Abstract:
The present invention is a highly accurate detector system for detecting and responding to wrong-way driving incidents. An optimum configuration and combination of sensors gather data corresponding to predetermined vehicle movement test parameters; a set number of parameter deviations from pre-determined thresholds will initiate various sensor signals. The sensor signals may be transmitted to the computer processor, which may in turn produce a range of system outputs. In various embodiments, system outputs may include but are not limited to outputs activating other system components, outputs initiating data storage and analysis, and outputs interfacing and communicating with other systems.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 61/887,255, 61/887,260 and 61/887,265 filed on Oct. 4, 2013. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of image analysis, and more specifically to a system to detect wrong-way driving incidents in real time with a high degree of accuracy to enable effective deterrence and intervention. 
     GLOSSARY 
     As used herein, the term “computer processer” means any computer hardware component configured to receive input and provide a transformative operation to obtain the appropriate output. A computer processor may be a single computer, a local area network or a geographically distributed network of computer processing components. 
     As used herein, the term “predetermined vehicle movement test parameter” means any measurable vehicle movement data that can be quantified, correlated, analyzed or captured for use in detecting, analyzing or archiving an event (e.g., an instance of a wrong-way driving event). 
     As used herein, the term “quasi-unique” means a location, data or parameter set in which some or all elements may be distinct from another location, data or parameter set, or in which the location, data or parameter set is determined independently from other location, data or parameter sets. 
     As used herein, the term “real time” means the approximate time frame during which a process or event occurs. 
     As used herein, the term “sensor signal” or “visual sensor signal” means an output created by a sensor or visual sensor device. Examples of a sensor signal or visual sensor signal include but are not limited to a signal which activates or changes the state of a system component (component activation signal), a signal which interfaces with a communication system (communication signal), or a signal which initiates a process for saving storing or archiving data (archival signal). 
     As used herein, the term “system output” means an output created by a computer processor. Examples of a system output include but are not limited to a signal which activates or changes the state of a system component (component activation signal), a signal which interfaces with a communication system (communication signal), or a signal which initiates a process for saving storing or archiving data (archival signal). 
     As used herein, the term “target rate of error” means a maximum level of difference between an observed value of a quantity and its true value. Target rate of error is inversely related to the number of sensors and directly related to individual sensor error rates. 
     As used herein, the term “target rate of reliability” means a minimum level of consistency between an observed value of a quantity and its true value. Target rate of reliability is inversely related to the overlap between predetermined vehicle movement test parameters and directly related to the individual sensor reliability rates. 
     As used herein, the term “vehicle motion sensor” means a sensor configured to measure any physical quantify related to motion and to convert the measurement to a signal. 
     As used herein, the term “visual sensor device” means a sensor with the ability to obtain images or image data. Visual sensor devices may or may not be configured to store, analyze, filter and/or annotate visual data when activated. 
     As used herein, the term “wrong-way directional movement” means movement that is contrary to the sanctioned movement of traffic on a section of roadway or point of ingress or egress. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a detector system, which includes an exemplary configuration of sensors, recording devices and image and data capture tools. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a detector system, which includes an alternative configuration of sensors, recording devices and image and data capture tools distributed between multiple mounting components. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of an intraoperative system with multiple sensors in communication with a single computer processor. 
       BACKGROUND 
       Wrong-way driving accidents are among the most dangerous and statistically significant. These accidents occur when a driver enters a roadway going in the wrong direction. Once an aberrant driver has entered the roadway, these accidents are likely to involve two or more cars and result in multiple fatalities. It is critical to provide proximate or real time intervention to prevent such accidents. Generally, emergency personnel are limited to responding to witness reports and calls. By the time authorities reach the scene, an accident has occurred or the driver has left the location where the wrong-way driving incident was observed. 
       Automated systems are used to detect an incident of wrong-way driving and provide intervention to a driver before the driver enters the roadway. Systems that provide this capability are referred to as Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS). ITS technologies known in the art rely on sensing components to detect wrong-way driving incidents and to provide real time warning signals to drivers. 
       Currently, ITS sensing components known in the art have unacceptably high error rates for detecting instances of wrong-way driving. With thousands of cars passing a system, even a very small ITS error rate is unacceptable because it can result gross inaccuracies and misdirection of time-critical resources. For example, a system that monitors 10,000 cars per week with a 5% error rate could falsely indicate 500 incidents of wrong way driving per week and miss a similar number of actual incidents. There is an unmet need for ITS technology with near 100% accuracy. 
       A typical ITS known in the art consists of a detection subsystem using Doppler radar or an inductive loop detector to sense instances of wrong-way driving and initiate redirection cues such as lights, barriers and alarms. ITS sensors known in the art typically have a detection error rate of plus or minus 5 to 20%. 
       Many attempts have been made in the art to solve the problem of detecting and deterring wrong-way drivers. In 2012, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a multi-year study of data related to wrong-way driving accidents. 1  The study was conducted, in part, to determine whether the NTSB should recommend that states invest in existing ITS technologies. The NTSB declined to recommend that states implement ITS countermeasures, citing a lack of data as to the effectiveness of such systems. 2    1 U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. (2012).  Highway Special Investigation Report: Wrong Way Driving . Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office (PB 2012-917003) 2 The NTSB is a federal agency with the Congressional mandate to make safety recommendations to states. Since 1967, NTSB has issued approximately 13,000 safety recommendations, the majority of which have been implemented by states. The NTSB has cited the lack of “readily accessible quantity and quality of wrong way collision data” as a reason for declining to issue recommendations for ITS systems. 
