WO2017059462A2

WO2017059462A2 - Backup controller

Info

Publication number: WO2017059462A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2016/050036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thabo Patrick JAUTSE; Devlin Merrick GRIGGS; Ross BADENHORST
Original assignee: Robolite (Pty) Limited
Priority date: 2015-09-29
Filing date: 2016-09-27
Publication date: 2017-04-06
Also published as: WO2017059462A3

Abstract

This invention relates to a backup controller (10) for a traffic light (30), the controller (10) comprising: a series of lights (20) for incorporation with the traffic light (30); a replicator, for replicating the particular lighting sequence programmed in the primary controller of the traffic light (30); connecting means (80) for connecting the replicator with the series of lights (20); a backup power source (60), for powering the backup controller (10) in the event of a power outage; and control means, for controlling a change between a sleep mode, in which the backup controller (10) is in a standby state and the primary controller is in operation, and an active mode, in which the primary controller is inoperative and the replicator actively replicates the operation of the primary controller. It also extends to a complimentary traffic flow management system (120) for the intelligent management of backup controllers (10) associated with a series of traffic lights (30).

Description

BACKUP CONTROLLER

Field Of The Invention

THIS INVENTION relates, broadly, to a backup controller unit for a traffic light. It has particular application, but not exclusive application, in cases of power outages. The invention also relates, broadly, to an associated traffic flow management system.

Background To The Invention

For purposes of this patent specification, the term "controller" is understood to mean the system comprising the electronics hardware and associated computer programmes in a traffic light, which controls the sequencing of the particular lights in that traffic light. Similarly, the term "sequencing" refers to all aspects of regulating cycle-length of each respective light, the number of phases in any complete sequence (for example: including turning arrows and/or pedestrian crossing lights), and all related aspects of traffic light sequencing. Finally, the term "primary controller" is used to indicate the existing controller of a traffic light that controls its sequencing in the ordinary course of operation.

With growing volumes of road traffic the world over, road users and pedestrians alike are reliant on traffic lights as an aid to regulate the control and flow and traffic in an orderly and efficient manner. It is well understood that, in the event of power failures, and the resultant failure of traffic lights to operate under those conditions, chaotic conditions ensue, invariably. Certain solutions have been presented in the prior art in an attempt to alleviate this problem - a number of back-up power units are known. However, the ability simply to provide backup power is only a partial solution to the problem - the reason for this, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, is that no two traffic lights will, necessarily, have the same or even a similar sequencing. In addition, as will also be appreciated, for purposes of optimising traffic flow in general, traffic lights are not ordinarily considered in isolation, and tend to be considered instead in terms of multiple sequence flows over multiple intersections. If traffic lights are considered only on an individual basis, in isolation, this too results in chaotic, inefficient traffic flows, and pockets of congestion of traffic are bound to arise in the traffic ecosystem. Accordingly, it is overly simplistic of the prior art to consider the matter as one requiring backup power solutions only.

In addition: many of the prior art solutions comprise on-site solutions, such as the back-up power units described above. A disadvantage of these solutions - in addition to being bulky and cumbersome - is that they are prone to damage, vandalism and/or theft. And any of these would render the solutions ineffective. Object Of The Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a backup controller that will overcome, at least partially, the disadvantages described above.

Summary Of The Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a backup controller for a traffic light, the backup controller comprising:

• a series of lights for incorporation with the traffic light;

· a replicator, for replicating the particular lighting sequence programmed in the primary controller of the traffic light;

• connecting means for connecting the replicator with the series of lights, and for keeping the two in electronic communication with each other;

• a backup power source, for powering the backup control in the event of a power outage; and

• control means, for controlling a change between a sleep mode, in which the backup controller is in a standby state and the primary controller is in operation, and an active mode, in which the primary controller is inoperative and the replicator actively replicates the operation of the primary controller.

The replicator may be an electronic device incorporating intelligent software for learning the lighting sequence of the traffic light. The electronic device may include at least one light dependent resistor for learning the lighting sequence of the traffic light.

In an embodiment of the invention, the series of lights is the array of lights incorporated in the traffic light itself.

In another embodiment of the invention, the series of lights is an independent series of rings, each of which is dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding light housing in the traffic light.

The backup power source may be selected from the group consisting of: at least one solar panel, a battery, a generator, a wind turbine, a hydrogen cell and a combination of these. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the backup controller may draw power parasitically from the primary power source of the traffic light, storing that power for use in the event of a power outage.

Preferably, the control means includes a monitor, for monitoring when a power outage occurs.

