehicle is towing another vehicle. The LSP&D processes information from two loops and compares the information to determine if the information represents a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. When the end of the vehicle is determined the processor can set a timer based on the speed of the vehicle.
In a different arrangement in which loop 342 is an enforcement loop, as the timer completes its countdown, violation enforcement camera 370, which is in communication with enforcement loop 342, receives the signal output to take a picture.
Enforcement loop 342 is designed to work with camera 370 as part of a violation enforcement system. If a vehicle leaves separation loop 340 before the fare is collected at payment point 390, camera 370 takes a photograph of the vehicle when the vehicle triggers enforcement loop 342. Preferably, camera 370, enforcement loop 342, vehicle separation loop 340, and payment point 390 are located such that the photograph would clearly show the license plate of the vehicle.
Intelligent vehicle identification unit 270 in one embodiment of the present invention may be an assembly of electronic equipment and software that can control other equipment, store vehicle information, and distribute vehicle information to other devices or remote locations using an integrated remote access. Intelligent vehicle identification unit 270 can be adapted to assemble collected data from classification loop array 300 and one or more of vehicle separation loops 340 and 342 to create a composite signature information for the vehicle. One exemplary composite signature is shown in
This collective body of profile information can include tire information, axle count, axle spacing, chassis height, chassis length, and vehicle speed. The vehicle record is associated with a vehicle type or combination vehicle type (i.e., motorcycle, car, car with trailer) from a database or vehicle library of available signatures. The database is accessible to intelligent vehicle identification unit 270. The vehicle type is then placed into a toll category, defined by the toll authority, to generate the proper fare for the vehicle. This is then used to drive the toll system, prompting the toll attendant when using a manual embodiment, or notifying the driver of the vehicle when using an automated embodiment, of the proper fare which is due.
Again, the vehicle types and categories are definable by the toll authority. Each vehicle type is placed in a category using the graphical user interface associated with intelligent vehicle identification unit 270. The graphical interface includes a library of vehicle types or vehicle combinations using captured digital images of the local vehicle population. The user interface may be a local interface, e.g., local interface 272. The user interface may also be a remote interface, e.g., remote interface 274. The visual interface allows the assignment of the magnetic and/or inductive composites of the vehicle records into different categories by selecting from a menu of captured images. The graphical user interface is a display of digital images of different vehicle categories that are used to represent groups of vehicle types. A group of these categories make up a vehicle library. New vehicle types can be added to the intelligent vehicle identification unit by incorporating the captured image and vehicle signature into the vehicle library. Exemplary screenshots of the vehicle library are shown as
An intelligent vehicle queuing system of the present invention can be used to insure proper matching of designated toll amounts to each vehicle. The queuing system profiles the approaching vehicle at payment point 390 and compares the data with the profile information held in queue by intelligent vehicle identification unit 270. If the profile is found to be an incorrect match, intelligent vehicle identification unit 270 attempts to properly match the indicated profile with other vehicles waiting in queue, thus insuring that the profiled vehicle is properly associated with the system's indicated amount of fare.
The offset of the left member and the right member of each of these bi-symmetrical offset wheel assembly loops is designed to capture left wheel information and right wheel information at two different instances in time. A more accurate average speed, axle separation, and other axle information can be calculated based on data collected by these bi-symmetrical offset wheel assembly loops 510 and 530.
As indicated in
One or more of additional loops 540 and 542 can be adapted to work with camera 570 and payment point 590. A photograph of a vehicle can be captured for violation enforcement purposes if an appropriate fare is not received at payment point 590 when the vehicle is detected by additional loops 540 and 542.
Area 1620, which comprises fields 1622 through 1632, can be used to display specifics of the transaction. For example, field 1622 is used to indicate that lane 1500 is Lane No. 3 of the particular toll plaza. Field 1624 can be used to indicate which shift of workers is on duty. Fields 1626, 1628 can be used to display the time and date on which the transaction occurs. Field 1630 can be used, for example, to indicate the status of a toll gate or other status of the toll lane. Field 1632 can be used to indicate which, if any, toll attendant is on duty. This information can be used to increase accountability among toll attendants.
In some embodiments, field 1640 can be used to manually operate a toll gate by a toll attendant. In an embodiment in which a toll attendant is staffed at toll lane 1500, field 1650 can be adapted to close the transaction after the toll attendant verifies that the toll has been paid. Field 1660 can be adapted, for example, to be pressed by the toll attendant in a situation in which classification made by the IVIS is verified by the toll attendant. Finally, a toll attendant or an operator of the vehicle can press a field 1670 to obtain a receipt.
In
Overview of the Present Application
Among other things, the present CIP application discloses additional design and configurations of loops that can be adapted for use in conjunction with the IVIS disclosed in the '937 application. The present CIP application further provides methods for installing the loops. The loops associated with the present CIP application are referred to hereinafter as ferromagnetic loops. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to vehicles identification and classification although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein relate to such purposes.
