IL289051A - A smart safety post device and system - Google Patents

Description

A SMART SAFETY POST DEVICE AND SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to smart safety post device and system for alerting pedestrians and other sidewalk users of road dangers, in particular, of vehicles crossing such sidewalks, for example, when exiting parking lots or parking garages.

BACKGROUND Unexpected and surprising interactions between vehicles and subjects on sidewalks pose an immense hazard to such subjects, which is many cases may result in serious injuries or may even be fatal. In particular, such interactions can occur in regions where vehicles may cross sidewalks, such as, for example, when exiting parking (be it private parking, parking lots or parking garages), exiting driveways, and the like. In such instances, the operator of the vehicle does not have a sufficient field of view to detect or identify subjects crossing the drive paths. Likewise, subjects using the sidewalk may be unable to identify the surprisingly approaching vehicle (for example, due to hindered field of view), nor be aware of the upcoming vehicle, which may result in unfortunate consequence.

Thus, there is a need in the art for alert systems, which are cost effective, easy to install, environmentally friendly, sensitive and versatile, which can provide an accurate and reliable alert to subjects and drivers, in regions where unforeseen interaction between pedestrians and vehicles can accidently and surprisingly occur.

SUMMARY According to some embodiments, there is provided an advantageous safety alert system, including a smart safety post which is configured to issue an alert if vehicle and/or subject movement (for example. subjects crossing the sidewalk) is detected or expected, to consequently allow preventing accidental interaction between the vehicle and subjects (such as pedestrians or cyclists) that may be in that vicinity. In particular, the safety system disclosed herein utilizes a sensor unit configured to detect, by various means, directly, or indirectly, movement, or expected movement, of approaching vehicle and/or subjects, intending, for example, to cross the sidewalk, and convey said information to a control unit, and issue an alert by an alert unit regarding the upcoming movement.

According to some embodiments, the smart safety post system is advantageous, as it is cost efficient, easy and versatile to install, and it does not require customized infrastructure to be installed and therefor versatile in its installation environment.

In some embodiments, the smart post system may be placed/located/installed in regions where intermittent and/or surprising/unforeseen interaction between vehicles and subjects may occur, such as, for example, in driveways, near parking lots exits, garages exist, and the like, or generally in regions where vehicles can drive thought or cross sidewalks.

In some embodiments, the smart post system disclosed herein includes a vehicle motion sensing unit having one or more sensors, configured to detect (directly or indirectly) movement or expected movement of upcoming vehicle, a control unit configured to receive information from the vehicle motion sensor unit, and an alert unit configured to issue an alert (which may be any type of alert, including, tactile, visual and/or audible) regarding an approaching vehicle. In some embodiments, the alert may be generally issued to the environment and/or specifically directed to subjects in the vicinity of the vehicle or to persons in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensor unit, control unit and/or alert unit may be functionally and/or physically associated. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensing unit, control unit and/or alert unit are housed together within the safety post. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the vehicle motion sensing unit is placed externally to the housing/casing of the post. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the vehicle motion sensing unit is associated with or housed within the housing/casing of the post.

According to some embodiments, the smart safety post system is portable as it can be transported and placed permanently or transiently in a desired location.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a smart safety post alert system, which includes: a vehicle motion sensing unit, configured to be placed in a suitable location, so as to allow detection of movement or expected movement of an upcoming (approaching) car; a control unit configured to receive information from the vehicle motion, sensing unit and to provide instructions to an alert unit, to issue a suitable alert. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to receive information from one or more sensors regarding presence or movement of subjects on the sidewalk, and issue a suitable alert .

In some embodiments, at least the control unit and the alert unit are housed in a smart post. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensing unit is located externally to the housing of the post. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensing unit is physically and/or functionally associated with the post housing.

In some embodiments, the smart post system may further include one or more of: a general sensing unit including one or more environmental sensors (including, for example, but not limited to: barometer, light sensor, thermometer, noise sensor, and the like, or any combination thereof); one or more power supply unit (such as, for example, but not limited to: main power supply unit, a battery, a solar power supply unit, and the like, or any combination thereof); a communication unit (such as, wireless or wired communication units) allowing to remotely access the smart post; a user interface (UI, such as, keyboard, touch screen, emergency button, and the like, or any combination thereof), allowing a user to interact with the smart post system; and one or more display units.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a smart post alert device for alerting movement or expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the device includes: a control unit configured to receive information from a vehicle motion detection unit configured to detect movement or expected movement of a vehicle; and an alert unit configured to issue an alert, based on instructions received from the control unit.

