Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated urban traffic regulation system that automatically monitors and manages vehicle movement at crossroads using real-time traffic data to enhance traffic flow efficiency by reducing congestion, and ensuring safe and organized movement of vehicles through intersections without requiring manual intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With rapid urbanization, traffic congestion and road accidents at busy intersections have become major concerns, highlighting the need for a system. Manual traffic control is often inefficient and prone to errors, leading to delays, increased pollution, and safety risks. Drivers face challenges such as unpredictable traffic flow, illegal parking near crossroads, and violation of traffic rules, which worsen congestion and accidents. Current systems lack real-time monitoring and quick response capabilities to manage dynamic traffic conditions effectively. Additionally, enforcing traffic laws and identifying violations manually is time-consuming and inconsistent. Therefore, an automated system that monitor, control, and enforce traffic regulations in real time is essential to improve safety, reduce congestion, and streamline urban traffic management.

[0003] Several existing traffic management devices, such as manual traffic signals, automated signal controllers, and basic surveillance cameras, are widely used to regulate urban traffic. However, these often lack real-time adaptability and comprehensive monitoring capabilities. Manual signals rely heavily on human intervention, causing delays and errors during peak hours. Automated signal controllers do not effectively handle unexpected traffic surges or violations. Basic surveillance cameras primarily record footage but do not offer immediate violation detection or enforcement, leading to slow response times. Additionally, many current solutions do not integrate towing or physical traffic barriers to manage illegal parking or restrict traffic flow dynamically. These limitations result in continued congestion, inefficient traffic control, and insufficient enforcement of traffic rules.

[0004] US6633238B2 discloses a system and method for controlling traffic and traffic lights and selectively distributing warning messages to motorists includes a controller to determine appropriate action based on traffic congestion parameters. Fuzzy logic is used to determine optimum traffic light phase split based on the traffic information from the traffic information units. Global Positioning System technology is used by the system and method in order to track moving vehicles and signs and be able to communicate with them.

[0005] US7333029B2 emulates the actions and decisions of flagmen to control and to expedite traffic along a single lane past construction. The invention has two portable traffic signal light units with arms. One unit has a computer that controls the system, three video cameras, and two-way radio communication. The other unit has three video cameras and radio communication to the unit. A remote control is also provided for starting and stopping the system along with a manual override of the system. A coding feature restricts starting, and stopping the system to users of the remote control. The system also protects itself against vandalism and functions during periods of obscured vision.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems are available in the market for controlling traffic. However, these cited inventions lack to provide comprehensive real-time adaptability and violation detection. These existing systems also lack in effectively managing dynamic urban traffic conditions, enforcing rules automatically, or reducing congestion and unsafe driving behaviors comprehensively, highlighting need for an improved automated urban traffic regulation system.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of monitoring and controlling real-time traffic, automatic detection and enforcement of traffic violations, dynamic management of traffic flow including illegal parking, and integration of physical barriers and towing arrangements. In addition, the developed system also needs to improve safety, reduce congestion, and ensure efficient urban traffic regulation.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that automatically controls and regulates vehicle movement at crossroads based on real-time traffic conditions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that reduces traffic congestion near intersections by limiting vehicle entry and directing flow according to current traffic load.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that detects and respond to traffic violations and unsafe driving behavior in real time, enabling timely enforcement actions.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that improves overall road safety by monitoring vehicle behavior and traffic patterns, and taking immediate control measures when required.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated urban traffic regulation system that automatically controls and regulates vehicle movement at crossroads based on real-time traffic conditions by limiting vehicle entry and directing traffic flow according to the current load, ensuring smoother and safer movement of vehicles.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated urban traffic regulation system, comprises of a crossroad barrier module that includes a circular guided rail installed at the center of the crossroad, which is adapted with retractable rectangular frames housed within telescopic motorized vertical arm cabinets that rise and deploy to block traffic flow in the desired direction while allowing movement in other directions, the circular guided rail itself includes a circular rail embedded in the road and integrated with four directional linear guided rails to facilitate this operation, additionally, each road leading to the crossroad is equipped with a traffic segmentation module comprising multiple retractable telescopic pole barriers housed in cabinets fixed within grooves embedded in the road surface, which automatically deploy vertically based on real-time traffic density data detected by monitoring cameras to limit vehicle accumulation and decongest the area, a plurality of towing platforms are installed near all roads approaching the crossroad, each featuring a cuboidal platform integrated to guided rails embedded on pedestrian pathways, equipped with telescopic arms, multi-directional conveyor rollers, pressure sensors, and grippers to securely clamp and tow away illegally parked or non-operational vehicles.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of a hardware equipment module includes surveillance cameras with standard, night vision, and thermal imaging capabilities, microphones for audio behavior analysis, and EDGE AI units deployed on-site for real-time data processing, the module comprises optical sensor-based AI units for real-time object detection, vehicle speed estimation, road segmentation, traffic signal recognition, driver behavior analysis, APIs for integration with traffic control and enforcement systems, and a behavior recognition engine that labels driver behavior as normal, drowsy, drunk, aggressive, compliant, or non-compliant, altogether enabling automated, efficient, and intelligent traffic regulation and enforcement at urban crossroads.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated urban traffic regulation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated urban traffic regulation system that automatically controls and regulates vehicle movement at crossroads and respond to traffic violations and unsafe driving behavior in real time, enabling timely enforcement actions to improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic rules.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated urban traffic regulation system is illustrated, comprising a crossroad barrier module comprising circular guided rail 101 installed at the center of a crossroad, the circular guided rail 101 is adapted with a retractable rectangular frames 102, the retractable rectangular frames 102 are housed within two telescopic motorized vertical arm cabinets 103, a traffic segmentation module on each road comprising a plurality of retractable telescopic poles barriers 104, the telescopic poles are housed in cabinets fixed within grooves 105 embedded in the road surface, a plurality of towing platforms comprising a cuboidal platform 106 integrated to guided rails 107 embedded on pedestrian pathways on side of the road with a plurality of telescopic arms 108 and the cuboidal platform 106 is embedded with multi-directional conveyor rollers 109 and a four directional linear guided rails 110 is installed with the circular guided rail 101.

