Description:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to traffic management system and specifically relates to an internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system and method thereof.
[0003] In today's urban landscapes, where population density and vehicle numbers are at an all-time high, the efficiency of emergency response systems is paramount for ensuring public safety. Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, often face significant delays due to traffic congestion. The inability to navigate through traffic quickly can result in life-threatening situations, where every second counts. Moreover, the non-compliance with traffic regulations by other drivers, particularly in emergency situations, exacerbates the problem, leading to further delays and potential accidents. Inefficient traffic management systems, which are not designed to dynamically respond to such emergencies, further contribute to these critical delays, creating a pressing need for innovative solutions that can ensure the rapid passage of emergency vehicles through congested urban areas.
[0004] There is a need to create a robust and reliable solution that not only facilitates the movement of emergency vehicles but also ensures strict compliance with traffic laws. In addition, there is also a need for technological solution that can accurately detect and record license plate numbers of offending vehicles, which can be used for legal enforcement and to penalize violators. This automated violation detection mechanism serves as a strong deterrent, encouraging drivers to adhere to traffic laws and thereby maintaining the integrity of the emergency lanes. Furthermore, there is need for a technological solution that can optimize overall traffic flow by incorporating real-time traffic management techniques, which can not only clear the way for emergency vehicles but also manages the traffic to minimize disruption and prevent bottlenecks.
[0005] In response to aforementioned challenges, a new concept of “Green Corridor” has evolved with wide-spread use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically designed to address the obstacles faced by emergency services in urban settings. This green corridor is aimed to create a clear, unobstructed path for emergency vehicles, allowing them to traverse congested areas swiftly and safely. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the green corridor can introduce a new paradigm in traffic management that goes beyond traditional approaches. Theoretically, the green corridor utilizes a network of connected devices and sensors to monitor real-time traffic conditions and to dynamically manage dedicated emergency lanes.
[0006] The major challenges in developing and implementing green corridor includes higher degree of complexities owing to hardware compatibility issues such as, identifying defective devices, ordering compatible replacements to ensure all hardware components were fully functional. Another challenge is improving signal strength and reliability by integrating antennas and fine-tuning their orientation for optimized connectivity. Yet another challenge is implementation of packet-based data transfer methods to reduce packet loss and enhance communication reliability.
[0007] In a nutshell, the green corridor represents a significant advancement in urban traffic management and emergency response. It may ensure the rapid and unobstructed movement of emergency vehicles, while also enforcing compliance with traffic regulations and optimizing overall traffic flow. Thus, it has the potential to save lives by reducing emergency response times and creating safer, more efficient urban traffic management.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need of an internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system.
SUMMARY
[0009] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for managing an emergency lane.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide a smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city. Next, embodiments of the present application provide a method for managing an emergency lane.
[0012] The present disclosure solves all the major limitation of traditional system.
[0013] An objective of the present disclosure is to create an intelligent and integrated traffic management solution that prioritizes the safety and efficiency of emergency response operations.
[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to facilitate swift and unhindered movement of emergency vehicles by dynamically managing dedicated lanes in real time, thereby reducing response times for emergency services.
[0015] Another objective of the present disclosure is to leverage advanced camera and OCR technologies to detect and report violations in emergency lanes, ensuring adherence to traffic regulations and deterring unauthorized use of these lanes.
[0016] Another objective of the present disclosure is to improve road safety, particularly in scenarios involving emergency vehicles, to maintain a continuous flow and reduce delays.
[0017] Yet objective of the present disclosure is to implement smart traffic management techniques to minimize congestion.
[0018] Yet objective of the present disclosure is contributing to more efficient emergency responses and safer traffic environments in a cost-effective manner.
