Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors

Accurate time period estimation (TPE) between sensor signals is essential for vehicle speed measurement in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). In this context, we focus on time period estimation using signals acquired from a dual pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor setup. To estimate the time...

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Main Authors: Bui Hai Dang, Vu Toan Thang, Vu Van Quang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6255
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author Bui Hai Dang
Vu Toan Thang
Vu Van Quang
author_facet Bui Hai Dang
Vu Toan Thang
Vu Van Quang
author_sort Bui Hai Dang
collection DOAJ
description Accurate time period estimation (TPE) between sensor signals is essential for vehicle speed measurement in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). In this context, we focus on time period estimation using signals acquired from a dual pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor setup. To estimate the time period between these signals, this paper analyzes and compares two correlation-based methods—conventional cross-correlation (CCF) and Hilbert transform-enhanced cross-correlation (CCFHT). An analytical framework is developed to quantify the bias and variance of each method under practical conditions, including sensor mismatch and noise. The PIR sensor signals are modeled based on their dynamic response characteristics, enabling theoretical analysis supported by simulations and field experiments. Results show that although both methods yield negligible bias under ideal conditions, CCFHT significantly reduces estimation variance in noisy or mismatched scenarios. These findings confirm the advantages of CCFHT for achieving robust and precise vehicle speed estimation using low-cost PIR sensor systems, and provide insights into practical deployment within ITSs.
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id doaj-art-46ea4793fc1641cfa4d65fc7dbedc2c8
institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-46ea4793fc1641cfa4d65fc7dbedc2c82025-08-20T03:46:38ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011511625510.3390/app15116255Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared SensorsBui Hai Dang0Vu Toan Thang1Vu Van Quang2Precision Engineering & Smart Measurement Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi 100000, VietnamPrecision Engineering & Smart Measurement Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi 100000, VietnamPrecision Engineering & Smart Measurement Lab, School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, No 1 Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi 100000, VietnamAccurate time period estimation (TPE) between sensor signals is essential for vehicle speed measurement in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). In this context, we focus on time period estimation using signals acquired from a dual pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensor setup. To estimate the time period between these signals, this paper analyzes and compares two correlation-based methods—conventional cross-correlation (CCF) and Hilbert transform-enhanced cross-correlation (CCFHT). An analytical framework is developed to quantify the bias and variance of each method under practical conditions, including sensor mismatch and noise. The PIR sensor signals are modeled based on their dynamic response characteristics, enabling theoretical analysis supported by simulations and field experiments. Results show that although both methods yield negligible bias under ideal conditions, CCFHT significantly reduces estimation variance in noisy or mismatched scenarios. These findings confirm the advantages of CCFHT for achieving robust and precise vehicle speed estimation using low-cost PIR sensor systems, and provide insights into practical deployment within ITSs.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6255time period estimationpyroelectric infrared sensorvehicle speed measurementcross-correlation functionHilbert transformbias and variance analysis
spellingShingle Bui Hai Dang
Vu Toan Thang
Vu Van Quang
Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
Applied Sciences
time period estimation
pyroelectric infrared sensor
vehicle speed measurement
cross-correlation function
Hilbert transform
bias and variance analysis
title Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
title_full Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
title_fullStr Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
title_short Evaluation of Correlation-Based Methods for Time Period Estimation in Vehicle Speed Measurement Using Pyroelectric Infrared Sensors
title_sort evaluation of correlation based methods for time period estimation in vehicle speed measurement using pyroelectric infrared sensors
topic time period estimation
pyroelectric infrared sensor
vehicle speed measurement
cross-correlation function
Hilbert transform
bias and variance analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/11/6255
work_keys_str_mv AT buihaidang evaluationofcorrelationbasedmethodsfortimeperiodestimationinvehiclespeedmeasurementusingpyroelectricinfraredsensors
AT vutoanthang evaluationofcorrelationbasedmethodsfortimeperiodestimationinvehiclespeedmeasurementusingpyroelectricinfraredsensors
AT vuvanquang evaluationofcorrelationbasedmethodsfortimeperiodestimationinvehiclespeedmeasurementusingpyroelectricinfraredsensors