WO2023147054A1

WO2023147054A1 - Cushioned barricade with crowd surge monitoring and alert system

Info

Publication number: WO2023147054A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/011739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel J. CURTIN; Catherine M. CURTIN
Original assignee: Comprise Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-01-28
Filing date: 2023-01-27
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

A crowd control system includes a barricade having a rigid frame, and a crowd- pressure sensing mechanism mounted to a crowd-facing side of the frame. A crowd- adjacent surface of the sensing mechanism is spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame. The sensing mechanism has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance and includes a cushion disposed on at least the crowd-facing side of the frame, a sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement, and a transmitter in communication with the crowd pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. A controller in communication with the transmitter is configured to determine if the first signal is above a threshold, and to send a second signal communicative to a respective receiver that is configured to initiate a response to the second signal.

Description

CUSHIONED BARRICADE WITH CROWD SURGE MONITORING AND ALERT SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/304,309, titled "CUSHIONED BARRICADE WITH CROWD SURGE MONITORING AND ALERT SYSTEM," filed January 28, 2022, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of barricade systems and structures for controlling crowds, primarily of people, and detecting a potential or actual crowd control problem.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, monitoring potentially dangerous crowd behavior and managing high risk scenarios associated with crowd surges or overcrowding have been a matter of focus. Typically, various barrier structures, such as interlocking barricades, are employed to control crowds of people at or in the vicinity of large venues, gathering places, and other public locations, e.g. spectators at sports events, stage front attendees at a concert, etc. However, traditional interlocking barricades on their own are inadequate for efficiently identifying excessive crowd pressure and notifying interested parties, e.g. event management personnel, of the same. Accordingly, improvements in notification or communication systems are desirable to alert event management personnel and/or emergency responders of potential and actual crowd control scenarios, thereby allowing interested parties to react quickly and effectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and barricades for crowd control.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a barricade and identification and notification system having the barricade are disclosed. The barricade for crowd control includes a rigid planar frame and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism embedded in the cushion mounted on the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism includes at least one crowd-adjacent surface or component spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance from the frame and configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement. At least one transmitter is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement when the detected crowd pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold.

One embodiment of a crowd control system includes a barricade having a rigid frame, and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism mounted to a crowd-facing side of the frame and having a crowd-adjacent surface spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance and configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism includes a cushion disposed on at least a crowd-facing side of the frame, at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement, and at least one transmitter in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. A controller in communication with at least one receiver in communication with the at least one transmitter is configured to determine if the first signal is above a threshold, and to send a second signal communicative to a respective receiver configured to initiate a response to the second signal. The at least one pressure sensor may comprise a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a mechanical detection device, or a combination thereof.

The response to the second signal may include a change to at least one characteristic of the barricade. The system may further include a light mounted on the barricade and visible from the crowd-facing side of the barricade, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes illumination of the light. The light may be a steady or flashing alarm light, a crowd illumination light, or a combination thereof. The light may be mounted on the barricade on a light mounting location of a light pole, wherein the light mounting location is elevated above a top elevation of the rigid frame. At least one crowd-facing camera may be attached to the light pole. The crowd-facing camera may be attached to the light pole, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes activating the at least one crowd-facing camera.

In embodiments, the cushion may be a fluid-inflatable cushion, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to obtain a pressure measurement of fluid contained in the fluid-inflatable cushion. In such embodiments, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism may further include a fluid-transfer device in communication with a source of fluid and may be configured to increase or decrease pressure of the fluid inside the fluid-inflatable cushion, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes increasing or decreasing pressure of the fluid inside the inflatable cushion. In embodiments, the resistance to the decrease in the variable distance may be variable over the variable distance. The change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade may include a change in the variable resistance, and may further include at least one of illumination of at least one light, activation of a crowd-facing camera, or a combination thereof.

