CA2465532C - Traffic control signal with displayed "real-time" remaining - Google Patents
Traffic control signal with displayed "real-time" remaining Download PDFInfo
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- CA2465532C CA2465532C CA002465532A CA2465532A CA2465532C CA 2465532 C CA2465532 C CA 2465532C CA 002465532 A CA002465532 A CA 002465532A CA 2465532 A CA2465532 A CA 2465532A CA 2465532 C CA2465532 C CA 2465532C
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/096—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions provided with indicators in which a mark progresses showing the time elapsed, e.g. of green phase
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Abstract
A traffic light that includes as part of the signal an indication of how muc h time remains before the traffic light command changes in order to insure motorist and pedestrian safety.
Description
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL WITH DISPLAYED
"REAL-TIME" REMAINING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a new and novel method for signalling and controlling traffic flow by means of an electric device, or the like.
Efforts to control pedestrian and vehicular patterns for safe passage at areas where opposing movements occur have largely been restricted to (1) electric devices known as traffic lights or (2) traffic-control by human personnel.
Current systems of traffic light control devices do not allow (1) pedestrians to anticipate the actual time span for expedient and safe crossing or (2) for motorists to approach and pass warning traffic signals with safety through intersections.
This invention affords a "real-time" signal for the motorist allowing him to make the appropriate judgement to avoid intersection gridlock. The "real-time" signal informs the motorist to anticipate the time-changing of a traffic signal from "go" to "stop", thereby preventing his entering into the intersection on a"yellow" signal.
Current methods do not allow pedestrians to anticipate the time span for expedient and safe crossing. This invention provides "real-time" countdown for pedestrians and vehicular cross-over.
Originally, traffic control devices contained only red and green signals.
Safety concerns then required the addition of a "yellow" signal to provide an added element of safety. Other safety measures followed, including blinking signals and icons as warnings of a signal change. Despite this intense consideration for traffic safety, the current light-changing "red-yellow-green" and "icon" systems remain an unsafe element of guesswork for the pedestrian and the vehicle driver.
The present new and novel device and method of signalling pedestrians and vehicles eliminates the guesswork associated with safe passage.
The inventor is aware ofthe following U.S. Patents which show efforts made to solve some of the problems described above: 6,100,819; 6,087,962; 6,054,932;
3,764,973;
6,302,170; and the applicant's invention, U.S. Patent no. 6,331,824 B1.
Though traffic control devices have attempted to provide safety in directing the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the traffic flow participants are not informed as to the pending signal change wherever signals are placed. The absence of time-related information presents an unsafe condition since motorists and pedestrians must rely on guessing and/or hopeful anticipation for sufficient time for passage. Guessing has led to improper and dangerous movement. The present invention solves the problem of the current lack of "real-time" remaining information to motorists and pedestrians to negotiate any intersection with safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to traffic control devices generally used to facilitate the orderly movement of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points where non-parallel streets intersect.
This invention relates to a unique and novel device and method that allows for a "real-time" numerical LED display countdown of each successive operating signal, indicated vehicular "stop" or "go" for driving straight-away, or for making right or left turns, or for pedestrians "walk" or "don't walk" in words or icons. The utilization of "real-time"
remaining with the given signal provides information for complete safe passage.
Currently the program-timing coordination of traffic signals of each street and/or intersection is fixed in the municipal traffic control center, organized within a studied and appropriately timed pattern to deal with traffic flow situations.
The instant invention and method provides for an environment that informs all advising the participants to adhere to lawful traffic regulations. The instant invention allows for a transparent lens, easily affixed as replacement into the housing of all existing traffic control devices, to display the actual remaining time, by LED, on each of the facing active signals.
Each existing traffic control signal housing can be quickly and easily adapted with the innovative, energy-saving LED lens to allow a cost-effective implementation of the new method of signal "real-time" advisement.