According to some embodiments, the smart post device may be physically and/or functionally associated with the vehicle motion detection unit.

According to some embodiments, the control unit may include one or more processors, one or more memory modules, one or more communication modules, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the alert issued by the alert unit may be selected from a tactile alert, visual alert, audible alert, or any combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the alert unit may include one or more of: a light emitting diode (LED), LED strip and a LED driver circuit, a speaker, an audio card, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the device may further include a power unit. According to some embodiments, the power unit may include one or more of: mains power unit, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a solar power unit, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the device may further include a communication unit. According to some embodiments, the communication unit may include wireless communication unit (such as, for example, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, 4/5G cellular, NFC, and the like, or combinations thereof), wired communication unit (such as, for example, LAN, Serial interface, and the like, or combinations thereof), or combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the communication unit may be configured to allow interacting with elements/units of the smart post device from an external or remote location. In some embodiments, the communication unit is configured to receive and/or transmit information to/from the smart post.

According to some embodiments, the device may further include a user interface unit and/or one or more displays. According to some embodiments, the user interface unit may include a keyboard, a screen, a touch screen, a tracking device, an emergency button, and the like, or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the user interface may utilize a dedicated application (for example, Android/iOS based application) connected to the system, or associated therewith, via the communication unit.

According to some embodiments, the device may further include an environmental sensor unit. According to some embodiments, the environmental sensor unit may include one or more sensors configured to sense one or more environmental parameters.

According to some embodiments, the environmental sensors may be selected from, but not limited to: a thermometer, a barometer, a humidity sensor, noise levels sensor, sound sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, air pollution sensor, visual sensor, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, data detected by the environmental sensors may be conveyed to an external or remote location.

According to some embodiments, the environmental sensor may be configured to detect presence of subject on a or in close proximity to the sidewalk. In some embodiments, an alert is issued if a subject is detected. In some embodiments, the alert unit is configured to issue an alert, based on instructions received from the control unit if a subject is detected and/or if a vehicle is detected.

In some embodiments, data regarding movement/motion of objects (such as, pedestrians, cyclists, animals) as detected by the sensors may be conveyed (utilizing a suitable communication route) to the operator of the vehicle and alert him regarding their presences.

According to some embodiments, the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit may be predetermined by a user. According to some embodiments, the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit may be automatically determined based on one or more environmental parameters.

According to some embodiments, the environmental parameters may be selected from, but not limited to: time of day, season of year, month of year, temperature, precipitation, ambient light, subjects' motion, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the casing/housing of the device may be essentially waterproof and/or weatherproof.

According to some embodiments, the device may be located in close proximity to the expected path of vehicle on the sidewalk.

According to some embodiments, there is provide a smart post alert system for alerting movement or expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the system includes: a vehicle motion detection unit configured to detect movement or expected movement of a vehicle; and a smart post device as disclosed herein.

According to some embodiments, the vehicle motion detection unit may include one or more sensors configured to detect directly, or in-directly, movement or expected movement of a vehicle.

According to some embodiments, the motion detection sensors may be selected from, but not limited to: magnetic loop sensor, visual sensor, pressure sensor, proximity sensor, magnetometer sensor, optical sensor, Infra-red (IR) sensor, camera, RF sensor, Lidar sensor, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, one or more additional sensors may be utilized, to detect sidewalk users and the alert the car operator of their presence.

According to some embodiments, the vehicle motion detection unit may be located on or in close proximity to a region in which the vehicle is expected to pass on or cross.

According to some embodiments, the system may include more than one smart post devices. According to some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of smart post devices. In some embodiments, information may be relayed between one or more distinct smart post device. In some embodiments, the information may be relayed directly between distinct posts and/or may be relayed via one or more servers, such as, for example, cloud based servers.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for issuing alert to a pedestrian subject regarding expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the method includes: detecting movement or expected movement of a vehicle by vehicle motion detection unit; receiving information from the vehicle motion detection unit by a control unit; and issuing an alert by an alert unit, if the movement or detected movement of the vehicle is determined to pass on or cross the sidewalk.

