GB2139794A - Comprehensive road direction indicators - Google Patents

Abstract

A system of road signs, each sign directing to every place covered by the system which is divided into nine regions each of which are subdivided into nine and each subdivision is again subdivided into nine. Each place within the territory covered is given a number comprising, from left to right, the number of each progressively smaller unit of subdivision. Each place is referred to on every sign by reference to one of the nine subdivisions of the division in which the sign is located. The direction finding proceeds from larger to progressively smaller units. Pre-set electronic devices in vehicle activated by the signs to indicate direction of turn made possible. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A system enabling road direction signs to direct comprehensively to and from all locations by numerical and other means (1) Introduction This system should be easily followed by the average road user after spending half-an-hour or so familiarising the methods employed. One of the main advantages is that the taking of a wrong turning can always be corrected at the next sign. You cannot get lost. The tension of direction finding and its hazards are taken out of driving and road safety thereby improved. Better attention can be given to traffic signs.

Unnecessary mileage is eliminated. No more attempts to decide that the place names shown on the existing signs are or are not places through which you need to pass to get to where you want to go. In short it is intended to replace or supplement the inadequate and often confusing sign posting system we have to-day.

(2) General description An area such as England, Scotland and Wales would be divided into: Nine regions, these into nine Areas, these into nine Sub-Areas, these into nine Districts, these into nine Localities, these into nine Neighbourhoods, these into nine Precincts.

(3) Any address or place within the territory covered by the system would be allotted a number (the destination number) dependent upon which precinct the address or place is within. Thus 3925477 indicates that it is within precinct 7 of neighbourhood 7 of locality 4 of district 5 of sub-area 2 of area 9 of region 3.

(4) The road signs comprise (a) main signs (see for optional panels) and (b) precinct signs, both called "numericators". The main numericators comprise a maximum of six panels, one below the other, each referring to one of the groups of nine sub-divisions as listed above, the top panel to the nine regions, the next below to the nine areas within the region whose number has a ring circling it in the top panel and so on down to the neighbourhoods. Each lower panel relates only to the nine sub-divisions of the unit (the term unit means any of the regions, areas, etc., etc.) shown with a ring round its number on the panel immediately above. If desired, the main signs can be in the form of two separate assemblies of not more than three panels high. To aid distinction between the first, the colour scheme may be varied from that of the second.

(5) Each panel is numbered in the same way for easy recognition, thus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Alternatively, to comply with the arrangement of most calculators the following arrangement may be preferred: 7 8 9 4 5 6 1 2 3 (6) Associated with each number is a direction indicator showing the direction at the road junction to be taken to reach that numbered unit. However if a circle round the number is shown instead of a direction indicator you have already reached the unit required and the next digit of the destination number will be in the next panel down and showing the direction indicator required.

(7) When the bottom panel shows a ring around the neighbourhood number required look for the separate precinct sign in the next nearest convenient position beyond the main sign which will show the direction of eight of the nine subdivisions and a ring round the particular subdivision of the precinct in which you have arrived. The precinct signs comprise a panel showing the nine numbers with indicators etc., a panel showing the direction of the nearest main numericator, a panel showing the neighbourhood number in which the precincts are situated and possibly a further panel referred to under FURTHER DETAILS below. (para. (20) page 7).

(8) Outlines for an optional automatic guidance system are also to be found under FURTHER DETAILS (para. (29) page 10).

(9) It is considered that, in general, to ensure a satisfactory system, the whole territory covered by it must be divided into Regions, Areas, Sub-areas and Districts, but that it should be left to local decision whether the Precincts, Neighbourhoods and Localities should be included in particular parts. Thus in the example given in paragraph (3), the first four figures are mandatory, the last three optional. Where the full subdivision is not made, the words 'No further units' will appear immediately below the lowest panel. The destination number would in such case have one or more of the optional numbers omitted from right to left. There would be, in the given examples, 6,561 Districts in the system (mandatory), or up to 4,782,969 precincts according to the number desired.