       Many states studies have independently recommended or purchased existing ITS technologies, despite their proven statistical unreliability for detecting incidents of wrong-way driving. 
       The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), an office of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is responsible for providing incident, accident avoidance and countermeasure effectiveness data to support NTSB recommendations. The NCSA does not currently have a system in place for gathering data on the effectiveness of ITS implementations. The only available data is generally anecdotal witness and accident reports. There is no way to measure the number of drivers that are redirected before an accident occurs. There is a need for statistically reliable ITS systems suitable for conducting the necessary studies to support an NTSD recommendation. 
       There is an unmet need for an ITS that can accurately detect wrong-way driving instances and to provide the capability for various forms real time intervention. 
       There is a further unmet need for a data gathering system that can provide reliable observational data for use in studying the effectiveness of wrong-way driving countermeasures. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       The present invention is a detector system for detecting and deterring wrong-way driving. In various embodiments, the system is rapidly deployable, cost-effective and capable of producing and analyzing data critical to deterring and detecting wrong-way driving incidents. The system utilizes a novel configuration of interoperable sensors and computer processors. 
       The detector system includes multiple vehicle motion sensors, a visual sensor device, a computer processor and a mounting component. The sensors gather data corresponding to predetermined vehicle movement test parameters including but not limited to direction, speed, duration, time, sequence, conditions, concurrent incidents, etc. The sensors analyze sensed predetermined vehicle movement test parameters; a set number of parameter deviations from pre-determined thresholds will initiate various sensor signals. The sensor signals may be transmitted to the computer processor, which may produce a range of system output. In various embodiments, system outputs may include but are not limited to outputs activating other system components, outputs initiating data storage and analysis, and outputs interfacing and communicating with other systems. For example, when a pre-determined number of sensor signals is reached, the computer processor may transmit a system output to interface with an internal or external system component or communicate with another system, such as a law enforcement agency. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a Highly Accurate System for Wrong-Way Driving Detection and Deterrence, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearly identical structural elements. 
     Moreover, the terms “about,” “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a detector system  100 , which includes an exemplary configuration of sensors, recording devices and image and data capture tools. The detector system  100  includes a first vehicle motion sensor  10 , an additional vehicle motion sensor  20 , a visual sensor device  30 , a computer processor  40 , an optional graphic user interface  50 , an optional traffic control device  60 , at least one optional storage component  70  and at least one mounting component  80 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first vehicle motion sensor  10  is a Doppler radar sensor, programmed to capture and analyze at least one predetermined vehicle movement test parameter of a detected vehicle. In various other embodiments, first vehicle motion sensor  10  is a microwave- or infrared-emitting and receiving sensor, a passive infrared sensor, an induction loop, at least one trip sensor, at least one piezoelectric sensor, at least one magnetometer or any other sensors known in the art capable of detecting and transmitting the speed, directionality and detection duration of any vehicle. 
     First vehicle motion sensor  10  is configured with software to transmit or store a first sensor signal if a first threshold is met or exceeded by the captured predetermined vehicle movement test parameter, depending upon additional system configurations related to process and sequencing of sensed data. In various embodiments, first vehicle motion sensor may be programmed to transmit or store a first sensor signal if multiple thresholds are exceeded to achieve optimum detection accuracy. First vehicle motion sensor  10  includes a first transmitter  15 , which transmits the first sensor signal to other components of the system, such as computer processor  40  and traffic control device  60 . Other components within detector system  100  operatively connect to first vehicle motion sensor  10  through a physical connection or a wireless connection. 
     Various thresholds may include speed thresholds, direction thresholds and detection duration thresholds. A speed threshold may include, but is not limited to a minimum detection speed, a maximum detection speed, legal speed limits, safe speeds for current road conditions and safe speeds for current weather conditions. A direction threshold may include, but is not limited to the direction of correct traffic flow, the direction of temporary traffic flow, the direction against correct traffic flow or the direction against temporary traffic flow. A detection duration threshold may include, but is not limited to a minimum length of time a vehicle is detected or a maximum length of time a vehicle is detected. 
     Additional vehicle motion sensor  20  is substantially identical in form and function to first vehicle motion sensor  10 . Additional vehicle motion sensor  20  is configured with software to store an additional sensor signal or to transmit the additional sensor signal through second transmitter  25 . 
     Additional vehicle motion sensor  20  (and still other additional vehicle motion sensors and/or visual sensing devices in various embodiments) may be independently configured to detect different pre-selected predetermined vehicle movement test parameters and/or compare them to different thresholds. The multiple independent sensors and quasi-unique predetermined vehicle movement test parameters ensure a higher degree of accuracy because system errors are less likely to propagate. 
     The target rate of reliability R for a given number of sensors n is determined based on an incremental accuracy of each of said given sensors and adjusted for overlap between predetermined vehicle movement test parameters using the following equation: 
             R   =         r   1     +   …   +     r   n     -     (     n   ⁢           ⁢     r   o       )         n   -     (     n   ⁢           ⁢     r   o       )               
where r i  is the incremental accuracy for a given sensor where i=1 . . . n and r 0 , is the overlap between predetermined vehicle movement test parameters of the given sensors. For example, a system with three sensors having incremental accuracies of r 1 =0.95, r 2 =0.95 and r 3 =0.98 and no overlap between test parameters would have a target rate of reliability of
 
     
       
         
           
             
               R 
               = 
               
                 
                   
                     0.95 
                     + 
                     0.97 
                     + 
                     0.98 
                     - 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         3 
                         * 
                         0 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                   
                     3 
                     - 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         3 
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                 = 
                 
                   0.9 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     6 
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             , 
             
               or 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               96. 
               ⁢ 
               
                 6 
                 _ 
               
               ⁢ 
               % 
             
           
         
       
     
     Any vehicle motion sensor or visual sensor device may be individually configured to independently obtain various types of sensed data. In some embodiments, vehicle motion sensors may independently generate sensor signals. In various embodiments, vehicle motion sensors are paired or interoperably configured with other sensors. In various embodiments, vehicle motion sensors or visual sensor devices may be enclosed within protective housings or structures. Such protective housings or structures may have additional capability to prevent interference or noise. 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , detector system  100  includes at least one visual sensor device  30 , which contains visual sensing capabilities and algorithms distinct from other on-visual sensors. In various embodiments, visual sensor device  30  may be a digital still photography or video camera as is commonly known in the art. In various embodiments, visual sensor device  30  may be of varying accuracy and complexity and be capable of capturing any type of visually or motion sensed data know in the art. Other embodiments of visual sensor device  30  detect attributes of motion. Still other embodiments of visual sensor device  30  may include a flash unit or utilize a number of pixels allowing for high levels of image resolution. In various embodiments, visual sensor device  30  may include processing and memory capability such as filtering, screening, image adjustment, image capture adjustment, data storage and time stamping. Alternate embodiments of detector system  100  may include additional visual sensor devices to obtain increased amounts of visual data. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, visual sensor device  30  is configured to continuously record visual data from a predetermined field of view, such as a portion of a roadway, and analyze any vehicles detected to obtain vehicle motion data and at least one predetermined visual vehicle movement test parameter. Visual sensor device  30  is configured with software to store or transmit a visual data output if a visual threshold is met or exceeded by at least one predetermined visual vehicle movement test parameter. 
     The visual data output may also include at least one frame of visual data including the detected vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment, the visual data output includes multiple frames of visual data. In another embodiment, the visual data output includes at least six frames of visual data. Visual sensor device  30  transmits the visual data output through a third transmitter  35  to other components of the system, such as computer processor  40 , to which it is operatively connected. Other components within detector system  100  operatively connect to visual sensor device  30  through a physical connection or a wireless connection. 
     Various alternate embodiments of detector system  100  may include additional vehicle motion sensors and/or additional visual sensor devices. Increased sensing and recording capabilities reduce the already low rate of detection errors of detector system  100 . A target rate of error E s  for a given number of sensors n may be expressed by the following formula: 
               E   s     =         E   1     +   …   +     E   n         n   2             
where E i  is an error rate for a given sensor where i=1 . . . n. The number of sensors and error rates of said sensors are selected for the exemplary embodiment of detector system  100  such that E s  approaches zero. For example, a system with three sensors having error rates of E 1 =0.04, E 2 =0.02 and E 3 =0.02 would have a target rate of error of
 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 E 
                 s 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   
                     0.04 
                     + 
                     0.02 
                     + 
                     0.02 
                   
                   
                     3 
                     2 
                   
                 
                 = 
                 
                   0.008 
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     8 
                     _ 
                   
                 
               
             
             , 
             
                 
             
             ⁢ 
             
               or 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               0.8 
               ⁢ 
               
                 8 
                 _ 
               
               ⁢ 
               % 
             
           
         
       
     
     In the embodiment shown, computer processor  40  is a computer processing unit (CPU) operatively connected to first vehicle motion sensor  10 , additional vehicle motion sensor  20  and visual sensor device  30 , and configured to receive the first sensor signal, at least one additional sensor signal and visual data output. In various embodiments, computer processor is operatively connected to optional system components as well. Various embodiments of computer processor  40  may include, but are not limited to a computer network, a computer, a central processing unit, a microprocessor or an application-specific instruction-set processor. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, after receiving the first sensor signal, at least one additional sensor signal and visual data output, computer processor  40  may transmit a system output to a pre-programmed destination. 
     A component activation output signal may be transmitted to an additional component of detector system  100 , such as traffic control device  60 . A communication interface output signal may be transmitted to an external communications system, while an archival output signal may be transmitted to another component of detector system  100  capable of storing the archival output signal. The communication interface and archival output signals may include data such as the first sensor signal, at least one additional sensor signal and visual data output, date data, time data, location data, and visual data received from visual sensor device  30 . In the exemplary embodiment, the external communications system may be, but is not limited to a cloud-based server or database, an external computer processor or to one or more users, such as, but not limited to a member or members of law enforcement or other governmental entities. 
     Computer processor  40  can be programmed with offset compensation to adjust for different component positions or orientations, or different mounting configurations, adjusted thresholds for different days or times, or comparison software to compare data from additional detector systems to eliminate anomalies. Computer processor  40  can also be programmed to automatically save or upload data for recall and subsequent reporting or to automatically sort or analyze data to provide comprehensive reports, identify positive and negative trends for actions and allow rapid review of the histories of equipment and events. 
     Computer processor  40  also monitors and controls the detector system  100  as a whole. Computer processor  40  can be programmed to show device status and send automated e-mail or text alerts based on battery levels dropping below pre-set levels. Users can select the recipients and form of alerts, as well as levels of alerts. Users can also program daily events into the system, with at least eight different types of days and at least sixteen different events per day. 
     Optionally, computer processor  40  may also include a graphic user interface  50  for user interaction with the detector system  100 . User interface  50  may include an interactive map allowing a user to view equipment locations, review device status reports and modify settings. The interactive map may include a zoomable overview of all devices, pop-up status indicators and lists of selectable devices. User interface  50  may also include a dashboard display showing individual device data such as, but not limited to each device&#39;s cell status, battery voltage, temperature, solar voltage and current. Historic data can be organized by day, week, month and year. 
     Optionally, detector system  100  includes traffic control device  60 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , traffic control device  60  is a road sign as is commonly known in the art, equipped with a plurality of lights that flash in a predetermined cueing pattern. The plurality of lights are capable of flashing on and off in regular or irregular intervals or patterns to provide a signal to the operator of a vehicle. In various embodiments, traffic control device  60  receiving a component activation output initiates such a flashing interval or pattern to provide a warning to the operator of a detected vehicle. In various embodiments, one or more additional traffic control devices  60  may be used. The additional traffic control devices  60  can activate with the same or different activation outputs. In various embodiments, traffic control device  60  may be a light activated sign, a pattern of lights, a selectively illuminated road sign, an electronic message board, an audible warning device or any combination thereof. 
     Optionally, computer processor  40  may also include storage component  70 , a storage database operatively connected to first vehicle motion sensor  10 , additional vehicle motion sensor  20 , visual sensor device  30  and/or computer processor  40  through a physical connection or a wireless connection. Storage component  70  is configured with software to receive and store data including visual data, visual data output, archival and first and additional sensor signals, as well as time and location data. Storage component  70  is further configured with software to transmit the stored data to computer processor  40 . Various embodiments of storage component  70  may include, but are not limited to a flash memory device, a hard disk drive, a CD, a DVD or a RAM module. 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the various components of detector system  100  are attached to at least one mounting component  80 . Mounting component  80  can be, but is not limited to, a pole, a trailer, a building, a roof, a wall or an infrastructure type of element. Mounting component  80  can be vertical, horizontal or angled. Mounting component  80  can be a single mounting component or multiple mounting components; multiple mounting components may be of a single type or different types. In embodiments where mounting component  80  includes multiple mounting components  80 , these multiple mounting components  80  may have different geographical locations, with other components of detector system  100  distributed between the multiple mounting components  80 . 
     In certain embodiments of detector system  100 , other components of detector system  100  are permanently fixed to at least one mounting component  80  in a single permanent site. In additional embodiments, elements of detector system  100  are removable from mounting component  80 , and can be set up in one site, then taken down and moved to another site. In other contemplated embodiments of detector system  100 , elements of detector system  100  are permanently attached to a portable mounting component  80 , which moves from site to site. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a single, vertical pole-type mounting component  80  mounts the remaining components of detector system  100 . In various embodiments, first and additional vehicle motion sensors  10  and  20  may be programmed with data relative to their position, which may be used by computer processor  40  to perform relevant adjustments to predetermined vehicle movement test parameters to achieve optimal verification and error reduction. In other embodiments, computer processor  40  is programmed with the positional data of first and additional vehicle motion sensors  10  and  20  to perform the adjustments. 
     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , first vehicle motion sensor  10  and additional vehicle motion sensor  20  are located at opposite sides of mounting component  70 , with visual sensor device  30  between first vehicle motion sensor  10  and additional vehicle motion sensor  20 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a detector system  200 , which includes an alternative configuration of sensors, recording devices and image and data capture tools distributed between multiple mounting components. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , detector system  200  includes multiple mounting components  80   a  and  80   b.  System components distributed between mounting components  80   a  and  80   b  form a geographically interoperable capability for communicating with computer processor  40 . As previously mentioned, in this embodiment computer processor  40  includes programmed offset compensation to adjust for the different component positions. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of an intraoperative detector system  300  with multiple sensors in communication with a single computer processor. In the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , detector system  300  includes first vehicle motion sensor  10 , two additional vehicle motion sensors  20   a  and  20   b,  multiple visual sensor devices  30   a  and  30   b,  computer processor  40  and an external communications system  90 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the distributed system sensing components ( 10 ,  20   a ,  20   b,    30   a,    30   b ) interoperably communicate with computer processor  40 . External communications system  90  also interoperably communicates with computer processor  40 . 
     While the above exemplary embodiments have been described as a system for detecting and deterring wrong-way driving, other embodiments of this detector system may have other applications. Some applications for this detector system include detecting accidents, providing active warnings for vehicle drivers during certain times or under certain conditions, monitoring overall traffic flow, monitoring traffic flow and direction in uncontrolled areas, monitoring traffic in secure and restricted areas and providing warnings for vehicle drivers in secure and restricted areas. These applications may be created by selectively altering the thresholds, adding additional system components, or altering the location relationships between system components.