[0019] In light of above disclosure. in an aspect of the present invention a smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city is disclosed herein. The system comprising a plurality of lane management device placed along the lane, the lane management device further having and a central microcontroller unit. The lane management device also comprising at least one image capturing module integrated with the central microcontroller unit and the image capturing module configured to capture a plurality of image and video for monitoring and detecting vehicle presence in an emergency lane. The lane management device also comprising at least one vehicle detection module connected with the central microcontroller unit and the vehicle detection module configured to detect the vehicle presence. The lane management device also comprising an antenna connected with the central microcontroller unit and the antenna configured to enable robust communication between the lane management devices and external computing resources; The system also comprising a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strip placed over the lane management device and the light emitting diode (LED) strips configured to facilitate clear visibility and communication and the light emitting diode (LED) strips is also equipped with a power adapter/ converter. The system also comprising a backend processing module operationally coupled to the central microcontroller unit via the antenna and the backend processing module configured to activate and deactivate dedicated emergency lane protocol for ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles. The backend processing module also configured to dynamically manage the lane behind the emergency vehicle for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
[0020] In one embodiment, the central microcontroller unit is configured to perform image processing for the captured images and videos, and enable robust communication between the lane management device. The central microcontroller unit is also configured to perform continuous lane monitoring.
[0021] In one embodiment, the light emitting diode (LED) strips is also operable to act as versatile means of signaling and indicating lane status. The light emitting diode (LED) strips is also operable to indicate emergency vehicle presence. The light emitting diode (LED) strips is also operable to generate violation alerts. The light emitting diode (LED) strips is also operable to change color from red to green and vice-versa for signaling the vehicles.
[0022] In one embodiment, the vehicle detection module is either an ultrasonic sensor or a time-of-flight sensor or a computer vision-based approach for vehicle detection.
[0023] In one embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of road reflector configured to enhance visibility and delineate emergency lanes.
[0024] In one embodiment, the system also includes at least one relay and logic level shifter operatively coupled to the central microcontroller unit to ensure effective synchronized working of the components operating at different voltage levels.
[0025] In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of cameras integrated with optical character recognition (OCR) technology to detect and read license plates, placed along the lane and connected with the central microcontroller unit.
[0026] In one embodiment, the backend processing module is also operationally coupled to a mobile application providing real-time traffic updates.
[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for managing an emergency lane is disclosed herein. The method comprising capturing real-time video feed using a plurality of image capturing module placed along the lane. The method also comprising detecting the presence of vehicles via a vehicle detection module. The method also comprising processing the captured video feed and detected vehicle presence is processed by a central microcontroller unit. The method also comprising detecting type of vehicle present and identifying potential violations. The method also comprising managing the activation and deactivation of dedicated emergency lanes through a network of connected devices, ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles. The method also comprising dynamically managing the traffic flow in lanes adjacent to the activated emergency lane by adjusting lane usage behind the emergency vehicle, for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
[0028] In one embodiment, the method includes issuing visual or audio alerts to notify unauthorized vehicles.
[0029] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments and solves abovementioned limitations in the traditional system.
[0030] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
[0031] These elements, together with the other aspects of the present disclosure and various features are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrate screenshots of a prototype for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 1C illustrate a prototype for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 1D - FIG. 1E illustrate screenshots of an UI and UX prototype mobile application for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 1F illustrate screenshots of an initial prototype mobile application for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 1G illustrates a prototype circuit diagram for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 1H illustrate screenshots of a prototype printed circuited board for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing an emergency lane, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 3A - FIG. 3B illustrate screenshots for on-field testing of the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0042] FIG. 3C illustrate screenshot for images captured by the image capturing module for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system for smart city during on-field testing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" be used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] The system 100 may comprise a plurality of lane management device 102, a central microcontroller unit 104, at least one image capturing module 106, at least one vehicle detection module 108, an antenna 110, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strip 112, and a backend processing module 114.
[0049] The lane management devices 102 may be placed along the lane and the lane management device 102 further having a central microcontroller unit 104, at least one image capturing module 106, at least one vehicle detection module 108, and an antenna 110.
[0050] The image capturing module 106 may be integrated with the central microcontroller unit 104 and the image capturing module 106 configured to capture a plurality of image and video for monitoring and detecting vehicle presence in an emergency lane.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image capturing module 106 may be, but not limited to, inbuilt cameras, webcams, serial communication camera, and manual control cameras.
