Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device designed for monitoring and analyzing road conditions in real-time, providing users with detailed insights into factors such as road quality, traffic, and potential hazards, thereby enhancing safety, enabling data-driven decisions, and supporting infrastructure management through advanced sensors and automated analysis capabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Road condition monitoring and analysis are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of transportation infrastructure. As roads degrade over time due to traffic wear, weather conditions, and environmental factors, real-time monitoring enables early detection of defects, hazards, or maintenance needs, minimizing accidents and optimizing repair schedules. By analyzing road conditions, transportation authorities can make data-driven decisions to prioritize high-risk areas, allocate resources more effectively, and improve traffic flow. Furthermore, consistent road condition analysis supports the design of more resilient roads by identifying patterns in deterioration and helping engineers implement preventive measures. In addition, it plays a vital role in reducing costs associated with extensive road repairs and accidents, improving public safety, and enhancing the overall driving experience. With increasing urbanization and transportation demands, adopting advanced road monitoring technologies is critical for maintaining road infrastructure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of transportation networks.

[0003] Traditional methods for road condition monitoring and analysis, such as visual inspections, manual surveys, and occasional traffic assessments, often rely on subjective judgment, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and limited in scope, leading to delays in identifying critical road issues. These methods typically focus on surface-level assessments, missing underlying causes of road degradation or failing to capture real-time data across large networks. As a result, maintenance prioritization can be inefficient, and problems like potholes, cracks, and subsurface damage may go undetected until they become major hazards. Additionally, the data collected is often fragmented and lacks the depth and frequency needed for accurate trend analysis, leaving infrastructure managers with incomplete information for making informed decisions. Furthermore, traditional methods are prone to human error and can be costly due to the need for specialized personnel and equipment, making them less scalable and effective for modern, high-demand transportation systems.

[0004] US10621865B2 discloses a road condition monitoring system capable of measuring the radiance reflected by an area of interest or the thermal radiance emitted by an area of interest in wavelengths range containing a crossover point between the curves representing the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by ice and water. A detector configured to measure the radiance in a first band having wavelengths in a spectral band on a first side of the crossover point and output a first band signal, and measure the radiance in a second band having wavelengths in a spectral band on a second opposing side of the crossover point and output a second band signal. A data processing unit configured to determine the ratio of the first band signal to the second band signal and compare the ratio to predetermined critical ratios to output a determination signal indicating the presence of water or various types of ice.

[0005] US5982278A is a device for improving vehicle driving safety and comfort is disclosed. The main road sign information encountered during a journey is transmitted to the vehicle, the position of the vehicle on the driving surface is continuously monitored, and the road surface is checked for the presence of foreign matter such as mud, snow, ice, etc. A set of transmitting-receiving sensors (C1, C2) suitably arranged on the vehicle and facing the driving surface continuously observes changes in the reflective properties of the observed areas within the sensitivity range thereof. Markings defining lanes and shoulders lined with grassy, gravelly or sandy areas are sensed by the sensors (C1, C2) as soon as the vehicle approaches or drives over them. The signals from the sensors (C1, C2) are processed by an electronic unit (1) controlling an on-board signalling system (2) linked to an alarm system (3) for warning the driver of road hazards and possible unsafe driving (straying off-course, speeding, etc.). By reacting instantly, the driver thus informed can avoid a potential accident.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are designed for road condition monitoring, but these devices often lack the capability to provide users with comprehensive insights into critical factors such as road quality, traffic patterns, and potential hazards; these traditional systems typically offer basic data or surface-level observations without detailed analysis or real-time, context-driven information, limiting their effectiveness in proactive decision-making and infrastructure management, and failing to support users in anticipating road-related risks or optimizing maintenance efforts based on in-depth, actionable insights derived from continuous and advanced monitoring of various road condition parameters.

