초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to a portable system for automatic data acquisition and processing of traffic information in real-time. The system incorporates a plurality of sensors operatively positioned upstream of a work zone or roadway incident with each of the sensors being adapted to detect

The present invention is directed to a portable system for automatic data acquisition and processing of traffic information in real-time. The system incorporates a plurality of sensors operatively positioned upstream of a work zone or roadway incident with each of the sensors being adapted to detect current traffic conditions, at least one variable message device positioned upstream of the work zone or roadway incident, a plurality of remote station controllers, each operatively connected to the plurality of sensors and the variable message device, and a central system controller located within remote communication range of the remote station controllers, wherein the central system controller and the plurality of remote station controllers are capable of remotely communicating with one another. Each of the sensors is adapted to output traffic condition data to its corresponding remote station controller. The corresponding remote station controllers then transmit the traffic condition data to the central system controller. The central system controller automatically generates traffic advisory data based on the traffic condition data and transmits the traffic advisory data to the remote station controller that is connected to the variable message device. The traffic advisory data may also be used to communicate with and control highway advisory radio transmitters and ramp metering stations. Together, one or more variable message devices, highway advisory radio transmitters and ramp metering stations may be used to inform passing motorists of traffic conditions in and around a work zone or roadway incident, and thereby control and improve the safety and efficiency of traffic operations around such sites.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for monitoring and processing traffic information at or near work zones or roadway incidents so as to provide real-time traffic advisory information to passing motorists, the system comprising:a plurality of sensor means for detecting current traffic conditions b

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for monitoring and processing traffic information at or near work zones or roadway incidents so as to provide real-time traffic advisory information to passing motorists, the system comprising:a plurality of sensor means for detecting current traffic conditions being relocatably positionable at least one of upstream of a work zone or roadway incident, said plurality of sensor means including speed sensors for detecting speeds of passing vehicles;at least one display means relocatably positionable upstream of the work zone or roadway incident for displaying traffic information to passing motorists;a plurality of first control means each operatively positioned and connected with each of said plurality of sensor means and said display means for receiving sensor data and processing real-time traffic information to be displayed, respectively; andsecond control means communicatively connected to said plurality of first control means for controlling operation of said plurality of first control means, wherein said second control means includes means for receiving said sensor data from said plurality of sensor means via corresponding ones of said plurality of first control means connected to said plurality of sensor means, means for generating said real-time traffic information to be displayed based on said sensor data, and means for transmitting said real-time traffic information to be displayed to a corresponding one of said plurality of first control means connected to said display means, whereinsaid real-time traffic information to be displayed includes at least one of upcoming traffic speed information, traffic time delay information and traffic advisory instruction information, andsaid plurality of sensor means and said display means are formed to be relocatably positionable relative to each other and to the work zone or roadway incident whereby locations of said plurality of sensors and said display means are reconfigurable to adapt operation of said system in accordance with current conditions and location of the work zone or roadway incident.