According to some embodiments, the method may further include issuing an alert if a subject is detected on or in close proximity to the sidewalk. In some embodiments, the method may further include issuing an alert to the vehicle, if a subject is detected or expected to be present on the sidewalk during the passing of the vehicle thereon.

According to some embodiments, there is provide a method for providing alert regarding expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the method includes: detecting movement or expected movement of a vehicle and/or a subject by motion detection unit; receiving information from the motion detection unit by a control unit; and issuing an alert by an alert unit, if the movement or detected movement of the vehicle and/or the subject are determined to pass on or cross the sidewalk.

According to some embodiments the alert may be issued to the subject and/or the operator of the vehicle.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures, makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how some embodiments may be practiced. The figures are for the purpose of illustrative description and no attempt is made to show structural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure. For the sake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale. In the Figures: Figs. 1 –block diagram of a smart safety post device, according to some embodiments; Fig. 2 –a perspective view of exemplary smart post alert device, according to some embodiments; Fig. 3A - a schematic view of exemplary smart post devices, positioned on sidewalk, according to some embodiment; Fig. 3B – a schematic closer view of exemplary smart post devices, positioned on a sidewalk, next to a vehicle path on the sidewalk; Figs. 4A-D - schematic illustrations of a smart post alert system having a vehicle motion detection unit, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and figures. Upon perusal of the description and figures present herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the teachings herein without undue effort or experimentation. In the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts throughout.

In the following description, various aspects of the invention will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the invention.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description.

According to some embodiments, there is provided an advantageous safety alert device, to issue an alert if vehicle motion is expected or detected, in regions where subjects, such as pedestrians or cyclists may be present, to thereby allow prevention of undesired interaction between the vehicle and the subject. In some embodiments, the device includes a vehicle motion sensing/detecting unit, which is located/placed/positioned/installed at a region which allows timely detection of vehicle motion (or expected motion); and a control unit capable of interacting with the motion detection unit, process the information received therefrom, and interact with an alert unit, capable of issuing various types of alerts, to indicate to the environment (for example, subjects in the environment) of the expected upcoming of the vehicle. In some embodiments, as further detailed below, at least the control unit and the alert unit are housed in a smart safe post device and are configured to be placed in close proximity to the expected path of the upcoming vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensing unit and the smart post may be physically and/or functionally associated. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensing unit may interact by wireless and/or wired routes with the control unit. In some embodiments, the device may further include within or associated with the post, one or more of: environmental sensing unit, power supply unit, user interface unit, communication unit, display unit, or any combination thereof.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 , which illustrates a simplified block diagram of a smart post device, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1, device 2, includes at least a control unit, 4 and an alert unit 6. Control unit 4 is configured to receive information from vehicle motion detection/sensing unit and optionally from a motion environmental sensor (configured to detect movement or spatial position of subjects), regarding the movement or expected movement of a vehicle/subject and to process the information, to issue a decision if an alert should be issued, to alert subjects (such as pedestrians) to except or be aware of the upcoming vehicle movement and/or to alert the operator of the vehicle of the presence of subjects. The control unit may include one or more processors (such as a CPU), memory modules, and the like, to allow it to receive information, process the information and convey operating instructions to one or more units of the device. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to manage the operation of the safety system disclosed herein, monitor the system health, communicate with internal and/or external systems, modules, elements or units, and manage one or more of said units. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to receive information from the vehicle/subject sensing unit and/or additional sensing units (as detailed below) and decide if the information is indicative of the validity of the information/signal and control the operation of the alert unit accordingly. In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to provide fail-safe prevention mechanism. In some embodiments, the control unit may be connected to an external network, such as, internet network, to provide a user with capabilities of remote controlling the device, remote maintenance of the device, remote monitoring of the device, allow cloud services, allow Internet of things capabilities, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensors may be housed in the device. In some embodiments, at least some of the sensors are housed with the device. In some embodiments, the sensors are physically and/or functionally associated with the device.