In a specific implementation for vehicle detection applications, the present invention provides a ferromagnetic loop that is installed on a travel path for detection of vehicles moving in a direction along the travel path. In the specific implementation as shown in
In one preferred embodiment, each polygon width dimension 2718 is substantially equal to footprint width dimension 2708 and a sum of all polygon length dimensions 2716 is substantially equal to footprint length dimension 2706. In one embodiment, all polygon length dimensions 2716 are equally long. In a different embodiment, at least one of polygon length dimensions 2716 is longer than at least one other polygon length dimension 2716. In other words, the spacing dimension between any two contiguous polygons may be the same or vary. For toll road implementation purposes, footprint length dimension 2706 can range from about 10 inches to about 56 inches. Footprint width dimension 2708 can range from about 24 inches to about 144 inches. Preferably, polygon length dimension 2716 ranges from about three inches to about eight inches. Preferably, polygon width dimension 2718 ranges from about 24 inches to about 144 inches.
A ferromagnetic loop of the present invention such as loop 2700 can be adapted to collect a large variety of information associated with vehicles that move over it. Specifically, the ferromagnetic loop can, among other things, detect the spacing or the distance between two successive wheel assemblies of a vehicle, count the total number of wheel assemblies associated with the vehicle, calculate the vehicle speed, and determine a category of the vehicle based on the characteristics of the vehicle. The ferromagnetic loop is designed to maximize the detection of the wheel assemblies while minimizing the detection of the vehicle chassis. As a result of its enhanced capabilities for detection of wheel assemblies, the ferromagnetic loop can be adapted for use in, among other applications, traffic law enforcement, toll road operations, vehicle classification for data collection, and traffic management. One unique characteristics of the ferromagnetic loop of the invention is that one single loop can be used to replace the combination of piezo electric or resistive axle sensors, road tube, treadles, and multiple figure-of-eight or dipole axle loops that are currently used to detect wheels and axles.
Review of Various Wheel Sizes
As shown in Table 1 below, the range for vehicle wheel diameters as found in random traffic can range from about 12 inches to about 44 inches in diameter. Typical length of a tire bearing surface or the length of contact area of a vehicle tire with the road can range between about 6 inches and about 12.5 inches.
Table 1 below summarizes selected categories of vehicles and their associated dimensions.
Review of Existing Inductive Loops Technology
During the development of the ferromagnetic loops of the present invention, the inventors conducted a series of tests to evaluate inductive response that are obtainable by existing loop designs. For example, the inventors evaluated the performance of the inductive loops disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,894 issued to Daniel Stanczyk on Mar. 25, 1997 (hereinafter “the Stanczyk patent”). In addition, the inventors evaluated the performance of the loop designs disclosed in WIPO Publication Nos. WO 00/58926 and WO 00/58927 (both published on Oct. 5, 2000) (hereinafter “the Lees applications”). The results of these tests and evaluations are described below.
In each of the tests conducted, the same loop detector was used to measure the results. In other words, no operating changes was made to the loop detector from test to test. Thus, the only variable that existed during the tests was the design of each of the loops being tested. The objective was to understand the technology disclosed in the Stanczyk patent and the Lees applications. Specifically, the limitations of these known technologies for detecting and counting vehicle wheels in random traffic were evaluated.
To illustrate the effectiveness of the loop designs disclosed in the Stanczyk patent and the Lees applications, and to demonstrate advantages of the present invention, the inductance changes obtained from each technology were plotted using the same loop detector. Each of the graphs or plots disclosed herein represents the changes in the loop circuits as a plot of frequency on the Y axis and time on the X axis. In other words, each of these graphs illustrates the effect of a vehicle traveling over a loop in a traveling lane.
The Stanczyk Patent
The Stanczyk patent discloses inductive loops having a rectilinear shape. Loops 2910, 2920, and 2930 shown in
Loop 2910, which has a wider width dimension 2916, can detect the wheels from the left and right sides of a vehicle traveling on roadway 2902 in direction 2904. Loops 2920 and 2930 (each having a narrower width 2926) are designed to detect separately the left wheels and the right wheels of the vehicle. The Stanczyk design uses an ideal loop length 2908 of 0.3 meter (11.81 inches) for heavy vehicles and 0.15 meter (5.91 inches) for light vehicles. Each of these loop length dimensions is shorter than the bearing surface length of the vehicle wheels to be detected. This design provides a short travel time as wheels move through the inductive field of the loop, and it limits the sample size available for the wheel detection. Dimension 2908 affects the field height of the loop circuit. If dimension 2908 of this loop design is increased to a size larger than the diameter of the wheels it is designed to detect the field height of the loop detection is also increased. This is a limitation to the Stanczyk patent because when length dimension 2908 is increased, a stronger detection of the vehicle chassis is resulted, which inhibits the detection of wheels.
