TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to road signs; and more specifically, to device, system, and method for monitoring a road sign.

BACKGROUND

Road signs may be installed at the side of roads to provide information and/or instructions to road users such as motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Road signs may be of various types, including traffic instruction signs, warning signs, regulatory signs, guide signs and so forth. The road signs are generally maintained by local traffic authorities. Road signs are usually prone to damage or getting misaligned due to various reasons such as accidents, adverse weather conditions and so forth. For example, adverse weather conditions such as thunderstorms may cause the road signs to get substantially misaligned (rotated and/or inclined) and uprooted from its intended location. Such incidents require the road signs to be quickly repaired or replaced, which, if delayed, may lead to problems such as confusion to road users, accidents, threat to safety of road users and so forth. Further, in such instance, transportation authority personnel may require to search and look for such damaged or misaligned road signs. However, searching and finding damaged (or misaligned) road signs may not be an easy task. For example, the traffic authority personnel may be required to travel and inspect vast areas installed with such road signs, which may cause expenditure of time and money. Road working areas can be a risky place for both road workers and road-users due to defectively set up of warning systems, including signs and obstacles, and due to signs and obstacles which have moved into the traficated area. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the monitoring of road signs.

SUMMARY The present disclosure seeks to provide a device for monitoring a road sign. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a system for monitoring a road sign. Moreover, the present disclosure seeks to provide a method for monitoring a road sign or a road working area. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems in monitoring a road sign or a road working area. An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a solution that overcomes at least partially the problems encountered in prior art, and provides an efficient and reliable solution for monitoring a road sign or a road working area. Furthermore, the present invention also seeks to provide a method for providing a user with information indicative of mis-placement or bad visibility of a road sign. Furthermore, the present invention also seeks to provide a method for providing a user with information indicative of locations of road signs and/or types of at least one road sign or obstacle associated with a road working area to increase the safety at the road working area. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device for monitoring a road sign, the device comprising

at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign;

a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign;

communication means for facilitating communication between the device and a networking device; and

a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means; wherein the networking device is operable to transmit information related to the detected movement and the location of the road sign to at least one of a server and a central monitoring station for analysing the transmitted information for monitoring the road sign.

Optionally the at least one motion sensor is selected from a group comprising a compass, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer.

Optionally the networking device is at least one of a router and a gateway.

Optionally power source is a solar battery. Optionally the device further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the road sign.

Optionally the device further comprises an image sensor for inspecting a front surface of the road sign.

Optionally the positioning system receiver is a radio triangulation system receiver or a global positioning system receiver.

In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for monitoring a road sign, the system comprising

a device to be attached with the road sign, the device comprising

- at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign,

- communication means, and

- a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

a networking device communicably coupled to the communication means; a server, communicably coupled to the networking device; and a central monitoring station, communicably coupled to the server; wherein the networking device is operable to transmit information related to the detected movement and the location of the road sign to at least one of the server and the central monitoring station for analysing the transmitted information for monitoring the road sign.

Optionally the server comprises a database.

Optionally the networking device is at least one of a router and a gateway.

Optionally the system further comprising at least one mobile user device associated with a user passing by the road sign.

Optionally the positioning system receiver is a radio triangulation system receiver or a global positioning system receiver.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for monitoring a road sign, the method comprising

- attaching a device with the road sign, the device comprising

- at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign,

- communication means, and

- a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

activating the device to initialise operation thereof;

- establishing communication between the device and a networking device;

detecting the movement of the road sign using the device;

transmitting information related to the detected movement, to a server via the networking device; and analysing the transmitted information at a central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign.

Optionally the method further comprises authorising the established communication between the device and the networking device.

Optionally the method further comprises transmitting a keep-alive signal from the device to the networking device at pre-defined intervals.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the location of the road sign by means of a radio triangulation system.

Optionally the method further comprises

- arranging for communication between the central monitoring station and at least one mobile user device associated with a user;

- receiving information from the at least one mobile user device indicative of a geographical position of the at least one mobile user device;

- identifying whether or not the at least one road sign, when in a vicinity of the at least one mobile user device has been rotated or tilted; and

- transmitting to the at least one mobile user device, a warning when the at least one road sign has been rotated or tilted.