Alert unit 6 of device 2, is configured to control and activate the various alarms (including, visual, audio and/or tactile alarm) once a valid command was received from the control unit. In some embodiments, the alert unit may include one or more visual alert units, including, for example, but not limited to: light emitting diodes (LED), for example, in the form of a LED strip and a LED driver circuit; a speaker and audio card; a vibrating element, and the like. In some embodiments, the alert unit may be switched to a default/emergency alarm mode, if it detects that the control unit is not functioning properly. In some embodiments, the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert may be predetermined, automatically or adjusted at will. In some embodiments, the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert may change over the course of the day (for example, day/night; school hours/rest hours), days of the week (for example, workday or rest day), time of year (for example, winter or summer), and the like. In some embodiments, the operation of the alert may be a smart operation, whereby, the type and/or strength of the alert is determined based on artificial intelligence (AI) which may take into account a variety of a parameters, including, for example, traffic, expected traffic, day of the week, time of day, time of year, location, and the like. In some embodiments, the operation of the alert may be a smart operation, whereby, the type and/or strength of the alert is determined based on sensing the external noise/light level and automatically adjust the alert noise level or brightness level accordingly.

In some embodiments, device 2 may further include a power supply unit 8. The power unit may provide power for the operation of the device and may include one or more types of energy sources, including, AC-DC power, mains power, battery power, rechargeable battery, solar energy, and the like.

In some embodiments, the device may further include an environmental sensing unit 10. The environmental sensing unit may include one or more types of sensors that are configured to sense/detect various parameters/data/information, including, for example, motion of subjects, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, light, wind, various climate related information, noise levels, air pollution, and the like. In some embodiments, suitable/corresponding sensors may be utilized, including, for example, but not limited to: motion sensor, thermometer, barometer, humidity sensor, noise sensor, air pollution sensor, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, information obtained by the environmental sensor unit may be used by the control unit to affect or change operation of the device. In some embodiments, information obtained by the environmental sensor unit may be used in the device. In some embodiments, information obtained by the environmental sensor unit may be used as data for various statistical or other calculations. In some embodiments, information obtained by the environmental sensor unit may be transmitted to a remote location (for example, a remote server, or vehicles in the vicinity), to be utilized for further manipulation or use as is. In some embodiments, the environmental sensing unit may be used to sense/detect subjects/objects (such as, pedestrians, cyclists, animals) crossing the sidewalks and further provide/issue/transmit a suitable alert to an operator of a vehicle in the vicinity (such as, a vehicle exiting the parking lot/garage) regarding their presence. In some embodiments, such sensors may be based on proximity/movement/motion/image sensors, as further detailed below.

In some embodiments, device 2 may further include a communication unit 12. Communication unit 12 may include any type of communication unit that may be used to provide communication to and from the device, from external or remote location. The communication unit may allow Wi-Fi connection, cellular connection, IR-connection, Bluetooth connection, near field communication (NFC), and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the communication unit is harbored or is part of the control unit.

In some embodiments, device 2 may further include a user interface 14. The user interface (UI) may be a graphical or physical user interface, and may include, for example, a keyboard, a tracking device (such as, a mouse), a screen, a touch screen, emergency button, and the like. The UI may be used, for example, to interact with the control unit or any other unit of the device and may be used to control operation, receive information regarding operation, and the like. In some embodiments, the accession of the UI is restricted.

According to some embodiments, device 2 may further include a display or monitor 16, configured to display various types of messages or information not necessarily related to the alerts. Such information may include, for example, but not limited to: advertisements, notices to subjects, general alerts, weather related information, and the like. In some embodiments, the display may present information related to operation of the device. In some embodiments, the GU and the display may be integrated as one unit.

According to some embodiments, the units of the device may be functionally and/or physically associated. In some embodiments, the interconnection between various units may be via wired or wireless routes. In some embodiments, each of the units interact with the control unit.

