Traffic monitoring using digital sound field mapping

A new traffic sensing technique is described that utilizes a microphone array to detect the sound waves generated by the road vehicles. The detected signals are then digitized and processed by an on-site computer using a correlation based algorithm, which extracts key data reflecting the road traffic conditions, e.g., the speed and density of vehicles on the road, automatically on site. In comparison with existing traffic sensors, the proposed system offers lower installation and maintenance costs and is less intrusive to the surrounding built environment. The results of theoretical analysis, computer simulation, and preliminary experimental results are presented