WO2005052886A1

WO2005052886A1 - Apparatus and method for reducing traffic congestion

Info

Publication number: WO2005052886A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004861
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gordon John Moray Mcandrew; Allan Fowlie
Original assignee: Gordon John Moray Mcandrew; Allan Fowlie
Priority date: 2003-11-25
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2005-06-09
Also published as: GB0612490D0; GB2426109A

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for reducing traffic congestion. The apparatus includes a transmitter located on a vehicle and a receiver located on a user. The transmitter is activated by a third party when the vehicle is causing an obstruction. The receiver decodes an encoded signal sent from the transmitter and communicates a message to the user. The user is thus made aware that the vehicle is causing an obstruction and hence can return to the vehicle and move it to aid in reducing congestion.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Reducing Traffic Congestion

This invention relates to apparatus and a method for reducing traffic congestion. In particular it relates to apparatus and. a method for reducing traffic congestion within city centres.

It is readiXy appreciated by those skilled in the art that traffic congestion within city centres is becoming a more problematic feature for every day commuters . In particular the problem of traffic congestion is most apparent during the so called "rush hours", where the volume of traffic entering the city centre is especially high in the morning, and conversely, the volume of traffic exiting the city centre is especially high in the early evening . The problem during the morning rush hour period is exacerbated by the presence of delivery vehicles that are employed to deliver a variety of goods required by lousinesses throughout the city centre.

In order to try and alleviate these problems there has been a steady increase in the number of no parking areas and limited time period loading bays appearing within city centres . A corresponding increase in the number of traffic wardens or traffic enforcement personnel patrolling the city centre, employed to monitor traffic and enforce road traffic laws, has accompanied this recent trend.

Generally the role of traffic enforcement personnel entails locating illegally parked vehicles and either furnishing the vehicle with a parking fine or requesting removal of the vehicle. The first solution, although acting as a future deterrent, does not immediately remo e the congestion caused by the illegally parked vehicle.

Removal of an illegally parked vehicle requires tLhe employment of some form of tow truck. The tow truck is positioned beside the illegally parked vehicle so as to allow the vehicle to be loaded onto, or be attached to, the tow truck. Thereafter, the illegally parked vehicle can be transported away from the city centre area. I will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that trie towing of a vehicle is most suited for standard sized motor vehicles. Therefore, this is not always a practical option in relation to larger vehicles e.g. heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) . In any case, the option of requesting removal of a vehicle can, in the first instance, actually exacerbate the traffic congestion. This is a result of the above process taking a finite amount of time during which the presence of the tow truck itself actually adds to the congestion experienced toy other drivers .

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide apparatus and a method for reducing traffic congestion that overcomes the problems of trie apparatus and methods described in the prior art. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use with a vehicle suitable for reducing traffic congestion comprising a transmitter unit associated with the vehicle and a receiver unit associated with the user wherein activation of the transmitter unit causes the receiver unit to alert the user of a requirement to move the vehicle .

Most preferably the apparatus further comprises a notification message that provides instruction to a third party to activate the transmitter unit when the vehicle is causing an obstruction.

Optionally the apparatus further comprises one or more relays employed to extend a range between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

Preferably the transmitter unit comprises a switch that provides a means for activating the transmitter unit selected from the set comprising a capacitance, pressure, toggle, resistance, piezoelectric, proximity and optical switch.

Preferably the transmitter unit further comprises a first encoder, a first transmitter module and a transmitter aerial wherein the activation of the switch causes the transmitter unit to transmit an encoded signal via the first transmitter aerial.

Optionally the transmitter unit further comprises a first decoder and a first receiver module that are employed to decode one or more signals detected by the transmitter aerial. The transmitter unit may further comprise a first speaker so as to convert the one or more decoded signals transmitted by the receiver unit into an audible signal .

Preferably the receiver unit comprises an alarm selected from the set comprising one or more of an audible, visual or vibrational alarm wherein the alarm is activated on detecting the encoded signal transmitted by the transmitter unit.

Preferably the receiver unit further comprises a second decoder, a second receiver module and a receiver aerial that are employed to detect and decode one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter unit.

Optionally the receiver unit further comprises a second switch, a second encoder, a second transmitter module wherein the activation of the second switch causes the receiver unit to transmit an encoded signal via the receiver aerial .