According to some embodiments, the device may have any suitable geometrical shape. In some embodiments ,the device is triangular. In some embodiments ,the device is rectangular. In some embodiments, the device can be placed/positioned/secured to the ground. In some embodiments, the device is portable. In some embodiments, the device can be placed above ground, at any desired height. In some embodiments, the device is freestanding.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 , which shows a perspective view of an exemplary smart post device, according to some embodiments. As shown in Fig. 2, device 20 is in the form of an elongated rectangular post, having a fixed or adjustable height, determined based on the required position or placement of the device. Device 20 has a top end (26) and a bottom end (27) and 2, 3, or more faces. Further shown are speakers 22, which are part of an alert unit, and are configured to issue an audible alert. Also shown are exemplary visual alert elements 24A-B, which are part of the alert unit, and are located on one or more external faces of the device, to present an alert (for example, in the form of lights, flashing light, letters, flashing letter, lit letters, etc.), to a subject (such as, pedestrian, cyclist, etc.) and/or to a vehicle (i.e., operator of the vehicle, in particular, the approaching vehicle).

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A-B , which show schematic views of exemplary smart post devices, positioned on a sidewalk, next to an intersection with a vehicle road. As shown in Figs. 3A-B , two smart post devices 50A-B are located on a sidewalk region 52. The devices are placed on two opposite sides of driveway road (parking lot exit) 54, which coincide with the sidewalk. As can be seen in the examples of Figs 3A-B, the field of view of a vehicle driver coming from driveway road 54 towards main road 56 while passing/crossing sidewalk 52, is hindered by walls 58A-B. Likewise, a subject (pedestrian, cyclist, etc.), on road 52 has a limited view and he is unaware of an upcoming vehicle. Thus, it is critical for the smart post to issue an alert if it has been determined that an upcoming vehicle (approaching vehicle) is detected.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A-4D , illustrating smart alert system, according to some embodiments. As shown in Figs. 4A-4D, general system 100 includes a vehicle motion detection unit, 102A ( Fig. 4A ) or 102B ( Fig. 4B ), or 102C-102D ( Fig. 4C ), or 102E ( Fig. 4D ), which is configured to detect motion or expected motion of a vehicle, (shown as vehicle 104, which may exit/enter a driveway 106 (which may be, for example, parking entry)). Also shown is block/barrier 108, configured to allow/prevent entrance/exit to/from the parking region. System 100 further includes one or more smart post devices (shown as two devices, 110A-B), which are located on opposite sides of the intersection region of the driveway 106 and sidewalk 112. Thus, when vehicle motion detection unit, provides indication of an upcoming vehicle, the information is conveyed to the smart post device, and via the control unit, a decision is made if to issue an alert via the alert unit of the device. The vehicle motion detection unit may include various types of sensors, or a combination of sensors. For example, the sensor of the vehicle motion detection unit may be selected from, but not limited to: magnetic loop sensor, visual sensor, pressure sensor, proximity sensor, magnetometer sensor, optical sensor, Infra-red (IR) sensor, camera, Lidar sensor, RF sensor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion detection unit may be housed within the device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the vehicle motion detection unit may be housed within the device. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the vehicle motion detection unit may be physically associated with the device.

According to some embodiments, the sensor may be a magnetic loop sensor. Such a sensor may be located underneath the parking exit lane (such as shown in Fig. 4A ) and can sense the change on the magnetic field while a vehicle crossing above the magnetic loop. The sensor is based on detecting the vehicle by sensing the magnetic changes caused by the vehicle approaching the sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be a pressure sensor. Such a sensor may be located, for example, on or underneath the parking exit lane (such as shown in Fig. 4A ) and can sense the pressure caused by a vehicle crossing/passing above it.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be a proximity sensor. Such a sensor may be located in close proximity (such as a few meters) before the barrier/block 108, as shown in Fig. 4B , and can sense a vehicle proximity when the vehicle crosses next to the sensor. A proximity sensor can detect an object proximity or calculate the vehicle distance from the sensor, by using several technologies, such as, ultra-sonic sensor, Lidar (laser radar), and/or pressure sensor located underneath the vehicle exit path from the parking lot, as detailed above.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be a magnetometer sensor. Such as sensor may be located in close proximity (such as a few meters) before the barrier/block 108, as shown in Fig.