A plurality of the barricades may be interlocked with one another to define a line of barricades, and a communications network may be connected the controller and to at least one mobile device. A central monitoring system connected to the communications network and the controller may include a display for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal from each of the plurality of barricades and an alert system configured to send an alert to the at least one mobile device. The alert system further comprises at least one of: a user interface configured to cause the controller to send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof, in response to a user input, and non-transitory computer memory media connected to the controller and programmed with machine-readable instructions for causing the controller to automatically send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof based upon the received value of the first signal.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a crowd control system comprising a cushion configured to be disposed on a crowd-facing side of a barricade comprising a rigid frame, a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism connected to the cushion, and a controller. The crowd-pressures sending mechanism has a crowd- adjacent surface configured to be spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the barricade frame, has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance, and is configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame. The crowdpressure sensing mechanism comprises at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement, and at least one transmitter in communication with the at least pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. The controller is in communication with the at least one transmitter, and is configured to receive the first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement, to determine if the detected crowd pressure is above a predetermined threshold, and to initiate a response upon a determination that the crowd pressure is above the predetermined threshold. The initiated response may include any one of or combination of: transmitting a second signal to a receiver in communication with a system responsive to receipt the second signal; transmitting a notification to a mobile device; causing a light or a camera to activate; and/or causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism. The resistance to the decrease in the variable distance may be variable over the variable distance. The initiated response may include causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism, wherein the change includes a change in the variable resistance.

In an embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism comprises at least two members spaced apart from one another by a distance proportional to the variable distance, with one or more springs disposed between the two members. The cushion may comprise a compressible foam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, with like elements having the same reference numerals. When a plurality of similar elements are present, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the plurality of similar elements with a small letter designation referring to specific elements. When referring to the elements collectively or to a non-specific one or more of the elements, the small letter designation may be dropped. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. To the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary barricade in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. IB depicts an exemplary cushion of the barricade of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C depict an exemplary frame of the barricade of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A depicts a front view of the barricade of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B depicts a partial cross-section view of the barricade of FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 2C-2D depict views of the barricade of FIG. 2A, showing position of an exemplary sensor;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary identification and notification system in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4A-4C depicts an exemplary alert system in accordance with aspects of the present invention, showing exemplary communication between the sensor and one or more components of the alert system;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary display of the identification and notification system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary layout of a plurality of barricades in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary barricade in accordance with aspects of the present invention; FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A depicts a side view of the exemplary barricade of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B depicts a side view of an exemplary crowd pressure sensor mechanism; and

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic of an exemplary system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary barricade and system disclosed herein are configured to provide improved identification and notification systems suitable for various purposes, including crowd control. In an exemplary embodiment, the barricade and barricade system are suited to be employed as a sole source of identification and notification system (e.g. for crowd control), or in combination with other identification and notification mechanisms. As used herein, the term "barricade" is intended to encompass any structure which partially or fully prevents or impedes the movement of crowds, primarily of people, including but not limited to temporary and portable structures used for crowd control purposes at various public or private venues where a large number of people may congregate (e.g., conferences, summits, concerts, festivals, marches, etc.).

Additionally, various forms and embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. It will be appreciated that the combination and arrangement of some or all features of any of the embodiments with other embodiments is specifically contemplated herein. Accordingly, this detailed disclosure expressly includes the specific embodiments illustrated herein, combinations and subcombinations of features of the illustrated embodiments, and variations of the illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary barricade 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Barricade 100 is configured for crowd control, generally. In particular, barricade 100 is configured to provide or facilitate improved identification and notification systems suitable for crowd control, for example. Additional details regarding barricade 100 are described below.