[0007] To address the limitations of traditional road condition monitoring systems, there is a need to develop a device that not only monitor road conditions but also analyze and provide users with detailed, actionable insights into critical factors such as road quality, traffic flow, and potential hazards, enabling more informed decision-making, prioritization of maintenance, and real-time risk assessment, thereby enhancing safety, optimizing infrastructure management, and improving the overall efficiency of transportation networks by offering comprehensive, data-driven analysis based on continuous, real-time monitoring of various road-related parameters and conditions.

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 device that assists users in analyzing road conditions to evaluate whether materials used in road construction are suitable for local traffic and climate, considering factors such as traffic volume, vehicle load, and weather patterns, ensuring optimal road performance, durability, and safety under varying conditions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is that aids users in measuring the slope and angle of a road, enabling the assessment of whether the road’s slope and angle are suitable for vehicle stability, ensuring safe movement and reducing the risk of accidents or instability due to improper road grading or design.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of presenting real-time analysis of road inspection data, allowing users to instantly assess road conditions, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions regarding maintenance or improvements, thereby enhancing road safety, efficiency, and timely responses to any detected surface or structural concerns.

[0012] 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

[0013] The present invention relates to an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device that monitors and analyzes road conditions in real-time, providing users with valuable data on road quality, traffic, and potential hazards, thereby enhancing safety, improving infrastructure management, and enabling informed decision-making through advanced sensors and automated analysis.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device, comprises of a cuboidal body developed to be positioned in a road way, multiple motorized wheels installed with the body moves the body over road surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body monitors road conditions, a first articulated arm with a telescopic actuator attached with a base portion of the body insert a sharp-edged tool attached to the actuator inside the road for collecting road surface samples, a hammering unit assembled on the body by means of an second articulated arm apply controlled pressure to road surface, a pressure sensor embedded with the hammering unit measures amount of pressure applied to determine type and quality of material used in road's construction, an angle sensor combined with a gyroscopic sensor provided on the body determines slope and angle of road are appropriate for vehicle stability and safe movement, a touch interactive display unit located on front portion of body presents real-time analysis of road inspection data on the display unit, enabling user interaction to collect, view, and manage data and instructions properly.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a perspective view of an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device designed to assist users in real-time monitoring and evaluation of road conditions, including factors such as road surface quality, traffic patterns, weather impacts, and potential hazards, thereby improving safety, optimizing maintenance efforts, and enabling data-driven decision-making through advanced sensors, automated analysis, and user-friendly interfaces for efficient infrastructure management and planning.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 installed with multiple motorized wheels 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a first articulated arm 104 with a telescopic actuator attached with a base portion having a sharp-edged tool 105, a hammering unit 106 assembled on the body 101 by means of an second articulated arm 107, and a touch interactive display unit 108 located on front portion of body 101.

[0022] The device proposed herein include a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned in a road way, in view of monitoring and analyzing road condition. The body 101 as mentioned herein serves as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, wherein the body 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] The body 101 is equipped with multiple motorized wheels 102 in association with a microcontroller, wherein the wheels 102 are installed with support of a four-wheel mechanism to maneuver the body 101 throughout the road surface. The four-wheel mechanism helps to maintain an optimum distance between the base of the body 101 and the road surface to enable the device to supervise the condition of the road surface, effectively.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the body 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 for capturing images and videos of road environment and nearby accident-prone areas. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the body 101 and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, 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 microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines condition of the road, based on road environment and nearby accident-prone areas.

[0026] A first articulated arm 104 with a telescopic actuator attached with a base portion of the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to work in synchronization to insert a sharp-edged tool 105 attached to the actuator inside the road. The articulated arm 104 comprises of an articulated link and a clamp attached to the link. The articulated link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the articulated link to complete a specific motion of the arm 104. Upon actuation of the articulated arm 104 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to insert the sharp-edged tool 105 inside the road in view of collecting road surface samples to determine whether materials used are suitable for traffic conditions and climate of the area, such as traffic volume, vehicle load, and weather pattern.

[0027] The telescopic actuator is powered pneumatically by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device. The extension/retraction of the actuator is provided by the pneumatic arrangement. The microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the actuator. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the actuator and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the actuator for extension/retraction of the arm 104 in order to complete a specific motion of the arm 104 to drive the movement of the arm 104 to the sharp-edged tool 105 inside the road surface, effectively.