Claims (36)

1. A smart post alert device for alerting movement or expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the device comprising: a control unit configured to receive information from a vehicle motion detection unit configured to detect movement or expected movement of a vehicle; and an alert unit configured to issue an alert, based on instructions received from the control unit.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the smart post device is physically and/or functionally associated with the vehicle motion detection unit.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the control unit comprises one or more processors, one or more memory modules, one or more communication modules, or any combination thereof.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the alert issued by the alert unit is selected from a tactile alert, visual alert, audible alert, or any combinations thereof.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the alert unit comprises a visual alert comprising one or more of: a light emitting diode (LED), LED strip and LED driver circuit, a speaker, an audio card, or any combination thereof.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a power unit.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the power unit comprise one or more of: mains power unit, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a solar power unit, or any combination thereof.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a communication unit.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the communication unit comprise wireless communication unit, wired communication unit, or both.

10. The device according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the communication unit is configured to allow interacting with units of the smart post device from an external or remote location.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a user interface unit and/or one or more displays.

12. The device according to claim 15, wherein the user interface unit comprise a keyboard, a screen, a touch screen, a tracking device, emergency button or any combination thereof.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising an environmental sensor unit.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the environmental sensor unit comprises one or more sensors configured to sense one or more environmental parameters.

15. The device according to any one of claims 13-14, wherein the environmental sensors are selected from: a thermometer, a barometer, a humidity sensor, noise levels sensor, sound sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, air pollution sensor, visual sensor, or any combination thereof.

16. The device according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the environmental sensor is configured to detect presence of subject on a or in close proximity to the sidewalk.

17. The device according to claim 17, wherein the alert unit is configured to issue an alert, based on instructions received from the control unit if a subject is detected.

18. The device according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein the alert unit is configured to issue an alert, based on instructions received from the control unit if a subject is detected and/or if a vehicle is detected.

19. The device according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit is predetermined by a user.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit is automatically determined based on one or more environmental parameters.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the environmental parameters are selected from: time of day, month of year, temperature, precipitation, ambient light, subjects' motion, or any combination thereof.

22. The device according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein casing of the device is essentially waterproof and/or weatherproof.

23. The device according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein the device is located in close proximity to the expected path of vehicle on the sidewalk.

24. A smart post alert system for alerting movement or expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the system comprising: a vehicle motion detection unit configured to detect movement or expected movement of a vehicle; and a smart post device according to any one of claims 1-23.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the vehicle motion detection unit comprises one or more sensors configured to detect directly, or indirectly, movement or expected movement of a vehicle.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the sensors are selected from: magnetic loop sensor, visual sensor, pressure sensor, proximity sensor, magnetometer sensor, optical sensor, Infra-red (IR) sensor, camera, RF sensor, LiDAR, or any combination thereof.

27. The system according to any one of claims 23-26, wherein the vehicle motion detection unit is located on or in close proximity to a region which the vehicle is expected to pass on or cross.

28. The system according to any one of claims -24-27, comprising more than one smart post devices.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein at least two smart post devices are configured to convey information therebetween.

30. A method for providing alert to a pedestrian subject regarding expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the method comprising: detecting movement or expected movement of a vehicle by vehicle a motion detection unit; receiving information from the vehicle motion detection unit by a control unit; and issue an alert by an alert unit, if the movement or detected movement of the vehicle is determined to pass on or cross the sidewalk.

31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising issuing an alert if a subject is detected on or in close proximity to the sidewalk.

32. The method according to any one of claims 30-31, wherein the alert is selected from tactile alert, visual alert, audible alert, or any combinations there.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30-32, wherein the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit is automatically determined or adjusted based on one or more environmental parameters.

34. A method for providing alert regarding expected movement of a vehicle on a sidewalk, the method comprising: detecting movement or expected movement of a vehicle and/or a subject by motion detection unit; receiving information from the motion detection unit by a control unit; and issue an alert by an alert unit, if the movement or detected movement of the vehicle and/or the subject are determined to pass on or cross the sidewalk.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the alert is issued to the subject and/or the operator of the vehicle.

36. The method according to any one of claims 34-35, wherein the type and/or strength and/or length of the alert issued by the alert unit is automatically determined or adjusted based on one or more environmental parameters.