[0024] The system disclosed in the present invention comprises of a crossroad barrier module installed at the center of a crossroad. The crossroad barrier module includes a circular guided rail 101 installed at the center of a crossroad.

[0025] The system disclosed in the present invention includes a crossroad barrier module positioned at the center of a crossroad. The crossroad barrier module features a circular guided rail 101 installed centrally, which serves as a foundation for movement or rotation of other connected components. The guided rail enables controlled operation of the barrier system, allowing the connected components to effectively manage and regulate traffic flow at the intersection.

[0026] To activate the system, the user manually presses a push button which is installed on the circular guided rail 101. Upon pressing the button, the circuits within the system gets close, allowing electric current to flow. The push button has an outer casing and an inner arrangement, including a spring and metal contacts. When the button is pressed, the spring-loaded assembly inside is pushes down on. In the default state, the internal contacts are apart, so the circuit is open and no electricity flows. Pressing the button makes the contacts touch each other, closing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow, which activates an inbuilt processing module that regulates the further options of the system.

[0027] The circular guided rail 101 is adapted with a retractable rectangular frame 102 to stop traffic flow in the deployed direction. The circular rail is configured to rotate and position the rectangular frame in east-west and north-south directions to stop the traffic from the respective directions as per the requirement. The circular guided rail 101 functions by allowing smooth rotational motion around a fixed central point. The circular guided rail 101 comprises a circular rail and a sliding component that moves along this path. As the circular rail moves the circular guided rail 101 moves to position the frame as required.

[0028] The circular guided rail 101 further comprises of four directional linear guided rails 110 to provide four directional movements to the circular guided rail 101 in order to position the frame as needed. The four directional linear guided rails 110 enable movement in four primary directions: north, south, east and west. The four directional linear guided rail achieves this using two perpendicular sliding arrangements, where one set of rails allows north-south movement, while another set, mounted on the first, enables east-west movement. The circular guided rail 101 moves smoothly along the four directional linear rails, guided by bearings that ensure alignment and reduce resistance.