Therefore, the loop disclosed in the Stancyzk patent is limited by its geometric design since its performance is dependent on the bearing surface of the wheel of the vehicles being detected. In random traffic, vehicles have wheels that range from 12 inches to 40 inches in diameter with bearing surface widths ranging from six to 12.75 inches. To properly detect all the different vehicle wheel sizes in random traffic, multiple rectilinear loops of the Stancyzk patent would be required in the roadway. In other words, multiple loops each with a different length dimensions 2908 would be required to provide wheel detection for all vehicles that exist in random traffic. Using the technology disclosed in the Stancyzk patent, a single loop size will not work on both large wheeled trucks and smaller wheeled vehicles. For example, when a loop that has a specific length dimension 2908, which is designed to detect a tire bearing surface of 12 inches, the loop cannot be used to detect tires with a bearing surface of 7.5 inches long.
Similarly, plot 2944 shown in
Plot 2948 shown in
Accordingly, the rectilinear design of the Stanczyk patent has geometric constraints that limit the size of sample or sensing area. This limits the sample length of the each wheel and prevents the ability to accurately measure the speed of the vehicle. When the length of the loop is increased, the field height increases and eddy currents also increase making this design not practical to calculate wheel speed on a single loop. As indicated in the Abstract and in at least Col. 2, lines 61–64, the Stanczyk patent specifically teaches that the length of the loop must be smaller than the diameter of the wheel. The preferred length of the loop tends to be limited to the bearing length of the tire, or the tire bearing lengths tend to be longer than the loop length, to provide distinct wheel detection.
In addition, the rectangular design of the Stanczyk patent uses multiple turns of wire around the perimeter, and the design is limited to a length that is shorter than the diameter of the wheel it is detecting. As the length of the loop is made small, the loop would detect smaller vehicles but not larger ones.
In contrast to the Stanczyk patent, as explained below, the ferromagnetic loop of the present invention offers greater flexibility in size and shape of the loop geometry and provides a longer travel area for the wheel paths. As explained below, a single ferromagnetic loop of the present invention is capable of detecting different size wheels found in random traffic. Significantly, the length of a ferromagnetic loop of the present invention can be greater than the diameter of the wheel being detected. Thus, it is possible to use a single ferromagnetic loop of the present invention to detect the entire population of wheels in random traffic. The loop can also detect the difference between single-tire and dual-tire assemblies. Also, the longer loop sample time associated with the ferromagnetic loop provides the ability to calculate speed using just a single loop.
The Lees Applications
The figure-of-eight loop design (also referred to hereinafter as the dipole loop design) disclosed in the Lees applications has a central winding, with the two outer segments in the direction of travel having a length shorter than about 23.6 inches (or about 60 cm), and preferably about 17.7 inches (or about 45 cm).
A figure-of-eight loop similar to loop 3010 with dimensions 10 feet wide by 18 inches long (i.e., each front segment 3011 and rear segment 3012 is nine inches long), built and installed in accordance with the Lees applications, was used for evaluation purposes by the inventors. Plot 3042 shown in
For the dipole (figure-of-eight shape) loop with the dimensions of 10 feet by 18 inches, the test results indicated that it is not suitable for detection of small-wheeled vehicles. The wheels are not clearly defined in plots generated by this loop because the chassis of vehicles with small wheels lowers the frequency of the loop circuit.
As further explained below, the ferromagnetic loop of the present invention is different from the loops disclosed in the Lees applications since the geometry allows the loop's length to be longer than the diameter of the wheel to be detected. Furthermore, a single loop design can detect the different wheel sizes. It should be noted that the design of the present invention also has the ability to detect dual wheels. The amplitude of the front wheel can be compared to the rear wheel to determine the presence of dual tires on the rear axle using the ferromagnetic design of the present invention.
Plot 3048 shown in
For the smaller dipole loop with the dimensions of nine inches by five feet, the test results revealed that this loop design has a low field height with a stronger field in the center of the loop. Thus, the ability to detect wheels on vehicles was biased to small vehicle wheels, which are normally found on cars and small trailers. Accordingly, this loop design does not detect the wheels of vehicles with larger diameters, such as those found in pickup trucks, small trucks, and other larger vehicles.
For the larger dipole loop with the dimensions of 18 inches by five feet, the test results revealed that this loop design has a slightly higher field height with a stronger field in the center of the loop. The detection of wheels on small vehicles (e.g., cars) was not very clear, however, because the higher field found in this loop design was influenced by the chassis of the vehicle. This influence caused the frequency of the loop circuit to be lowered. The wheels were not clearly defined since the chassis effect and the wheel effect tend to cancel each other out. However, this design does provide better detection of vehicles that have larger wheels and more ground clearance.
