A laser sensor concept for monitoring road state.
The Road eye is a patented (pat number SE 531949C2) contact less sensor concept for monitoring the road surface. The information from the sensor can for instance be used for warning a driver for low friction when there is ice on the road. The measuring principle is spectral analysis of backscattered laser radiation from the road surface using two lasers at IR wavelengths where the radiation is absorbed by ice and water. One laser at a little shorter wavelength is used for reference. The sensors are not yet in serial production. We are preparing for volume production of two models.
At LTU in Luleå, Sweden a lot of basic research has been done by Johan Casselgren et al on the optical properties of road surfaces covered with water, ice and snow. Johan C has also worked with algorithms for converting raw data to road state and also friction between tires and road.
The LTU group has been awarded with "Stora Trafiksäkerhetspriset 2012".
The sensor is made in two versions: - one to be mounted on vehicles, Road eye Short Distance (SD) - and one Road Long Distance LD, to be mounted at roadside.
The SD and LD sensors are able to identify some important road conditions like.
- Dry road (this is the most important one to identify since it is associated with the best friction - as soon as the road surface is not dry the road friction is reduced)
- Moisture on road
- Wet road
- Clear ice - i e ice without air bubbles, a very dangerous road condition
- Ice/Packed snow.
More information about the sensors is available at
http://www.opticalsensors.se/slippery.html.