CA3004651A1 - Self-propelled autonomous message board and method - Google Patents

Self-propelled autonomous message board and method Download PDF

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Publication number
CA3004651A1
CA3004651A1 CA3004651A CA3004651A CA3004651A1 CA 3004651 A1 CA3004651 A1 CA 3004651A1 CA 3004651 A CA3004651 A CA 3004651A CA 3004651 A CA3004651 A CA 3004651A CA 3004651 A1 CA3004651 A1 CA 3004651A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
self
propelled autonomous
autonomous message
controller
message board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA3004651A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Strutt
Peter Mcgie
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Technosignz Ltd
Original Assignee
Technosignz Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technosignz Ltd filed Critical Technosignz Ltd
Priority to CA3004651A priority Critical patent/CA3004651A1/en
Publication of CA3004651A1 publication Critical patent/CA3004651A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
    • G09F21/04—Mobile visual advertising by land vehicles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
    • E01F9/658—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by means for fixing
    • E01F9/662—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by means for fixing mounted on vehicles, e.g. service vehicles; Warning vehicles travelling along with road-maintenance, e.g. remotely controlled
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00—Control of position, course or altitude of land, water, air, or space vehicles, e.g. automatic pilot
    • G05D1/02—Control of position or course in two dimensions
    • G05D1/021—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles
    • G05D1/0287—Control of position or course in two dimensions specially adapted to land vehicles involving a plurality of land vehicles, e.g. fleet or convoy travelling
    • G05D1/0291—Fleet control
    • G05D1/0297—Fleet control by controlling means in a control room
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/095—Traffic lights
    • G08G1/0955—Traffic lights transportable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F27/00—Combined visual and audible advertising or displaying, e.g. for public address
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements

Abstract

A self-propelled autonomous message board, which includes a body, a message board supported by the body, and wheels underlying the body. A drive motor/steering assembly imparts a rotational force to the wheels and facilitates steering of the body. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the drive motor/steering assembly. A communications module is mounted to the body. The communications module is in communication with the controller, whereby command signals are communicated to the controller. At least one sensor to determine a position of the body relative to one of a command station or another self-propelled autonomous message board.