Thus, the “coil within a coil” design (i.e., a smaller loop with dimension 3067 located within a larger loop with dimension 3068) as referenced in the Lees applications relies on two separate loop sizes to detect smaller and larger wheels. The use of four loops per lane is designed to detect the entire vehicle population, but the arrangement is dependent on both the nine and 18 inches long dipole loop design to detect the different sizes of the wheels found in the vehicle population. Also, these designs have a smaller dimension in the direction of travel than the wheel diameters. This provides a short signal sample rate from the wheels.
In contrast, and as explained below, the ferromagnetic loop of the present invention requires only a single loop to detect all the different wheel sizes that exist in random traffic. The ferromagnetic loop design also has the ability to provide wheel detection and vehicle speed on the same loop.
Ferromagnetic Loops of the Present Invention
Various configurations and designs of the ferromagnetic loops disclosed herein can be used for difference purposes. One exemplary purpose of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as described below, is to detect, identify, and classify vehicles. In the preferred embodiments, the ferromagnetic loop is adapted to communicate with a signal-processing device (e.g., a loop detector) to generate an electromagnetic field in a traveling path of a vehicle, measure the changes in frequency and inductance associated with the vehicle passing over the ferromagnetic loop, and output the results. The results can be used to determine, among other things, various characteristics of the vehicle including, for example, number of axles, distances between axles, and speed.
A preferred embodiment of the ferromagnetic loop has a unique loop geometry that provides a flux field. The loop circuit and geometry creates a flux field that responds to the ferromagnetic loop effect of wheel assemblies on vehicles. This ferromagnetic effect results in an inductance increase and frequency increase that can be detected by a loop signal-processing device (e.g., loop detector 260 shown in
Key elements of the ferromagnetic loops of the invention include the magnetic strength of the flux field height and length. The shallow installation of the wire and wire orientation of the coil in permanent and temporary installations is very important for optimal performance of the ferromagnetic loop design. The flux field created by the loop circuit is concentrated and low to the road surface to maximize the ferromagnetic effect of the wheel assemblies and minimize the eddy currents created by vehicle chassis.
The increase in inductance is detected by the ferromagnetic loop and the information can be used to count wheel assemblies. The ferromagnetic effect occurs when a ferrous object is inserted into the field of an inductor and reduces the reluctance of the flux path and therefore, increases the net inductance and frequency. This loop design and geometry responds to the wheel assemblies in this manner.
The geometry of the loop wire turnings can be oriented in different directions relative to the direction that vehicles travel in order to vary the response of the loop sensor to the vehicle wheels. The geometry and orientation of the loop wires can be designed to minimize ground resistance. For example, as the presence of reinforcing steel (a ferrous material) affects the magnetic field of the loop, the orientation of the lines of flux created by the loop geometry can be changed to minimize the environmental influences of the reinforcing steel. This is reflected in the wire turnings that are diagonal to the travel direction of the vehicle and diagonal to the typical orientation of reinforcing steel used in pavement design. This is an important design feature since it can help to reduce the magnetic influences that reinforcing steel has on the lines of flux created by the loop and improve the loops circuit response to wheels assemblies.
The ferromagnetic loops as disclosed herein provides a number of improvements over existing inductive loops. For example, the ferromagnetic loops can be made to have various unique geometric shapes and coil spacing (of the wire used in the wire turnings) to obtain a desirable flux field. Preferred embodiments of the ferromagnetic loops of the invention include the following characteristics:
A unique design of molded loops that incorporates a locking mechanism or an anchor to secure the loops in permanent installations.
A design of a single loop that has the ability to detect vehicle wheel assemblies and provide the distinction between single tire assemblies, dual tire assemblies, and grouped axles.
A design that is capable of providing wheel speed, vehicle speed, axle spacing, number of axles, and vehicle classification with a single loop.
A unique sensor arrangement and sensor spacing using two ferromagnetic loops that pairs two axle vehicles together by providing loop detections on both loops at the same time or in extremely close proximity of each other therefore greatly simplifying the vehicle classification process in congested traffic.
Disclosure of Preferred Embodiments
In this embodiment, each of loops 3110 and 3120 has wire turnings that are oriented in a diagonal manner relative to direction 3104. Note that each of polygonal axis 3111 and polygonal axis 3121 forms angle A with direction 3104. In other words, the contiguous polygons confined with a footprint of the loop form angle A with the direction. Angle A can range between zero and 90 degrees. Specifically, angle A can be, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees. The diagonal orientation of the wire turnings helps null or minimize the environmental influences that reinforcing steel has on the lines of flux (to the extent that the reinforcing steel are present and embedded within path 3102).
