GB2577367A

GB2577367A - Movable signalling system

Info

Publication number: GB2577367A
Application number: GB1910521.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hudson Darren
Original assignee: PIKE SIGNALS Ltd
Current assignee: PIKE SIGNALS Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2019-07-23
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Also published as: GB201910521D0; GB201812048D0

Abstract

A movable signalling system 100 comprises a signalling apparatus 102 including a signal module 112 a sensor module 118, a controller 116 configured to determine a movement status of the signal module 112 using an output of the sensor module 118 and instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters. The system may also include a user input device for setting an initial location, used to determine the subsequent movement of the system. The response may include modifying or preventing the operation of the signalling system. An alert message may also be sent in response to the detection of movement. The message may include an indication of an urgency level. Movement status may include orientation. The movement may be determined by several separate sensor modules.

Description

MOVABLE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a movable signalling system, particularly but not necessarily exclusively non-permanent radio-controlled traffic lights or other radio-controlled roadside signals for providing signals to traffic and/or pedestrians. The invention also relates to a method of operating such a system.

Signalling systems are often used in order to provide signals indicating the safety or lack thereof of a particular route. In the case of pedestrian and vehicular signalling systems, it is often necessary to deploy movable, portable, and/or temporary systems to sites such as the locations of road and/or civil engineering works. In these situations, it is known that unplanned and/or unauthorised 'disturbance events' may result in a deployed signalling system being made unsafe or ineffective.

Permanent traffic signals -by which we mean those that are secured in place -typically including a support mast that is permanently bolted into place or concreted into the ground, and movable traffic and pedestrian signals are well known. Movable signals can generally be divided into two types: portable signals, which generally have wheels or rollers allowing them to be moved manually, and temporary signals, which generally have a heavy supporting base that can be lifted and moved using a forklift truck or pallet handler. In general, the term movable refers to a light that can be readily moved between different locations and reused.

Specific examples of disturbance events may include: where signalling equipment is moved to a different position on a work site on which it has been installed; where signalling equipment is re-oriented so that traffic or pedestrian signals point in a direction that is different to that which was intended, for example into a hedge or at a stream of traffic travelling in a different direction to that which it was originally set up to instruct; where signalling equipment is inclined at an unsafe angle, for example an angle across a pavement or carriageway such that a vehicle or pedestrian may impact the signalling equipment or health and safety is put at risk; where signalling equipment has fallen over; where signalling equipment is damaged, for example as a result of third-party interference, i.e. vandalism or a vehicular impact; or where signalling equipment is removed from a work site on which it has been installed, for example by a vandal or unauthorised contractor. Such disturbance events may he caused, for example, by theft, vandalism, road traffic accidents, extreme weather conditions, or unauthorised interference such as by civil engineering contractors.

In known systems, such disturbance events may go unnoticed until such a time as a traffic management company (TMC) responsible for the signalling equipment visits the site and notices the disturbance or the disturbance is notified to the TMC by a contractor or member of the public. There may therefore he a lengthy delay before firstly the TMC is notified, and secondly before the TMC is able to attend the site in order to return the signalling system to a safe and/or effective mode of operation. In such cases, the safe operation of the signalling system may he prevented entirely.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a movable signalling system comprising: a signalling apparatus including a signal module; a sensor module; and a controller configured to: determine a movement status of the signal module using an output of the sensor module; and instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.

By providing such a system, disturbance events can be not only sensed but also responses can be provided, based on the disturbance event sensed. The predetermined responses may therefore keep the signalling system operational, to some extent, without requiring intervention.

The controller may include a receiver, such as a wired or wireless receiver, configured to receive the output from the sensor module, a processor configured to determine the movement status of the signal module using the output, and/or a transmitter, such as a wired or wireless transmitter, configured to instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters. The controller may also include a memory configured to store the safety parameters, responses, output, and/or movement status.

