WO2003038781A1

WO2003038781A1 - Traffic control signal with displayed 'real-time' elapse

Info

Publication number: WO2003038781A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/046784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul A. Firestone
Original assignee: Firestone Paul A
Priority date: 2001-10-05
Filing date: 2001-11-26
Publication date: 2003-05-08
Also published as: EP1442444A1; EP1442444A4; CA2465532C; CA2465532A1

Abstract

A traffic light (1) that includes as part of the signal an indication of how much time remains before the traffic light command (3) changes in order to insure motorist and pedestrian (2) safety. A 'real-time' advisement of the time remaining in which the directive and active signal is displayed; wherein an icon (8) reveals the time remaining as part of the associated signal; wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the 'real-time' that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement.

Description

Patent Application jo

Paul A.. Firestone

&8 Central Pack. West

Hew York, ew Nod 30023

Citizen f the United States øf Ajner- ca

-SPECIFICATION

TITLE OF INVENTION

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL WITH DISPLAYED "REAL-TIME" ELAPSE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENTREGARDINGFEDERALLYSPONSORED RESEARCH ORDEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a new and novel method for signaling and controlling traffic control flow by means of an electric device, or the like.

Efforts to control pedestrian and vehicular patterns for safe passage at areas where opposing movements occur have largely been restricted to (1) electric devices known as traffic lights or (2) traffic-control by human personnel.

Current systems of traffic light control devices do not allow (1) pedestrians to anticipate the actual time span for expedient and safe crossing or (2) for motorists to approach and pass warning traffic signals with safety through intersections. This invention affords a "real-time" signal for the motorist allowing him to make the appropriate judgment to avoid intersection gridlock. The "real-time" signal informs the motorist to anticipate the time-changing of a traffic signal from "go" to "stop", thereby preventing his entering into the intersection on a "yellow" signal.

Current methods do not allow pedestrians to anticipate the time span for expedient and safe crossing. This invention provides "real-time" countdown for pedestrian and vehicular cross-over.

Originally, traffic control devices contained only red and green signals. Safety concerns then required the addition of a "yellow" signal to provide an added element of safety. Other safety measures followed, including blinking signals and icons as warnings of a signal change. Despite this intense consideration for traffic safety, the current light- changing "red-y el low-green" and "icon" systems remain an unsafe element of guesswork for the pedestrian and the vehicle driver, The present new and navel device and method of signaling pedestrians and vehicles eliminates the guesswork associated with safe- passage.

The inventor is aware of the following U. SL Patents which show efforts made tα solve sαmeofthe problems described above 6,100,819; 6,087,962; 6,054,932; 3,764,973; 3,302,170, and the applicant's pending invention, # 09/635,623.

Though traffic control devices have attempted tα provide safety in directing the flow of pedestrian and vehicular trafϋc, the traffic flaw participants are not informed as iαthe pending signal change wherever signal are placed Theabsenceof time~-related information presents an unsafe condition since motαrists-and pedestrians must rely on guessing and/or hopeful anticipation far suff ient time far passage. Guessing has led tα improper and dangerous movement. The present invention solves the problem of the euπent lack of "-real-time" elapse information to motorists and pedestrians to negotiate any intersection with safety.

SUMMARY OF THF INVENTION

The mvention lelates tα traffic eαntiol devices generally used to facilitate the ordedy n-ovsment of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points, where non-parallel streets intersect.

Tliis invention relates tαa unique and novel device and inethod mat allows for a "real-time" elapse or numerjcal LCD display eountd wn of each successive operating signal, indicating vehicular "stop" or "go" for driving straight-away, or for making rightor left turns, or for pedestrians "walk" or "don't walk" in words or icons . The utilization of "real-time" elapse with the given signal provides information for complete safe passage.

Currently the program-timing coordination of traffic signals of each street and or intersection is fixed in the municipal traffic control center, organized within a studied and appropriately timed pattern to deal with traffic flow situations.