Note that gradient diagonal loop 3110 and regular diagonal ferromagnetic loop 3120 have different loop configurations. Regular diagonal loop 3120 has uniform spacing dimensions 3124 between wire turnings. In other words, the parallel diagonal lines within the footprint of loop 3120 have the same distance from each other. This uniform loop spacing provides detection in random traffic but can be designed for detection of specific wheel sizes. For example, the spacing can be one that which is optimum to detect the presence of a tractor-trailer in a traffic lane in which tractor-trailers are prohibited. Gradient diagonal loop 3110 is characterized by varying spacing dimension 3114, which are represented by different widths of spacing between the parallel diagonal lines within the footprint of loop 3110. The different spacing used in loop 3110 improves the loop circuit field by increasing the sensing range from small to large wheels on a single ferromagnetic loop design. The shorter or narrow sections detect small wheel assemblies and the longer or wider sections detect larger wheels. The gradient loop configuration is suitable for detecting a wide range of vehicle categories. Preferably, spacing dimensions 3114 and 3124 ranges between about three inches and about eight inches.
Loops 3110 and 3120 are associated with lead-ins 3112 and 3122, respectively. Lead-ins 3112 and 3122 are in communication with one or more loop detector, a device previously disclosed in the '937 application (e.g., detector 260 shown in
In the specific embodiment shown in
The ferromagnetic loop is designed to detect primarily the wheel assemblies by providing an increase in the frequency and inductance of the loop circuit thereby maximizing the ferromagnetic effect. The design provides detection of the entire range of wheel sizes illustrated in
The ferromagnetic effect of the present invention is illustrated in frequency vs. time plots shown in
Plot 3300 shown in
Plot 3310 shown in
Plot 3400 shown in
In plots shown in
Plot 3500 shown in
Plot 3600 shown in
Plot 3700 shown in
Plot 3800 shown in
The wire turnings in this ferromagnetic design can also be oriented parallel or perpendicular to the travel direction of traffic. The perpendicular orientation is illustrated in the typical ferromagnetic loop geometry shown in
As shown in
The preferred method of installation involves installing the wire within one inch of the road surface. In other words, depth 4108 is preferably about one inch. It is also preferable to install the wire turnings parallel to the road surface (i.e., wire turnings 4102 and 4104 are side-by-side as shown in
The number of wire turnings can be increased in the gradient in order to increase the detection response of smaller or larger wheels by increasing the number of wire turns in a particular spacing. This increases the field of flux at the appropriate level. This is illustrated in
Plot 4310 shown in
Plot 4320 shown in
Plot 4330 shown in
Plot 4340 shown in
Referring back to
The longer loop length can be used to detect grouped axles. Vehicles having two-or more axles with a spacing shorter than the loop length can be easily detected on a single loop. The detection of grouped axles results in distinct patterns of detection that is directly related to the axle spacing of the group of axles. The pattern includes such parameters as the number of peaks, amplitude of the peaks, lengths of the peaks, and speed of the wheels.
Plot 4410 shown in
Plot 4420 shown in
Plot 4430 shown in
Plot 4440 shown in
Plot 4450 shown in
This loop design provides good increases in the frequency of the loop circuit when wheels of vehicles travel through the field of the loop even when the length of the loop is made longer than a group of wheels. This unique single loop design provides good wheel detection for the population of vehicles from motorcycles to tractor-trailers. This design can be wide enough to provide detection of both the left and right wheels of a vehicle on a single loop. This efficient design only requires one loop per lane for wheel detection of the entire wheel population. Examples of the different wheel sizes found in random traffic include, for example: motorcycles, 12 to 23 inches in diameter; automobiles, 23 to 26 inches in diameter; pickup or SUV, 26 to 29 inches in diameter; small trucks, 30 to 32 inches in diameter; and large trucks, 40 to 44 inches in diameter.
Both loop geometries, i.e., the gradient spacing and the equal spacing designs, can be installed using one continuous wire in two adjacent segments. This provides detection of the left and right wheel paths in a roadway. This design can be used on wider roadways. The use of two segments reduces the amount of wire in the middle section of the loop. This design provides a wider detection area without dramatically increasing the amount of wire being used. The advantage of not increasing the amount of wire is that adding additional wire does not decrease the loop sensitivity. This is illustrated in
Plots shown in
Plot 4510 shown in
Plot 4520 shown in
Plot 4530 shown in
Plot 4540 shown in
Plot 4550 shown in
Plot 4560 shown in
Plot 4570 shown in
Plot 4580 shown in
Plot 4590 shown in
Another unique feature of this design is its ability to increase the length of the loop without dramatically changing the field height. This is very beneficial in supplying a longer sample length time from the loop. The other benefit of having a longer loop length is it provides wheel speed information. The travel path length of the loop is longer than the diameter of the wheels it is detecting. The additional field length provides improved wheel data samples by providing a longer sample length. These longer samples allow more information about each wheel to be processed.