[0028] Upon collecting of the road surface samples, a second articulated arm 107assembled on the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller for applying a controlled pressure to road surface via a hammering unit 106 integrated with the arm 107. The microcontroller regulates actuation of the second articulated arm 107 in the same manner as the first articulated arm 104 for applying a controlled pressure to road surface via a hammering unit 106 integrated with the arm 104.

[0029] While applying a controlled pressure to the road surface, a pressure sensor embedded with the hammering unit 106 measures amount of pressure applied. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the hammering unit 106 on the road surface while applying a controlled pressure. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for enabling the microcontroller to determine type and quality of material used in road's construction.

[0030] The microcontroller uses pressure readings to analyze deformation or resistance of road surface, and based on predefined thresholds and patterns of pressure data, the microcontroller determines type of material and assesses quality of road construction, including distinguishing between different types of road surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or composite materials.

[0031] An angle sensor combined with a gyroscopic sensor provided on the body 101 that measures the slope and angle of road. The angle sensor combined with a gyroscopic sensor works by measuring both the orientation and angular velocity of a vehicle relative to the Earth's gravitational field. The angle sensor detects the static angle of the vehicle or road slope, typically using a tilt sensor to determine the angle of inclination. Meanwhile, the gyroscopic sensor measures the rotational movement and angular velocity of the vehicle, detecting any changes in orientation due to turns or shifts in position. Together, these sensors enable the microcontroller to measure slope and angle of the road, allowing the microcontroller to analyze slope and angle are appropriate of road for vehicle stability and safe movement, based on historical road data, environmental conditions, and vehicle dynamics, and determine whether road's slope and angle are within predefined safe ranges for vehicle stability and safe movement.

[0032] For example, sharp curves or steep inclines require specific angles to ensure that vehicles can navigate safely without losing control. In areas with tight turns or sharp bends, incorrect road angles can lead to accidents due to a vehicle's inability to maintain stability or control, especially at higher speeds. By accurately detecting and analyzing these angles, helps in identifying areas where the road may be improperly sloped or where adjustments are needed.

[0033] Based on the determined data from road surface samples, quality of material used in road's construction and slope and angle are appropriate of road for vehicle stability and safe movement, the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display unit 108 located on front portion of body 101 to present a real-time analysis of road inspection data. The touch interactive display unit 108 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The LCD screen works by manipulating light to create visible images. It consists of several layers, including a backlight, polarizing filters, liquid crystals, and color filters. The backlight emits light that passes through the first polarizer. Liquid crystals, aligned between two electrodes, control the passage of light by adjusting their orientation when an electric current is applied. These crystals either block or allow light through based on the voltage, modulating brightness. Color filters (red, green, blue) are used to produce full-color images by combining different intensities of light, creating sharp, clear visuals displayed on the screen to present a real-time analysis of road inspection data, enabling user interaction to collect, view, and manage data and instructions properly.

[0034] The microcontroller is integrated with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module to track and monitor vehicle density and traffic flow along road. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module is a satellite-based navigation system. The satellites present in space moving in fixed orbits transmits information about the real-time location of the vehicle. The signals travel at the speed of light and are intercepted by the GPS module such that the GPS module calculates the distance of each satellite and based on the time taken by the information to arrive at the receiver. The GPS module locates four or more satellites and calculates the distance between each of them. Using this information, the GPS module finds out the current location of the vehicle. Once the distance is determined, the GPS module uses a trilateration method to determine the exact position of the vehicle and thus fetching the real-time location coordinates of the vehicle to track and monitor vehicle density and traffic flow along road and accordingly offers recommendations for road management, such as widening the road in areas with high traffic density.