The controller may be located local to the signalling apparatus, such as within the signalling apparatus or signal module, or may be located remote from the signalling apparatus, such as in a separate housing or within a different signalling apparatus. As such, multiple signalling apparatuses may share a single controller or multiple signalling apparatuses may each include their own controller which may communicate with other controllers in the system.

The sensor module may include one or more sensors such as a navigation positioning system sensor (e.g. global positioning satellite system sensor or regional positioning satellite system sensor), a compass, an accelerometer, a tilt switch, an inclinometer, and an altimeter. Such a sensor module may be located locally to the signal module, such as within the signal module or the signalling apparatus. When located internally these sensors may be termed "internal sensors".

The sensor module may, additionally or alternatively, include an external sensor such as a camera, radar, or remote sensor. Such external sensors may remotely determine position, for example location and/or orientation, of one or more signal apparatuses. A camera, radar, or remote sensor may oversee the position of the signalling apparatuses from an external position or may determine the position from images/signals returned from a position on the signalling apparatuses, for example by a change in image/signal.

The transmitter and/or receiver may operate using any known means of transmission, including Bluctooth RTM, Ethernet, WiFi, other standard means of transmission, or one or more non-standard means of transmission.

The movable signalling system may include a user input device for setting an initial location of the signalling apparatus. The user input device may include a button, keypad, input port, or other communication device. The movement status may be calculated using the output and the initial location. The user input device may be situated on the signalling apparatus. The initial location may be set using the output at the time the user input device is used.

The plurality of predetermined response may include a response of modifying the operation of the signal module. Such a response may include prevention of operation of the signal module, or a change in operating mode of the signal module.

The signal module may include a light head, for example for vehicular or pedestrian instruction. Where the signal module includes a light head, the change of operating mode may include a change in lighting sequence or lighting timing of the lights of the light head.

The light head may include red, amber, and green lights,or a combination of two of the three.

The signalling apparatus may be a traffic light.

The plurality of predetermined responses may include a response of sending an alert to a monitoring device. Such an alert may be sent by email or SMS, for example, and may be sent to a telephone, such as a mobile telephone, a laptop, a portable monitoring device, or a monitoring station.

The alert may include an urgency level. The urgency level may be based upon the safety parameters and movement data and may indicate, for example, whether the signalling apparatus is operational and in what mode the signalling apparatus is operating. The alert may further include additional information on a position of the signalling apparatus, and/or the time of occurrence of a disturbance event.

The output may include location data, the predetermined safety parameters including corresponding location parameters.

The location parameters may include a safe area, for example by geofencing. The instructed response may differ based on whether or not the signal module or signalling apparatus is within the safe area. For example, if the signal module is within the safe area then the operating mode may be altered but if the signal module is outside of the safe area then the signal module may be switched off.

The location parameters may include a plurality of location thresholds. For example, a larger change in location may be acceptable without change of operating mode if a signalling system is slightly further down a road than it was originally placed, whereas a smaller change in location may be acceptable if the signalling system has been moved towards a middle of a carriageway or into a verge where it may be obstructed.

The output may include orientation data, the predetermined safety parameters including corresponding orientation parameters. The orientation parameters may include thresholds or acceptable ranges of pitch, roll, and/or yaw of the signal module.

The movable signalling system may include a power source, for example a battery or a generator, or a connector for connection to an external power supply.

The movable signalling system may include a wheel and may be relocatable by a vehicle, for example by being pulled as trailer.

By movable we may mean that the traffic signals are self-contained and easy to move about, for instance with wheels or rollers to form a portable device or with a base designed for lifting using a forklift or pallet handler in the case of a temporary device.

The movable signalling system may include a plurality of signalling apparatuses, or traffic lights. The plurality of signalling apparatuses may he located in a set configuration at a junction. The term "junction" refers to any arrangement where two or more signalling apparatuses control a flow of traffic or people. For instance, it may be a junction between two roads, such as a cross roads or T-junction, or a junction between the two ends of a stretch of flow controlled highway, for instance a length of road that can only carry traffic in one direction at any time as is typical during road works.