The geometry of the ferromagnetic design can also be used to calculate the speed of the vehicle. The speed can be measured using the length of the sample time as the wheel assembly travels from the leading edge of the loop to the trailing edge of the loop. The sample time is used by the signal analyzer to calculate the speed and provides an accuracy level of plus or minus about four milliseconds. Also, the size and type of wheel assembly can be determined using this loop geometry. The size of the wheel diameter and/or a dual-wheel assembly is reflected in the increased amplitude of the change in the frequency of the loop circuit. All these factors contribute to the area of the curve represented in the graphs for the detection of the wheel. The physical factors about the wheel assembly are represented by the slope and amplitude of the wheel detection. This also allows the processing unit to validate the detection of a wheel and discriminate between an object on a vehicle that is close to the ground but lacks the amplitude and slope to be a valid wheel assembly. This information is supplied on each wheel. In low speed applications or in congestion, this can accurately measure changes in the vehicle speed between the first axle and any of the following axles.
The width of the loop that is perpendicular to the direction of travel can be adjusted to provide the proper width for detection area. The length of the loop can be increased to increase the length of the sample time. The chassis height of the vehicle can also be detected providing the discrimination between cars, pickup, small trucks, or large trucks on a single loop.
Using the ferromagnetic loop of the present invention, it is now possible to detect wheel assemblies and measure vehicle speed using only one single loop. The loop field can be made longer when vehicle wheels travel at high speeds. This change in loop length provides good axle detection even when the loop field length is longer than the diameter of the wheels being detected. The loop length can also be longer than a group of axles. The spacing width of the coils within the loop can be varied to as small as two inches to provide a lower field height. The spacing could also be increased to 20 inches or more to detect very large vehicle wheels. Thus, different coil spacing can be used on a single loop circuit. The benefit of the geometry design is that the field density and uniform field height can be adjusted by changing the spacing. The loop circuit frequency increases when wheels travel through the detection field and this provides easy identification of the wheels.
There is another unique loop geometry design that has a bi-symmetrical off-set of the left and right leading and trailing edge of the loop. The left segment of the loop detects the wheels from the left side of a vehicle and the right segment detects wheels from the right side of a vehicle. The use of the offset provides a longer travel distance over the loop and this provides a longer sample time which is desirable particularly at high speeds. In addition, this approach doubles the length of the sample time but only slightly increases the amount of the loop wire by the length of the offset. This loop design is illustrated in
In
In
This offset loop design can also be used to calculate the speed of the vehicles.
This unique single loop design detects the left wheel and right wheel of an axle assembly at different moments in time. This design provides several methods of calculating the speed on this offset wheel loop. These include loop total activation time, activation time of the left and/or right segment, sample time between left and right activation point, sample time between left and right saturation point, and sample time between left and right deactivation point. This is accomplished by having the left segment of the loop and the right segment of the loop being saturated by the left and right wheel at different moments in time. This difference of time is related to the distance in the offset between the left and right leading edge of the loop. Each wheel provides an increase in the loop circuit frequency during detection. These two increases mark the time it takes for the left and right wheel to travel the distance equal to the offset of the leading edge of the loop.
Also the total time of the activation of the loop represents the time the vehicle wheel travels the entire length of the loop. These references can be used to calculate the speed of the vehicle (i.e., distance divided by time) on each passing pair of wheels. The axle spacing of the vehicle can also be calculated providing vehicle classification information from a single wheel loop.
Following are examples that illustrate how speed and axle spacing of a vehicle can be determined using a single offset wheel loop shown in
In each of Example Numbers 26 through 32 below, an automobile having a known axle spacing of 8.3 feet was used. The car was driven over the loop using a speed between 10 and 60 mph. The speed of the vehicle was first determined. The axle spacing were then calculated based on the determined speed of the vehicle. The speed was calculated using the activation time between the left and right wheel. The axle spacing was calculated using the sample time between the activation of the first axle and the activation point of the second axle. The spacing was calculated using the vehicle speed measured on the first axle. It should be noted that the speed calculation was available for each passing pair of wheels. This speed information can also be used to determine if the vehicle was accelerating or decelerating as it traveled over the loop. It was also possible to use other or multiple speed points and/or use the average of these points. When this offset distance is used a valley or deactivation period appears on the graph (the frequency vs. time plot) between the left and right wheel detection. When a vehicle that has a group of axles with a spacing that is less then the distance of the offset was detected, an axle group pattern is produced on the graph.
