Field of the invention

[0001 ] The present invention relates to an installation system for installing snow poles, a communication and measurement system, a system for retrieving, maintaining/repairing and replacing instrumented snow poles, as well as snow poles as such.

Background art

[0002] Snow poles are sticks that are placed at the edges of a road in order to indicate the outer edge of a roadway. Snow poles make it easier for road users to follow a road. Typically, snow poles are to provide guidance to road maintenance workers by indicating the outer edge for roadway snow removal as well as marking special objects inside and outside of the roadway.

[0003] Today, snow poles are mainly made from hollow plastic or bamboo tubes having a length of about 2 meters and including white reflective sections. The length may vary but is typically between 180 cm and 200 cm, while the outer diameter is commonly between 20 - 25 mm.

[0004] The length and diameter may vary in order for the snow poles to be

adapted to local conditions such as sand or snow depth and wind conditions, etc.

[0005] At present, the snow poles are often made of a plastic material such as polypropylene.

[0006] Snow poles can be installed for lengthy periods or be installed for shorter periods such as in the winter season, for example.

[0007] It may result in a safety problem if snow poles break, are removed or

covered. In a worst case scenario a snow pole that has been moved can be misleading, representing a danger to road users.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide solutions for addressing the above problems.

Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided an installation system for installing snow poles along a road section, said installation system at least comprising: a) a transport and installation arrangement including an installation assembly and a snow pole holder with snow poles and a first computer having communication means for short-range communication and long-range wireless communication,

b) a central system comprising one or more second computers and one or more communication means for wireless communication with the transport and installation arrangement.

[0010] The installation assembly may further comprise: a snow pole manipulator, an inspection and control unit of the snow pole manipulator, and an activation system having communication means for communicating with the first computer.

[0011 ] An installation assembly may comprise a communication interface for

communication with the snow pole holder and/or snow poles. An

installation assembly may further comprise a communication interface for communication with the snow pole holder and/or snow poles.

[0012] The snow poles in the installation system may comprise an upper end, a lower end, and an internal cavity, with the snow poles further at least comprising:

c) instrumentation for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings,

d) one or more operating means for operating the instrumentation for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings, and

e) means for:

i. storing collected physical parameters, and/or

ii. relaying collected physical parameters using means of communication.

[0013] Said activation system may comprise means for communication with the snow pole manipulator, and the snow pole manipulator may comprise means for close-range communication with the snow poles, so that the snow poles may receive data information from the first computer via the activation system.

[0014] The transport and installation arrangement may comprise position- determining means and position data from the transport and installation arrangement may be configured to transfer position data to at least one snow pole.

[0015] The transport and installation arrangement may be configured to transfer timing parameters, such as time stamps, to at least one snow pole.

[0016] In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a communication and measurement system at least comprising:

a) snow poles comprising communication means for communication among snow poles, the snow poles being arranged with an

interspacing along a road section,

b) a central system comprising one or more second computers and one or more communication means for wireless communication with at least one snow pole or a transceiver associated with at least one snow pole.

[0017] Snow poles may be provided with instrumentation for measuring and

collecting physical parameters from the surroundings and one or more operating means for operating the instrumentation for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings, as well as means for:

a) storing collected physical parameters, and/or

b) relaying collected physical parameters using means of

communication.

[0018] Snow poles may be configured to send data to a central system, such as the central system indicated above. At least some of the snow poles may be supplied with position data representative of the position thereof.

[0019] Also disclosed are snow poles of which at least some may be nodes of a mesh network. Further disclosed is that at least some of the snow poles may be fitted with sensor equipment configured to determine the velocity and/or presence of a passing vehicle on a road section using a number of the snow poles provided with sensor equipment arranged along the roadway.

[0020] In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a system for retrieving, maintaining/repairing and replacing instrumented snow poles along a road section, the system for retrieving, maintaining and replacing at least comprising: a) a transport and retrieval assembly having a retrieval arrangement and a snow pole holder as well as a first computer having communication means for short-range communication and long- range wireless communication,

b) a central system comprising one or more second computers and one or more communication means for wireless communication with the transport and retrieval assembly.

[0021 ] A retrieval arrangement may comprise: a snow pole manipulator, an

inspection and control unit of the snow pole manipulator, and an activation system having communication means for communicating with the first computer, and the retrieval arrangement may further comprise: a communication interface for communication with the snow pole holder and/or snow poles.

[0022] The activation system may comprise means for communicating with the snow pole manipulator, which snow pole manipulator may comprise means for close-range communication with the snow poles, so that the first computer may receive data information from the snow poles via the activation system.

[0023] The transport and retrieval assembly may further comprise position- determining means. Position data from the transport and retrieval assembly may be configured to associate position data with at least one snow pole being retrieved, repaired or replaced.

[0024] By way of an activation system, snow poles may be configured to transfer timing parameters, such as time stamps, from at least one snow pole to the first the computer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a snow pole, said

snow pole at least comprising instrumentation for utilizing movements of the snow pole due to external forces applied to the snow pole.

[0026] The snow pole may further be characterized by an upper end, a lower end, and an internal cavity, said snow pole at least comprising:

a) instrumentation for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings, b) one or more operating means for operating instrumentation for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings, and

means for:

i. storing collected physical parameters, and/or ii. relaying collected physical parameters using communication means.