(10) Further details (a) Boundaries The demarkation of the units will be worked out from a general framework. The boundaries diverging within reasonable limits from that framework if by doing so, complications to the information given on the numericators can thereby be avoided. An example being where a route towards a destination number passes temporarily outside the previously entered unit required, so that the normal sequence of reading the numericators is broken. In unavoidable cases the numericators will have special indications as mentioned underthefollowing paragraph.

(11) (b) Numericators The numericators are designed to take account of the following matters: Alternative routes ii Part of unit served by different direction indicators iii Choice of motorway or non-motorway routes iv Routes passing temporarily out of required unit v Weight, height, width or other restrictions vi Temporary diversions vii Roundabouts viii Restrictions on size of numericators.

Each of these is now dealt with as follows.

(12) (i) Alternative routes The following guidance is given for the indication of alternative routes: (aa) Where a route can be taken without undue diversion and which route offers a good scenic way but may not be the most direct route, the scenic route is lettered S and the alternative route is also appropriately indicated (seepara (14)).

(bb) Where congestion is involved and a reasonable alternative is shown, the congested route is lettered C and an alternative route is also shown. (Para(14)).

(cc) Where more than one route with no particular advantages exist directions will be shown in more than one direction against the unit number.

(dd) Where there are no further units after the District panels, alternative directions will necessitate verification of the route because the parts of the unit so served will not be indicated. In such cases the District panel will be identified by a broad diagonal line or some other approved method.

(13) With the mandatory panels fully installed, there will be a wide variety of alternative routes simply by disregarding the numericators and using them again when it is desired to return definitely on course to one's destination.

(14) The direction indicators are lettered as follows, but short length variations of classification may not be shown and in such cases the predominant route classification will be shown on the numericator: Route towards motorway but with later choice of avoiding motorway if desired M Commital to motorway Trunk road T Class A road A Class B Road B Unclassified road U Congested route C Temporary diversion D Scenic route S The position of the letter in relation to the unit number indicates the direction to be taken. Where the letters M or S are shown, spots are also indicated to show whether the road is Trunk, class A or B, thus: Trunk il1I S Class A M S Class B M S No spots are shown in respect of unclassified roads.If there is a height, width, weight or access restriction, a red bar is shown at right-angles to the direction of the road, warning the user to look for the usual signs and an alternative direction is shown. These designs are subject to alteration if required.

(15) Where there are more roads radiating from a junction than can be indicated in the foregoing manner, the following type of indicator is inserted in the appropriate diagonal position X indicating the road required with an arrow head and the other roads between the normal positions being indicated as radiating from the point nearest the unit number. No other information is shown except the red bar (paras (14) and (21)) where required.

(16) Where there is a choice between routes, both are shown with the appropriate direction indicators against the unit number required.

(17) (ii) Part of unit served by different direction indicators.

Where one route from a particularjunction serves only part of a unit and another route or routes from that junction serves or serve the remainder, it is necessary to refer to the next lower supplementary (or X panel) bearing that unit number in the top left corner and the nine subdivisions of the unit with their respective direction indicators. In such cases the unit number in the upper panel will, instead of showing a direction indicator, show a bracket thus ] or [ according to whether the X panel is to the left or right of the next lower centre or normal panel. (Figure 5). If however this situation occurs on the panel under which the words "No further units" appear, the two or more directions will be shown against the unit number concerned.

