WO2018227297A1

WO2018227297A1 - Intelligent roadway sign and related method

Info

Publication number: WO2018227297A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/050718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Lapointe
Original assignee: Signalisation Kalitec Inc.
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2018-06-14
Publication date: 2018-12-20

Abstract

There is described herein methods and systems for displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign. Driving behaviour information is obtained for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign. From the driving behavior information, it is determined whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. When it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign. When it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, advisory information other than infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

Description

INTELLIGENT ROADWAY SIGN AND RELATED METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application bearing serial No. 62/519,353 filed on June 14, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of intelligent roadway signs and more particularly, to displaying information on intelligent roadway signs.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Electronic signs are often used on roadways to give motorists information, such as traffic congestion, accidents, and speed limits. By providing information on electronic signs, this may improve motorists' route selection, reduce travel time, mitigate the severity and duration of incidents and improve the performance of the transportation network.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved electronic roadway signs for providing information to motorists.

SUMMARY

[0005] There is described herein methods and systems for displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign. Driving behavior information is obtained for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign. From the driving behavior information, it is determined whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. When it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign. When it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, advisory information other than infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

[0006] In accordance with a first broad aspect, there is provided a method for displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign. The method comprises obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information being indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway. The method further comprises determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. The method further includes, when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

[0007] In some embodiments, the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the advisory information comprises roadway information.

[0009] In some embodiments, obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information from a detection unit upstream from the intelligent roadway sign.

[0010] In some embodiments, obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information from a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign. [001 1 ] In some embodiments, determining whether the at least one driving infraction has occurred comprises: transmitting, by the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information to a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign; and receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign and from the server, an indication of whether the at least one driving infraction has occurred.

[0012] In some embodiments, obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises obtaining identification information of the vehicle; and wherein the method further comprises determining an owner of the vehicle from the identification information.

[0013] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the at least one driving infraction has occurred, the method further comprises causing the infraction to be provided to the owner of the vehicle by at least one of mail, email or text message.

[0014] In accordance with a second broad aspect, there is provided an intelligent roadway sign for displaying information. The intelligent roadway sign comprises a display device supported by at least one support; and a computing device connected to the display device. The computing device comprises: at least one processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon program instructions executable by the at least one processor for: obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway; determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred; when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign. [0015] In some embodiments, the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the advisory information comprises roadway information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from a detection unit upstream from the intelligent roadway sign.

[0018] In some embodiments, the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign.

[0019] In some embodiments the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for determining whether at least one driving infraction has occurred comprising: transmitting, by the computing device, the driving behaviour information to a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign; and receiving, at the computing device, an indication of whether at least one driving infraction has occurred from the server.

[0020] In accordance with a third broad aspect, there is provided an intelligent roadway system. The system comprises a detection unit comprising at least one sensor for obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway, the driving behaviour information indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway, and an output device for transmitting the driving behaviour information obtained from the at least one sensor. The system comprises at least one intelligent roadway sign downstream of the detection unit. The at least one intelligent roadway sign comprising a display device supported by at least one support and a computing device connected to the display device. The computing device comprising: at least one processing unit; and a non-transitory computer- readable memory having stored thereon program instructions executable by the at least one processor for: obtaining the driving behaviour information obtained by the detection unit; determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred; when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the advisory information comprises roadway information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from the detection unit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign and the detection unit; and wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from the server.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign and the detection unit; and wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for determining whether at least one driving infraction has occurred comprising: transmitting, by the computing device, the driving behaviour information to the server; and receiving, at the computing device, an indication of whether at least one driving infraction has occurred from the server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an intelligent roadway system;

[0028] Fig. 2A is an exemplary embodiment of a detection unit;

[0029] Fig. 2B is an example block diagram of the detection unit of Figure 2A;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an example computing device;

[0031 ] Fig. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of an intelligent roadway sign;

[0032] Fig. 4B is a an example block diagram of the detection unit of Figure 4A;

[0033] Figs. 5A and 5B are exemplary embodiments of messages displayed;

[0034] Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are other exemplary embodiments of messages displayed; and

[0035] Fig. 7 is an exemplary method for displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign.

[0036] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring to figure 1 , there is illustrated an intelligent roadway system 10 as provided in an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an embodiment, the intelligent roadway system 10 comprises a detection unit 102 and an intelligent roadway sign 100. The detection unit 102 is provided in a first location 104, for obtaining driving behaviour information of a vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104. The driving behaviour information is indicative of driving behaviour for the vehicle 1 10 occurring on the roadway at the first position 104. For example, the driving behaviour information may comprise one or more of: information regarding the speed of the vehicle 1 10; information regarding use of seatbelt(s) by passenger(s) and/or a driver of the vehicle 1 10; information regarding use of a cell phone by the driver; information regarding whether the vehicle 1 10 stopped and/or yielded for pedestrians. The detection unit 102 may obtain identification information of the vehicle 1 10, the driver of the vehicle 1 10 and/or the passenger(s) of the vehicle 1 10. The driving behaviour information may comprise the identification information. The first location 104 may be any geographical area where a driving infraction may occur. In general, a driving infraction refers to a violation of a driving law.

[0038] The intelligent roadway sign 100 is provided in a second location 106, downstream from the first location 104. The intelligent roadway sign 100 selectively displays advisory information or infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign 100, as the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign 100 at the second location 106. The infraction information may comprise any information associated with a driving infraction. The advisory information may comprise any information that may be of interest to drivers on the roadway, other than any driving infraction information. The selective displaying of advisory information or infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign 100 occurs as a function of the driving behaviour information previously obtained for the vehicle 1 10. For instance, if a driving infraction has occurred for the vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104, then the infraction information is displayed at the second location 106; otherwise, the advisory information is displayed at the second location 106. The second location 106 may be any geographical area adjacent to the first location 104, where vehicles can circulate. In the illustrated embodiment, the second location 106 is upstream from the first location 104, and corresponds to a geographical area through which a motorist will likely circulate if headed for the second location 106 from the first location 104. The detection unit 102 and/or the intelligent roadway sign 100 may be provided at various types of roadways, such as highways, primary arteries, secondary arteries, collector roads, and local roads.

[0039] In accordance with an embodiment, the detection unit 102 and the intelligent roadway sign 100 are connected for communication. The connection may be wired or wireless. Examples of wired connections are cables or optical fibers, which may be underground or above ground. Examples of wireless connections are wireless networks, such as personal area networks (PAN), local area networks (LAN), mesh networks, metropolitan area networks (MAN), wide area networks (WAN), and cellular networks. In some embodiments, the wireless network is any one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and WiMAX. The communication may be one-way, i.e. from the detection unit 102 to the intelligent roadway sign 100, or two-way. The communication range may vary as a function of the type of connection. For example, it may vary from a few meters to several kilometers. In some embodiments, repeaters may be used to extend the communication range by receiving a signal from the detection unit 102 and retransmitting it to the intelligent roadway sign 100, at a higher level or higher power. Other methods of extending a communication range may also be used.

[0040] In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 and/or the intelligent roadway sign 100 are connected to a network 150. The detection unit 102 and/or the intelligent roadway sign 100 may be connected wirelessly or wired to the network 150. The wireless or wired connection to the network 150 may be of the type described elsewhere in this document. The network 150 may comprise a PAN, MAN, mesh networks, MAN, WAN, cellular networks, and/or the Internet. In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 and the intelligent roadway sign 100 are connected for communication via the network 150. The network 150 may have one or more computers, computing devices, servers and the like connected thereto for communicating with the detection unit 102 and/or the intelligent roadway sign 100. In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 and the intelligent roadway sign 100 are not directly connected to each other and instead communication with each other via the network 150. For example, a computing device 160 connected to the network 150 may be used to facilitate communication between the detection unit 102 and the intelligent roadway sign 100.

[0041 ] Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the detection unit 102 comprising a support 318, a panel 320 attached to the support 318 and one or more sensors 305 attached to the panel 320. The detection unit 102 may vary depending on the practical implementation. The sensors 305 may be used for obtaining driving behaviour information related to the vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104 and/or the identification information related to the vehicle 1 10, driver and/or passenger(s). The sensors 305 may take various forms. For example, radar detection may be used to detect the speed of vehicles. Indeed, the sensors 305 may be frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) Doppler radar antennas. In other embodiments, the sensors 305 may comprise infrared sensors to detect stopped vehicles. The sensors 305 may comprise cameras combined with image processing for video detection. The sensor 305 may comprise a reader for wirelessly obtaining information from a computing device associated with the vehicle 1 10 (e.g., by using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, WiMAX or the like). The sensors may comprise inductive loop detectors embedded in the road's surface for vehicle detection. In some embodiments, the sensors 305 may comprise a combination of two or more sensor technologies. The sensors 305 may be distributed in the first location 104 on a lane per lane basis, so as to determine driving behaviour information for each lane individually. The sensors 305 may also be dedicated to a section of road that comprises one or more lanes, and driving behaviour information may be determined for vehicles per a section of road. While illustrated as a single component within the detection unit 102, the sensors 305 may be distributed evenly or unevenly throughout the first location 104, which may cover a geographical area of varying size. For example, sensors 305 may cover a few meters or several hundreds of meters. Each detection unit 102 may have its sensors 305 distributed strategically as a function of the particular geographical area intended to be covered.

[0042] Accordingly, the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information obtained through the sensors 305 may comprise one or more of: a photo of the vehicle 1 10; license plate information of the vehicle 1 10 (e.g., a license plate number and/or photo of the license plate); speed of the vehicle 1 10; a photo of the driver (e.g., using a cell phone); a photo of a passenger (e.g., without a seatbelt fastened) of the vehicle 1 10; a photo of the vehicle 1 10 at a crosswalk and/or intersection (e.g., with pedestrians); and an Internet Protocol address (IP address) of a device associated with the vehicle 1 10 (e.g., an IP address assigned to the vehicle; an IP address of a device integrated into the vehicle 1 10; and/or an IP address of a portable computing device contained in the vehicle 1 10, such as a mobile telephone, a tablet, a portable computer or the like). The driving behaviour information and/or the identification information may vary depending on the practical implementation.

[0043] With reference to Figure 2B, a block diagram of the detection unit 102 is illustrated. An input/output device 302 is provided as part of the detection unit 102, for communicating with the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the network 150. The driving behaviour information obtained through the sensors 305 may be transmitted via the input/output device 302 from the detection unit 102 to the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or to the network 150 (e.g., to the computing device 160). The input/output device 302 may comprise an antenna for wireless communication. The input/output device 302 may take other forms, as a function of the type of connection used for communication between the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the network 150, such as a connector/cable for wired communications. For example, the input/output device 302 may be a connector/cable for transmitting a signal via a twisted-pair or coax cable or via a fiber-optic cable to the intelligent roadway sign 100. Note that the transmission may be analog or digital. Analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog convertors may also form part of the input/output device 302 as needed. Digital transmissions may be of a parallel or serial type, synchronous or asynchronous.

[0044] In some embodiments, the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information is transmitted to the intelligent roadway sign 100 as is, without further processing. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the detection unit 102 comprises a computing device 300, connected to the sensors 305, for processing the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information before transmission to the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the network 150. Processing may comprise transforming the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information in a format more suitable for transmission, such as a format conversion or encoding. In some embodiments, processing may also comprise determining, from the driving behaviour information whether an infraction has occurred. In some embodiments, processing may also comprise determining, from the identification information the license plate number, the owner of the vehicle 1 10, the identity of the driver and/or the identity of the passenger(s). The processing may comprise using imaging techniques to determine the infraction, the license plate number, the identity of the driver and/or the identity of the passenger(s). In some embodiments, facial recognition technologies may be used.

[0045] With reference to Figure 3, and in accordance with an embodiment, the computing device 300 comprises a processing unit 312 and a memory 314 which has stored therein computer-executable instructions 316. The processing unit 312 may comprise, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, or any combination thereof. [0046] The memory 314 may comprise any suitable known or other machine- readable storage medium. The memory 314 may comprise non-transitory computer readable storage medium, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The memory 314 may include a suitable combination of any type of computer memory that is located either internally or externally to device, for example random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro- optical memory, magneto-optical memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) or the like. Memory 314 may comprise any storage means (e.g., devices) suitable for retrievably storing machine-readable instructions 316 executable by processing unit 312.

[0047] Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the intelligent roadway sign 100. As illustrated, a display device 404 is mounted to a panel 420 which is supported by supports 418. The intelligent roadway sign 100 may vary depending on the practical implementation. With additional reference to Figure 4B, a block diagram of the intelligent roadway sign 100 is illustrated. An input/output device 402 of the intelligent roadway sign 100 is provided for communicating with the detection unit 102 and/or with the network 150 (e.g., with the computing device 160). The driving behaviour information may be received at the intelligent roadway sign 100 via the input/output device 402 from the detection unit 102 and/or the network 150. The input/output device 402 may comprise an antenna for wireless communication. The input/output device 402 may take other forms, as a function of the type of connection used for communication between the detection unit 102 and/or the network 150, such as a connector/cable for wired communications. Similarly to the detection unit 102, additional circuitry and/or components may be provided as part of the intelligent roadway sign 100 for converting the received signal/data into a readable or interpretable format. [0048] The intelligent roadway sign 100 comprises a computing device 400 connected to the input/output device 402. Alternatively, the input/output device 402 may be provided as part of the computing device 400. The computing device 400 may be used for converting the received signal/data into a readable or interpretable format. In accordance with an embodiment, the computing device 400 is configured for processing the driving behaviour information to determine whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. In accordance with an embodiment, the computing device 400 is configured for processing the identification information to determine the license plate number, the owner of the vehicle 1 10, the identity of the driver and/or the identity of the passenger(s). In accordance with an embodiment, the computing device 400, comprising the processing unit 312 and the memory 314 which has stored therein computer-executable instructions 316.

[0049] The intelligent roadway sign 100 may comprise sensors 405 to detect the presence of the vehicle 1 10 at the second location 106. The sensors 405 may be of the type discussed elsewhere in this document. In accordance with an embodiment, the sensors 405 are connected to the computing device 400 such that the computing device 400 can process information obtained through the sensors 405. The sensors 405 may be used to obtain identification information of the vehicle 1 10, the driver and/or the passenger(s) at the second location 106. The identification information at the second location 106 may be compared to identification information at the first location 104 to detect the presence of the vehicle 1 10 at the second location 106.

[0050] As the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign 100 at the second location 106, the infraction information corresponding with the vehicle 1 10 or the advisory information may be displayed. For example, the sensors 405 may read the license plate number of vehicle 1 10 at the second location 106 and then the computing device 400 may determine if a corresponding infraction has occurred for the vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104. For example, if a driving infraction has occurred for the vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104, then the infraction information is displayed on the display device 404; otherwise, the advisory information is displayed on the display device 404. In other embodiments, when the detection unit 102 and the intelligent roadway sign 100 are positioned close to each other (e.g., less than 2 Km apart), then the infraction information and/or the advisory information may be displayed on the display device 404 based on time. For example, the infraction information may be displayed on the display device 404 after a time delay and/or displayed for a certain amount of time.

[0051 ] The display device 404 may take various forms, such as lights or a display screen. The display screen may also be known as a message sign. The display device 404 may be able to display text-based messages, numbers, letters, colors, etc. The display screen may be a static message sign with words that illuminate to spell out a message. Variable message signs may also be used, using various technologies, such as eggcrate, fiber optic, flip-disc, LED, LCD, or vane display. In some embodiments, the layout and wording used on the display screen follows predetermined norms or regulations set out by transport authorities. For example, there may be maximum and/or minimum size for letters and spacing, there may be limits on the number of words that may be displayed at a time, pictograms may be allowed in certain instances, etc. Other rules or regulations may also apply.

[0052] Figures 5A and 5B are exemplary embodiments of messages displayed on the display device 404. In these examples, the infraction information is text displayed on the display device 404. As shown in the example of Figure 5A, the display device 404 displays the infraction information comprising the infraction, the amount of the fine, and the number of demerit points lost. As shown in the example of Figure 5B, the display device 404 displays the infraction information comprising the license plate number of the vehicle that incurred the infraction, the infraction, the speed of the vehicle, the speed limit and the amount of fine. More or less information may be provided on the display device 404. For example, in some embodiments, only the infraction itself is displayed. In other embodiments, information regarding the driver, such as that found on a driver's license, may also be displayed. The information regarding the driver may be obtained from the server 160. For example, the computing device 400 may provide the identification information, the infraction information and/or the driving behaviour information to the sever and request further information regarding the vehicle 1 10, the driver, the owner of the vehicle 1 10, and/or the passenger(s). The server 160 may process the request and provide the computing device 400 with the information regarding the driver, the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle 1 10 and/or the passenger(s).

[0053] Figures 6A to 6C are exemplary embodiments for the display device 404 embodied as a display screen. In these examples, the advisory information is text displayed on the display device 404. As shown in the example of Figure 6A, the display device 404 displays the advisory information comprising information indicating that there is slow circulation on the roadway (i.e., on highway 15 south). As shown in the example of Figure 6B, the display device 404 displays the advisory information comprising information indicating that there is major congestion expected in 10 minutes on the roadway. As shown in the example of Figure 6C, the display device 404 displays the advisory information comprising information indicating that the driver of the vehicle 1 10 has a great driving record and should continue to keep driving safe. The information regarding the driver may be obtained from the server 160. For example, the computing device 400 may provide the identification information, and/or the driving behaviour information to the sever and request the advisory information. The server 160 may process the request and provide the computing device 400 with the advisory information.

[0054] In some embodiments, the advisory information comprises information that is not related to driving conditions or a driving record. For example, information regarding any type of noteworthy event, such as a political event, a natural disaster, a missing person's report, a terrorist attack, a sporting event, and the like, may be displayed on the display device 404 for vehicles that have not incurred any driving infraction. The advisory information may be related to local news, national news, and/or international news. In these embodiments, the advisory information is non-targeted and is directed to the general public.

[0055] In some embodiments, the advisory information comprises information that is targeted to the vehicle having previously been detected by the detection unit. For example, the license plate of the vehicle may be scanned to determine a residential address and information related to the geographical area around the residence in question may be displayed. For example, if there are road closures in the area, a municipal election, a missing person's report for the neighborhood, or any other information related to the geographical area associated with the vehicle. The information may also be targeted to the driver of the vehicle, also obtained through license plate information and/or through facial recognition technology. For example, information related to the driver's employer or school, or to the driver's family may be displayed when the vehicle circulates in front of the display 404. Such information would only be displayed in the case where the vehicle was not determined to have incurred a driving infraction.

[0056] It will be understood that any advisory information may be obtained via the network 150, and more particularly through computing device 160. Cloud computing may be used to obtain advisory information in real time, such that the advisory information is for the general public, targeted to a specific population, targeted to a specific geographical area, and/or targeted to a specific driver of a vehicle.

[0057] Referring to Figure 7, there is illustrated an exemplary method 700 for displaying information on the intelligent roadway sign 100. At 702, driving behaviour information is obtained for the vehicle 1 10 circulating on the roadway. In accordance with some embodiments, the driving behaviour information is obtained through the detection unit 102 at the first location 104 upstream from the intelligent roadway sign 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign 100, the driving behaviour information from the detection unit 102. In some embodiments, obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign 100, the driving behaviour information from the server 160 in communication with the intelligent roadway sign 100 and the detection unit 102, where the sever 160 obtains the driving behaviour information from the detection unit 102. Obtaining the driving behaviour information may also comprise obtaining identification information of the vehicle 1 10, the driver of the vehicle 1 10, the owner of the vehicle 1 10, and/or the passenger(s) of the vehicle 1 10.

[0058] Step 704 comprises determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. The driving infraction may be one or more of: a speeding infraction; a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction; a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction; a seatbelt infraction; and a use of a cell phone infraction. Other types of driving infractions may be determined depending on the practical implementation.

[0059] For example, if the driving behaviour information comprises the speed of the vehicle 1 10 at the first location 104, then the speed of the vehicle 1 10 may be compared to the speed limit at the first location 104, to determine if a speeding infraction has occurred at the first location 104. In the process of determining if a speeding infraction has occurred, a corresponding fine may be determined. That is, infraction information corresponding with the infraction may be determined. For example, the fine amount may be determined, the number of demerit points may be determined and/or any other suitable information may be determined. The infraction information corresponding with the infraction may comprise the license plate information of the vehicle 1 10. The infraction information may comprise the driving infraction and any associated information with the driving infraction.

[0060] By way of another example, if the driving behaviour information comprises a photo of the driver and/or passenger(s) of the vehicle 1 10, the photo may be processed to determine if a seatbelt infraction and/or a use of a cell phone infraction has occurred. If it is determined from the photo that the driver is using a cell phone, then a cell phone infraction is determined. Similarly, if it is determined from the photo that the driver and/or passenger(s) is not wearing a seatbelt, then a seatbelt infraction is determined. Depending if a seatbelt infraction and/or a use of a cell phone infraction has been determined, a corresponding fine and/or demerit points may be determined.

[0061 ] By way of yet another example, if the driving behaviour information comprises a photo of the vehicle at a crosswalk and/or intersection, the photo may be processed to determine a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction. That is, if it is determined from the photo that the vehicle 1 10 failed to stop and/or yielded to any pedestrians at the crosswalk and/or intersection, then a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction is determined. A corresponding fine and/or demerit points may also be determined.

[0062] In some embodiments, the driver of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle and/or the passenger(s) of the vehicle 1 10 is determined from the identification information. Accordingly, when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, the method 700 may further comprise causing the infraction to be provided to the driver of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle and/or the passenger(s) of the vehicle 1 10.

[0063] At step 706, when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, then infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign 100 as the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign. In accordance with some embodiments, the display device 404 (e.g. as shown in Figure 4A) displays the infraction information as the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign at the second location 106.

[0064] At step 708, when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, then advisory information other than infraction information is displayed on the intelligent roadway sign 100 as the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign 100. In accordance with some embodiments, the display device 404 (e.g. as shown in Figure 4A) displays the advisory information as the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign at the second location 106.

[0065] The advisory information may comprise any information that may be of interest to drivers on the roadway. The advisory information may comprise information associated with the vehicle 1 10. For example, information associated with the vehicle 1 10 may comprise information relating to the driving record of the vehicle 1 10. The advisory information may comprise roadway information. The roadway information may comprise current traffic conditions on the roadway and/or predicted traffic conditions on the roadway. The advisory information may comprise alternate routes. The advisory information may vary depending on the practical implementation.

[0066] The advisory information may be obtained from the network 150. For example, the intelligent roadway sign 100 may request certain information from the computing device 160 connected to the network 150. In some embodiments, the computing device 160 connected to the network 150 pushes the advisory information to the intelligent roadway sign 100. The advisory information may be obtained from a traffic detection device connected to the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the network 150 for providing traffic congestion information.

[0067] In accordance with some embodiments, the intelligent roadway system 10 is configured to implement the method 700. For example, the computing devices 300, 400 and/or 160 can be configured to implement the method 700. In some embodiments, the method 700 is performed at the intelligent roadway sign 100 by the computing device 300. In some embodiments, the computing device 160 connected to the network 150 performs the method 700 and causes the intelligent roadway sign 100 to selectively display the infraction information or the advisory information.

[0068] In some embodiments, the computing device 300 is provided in the detection unit 102 for processing the driving behaviour information to determine if a driving infraction has occurred or not. In such a case, the detection unit 102 may only communicate the driving behaviour information to the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the network 150 when a driving infraction is determined. In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 may transmit the infraction information to the intelligent roadway sign 100, which then displays the infraction information when the vehicle 1 10 approaches the second location 106. In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 is configured to transmit the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information to the server 160. The server 160 may be configured to process the driving behaviour information and/or the identification information to determine if an infraction has occurred; and to transmit an indication that the infraction has occurred to the intelligent roadway sign 100.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sensors 405 may be used to determine if a vehicle approaching the intelligent roadway sign 100 is one that should be displayed infraction information or advisory information. In other embodiments, the sensors 305 may be used to determine if a vehicle approaching the intelligent roadway sign 100 is one that should be displayed infraction information or advisory information.

[0070] The intelligent roadway sign 100 may be configured to transmit the infraction information to the server 160 connected to the network 150 via the input/output device 402. The server 160 may be configured to process the infraction information such that the infraction is provided (e.g., mailed, e-mailed, texted via text message to a mobile phone) to the owner of the vehicle 1 10.

[0071 ] In some embodiments, determining whether at least one driving infraction has occurred comprises transmitting, by the intelligent roadway sign 100, the driving behaviour information to the server 160; and receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign 100, an indication of whether at least one driving infraction has occurred from the server 160. Accordingly, the server 160 may process the driving behaviour information to determine whether the at least one driving infraction has occurred. [0072] In some embodiments, the detection of the driving behaviour information and the selective displaying of advisory information or infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign 100 occurs at a single location. That is, in some embodiments, the detection unit 102 may be omitted or incorporated into the intelligent roadway sign 100 as a single unit. For example, the sensors 405 of the intelligent roadway sign 100 may be used for obtaining the driving behaviour information directly at the intelligent roadway sign 100 at the single location. The intelligent roadway sign 100 at the single location may be able to determine, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred. The intelligent roadway sign 100 at the single location may then selectively display the advisory information or the infraction information based on the driving behaviour information obtained, as described elsewhere in this document. In some embodiments, the detection unit 102 and intelligent roadway sign 100 are provided separately, side-by-side, at a single location.