[0052] The vehicle detection module 108 may be connected with the central microcontroller unit 104 and the vehicle detection module 108 configured to detect the vehicle presence.
[0053] The antenna 110 may be connected with the central microcontroller unit 104 and the antenna 110 configured to enable robust communication between the lane management devices 102 and external computing resources.
[0054] The plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strip 112 may be placed over the lane management device 102 and the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 configured to facilitate clear visibility and communication, wherein the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 is also equipped with a power adapter/ converter.
[0055] The backend processing module 114 operationally coupled to the central microcontroller unit 104 via the antenna 110 and the backend processing module 114 configured to activate and deactivate dedicated emergency lane protocol for ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles, and dynamically manage the lane behind the emergency vehicle for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
[0056] The central microcontroller unit 104 may be also configured to perform image processing for the captured images and videos, enable robust communication between the lane management device 102, and perform continuous lane monitoring.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central microcontroller unit 104 may be any standalone microcontroller unit or any microcontroller board. In a preferred embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 104 may be a ESP32 CAM development board integrated with a camera unit, proving joint functionality of the central microcontroller unit 104 and the image capturing module 106. The ESP32 CAM may serve as the linchpin for real-time video and image capture, fulfilling critical functions such as violation detection and lane management with unparalleled efficiency and reliability. The ESP32 CAM may be integrated with support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, offering seamless communication capabilities essential for the operation of our IoT-based traffic management. This built-in connectivity facilitated the transmission of captured data and real-time status updates, enabling swift and responsive decision-making processes in managing traffic flow and addressing emergent situations effectively.
[0058] The light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 may also be operable to act as versatile means of signaling and indicating lane status, indicate emergency vehicle presence, and generate violation alerts.
[0059] In some embodiment, the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 may be capable of providing customizable color and brightness settings, for offering flexibility in adapting to various traffic scenarios and conditions. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 may be controlled by the central microcontroller unit 104. In some embodiment, the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 may provide visual alerts for the unauthorized vehicles. The light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 is also operable to change color from red to green and vice-versa for signaling the vehicles.
[0060] In some embodiments, the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112 may change to any other color or may not change the color for signaling the vehicles.
[0061] The vehicle detection module 108 may be either an ultrasonic sensor or a time-of-flight sensor or a computer vision-based approach for vehicle detection.
[0062] In some embodiments, the vehicle detection module 108 may be a VL53LOX Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensor to detect the presence of vehicles in the emergency lane and activate the lane management system accordingly. The vehicle detection module 108 may leverage laser-based technology to measure the time taken for light to travel to the target and back, enabling accurate distance measurements with minimal interference from ambient light. In some embodiments, the vehicle detection module 108 may be HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, the vehicle detection module 108 may be a computer vision-based approach for vehicle detection using the image capturing module 106 integrated with the central microcontroller unit 104.
[0063] The system 100 may also include a plurality of road reflector configured to enhance visibility and delineate emergency lanes
[0064] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the road reflectors may be robust plastic reflectors, designed for outdoor use, provided a durable and weather-resistant material for marking designated lanes and guiding vehicle traffic. The road reflectors may be of bright yellow color and reflective properties, offering clear visual cues to drivers for improving overall road safety and efficiency.
[0065] FIG. 1B illustrate screenshots of a prototype for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 1C illustrate a prototype for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] The system 100 may also include at least one relay and logic level shifter operatively coupled to the central microcontroller unit 104 to ensure effective synchronized working of the components operating at different voltage levels
[0068] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the logic level shifter converts the 3.3V signals received from the central microcontroller unit 104 to 5V signals compatible with the relays, to facilitate reliable control and activation of various hardware peripherals for the light emitting diode (LED) strips 112. In a preferred embodiment, the logic level shifters and the relays enable lane management mechanisms, which required a 5V input voltage for proper operation.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the logic level shifter may ac as intermediary devices, bridging the voltage gap between the ESP32 CAM's output pins and the input pins of the relays. The logic level shifter may maintain signal integrity and prevent potential damage to sensitive components caused by voltage mismatches or fluctuations. Additionally, the logic level shifter may provide bidirectional voltage translation, allowing signals to flow seamlessly between the ESP32 CAM and the relays without distortion or loss of data. The logic level shifter may offer robust protection features such as over-voltage and reverse-voltage protection, safeguarding the hardware components against potential electrical hazards and ensuring long-term reliability and durability.