Optionally the receiver unit is integrated within a cellular telephone.

Optionally the notification message comprises a one way tape wherein the message can be read from outside the vehicle but does not obstruct the view of the user within the vehicle. Alternatively the notification message comprises a placard on which the message is mounted.

Optionally the transmitter unit further comprises a timer module wherein the timer module stores the time at which the transmitter unit was activated. Optionally the timer module further provides a means for recording an elapsed time since the transmitter unit was activated. Optionally the transmitter unit further comprises a transmitter time display. Optionally the receiver unit comprises a receiver time display. Optionally the transmitter time display and the receiver time display communicate the time at which the third party activated the switch. Optionally the transmitter time display and the receiver time display communicate the elapsed time since the switch was activated.

Optionally the transmitter unit switch is activated when the user leaves the vehicle .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reducing traffic congestion comprising the steps of: 1) A third party activating a transmitter unit associated with a vehicle when the vehicle causes an obstruction to the third party; 2) A vehicle user being alerted by a receiver unit of the obstruction caused by the vehicle; and 3 ) The user returning to and thereafter moving the vehicle so as to remove the obstruction.

Preferably the step of activating a transmitter unit further comprises the step of the third party observing a notification message associated with the vehicle.

Optionally the method comprises the additional step of communication between the user and the third party.

Optionally the step of being alerted by a receiver unit further comprises the user deploying one or more relays in order to extend a range between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit .

Preferably the step of being alerted by a receiver unit further comprises the user detecting the activation of an alarm.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 presents a schematic representation of apparatus employed to reduce traffic congestion in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 presents a schematic representation of the method of operation of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 presents a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of apparatus employed to reduce traffic congestion in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 presents a schematic representation of another alternative embodiment of apparatus employed to reduce traffic congestion in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 5 presents a schematic representation of the method of operation of the apparatus of Figure 4. Figure 1 presents a schematic representation of apparatus employed to reduce traffic congestion 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The apparatus 1 can be seen to comprise a transmitter unit 2 that is associated with a motor vehicle and a receiver unit 3 that is associated with the driver or user of the motor vehicle. The apparatus 1 further comprises a notification message 4 that reads "Press to Contact Driver" . The notification message 4 is also associated with the motor vehicle (as described below) wherein the notification message 4 is formed on a section of tape that is attached to the inside window of the vehicle. The tape is of a type that allows the notification message 4 to be read by a third party but does not obstruct the view of the user when within the motor vehicle.

The transmitter unit 2 comprises a transmitter module 5, an encoder 6, a transmitter aerial 7, a capacitance switch 8 and a battery cell 9, all of which are housed within a transmitter casing 10 made from injection moulded plastic.

Capacitance switches 8 are known in the art and operate when the switch 8 experiences a change in capacitance near to an active area of the device (not shown) . Such a change in capacitance may be provided by the approach of a user's finger to the active area. The encoder 6 comprises a microprocessor, which creates a code based on the settings of transmitter code switches 11 in the transmitter unit 2 when the capacitance switch 8 is activated. This encoded data is then transmitted via the transmitter module 5 and the aerial 7 by employing a licence exempt frequency band. The receiver unit 2 is employed to detect signals transmitted by the transmitter unit 2 and comprises a receiver module 12, a decoder 13, a receiver aerial 14, an audible alarm 15 and a battery cell 16, all of which are housed within a receiver casing 17 made from injection moulded plastic.

In particular, the combination of the receiver aerial 14 and the receiver module 12 is used to detect transmitted signals and relay them to the decoder 13. Thereafter, the decoder 13 compares the relayed signal with a code defined by transmitter code switches 18. When the code matches that imprinted on the transmitted signal by the encoder 6 the decoder 13 activates the audible alarm 15. The battery cells 9 and 16 are employed to provide the required electrical power to the transmitter unit 2 and the receiver unit 3, respectively, and can be easily replaced by a user when discharged.

Figure 2 presents a schematic representation of the method of operation of the above apparatus by a user 19. In order to allow operation, the transmitter unit 2 is positioned within a vehicle 20 such that the capacitance switch is located on the inside surface of a vehicle window. Similarly, the notification message 4 is attached to the inside surface of the window of the vehicle 20 so as to be easily visible by any third party. The receiver unit 3 is then located on the user 19, in the embodiment of Figure 2 this is shown by the receiver unit 3 being mounted on a belt of the user 19.