Optionally the method further includes transmitting to the at least one mobile user, on a periodic basis, a data set indicative of rotated or tilted road signs within a geographical region in which the user associated with the at least one mobile user device is travelling, and the at least one mobile user device is operable to employ the data set when generating warnings.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the geographical position of the road sign by means of a global positioning system. In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for providing a user with information indicative of locations and/or types of at least one road sign or obstacle associated with a road working area, wherein the method includes:

- receiving at a central monitoring station information from the at least one road sign or obstacle indicative of a location of the at least one road sign or obstacle and an identification of the at least one road sign or obstacle;

comparing at the central monitoring station the information received from the at least one road sign or obstacle with a pre-determined intended position and/or type of the at least one road sign or obstacle to provide a comparison; and

determining from the comparison whether or not the at least one road sign or obstacle is installed correctly in its pre-determined intended position and/or is correctly of an intended type.

Optionally the method includes that the user is a road authority associated with central monitoring station.

Optionally the method includes defining the pre-determined location and/or type of the at least one road sign or obstacle by using a predefined system of rules or regulations.

Optionally the method includes:

attaching a device with the at least one road sign or obstacle, the device comprising

- at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign or obstacle,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign or obstacle,

- communication means, and - a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

activating the device to initialise operation thereof;

- establishing communication between the device and a networking device;

detecting the movement of the road sign or obstacle using the device; transmitting information related to the detected movement, to a server via the networking device; and

- analysing the transmitted information at the central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign or obstacle.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the location of the road sign or obstacle by means of a radio triangulation system. Optionally the method further comprises:

- arranging for the user to include a user associated with at least one mobile user device;

- receiving information from the at least one mobile user device indicative of a geographical position of the at least one mobile user; - identifying whether or not the at least one road sign or obstacle, when in a vicinity of the at least one mobile user device is incorrectly positioned or is of an incorrect type; and

- transmitting to the at least one mobile user device, a warning when the at least one road sign or obstacle is in an incorrect position or of an incorrect type.

Optionally the method includes transmitting to the at least one mobile user, on a periodic basis, a data set indicative of mis-placed road signs or obstacles within a geographical region in which the user associated with the at least one mobile user device is travelling, and the at least one mobile user is operable to employ the data set when generating warnings. Optionally the method further comprises determining the geographical position of the at least one mobile user by means of a global positioning system .

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and enables reliable monitoring of road signs.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.2 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG.3 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an environment for implementing a system for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the device of FIG. 1 in a used state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 6 illustrates steps of a method for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates steps of a method for providing a user with information indicative of locations and/or types of at least one road sign or obstacle associated with a road working area, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item . When a num ber is non-underlined and accom panied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device for monitoring a road sign, the device comprising

at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign;

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign;

communication means for facilitating communication between the device and a networking device; and

a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means;

wherein the networking device is operable to transmit information related to the detected movement and the location of the road sign to at least one of a server and a central monitoring station for analysing the transmitted information for monitoring the road sign.

Optionally the at least one motion sensor is selected from a group comprising a compass, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer.

Optionally the networking device is at least one of a router and a gateway.

Optionally power source is a solar battery. Optionally the device further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the road sign.

Optionally the device further comprises an image sensor for inspecting a front surface of the road sign.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the position of the road sign or obstacle by means of a radio triangulation system or a global positioning system.

Optionally the positioning system receiver is a radio triangulation system receiver or a global positioning system receiver. In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for monitoring a road sign, the system comprising

a device to be attached with the road sign, the device comprising

- at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign,

- communication means, and

- a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

a networking device communicably coupled to the communication means;

a server, communicably coupled to the networking device; and - a central monitoring station, communicably coupled to the server; wherein the networking device is operable to transmit information related to the detected movement and the location of the road sign to at least one of the server and the central monitoring station for analysing the transmitted information for monitoring the road sign. Optionally the server comprises a database.

Optionally the networking device is at least one of a router and a gateway.

Optionally the system further comprises at least one mobile user device associated with a user passing by the road sign.

Optionally the positioning system receiver is a radio triangulation system receiver or a global positioning system receiver.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for monitoring a road sign, the method comprising

attaching a device with the road sign, the device comprising - at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign,

- communication means, and

- a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

activating the device to initialise operation thereof;

- establishing communication between the device and a networking device;

detecting the movement of the road sign using the device;

transmitting information related to the detected movement, to a server via the networking device; and

- analysing the transmitted information at a central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign.

Optionally the method further comprises authorising the established communication between the device and the networking device.

