SICK - Road Traffic Sensors and Detectors

Based on more than 40 years' experience and with optical sensors in traffic, SICK's solutions are designed for reliable operation even under severe weather conditions. An extremely wide range of robust and innovative products in transportation systems, combined with a worldwide service and sales structure have made SICK a market and technology leader in many fields of the traffic and environmental data acquisition.

The transport of goods and the movement of people is today optimised to a large degree using control and safety systems. Sensors for measuring different types of data form a substantial basis for a robust and long-lasting performance of such systems.

Laser measurement sensors for getting vehicle contours

The LMS511 or LMS111 laser scanners provide 2D profile data of vehicle passing below for very precise vehicle classification and vehicle separation. Systems of several laser scanners mounted overhead on one gantry and synchronised allow for traffic data collection not only in single-lane applications like toll plazas but also in multi-lane-free-flow (MLFF) traffic.

The same laser scanners can also be used for red light and speed enforcement. Furthermore, laser scanners of this kind, could be used for monitoring dangerous areas at level crossings.

Laser measurement systems for vehicle classification

The Traffic Information Collector (TIC) is an integrated traffic measurement system that is based on SICK laser measurement technology, a technology that is used in thousands of traffic applications worldwide. The TIC102 is especially designed for multi-lane, free-flow applications such as tolling enforcement and traffic management.

The system also functions in stop-and-go situations. Through a highly innovative configuration wizard that includes a live 3D view of the traffic, installation of a multi-lane gantry is quick and easy. The system autocalibrates in moving traffic and can be accessed remotely for maintenance.

A software trigger increases the detection rate and reading accuracy of third-party systems such as number plate recognition cameras and DSRC antennas. Additional information such as vehicle speed and dimension are transmitted over the TCP interface.

Light grids for vehicle classification and separation

The sunlight-proof XLG light curtains are used at toll stations on single lanes. The resolution (distance between two adjacent beams) is typically 30mm. Data from each beam is transmitted via serial interface. From this data, the vehicle class, front / rear end and the number of axles can be derived easily with high accuracy.

Vehicle dimensioning for detecting hazardous loads

While a vehicle passes the profiler, the vehicle outside dimensions are measured with laser scanners. A three-dimensional model of the vehicle can be produced for further inspection. This allows the user to easily identify hazards such as load displacement and oversized loads and to take appropriate action.

After driving through the gantries and with the use of critical values, the measurement data is given out on the TCP interface. For safety on our roads and for the protection of traffic infrastructure, particularly in tunnels, the monitoring of vehicle external dimensions is becoming increasingly important.

Identification of dangerous goods plates

The Dangerous Goods Plate Identifier system detects dangerous goods plates on vehicles. As the vehicle drives under a gantry it is measured by two laser scanners and the profile information is assigned to a 3D model. The camera is triggered at the optimal place and the resulting images (infrared image and a colored overview image) are assigned to the vehicle. In the infrared image the dangerous goods plates are identified and the dangerous goods code and UN number are read.

Hot spot detection for more safety in tunnels

The Hot Spot Detector combines thermal imaging cameras and laser scanners to detect overheated vehicles. It is installed before critical road sections such as tunnels or ferry and train boarding areas. By identifying high risk vehicles the Hot Spot Detector enables road/rail operators to stop vehicles before they enter the critical area. For each vehicle a 3D model is generated and the vehicle class is determined automatically.

The infrared line cameras superimpose a temperature profile on the 3D information. This combination of 3D and thermal information enables the automatic identification of functional vehicle parts such as wheels, cabin or exhaust. The high frame rate enables free flow vehicle measurement with fully automated detection of hotspots at motorway speed.

Road tunnel sensors

SICK is a market leader in tunnel sensors for controlling the ventilation in road tunnels. Today beside the k-value, used to indicate visibility in tunnels, in some cases the CO-concentration is still measured but more and more the NO2-concentration takes over the leading role for controlling the ventilation.

In case of fire an early and reliable smoke detection is essential and the air speed must be measured precisely. SICK's product portfolio comprises all required components and technologies, which is unique when compared to all other suppliers for this market.