The monitor may measure the current input from the primary power unit of the traffic light, such that a lack of current over a minimum predefined time-period will indicate a power outage, and cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state. Alternatively, the monitor may include a light dependent resister, alternatively a phototransistor, for measuring the intensity of light being emitted from the traffic light, such that a reading below a minimum predefined time- period will indicate a power outage, and cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a traffic flow management system, the system comprising:

· a series of at least two backup controllers for a traffic light, wherein each backup controller comprises:

o a series of lights for incorporation with its respective traffic light;

o a replicator, for replicating the particular lighting sequence of its respective traffic light;

o connecting means for connecting the replicator with the series of lights, and for keeping the two in electronic communication with each other; and

o a backup power source, for powering the backup controller in the event of a power outage;

· communicating means, for maintaining the series of backup controllers in mutual communication; and

• an intelligent management tool for learning the lighting sequence of each traffic light in the system. The management tool may include a master replicator for replicating the particular lighting sequence of each traffic light in the system, thus obviating the need for a discreet replicator associated with each traffic light in the system.

The management tool may further include a control means, for controlling a change between a sleep mode, in which each backup controller in the system is in a standby state and each primary controller is in operation, and an active mode, in which each primary controller is inoperative and the master replicator replicates the operation of each respective primary controller.

The communicating means may be selected from the group consisting of: a cable connection, a radio transmitter, a wi-fi transmitter, a bluetooth™ transmitter, a light-emission sensor, and a combination of these.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

In order to describe the invention, embodiments thereof are described hereunder, purely as examples, without limiting the scope of the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a backup controller according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic, exploded representation of a backup controller according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a partial, exploded schematic representation of a backup controller according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a traffic flow management system according to the invention.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

Referring to the figures, which depict preferred embodiments of the invention, a backup controller for a traffic light is provided and is referred to generally by numeral (10). Three separate embodiments of the backup controller (10) are demonstrated in the accompanying figures. In Figure 1 , the series of lights that form a part of the backup controller (10) are, in fact, the three existing lights (20a, 20b & 20c) of the traffic light (30). In the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, however, the series of lights takes the form of a series of independent LED rings (40a, 40b & 40c). Each ring (40) is dimensioned and configured to engage the corresponding light housing (50a, 50b & 50c) of traffic light (30), in a snug, friction-fit arrangement, in the direction of arrows A, B and C respective, in order to ensure that the rings (40) remain firmly in place. The backup controller (10) also includes a backup power source 60, for powering the backup controller (10) in the event of a power outage. In each of the embodiments depicted, the backup power source (60) takes the form of a bank of solar panels. However, it will be appreciated that a battery or an inverter may be used just as conveniently. In each embodiment of the invention, the backup controller (10) includes a replicator (not depicted) for replicating the lighting sequence programmed in the primary controller (not depicted) of the traffic light (30). The replicator is stored, conveniently, inside a controller unit (70), which is mounted to the support post (90), in order to protect it (the replicator) from the elements. In another embodiment of the invention (not depicted) it is conceived that the backup controller (10) will draw power parasitically from the primary power source (not depicted) of the traffic light (30) - ordinarily that primary power source would be a wired connection to the electricity grid. In this way, when traffic light (30) is functioning under ordinary conditions, and drawing power via the electricity grid (not depicted), the backup controller (10) will be charged parasitically via this electrical connection.

The replicator is connected to each of the series of lights (20a, 20b, 20c), (40a, 40b, 40c) via a series of corresponding cables (80a, 80b and 80c). In the accompanying schematic representations, the cables (80a, 80b, 80c) are exaggerated as broken lines, simply to emphasise their presence - however, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the cables (80a, 80b, 80c) will, in fact, be assembled neatly within the controller unit (70) and traffic light (30). Also assembled within controller unit (70) is a solar rectifier and charging unit (not depicted) for managing the charging of a battery (also not depicted), the solar panel (60), the solar rectifier and the battery all being in electrical communication with each other. Preferably, the replicator (not depicted) incorporates one light dependent resistor ("LDR") for each of the series of lights (20a, 20b, 20c). Each LDR will register when, and for how long, its associated light is powered- up and powered-down and, in this way, the replicator is able to learn the unique timing sequence of the traffic light (30). It is also conceivable that in other embodiments of the invention (not depicted) the replicator may be preprogrammed with a default sequencing that would be applied to the traffic light (30).

The backup controller (10) also includes control means (not depicted) in the form of control circuitry including time-measurement software, to monitor lapses in time between successive power-up of lights (20a, 20b, 20c). In this fashion, if any one or more of the lights (20a, 20b, 20c) do not light-up within the predetermined time period, the backup controller (10) will register this as being as a result of a power outage, and immediately cause the backup controller (10) to change state from its standby mode to an active mode, in which the replicator replicates the learned sequencing that is ordinarily managed by the primary controller, and the backup controller (10) will activate its lighting rings (40a, 40b & 40c). It will be appreciated that this recognition of a power outage stage, and shift from standby state to an active state, is achieved in barely a matter of seconds, thus ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flows.