The instant invention allows an accessory for on-site re-programming and/or re-sequencing of traffic signal-light time durations, by using the hand-held remote control to activate the electric eye device which alters the time-set in the LED, similar to operational function to a TV remote control. Its security features safeguard against any tampering.
Securely placed within the frame hardware, the instant invention provides for a method and device for a "real-time" display to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic and eliminate the guesswork relative to safe-time for pedestrian and vehicular movement.
As stated earlier, historically, a person or vehicle has not been advised of the length of time to remain in a stopped position. Only an angled view of the opposing signal or a time-tested familiarity with the specific intersection traffic control device could provide information to the vehicle operator or the pedestrian.
The instant invention, displaying "real-time" countdown in traffic lights, with or without words or icons for pedestrians, will inform a clear notice, and method of same, that advises of the "real-time" remaining of the predominant signals.
For example, as soon as the red light lens is activated, the instant lens device advises a countdown in "real-time". When the red light lens completes the countdown to 1, it ceases to be illuminated, and the green signal is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising "real-time" remaining.
As another example, from an omni-position point of view, as soon as the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights are activated, the instant devices begin a countdown in "real-time". At the same time, the EAST/WEST green GO lights are similarly activated with a similar countdown in "real-time". When the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights complete the countdown and cease to be illuminated, the NORTH/SOUTH green GO lights are illuminated with the display advising "real-time" remaining, at the same time as the EAST/WEST lights recapitulate the red STOP time-remaining countdown.
In this embodiment, the illuminated yellow or amber traffic lights with their "real-time" remaining countdown may be coordinated with other pedestrian traffic signals of WALK or DON'T WALK in combinations to provide safety for pedestrian traffic when no red or green lights are illuminated.
When the amber lights are illuminated and informing "real-time" remaining, the pedestrian may move through the intersection since all vehicular movement in the intersection has been halted.
"REAL-TIME" REMAINING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a new and novel method for signalling and controlling traffic flow by means of an electric device, or the like.
Efforts to control pedestrian and vehicular patterns for safe passage at areas where opposing movements occur have largely been restricted to (1) electric devices known as traffic lights or (2) traffic-control by human personnel.
Current systems of traffic light control devices do not allow (1) pedestrians to anticipate the actual time span for expedient and safe crossing or (2) for motorists to approach and pass warning traffic signals with safety through intersections.
This invention affords a "real-time" signal for the motorist allowing him to make the appropriate judgement to avoid intersection gridlock. The "real-time" signal informs the motorist to anticipate the time-changing of a traffic signal from "go" to "stop", thereby preventing his entering into the intersection on a"yellow" signal.
Current methods do not allow pedestrians to anticipate the time span for expedient and safe crossing. This invention provides "real-time" countdown for pedestrians and vehicular cross-over.
Originally, traffic control devices contained only red and green signals.
Safety concerns then required the addition of a "yellow" signal to provide an added element of safety. Other safety measures followed, including blinking signals and icons as warnings of a signal change. Despite this intense consideration for traffic safety, the current light-changing "red-yellow-green" and "icon" systems remain an unsafe element of guesswork for the pedestrian and the vehicle driver.
The present new and novel device and method of signalling pedestrians and vehicles eliminates the guesswork associated with safe passage.
The inventor is aware ofthe following U.S. Patents which show efforts made to solve some of the problems described above: 6,100,819; 6,087,962; 6,054,932;
3,764,973;
6,302,170; and the applicant's invention, U.S. Patent no. 6,331,824 B1.
Though traffic control devices have attempted to provide safety in directing the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the traffic flow participants are not informed as to the pending signal change wherever signals are placed. The absence of time-related information presents an unsafe condition since motorists and pedestrians must rely on guessing and/or hopeful anticipation for sufficient time for passage. Guessing has led to improper and dangerous movement. The present invention solves the problem of the current lack of "real-time" remaining information to motorists and pedestrians to negotiate any intersection with safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to traffic control devices generally used to facilitate the orderly movement of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points where non-parallel streets intersect.