[0027] A snow pole may further comprise one or more processing units for

processing collected physical parameters. The processing unit may be one or a combination of:

one or more microcontrollers or one or more CPUs, one or more programmable logic circuits, and one or more PLSs.

[0028] The snow pole may further comprise one or a combination of:

one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more microphones, one or more pressure sensors, one or more humidity meters, a theft sensor, one or more GPS modules, one or more vibration meters, one or more timers, and one or more light sensors.

[0029] The timers may be controlled by radio and adjust themselves to time

signals from a radio station and/or where the one or more timers adjust themselves to received GPS time signals.

[0030] The communication means may include any one or combination of:

WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Bluetooth LE, Ultra Wide Band, GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE 5G, NB-loT and LoRaWAN, and CDMA2000.

[0031 ] The means for storing collected physical parameters may include

replaceable non-volatile memory units and stationary non-volatile memory units, or a combination thereof.

[0032] The operating means may be located close to the lower end and internally inside the cavity of the snow pole that is adapted and inserted into the ground. The operating means may include stationary batteries,

replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors.

[0033] In the cases in which the snow pole includes rechargeable operating

means, it may be provided, internally, in the upper part thereof, with power generation means for generating power to the rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors, such as thermoelectric elements and/or piezoelectric elements, and/or be provided externally with solar cells and/or micro wind turbines for generating power to the rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors.

[0034] The snow pole may comprise inductive charging means.

[0035] One or more accelerometers, gyrometers, vibration meters or one or more differential pressure sensors may be configured to monitor the state of a snow pole.

[0036] One or more accelerometers, gyrometers, or vibration meters may be configured to measure vibration for a snow pole.

[0037] A specific embodiment of the snow pole may comprise at least:

a) instrumentation inside the snow pole for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings, said instrumentation being divided into an upper part located in the upper portion of the snow pole and a lower part located in the lower portion of the snow pole, with a communication interface being provided between the upper part of the instrumentation and the lower part of the instrumentation.

[0038] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the appended patent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0039] To facilitate the understanding of the invention, the description of the

invention is accompanied by drawings, in which

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a truck having a manipulator for installing snow poles,

[0041 ] Fig. 2 shows a system for installing snow poles,

[0042] Fig. 3 shows an operational snow pole system,

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a system for retrieving, maintaining and/or replacing snow poles,

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles being configured as a mesh network,

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles being configured as a mesh network like in Fig. 5, with one or more of the snow poles additionally comprising communication modules for connecting to a cellular network,

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles being configured as a mesh network like in Fig 5, with two snow poles

additionally being shown to operate as hubs in the network,

[0047] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary snow pole from the outside and from the inside with energy supply, communication equipment, and measurement equipment,

[0048] Fig. 9 shows an exemplary modular snow pole including modules for being attached to the snow pole,

[0049] Fig. 10 shows exemplary modules to be mounted externally on snow

poles,

[0050] Fig. 11 shows a snow pole including one or more radio modules, one or more antennas, and an energy supply,

[0051 ] Fig. 12 shows a snow pole including equipment for measuring parameters transferred by air, one or more microcontrollers, etc., and further including equipment for measuring parameters transferred by ground,

[0052] Fig. 13 shows a snow pole including equipment for measuring parameters transferred by air, and further including equipment for measuring vibrations transferred by ground, such as accelerometers, for example,

[0053] Fig. 14 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles being configured for measuring vibrations transferred by air, such as wind,

[0054] Fig. 15 shows a snow pole including equipment for measuring

temperature, air humidity, and pressure, etc,

[0055] Fig. 16 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles being configured for measuring temperature, air humidity, and pressure, etc.,

[0056] Fig. 17 shows a road section with several snow poles, the snow poles constituting a distributed sensor network, and

[0057] Fig. 18 shows a road section with several snow poles where a vehicle having position-determining equipment transfers position parameters to snow poles so that each snow pole is assigned a unique position.

Detailed description of the invention [0058] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale, but rather with distinct features being emphasized so as to facilitate the understanding.

[0059] When installed, snow poles are subject to physical influences from their surroundings, which influences result in pole deflection, vibration of the poles, and so on. The response of a snow pole is a function of the influence applied thereto. It is the observation of these facts that provides the basis of the present invention. Another observation on which a variant of the present invention is based is to exploit the fact that snow poles are located in large numbers along a road shoulder.

[0060] The present invention exploits the latter fact by providing communication solutions utilizing the large number of snow poles located along a roadway. The large number of snow poles along a road shoulder may also be utilized to track movements on or along a road, such as «wind» following a moving vehicle. Light moving along the roadway may also be exploited to track movements on or along a road.

[0061 ] The present invention provides solutions for instrumented snow poles.

Also provided are systems for installing instrumented snow poles, for maintaining snow poles, for replacing snow poles, and for retrieving snow poles. By instrumenting the snow poles as well as providing them with means of communication it is possible to collect real-time information communicated from the instrumented snow poles, and, additionally, if the snow poles are provided with storage means, then the snow poles may store information internally.