Plot 4710 shown in
Plot 4720 shown in
Plot 4730 shown in
Plot 4740 shown in
Plot 4750 shown in
Plot 4760 shown in
Plot 4770 shown in
The slope of the frequency vs. time plot can also be used to calculate the speed of the wheel in slower speed conditions. The slope of the wheel activation (rise over time) and/or wheel deactivation (fall over time) can be calculated and compared to the predetermined values of a loop calibration table or loop calibration factor. The area under the slope of the wheel activation (rise over time) and wheel deactivation (fall over time) can also be calculated and compared to the predetermined values of a loop calibration table or loop calibration factor. These three methods are not as direct as using the left wheel to right wheel saturation points or total activation time to provide calculations for the speed of the vehicle to be measured with each pair of wheels. This sensor is unique in shape and function by providing accurate measurement of vehicle speed using only a single wheel loop. This also provides the ability to supply vehicle classification on a single loop.
The information from one offset loop can be processed to provide axle counts, axle speeds, and axle spacing information. The information is obtained from a single inductive loop and a single loop detector. This loop design makes it possible to provide vehicle classification on the basis of axle detection and axle spacing using a single loop and single channel of detection in a travel lane. The following examples illustrate the vehicle speed and axle spacing being detected on a single offset wheel loop. The speed of the vehicle was calculated and the axle spacing was calculated based on the determined speed of the vehicle. This loop had a left and right segment each 28 inches long and an offset length of 24 inches. The effective length of the loop equals 2954.55 milliseconds at one mph. The speed was calculated using the activation time between the left and right wheel. The axle spacing was determined using the sample time between the activation of the first axle and the activation point of the second axle. The spacing is calculated using the vehicle speed measured on the first axle. It should be noted that the speed calculation is available for each passing pair of wheels. This speed information can also be used to determine if a vehicle is accelerating or decelerating as it travels over the loop. It is also possible to use other sample points or multiple speed points and/or use the average of multiple samples.
In the following Example Nos. 33–38, all the vehicles were accelerating as they traveled over the offset loop.
Plot 4810 shown in
Plot 4820 shown in
Plot 4830 shown in
Plot 4840 shown in
Plot 4850 shown in
Plot 4860 shown in
With respect to the wire spacing and the orientation of the wire for the ferromagnetic loop a number of factors should be considered. For example, the orientation of the wire turnings with respect to the path on which the wheel travels through the field affects the loop frequency change. When the wire wrappings are parallel to the direction of traffic, the field detects not only the wheels but also the chassis of the vehicles. Using larger spacing in wire turnings that are parallel to the direction of travel affect the loop's ability so that it detects wheels exclusively. However, when the large spacing is used, the chassis of smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and cars with low ground clearance can create eddy currents, which cause the frequency of the loop circuit to lower and thereby reduces detection of wheels. Accordingly, it is desirable to design the spacing of the loop based on anticipated vehicles wheels to be detected. One novel arrangement of the wire spacing is to route the wire at a 30 to 60 degrees angle to the direction of travel. This arrangement reduces the eddy currents from the chassis. As a result, the arrangement provides improved wheel detection and wheel speed information.
As discussed above, a ferromagnetic loop of the invention can be used to determine, among other things, the presence, speed, and number of axles of a vehicle. This can be accomplished as shown in
The use of more than one ferromagnetic loop in a roadway can be used to provide vehicle classification.
The use of spacings 4930 and 4940 provides sensor activation or deactivation on both wheel loops from the wheels located on the same two-axle vehicle. The wheel detections on the two wheel loops occur at the same time or within a few milliseconds. This provides wheel, wheel assembly, speed, and axle spacing information from the same vehicle during the wheel detection. This wheel information provides critical vehicle information about the vehicle speed and axle spacing that pairs the vehicle axles and greatly simplifies the vehicle classification process by providing matches for vehicle classification. The sensor arrangement provides the linking or pairing of front and rear wheels of a vehicle for about 80 to 85% of the vehicles in random traffic. This percentage of vehicles represent the axle spacing for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and pickup trucks that have axle spacing that is between the inner and outer spacing of the two wheel loops.
The addition of single rectangular or dipole loop. e.g., loop 5020, located between the two wheel loops, e.g., loops 5010 and 5030, could be used in heavy congested traffic conditions to supply additional vehicle processing information. The rectangular or dipole loop would provide additional vehicle presence detection for axle spacing that are greater than 19 feet long.
Installation
The ferromagnetic loops and its various configurations, variations, arrangements, and arrays of loops of the present invention can be installed as a surface mount loop for temporary installation. In addition, the loops can be installed for permanent applications using a pavement saw, drill, wire, and loop sealant.