[0035] The microcontroller via integrated with the imaging unit 103, analyzes seasonal road conditions by processing real-time data captured from the road’s surface, assessing factors such as wear, cracks, and weather-related damage. Based on this evaluation, the microcontroller provides actionable recommendations for material upgrades or surface treatments tailored to specific weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall, or heat. These suggestions aim to enhance road performance, durability, and safety by addressing the unique challenges posed by each season, ultimately ensuring better traction, reduced maintenance costs, and improved long-term infrastructure resilience, thus optimizing road quality and driver safety across varying environmental conditions.

[0036] For example, high-traffic highways often require durable asphalt or concrete to withstand heavy loads, whereas smaller roads may use different materials depending on the expected vehicle load and climate conditions.

[0037] In areas prone to heavy rainfall, for instance, water-resistant materials are essential to prevent deterioration. The device’s ability to assess material quality helps ensure that roads are built or maintained with the appropriate materials to enhance safety and durability.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned in the road way, in view of monitoring and analyzing road condition. Upon activation of the device by the user, the inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 101 and linked to the switch generates the command to activate the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 for capturing images and videos of road environment and nearby accident-prone areas. The first articulated arm 104 with the telescopic actuator is actuated by the microcontroller to work in synchronization to insert the sharp-edged tool 105 inside the road in view of collecting road surface samples to determine whether materials used are suitable for traffic conditions and climate of the area, such as traffic volume, vehicle load, and weather pattern. Upon collecting of the road surface samples, the second articulated arm 107 is actuated by the microcontroller for applying the controlled pressure to road surface via the hammering unit 106. While applying the controlled pressure to the road surface, the pressure sensor embedded with the hammering unit 106 measures amount of pressure applied. the angle sensor combined with the gyroscopic sensor provided on the body 101 that measures the slope and angle of road. Based on the determined data from road surface samples, quality of material used in road's construction and slope and angle are appropriate of road for vehicle stability and safe movement, the microcontroller activates the touch interactive display unit 108 to present the real-time analysis of road inspection data, enabling user interaction to collect, view, and manage data and instructions properly.

[0040] 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 autonomous road condition monitoring and analysis device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned in a road way, wherein said body 101 is installed with multiple motorized wheels 102, each wheel attached with said body 101 via a four-wheel mechanism, enabling said body 101 to move smoothly over a road surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, for real-time monitoring and detection of road conditions, capturing detailed images and videos of road environment and nearby accident-prone areas;
iii) a first articulated arm 104 with a telescopic actuator attached with a base portion of said body 101, wherein said microcontroller actuates said first articulated arm 104 and telescopic actuator to work in collaboration to insert a sharp-edged tool 105 attached to said actuator inside said road for collecting road surface samples;
iv) a hammering unit 106 assembled on said body 101 by means of a second articulated arm 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller to apply controlled pressure to road surface, wherein a pressure sensor embedded with said hammering unit 106 measures amount of pressure applied, enabling said microcontroller to determine type and quality of material used in road's construction;
v) an angle sensor combined with a gyroscopic sensor provided on said body 101 measures slope and angle of road, wherein said microcontroller utilizes machine learning modules to compare slope and angle data obtained to a trained model based on historical road data, environmental conditions, and vehicle dynamics, and determine whether road's slope and angle are within predefined safe ranges for vehicle stability and safe movement; and
vi) a touch interactive display unit 108 located on front portion of body 101, wherein said display unit 108 presents real-time analysis of road inspection data on said display unit 108, enabling user interaction to collect, view, and manage data and instructions properly.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said collected samples are analyzed to determine whether materials used are suitable for traffic conditions and climate of the area, such as traffic volume, vehicle load, and weather pattern.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated within said microcontroller to track and monitor vehicle density and traffic flow along road, and said microcontroller accordingly offers recommendations for road management, such as widening the road in areas with high traffic density.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller uses pressure readings to analyze deformation or resistance of road surface, and based on predefined thresholds and patterns of pressure data, said microcontroller determines type of material and assesses quality of road construction, including distinguishing between different types of road surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or composite materials.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller via said imaging unit 103 evaluates seasonal road conditions and provides recommendations for material upgrades or surface treatments to improve road performance and safety under specific weather condition.