This invention relates to a unique and novel device and method that allows for a "real-time" numerical LED display countdown of each successive operating signal, indicated vehicular "stop" or "go" for driving straight-away, or for making right or left turns, or for pedestrians "walk" or "don't walk" in words or icons. The utilization of "real-time"
remaining with the given signal provides information for complete safe passage.
Currently the program-timing coordination of traffic signals of each street and/or intersection is fixed in the municipal traffic control center, organized within a studied and appropriately timed pattern to deal with traffic flow situations.
The instant invention and method provides for an environment that informs all advising the participants to adhere to lawful traffic regulations. The instant invention allows for a transparent lens, easily affixed as replacement into the housing of all existing traffic control devices, to display the actual remaining time, by LED, on each of the facing active signals.
Each existing traffic control signal housing can be quickly and easily adapted with the innovative, energy-saving LED lens to allow a cost-effective implementation of the new method of signal "real-time" advisement.
The instant invention allows an accessory for on-site re-programming and/or re-sequencing of traffic signal-light time durations, by using the hand-held remote control to activate the electric eye device which alters the time-set in the LED, similar to operational function to a TV remote control. Its security features safeguard against any tampering.
Securely placed within the frame hardware, the instant invention provides for a method and device for a "real-time" display to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic and eliminate the guesswork relative to safe-time for pedestrian and vehicular movement.
As stated earlier, historically, a person or vehicle has not been advised of the length of time to remain in a stopped position. Only an angled view of the opposing signal or a time-tested familiarity with the specific intersection traffic control device could provide information to the vehicle operator or the pedestrian.
The instant invention, displaying "real-time" countdown in traffic lights, with or without words or icons for pedestrians, will inform a clear notice, and method of same, that advises of the "real-time" remaining of the predominant signals.
For example, as soon as the red light lens is activated, the instant lens device advises a countdown in "real-time". When the red light lens completes the countdown to 1, it ceases to be illuminated, and the green signal is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising "real-time" remaining.
As another example, from an omni-position point of view, as soon as the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights are activated, the instant devices begin a countdown in "real-time". At the same time, the EAST/WEST green GO lights are similarly activated with a similar countdown in "real-time". When the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights complete the countdown and cease to be illuminated, the NORTH/SOUTH green GO lights are illuminated with the display advising "real-time" remaining, at the same time as the EAST/WEST lights recapitulate the red STOP time-remaining countdown.
In this embodiment, the illuminated yellow or amber traffic lights with their "real-time" remaining countdown may be coordinated with other pedestrian traffic signals of WALK or DON'T WALK in combinations to provide safety for pedestrian traffic when no red or green lights are illuminated.
When the amber lights are illuminated and informing "real-time" remaining, the pedestrian may move through the intersection since all vehicular movement in the intersection has been halted.
. _ _ ,.. _ In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic light for pedestrians' and vehicle operators' safety, comprising a traffic light device having a housing with one or more lighted surfaces to convey directive and active signals for directing traffic flow; an independently adjustable device aligned with said housing for each lighted surface to provide a "real-time" advisement of the time remaining in which the directive and active signal is displayed; wherein the "real-time" advisement comprises an icon in the form of one of graphical, numerical or other known advisory or signatory communication reveals the time remaining as part of the associated signal;
wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises, as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the "real-time" that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement; and wherein the "real-time" advisement and the directive and active signal associated with the "real-time" advisement are in one single LED
lens providing the lighted surface.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for signalling traffic, comprising: aligning a "real-time" display lens to a light of an existing traffic signal that provides traffic flow advisement providing a status indication to remain in its current condition of advisement by the "real-time" display; the "real-time"
remaining indication being an intrinsic, integral part of the signal; wherein the "real-time"
display advises remaining time; adjusting the "real-time" remaining independently for a predetermined period; operating in conjunction with signal switching timing technology; and the "real-time" remaining indication and the traffic signal associated with the "real-time"
remaining indication being in a single lens.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the present method which are believed to be novel are set forth by description within this application and may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG.1 shows the old method, the prior art of pedestrian traffic red "stop" and green "go" with periodic or no flashings.
FIG. 1A shows a prior art traffic signal adapted to the present invention.
wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises, as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the "real-time" that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement; and wherein the "real-time" advisement and the directive and active signal associated with the "real-time" advisement are in one single LED
lens providing the lighted surface.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for signalling traffic, comprising: aligning a "real-time" display lens to a light of an existing traffic signal that provides traffic flow advisement providing a status indication to remain in its current condition of advisement by the "real-time" display; the "real-time"
remaining indication being an intrinsic, integral part of the signal; wherein the "real-time"
display advises remaining time; adjusting the "real-time" remaining independently for a predetermined period; operating in conjunction with signal switching timing technology; and the "real-time" remaining indication and the traffic signal associated with the "real-time"
remaining indication being in a single lens.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the present method which are believed to be novel are set forth by description within this application and may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG.1 shows the old method, the prior art of pedestrian traffic red "stop" and green "go" with periodic or no flashings.
FIG. 1A shows a prior art traffic signal adapted to the present invention.
FIGs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 show the invention's "real-time" traffic signals: red, yellow and green for vehicles and pedestrians. The indicated "real-time" remaining sequences begin with # 18.
FIGs 2A, 3A 4A 5A and 6A show the present invention in association with directional arrow traffic signals.
In FIG. 2's lens 3 the wiring to power source, voltage regulators, local programmable timing controls and the pictured timing remote control module, 8, are indicated. They are secured behind the lenses (3, 4, 5) within the housings.
FIG. 2 through FIG. 7 show the invention's progress of "real-time" countdown and traffic light change with the new and novel lens in position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is the old method of pedestrian traffic STOP and GO. It can be adapted to the new invention with a lens that indicates STOP and GO with displayed real-time remaining as in FIG.1A and FIG. 2A.
In FIG. 2 the instant invention provides for the illuminated light 3 in which appears a variable number (therein designated "18") to begin a descending countdown to 1, the advisement indicating the "real-time" remaining in seconds...and...
In FIG. 3 the red light 3 counts down to 1 at which time the red light becomes dark...
and In FIG. 4 the yellow light 4 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1, at which time the yellow light goes dark and ...
In FIG. 5 the green light 5 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1 at which time the green light goes dark and ...
In FIG. 6 the red light 3 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1 at which time the red light goes dark and the sequences follow as heretofore has been set forth.
The progression from red to yellow to green operates in a fashion which constantly advises the time remaining in the actively predominant or illuminated signal.
FIG. 1A shows a pedestrian traffic control, with LED-type lens 1, which displays the number 18 and an icon of a red hand or symbol as desired, indicating "STOP -DON'T
FIGs 2A, 3A 4A 5A and 6A show the present invention in association with directional arrow traffic signals.
In FIG. 2's lens 3 the wiring to power source, voltage regulators, local programmable timing controls and the pictured timing remote control module, 8, are indicated. They are secured behind the lenses (3, 4, 5) within the housings.
FIG. 2 through FIG. 7 show the invention's progress of "real-time" countdown and traffic light change with the new and novel lens in position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is the old method of pedestrian traffic STOP and GO. It can be adapted to the new invention with a lens that indicates STOP and GO with displayed real-time remaining as in FIG.1A and FIG. 2A.
In FIG. 2 the instant invention provides for the illuminated light 3 in which appears a variable number (therein designated "18") to begin a descending countdown to 1, the advisement indicating the "real-time" remaining in seconds...and...
In FIG. 3 the red light 3 counts down to 1 at which time the red light becomes dark...
and In FIG. 4 the yellow light 4 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1, at which time the yellow light goes dark and ...
In FIG. 5 the green light 5 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1 at which time the green light goes dark and ...
In FIG. 6 the red light 3 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1 at which time the red light goes dark and the sequences follow as heretofore has been set forth.
The progression from red to yellow to green operates in a fashion which constantly advises the time remaining in the actively predominant or illuminated signal.
FIG. 1A shows a pedestrian traffic control, with LED-type lens 1, which displays the number 18 and an icon of a red hand or symbol as desired, indicating "STOP -DON'T
WALK", and FIG. 2A displays in its LED-type lens 2 the number 18 and an icon of a green walking stick-figure, indicating, "GO - WALK". Wires 23 from the lenses 1 and 2 connect to the local and remote programmable timing control module 24 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing traffic control timing, and control and power devices 25, and voltage devices 26 and other switching devices 27.
FIG.1A shows the illuminated icon of the red hand STOP, along with the LED
time remaining countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark. Next, FIG.
2A shows the illuminated icon of the green walking stick-figure "GO" along with the LED
time remaining countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
The progression from red to green operates in an alternating and precise fashion with time remaining intervals that can be easily time-reset to higher or lower numbers. If the desired LED lens countdown is a larger number than 99, then 99 remains actively illuminated until the time remaining countdown within the lens arrives at 99, then to 98, 97, etc.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A show a single unit installation with the top lens indicating a red arrow signal - STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal - GO, for a left-hand turn. The LED lenses advise time remaining countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A show a single unit installation, the top lens indicating a red arrow signal - STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal - GO, for a right-hand turn.
The LED lenses advise the time remaining countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
In FIG. 3A and FIG. 5A, the number 1 represents the upper red time remaining LED
lens with numerical countdown stopping traffic flow. In FIG. 4A and FIG. 6A
the number 2 represents the lower green, time remaining LED lens with numerical countdown indicating the direction and timeliness for safe vehicular movement. Both units are wired, 23, to the local and remote programmable timing command module 24 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing traffic control timing, control and power devices, 25, voltage regulators and power source 26, and other switching devices 27.
FIG. 7 is an accessory, hand-held, battery-powered, remote-control device for traffic controller's immediate on-site re-setting of time parameters on any or all LED
time remaining lenses (see icons on face-field of the remote-control) in any or all street or highway intersections. The device operates like the battery-powered, hand-held remote-control that triggers the electric-eye to change TV channels. Official tamper-free security is maintained by identifying ID codes, codes plastic cards with PIN # entries.
All changes and dates of change are recorded into the remote database of the city or highway traffic manager.
In FIG. 7 number 8 is the hand-grip of the remote-control, which houses the batteries that switch "on/off' the unit's power and 9 is the remote-control, electric-eye sensor that emits the signals that control and operate changes in the traffic signal LED
lenses, 1 and 2, causing changes within the timing command module 3 located behind the LED
lenses. The data changes that are punched and "Entered" will first appear on the remote-control screen 10. But before programming, the ID card 11 must be inserted into the security slot 12 and PIN # entered to activate the unit. Number 13 is the "Enter" connector that establishes all data entry onto screen 10 before activating changes. The "Menu" item is number allowing a display of choices of lens designations 15 for time remaining re-settings to any LED lens.
FIG.1A shows the illuminated icon of the red hand STOP, along with the LED
time remaining countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark. Next, FIG.
2A shows the illuminated icon of the green walking stick-figure "GO" along with the LED
time remaining countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
The progression from red to green operates in an alternating and precise fashion with time remaining intervals that can be easily time-reset to higher or lower numbers. If the desired LED lens countdown is a larger number than 99, then 99 remains actively illuminated until the time remaining countdown within the lens arrives at 99, then to 98, 97, etc.
FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A show a single unit installation with the top lens indicating a red arrow signal - STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal - GO, for a left-hand turn. The LED lenses advise time remaining countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A show a single unit installation, the top lens indicating a red arrow signal - STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal - GO, for a right-hand turn.
The LED lenses advise the time remaining countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
In FIG. 3A and FIG. 5A, the number 1 represents the upper red time remaining LED
lens with numerical countdown stopping traffic flow. In FIG. 4A and FIG. 6A
the number 2 represents the lower green, time remaining LED lens with numerical countdown indicating the direction and timeliness for safe vehicular movement. Both units are wired, 23, to the local and remote programmable timing command module 24 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing traffic control timing, control and power devices, 25, voltage regulators and power source 26, and other switching devices 27.
FIG. 7 is an accessory, hand-held, battery-powered, remote-control device for traffic controller's immediate on-site re-setting of time parameters on any or all LED
time remaining lenses (see icons on face-field of the remote-control) in any or all street or highway intersections. The device operates like the battery-powered, hand-held remote-control that triggers the electric-eye to change TV channels. Official tamper-free security is maintained by identifying ID codes, codes plastic cards with PIN # entries.
All changes and dates of change are recorded into the remote database of the city or highway traffic manager.
In FIG. 7 number 8 is the hand-grip of the remote-control, which houses the batteries that switch "on/off' the unit's power and 9 is the remote-control, electric-eye sensor that emits the signals that control and operate changes in the traffic signal LED
lenses, 1 and 2, causing changes within the timing command module 3 located behind the LED
lenses. The data changes that are punched and "Entered" will first appear on the remote-control screen 10. But before programming, the ID card 11 must be inserted into the security slot 12 and PIN # entered to activate the unit. Number 13 is the "Enter" connector that establishes all data entry onto screen 10 before activating changes. The "Menu" item is number allowing a display of choices of lens designations 15 for time remaining re-settings to any LED lens.
Claims (6)
1. A traffic light for pedestrians' and vehicle operators' safety, comprising:
a traffic light device having a housing with one or more lighted surfaces to convey directive and active signals for directing traffic flow;
an independently adjustable device aligned with said housing for each lighted surface to provide a "real-time" advisement of the time remaining in which the directive and active signal is displayed;
wherein said "real-time" advisement comprises an icon in the form of one of graphical, numerical or other known advisory or signatory communication which reveals the time remaining as part of the associated signal;
wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises, as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the "real-time" that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement; and wherein said "real-time" advisement and said directive and active signal associated with said "real-time" advisement are in one single LED lens providing said lighted surface.
a traffic light device having a housing with one or more lighted surfaces to convey directive and active signals for directing traffic flow;
an independently adjustable device aligned with said housing for each lighted surface to provide a "real-time" advisement of the time remaining in which the directive and active signal is displayed;
wherein said "real-time" advisement comprises an icon in the form of one of graphical, numerical or other known advisory or signatory communication which reveals the time remaining as part of the associated signal;
wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises, as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the "real-time" that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement; and wherein said "real-time" advisement and said directive and active signal associated with said "real-time" advisement are in one single LED lens providing said lighted surface.
2. A traffic light as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of traffic light devices and corresponding aligned uniquely programmed devices located on a plurality of streets and intersections, wherein each uniquely programmed device coordinates with each of the other of the plurality of uniquely programmed devices.
3. A method for signalling traffic, comprising:
aligning a "real-time" display lens to a light of an existing traffic signal that provides traffic flow advisement providing a status indication to remain in its current condition of advisement by said "real-time" display; the "real-time" remaining indication being an intrinsic, integral part of the signal; wherein the "real-time" display advises remaining time;
adjusting said "real-time" remaining independently for a predetermined period;
operating in conjunction with signal switching timing technology; and said "real-time" remaining indication and the traffic signal associated with said "real-time" remaining indication being in a single lens.
aligning a "real-time" display lens to a light of an existing traffic signal that provides traffic flow advisement providing a status indication to remain in its current condition of advisement by said "real-time" display; the "real-time" remaining indication being an intrinsic, integral part of the signal; wherein the "real-time" display advises remaining time;
adjusting said "real-time" remaining independently for a predetermined period;
operating in conjunction with signal switching timing technology; and said "real-time" remaining indication and the traffic signal associated with said "real-time" remaining indication being in a single lens.