Optionally the method further comprises transmitting a keep-alive signal from the device to the networking device at pre-defined intervals.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the location of the road sign by means of a radio triangulation system or a global positioning system. Optionally the method further comprises

- arranging for communication between the central monitoring station and at least one mobile user device associated with a user;

- receiving information from the at least one mobile user device indicative of a geographical position of the at least one mobile user device; - identifying whether or not the at least one road sign, when in a vicinity of the at least one mobile user device has been rotated or tilted; and

- transmitting to the at least one mobile user device, a warning when the at least one road sign has been rotated or tilted.

Optionally the method further includes transmitting to the at least one mobile user, on a periodic basis, a data set indicative of rotated or tilted road signs within a geographical region in which the user associated with the at least one mobile user device is travelling, and the at least one mobile user device is operable to employ the data set when generating warnings.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the geographical position of the at least one mobile user by means of a global positioning system . In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for providing a user with information indicative of locations and/or types of at least one road sign or obstacle associated with a road working area, wherein the method includes:

receiving at a central monitoring station information from the at least one road sign or obstacle indicative of a location of the at least one road sign or obstacle and an identification of the at least one road sign or obstacle;

comparing at the central monitoring station the information received from the at least one road sign or obstacle with a pre-determined intended position and/or type of the at least one road sign or obstacle to provide a comparison; and

determining from the comparison whether or not the at least one road sign or obstacle is installed correctly in its pre-determined intended position and/or is correctly of an intended type. Optionally the method includes that the user is a road authority associated with central monitoring station.

Optionally the method includes defining the pre-determ ined location and/or type of the at least one road sign or obstacle by using a predefined system of rules or regulations.

Optionally the method includes:

attaching a device with the at least one road sign or obstacle, the device comprising

- at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign or obstacle,

- a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign or obstacle,

- communication means, and

- a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means,

activating the device to initialise operation thereof;

establishing communication between the device and a networking device;

detecting the movement of the road sign or obstacle using the device; transmitting information related to the detected movement, to a server via the networking device; and

analysing the transmitted information at the central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign or obstacle.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the location of the road sign or obstacle by means of a radio triangulation system or a global positioning system. Optionally the method further comprises: - arranging for the user to include a user associated with at least one mobile user device;

- receiving information from the at least one mobile user device indicative of a geographical position of the at least one mobile user; - identifying whether or not the at least one road sign or obstacle, when in a vicinity of the at least one mobile user device is incorrectly positioned or is of an incorrect type; and

- transmitting to the at least one mobile user device, a warning when the at least one road sign or obstacle is in an incorrect position or of an incorrect type.

Optionally the method includes transmitting to the at least one mobile user, on a periodic basis, a data set indicative of mis-placed road signs or obstacles within a geographical region in which the user associated with the at least one mobile user device is travelling, and the at least one mobile user is operable to employ the data set when generating warnings.

Optionally the method further comprises determining the geographical position of the at least one mobile user by means of a global positioning system.

The present disclosure provides a device, a system and a method for monitoring a road sign and/or an obstacle. The device of the present disclosure includes various sensors for detecting a movement of the road sign. The system of the present disclosure allows information related to the movement of the road sign to be transmitted to the central monitoring station, allowing authorities to remotely monitor inconsistencies with the road sign. Such inconsistencies may be promptly identified, allowing them to be addressed faster. The method of the present disclosure allows a rapid installation and initialisation of operation of the system. Also, the device and system of the present disclosure are compact, tamper- resistant, cost effective and easy to implement. The device for monitoring a road sign comprises at least one motion sensor for detecting rotation and tilting movement of the road sign, a positioning system receiver for determining location of the road sign, communication means for facilitating communication between the device and a networking device, and a power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means. According to an embodiment, the device may be realised by a housing (such as a cylindrical shaped housing or a puck) to enclose and protect the aforementioned components (the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver, the communication means and the power source) of the device. In an example, the housing of the device may be in shape of a cylinder with a 3 centimetre diameter and a 1 centimetre height.

According to an embodiment, the device may be attached to the road sign. Specifically, the device may be attached using suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, glue, and adhesive tape. In an example, the device may be attached to a back surface of the road sign. Specifically, the device may be positioned so as to not obstruct a front surface of the road sign. It may be evident that the front surface of the road sign may be an information-bearing surface for displaying warning, informative, and regulatory road-safety and navigation content. In another example, the device may be attached to a central portion of the back surface of the road sign.

In an embodiment, the device may be tamper-evident. Specifically, the device may cease functioning in case of tampering therewith. Optionally, the housing of the device may be made of plastic. According to an embodiment, the device may be classified for outdoor use using standard Ingress Protection rating.