Description

TITLE
[0001] Self-propelled Autonomous Message Board and method FIELD
[0002] There is described an autonomous message board that is self-propelled and a method associated with such a self-propelled autonomous message board.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Autonomous message boards are used for a number of purposes.
United States Patent publications 20070251132 (Luoma et al), 20100109910 (Fahey), (Jones) provide examples of autonomous message boards.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided a self-propelled autonomous message board, which includes a body, a message board supported by the body, and wheels underlying the body. A drive motor/steering assembly imparts a rotational force to the wheels and facilitates steering of the body. A controller selectively activates and deactivates the drive motor/steering assembly. A communications module is mounted to the body. The communications module is in communication with the controller, whereby command signals are communicated to the controller. At least one sensor to determine a position of the body relative to one of a command station or another self-propelled autonomous message board.
[0005] One or more self-propelled autonomous message boards, as described above, can be positioned on a roadway, as may be required, using command signals.
[0006] According to another aspect there is provided a method of deploying traffic signage. This method involves a step of delivering to a roadway two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards, such as described above. The method then involves issuing an initiating command signal to a first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to assume a first selected position on the roadway. The method then involves issuing a second command signal to a second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to assume a second selected position on the roadway which has a specified relationship to the first selected position.
[0007] To simplify command and speed up deployment, the controller of the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards may be equipped with one or more sensors which detect positioning of a command station. The controller then causes the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume a first selected position on the roadway in relation to the command station.
Similarly, the controller of the second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards may be equipped with one or more sensors which detect positioning the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards, the controller causing the second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume a second selected position on the roadway in relation to the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled autonomous message board.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view, in section, of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the self-propelled autonomous message board of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a method of deploying the self-propelled autonomous message boards of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing operating components of the self-propelled autonomous message board of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a logic diagram showing command structure of the self-propelled autonomous message board of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a cellular telephone display showing the issuing command signals from a cellular telephone to the self-propelled autonomous message board of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] A self-propelled autonomous message board generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
[0017]
Referring to FIG. 1, self-propelled autonomous message board 10 has a body 12.
A message board 14 is supported by mast 16 which extends vertically from body 12. Wheels
18 underlie body 12, enabling body 12 to move along a road way.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1A, rotary actuators 20 are provided which are capable of acting both as a drive motor to rotate wheels 18 and as a steering assembly to adjust the orientation of wheels 18. This can be done in more than one way. A rotary actuator 20 can be used in mounting two of wheels 18 or rotary actuator 20 can be attached through a linkage to two of wheels 18. Rotary actuator 20 has been illustrated as being used for the wheel mounting. In this manner, rotation about a horizontal axis rotates wheels 18 and rotation about a vertical steers the wheels 18.
[0019]
Referring to FIG. 4, a master control unit (hereinafter controller 24) which controls a number of components which will hereinafter be further described.
Controller 24 selectively activates and deactivates a rotary actuator 20 to drive forward and steer wheels 18.
[0020]
Referring to FIG. 4, a communications module 26 is provided which is in communication with controller 24. Communications module 26 provides a means by which command signals are communicated to controller 24. Communications module 26 may employ Global System for Mobile (GSM) for cellular communication. In the illustration communications module is shown as being based upon WIFI.
[0021]
Communication between self-propelled autonomous message boards, as will hereinafter be further described in relation to operation, is through communications module 27, which uses radio frequency communications.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, for determining the positioning of body 12, controller 24 uses electromagnetic trackers 29, which are commercially available through such sources as Ascension Technology Corporation and also sold under the POLHEMUS brand name.
These systems are dependable and accurate when used in close proximity, as is contemplated here.
While a global positioning system (GPS) could be used as an alternative, they are only accurate to within 3 meters, which is not as accurate as is desired for this application. The accuracy of GPS systems commercially available may improve in future to make them more viable. Proximity sensors 28 may also be used to supplement electromagnetic trackers 29 or to detect the proximity of road barriers or road line markings.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1A, body 12 has actuators 32 which extend to move message board 14 up mast 16 and retract to lower message board 14 down mast 16. This movement has been captured in FIG. 2. Controller 24 controls actuators 32 to raise and lower message board 14 relative to mast 16. Referring to FIG. 1A, mast 16 also pivots about pivot point 33 in relation to body 12. Actuator 35 moves mast 16 between a substantially vertical operative position and a substantially horizontal stored position.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, it is preferred that controller 24 also has input from one more sensors 34, such as vibration sensors, which detect instability of body 12 due to winds.
Controller 24 is programmed to activate actuator 32 to lower message board 14 down mast 16 to restore stability to body 12 when input from sensor 34 indicates movement of body 12.
If there is still vibrations sensed, controller 24 is programmed to activate actuator 35 to lower mast 16 to the stored position.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, controller 24 turns on and off light emitting diodes (LED) on the LED panel 36 which configures the message displayed on message board 14. A
light sensor 38 is provided, so that controller 24 can detect if LED panel is illuminated and detect atmospheric light conditions.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, there is also provided a power source 40 to provide power controller 24 and all other components. Controller 24 also has connection to a command system 42, a memory 44, instructions 46, program 48 and a user interface 50.
Operation:
[0027] The preferred method of deployment and operation will now be described.
Referring to FIG. 3, there are delivered to a roadway two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards 10, three have been chosen as the preferred configuration.
Referring to FIG.
6, a command signal is initiated, preferably by cellular telephone 100. The software application on cellular telephone 100 is used to identify the number of lanes of traffic, the number of self-propelled autonomous message boards 10 in use and the message to be displayed. In this case, the message to be displayed is "MERGE LEFT SLOW".
[0028] Referring to FIG. 5, the sequence initiated by cellular telephone 100 is: Firstly, establish a wireless connection. Secondly, input message into cellular telephone 100.
Thirdly, submission of message upon completion. Fourthly, transmission of message. Fifthly, self-propelled autonomous message boards 10 deploy. Sixthly, once deployed self-propelled autonomous message boards 10 display the message on message board 14.
[0029] Referring to HG. 3, the deployment takes place in stages. Upon the first command signal being initiated a first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards moves to assume a first selected position on the roadway. Upon a second command signal being initiated, a second 10B of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards moves to assume a second selected position on the roadway which has a specified relationship to the first selected position. Upon a third command signal being initiated, a third 10C of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards moves to assume a third selected position on the roadway which has a specified relationship to the second selected position.
[0030] It is envisaged that controller 24 of first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards has one or more sensors included in proximity sensors 28 and electromagnetic trackers 29 which detect positioning of a command station, which in this case is command vehicle 11. The controller then causes first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume the first selected position on the roadway in relation to command vehicle 11. It is important to note that the automated positioning is in relation to command vehicle 11. It is envisaged that command vehicle 11 will be a transport vehicle used to transport the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards, however, command vehicle 11 could be a pilot truck or a different vehicle altogether or could be a command station off-loaded from a transport vehicle.
The command station could be incorporated into a road barricade. In addition to other technologies, proximity sensors 28 may also be used that are capable of detecting road barricades or road marking lines to further assist in positioning.
[0031] As stated above, it is preferred that communications module 27 be provided so that each self-propelled autonomous message board can to send signals to other self-propelled autonomous message boards. For example, first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards may be programmed to send the second command signal to second 10B of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards upon achieving the first selected position. Similarly, second 10B of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards may be programmed to send the third command signal to third 10C of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards upon achieving the second selected position.
[0032] In an automated deployment scenario, controller 24 of second 10B
of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards uses electromagnetic trackers 29 to detect the positioning of first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards.
The controller then causes second 10B of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume a second selected position on the roadway in relation to first 10A of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards. It will be appreciated that with this type of automated deployment, second 10B of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards could in turn send a third command signal to third self-propelled autonomous message board 10C once at the second selected position and the third self-propelled autonomous message board could send a fourth command signal to a fourth self-propelled autonomous message board and so on depending upon the number of message boards required.
[0033] Every year there are highway workers injured or killed by high speed vehicles, while the highway workers are trying to manually position traffic control devices. The use of self-propelled autonomous message boards, as described above, will enable traffic control to be placed in position without highway workers being endangered.
[0034] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
[0035] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth as examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with a purposive construction of the claims in view of the description as a whole.