[0070] The system 100 may include a plurality of cameras integrated with optical character recognition (OCR) technology 112 to detect and read license plates, placed along the lane and connected with the central microcontroller unit 104.
[0071] FIG. 1D - FIG. 1E illustrate screenshots of an UI and UX prototype mobile application 116 for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 1F illustrate screenshots of an initial prototype mobile application 116 for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] The backend processing module 114 may be also operationally coupled to a mobile application 116 providing real-time traffic updates.
[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile application 116 may include user authentication protocol. When an emergency vehicle needs to use the service, the mobile application 116 is used to login (if already registered) and send requests to activate the service. The mobile application 116 may do the traffic optimization by employing real-time data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and connect to the backend processing module 114 to activate the system 100 and the lane management devices 102 for smarter traffic management. The mobile application 116 may track the vehicle continuously in real time using GPS tracking until reaching the destination. mobile application 116 may also send signal for traffic light synchronization
[0075] In some embodiments, the backend processing module 114 may employ python + Fask + SocketIO for the backend and socket communication. The backend processing module 114 may support the React application, enabling efficient data communication and retrieval. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mobile application 104 may employ HTML, CSS, JavaScript to create the user interface. In some embodiments, the mobile application 104 may be developed using ReactJs + Vite + Tailwind.
[0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, to reduce packet loss and enhance data transfer reliability, the signals are broken down into smaller packets. This approach may be extended to both picture and data transfer phases, ensuring precise and efficient communication between the lane management device 102 and the backend processing module 114.
[0077] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the image capturing module 106 may be able to capture high-quality images and video footage necessary for tasks such as license plate recognition and vehicle detection. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central microcontroller unit 104 incorporate robust algorithms for identifying and categorizing vehicles, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and expediting emergency response procedures.
[0078] In some embodiments, the antenna 110 may be onboard antennas provided with the ESP32 CAM development boards. In some embodiments, the antenna 110 may be externally attached to the lane management device 102 to enhance signal range and reliability. The antenna 110 may feature high-gain designs and omnidirectional radiation patterns, extended the communication range of the lane management device 102 and ensuring robust connectivity in challenging environments. By strategically positioning the antenna 110 and fine-tuning its orientation, signal strength may be optimized while minimizing interference to enable seamless data transmission and reception.
[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a battery unit that may power the components seamlessly for extending operational longevity in resource-constrained environments. The battery unit may be a rechargeable to mitigate the need for frequent battery replacements, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and cost-effectiveness of our system. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the central microcontroller unit 104 may be integrated with a memory unit such as, but not limited to, SD card as a supplementary means of data storage, offering an additional layer of redundancy and resilience against potential network disruptions or data loss scenarios. The memory unit may be instrumental in preserving critical information and facilitating seamless data retrieval for post-event analysis or forensic investigations. In some embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 104 may be integrated with extra RAM to bolster computational capabilities, enabling the execution of advanced algorithms and data processing tasks with enhanced speed and efficiency. In some embodiment, the system 100 may have expanded memory capacity empowered to handle complex computations and multitasking requirements, thereby elevating overall performance and responsiveness in real-world deployment scenarios.
[0080] FIG. 1G illustrates a prototype circuit diagram for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 1H illustrate screenshots of a prototype printed circuited board for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 may include 40 pin 2.54mm male and female pin headers to facilitate the interconnection of various hardware components and peripherals. The pin headers may be a means of creating reliable electrical connections while allowing for easy removal and replacement of components during prototyping and testing phases. With a standard 2.54mm pitch, the pin headers may offer compatibility with a wide range of electronic devices and accessories.