[0073] In some embodiments, the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the detection unit 102 may be powered by solar energy using one or more solar panels. The solar panel may comprise one or more photovoltaic modules that are electrically connected to the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or detection unit 102 to supply electricity thereto. Alternatively, the intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or or the detection unit 102 may be battery-powered or may be connected to another power source.

[0074] The intelligent roadway sign 100 and/or the detection unit 102 may be fixed or mobile. The supports 318, 418 may comprise a post and a base that may be fixedly attached to the ground. More than one support may be used. Alternatively, the base may be a trolley-like structure for easily displacing to a new location. Other embodiments for the supports 318, 418 may also be provided.

[0075] In some embodiments, a plurality of intelligent roadway signs 100 and/or detection units 102 are connected together in a network arrangement, such as a mesh network, in which each intelligent roadway sign 100 and each detection unit 102 acts as a node in the network to relay data.

[0076] A same detection unit 102 may be in communication with a plurality of intelligent roadway signs 100 at different locations. For example, the detection unit 102 may be positioned at an intersection where the vehicle 1 10 may proceed to different roadways and may communicate with a plurality of intelligent roadway signs 100 each on a different roadway. By way of another example, a plurality of intelligent roadway signs 100 may be positioned on the same roadway at different locations downstream of the same detection unit 102. Similarly, a same intelligent roadway sign 100 may be in communication with a plurality of detection units 102 at different locations. For example, each of the plurality of detection units 102 may be positioned on different roadways and in communication with the intelligent roadway sign 100 positioned on a specific roadway where vehicles on any of the different roadways may proceed thereto.

[0077] In some embodiments, the advisory information and/or the infraction information is transmitted for display and/or broadcast at one or more locations. For example, the server 160 or the intelligent roadway sign 100 may transmit the advisory information and/or the infraction information for display and/or audio broadcast at a computing device associated with the vehicle 1 10 (e.g., a vehicle computer integrated with the vehicle 1 10 or a portable computing device contained in the vehicle 1 10, such as a mobile telephone, a tablet, a portable computer or the like).

[0078] In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 10 is equipped with a monitoring system (e.g., a vehicle computer installed in the vehicle 1 10 or a portable computing device contained in the vehicle 1 10, such as a mobile telephone, a tablet, a portable computer or the like) that is configured to monitor the driving behaviour of the driver of the vehicle 1 10. The monitoring system may be configured to transmit driving behaviour information to the network 150. The server 160 may be configured to receive the driving behaviour information from the monitoring system via the network 150. The sever 160 may process the driving behaviour information to determine if an infraction has occurred. The server may transmit the infraction information to the intelligent roadway sign 100 for display thereon when the vehicle 1 10 approaches the intelligent roadway sign 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, both the intelligent roadway sign 100 and the detection unit 102 are provided with advanced processing capabilities in order to allow intelligence to be present at both ends. Alternatively, only one of the two devices 100, 102 are provided with advanced processing capabilities and configured to drive the method 700, while the other device is kept at low cost. In such an embodiment, the number of low cost devices may be significantly higher than the number of advanced processing devices within a given network, in order to maximize the use of the advance processing capabilities while keeping the overall costs low.

[0080] The methods and systems for selectively displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign 100 described herein may be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming or scripting language, or a combination thereof, to communicate with or assist in the operation of a computer system, for example the computing device 300, 400 and/or 160. Alternatively, the methods and systems for selectively displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign 100 may be implemented in assembly or machine language. The language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Program code for implementing the methods and systems for selectively displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign 100 may be stored on a storage media or a device, for example a ROM, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a flash drive, or any other suitable storage media or device. The program code may be readable by a general or special-purpose programmable computer for configuring and operating the computer when the storage media or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described herein. Embodiments of the methods and systems for selectively displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign 100 may also be considered to be implemented by way of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. The computer program may comprise computer-readable instructions which cause a computer, or more specifically the processing unit 312 of the computing device 300, 400 and/or 160, to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform the functions described herein, for example those described in the method 700.

