Inductive sensor and method of use
AssigneeInductive Signature Technologies, Inc.
InventorsSteven R. Hilliard, Geoffrey W. Hilliard
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting inductance, which is generally disposed outside of the roadway surface. The apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed beside the roadway, on either or both sides, to detect vehicular traffic passing nearby. Alternatively, the apparatus includes at least one large aperture wire-loop deployed such that vehicular traffic passes through the opening defined by the wire-loop(s).
Claims21
An inductive sensor for use on a roadway having a surface, said inductive sensor comprising:
- at least one wire-loop disposed outside of the roadway surface;
- and
- a power source in electrical communication with said at least one wire-loop.
An inductive sensor for use on a roadway having a surface, said inductive sensor comprising:
- a plurality of wire-loops disposed perpendicular to the roadway such that a vehicle traveling on the roadway passes through said plurality of wire-loops, said plurality of wire-loops including a central wire-loop and at least one outer wire-loop.
A vehicle detector for detecting vehicular traffic traveling on a roadway, the roadway defining a path of vehicular travel and a surface, said vehicle detector comprising:
- an inductance measurement circuit;
- a first wire-loop in electrical communication with said inductance measurement circuit, said first wire-loop deployed outside of the roadway surface, said first wire-loop defining a center located a first selected distance from the roadway;
- and
- a second wire-loop in electrical communication with said inductance measurement circuit, said second wire-loop deployed outside the roadway surface, said second wire-loop defining a center located a second selected distance from the roadway.
A vehicle detector for detecting vehicular traffic traveling on a roadway, the roadway defining a surface, said vehicle detector comprising:
- an inductance measurement circuit;
- an inner wire-loop in electrical communication with said inductance measurement circuit, said inner wire-loop being substantially perpendicular to the roadway surface, said inner wire-loop defining no more than one longitudinal leg deployed entirely below the surface of the roadway, said inner wire-loop configured such that vehicular traffic on the roadway passes through an aperture defined by said inner wire-loop;
- and
- at least one outer wire-loop in electrical communication with said inductance measurement circuit, said at least one outer wire-loop being substantially perpendicular to the roadway surface, said at least one outer wire-loop defining no more than one longitudinal leg deployed entirely below the surface of the roadway, said at least one outer wire-loop configured such that vehicular traffic on the roadway passes through an aperture defined by said at least one outer wire-loop, said at least one outer wire-loop being concentric with said inner wire-loop.
A method for detecting a vehicle and for determining the vehicle's lateral position on a roadway, the roadway defining a surface, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) deploying a first wire-loop sensor outside of the roadway surface at a first known position;
- (b) deploying a second wire-loop sensor outside of the roadway surface at a second known position offset from said first known position;
- (c) measuring an inductance differential representing a difference in a measured inductance on said first wire-loop sensor and a measured inductance on said second wire-loop sensor;
- and
- (d) determining a lateral position of the vehicle based upon said inductance differential.
A method for detecting a metallic object passing through a inductive sensor and for determining the metallic object's position relative to the inductive sensor, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) deploying an inductive sensor including a plurality of wire-loops in a substantially coplanar arrangement such that an object passes through a central opening defined by said inductive sensor;
- (b) measuring an inductance differential representing a difference in a measured inductance on each of said plurality of wire-loops;
- and
- (c) determining a position of the metallic object relative to said inductive sensor based upon said inductance differential.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.