[0062] The instrumentation may comprise simple sensor systems having simple communication means for close-range communication and an energy supply for powering the instrumentation.

[0063] The instrumentation may also be far more comprehensive and include sensor arrays for measuring a number of parameters, and advanced data processing equipment and advanced communication equipment may also be included in an instrumented snow pole. Several snow poles may collectively form a network both for the purpose of communication and in relation to data collection. [0064] Instrumented snow poles installed along a road section may be identical or they may be customized for specific tasks. Typically, a number of the snow poles may be provided with communication means for long-range communication. The poles provided with means for long-range

communication may also receive timing information sent from a central unit. Position data may also be sent to snow poles if the snow poles don’t include a GPS or haven’t received position information on installation.

[0065] More particularly, the present invention comprises a system for installing instrumented snow poles, a system of instrumented snow poles that have been installed and are able intercommunicate and having a central unit, as well as a system for retrieving, replacing, and maintaining/repairing instrumented snow poles. The invention is further directed to an

instrumented snow pole having communication equipment and an energy supply for powering the communication unit and instrumentation. The instrumentation may comprise one or more sensors. The snow pole may also comprise data stores and processing units.

[0066] A snow pole with simple instrumentation may comprise at least a CPU or controller, one or more sensors, at least a wireless communication interface, as well as an energy module. The snow pole may be activated and a geo-coded position may be programmed during installation along a road, or, alternatively, the snow pole may be provided with means able to determine the position of a snow pole. According to a configuration, the snow poles may communicate with each other via a wireless local network, such as a mesh network, and remotely via the public

telecommunication network. Thus, the snow poles form a sensor network able to provide data for various purposes. One snow pole by itself will be able to measure temperature, humidity, wind, etc. Having two snow poles on the same side of the road edge, it will be possible to measure the velocity and direction of a vehicle by analyzing the sound or the movement of the pole due to turbulence from the vehicle, for example. Also, several poles combined will be able to register the build-up of snow banks in that the movement or swaying of the poles is reduced when they are covered by snow. [0067] In some systems it can be envisioned to include snow poles 228, 900 each of which is provided with means for long-range communication.

[0068] The snow poles may be installed along the road by a vehicle fitted with a "snow pole manipulator," see example of Fig. 1. Similarly, the snow pole manipulator may retrieve the poles at a later point.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises a snow pole system 200, 300, 400 which may comprise a central system 210 operated by a user. The central system may indicate the function assigned snow poles 228, 900 in different sections along the road system. By using a map application it is possible to plan the installation of the snow poles 228, 900 and determine which functions and services the resulting sensor network is to include. Information from central system 210 is transferred to an activation system 224, inter alia, which may configure the individual snow poles 228, 900 during installation along a road. In an embodiment, central system 210 may also configure snow poles 228, 900 which have already been installed.

[0070] The snow pole system may comprise an activation system in the form of one or more activation units 224 mounted on or proximate to the snow pole manipulators used in the installation of snow poles, see Figs. 2 - 4. Activation unit 224 may be mounted so as to almost contact snow pole 228, 900 when being installed. In this manner it is possible to establish a very short-range system ensuring that activation unit 224 only

communicates with one snow pole 228, 900 at a time. Activation unit 224 may communicate with central system 210. The communication between activation unit 224 and central system 210 may be accomplished directly or via a user system/transport and installation arrangement 220 which may be operated by a driver or passenger of a vehicle that is to install snow poles 228, 900. Activation unit 224 may serve several primary functions: a) Switching on or off the electronics of the snow poles 228, 900

depending on whether the poles are installed or retrieved.

b) Programming the position of the snow pole. The position can be obtained from an accurate GPS, and the actual point of insertion of the snow pole can be compensated for. c) Configuring the function of the snow poles and determining which sensors shall be active for each snow pole.

d) Carrying out a test of the function of the snow poles. If the test is passed on installation, then the pole is inserted in the ground 603. In the opposite case, the pole is placed in a storage container. On retrieval, improperly functioning snow poles can be screened out.

[0071 ] In an embodiment, activation unit 224 may update the firmware of the

snow poles during installation, retrieval, maintenance or repair of the snow poles 228, 900. This depends, among other things, on how long time such programming takes.

Installation system for Installing snow poles

[0072] As indicated above, the present invention comprises a fully functional system that includes installation, replacement, maintenance and retrieval of instrumented snow poles. In particular, the system comprises means for operational operation of a plurality of instrumented snow poles, which snow poles may include storage and/or communication means. In the following, an installation system 200 for installing snow poles 228, 900 along a road section will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 2.

[0073] Fig. 2 shows an installation system 200 comprising a central system 210 and a transport and installation arrangement 220 including an installation assembly 222, 223, 224. Transport and installation arrangement 220 is show to include a truck 233 transporting snow poles 228, 900 in the drawing. In the drawing, the truck is provided with means 221 for communicating with central system 210. Said means 221 for

communicating with central system 210 comprise a workstation having an interface for one or more users. The workstation may be a computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a dedicated I/O unit having a processor. The means for communication further comprise communication means in the form of transmitter and receiver as well as one or more antennas. Communication with central system 210 may be performed via a cellular network and via the Internet 230. [0074] The means 221 for communication with central system 210 may also comprise means for communication 225 with an inspection and control unit 222 for a snow pole manipulator/robot 223. Instructions for installation of snow poles 228, 900 can be sent to the inspection and control unit.