When the vehicle 20 is parked in a location where it is causing an obstruction to an access point, or to the free flow of traffic, any concerned third party may, on observing the notification message 4, activate the capacitance switch 8. Activation of the capacitance switch acts to sound the audible alarm 15 so as to alert the user 19 that they are required to move their vehicle 20. The user 19 may then return immediately to the vehicle 20 so as to expeditiously remove the obstruction.

Concerned third parties may include business owners who require access to their place of business, other car owners whose vehicle is being obstructed by the vehicle, or a traffic warden in the course of their every day duties .

Alternative embodiments of the above apparatus and method of use may be employed in order to extend the range of the apparatus 1. For example relays (not shown) can also be incorporated in order to detect the signal transmitted by the transmitter unit 2 before forwarding this signal on to the receiver unit 3. Therefore, in the event that the user 19 has to move to a distance out with the normal range of the transmitter unit 2 the apparatus 1 can still be employed by appropriate deployment of the relays .

The user 19 may also deploy the receiver unit 3 directly at the perimeter of the range of the transmitter unit 2. Thereafter, the user 19 is required to rely on being able to hear the audible alarm 15. An example of such a use would be the deployment of the receiver unit 3 on a window ledge while the user is located within the building.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that further alternative embodiments of the above apparatus may be employed. For example the notification message 4 and the transmitter unit 2 may be attached to the outside of the window or to the body of the vehicle 20. In a further alternative the notification message 4 can be attached directly to the transmitter casing 10. The notification message 4 can also comprise a plate that is hooked onto the transmitter unit 2 so as to be positioned over the top edge of the window. Alternative wording may also be incorporated within the notification message 4, for example "Please Press - Vehicle Will Be Moved Immediately".

Further alternative embodiments comprise the capacitance switch 8 and/or the transmitter aerial 7 being located on or within the vehicle 20 but outside the transmitter casing 10. Alternative switches may be also employed instead of the capacitance switch 8. For example the capacitance switch 8 may be replaced by a pressure, toggle, resistance, piezoelectric, proximity or optical switch.

In a similar manner, alternative alarms to the audible alarm 15 may be employed. These alternatives include visible and/or vibratory alarms, or any combination of the above. The alarm device can be held, wrist mounted or attached to any other convenient location on the user 19.

In an alternative embodiment, presented schematically in Figure 3, the transmitter unit 2 further comprises a receiver module 12 and the receiver unit further comprises a transmitter module 5. These additional elements make the apparatus 1 capable of two-way communication enabling the user 19 to receive detailed instructions from the person operating the apparatus 1. This alternative embodiment has the added advantage that the user 19 is not required to return to the vehicle 20 so as to communicate with the person operating the apparatus 1.

The receiver unit 3 may also be integrated into a cellular telephone, increasing the range for which the user 19 is able to receive messages or alerts from - and communicate with - the person operating the transmitter unit 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the present invention which incorporates a timer module 21, a transmitter time display 22 on the transmitter unit 2 and a receiver time display 23 on the receiver unit 3.

When a third party activates the capacitance switch 8 on the transmitter unit 2, the timer module 21 records the time at which the switch 8 was depressed, and sends this information to the encoder 6. The encoder 6 sends this information, the time of activation, to the receiver unit 3. The time of activation is also displayed on the transmitter time display 22.

Upon receiving the encoded signal the decoder 13 in the receiver unit 3 determines the time of activation and displays this time on the receiver time display 23. The user 19 can then view the time at which the capacitance switch 8 was activated and respond in a timely manner.

Additionally, the timer module 21 may have provision for determining the time elapsed since the third party activated the capacitance switch 8. The timer module 21 causes the elapsed time to be displayed on the transmitter time display 22. Furthermore, the encoder 6 may send the elapsed time information to the receiver unit 3, which in turn could display the elapsed time on the receiver time display 23.

Alternatively, the user 19 may manually activate the switch 8 on leaving the vehicle 20, such that the transmitter time display 22 communicates the elapsed time since the user 19 left the vehicle 20. Similarly, the receiver time display 23 can communicate the elapsed time to the user 19. Further alternatively the switch may be activated automatically when the user leaves the vehicle.