[0083] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a plurality of single thread wires to establish electrical connections between various components and peripherals. The single-thread wires used may be of varying lengths and gauges, made from high-quality copper conductors, offering low resistance and reliable conductivity to ensure robust signal transmission throughout the system 100. With color-coded insulation, the single thread wires may facilitate easy identification and organization, simplifying the wiring process and minimizing the risk of errors during assembly.
[0084] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may employ a plurality of 220V to 5V and 220V to 12V AC/DC power supply adapters to power hardware components. The AC/DC power supply adapters may be capable of converting standard mains voltage (220V) to lower DC voltages (5V and 12V). The AC/DC power supply adapters may provide a reliable and stable source of power, ensuring consistent operation of the system 100 while minimizing the risk of electrical damage or malfunction. With various output current ratings, the AC/DC power supply adapters may match the power requirements of the components used, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 may be prototyped and assembled with hardware components on 4x6cm prototype boards. These prototype boards provide a sturdy platform for mounting and soldering electronic components, allowing for rapid iteration and customization of hardware setup. With pre-drilled holes and copper traces, the prototype boards facilitated easy circuit construction and experimentation, enabling us to refine our designs iteratively. Following table 1 is a list of components for the prototype of the system 100.
Table 1: List of components

[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for managing an emergency lane, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] The method 200 may also comprise following steps.
[0088] At 202, capturing real-time video feed using a plurality of image capturing module 106 placed along the lane.
[0089] At 204, detecting the presence of vehicles via a vehicle detection module 108.
[0090] At 206, processing the captured video feed and detected vehicle presence is processed by a central microcontroller unit 104.
[0091] At 208, detecting type of vehicle present and identifying potential violations.
[0092] At 210, managing the activation and deactivation of dedicated emergency lanes through a network of connected devices, ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles.
[0093] At 212, dynamically managing the traffic flow in lanes adjacent to the activated emergency lane by adjusting lane usage behind the emergency vehicle, for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
[0094] The method 200 may include issuing visual or audio alerts to notify unauthorized vehicles.
[0095] In some embodiments, the method 200 may develop and deploy an AI model using PyTorch, which was subsequently converted to C++ for implementation on the ESP32 devices. The model architecture for the method 200 may include convolutional layers for feature extraction, max pooling for dimensionality reduction, and fully connected layers for classification. The model architecture may be trained on over 6000 vehicle images and 2000 nature images, using Binary Cross-Entropy Loss and the Adam optimizer. Post training, the model architecture may be meticulously converted to C++ by translating each layer into corresponding C++ classes, transferring weights, and ensuring identical output through rigorous testing. The model architecture may process inputs by normalizing pixel values, performing convolutional and pooling operations, flattening the array, and passing it through fully connected layers with GELU and sigmoid activations, providing efficient real-time performance on ESP32 devices.
[0096] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method 200 may also employ chain communication technique to control and turn off the lane management device 102 remotely to ensure efficient management. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method 200 may also include developing frameworks and libraries to load PyTorch models on the central microcontroller unit 104 (using C/C++) and built specific models using appropriate datasets.
[0097] FIG. 3A - FIG. 3B illustrate screenshots for on-field testing of the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 3C illustrate screenshot for images captured by the image capturing module 106 for the smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system 100 for smart city during on-field testing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100 transmit images from one the lane management device 102 to another through the chain. The image data captured by the image capturing module 106 may be divided into small chunks and transmitted sequentially. Despite the large data size and potential for packet loss, the image transmission is successful, with all chunks received and reassembled correctly by another lane management device 102.
[00100] In a preferred embodiment, the lane management device 102 may established a reliable chain communication system using the central microcontroller unit 104 enhanced with the antennas 110. The system 100 may also demonstrate robust performance across various distances and environments, overcoming initial connectivity issues and providing stable and efficient communication. The detailed results of the tests performed confirmed that the effectiveness of the system 100 and the method 200, makes it a viable option for real-world applications requiring reliable long-range communication.