Additionally, data may be transmitted to snow poles to be installed.

[0075] Data that is transferred to the poles may include position data, that is, the position at which a pole will be positioned. Position data may be

transferred from the transport and installation arrangement 220, which may be provided with a GPS unit or other means for determining the position of transport and installation arrangement 220, which position data may form the basis of position data that is sent to a snow pole 228, 900 to be installed. It will be possible to compensate for the distance between the transport and installation arrangement 220 and the physical location at which the snow pole 228, 900 in question is placed.

[0076] Identification data may be transferred from the transport and installation arrangement 220 to a snow pole to be installed. This identification will be mapped to/associated with corresponding position data for the snow pole in question, which data typically will be stored in a table and transferred to a server or database 215 of a central unit 210. Such identification may typically be combined in that the snow pole has passive identification marking in the form of barcodes, QR codes, or the like. The snow poles 228, 900 may also be provided with RFID chips or similar means providing them with a unique identity. A snow pole may be provided with several identification data. For example, the installation assembly may read an identification tag from a snow pole 228, 900, following which this

identification may be mapped to a dynamic identification generated by the transport and installation arrangement 220 or central system 210. In addition, said identification data may be associated with position data.

[0077] Alternatively, a snow pole 228, 900 may initially be provided with an

identification, and on installation, this identification may be read by the inspection and control unit 222 or snow pole manipulator/robot 223. An identification that has been read may be associated with position data as indicated above. In an embodiment, an instrumented snow pole may itself be provided with position-determining means in the form of GPS. The position may also is determined by radio in that a snow pole having a known position is used as a reference while the neighbouring snow poles are assigned a relative position determined by the distance to the snow pole 228, 900 with the known position.

[0078] During installation, inspection and control unit 222 or snow pole

manipulator/robot 223 may activate snow poles 228, 900 to be installed. Activation may mean that one snow pole is transitioned from a“sleeping state” to an active state. In the active state, any electronic circuits may be reset or be put in a particular mode.

[0079] The snow poles may be provided with rechargeable batteries and with inductive charging circuitry, which inductive charging may take place during transportation of snow poles 228, 900 in that a snow pole basket is provided with snow pole recharging means.

[0080] During installation of snow poles, the snow poles installed may optionally be assigned a time stamp, that is, a reference time for the point at which they were activated/installed. Transport and installation arrangement 220 may be configured to transfer timing parameters, such as time stamps, to at least one snow pole 228, 900.

Communication and measurement system

[0081 ] When a number of snow poles have been installed along a road section, for example, by the installation system for installing snow poles 200, then the snow poles 228, 900 may form a communication and measurement system 300. The snow poles 228, 900 distributed along a road section may form a communication network and a sensor network.

[0082] The communication and measurement system can coarsely be divided into a central system 210, a distributed measurement system along a roadway having intermediate communication links 217, 230.

[0083] For example, central system 210 may be one road traffic central or several road traffic centrals. Road traffic centrals may communicate with each other. Central system 210 may comprise one or more computers 213. Computers 213 may be connected to one or more data servers or databases 215 via one or more communication channels 214. Said data servers or databases may store information received from distributed measurement systems along a roadway. Several distributed measurement systems may be established along several road sections and they may communicate with one or more central systems 210.

[0084] Central system 210 may communicate with one or more distributed

measurement systems along one or more road sections via a wireless or wired link to a base station 217. Base station 217 may communicate wirelessly 231 via the Internet or a backbone network 230 to one or more distributed measurement systems. Base station 217 may be a base station of a cellular network but may also be a base station 217 of a wired system (not shown) communicating with one or more distributed measurement systems. Between base station 217 and the distributed measurement system(s) there may be several intermediate relay stations (not shown).

[0085] The measurement system(s) along one or more road sections include at least two snow poles 228, 900 having means of communication. The snow poles as members of a sensor network or as independent measurement stations will be discussed in more detail in a separate section below.

[0086] In a configuration, the measurement system along a roadway may

comprise one or more hub snow poles 303, 304. A hub snow pole 303,

304 may comprise a communication module 302 for wireless or wired communication with one or more central systems 210. A hub snow pole may further comprise communication means for short-range

communication with neighbouring snow poles 228, 900.

Intercommunication 301 between the snow poles 228, 900 may be arranged in a MESH configuration.

[0087] In another configuration, one or more of the snow poles may be

autonomous and communicate directly with central unit 210.

[0088] Communication and measurement system 300 may at least be provided with instrumentation 503 for measuring and collecting physical parameters from the surroundings.

Snow pole retrieval system

[0089] As indicated above, the present invention comprises a fully functional system including installation, replacement, maintenance and retrieval of instrumented snow poles. In the following, a snow pole retrieval system 400 for retrieving snow poles 228, 900 along a road section will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0090] Snow poles 228, 900 of a communication and measurement system 300 may remain installed for a given time period. After such time period the snow poles 228, 900 will be retrieved by a snow pole retrieval system 400. Also, a snow pole retrieval system 400 may be used in cases in which one or more snow poles 228, 900 are to be replaced, e.g. because the snow poles 228, 900 don’t work properly or because they will soon become inoperative due to lack of capacity of operating means, for example.