(18) Otherwise there are occasions where this process has to be repeated in one or more of the next lower panels so that one is on such occasion, required to scan the panels for three or more of the numerals comprised in the destination number and for this reason it is adviseable to hold in mind at least the next three numerals required. This procedure, indicated by brackets thus Fm against the unit number (see Figure 5) is for convenience referred to as "Flash scanning" and it happens where it is necessary to select one of two or more routes leading to different parts, not only of the unit at present being sought, but also of the sub unit or even the subdivision of the sub unit, because the selection of routes serves also different parts of the sub unit and in some cases even the subdivision of the sub unit.Another form of flash scanning sometimes occurs when the unit number has a ring round it and the next lower panel must be consulted for the next digit of the destination number. Thus, if I know the next three numerals of my destination number are, say, 942, it is possible I shall find the nine with a bracket necessitating a look at the lower supplementary panel numbered nine in the top left corner to see where I turn for unit four- which is also found to have a bracket, so I repeat the process looking at the lower supplementary panel numbered four (top left) for the unit two which will indicate the turning I need.Although all this procedure sounds very complicated, it can be fairly easily remembered and if Figure 4 is referred to the following example may serve to show that it is generally quite simple to read the numericators: Assume your detination is any of the following examples and that you encounter the sign (Figure 5). How soon can you find the direction? Those on shorter journeys will probably know that perhaps the signs above District level can be ignored. Any excursion outside 785 (see below) will have been given due warning, so that in the absence of this, the need to check those numbers is removed. In any case, any change in the position of the ring on the panel immediately above that being scrutinised would probably be noticed quite easily and should it occur, take the direction against the number from which the ring has been transferred.

Four of the following destination numbers were produced by a randon method and the last two were selected for flash scanning examples: (see Figure 5) Destination Direction 4291 562 straight ahead 1521 261 6818 836 1815 621 7857 117 8892 651 turn left Similarly, consulting Figures 8-10, with the exception of the Region number 9, the following destination numbers have been selected at random: Destination Direction 9919 837 Fig. B turn left Figure 9 turn back Fig.10 left 9123 456 " turn right ,, fork left 9168 811 ,, ,, ,, 9243 821 ,, ,, ,, 9631 382 " turn back " turn back " turn back 9795 243 " turn left " ,, " turn left 9983 812 ,, ,, ,, (19) (iii) Choice of motorway of non-motorway routes.

Where there is choice between motorway and non-motorway routes both are shown by the appropriate letters against the unit number required. Where the letter M is shown (without the dashes -M -), this indicates there will be a choice at a subsequent numericator of a non-motorway route if it is desired to avoid the motorway. If there is a dash on both sides, thus -M-, you will be committed to the motorway.

(20) (iv) Routes passing temporarily outside required unit already entered.

There are occasions when it is necessary to pass one or more numericators outside that unit before re-entering the unit number previously ringed. The following indications on the numericator make the position clear. This is, of course, important because momentarily the normal method of proceeding to the desired unit numbers in sequence until all are entered is interrupted. The numericators will therefore warn that this interruption is about to take place and will remind at the one or more numericators on the route which are situated outside the required unit, by means of an 'outward' panel or 0 panel for brevity, that you are outside the unit and will show when you re-enter the correct unit, that you have done so. (see Figures 8-10). The first warning is given by the use of a red diamond round the unit number of the direction indicator.

(Figure 8). The numericators outside the required unit will carry an 0 panel parallel with the panel relating to the same class of units for the outside territory. For example, if you are in your required area, say Area 4 and are making for Sub-area 1, you see the direction indicator for Sub-area 1 incorporates a red diamond indicating a temporary passing outside Area 4 and you know the next numericatorwill show, in the normal Sub-area position, the Sub-areas relating to another Area and that alongside this Sub-area panel will be a panel showing in the top left corner, the Area number you had previously entered and the directions to the Sub-area in Area 4. (See Figure 9).The last 0 panel before re-entering your previously required unit will show a red diagonal line (or some other suitable indication) which indicates that at the next numericator Area 4 will be ringed as before you left that unit and that the 0 panel will not be shown.

(21) (v) Weight, height, width or other restrictions.

If a road is subject to one or more of the restrictions, a red bar is placed across the direction indicator warning that the usual restriction signs must be observed Figures 9 and 10).

(22) (vi) Temporary diversions.

These are indicated by the letter D being used to indicate the direction of the diversion to be taken.

(para(14).

(23) (vii) Roudabouts.

Where roundabouts, other than mini-roundabouts are involved, each road, where there are more than four served by them, is numbered in Roman numerals, so that each exit from the roundabouts is readily identifiable by its number which also appears on the numericator panel against the direction indicator.

(Figure 11). One numericator can also be placed on the centres of the roundabouts in case a second look is required.

(24) (viii) Restricted size of numericators.

In locations such as towns and side roads, the overall dimensions of the numericator (apart from the supporting structure) could be reduced to allow up to five panels wide within a maximum width of seven feet and six panels high with panelling not more than a total of 8.4ft in height. The unit numbers could be smaller because they are known by their relative position on the panels.

(25) Setting up the system.

It may of course be decided to take one of several possible courses either for economic reasons or for the purpose of giving the system a trial. There could be a choice of one or more selected territories, or of the average number of signs to be erected per square mile over the territory covered by the system. Between a fully comprehensive set-up and a modified one there is considerable room for manoeuvre providing things are not so pared down that the system becomes of little value to the road user.

(26) A most important element in setting up the system is the careful selection of the correct indicators in the correct positions. The initial work is time consuming and calls for some skill and knowledge but should not be beyond the abilities of suitable persons chosen for their local knowledge of the territory and the road system in their part of the territory or perhaps for their wider knowledge over the whole or part of the territory.

(27) Some fairly detailed instructions for the carrying out of this work should be drawn up in the interests of consistency and efficiency and may indeed be offered as part of the system. It is thought that the motoring associations might be approached and possibly the appropriate central and local bodies in compiling these instructions and in vetting the information to be displayed on the numericators.

(28) Gazetteer It is envisaged that all place names within the territory of the system should be alphabetically listed with their destination numbers and that the list should be published.

(29) Electronic or other aids.

The development of these aids which could be activated by the numericators for use by drivers of vehicles if provided with the equipment on the numericators and in their vehicles is considered to be within the bounds of practicableness. The purpose being, once the destination code has been fed into the vehicle device, to provide a visual display for the driver indicating the direction of the required turning without the necessity for visually scanning the numericator. The equipment would need to be designed to cope with flash scanning.

ADDENDUM TO PARAGRAPH 15 Where there is a red bar against a route shown with an arrow and the alternative route is also one so shown, (Figure 10) it will be noted the red bar does not extend across the latter route. Vehicles not restricted by the warning signs should take the route against which the bar has been placed as it will be more direct, unless an undulating line is indicated as in Figure 9.

ADDENDUM TO PARAGRAPH & 7 Sometimes it will be necessary to display more than one precinct sign as in the vicinity of the numericator in Figure 5 (see also Figure 6).

Claims (7)

1. A network of direction signs designed to comprehensively direct to all locations within the network primarily by the use of numbers arranged for easy and ready visual reference.

2. The division, as instanced in Figures 1-4, of the territory covered by the network referred to in Claim 1 into numbered, suitably small units each associated with numbered progressively larger units to facilitate tracing any particular smaller unit.

3. A gazetteer setting out place names with their allotted unit numbers as referred to in Claims 1 and 2.

4. Adaptation of the signs referred to in Claim 1 to enable, if required, activation of electronic systems in vehicles designed to display to the driver the direction of turn.

5. The display on the signs referred to in Claim 1 of certain symbols and arrangements as required to render the system workable and as referred to in paragraphs (4)-(7), (12) and (14)-(24) of the Specification and the Addenda to paragraphs (7) and (15) on page 10 of the Specification.

6. The numbering of exits from roundabouts, where in excess of four exits, as described in paragraph (23) of page 8 of the Specification, such numbering to be shown also on the relevant signs referred to in Claim 1.

7. The designation of each of the signs and the system in Claims 1-5 as "Numericator".