Classifications

• • 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

Definitions

• the invention relates to a new and novel method for signaling and controlling traffic control flow by means of an electric device, or the like.
• the mvention lelates t ⁇ traffic e ⁇ ntiol devices generally used to facilitate the ordedy n-ovsment of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points, where non-parallel streets intersect.
• Tliis invention relates t ⁇ a unique and novel device and inethod mat allows for a "real-time” elapse or numerjcal LCD display eountd wn of each successive operating signal, indicating vehicular "stop” or “go” for driving straight-away, or for making rightor left turns, or for pedestrians "walk” or “don't walk” in words or icons .
• the utilization of "real-time” elapse with the given signal provides information for complete safe passage.
• the instant invention and method provides for an environment that informs all pedestrians and or vehicle operators with the "real-time" elapse or countdown, better 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 LCD , on each of the facing active signals
• 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 in operational function to a TN remote control. Its security features safeguards against any tampering..
• 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
• 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” count-down 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.
• the instant lens device advises a countdown in "real-time.”
• the red light lens completes the countdown to 1, it ceases to be illuminated, and the green signal lens is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising "real-time” elapse.
• the instant devices begin a count-down in "real-time.”
• the EAST/WEST green GO lights are similarly activated with a similar countdown in "real-time.”
• the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights complete the count-down and cease to be illuminated
• the NORTH/SOUTH green GO lights are illuminated with the display advising "real-time” elapse, at the same time as the EAST/WEST lights recapitulate the red STOP time-elapse countdown.
• the illuminated yellow or amber traffic lights with their "real-time” elapse 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.
• the pedestrian may move through the intersection since all vehicular movement in the intersection has been halted.
• FIG.1 shows the old method, the prior art of pedestrian traffic red “stop” and green “go” with periodic or no flashings.
• FIG.2 through FIG.6 shows the invention's "real-time” elapse traffic signals: red, yellow and green for vehicles and pedestrians .
• the indicated "real-time” elapse sequences begin with # 18.
• 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” elapse and traffic light change with the new and novel lens in position.
• 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 elapse as in FIG.1 A and FIG.2A
• the instant invention provides for the illuminated light 3 in which appears a variable number (therein designated "18) to begin a descending time-elapse count-down to 1 , the advisement indicating the "real-time" remaining in seconds... and...
• 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 ...
• the green light 5 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a count-down-to- 1 at which time the green light goes dark, and
• the red light 3 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a count-down-to-1 at which time the red light goes dark and the sequences follow as heretofore has been set forth.
• FIG. 1 A shows a pedestrian traffic control, with LED-type lens 1, which
• FIG. 2A which displays in its LED-type lens 2
• programmable timing control module 4 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing
• FIG. 1 shows the illuminated icon of the red hand STOP, along with the
• FIG. 3A and FIG.4A are a single unit installation with the top lens
• FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A are a single unit installation, the top lens indicating a
• the LED lenses advise the time-elapse countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.
• the number 1 represents the upper red time-
• FIG. 6 A the number 2 represents the lower green, time-elapse LED lens with
• Both units are wired, 3, to the local and remote programmable timing
• command module 4 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing traffic control timing
• control and power devices 5 voltage regulators and power source 6, and other
• FIG. 7 is an accessory, hand-held, battery-powered, remote-control device for
• 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, coded plastic cards with PIN # entries. All changes and dates of change are recorded into the remote data base of the city or highway traffic manager.
• FIG. 7 number 8 shows the hand-grip of the remote-control, which
• control electric-eye sensor that emits the signals that controls and operates changes in

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

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ID=32653967

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Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (3)

• 2001
  • 2001-11-26 WO PCT/US2001/046784 patent/WO2003038781A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-11-26 CA CA002465532A patent/CA2465532C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2001-11-26 EP EP01994163A patent/EP1442444A4/de not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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