[0091 ] The system 400 for retrieving, maintaining/repairing and replacing

instrumented snow poles 228, 900 along a road section may comprise a transport and retrieval assembly 22 having a retrieval arrangement 222, 223, 224 and a snow pole holder 227. The snow pole holder will accommodate snow poles to be retrieved. Transport and retrieval assembly 22 may further comprise a first computer 221 having

communication means for short-range communication and long-range wireless communication. Typically, the short-range communication means will comprise means for communication with snow poles 228, 900 located in the basket or snow poles 228, 900 of a communication and

measurement system 300. The short-range communication means may also include means for communication with an inspection and control unit 222 for snow pole installation and snow pole retrieval and/or a robotic arm (snow pole manipulator) 223 to pick up snow poles from snow pole basket 227 or to retrieve snow poles installed along a roadway. The short-range communication means may be embodied as wireless transceivers or be wired between the vehicle 233 via a link 225 to an activation system 224. Activation system 224 may comprise inspection and control unit 222 and robotic arm 223.

[0092] In Fig. 4, communication links 225 are shown between vehicle 233 and inspection and control unit 222, as well as between inspection and control unit 222 and basket 227 via a link 226.

[0093] Each short-range communication means may be wireless or a combination of wireless and wired. [0094] The system 400 for retrieving, maintaining/repairing and replacing instrumented snow poles 228, 900 along a road section may further comprise a central system 210. Central system 210 may comprise one or more second computers 213 and one or more communication means for wireless communication with the transport and retrieval assembly 22. Typically, the central system may be one or more road traffic centrals of an identical type as discussed for the communication and measurement system 300.

[0095] During retrieval of snow poles 228, 900, identification on the individual snow pole retrieved can be read and identification information may be stored locally in a workstation 221 of vehicle 233 and/or relayed to central system 210. If the snow pole 228, 900 or snow poles being retrieved lacks identification, then such identification can be assigned to them when retrieved. In addition, during retrieval of snow poles 228, 900, a relative or absolute position may be assigned to snow poles 228, 900 retrieved. Each snow pole 228, 900 retrieved can also be assigned a time stamp which may indicate the time of retrieval, for example.

Snow po ¾

[0096] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary snow pole 228, 900 according to the present invention. In Fig. 8, a snow pole is shown as a separate elongate body having an upper end 501 and a lower end 507, which elongate body houses different components 503, 504, 505, 506 in a internal cavity of the snow pole 228, 900.

[0097] A snow pole 228, 900 may in also be modular 900 in that it can be

assembled from several module sections 901 , 902, 903 as illustrated in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, an upper 901 and a lower module section 903 are provided with functionality 503, 505, 506. In Fig. 9, a central module section 902 is a passive elongate tubular body like a regular snow pole. The length of module sections and the central tubular body 902 can be adapted so that a snow pole composed by module sections 901 , 902, 903 is given a desired overall length. The module sections may be assembled in several manners, with non-exhaustive examples being by threaded attachment, bayonet attachment, snap attachment, press fitting, in which a tapered module end is pressed into a female module end. The module sections can also be adhesively bonded to each other. Wires can be envisioned to stretch between upper and lower module sections, or, alternatively, the central module section may be provided with conductive means and electrical contacts fitting together between two module sections adapted to be interconnected.

[0098] When assembled, a snow pole of the modular type 900 and the integrally cast variant 228, 900 shown in Fig. 8 will appear equal functionally and visually.

[0099] The snow poles of Figs. 8 and 9 are both provided with functionality in the form of an electronics module 503 and energy module 505, 506. The electronics module may include means of communication, sensors, detectors, signal processing electronics, and processors.

[00100] Regular snow poles are elongate plastic or bamboo tubes without any added functionality. In an embodiment, snow poles without any added functionality may be provided with functional elements. In Fig. 10, a module 1005 for being mounted on snow poles is shown - snow pole module 1005. The snow pole module is shown as an annular body having straight side walls and an internal opening of a diameter d1. The snow pole module is shown to have an outer diameter D and a height h. A snow pole module 1005 as shown in Fig. 10 may be configured to be treaded onto a snow pole having an outer diameter that is approximately equal to d1. Snow pole module 1005 may be provided with gripping or fastening means on the inner side thereof so that it will be securely fixed on a snow pole after having been treaded onto the pole.

[00101 ] Snow pole module 1005 may be internally tapered, adapted for being press-fitted onto a snow pole, it may include threads, or it may be adhesively bonded to a snow pole.

[00102] Snow pole module 1005 is shown as an annular body, which is to be construed as an example only as various other configurations are conceivable. Moreover, the snow pole modules can be manufactured with different functionality and may be made so as to be mechanically, electrically, and communicatively connectable to each other. [00103] When snow poles 228, 900 have been discussed in different systems 200, 300 and 400 above, it is to be understood that such poles may be snow poles 228 of the modular type 900 or of the type with external snow pole modules 1005, or a combination of these types of snow poles.

[00104] A snow pole with added functionality will include an energy module 505, 506, and as seen in Fig. 8 it will be advantageous to locate an energy module below ground level, that is, in the lower section 805 of snow pole 228, 900. By locating the energy module below ground level, a stable temperature around energy module 505, 506 will be achieved, and additionally the lower section of snow pole 805 will be less subject to mechanical loads. Snow pole modules 1005 including energy module 505, 506 may e.g. be located at the bottom of a snow pole that has been inserted into the ground, whereby the snow pole module, when covered by snow, will have a relatively stable ambient temperature. Also, the module will be less subject to mechanical loads than if it was placed higher up on the snow pole.

[00105] The energy module may be comprised of batteries, hyper/ultra capacitors, or a combination thereof. Batteries may be of a rechargeable type. If rechargeable batteries and/or hyper/ultra capacitors are used, then the energy modules normally will be fully charged when the snow poles are installed. The snow poles may be provided with means for recharging batteries and/or ultra/hyper capacitors. Contactless charging may be advantageous, particularly if maintenance charging while the poles are installed is desirable. Contactless charging may be provided by inductive charging. An inductive charging unit may be located above an energy module 506. If the inductive charging unit is located above ground level, then the charging unit will be accessible after the snow pole has been installed. In addition to, or instead of, a contactless charging unit, the snow poles may be provided with power generation means for generating power to the rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors. Power generating means may include thermoelectric elements and/or

piezoelectric elements for generating power to the rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors. Typically thermoelectric elements can utilize temperature differences between portions located in the ground and portions of the snow pole located above ground. Piezoelectric elements can provide charging if a snow pole is put in vibratory or flexural motion, for example. The snow pole may also be provided externally with solar cells and/or micro wind turbines for generating power to the rechargeable batteries and/or super/hyper capacitors. In one version, a contactless inductive charging unit can be included in the snow pole and then a snow pole module 1005 can be mounted on the snow pole if it is detected that an energy module 505 of a snow pole is running out of energy.

[00106] It is no point in providing a snow pole with an energy supply if the snow pole 228, 900 is not also provided with added functionality. As indicated above, a snow pole can be provided with instrumentation including sensing/sensor elements for collecting environmental parameters.

[00107] A snow pole may be provided with one or more accelerometers.

Accelerometers can be used for measuring vibrations of a snow pole 228, 900, which vibrations may be induced by wind. The wind may be natural or induced by passing vehicles. Vibrations of a snow pole or bending of a snow pole can also be detected using strain gauges. Strain gauges may be particularly advantageous in the case of a more static type of deflection of a snow pole such as, for example, if a snow pole is deflected due to avalanche or precipitation in the form of snow.

[00108] A snow pole may be provided with gyroscope(s), which gyroscope(s) can provide information on angles, that is, for example, if a snow pole is deflected or bent up and down. The detection of passing vehicles can be performed by means of microphone - a passing vehicle will exhibit a distinctive «acoustic signature» that will distinguish it from wind, for example. Microphones will also be able to capture many other sounds of interest. Moreover, a detector providing information on a vibration frequency of a snow pole will be able to provide information on passing vehicles. When a vehicle passes a snow pole, then the «wind» effect from the vehicle will decrease for one snow pole but will increase for a following snow pole of a sequence of snow poles. By considering how «vibrations» from one snow pole to a following snow pole propagates it is possible to make inferences about the velocity of passing vehicles. [00109] One or more pressure sensors of a snow pole may provide information on ambient pressure and be of interest for capturing meteorological weather data. One or more pressure sensors 802 can also be used for indicating whether a pole is erected or has fallen down. Differential pressure meters may be calibrated for small differential pressures that will be able to provide information on the position of a snow pole.

[00110] Data from gyroscopes and/or accelerometers, and/or differential pressure sensors can be used for detecting theft of a snow pole.

[00111 ] A snow pole can be provided with one or more GPS receivers. A GPS

receiver will provide information on the position of a snow pole 228, 900. A GPS module can also be used for accurate time determination.

[00112] A snow pole 228, 900 may be provided with timers, which timers could be used for communication purposes and in order to temporally associate physical parameters captured by sensors. In order to provide a precise indication of time, one or more timers may be radio-controlled so as to adjust to time signals from a radio station, allowing each clock of a network of snow poles or a selected number of snow poles having radio-controlled timers to be synchronized.

[00113] As it appears, a snow pole can be used for gathering a lot of parameters, which parameters may provide information on a traffic situation, on wind conditions, on snow amounts, precipitation amounts in general. Knowing the temperature and humidity it is possible to make inferences on the risk of difficult driving conditions. If a road section is blocked by an avalanche, then instrumented snow poles may give notification thereof. The gathering of data is of limited value if it cannot be communicated.

[00114] Normally, snow poles 228, 900 will be provided with storage means so that collected data is stored locally. To a road traffic central it will be important to obtain information in real-time or near real-time, so it would be advantageous if the snow poles are provided with means of

communication as indicated above. The means of communication can be used for transferring data from the snow poles to a central system 210. Detectors detecting and capturing data continuously will capture a number of data that is not of interest, some parameters captured may be «incorrect» whereas other parameters may be particularly important, such as avalanche detection or pole theft, for example.

[00115] Microprocessors, combined with memory modules, may be used locally on snow poles 228, 900 for analyzing and discriminating between collected data/parameters. The processors can also be used for controlling communication as well as for controlling the operability of a snow pole. For example, it can be envisioned that a snow pole is passive during most of the operative time thereof and that it is awoken in certain cycles or by certain events that can bring it out of hibernation. In order to save power a processor may discriminate between data in such a manner that the data amount being transmitted to a central system is limited. Also, local processing of data will limit the processing necessary centrally as well as reduce the bandwidth requirements between snow poles 228, 900 and a central system.

[00116] As mentioned, snow poles 228, 900 may comprise one or more

microprocessors, and, of course, may also comprise microcontrollers either additionally or alone. For some snow poles, it can be advantageous if the snow pole comprises one or more programmable logic circuits and one or more PLSs.

[00117] Some snow poles 228, 900 may be provided with communication means for long-range communication, that is, communication with a central system, and means of short-range communication, whereas other snow poles 228, 900 are only provided with communication means for close- range communication such as WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Bluetooth LE.

For example, long-range communication may use a cellular network such as Ultra Wide Band, GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE, 5G, NB-loT and

LoRaWAN, and CDMA2000.

Charging system

[00118] A more detailed disclosure of special aspects or elements of an

instrumented snow pole 228, 900 is rendered below.

[00119] A charging system must be developed in which the batteries of the snow poles are charged during storage, for example. This can be accomplished in that bundles of 50 poles, for example, are placed in an inductive charging means. The effective charging flow per pole doesn’t have to be very high as the charging may be performed over a long period of time.

Anti-theft system

[00120] A system must be developed that doesn’t make it profitable to steal the snow pole. The system may be a combination of mechanical

encapsulation/embedment of components and one or more sensors registering if the snow pole is removed from its original point of installation. Such removal may be due, for example, to theft or "boyish pranks".

Thereby, the snow pole can be deactivated to prevent it from emitting incorrect data, such as incorrect position, for example.

[00121 ] Several of the sensors discussed above can be used for indicating theft or loss of a snow pole. Additionally to that sensors can be used, a change in signal strength of the communication among snow poles 228, 900 may indicate that a snow pole changes position. If a snow pole has a GPS receiver, then changed position data will be a clear indication that a snow pole has been removed/relocated.

CPU

[00122] A CPU solution must be selected in which the processing power and the ability to perform calculations and hence the power consumption may be controlled as needed. It is important that the CPU can be run in a hibernation function in which the power consumption is kept very low. This is particularly true when the snow pole is stored in a deactivated mode.

[00123] In addition, the CPU must have access to sufficient memory both in order to be able to carry out the analyses (RAM) themselves and to be capable to store calculations over time in a memory card (SD card), for example.

Sensors

[00124] Which sensors are to be integrated in a snow pole can be adapted to the purpose, with exemplary sensors that may be incorporated being:

a) GPS

b) Timing reference (time stamp)

c) Accelerometers

d) Magnetometer

e) Gyroscope f) Temperature sensor

g) Air humidity sensor

h) Light sensors

i) Acoustic sensor (microphone)

j) Tamper sensor (theft proofing)

k) Pressure sensor

L) Differential pressure sensor

[00125] It may be desirable to provide each snow pole with several sensors, with the CPU determining which sensors are to be active. This increases the flexibility in that the function of the pole can be determined subsequent to its installation.

Wireless communication, remote control

[00126] One or more communication interfaces can be chosen for the snow poles to be able to communicate both with each other and with a central system (back-end system) via the Internet, for example. Examples of candidate solutions for wireless communication may be:

a) ZigBee

b) Bluetooth LE

c) Ultra Wide Band (UWB)

d) GSM (2G, 4G, LTE, 5G... )

[00127] Wireless communication allows for both the transmission and reception of data and Over The air Administration (OTA), that is, remote control in that the function of the snow pole can be configured in addition to that firmware can be updated while it is installed on a road.

Energy module with rechargeable batteries with a charging system

[00128] There are requirements for the energy module to have sufficient capacity to be able to power the electronics unit/instrumentation/means of communication during the desired period. The energy module should be positioned as low as possible due to weight considerations. Additionally, this may be an advantageous positioning of the battery with regard to temperature. The now pole is typically installed about 20 - 30 cm into the ground 603. The temperature of the ground 603 is more even than that of the air, and doesn’t become as low, which is important for battery capacity if batteries are used in the energy module. In addition to batteries, the energy module may also contain electronics for measuring temperature in the ground 603 as well as monitoring the batteries themselves.

[00129] Similarly, a solution should be integrated that allows for simple charging, by inductive charging, for example, while the snow poles are in storage and unused. It should also be considered whether solutions for charging while the snow poles are installed are to be included. In that respect, energy harvesting is cue, in which the batteries are recharged utilizing, for example, solar energy (solar cells), wind energy (mini wind turbine) or kinetic energy due to swaying (use of piezo technology).

[00130] The energy module may also contain electronics associated with tamper sensor and theft proofing.

Data from the individual snow pole

Position

[00131 ] Each individual snow pole 228, 900 can be pre-programmed by the

activation unit 224 to contain its exact position. Thereby, each snow pole can be used as an accurate positioning reference. Accurate position data associated with specific snow poles can be stored in a first computer of the user system for transferral to a central system.