Naturally, it is an important function of the control means to determine when, in fact, a power outage has occurred. This is achieved via a monitor (not depicted). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitor measures the current input from the primary power unit (not depicted) of the traffic light (30), such that a lack of current over a minimum predefined time- period (that is pre-programmed into the control means) will indicate a power outage. So, for example: if no current is detected over any continuous 10 second period, this will be regarded as a power outage state. The control unit (70) is programmed, in the case of such readings, to cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the monitor (not depicted) includes a light dependent resister, alternatively a phototransistor, for measuring the intensity of light being emitted from the lights (1 10) of the traffic light (30), such that a reading below a minimum predefined time-period will indicate a power outage. So, for example: if no light is detected as being emitted from the lights (1 10) over any continuous (10) second period, this will be regarded as a power outage state. The control unit (70) is programmed, in the case of such readings, to cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller (10) also includes a storage device, in the form of an integrated hard drive (not depicted), which will be used, conveniently, to store the intelligent management tool (not depicted), including all control logic and customised logic associated with that tool. In addition, on the same hard drive, data relating to unit statistical information and error event statistics will also be stored conveniently. That data is then readily accessible for future assessment and analysis, as required. The embodiment depicted in Figure 3 is slightly different from that is Figures 1 & 2. In Figure 3, the existing series of lights (20a, 20b, 20c) and associated housings (50a, 50b, 50c) are removed from the traffic light (30), and replaced with LED lights (1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c) - each of which is retrofitted into the cavities previously occupied by lights (20a, 20b, 20c). The LED lights (1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c) are then connected directly to the replicator via corresponding cables (80a, 80b, 80c), in the same fashion as described above.

It is also conceived, for the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, that the light assembly (1 10a, 1 10b, 1 10c) will be linked to each other directly via a synchronising cable, in order to coordinate and learn the lighting sequence of the traffic light (30).

Referring to Figure 4, a traffic flow management system is disclosed, and referred to generally by reference (120). The system (120) comprises a series of backup controller (10), each with an associated traffic light (30). The system also includes a communication means (not depicted), which takes the form of a cable connection, connecting each of the traffic lights (30) in a given system. It is recognised, though, that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the communication means will take the form of a radio transmitter, a wi-fi transmitter, a bluetooth™ transmitter, or a light- emission sensor, and achieve the same result described here, namely that it maintains the series of backup controllers (10) in mutual communication. It will be appreciated that the advantage achieved by this invention is the uninterrupted sequencing of traffic lights (30) in a system (120). Since each of the respective controller units (70) replicates the timing sequence of the particular traffic light (30) to which it is associated, it follows that the full series of traffic lights will be maintained replicating the same sequencing that was in place at the time of the power outage.

The system (120) also includes an intelligent management tool (not depicted) for learning the lighting sequence of each traffic light (30). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the management tool includes a master replicator (not depicted) for learning the particular lighting sequence of each traffic light (30) in the system (120), thus obviating the need for a discreet replicator associated with each discreet traffic light (30). It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that a key advantage achieved by this invention is that the control of traffic lights (30) is decentralised, and in addition, in the decentralised environment described, pre-programmed traffic flows for multiple sequential traffic intersections will continue to function even in the absence of that one traffic light (30).

The learning of the lighting sequence of the traffic light (30) relies on a series of integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs) including timers, signal processors, memory components, and photonic integrated circuits (none of which is depicted in the figures). The technology involved in this process will be well understood in the art, and may be described, briefly, as follows: the Sequential Learning and Monitoring Function [SMLF] functional element operates within a system matrix of other functional elements, being a combination of hardware, software and firmware operating around a processor and programmable interface device. That, in turn, is associated with peripheral devices and interfaces, being the storage memory, LED indicators, switches, data displays, AC power switching, audible alarms, communication ports, signal monitoring, and signal processing. Naturally, the [SMLF] element comprise hardware signal processing and sequence data analysis electronic and electrical circuits, which are used to measure such variables as: frequency, voltage levels and light timings. None of the elements described here is depicted in the figures, but all components will be well- understood by the person skilled in the art.