Claims (15)

What is Claimed is:
1. A self-propelled autonomous message board, comprising:
a body;
a message board supported by the body;
wheels underlying the body;
a drive motor/steering assembly for imparting a rotational force to the wheels, thereby causing movement of and steering the body;
a controller for selectively activating and deactivating the drive motor/steering assembly;
a communications module mounted to the body, the communications module being in communication with the controller, whereby command signals are communicated to the controller; and at least one sensor to determine a position of the body relative to one of a command station or another self-propelled autonomous message board.
2. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is comprised of electromagnetic trackers to determine a position of the body relative to one of a command station or another self-propelled autonomous message board.
3. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 1, wherein the communications module includes a transmitter, such that the communications module sends signals to other self-propelled autonomous message boards.
4. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 1, wherein the body has a mast which supports the message board, the body has actuators which extend to move the message board up the mast and retract to lower the message board down the mast, the controller controlling the actuators to raise and lower the message board.
5. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 4, wherein the controller has one or more sensors which detect instability of the body due to winds, the controller being programmed to lower the message board down the mast to restore stability.
6. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 1, wherein the body has a mast which supports the message board, the mast is pivotally mounted to the body, the body has actuators which extend to raise the mast to a substantially vertical operative orientation and retract to move the mast to a substantially horizontal stored orientation.
7. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 6, wherein the controller has one or more sensors which detect instability of the body due to winds, the controller being programmed to lower the mast to the stored orientation.
8. The self-propelled autonomous message board of Claim 1, wherein the controller is in communication with one or more sensors which detect at least one of road barricades or road marking lines.
9. A method of deploying traffic signage, comprising:
delivering to a roadway two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards, each self-propelled autonomous message board comprising:
a body;
a message board supported by the body;
wheels underlying the body;
a drive motor/steering assembly for imparting a rotational force to the wheels, thereby causing movement of and steering the body;
a controller for selectively activating and deactivating the drive motor/steering assembly;
a communications module is mounted to the body, the communications module being communication with the controller, whereby command signals are communicated to the controller; and at least one sensor to determine a position of the body relative to one of a command station or another self-propelled autonomous message board;

issuing an initiating command signal to a first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to assume a first selected position on the roadway;
and issuing a second command signal to a second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to assume a second selected position on the roadway which has a specified relationship to the first selected position.
10. The method of Claim 9, wherein the controller of the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards detects a positioning of a command vehicle using electromagnetic trackers, the controller causing the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume a first selected position on the roadway in relation to the command vehicle.
11. The method of Claim 9, wherein the communications module includes a transmitter, such that the communications module sends signals to other self-propelled autonomous message boards and the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message board being programmed to send the second command signal upon achieving the first selected position.
12. The method of Claim 9, wherein the controller of the second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards detects a positioning of the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards using electromagnetic trackers, the controller causing the second of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards to automatically assume a second selected position on the roadway in relation to the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards.
13. The method of Claim 9, wherein the first command signal is sent via a cellular telephone.
14. The method of Claim 9, wherein the controller of the first of the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards has one or more sensors which detect road barricades and road marking lines.
15. The method of Claim 11, wherein the two or more self-propelled autonomous message boards are in communication with radio frequency communication.
CA3004651A 2018-05-11 2018-05-11 Self-propelled autonomous message board and method Abandoned CA3004651A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3004651A CA3004651A1 (en) 2018-05-11 2018-05-11 Self-propelled autonomous message board and method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3004651A CA3004651A1 (en) 2018-05-11 2018-05-11 Self-propelled autonomous message board and method

Publications (1)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2577969A (en) * 2018-08-09 2020-04-15 Ver Mac System and method of maintaining traffic apparatus location information
EP3940144A3 (en) * 2020-06-23 2022-03-23 Tusimple, Inc. Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2577969A (en) * 2018-08-09 2020-04-15 Ver Mac System and method of maintaining traffic apparatus location information
GB2577969B (en) * 2018-08-09 2022-07-06 Ver Mac System and method of maintaining traffic apparatus location information
EP3940144A3 (en) * 2020-06-23 2022-03-23 Tusimple, Inc. Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices
US11945367B2 (en) 2020-06-23 2024-04-02 Tusimple, Inc. Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices
US11951906B2 (en) 2020-06-23 2024-04-09 Tusimple, Inc. Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices

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Effective date: 20200831

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20200831