Time

[00132] The system of instrumented snow poles needs to include an accurate

timing reference. It is sufficient that one of the snow poles of the sensor network periodically connects to a time server service in order to

synchronize the clock. GPS may also be used for time synchronization. Then, the clocks of the remaining snow poles can be synchronized with the same exact timing reference. In this manner, all snow poles can operate using the same time stamp in the data communication.

Accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope.

[00133] Gyroscope referenced accelerometer data may provide information on the mechanical loads to which the snow pole is subject by studying anything from vibrations to larger sway movements. This may be used, for example, in analysis to be able to make inferences on wind speed, and the onset of snow and rain. A magnetometer may register the compass points and relate data thereto. In this manner, it will be possible to indicate the wind direction. The sensors will also capture cars passing by due to the turbulence produced thereby and moving the snow poles.

Air humidity and temperature

[00134] The snow pole can include one or more temperature sensors. These may be located in an upper section in order to measure air temperature or in a lower section in order to measure temperature in the ground 603. If several sensors are provided, then a temperature profile is available which can be utilized. A humidity sensor together with temperature will be able to determine the dew point, for example.

Light

[00135] A light sensor will capture daylight, for example, and provide indication on the quantity of light (cloudy, sunny ... ). During the night, the sensor will be able to pick up car lights and thus count the number of cars (together with remaining sensors), for example.

Sound

[00136] Analysis of microphone data can be used in combination with

accelerometer data for, among other things, categorizing cars (size, length, etc.), as well as for assessing weather conditions.

Tamper sensor (theft proofing, "snow pole removed sensor")

[00137] A sensor registering whether or not the snow pole has been removed from its original point of installation. The sensor may be, for example, an optical sensor that is mounted at the bottom of the snow pole, typically in the energy module, and that registers that the snow pole has been pulled up from its original point of installation. This may be due to theft or "boyish pranks." Thus, the snow pole can be deactivated in order to avoid errors in the data basis. This is particularly important if the snow pole is used for position indication.

[00138] As indicated above, if the snow pole includes a GPS receiver providing real-time position data, then such data in itself will indicate that a snow pole 228, 900 has been moved. In addition, as indicated, signal strength in the communication among snow poles 228, 900 will indicate if a snow pole has been moved. Several snow poles combined provide new functions

[00139] Several snow poles combined may establish a sensor network that

provides more and better functions than a single snow pole is be able to provide alone. The function of each individual pole can be determined during installation and can possibly be changed at a later point by means of the central system and remote control. In the following, exemplary functions are listed.

Detection and categorization of a vehicle, velocity and direction

[00140] A passing vehicle will induce a sway movement in the snow pole that can be captured. When a vehicle passes several poles, it will be possible to register both velocity and direction, see Fig. 17. By analyzing the movement it will also be possible to assess the size and length of the vehicle, and thus categorize the vehicle.

Detection of weather conditions: wind speed and direction, as well as rain and snow

[00141 ] In windy conditions, the snow pole will exhibit a different swaying

behaviour than when a vehicle passes, see Figs. 14 and 15. In

combination with sound, it is also be possible to register whether or not there is precipitation in the wind. Wind with rain will produce one type of acoustic signatures, whereas wind with snow will produce different ones. If a snow pole 228, 900 is covered by snow, because a ploughing vehicle has passed by and covered it, or because it has been snowed down, then the movement behaviour of the snow pole will change. In that some snow poles exhibit a reduced or different motion while others don ^' t, it could be possible to make inferences on the snow conditions, for example.

Position information for autonomous vehicles and snow clearing trucks in poor sight conditions

[00142] By using the snow poles as beacons it is possible to establish a

positioning system that is able to indicate the lateral positioning of a vehicle on the road with a relatively good accuracy as compared to traditional GPS, see Fig. 18. The snow poles are positioned with a known positioning accuracy and may therefore be used as a position reference. Several options are available: a) ZigBee: based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Makes it possible to achieve a positioning accuracy in the order of 0.5 meters at a relative low cost.

b) Ultra Wideband (UWB) positioning: Utilizes a technique referred to as time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the RF signals. Having a bandwidth of 500 MHz, a practical accuracy of approximately 10 cm can be achieved.

c) Received signal strength (RSS). In this method, a receiver module of a vehicle located on the road between two snow poles positioned one at each side of the road will be able to calculate the position based on the registered signal field strength. RSS is a relatively uncertain method but in the setup with snow poles the range is relatively limited, and there are not a great number of objects that could interfere with the radio signals. The optimal antenna positioning is on the roof of the vehicle reading the position.

Options for coupling with other data sources

[00143] Data from this type of sensor network is analyzed and coupled with data from other sources such as weather stations and weather forecast. In this manner a better overview of both weather and traffic conditions along the instrumented road section is obtained. Data can be used as input for decision making support to both contractors and transporters. Data analysis may be used, inter alia, for:

a) Counting and categorizing vehicles

b) Registering weather conditions

c) Measuring temperature at different heights, including in the ground 603

d) Providing autonomous vehicles with position information, including the position of the vehicle in the roadway.