In general, barricade 100 (FIG. 1A) includes a frame 110 (FIG. 1C) and a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 (FIG. IB). In an exemplary embodiment, rigid frame 110 comprises metal (e.g. aluminum). Further, the frame 110 includes a planar surface 114. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1A, another planar surface (e.g. foot plate 112) is fixed to or configured to be attached (or interlocked) to planar surface 114, to support the planar surface 114 in a relationship perpendicular to the ground surface. Additionally, or optionally, the frame 110 is rigid (relative to other component(s) of barricade 100, such as the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120, for example) and may have a generally irregular geometry with curved or rounded corners. The rigid frame 110 may further include one or more surfaces, edges, or contours, to assist in contouring to other components which may be adjacent or coupled to the rigid frame 110. For example, the geometry of the rigid frame 110 may be selected to correspond to a crowd-facing portion of a stage. In another example, the geometry of the rigid frame of one barricade may be intended to complement that of another rigid frame, e.g. in order to create a variable angle when the rigid frames and are adjacent each other (e.g. to create a corner in conformity with a certain area of the stage, for example). In an exemplary embodiment, rigid frame 110 is configured to provide an unyielding barrier to the movement of a crowd of people. In one nonlimiting example, rigid frame 110 includes the MoJo® Barrier products manufactured and designed by Mojo Barriers of Abridge, Essex, United Kingdom (see ht ps:// .mo1obarriers.com/wp-con ent/uploa s/Brochure-Moio-Barriers.p f).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, the crowd -pressure sensing mechanism 120 is illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is mounted to a crowd-facing side 116 of the rigid frame 110. The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 has a crowd-adjacent surface spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side 116 of the frame 110. Further, the crowdpressure sensing mechanism 120 has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance. Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is subjected to force or pressure exerted by members of a crowd of people, such that the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 is configured to obtain a measurement of crowd pressure on barricade 100, generally, or components thereof, e.g. the rigid frame 110. In an exemplary embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2B, the crowdpressure sensing mechanism 120 comprises a cushion 122 that is disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 116 of the frame 110. In one example, the cushion 122 comprises a durable closed cell foam insert 126 enclosed with a form-fitting heavy-duty vinyl 124. The crowd-facing surface of the cushion at rest is spaced a first distance from the frame, but as the crowd pushes on the crowd-facing surface and compresses the cushion and any resistance mechanisms between the cushion and the frame, the distance between the crowd-facing surface and the frame decreases.

Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 120 comprises at least one pressure sensor 128 (FIGS. 2C-2D) configured to detect pressure exerted on the cushion 122 and/or frame 110 by a crowd of people, for example. The pressure sensor 128 is connected to a power source (e.g. battery, generator, hardwired electrical system, or the like). In embodiments, the pressure sensor 128 may comprise any type of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or electromechanical sensor, for example and without limitation, an ultrasonic sensor, proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (e.g. a reed switch), mechanical or electromechanical detection devices, air pressure sensor (e.g. attached to a fluid-filled cushion, or to a bladder that is compressed when pressure is applied to the cushion), a strain gauge, or combination thereof. Also, at least one pressure sensor 128 may be embedded within cushion 122.

In an exemplary embodiment, barricade 100 includes at least one light 134 (FIGS. 3 and 6) mounted to the frame 110. The light 134 comprises a steady or flashing alarm light 234a (FIG. 8), a crowd illumination light 234b (FIG. 8), or a combination thereof. Additionally, or optionally, at least one crowd-facing camera 270 (FIG. 8) may be attached to the frame 110 or other discreet location. Thus, in certain embodiments, the light pole has at least one light mounting location behind the rigid frame 110. In one example, the light 134 has at least one mounting location located on a non-crowd-facing surface of the planar surface 114, yet remains visible to a viewer or crowd of viewers. In this configuration, the light 134 is positionable or installed at a more discreet location and can permit easier or simpler installation, when an additional mounting device is not required.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, an identification and notification system 140 (e.g. for crowd control) is disclosed. At least one transmitter 142 is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor 128 for transmitting a first signal when the detected crowd pressure measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold. To this end, the transmitter 142 is connected to an loT gateway 144 via a wireless communications network, such as a low-power, wide area networking (LoRaWAN) protocol. Through the loT gateway 144, at least one transmitter 142 delivers the first signal corresponding to the detected crowd pressure measurement to a central monitoring system 146 via the communications network. In an exemplary embodiment, the communications network may comprise any known wireless communication system including, but not limited to Ethernet technology for connective devices in a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) and/or a cellular communications network. Although shown in FIG. 3 as a wireless communication system, the communication paths can alternatively be wired communication paths. In an exemplary embodiment, the central monitoring system 146 has a display 148 (illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5) for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal. When the central monitoring system 146 is connected to a plurality of barricades 100, which may be arranged along a line (FIG. 6), the central monitoring system 146 is configured to send an alert to at least one mobile device 150, corresponding to or responsive to the first signal. The alert may include raw data (such as an amount of pressure read by the sensor), processed data (such as bucketed data that indicates if the pressure reading can be characterized as low, medium, or high pressure, which processed data may include graphic visual indicators, such as a green, yellow, and red graphic indicators. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, graphic visual indicators displaying low pressure 148a may be shown in green, visual indicators displaying high pressure 148b may be shown in green, and visual indicators displaying medium pressure 148c may be shown in yellow, or a combination thereof (e.g. the raw data may be displayed in green, yellow, or red alphanumeric form with or without graphic indicators, based upon its low, medium, or high characterization).