[0029] The retractable rectangular frames 102 are housed within two telescopic motorized vertical arm cabinets 103. Upon actuation of the circular guided rail 101, the processing module actuates the cabinets 103 to rise the cabinet vertically. The cabinets 103 are powered by a pneumatic arrangement that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the cabinets 103. The pneumatic arrangement is operated by the processing module, such that the processing module actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder from one end, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the cabinets 103 and due to applied pressure, the cabinets 103 extends and similarly, the processing module retracts the cabinets 103 by pushing compressed air via the other end of the cylinder, by opening the corresponding valve resulting in retraction of the piston, and the retraction of the cabinets 103.

[0030] Upon rising the cabinets 103, the retractable frames are deployed to stop traffic coming from that direction. The rectangular frames 102 are designed to extend, retract and adjust their orientation to simultaneously block one direction of traffic while allowing movement in the desired direction. The frames 102 are extended or retracted through an integrated drawer arrangement. The drawer arrangement consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the frames 102. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the frames 102. When the processing module actuates the drawer arrangement, the motor starts rotating and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the sliding rails. This expansion and compression increase and decreases the size of the frames 102 and helps to block one direction of traffic while allowing movement in the desired direction.

[0031] A traffic segmentation module is placed on each road and contains a plurality of retractable telescopic pole barriers. These poles extend or retract as needed to control or divide traffic flow. When extended, the poles act as physical barriers; when retracted, they allow vehicles to pass freely, enabling flexible and dynamic road management based on traffic conditions or control needs.

[0032] The telescopic poles are housed within grooves 105 embedded in the road surface. Upon activation by the processing module, the plurality of telescopic poles is automatically deployed to form a temporary traffic segmentation barrier on the road. The telescopic poles barriers 104 are powered by the pneumatic arrangement associated with the system. The extension/retraction of the poles works in the similar manner as mentioned above. The traffic segmentation module helps to decongest vehicle accumulation near the crossroad by letting only a limited number of vehicles near the crossroad and restricting the other vehicles by employing the traffic segmentation module.

[0033] A hardware equipment module is wirelessly connected with the processing module. The hardware module includes surveillance cameras, microphones and EDGE AI units. The surveillance camera herein is configured to detect the number of vehicles within a specified section of the road. The surveillance camera is wirelessly connected the EDGE AI units via Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) to transmit images to the processing module for processing. The cameras comprise of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the road and the captured images are stored within a memory of the cameras in form of an optical data. The cameras also comprise of a processor that employ computer vision and deep learning protocols, including object detection, segmentation, and edge detection, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the processing module. The processing module processes the received data and evaluates the number of vehicles with the specific section.

[0034] The processing module compares the determined number of vehicles against a pre-fed number of vehicles saved in a database. In case, the determined number of vehicles is nearing the pre-fed number of vehicles, the processing module automatically deploys the telescopic poles accompanied by a siren and red light to alert drivers in that section of the road.

[0035] A plurality of towing platforms installed in vicinity of all roads leading to the crossroad to tow away vehicles parked near the crossroad. Each of the towing platform includes a cuboidal platform 106 integrated to guided rails 107 embedded on pedestrian pathways on side of the road with a plurality of telescopic arms 108. As the surveillance cameras detected any parked vehicles in the no parking zone, the processing module actuates the telescopic arms 108 to extend and position the cuboidal platform 106 under the wheels of the parked vehicles. The telescopic arms 108 are powered through the pneumatic arrangement associated with the system. The extension/retraction of the arms 108 works in the similar manner as mentioned above.

[0036] The cuboidal platform 106 is embedded with multi-directional conveyor rollers 109 that are actuated by the processing module when the wheels of the parked vehicle are slightly aligned onto the rollers 109 to accurately mount the parked vehicle on the platform. A pressure sensor is embedded within the cuboidal platform 106 to detect the wheel alignment of the vehicle. The pressure sensor used here is a capacitive pressure sensor that works by measuring changes in capacitance. The pressure consists of two conductive members separated by a small gap. When pressure is applied, the gap between the member is changed, altering the capacitance. The sensor detects this change and converts it into an electrical signal that relates to the amount of pressure. This signal is then sent to the microcontroller to be processed to give a precise pressure reading.

