This paper presents some results of a study to develop infrared beam sensor array techniques for vehicle detection, and logical models to identify traffic movement. The detection system described uses binary signals, collected by an infrared beam sensor, and logical functions implemented by logical hardware and software to identify two-way traffic movement. One logical array system can simultaneously detect traffic in two opposite directions. In preliminary experiments with the system: (1) vehicle speed profiles on a two-way two-lane highway were detected; and (2) wrong-way movements were simulated and detected in the field, to check the system's reliability. Although the system hardware was the same for both was the same for both experiments, the software, i.e. the logical functions, was different. An infrared beam sensor array system is more portable than non-contact sensors, and can collect different types of traffic data, if appropriate logical functions are used. It is easy to install and remove in the field. Field experiments have shown that this system effectively collects traffic data. However, more research is still needed, to develop better logical functions and software.
Abstract