In an embodiment, the at least one motion sensor is a transducer for sensing (or detecting) and/or measuring movement of the road sign. Specifically, the at least one motion sensor may detect and/or measure movements such as tilting (or inclination), rotation (or turning), and so forth. The term rotation used herein refers to rotational movement of the road sign about an axis passing centrally through a support stand of the road sign. The term tilting used herein refers to sideways; and back and forth movement of the road sign about a connection point between the support stand and the ground surface. The term tilting may also include any pivotal movement of the road sign about the ground surface.

According to an embodiment, the at least one motion sensor may be selected from a group comprising a compass, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer. In an example, the compass may be used for sensing and measuring rotation of the road sign. In another example, the gyroscope may be used for sensing and measuring inclination or tilting (such as inclination of five degrees with respect to default position) of the road sign. In yet another example, the accelerometer may be used for measuring angular movement of the road sign.

It may be evident that the at least one motion sensor may not measure temporary movement of the road sign, such as tilting and/or rotation thereof due to strong winds. For example, the device may be operable to neglect or may be configured to include a threshold for movement data, i.e. a value in a range ± 0 to 4 degrees, which may be caused due to strong wind conditions.

The device for monitoring the road sign further comprises the positioning system receiver. In a preferred embodiment a radio triangulation system is used. Alternatively a global positioning system (GPS) may be used. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be a gadget that may receive information from positioning system satellites to calculate location thereof. Therefore, the receiver of the device (attached to the road sign) may enable in determining location of the road sign. Further, the device for monitoring the road sign comprises the communication means for facilitating communication between the device and a networking device. In an embodiment, the communication means may be a unit, such as a radio communication unit for communicating with the networking device. Specifically, the communication means may include hardware, software, firmware, or combination of these, suitable for transmitting and/or receiving communication over a network. It may be evident that the communication means of the device may be compatible with a communication means of the networking device, in order to facilitate communication therebetween. According to an embodiment, the communication means of the device may be suitable for communication over networks such as, but not limited to radio network, cellular network, WiFi, and Internet.

In an embodiment, the communication means may support digital communication therethrough using simple protocols. Further, the communication means may utilize low frequency signals so as to effectively travel long distances (such as distances farther than 1000 metres) in an environment with obstacles.

The device for monitoring the road sign further comprises the power source for providing electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means. In an embodiment, the power source may be a solar battery. In such embodiment, the solar battery may be a rechargeable battery coupled to a solar cell or solar panel for generating electrical energy from solar energy. It may be evident that the solar cell or solar panel may be mounted on or in the vicinity of the road sign.

According to an embodiment, the device may further comprise a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the road sign. In an example, the temperature sensor may be a thermometer. Further, the temperature sensor may be suitable for measurement of temperatures between -40 degree Celsius (or -40 degree Fahrenheit) and 85 degree Celsius (or 185 degree Fahrenheit).

Optionally, the device may be associated with a unique identification code, for example, an alphanumeric code, for distinct identification of the device. For example, the unique identification code may be associated with identification code of one the motion sensor, the positioning system receiver or the communication means, or may include any physical marking made on the housing of the device.

In an embodiment, the device may further comprise an image sensor for inspecting the front surface of the road sign. In an embodiment, the image sensor may be inserted in a hole (for example, a 3 millimetre hole) bored in the road sign. The image sensor may inspect the front surface to determine presence of unwanted elements (such as dirt, snow, and so forth) thereon, by capturing images from a perspective of the front surface. For example, the image sensor may be arranged such that the image sensor aligns with the front surface of the road sign. Therefore, if a captured image is blurred or dark, this may indicate the presence of the unwanted elements on front surface of the road sign. Further, it may be evident that the presence of unwanted elements may render the road sign unreadable (or illegible), leading to potentially hazardous road conditions.

The system of the present disclosure for monitoring a road sign comprises the aforementioned device (to be attached with the road sign), the networking device communicably coupled to the communication means of the device, a server communicably coupled to the networking device, and a central monitoring station communicably coupled to the server.