[0037] Once the determined pressure reaches a pre-fed pressure saved in the database, the processing module triggers a gripper from the side of the cuboidal platform 106 to clamp the vehicle securely. The clamp works by using an electric motor connected to a sliding jaw via a screw. The motor provides power to the screw that is attached to the fixed frame of the clamp. As the screw rotates, it pushes or pulls the sliding jaw towards or away from the fixed jaw depending on the direction of rotation. This movement allows the clamp to secure the vehicle over the cuboidal platform 106.

[0038] Once clamped, the conveyor rollers 109 slowly transport the vehicle to the center of the platform. The rollers 109 operate by using an electric motor to drive the roller, which rotates around its axis to accommodate the vehicle over the cuboidal platform 106. The motor's rotational energy is transmitted to the roller through a gear assembly. The movement is controlled by the processing module that manages the motor's speed and direction, allowing precise adjustments.

[0039] As the vehicle is accommodated over the cuboidal platform 106, the processing module actuates the guided rails 107 to move the vehicle along the pedestrian walkway. The guided rails 107 installed between the arms 108 and the pedestrian walkway consist of a sliding rail and a motorized slidable member connected to the sliding rail. The motorized slidable member is attached to the arms 108 and sliding rail on both sides to make the arms 108 slide. The slidable member is attached to a motor which provides movement to the member in a bi-directional manner.

[0040] The surveillance cameras include standard, night vision, and thermal imaging cameras to detect traffic rule violations. An AI-powered camera analyzes annotated video footage to identify behaviors such as drunk driving. Upon detecting a violation, the surveillance cameras capture the vehicle’s license plate, retrieves owner details from the RTO database, and automatically issues an e-challan sent to the owner's contact number. Additionally, an integrated microphone performs audio behavior analysis to detect unusual sounds or incidents. The on-site EDGE AI unit processes all data locally in real time, allowing for quicker decision-making and immediate response.

[0041] The logical module features AI units powered by optical sensors for real-time object detection, vehicle speed estimation, road segmentation, traffic signal recognition, and driver behavior analysis to improve traffic monitoring and safety. The logical module includes APIs for seamless integration with traffic light control systems, regional transport offices (RTO), and e-challan platforms, enabling automated enforcement. A behavior recognition engine classifies driver behavior as normal, drowsy, drunk, aggressive, compliant, or non-compliant.

[0042] Moreover, a battery is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the system.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the crossroad barrier module as disclosed in the invention is installed at the center of the crossroad, comprising the circular guided rail 101 embedded in the road and integrated with four directional linear guided rails 110. This rail is adapted with retractable rectangular frames 102 housed within two telescopic motorized vertical arm cabinets 103. Upon actuation by the processing module, the cabinets 103 rise and deploy the frames 102 to selectively block or allow traffic based on desired direction for example, allowing east-west movement while blocking north-south. Each road connected to the crossroad is equipped with the traffic segmentation module comprising the plurality of retractable telescopic pole barriers housed in road-embedded grooves 105. These poles automatically deploy based on real-time traffic density data from surveillance cameras, accompanied by the siren and red light to regulate vehicle access and prevent congestion near the crossroad. In case of illegal or obstructive parking near the crossroad, towing platforms with cuboidal platforms 106 mounted on guided rails 107 along pedestrian walkways are activated. These platforms use telescopic arms 108 and multi-directional conveyor rollers 109 to lift, align, and transport vehicles after securing them with pressure sensor-triggered grippers.

[0044] In continuation, the hardware equipment module includes surveillance cameras with standard, night vision, and thermal imaging features to detect violations, while AI cameras analyze video footage to identify behaviors like drunk driving. Once the violation is detected, the system identifies the vehicle's number plate, retrieves the owner's details from the RTO database, and sends the e-challan to their contact number. Microphones support audio behavior analysis to detect unusual sounds or incidents, while EDGE AI units process data locally for real-time decision-making. The logical module supports this system with optical sensor-based AI for object detection, speed estimation, road segmentation, traffic signal recognition, and driver behavior analysis, and provides APIs for integration with traffic light systems, RTOs, and e-challan platforms. The behavior recognition engine labels driver conducts as normal, drowsy, drunk, aggressive, compliant, or non-compliant, thereby enabling intelligent and automated traffic regulation.