The instant invention and method provides for an environment that informs all pedestrians and or vehicle operators with the "real-time" elapse or countdown, better advising the participants to adhere to lawful traffic regulations. The instant invention allows for a transparent lens, easily affixed as replacement into the housing of all existing traffic control devices, to display the actual remaining time, by LCD , on each of the facing active signals

Fach existing traffic control signal housing can be quickly and easily adapted with the innovative, energy-saving LED lens to allow a cost-effective implementation of the new method of signal "real-time" advisement

The instant invention allows an accessory for on-site re-programming and/or re-sequencing of traffic signal-light time durations, by using the hand -held remote control to activate the electric eye device which alters the time-set in the LED,, similar in operational function to a TN remote control. Its security features safeguards against any tampering..

Securely placed within the frame hardware, the instant invention provides for a method and device for a "real-time" display to control vehicular and pedestrian traffic and eliminate the guesswork relative to safe-time for pedestrian and vehicular movement As stated earlier, historically, a person or vehicle has not been advised of the length of time to remain in a stopped position. Only an angled view of the opposing signal or a time-tested familiarity with the specific intersection traffic control device could provide information to the vehicle operator or the pedestrian.

The instant invention, displaying "real-time" count-down in traffic lights, with or without words or icons for pedestrians, will inform a clear notice, and method of same, that advises of the "real-time" remaining of the predominant signals.

For example, as soon as the red light lens is activated, the instant lens device advises a countdown in "real-time." When the red light lens completes the countdown to 1, it ceases to be illuminated, and the green signal lens is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising "real-time" elapse.

As another example, from an omni-postion point of view, as soon as the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights are activated, the instant devices begin a count-down in "real-time." At the same time, the EAST/WEST green GO lights are similarly activated with a similar countdown in "real-time." When the NORTH/SOUTH red STOP lights complete the count-down and cease to be illuminated, the NORTH/SOUTH green GO lights are illuminated with the display advising "real-time" elapse, at the same time as the EAST/WEST lights recapitulate the red STOP time-elapse countdown.

In this embodiment, the illuminated yellow or amber traffic lights with their "real-time" elapse countdown may be coordinated with other pedestrian traffic signals of WALK or DON'T WALK in combinations to provide safety for pedestrian traffic when no red or green lights are illuminated. When the amber lights are illuminated and informing "real-time" elapse, the pedestrian may move through the intersection since all vehicular movement in the intersection has been halted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present method which are believed to be novel are set forth by description within this application and may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG.1 shows the old method, the prior art of pedestrian traffic red "stop" and green "go" with periodic or no flashings.

FIG.2 through FIG.6 shows the invention's "real-time" elapse traffic signals: red, yellow and green for vehicles and pedestrians . The indicated "real-time" elapse sequences begin with # 18.

In FIG, 2's lens 3 the wiring to power source, voltage regulators, local programmable timing controls and the pictured timing remote control module ,8, are indicated. They are. secured behind the lenses (3,4,5) within the housings.

FIG.2 through FIG.7 show the invention's progress of "real-time" elapse and traffic light change with the new and novel lens in position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1 is the old method of pedestrian traffic STOP and GO. It can be adapted to the new invention with a lens that indicates STOP and GO with displayed real-time elapse as in FIG.1 A and FIG.2A In FIG.2 the instant invention provides for the illuminated light 3 in which appears a variable number (therein designated "18) to begin a descending time-elapse count-down to 1 , the advisement indicating the "real-time" remaining in seconds... and...

In FIG 3 the red light 3 counts down to 1 at which time the red light becomes dark... and

In FIG.4 the yellow light 4 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a countdown-to-1, at which time the yellow light goes dark and ...

In FIG.5 the green light 5 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a count-down-to- 1 at which time the green light goes dark, and

In FIG.6 the red light 3 is illuminated and indicates a designated 18 seconds in a count-down-to-1 at which time the red light goes dark and the sequences follow as heretofore has been set forth..

The progression from red to yellow to green operates in a fashion which constantly advises the time remaining in the actively predominant or illuminated signal

FIG. 1 A shows a pedestrian traffic control, with LED-type lens 1, which

displays the number 18 and an icon of a red hand or symbol as desired, indicating

"STOP - DON'T WALK" , and FIG. 2A which displays in its LED-type lens 2

the number 18 and an icon of a green walking stick-figure, indicating "GO- WALK," adapted to wires 3 from the lenses 1 and 2 to connect to the local and remote

programmable timing control module 4 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing

traffic control timing, and control and power devices 5, and voltage devices 6 and other

switching devices 7.