4. A method for signalling as in claim 3, further comprising placing a plurality of traffic light devices and corresponding aligned uniquely programmed devices at a plurality of streets and intersections, wherein each uniquely programmed device coordinates with each of the other ones of uniquely programmed devices.
5. A traffic light as in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the directive and active signals further comprise directional indicator(s).
6. A remote-control device for traffic light as in any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, comprising a time parameters entering interface for said LED, time remaining lenses.
7. A remote-control device of claim 6 further comprising:
an anti-tamper security code device, including identifying ID codes, or coded plastic cards with PIN # entries.
8. A remote-control device as in claims 6 or 7, wherein the remote-control device is a hand-held, battery-powered device.
9. A method of signalling traffic as in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising traffic controller's on-site programming of time parameters on any or all LED, time remaining lenses in any or all street or highway intersections by using the remote-control device of
6. A remote-control device for traffic light as in any one of claims 1, 2 and 5, comprising a time parameters entering interface for said LED, time remaining lenses.
7. A remote-control device of claim 6 further comprising:
an anti-tamper security code device, including identifying ID codes, or coded plastic cards with PIN # entries.
8. A remote-control device as in claims 6 or 7, wherein the remote-control device is a hand-held, battery-powered device.
9. A method of signalling traffic as in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising traffic controller's on-site programming of time parameters on any or all LED, time remaining lenses in any or all street or highway intersections by using the remote-control device of
claim 6.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2001/024776 WO2003031867A2 (en) | 2000-08-10 | 2001-10-05 | Traffic control signal with displayed time-elapse |
| USPCT/US01/24776 | 2001-11-01 | ||
| PCT/US2001/046784 WO2003038781A1 (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2001-11-26 | Traffic control signal with displayed 'real-time' elapse |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2465532A1 CA2465532A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
| CA2465532C true CA2465532C (en) | 2009-11-03 |
Family
ID=32653967
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002465532A Expired - Fee Related CA2465532C (en) | 2001-10-05 | 2001-11-26 | Traffic control signal with displayed "real-time" remaining |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1442444A4 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2465532C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2003038781A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102010031864A1 (en) * | 2010-07-21 | 2012-01-26 | Sebastian Koch | Light signal system for traffic light at roads, particularly for controlling of motor traffic, has light display, which has switching time, where light display has integrated remaining time display |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3320585A (en) * | 1964-12-23 | 1967-05-16 | James L R Hines | Time informing display device |
| CA933254A (en) * | 1970-04-14 | 1973-09-04 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. | Traffic signal control device |
| US4200860A (en) * | 1976-04-29 | 1980-04-29 | Fritzinger George H | Method and apparatus for signalling motorists and pedestrians when the direction of traffic will change |
| DE2933774A1 (en) * | 1979-08-21 | 1981-03-12 | Michel Dipl.-Ing. 7100 Heilbronn Beugnet | Traffic light system for road junctions - provides numerical display of waiting time during red light or stop phase |
| US5519390A (en) * | 1995-02-02 | 1996-05-21 | Casini; Peter | Traffic light timer |
| US6268805B1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2001-07-31 | Damon Undrell Simon | Traffic light |
-
2001
- 2001-11-26 CA CA002465532A patent/CA2465532C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-11-26 EP EP01994163A patent/EP1442444A4/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-11-26 WO PCT/US2001/046784 patent/WO2003038781A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2003038781A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
| CA2465532A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 |
| EP1442444A1 (en) | 2004-08-04 |
| EP1442444A4 (en) | 2006-05-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20141126 |