Installation Procedure for a Ferromagnetic Loop
The loop can be installed on a pavement as follows. The pavement is marked using paint to outline the locations or a web of grooves to be cut using a pavement saw. A slot is made by the saw that is between about 0.75 inches wide by about 1.5 inch deep. The loop is formed using a single conductor of preferably stranded wire AWG number 14 with high density polyethylene insulation with a jacket diameter of 130 to 140 mils. However, single or stranded conductor wire gauge of 12, 14, 16, or 18 could be used for this installation. It is recommended that the loop coils of wire are kept parallel to the roadway surface (i.e., the coils of wire are laid side-by-side). The wire is installed in the cut slot (see, e.g.,
Molded Ferromagnetic Loop and Installation Procedure
The unique design of the ferromagnetic loop can be made in a molded loop in the same variety of geometric shapes, sizes, and coil spacing as those formed using a pavement saw and wire method. Molded loop 5300 shown in
The loop can be installed using a molded loop that can be placed in a saw cut or a web of grooves created within a pavement. For example, an outline of the loop is painted or marked on the pavement. A pavement saw is used to cut slots about 0.75 inches wide by about 1.5 inches deep. The molded loop is then placed in the slots and a loop sealant or another bonding agent is used to secure the molded loop in the saw cut.
Installing Temporary Ferromagnetic Loop
Temporary loops can be made using a combination of wire and seal tape having a woven Polypropylene mesh. The adhesive of the road tape holds the loop in place in the road way.
Plot 5510 shown in
Plot 5520 shown in
Plot 5530 shown in
Plot 5610 shown in
Plot 5620 shown in
Plot 5630 shown in
Plot 5710 shown in
Plot 5720 shown in
Together, plots 5710 and 5720 indicate that offset loop 5700 can be used to detect vehicle wheels regardless of whether coils 5704 are parallel or perpendicular (or diagonal) to the direction of travel.
Summary of the Disclosure
The ferromagnetic loop of the present invention has many characteristics including the following.
The loop geometry associated with the present invention is unique. Preferred embodiments of the invention use wire turnings in a serpentine fashion to provide a low density magnetic field for the ferromagnetic loop. Preferably, the ferromagnetic loop provides a wire coil with multiple turns to remain parallel (side-by-side) and preferably one inch or less below the road surface.
The loop width can be larger than the diameter of the wheels being detected to provide a longer sample time of each wheel assembly.
The ferromagnetic loop design can detect and provide distinctions for single wheel assemblies on small vehicle wheels, automobiles, trucks and dual wheel assemblies on vehicles.
The loop design can be installed on a temporary basis using flexible adhesive sheets. Alternatively, the loop can be formed to contain the continuous wire. For example, the continuous wire can be encapsulated or encased in a molding process to give form to the loop circuit.
The loop circuit encapsulated or encased in a molding process can be further secured by an anchoring system. The anchoring system may consist one or more of plastic, rubber, synthetic, and other resinous product for permanent installations.
A molded loop designed specifically for temporary installations can be installed as a surface mount loop. This loop is designed to be reusable and more durable than the temporary loops made of a combination of wire and seal tape having a woven polypropylene mesh.
The permanent installations can use a shallow saw cut 0.5 to 0.75 inches wide and one inch deep to maintain close proximity of the ferromagnetic circuit to the road surface.
The permanent installations can be installed in a saw cut using a loop circuit that has been encapsulated or encased using a molding process using one or more of plastic, rubber, synthetic, and other resinous products.
The shape of the molded ferromagnetic loop design can be adapted to be secured by a mechanical anchor in the saw cut.
The loop design has the ability to discriminate between a single wheel assembly and a dual wheel assembly.
The unique serpentine method of wire turns can utilize different length sizes of spacing to create a low dense gradient field for different wheel diameters.
Temporary loops can be made from a combination of wire and seal tape having a woven Polypropylene material with adhesive. These temporary loops can be installed for short term or temporary installations.
Vehicle classification by detecting axle counts, vehicle spacing, and axle spacing can be done using a single loop.
Vehicle classification using two loops in series can have spacing from 3 feet to 15 feet between loops.
The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This is a continuation application that claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No., 10/206,972, filed Jul. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,864,804 which is a continuation-in-part (“CIP”) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/098,131, filed Mar. 15, 2002 (“the '131 application”), which is a CIP application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/977,937 (“the '937 application”), filed Oct. 17, 2001. Each of the three above-referenced applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3984764 | Koerner | Oct 1976 | A |
| 4239415 | Blikken | Dec 1980 | A |
| 5164732 | Brockelsby et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
| 5614894 | Stanczyk | Mar 1997 | A |
| 6337640 | Lees et al. | Jan 2002 | B1 |
| 6345228 | Lees et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
| 6380868 | Hilliard et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6483443 | Lees et al. | Nov 2002 | B1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 200058926 | Oct 2000 | WO |
| 200058927 | Oct 2000 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050046598 A1 | Mar 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10206972 | Jul 2002 | US |
| Child | 10952943 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10098131 | Mar 2002 | US |
| Child | 10206972 | US | |
| Parent | 09977937 | Oct 2001 | US |
| Child | 10098131 | US |