The [SMLF] has two distinct modes: i. a sleep mode and ii. an active mode. When in sleep mode, incoming data from the hardware signal processing circuits is stored in processor related memory for further signal analysis and processing by a proprietary learning algorithm. One of the functions of the [SMLF] in sleep mode is to detect when a predetermined fault condition exists on the Traffic Signals Control System [TLCS], and then to switch to active mode, in the manner descried above, until such time as the fault condition is rectified and normal traffic light control system signal operations have been verified, at which stage the [SMLF] will seamlessly switch back to the sleep mode, and seamlessly revert control signals to the original pre-programmed sequencing. It will also be appreciated that, in the system (120) described here, all manner of information may be communicated between any combination of backup controllers (10). That information includes detail relating to: voltage levels, power levels, frequency levels, lighting sequence states, and modes of function of each backup controller (10) connected in the system (120). The intelligent management tool would then analyse this information and make the appropriate determination (ie: of whether the control means is required to switch from the sleep mode to the operative mode). Communication over the communication means is also envisaged to be bi-directional: not only will information be sent from the backup controllers (10) (as has been described above) but, conveniently, it is also specifically envisaged that software updates of the intelligent management tool will be conducted from a central operations point (not depicted) via the same communication means. Via operation of this invention, it will be noted that a solution is provided, not only to providing a backup power supply for traffic lights, but also a solution to mimic and maintain optimal traffic flows under power outage conditions.

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that numerous embodiments of the invention could be performed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the consistory statements above.

Claims

1 . A backup controller (10) for a traffic light (30), the backup controller (10) comprising:

• a series of lights (20) for incorporation with the traffic light (30);

• a replicator, for replicating the particular lighting sequence programmed in the primary controller of the traffic light (30);

• connecting means (80) for connecting the replicator with the series of lights (20), and for keeping the two in electronic communication with each other;

• a backup power source (60), for powering the backup controller (10) in the event of a power outage; and

• control means, for controlling a change between a sleep mode, in which the backup controller (10) is in a standby state and the primary controller is in operation, and an active mode, in which the primary controller is inoperative and the replicator actively replicates the operation of the primary controller.

2. A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the replicator is an electronic device incorporating intelligent software for learning the lighting sequence of the traffic light.

3. A backup controller (10) according to claim 2 wherein the electronic device includes at least one light dependent resistor for learning the lighting sequence of the traffic light. 4. A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the series of lights (20) is the array of lights (1 10) incorporated in the traffic light (30) itself. 5. A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the series of lights (20) is an independent series of rings (40), each of which is dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding light housing (50) in the traffic light (30).

A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the backup power source (60) is selected from the group consisting of: at least one solar panel (60), a battery, a generator, a wind turbine, a hydrogen cell, and a combination of these.

A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the backup controller (10) draws power parasitically from the primary power source of the traffic light (30), storing that power for use in the event of a power outage. 8. A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the, the control means includes a monitor, for monitoring when a power outage occurs.

9. A backup controller (10) according to claim 8 wherein the monitor measures the current input from the primary power unit of the traffic light (30), such that a lack of current over a minimum predefined time-period will indicate a power outage, and cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state.

10. A backup controller (10) according to claim 8 wherein the monitor includes a light dependent resister, alternatively a phototransistor, for measuring the intensity of light being emitted from the traffic light (30), such that a reading below a minimum predefined time- period will indicate a power outage, and cause the replicator to be switched to the operative state.

1 1 . A backup controller (10) according to claim 1 wherein the backup controller (10) includes a storage device for storing software tools and data selected from the group consisting of: control logic, customised logic, unit statistical information, error event statistics, and a combination of these.

12. A traffic flow management system (120), the system (120) comprising:

• a series of at least two backup controllers (10) for a traffic light (30), wherein each backup controller (10) comprises: o a series of lights (20) for incorporation with its respective traffic light (30);

o a replicator, for replicating the particular lighting sequence of its respective traffic light (30); o connecting means for connecting the replicator with the series of lights (20), and for keeping the two in electronic communication with each other; and o a backup power source (60), for powering the backup controller (10) in the event of a power outage;

communicating means, for maintaining the series of backup controllers (10) in mutual communication; and

an intelligent management tool for learning the lighting sequence of each traffic light (30) in the system (120).

The system (120) according to claim 12 wherein the management tool includes a master replicator for replicating the particular lighting sequence of each traffic light (30) in the system (120), thus obviating the need for a discreet replicator associated with each light (30) in the system (120).

The system (120) according to claim 12 wherein the management tool further includes a control means, for controlling a change between a sleep mode, in which each backup controller (10) in the system is in a standby state and each primary controller is in operation, and an active mode, in which each primary controller (10) is inoperative and the master replicator replicates the operation of each respective primary controller. 15. The system (120) according to claim 12 wherein the communicating means is selected from the group consisting of: a cable connection, a radio transmitter, a wi-fi transmitter, a bluetooth™ transmitter, a light-emission sensor, and a combination of these.

16. The system (120) according to claim 15 wherein the current status of each controller unit (10) is determined by application of neural network logic, alternatively by application of artificial intelligence logic.

17. The system according to any one of claims 12 - 16 wherein the information communicated between any combination of backup controllers (10) is selected from the group consisting of: voltage levels, power levels, frequency levels, lighting sequence states, modes of function, and combinations of these.

18. The system according to claim 12 wherein software updates of the intelligent management tool are conducted via the communication means.