[00101] In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may integrate additional features such as, real-time traffic analysis and predictive routing for emergency vehicles. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may implement strategies for large-scale deployment and scalability for implementation across various urban settings. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include continuous improvement mechanism for regular updating and refining based on feedback and real-world performance data.
[00102] The disclosed invention is a dynamic and intelligent solution designed to enhance road safety and facilitate emergency vehicle transit in urban environments. The disclosed invention provides a meticulous process of providing a “green corridor”, which is compatible, reliable, and scalable to support advanced traffic management.
[00103] Another key benefit of the present disclosure is low power consumption ensuring that the system 100 is operated efficiently without draining excessive power resources. Another key advantage is seamless connectivity between the lane management devices 102 to facilitate seamless data exchange. Environmental durability was another vital benefit of the disclosed invention analysis, with the components of the system 100 capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions such as, prolonged exposure to temperature variations, varying humidity levels, and exposure to external elements. In addition, the disclosed invention ensures installation ease, minimal maintenance requirements, and scalability potential.
[00104] In conclusion, the disclosed invention integrating of advanced technologies in IoT, AI, and real-time data processing positions, is a vital tool in modern urban traffic management with the potential to significantly improve emergency response times in urban areas, enhancing public safety and saving lives.
[00105] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[00106] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A smart internet of things (IOT)-based green corridor system (100) for smart city, the system (100) comprising:
a plurality of lane management device (102) placed along the lane, the lane management device (102) further having:
a central microcontroller unit (104);
at least one image capturing module (106) integrated with the central microcontroller unit (104), the image capturing module (106) configured to capture a plurality of image and video for monitoring and detecting vehicle presence in an emergency lane;
at least one vehicle detection module (108) connected with the central microcontroller unit (104), the vehicle detection module (108) configured to detect the vehicle presence; and
an antenna (110) connected with the central microcontroller unit (104), the antenna (110) configured to enable robust communication between the lane management devices (102) and external computing resources;
a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strip (112) placed over the lane management device (102), the light emitting diode (LED) strips (112) configured to facilitate clear visibility and communication, wherein the light emitting diode (LED) strips (112) is also equipped with a power adapter/ converter; and
a backend processing module (114) operationally coupled to the central microcontroller unit (104) via the antenna (110), the backend processing module (114) configured to:
activate and deactivate dedicated emergency lane protocol for ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles; and
dynamically manage the lane behind the emergency vehicle for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central microcontroller unit (104) is also configured to:
perform image processing for the captured images and videos;
enable robust communication between the lane management device (102); and perform continuous lane monitoring.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light emitting diode (LED) strips (116) is also operable to:
act as versatile means of signaling and indicating lane status;
indicate emergency vehicle presence;
generate violation alerts; and change color from red to green and vice-versa for signaling the vehicles.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle detection module (108) is either an ultrasonic sensor or a time-of-flight sensor or a computer vision-based approach for vehicle detection.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) also includes a plurality of road reflector configured to enhance visibility and delineate emergency lanes.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) also includes at least one relay and logic level shifter operatively coupled to the central microcontroller unit (104) to ensure effective synchronized working of the components operating at different voltage levels.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) includes a plurality of cameras integrated with optical character recognition (OCR) technology (112) to detect and read license plates, placed along the lane and connected with the central microcontroller unit (104).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the backend processing module (114) is also operationally coupled to a mobile application (116) providing real-time traffic updates.
9. A method (200) for managing an emergency lane, the method (200) comprising:
capturing real-time video feed using a plurality of image capturing module (106) placed along the lane;
detecting the presence of vehicles via a vehicle detection module (108);
processing the captured video feed and detected vehicle presence is processed by a central microcontroller unit (104);
detecting type of vehicle present and identifying potential violations;
managing the activation and deactivation of dedicated emergency lanes through a network of connected devices, ensuring a clear path for emergency vehicles; and
dynamically managing the traffic flow in lanes adjacent to the activated emergency lane by adjusting lane usage behind the emergency vehicle, for reducing congestion and enhancing road safety.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the method (200) includes issuing visual or audio alerts to notify unauthorized vehicles.