[0045] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated urban traffic regulation system, comprising:

a) a crossroad barrier module, the module includes circular guided rail 101 installed at the center of a crossroad;

b) the circular guided rail 101 is adapted with a retractable rectangular frame 102 to stop traffic flow in the deployed direction;

c) a traffic segmentation module on each road, each segmentation module incudes a plurality of retractable telescopic poles barriers 104;

d) a plurality of towing platforms installed in vicinity of all roads leading to the crossroad to tow away vehicles parked near the crossroad;

e) a hardware equipment module, the module includes surveillance cameras, microphones and EDGE AI units; and

f) a logical module, the logical module includes instructions executed by a processor.

2) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular guided rail 101 includes a circular rail embedded in the road and integrated with four directional linear guided rails 110.

3) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retractable rectangular frames 102 are housed within two telescopic motorized vertical arm cabinets 103, upon actuation by the processing module, the cabinets 103 rise vertically and the retractable frames 102 are deployed to stop traffic coming from that direction, the rectangular frames 102 are designed to extend, retract and adjust their orientation to simultaneously block one direction of traffic while allowing movement in the desired direction.

4) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 3, wherein if the traffic needs to be directed along the east-west axis, the two retractable arms automatically align to create a clear, continuous path for vehicles moving in the east-west direction and at the same time, the deployed arms block the north-south route to prevent any traffic from passing through that direction.

5) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telescopic poles are housed in cabinets fixed within grooves 105 embedded in the road surface, upon activation by the processing module, the plurality of telescopic poles are automatically deployed to form a temporary traffic segmentation barrier on the road, the telescopic poles are deployed vertically, rising from grooves 105 in the road, the traffic segmentation module helps to decongest vehicle accumulation near the crossroad by letting only a limited number of vehicles near the crossroad and restricting the other vehicles by employing the traffic segmentation module.

6) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the traffic segmentation module is programmed to activate the telescopic poles for road segmentation based on the number of vehicles within a specific section as determined by traffic monitoring cameras, when the cameras determine that traffic in that section of the road is nearing a predefined threshold, the telescopic poles are automatically deployed accompanied by a siren and red light to alert drivers in that section of the road.

7) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the towing platform includes a cuboidal platform 106 integrated to guided rails 107 embedded on pedestrian pathways on side of the road with a plurality of telescopic arms 108, the telescopic arms 108 extends and retracts to reach parked vehicles on the road, the towing platform moves on the guided rails 107 using caster wheels.

8) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cuboidal platform 106 is embedded with multi-directional conveyor rollers 109 that activate when the wheels of a non-operational vehicle are slightly aligned onto the rollers 109, the conveyor rollers 109 platform makes slight height adjustments to accurately mount the parked vehicle on the platform, a pressure sensors the platform detect the wheel alignment of the vehicle and trigger a gripper from the side of the platform to clamp the vehicle securely, once clamped, the conveyor rollers 109 slowly transport the vehicle to the center of the platform and after the vehicle is properly aligned, the towing arms 108 retract, allowing the platform to move the vehicle along the pedestrian walkway.

9) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein surveillance cameras include standard, night vision and thermal imaging capabilities to detect traffic rules violation, an AI camera to analyse annotated video footage highlighting drunk driving behaviours, post detection of violation the camera identifies the number plate of the vehicle and identifies the owner from RTO database and generates an e-challan that is sent to contact number of the owner, the microphone is used for audio behaviour analysis to detect unusual sounds or incidents on the roads, and the EDGE AI unit is deployed on-site to process data locally in real-time, enabling faster decision-making.

10) The automated urban traffic regulation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the logical module includes optical sensor-based AI units designed for real-time object detection, vehicle speed estimation, road segmentation, traffic signal status recognition and driver behaviour analysis to enhance traffic monitoring and safety, APIs to enable integration with traffic light control systems, regional transport offices (RTO) and e-challan platforms to streamline communication and automate traffic rule enforcement, a behaviour recognition engine for labelling for driver behaviour normal, drowsy, drunk, aggressive, compliant and non-compliant.