[0081 ] The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, the blocks and/or operations in the flowcharts and drawings described herein are for purposes of example only. There may be many variations to these blocks and/or operations without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. For instance, the blocks may be performed in a differing order, or blocks may be added, deleted, or modified. While illustrated in the block diagrams as groups of discrete components communicating with each other via distinct data signal connections, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiments are provided by a combination of hardware and software components, with some components being implemented by a given function or operation of a hardware or software system, and many of the data paths illustrated being implemented by data communication within a computer application or operating system. The structure illustrated is thus provided for efficiency of teaching the present embodiment.

[0082] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. Also, one skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that while the systems, methods and computer readable mediums disclosed and shown herein may comprise a specific number of elements/components, the systems, methods and computer readable mediums may be modified to include additional or fewer of such elements/components. The present disclosure is also intended to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. Modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A method for displaying information on an intelligent roadway sign, the method comprising: obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway; determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred; when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the intelligent roadway sign as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the advisory information comprises roadway information.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information from a detection unit upstream from the intelligent roadway sign.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information from a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein determining whether the at least one driving infraction has occurred comprises: transmitting, by the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information to a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign; and receiving, at the intelligent roadway sign and from the server, an indication of whether the at least one driving infraction has occurred.

7. The method of anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein obtaining the driving behaviour information comprises obtaining identification information of the vehicle; and wherein the method further comprises determining an owner of the vehicle from the identification information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, when it is determined that the at least one driving infraction has occurred, the method further comprises causing the infraction to be provided to the owner of the vehicle by at least one of mail, email or text message.

9. An intelligent roadway sign for displaying information, the intelligent roadway sign comprising: a display device supported by at least one support; and a computing device connected to the display device, the computing device comprising: at least one processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon program instructions executable by the at least one processor for: obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway upstream from the intelligent roadway sign, the driving behaviour information indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway; determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred; when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

10. The intelligent roadway sign of claim 9, wherein the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

1 1 . The intelligent roadway sign of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the advisory information comprises roadway information.

12. The intelligent roadway sign of any one of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from a detection unit upstream from the intelligent roadway sign.

13. The intelligent roadway sign of any one of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign.

14. The intelligent roadway sign of claim 12, wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for determining whether at least one driving infraction has occurred comprising: transmitting, by the computing device, the driving behaviour information to a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign; and receiving, at the computing device, an indication of whether at least one driving infraction has occurred from the server.

15. An intelligent roadway system comprising: a detection unit comprising: at least one sensor for obtaining driving behaviour information for a vehicle circulating on a roadway, the driving behaviour information indicative of driving behaviour occurring on the roadway; and an output device for transmitting the driving behaviour information obtained from the at least one sensor; at least one intelligent roadway sign downstream of the detection unit, the at least one intelligent roadway sign comprising: a display device supported by at least one support; and a computing device connected to the display device, the computing device comprising: at least one processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory having stored thereon program instructions executable by the at least one processor for: obtaining the driving behaviour information obtained by the detection unit; determining, from the driving behaviour information, whether at least one driving infraction has occurred; when it is determined that at least one driving infraction has occurred, displaying infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign; and when it is determined that no driving infraction has occurred, displaying advisory information other than infraction information on the display device as the vehicle approaches the intelligent roadway sign.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one driving infraction comprises one or more of a speeding infraction, a failure to stop at a stop sign infraction, a failure to allow a pedestrian to cross a crosswalk infraction, a seatbelt infraction and a use of a cell phone infraction.

17. The system of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the advisory information comprises roadway information.

18. The system of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from the detection unit.

19. The system of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign and the detection unit; and wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for obtaining the driving behaviour information comprising receiving, at the computing device, the driving behaviour information from the server.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a server in communication with the intelligent roadway sign and the detection unit; and wherein the program instructions are executable by the at least one processing unit for determining whether at least one driving infraction has occurred comprising: transmitting, by the computing device, the driving behaviour information to the server; and receiving, at the computing device, an indication of whether at least one driving infraction has occurred from the server.