FIG. 1 shows the illuminated icon of the red hand STOP, along with the

LED time-elapse countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark. Next, FIG. 2

shows the illuminated icon of the green walking stick-figure "GO" along with the

LED time-elapse countdown from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.

The progression from red to green operates in an alternating and precise fashion

with time-elapse intervals that can be easily time-reset to higher or lower numbers. If the desired LED lens countdown is a larger number than 99, then 99 remains actively illuminated until the time-elapse countdown within the lens arrives at 99, then to 98, 97, etc.

FIG. 3A and FIG.4A are a single unit installation with the top lens

indicating a red arrow signal - STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal -

GO, for a left-hand turn . The LED lenses advise time-elapse countdowns in virtual

time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark..

FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A are a single unit installation, the top lens indicating a

red arrow signal — STOP, and the lower lens, a green arrow signal - GO, for a right-

hand turn. The LED lenses advise the time-elapse countdowns in virtual time from 18 to 1, after which the lens goes dark.. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 5 A, the number 1 represents the upper red time-

elapse LED lens with numerical countdown stopping traffic flow. In FIG. 4 A and

FIG. 6 A the number 2 represents the lower green, time-elapse LED lens with

numerical countdown indicating the direction and timeliness for safe vehicular

movement. Both units are wired, 3, to the local and remote programmable timing

command module 4 which interfaces with or is aligned to existing traffic control timing,

control and power devices, 5 voltage regulators and power source 6, and other

switching devices 7.

FIG. 7 is an accessory, hand-held, battery-powered, remote-control device for

traffic controller's immediate on-site re-setting of time parameters on any or all LED, time-elapse lenses (see icons on face-field of the remote-control) in any or all street or highway intersections. The device operates like the battery-powered, hand-held remote control that triggers the electric-eye to change TV channels. Official tamper-free security is maintained by identifying ID codes, coded plastic cards with PIN # entries. All changes and dates of change are recorded into the remote data base of the city or highway traffic manager.

In FIG. 7 number 8 shows the hand-grip of the remote-control, which

houses the batteries that switch "on / off ' the unit's power and 9 is the remote-

control, electric-eye sensor that emits the signals that controls and operates changes in

Claims

the traffic signal LED lenses, 1 and 2, causing changes within the timing commandmodule 3 located behind the LED lenses. The data changes that are punched and"Entered" will first appear on the remote control screen 10. But before programming,the ID card 11 must be inserted into the security slot 12 and PIN # entered to activatethe unit. Number 13 is the "Enter" connector that establishes all data entry ontoscreen 10 before activating changes.. The "Menu" item is number 14 allowing adisplay of choices of lens designations 15 for time-elapse re-settings to any LEDlens .CLAIMSI claim as my invention:

1. A traffic light for pedestrians and vehicle operators' safety, comprising:

A "real-time" advisement of the time remaining in which the directive and active signal (or signals) is displayed; wherein an icon (numerical, graphical, or other known advisory or signatory communication) reveals the time remaining as part of the associated signal; wherein one or more of the signals meant to relay a directive message comprises, as part of that signal, a mechanism for visual representation that advises the "realtime" that signal is to remain in the current state of advisement.

2. A method and device for signaling traffic, comprising: alignment of a "real-time" display lens to a current signal, to remain in its current condition of advisement; the "real time" elapse being an intrinsic, integral part of the signal; wherein the "real-time" display advises elapsed time; wherein the "real-time" display operates in conjunction with the known timing that operates the desired signal switching design.

3. A traffic control signal, comprising: one or more "real-time" displays, steady or variable; wherein said display is aligned to be displayed and viewed as, either singly, or in conjunction with other signals of light and/or sound or any other communicating means; wherein the signal advises the "real-time" of the current message intended to be relayed to any viewer of that signal; wherein, known "real-time" technology is displayed, and viewed, as part of the signal device.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A traffic light that includes as part of the signal an indication of how much time remains before the traffic light command changes in order to insure motorist and pedestrian safety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable