Overhead infrared vehicle sensor for traffic control

An experimental infrared optical system has been designed to detect and monitor vehicular road traffic. The system was developed and tested in the laboratory using infrared laser sources and detectors in conjunction with computerized signal processing and correlation techniques. Preliminary road tests confirm the system's capability to detect and monitor vehicular road traffic. The test results indicate that a product based on the technology developed may be cost effective, weather resistant, and have the potential for more sophisticated applications, including vehicle speed measurement and length classification.