It may be evident that the system may include more than one device, and one device is attached to one road sign. In such instance, the networking device may be communicably coupled to communication means of multiple devices attached to multiple road signs. In an example, the system may be implemented in an environment such as a temporary diversion on a road, a flyover construction area on the road, a highway, and so forth. In an embodiment, the networking device may be at least one of a router and a gateway. Specifically, the networking device may be installed (or positioned) at an environment including the device for monitoring the road sign. More specifically, the networking device may include hardware, software, firmware, or combination of these suitable for transmitting road sign data from the device to the server. It may be evident that the communication means of the networking device may be compatible with the communication means of the device, and a communication means of the server, in order to facilitate communication therebetween. According to an embodiment, the road sign data may include data associated with the road sign being monitored. Specifically, the road sign data includes, but is not limited to default position of the road sign, data obtained from the at least one motion sensor (such as no-tilt, i.e. 0° tilting, of the road sign), data from the receiver (such as the position of the road sign), temperature of the road sign, captured images using the image sensor, and the unique identification code of the device.

As mentioned previously, the system for monitoring a road sign comprises the server communicably coupled to the networking device. Specifically, the server may include hardware, software, firmware, or combination of these to store the road sign data received from the networking device, and enable the central monitoring station to access the road sign data. In an embodiment, the server may comprise a database for storing the road sign data. It may be evident that the road sign data may be updated at the server upon detection of movement of the road sign, or at pre-determined intervals of time. Further, the system includes the central monitoring station, communicably coupled to the server. Specifically, the central monitoring station may be a facility for remotely monitoring the road sign by accessing the road sign data at the server. It may be evident that the central monitoring station may be an authority for ensuring proper installation and functioning of the device for monitoring the road sign, subject to certain regulations. In an embodiment, the central monitoring station may include equipment including, but not limited to processors, memory unit, and display unit. For example, locations of five road signs may be plotted on a display unit of the central monitoring station.

In an embodiment, the system may further comprise at least one mobile user device associated with a user passing by the road sign. For example, the server or the central monitoring station may be associated with mobile user devices, for example, devices of motorists, cyclists or pedestrians passing by the road signs. In an example, the server or the central monitoring station may be operable to transmit the road sign data to the mobile user devices to update the users about the movement of the road sign. For example, the mobile user devices send information to the central monitoring station indicative of a geographical region in which they are moving, and the central monitoring station transmits a data set indicative of a plurality of misplaced road signs of the geographical region within a given communication session to data memory of the mobile user devices, such that the mobile user devices are operable, on a periodic basis, to function in an autonomous manner, comparing their positions against the data set to providing warnings of incorrectly positioned signs. Such an approach avoids a need to maintain a constant communication connection with the central monitoring station. Specifically, the road sign data may be presented to the users on graphical user interfaces of the mobile user devices, such as smartphone, tablet, laptop and the like. Therefore, based on the road sign data, the users may be updated (or warned) about the damaged or faulty road signs. In operation, the system of the present disclosure may be used for monitoring the road sign. The device is attached with the road sign using the previously described attachment means. Specifically, the device may be attached by an operator to an existing road sign, or may be pre- mounted on the road sign at a manufacturing unit thereof. It may be evident that the operator may perform functions as per the regulations followed by the authority, which may be associated with the central monitoring station. Thereafter, the device is activated to initialise operation thereof. Specifically, packaging or protective covering (such as a magnetic sheet or foil) on the device may be removed, and the power source of the device may be turned on to activate the device. It may be evident that activation of the device may be performed by the operator.

Thereafter, communication between the device and the networking device is established. Specifically, the device may search a region in proximity thereof (for example, a region within a radius of 10-15 kilometres of the device) for establishing communication with the networking device. Thereafter, the rotation and tilting movement of the road sign is detected using the at least one motion sensor. Therefore, information related to the detected movement is transmitted to the server via the networking device. Optionally, the information may be transmitted in near-real time to facilitate timely analysis thereof. Further, the transmitted information is analysed at the central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign. Specifically, the transmitted information is analysed to identify inconsistencies between the transmitted information and the default position of the road sign stored in the server. It may be evident that corrective action such as repositioning of the road sign may be required if the identified inconsistencies are beyond permissible limit or threshold as per the regulations. According to an embodiment, the established communication between the device and the networking device may be authorised. Specifically, the authorisation may be performed by the operator. For example, the operator may access a list of devices communicably coupled to the networking device depending on the established communication therebetween. The operator may access the list on a portable communication device associated with the operator. Further, the operator may capture an image of the road sign after attachment of the device thereto, using the portable communication device. Furthermore, the operator may also record the location of the road sign, displayed on the receiver of the device. Subsequently, the operator may transmit the captured image of the road sign, and the location of the road sign to the server using the network, such as Internet.