The particular advantages of employing the described apparatus and method is that it provides an improved means for reducing traffic congestion that does not rely on parking fine deterrents or the employment of tow trucks . The described apparatus and method has added the effect of maximising the efficiency of traffic enforcement personnel while generally increasing road safety.

A further advantage is that the user of the vehicle is given an opportunity to move the vehicle instead of receiving a fine. For delivery operators who operate daily within city centres the described apparatus and method can result in major cost savings, thus generally resulting in improved relations with traffic enforcement personnel .

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with a vehicle suitable for reducing traffic congestion comprising a transmitter unit associated with the vehicle and a receiver unit associated with a user wherein activation of the transmitter unit causes the receiver unit to alert the user of a requirement to move the vehicle.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 further comprising a notification message that provides instruction to a third party to activate the transmitter unit when the vehicle is causing an obstruction.

3. An apparatus as described in any of the preceding claims further comprising one or more relays employed to extend a range between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

4. An apparatus as described in any of the preceding claims wherein the transmitter unit comprises a switch that provides a means for activating the transmitter unit selected from the set comprising a capacitance, pressure, toggle, resistance, piezoelectric, proximity and optical switch.

5. An apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein the transmitter unit further comprises a first encoder, a first transmitter module and a transmitter aerial whereby activation of the switch causes the transmitter unit to transmit an encoded signal via the first transmitter aerial.

6. An apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein the transmitter unit further comprises a first decoder and a first receiver modules that are employed to decode one or more signals detected by the transmitter aerial.

7. An apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein the transmitter unit further comprises a first speaker so as to convert one or more decoded signals transmitted by the receiver unit into an audible signal.

8. An apparatus as described in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the receiver unit comprises an alarm selected from the set comprising one or more of an audible, visual or vibrational alarm wherein the alarm is activated on detection of the encoded signal transmitted by the transmitter unit.

9. An apparatus as described in any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the receiver unit further comprises a second decoder, a second receiver module and a receiver aerial that are employed to detect and decode one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter unit.

10. An apparatus as described in any of claims 4 to 8 wherein the receiver unit further comprises a second switch, a second encoder and a second transmitter module wherein the activation of the second switch causes the receiver unit to transmit an encoded signal via the receiver aerial.

11. An apparatus as described in any of the preceding claims wherein the receiver unit is integrated within a cellular telephone.

12. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the notification message comprises a one-way tape wherein the message can be read from outside the vehicle but does not obstruct the view of the user within the vehicle.

13. An apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein the notification message comprises a placard on which the message is mounted.

14. An apparatus as described in any of the preceding claims wherein the transmitter unit comprises a timer module wherein the timer module provides a means for recording a time of activation of the transmitter unit.

15. An apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein the timer module also provides a means for recording a time elapsed since activation of the transmitter unit .

16. An apparatus as described in claim 15 wherein the transmitter unit comprises a first time display suitable for displaying the time of activation and/or time elapsed since activation of the transmitter unit.

17. An apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein the receiver unit comprises a second time display suitable for displaying the time of activation and/or time elapsed since activation of the transmitter unit .

18. An apparatus as described in any of claims 14 to 17 wherein the transmitter unit is manually activated when the user leaves the vehicle.

19. An apparatus as described in any of claims 14 to 17 wherein the transmitter unit is automatically activated when the user leaves the vehicle.

20. A method of reducing traffic congestion, the method comprising the steps of: (a) a third party activating a transmitter unit associated with a vehicle when the vehicle causes an obstruction to the third party; (b) a vehicle user being alerted by a receiver unit of the obstruction caused by the vehicle; and (c) the user returning to and thereafter moving the vehicle so as to remove the obstruction.

21. A method as described in claim 20 comprising the additional step of the third party observing a notification message associated with the vehicle.

22. A method as described in claim 20 or claim 21 comprising the additional step of communication between the user and the third party.

23. A method as described in any of claims 20 to 22 comprising the additional step of the user deploying one or more relays in order to extend a range between the transmitter unit and the receiver unit.

4. A method as described in any of claims 20 to 23 comprising the additional step of the user detecting the activation of an alarm.