Where a plurality of signalling apparatuses are provided, the controller may he configured to determine a movement status of each signal module. Alternatively, a plurality of controllers may determine a movement status of a corresponding plurality of signal modules. Where multiple controllers are present, the controllers may communicate with each other and may provide identical or complementary predetermined responses. The instructed predetermined response of each controller may be based on the output of its associated signal module and an input from the other control lers.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operation of a movable signalling system, the method comprising: determining a movement status of the signal module using an output of a sensor module; and instructing one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.

The plurality of predetermined responses may include a response of modifying the operation of a signal module of the movable signalling system. Such a response may include preventing operation of the signal module, or changing an operating mode of the signal module.

The method may include a step of setting an initial location of the signalling apparatus. The initial location may be input using the user input device. The movement status may he calculated using the output and the initial location.

The signal module may include a light head, for example for vehicular or pedestrian instruction. Where the signal module includes a light head, the change of operating mode may include changing a lighting sequence or lighting timing of the lights of the light head.

The light head may include red, amber, and green lights, or a combination of two of the three.

The plurality of predetermined responses may include a response of sending an alert to a monitoring device. Such an alert may be sent by email or SMS, for example, and may he sent to a telephone, such as a mobile telephone, a laptop, a portable monitoring device, or a monitoring station. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring device may include a server, located in the signalling apparatus or external to it. The server may allow the update of a webpage, app, or similar, which is capable of tracking the operation of the signalling apparatus.

The alert may include an urgency level. The urgency level may be based upon the safety parameters and movement data and may indicate, for example, whether the signalling apparatus is operational and in what mode the signalling apparatus is operating. The alert may further include additional information on a position, location, and/or orientation of the signalling apparatus, and/or the time of occurrence of a disturbance event.

The location parameters may include a safe area, for example by geofencing.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a signalling apparatus for use in the movable signalling system of the first aspect, comprising: a signal module; a sensor module; and a controller configured to: determine a movement ats of the signal module using an output of the sensor module; and instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.

The signalling apparatus of the third aspect may include any of the features of the second aspect, unless mutually exclusive with any other feature.

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a movable signalling system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a controller or the movable signalling system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 4 is an aerial view of second embodiment of a movable signalling system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Firstly referring to Figure I, there is shown a movable signalling system 100. The movable signalling system 100 includes a signalling apparatus 102 and a base 104, the signalling apparatus 102 being transportable on the base 104. The base 104 includes two wheels 106, one of which is visible, a tow bar 108, and a power source in the form of a battery 110 for powering the movable signalling system 100.

The signalling apparatus 102 includes a signal module 112, which in the depicted embodiment includes a light head including lights 114a, 114b, 114c. In accordance with well-known traffic light systems, the lights 114a, 114b, 114c include an upper red light 114a, a middle amber light 114b, and a lower green light 114e. The depicted signalling apparatus 102 is therefore optimised for the control of vehicles on a highway, although it may be utilised elsewhere and other movable signalling systems may be used in different environments.

The signal module 112 receives instructions from a controller 116, which controls the operating mode of the signal module 112. Hence, different modes of operation can be enabled depending on the position and intended use of the movable signalling system 100. The variables involved in operating modes of traffic lights will he well-known to the skilled person and will therefore not be described in detail. However, such variables may include the order of lighting of each light, the duration of each light, and the delay between the switching of lights.

The controller 116 receives an output of a sensor module 118 installed within the signalling apparatus 102. The output is indicative of a position, including location and orientation, of the signal module 112. The controller 116 may also receive an input from a user input device, which in the present embodiment takes the form of a button mounted on the side of the signalling apparatus 102. The button 120 allows an initial position of the signalling apparatus 102 to be stored, using data obtained from the output of the sensor module 118. Further operation of the controller 116 is described in more detail in relation to Figure 2.

Figure 2 depicts the interactions between the controller 116, sensor module 1118, and signal module 112 of the signalling apparatus 102, and between the signalling apparatus 102 and an external device such as, in the depicted embodiment, a mobile phone 122.

The sensor module 118 includes four sensors: a satellite position sensor 124 that uses, for example, GPS, GLONASS, and/or GALILEO global navigation satellite systems; a compass 126 that detects a direction of the sensor module 118, an accelerometer 128 that can detect/compute three-dimensional position changes, and an altimeter 130 that detects an altitude of the sensor module 118. Together, these sensors can detect the position of the sensor module 118 and as such that position of the signalling apparatus 102. Other sensors may be used in place of or in addition to the position sensors of the depicted embodiment. As such, the sensor module 118 can output position data including location data and orientation data obtained from the sensors.

The output of the sensor module 118 including the position data is received by a receiver 132 of the controller 116. This receiver 132 is, in the present embodiment, in wired communication with the sensor module 118. However, in other embodiments the controller may be remote from the sensor module and therefore wireless communication may be employed. Any variant of wired or wireless communication may be used. The receiver 132 then feeds the position data to a processor 134 of the controller 116, for processing.

The processor 134 receives the position data sent from the sensor module 118. When the user input device, the hutton 120, is used to log an initial position of the sensor module 118, this is processed by the processor 134 and stored in a memory 136 of the controller 116. At other times, once the initial position has been set, the processor 134 uses this position data to determine a movement status of the signal module 112. In the present embodiment, the position data is compared to the initial position in order to determine the movement status. However, in other embodiments, the position data may be compared to previously-received position data in order to determine the movement status, without requiring an initial position to be stored. For example, a determination can he made based on a comparison of position data over time, such as over a set period of time or iteratively based on each individual or group of position data.

The movement status includes, in the present embodiment, absolute movement data related to location, enabled by the satellite position sensor 124, as well as absolute rotation data enabled by the compass 126, absolute altitude data enabled by the altimeter 130, and relative rotation data enabled by the accelerometer 128. Of course, the exact position data received by other embodiments of the invention will depend upon the sensors used and also whether sensors can combine outputs to provide additional information. More generally, movement status can therefore include relative and/or absolute data relating to the position and/or orientation of the signal module 112.

Once movement status has been determined the processor 134 compares this movement status with predetermined safety parameters saved within the memory 136. These safety parameters relate to the location and orientation of the signal module 112 and may define absolute or relative thresholds or ranges of each piece of data within the movement status. The safety parameters may also be determined with the initial position of the signal module 112 in mind.

In one embodiment, the safety parameters may be default parameters that are constant no matter the initial position of the signal module 112. For example, there may be an acceptable degree of lean of the signal module, sensed by the accelerometer 128, beyond which the signal module 112 will not he visible to vehicles and therefore it is not usable. Similar absolute safety parameters may be defined such as the movement of the signal module 112 beyond a certain radius from its initial position, for example 2 metres, whereby it can he assumed that it is no longer in a position adequate for its function.

However, in the present embodiment, the safety parameters are programmable, i.e. a user can change the safety parameters as desired, dependent on what is deemed acceptable or safe for the intended use of the signalling system 100. The safety parameters can be programmed by an external device, shown herewith as a mobile phone 122, although other external devices may be used, which communicates with the receiver 132 of the controller 116.

Non-limiting options for the safety parameters may therefore include: a threshold or range of lean; a threshold or range of orientation, e.g. pitch, roll, yaw; a threshold or range of absolute or relative location; etc. If the controller 116 determines that any of the safety parameters have been passed, the controller 116 will instruct one or more of a plurality of predetermined responses.

The responses are stored in the memory 136 and may he updated, similarly to the safety parameters, using the external device. The predetermined responses may include a number of different operations. In addition to the receiver 132, the controller 116 includes a transmitter 138 that can communicate with the signal module and also external devices such as the mobile phone 122. Instead of separate having the separate receiver 132 and transmitter 138, a transceiver may be provided.

One example of a response enabled by the present embodiment is the transmission of an alert to a monitoring device, such as the depicted mobile phone 122. In the present embodiment, the alert includes information of the movement status along with an urgency level of the alert. The urgency level can indicate how quickly a contractor should be dispatched to site to review and/or reset the signalling apparatus 102. The transmission in the present embodiment is by SMS and/or email, but in other embodiments the transmission may be by any means of transmission.

Another example of a response enabled by the present embodiment is a modification of operation of the signal module 112. In relation to the lights 114a, 114h, 114c, this is embodied as a change in the operating mode of the lights 114a, 114b, 114c.

When in a normal mode of operation, the lights 114a, 114h, 114c are set to work in the standard repeating sequence: red; red and amber; green; amber. Each change within the sequence occurs at a time determined by the controller 116 operating using a programme stored within its memory 136. Depending on the mode of operation, the default timings of each programme may be overruled by data received from a traffic sensor 140 mounted on top of the signalling apparatus 102. For example, if traffic is detected at one signalling apparatus 102 that is currently showing red, and no traffic detected at another signalling apparatus 102 that is currently showing green, the sequence can be advanced such that the stationary traffic is allowed to move earlier than it otherwise would he.

In the event that two signalling apparatuses 102 are placed at two ends of some roadworks, the mode of operation will be initially set dependent on the length of the roadworks and other variables. Therefore, if a disturbance event results in one of the signalling apparatuses 102 moving further away from the other, for example 10 metres further down the road, the sensor module 118 will notice this disturbance. In response, the controller 116 will recognise that such a disturbance results in the sequence timings for the normal mode of operating being insufficient for the passage of traffic. The response may therefore result in the lengthening of a phase of the sequence where red lights are shown on both signalling apparatuses 102 in order that it can be ensured that traffic is able to safely pass through the longer stretch of road now between the signalling apparatuses 102.

An alternative response to the same stimulus could be to either switch off both signalling apparatuses 102 or to change to a mode where amber, flashing or static, is shown on both signalling apparatuses 102, such that traffic is allowed to proceed with caution. The specific response to any disturbance event will be determined by the specific safety parameters, and predetermined responses to said safety parameters, stored in the memory 136.

The changes to the operating mode may, more generally, include changes to the sequence of the lights, timing of each phase of a sequence, omission of one or more phases of a sequence, or causing one or more lights to be activated statically or flash.

A method of operation of the movable signalling system will now be described, with reference to Figure 3.

In step Si, a user input causes an initial location data 142 of the signalling apparatus 102 to be stored in the memory. Position data 144 of the signal module 112 is then obtained in step S2. In step S3, a movement status of the signal module 112 is determined using the position data 144 and the initial location data 142. Finally, in step 54, one of a plurality of predetermined responses 146 stored in the memory 136 are instructed, based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters 148. The predetermined response 146 may include the modification of operation of the signal module 112 and/or the sending of an alert to a monitoring device.

As is clear from the above description, the movement status determination may or may not include the use of an initial location of the signal module 112, and thus the setting of an initial location is optional.

Now referring to Figure 4, a second embodiment of a movable signalling system is depicted. The movable signalling system 200 is shown in location around roadworks 10 at a T-junction 12 of a road network. The movable signalling system includes three sets of signalling apparatus 202, each of which includes a signal module 212 including lights. The signalling apparatuses 202 each communicate with an external controller 216. The controller 216 programs the signalling apparatuses 202 and includes a memory, processor, receiver, and transmitter, as in the first embodiment.

A sensor module 218 is provided which includes a camera 250. The camera 250 is positioned such that it can see all three sets of signalling apparatus 202. An output of the sensor module 218 is transmitted by a transmitter 252 to the receiver 232 of the controller 216 from where a movement status of each of the signalling apparatuses 202 can be determined A predetermined response to changes in position and/or orientation of one or more of the signalling apparatuses 202 can therefore he centrally-controlled by the controller 216, such that individual responses of each of the signalling apparatuses 202 arc complementary to each other. By providing complementary responses, the movable signalling system can try to ensure that traffic flow can he maintained through the roadworks 10.

A disturbance event affecting one of the sets of signalling apparatus 202 will be noticed by the camera 250 and the response can he centrally controlled by the controller 216. Therefore, if a disturbance event affects any one of the signalling apparatuses 202, the other two signalling apparatuses 202 can provide an appropriate response, based on the movement status of the affected signalling apparatus 202. An advantage of having the sensor module 218 separate to the signalling apparatuses is that an overall configuration of the signalling apparatuses 202 around the roadworks can he detected, which may allow the automatic selection of associated predetermined responses to disturbance events.

Although described throughout in relation to vehicular and pedestrian signalling systems, the present invention may be used in relation to any and all types of signalling system and therefore the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to a signalling system for any specific audience.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A movable signalling system comprising: a signalling apparatus including a signal module; a sensor module; and a controller configured to: determine a movement status of the signal module using an output of the sensor module; and instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.
2. A movable signalling system according to claim 1, further comprising a user input device for setting an initial location of the signalling apparatus, wherein the movement status of the signal module may be determined using the output and the initial location.
3. A movable signalling system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of predetermined responses includes a response of modifying the operation of the signal module.
4. A movable signalling system according to claim 3, wherein the response of modifying the operation of the signal module includes a prevention of operation of the signal module.
5. A movable signalling system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the response of modifying the operation of the signal module includes a change of operating mode of the signal module.
6. A movable signalling system according to claim 5, wherein the signal module includes a light head including lights, the change of operating mode includes a change of lighting sequence and/or lighting timing of the lights.
7. A movable signalling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of predetermined responses includes a response of sending an alert to a monitoring device, for example by email or SMS.
8. A movable signalling system according to claim 7, wherein the alert includes an urgency level.
9. A movable signalling system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the alert includes information on a position of the signalling apparatus and/or the time of occurrence of a disturbance event.
10. A movable signalling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the output includes location data, the predetermined safety parameters including corresponding location parameters.
11. A movable signalling system according to claim 10, wherein the location parameters include a safe area, for example by geofencing.
12. A movable signalling system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the location parameters include a plurality of location thresholds.
13. A movable signalling system according to any preceding claim, wherein the output includes orientation data, the predetermined safety parameters including corresponding orientation parameters.
14. A movable signalling system according to claim 13, wherein the orientation parameters include one or more orientation thresholds or ranges.
15. A movable signalling system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of signalling apparatuses each including a signal module, wherein the controller is configured to determine a movement status of each signal module using the output of the sensor module.
16. A movable signalling system according to claim 15, wherein a separate sensor module is associated with each signal module, the controller receiving an output from and determine a movement status of each separate sensor module.
17. A movable signalling system according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising a plurality of signalling apparatuses each including a signal module, and a controller associated with each signal module, each controller receiving an output from its associated signal module.
18. A movable signalling system according to claim 17, wherein each controller instructs a predetermined response based on the output of its associated signal module and an input from the other controllers.
19. A method of operation of a movable signalling system, the method comprising: determining a movement status of the signal module using an output of a sensor module; and instructing one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.
20. A method according to claim 19, further including a step of setting an initial location of the signalling apparatus, the movement status being determined using the output and the initial location.
21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the plurality of predetermined responses include a response of modifying an operation of a signal module of the movable signalling system.
22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the plurality of predetermined responses includes a response of sending an alert to a monitoring device.
23. A signalling apparatus for use in the movable signalling system of claim 1, comprising: a signal module; a sensor module; and a controller configured to: determine a movement stats of the signal module using an output of the sensor module; and instruct one of a plurality of predetermined responses based on the movement status and predetermined safety parameters.