In an embodiment, a keep-alive signal may be transmitted from the device to the networking device at pre-defined intervals. Specifically, the keep-alive signal may be transmitted to indicate proper functioning of the device. For example, the keep-alive signal may be transmitted at intervals of six hours. Optionally, the road sign data may be transmitted at the pre-defined intervals. In another embodiment, the device and system is used in monitoring road signs and obstacles associated with a road working area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of a device 100 for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 100 includes a motion sensor 101 , a positioning system receiver 102, a power source 103 and a communication means 104. As shown, the motion sensor 101, the positioning system receiver 102 and the communication means 104 are operatively coupled to the power source 103. Specifically, the power source 103 provides electrical power to the motion sensor 101, the positioning system receiver 102 and the communication means 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a block diagram of a system 200 for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 includes the device 100 of FIG. 1, a networking device 201, a server 202 and a central monitoring station 203. The networking device 201 is communicably coupled to the communication means 104 (shown in FIG.1 ) of the device 100. Further, the server 202 is communicably coupled to the networking device 201. Additionally, the central monitoring station 203 is communicably coupled to the server 202.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 300 is similar to the system 200 of FIG.2. However, the system 300 further includes at least one user device, such as a user device 301 , for example, of a motorist, a cyclist or a pedestrian passing by road signs. The user device 301 is associated with the server 202 and/or the central monitoring station 203.

Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic illustration of an environment 400 for implementing a system, such as the system 200 (of FIG.2) for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the environment 400 includes multiple devices 100a, 100b and 100c attached with corresponding road signs 401a, 401b and 401c, respectively. Further, the environment 400 includes the networking device 201 , the server 202 and the central monitoring station 203. The devices 100a-c collect road sign data to monitor the road signs 401 a-c. The road sign data is transmitted by the devices 100a-c to the networking device 201. The road sign data is further transmitted by the networking device 201 to the server 202 and may be stored at a database of the server 202. Additionally, the road sign data is accessed by the central monitoring station 203 from the database of the server 202 and analyzed for remotely monitoring the road signs 401 a-c.

Referring to FIG.5, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a device, such as the device 100 of FIG. 1 , in a used state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The road sign 401 includes a front surface 501 and a back surface 502. As shown, the device 100 is attached to the back surface 502 of the road sign 401. The device 100 further comprises an image sensor 503 inserted in a hole 504 in the road sign 401. The image sensor 503 aligns with the front surface 501 of the road sign 401 and determines the presence of unwanted elements (such as dirt, snow and so forth) by capturing images from a perspective of the front surface 501.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated are the steps of a method 600 for monitoring a road sign, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 601 , a device, such as the device 100 of FIG. 1 , is attached with a road sign, the device comprising at least one motion sensor to detect at least rotation and tilting movement of the road sign, a positioning system receiver to determine location of the road sign, communication means and a power source to provide electrical power to the at least one motion sensor, the positioning system receiver and the communication means. At step 602, the device is activated to initialise operation thereof. At step 603, communication is established between the device and a networking device. At step 604, movement of the road sign is detected using the device. At step 605, information related to the detected movement is transmitted to a server via the networking device. At step 606, the transmitted information is analysed at a central monitoring station to enable monitoring of the road sign.

The steps 601 to 606 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 600 may further comprise the step of authorising the established communication between the device and the networking device. In another example, the method 600 may additionally comprise the step of transmitting a keep-alive signal from the device to the networking device at pre-defined intervals.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated are the steps of a method 700 for providing a user with information indicative of locations and/or types of at least one road sign or obstacle associated with a road working area, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 701 the central monitoring station receives information from a road sign or an obstacle in a road working area indicative of a position of the sign or obstacle and an identification of the sign or obstacle. The sign or obstacle is provided with a device described together with FIG. 1 or 5 and the device is included in a system described together with FIG 2, 3 and 4. In step 702 the central monitoring station compares the information received from the sign or obstacle with a predetermined intended position and/or type of sign or obstacle. Rules and regulations for set up of road working areas is used by the authorities in their comparison procedure, e.g. sign type and intended position of the sign or obstacle. In step 703 an authority determines from the comparison whether or not the sign or obstacle is installed correctly in its intended position and/or is correctly of an intended type according to the rules and regulations. It may be evident that not only the set up of a road working area, but also the position of the signs in a road working area may be monitored during the time period of the working at the road working area. Moreover, the road signs which have been moved into a traficated area due to of weather conditions or contact with vehicles passing the road working area can be identified an corrected before causing accidents. Also mobile users in vehicles who are in contact with the central monitoring station and are passing the road working area may receive warning information of sign or obstacles in a traficated part of the road working area.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.