Schwartz Electro-Optics (SEO) has developed its family of overhead laser sensors, Autosense I to III, to measure vehicle speed, count and classify vehicles, and measure other traffic parameters such as traffic density and flow rate. Each of these three sensor types has its own set or operating characteristics and thus its own unique uses. The fixed laser of Autosense I can be mounted above a road and point downwards; it will then accurately measure the longitudinal profile of a vehicle as it passes under the sensor. Autosense II and III have a pulsing laser beam that is scanned rapidly across a road; if the scan rate and pulse rate are fast enough, an accurate three-dimensional profile of the vehicle can be obtained. All three sensor designs are very user-friendly. Their applications include: (1) vehicle classification for toll charging; (2) use in conjunction with microwave smart cards to prevent fraud or verify classification; (3) number plate photography; (4) traffic parameter measurement; (5) very accurate vehicle presence detection; (6) height measurement; (7) accident detection by speed measurement; (8) temporary replacement of other sensors; and (9) detection where inductive loops are impractical. When software controlled, the sensors have many uses other than traffic detection. They are already widely used in the USA.
Abstract