According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the alert system 160 cooperates with the identification and notification system 140. In this configuration, at least one sensor 128 is a mechanical sensor or detection device in wired communication with a controller 152 of the alert system 160. The controller 152 of the respective barricade 100 is in wireless communication with network switch 154, which in turn is in wireless communication with mobile device 150. In operation, when the at least one sensor 128 detects a crowd pressure measurement which exceeds the predetermined threshold, the first signal is transmitted to the central monitoring system 146. Accordingly, a visual and/or auditory indicator or message is provided to a user (e.g. security personnel) via display 148. The visual and/or auditory indicator or message is configured for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal. Additionally, or optionally, a visual and/or auditory indicator or message is provided to mobile device 150 as an email or SMS text message for alerting user or personnel regarding the detected excessive crowd pressure.

In response to this detected excessive crowd pressure, central monitoring system 146 is configured to send a signal or notify controller 152 of barricade 100 to activate or cause the at least one light 134 to illuminate. Additionally, or optionally, a crowd-facing camera 270 (FIG. 8) may be activated. In one nonlimiting example, mobile device 150 includes a user interface configured to cause the controller 152 and/or loT Gateway 144 to send or transmit a signal, alert, or a combination thereof, in response to a user input informed by the detected crowd pressure measurement. Additionally, mobile device 150 has a non-transitory computer memory media connected to the controller 152 and programmed with machine- readable instructions for causing the controller 152 to automatically send a signal, an alert, or a combination thereof based upon the received value of the detected crowd pressure measurement. Still further, in an exemplary embodiment, certain responses by various components of the identification and notification system 160 may occur synchronously or asynchronously relative to one another. For example, a status of the barricade 100 based on the detected crowd pressure measurement may be simultaneously delivered to the central display 148 and mobile device 150.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, cooperation between the alert system 160 and the identification and notification system 140 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4A. However, it differs in some respects. For example, the at least one sensor 128 comprise proximity sensors (e.g. infrared proximity sensor) configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. In this configuration, the at least one sensor 128 is in wireless communication with loT Gateway 144 via a wireless communications network, such as a low-power, wide area networking (LoRaWAN) protocol. Through the loT gateway 144, the at least one transmitter 142 delivers the first signal corresponding to the detected crowd pressure measurement to the central monitoring system 146.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, cooperation between the alert system 160 and the identification and notification system 140 is a hybrid of what is described in FIGS. 4A-4B. For instance, the at least one sensor 128 comprises a mechanical sensor or detection device, and is in wired communication with controller 152, which in turn is in wireless communication with loT Gateway 144. Like FIG. 4A, in response to a detected excessive crowd pressure, central monitoring system 146 is configured to send a signal or notify controller 152 of barricade 100 to activate or cause the at least one light 134 to illuminate.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-11, a second embodiment of a barricade, such as barricade 200, is illustrated. Barricade 200 is generally similar to barricade 100 as described above; however, it differs in some respects. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, the rigid frame 210 includes a plurality of feet 212 configured to support the planar surface in a relationship perpendicular to the ground surface. In this configuration, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 includes the fluid-inflatable cushion 222 disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210. The fluid- inflatable cushion 222 comprises a heavy-duty rip-stop material. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 is a sealed air inflatable cushion 222 equipped with an internal air pressure sensor 228.

The crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 includes at least one component (i.e. the crowd-adjacent surface of the cushion) spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210 (FIG. 10A). Further, the crowdpressure sensing mechanism 220 has a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance. As the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 is subjected to force or pressure exerted by members of a crowd of people, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 obtains a measurement of crowd pressure on the frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 comprises a fluid- inflatable cushion 222 disposed on at least a crowd-facing side 216 of the frame 210. Additionally, or optionally, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 comprises at least one pressure sensor 228, which in embodiments with fluid-inflatable cushions may be configured to obtain a pressure measurement of fluid contained in the fluid- inflatable cushion 222. Further, in some embodiments, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 may also include a fluid-transfer device 223 (e.g. a compressor or a compressed air cylinder) in communication with a source of fluid (e.g. ambient air or fluid contained in the cylinder, respectively) and configured to increase or decrease pressure of the fluid inside the fluid-inflatable cushion 222.

In another exemplary embodiment, shown in more detail in Fig. 10B, the crowdfacing surface 216 comprises an outer panel 218 attached to an inner panel 217 via a hinge 219. A plurality of springs 221 (or other mechanical or electromechanical resistance mechanisms) disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel provide resistance to pressure on the cushion, which resistance may be constant or variable (i.e. as the spring is compressed more, its resistance to further compression increases). At least one pressure sensor 228 is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel and is configured to detect at least a threshold difference in the spacing between the outer panel and inner panel, as measured by a change in distance d between components of the sensor attached to the outer panel and inner panel, respectively. Still further, as shown in more detail in Fig. 11, at least one transmitter 229 is in communication with the at least one pressure sensor 228 for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. Correspondingly, at least one receiver 230 is in communication with one or more switches for receiving a second signal sent by a controller in response to receipt of a first signal that the controller determines is at or above a threshold that prompts the second signal. Additionally, or optionally, the at least one receiver is in communication with at least one component responsive to receipt of the second signal. The component may include a light, a camera, means for modifying the resistance to the crowd, a mobile device or router for sending messages to one or more mobile devices, and any switches and circuitry between the responsive component and the signal receiver.

As depicted in FIG 10B, the means for providing and/or modifying resistance may include, for example, a hydraulic, pneumatic, or hydropneumatics system comprising one or more pistons with a controllable variable resistance to compression (e.g. by varying pressure of a compressible fluid (e.g. air) contained inside the piston). Systems for providing controllable variable resistance are known in the art, such as are utilized in adaptive suspensions in the automotive industry. The means for modifying the variable resistance is not limited to any particular technology, and may include any technology known in the art for remotely controlling resistance to compression. Technologies may include inflation or deflation of pistons or bladders or the cushion itself with compressible fluids, modifying orifice size for permitting outflow of incompressible fluids from pistons, bladders, or cushions, electromagnetic resistance that is variable by application of variable voltage or current, variable resistance springs that are variable by modifying an interface between mechanical members, and the like, without limitation.

In both fluid-filled cushion embodiments and the hinged plate embodiments, embodiments of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism 220 may obtain the crowd pressure measurement based upon the decrease in variable distance between the crowd-adjacent surface of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism and the frame. In the fluid-filled embodiment, as the fluid is compressed in proportion to the amount of force exerted on the cushion, the distance between the crowd-facing surface of the cushion and the frame decreases in proportion to the force exerted by the crowd, and the pressure in the fluid increases proportionally as well. The relationship between distance and fluid pressure may not be a linear relationship, but the relationship may be characterized and programmed into the controller such that the signal generated by fluid pressure sensing mechanism is converted to a crowd pressure measurement. Likewise, in the spring-resistant embodiment, as the crowd-adjacent outer plate is compressed by crowd pressure closer to the frame-adjacent inner plate, the distance between them decreases, and the measurement of crowd pressure is based upon the decrease in distance. Again, the relationship between displacement and crowd pressure may not be linear, but this relationship can be characterized and programmed into the controller. To the extent the resistance is variable and controllable in response to the crowd pressure, the characterization curves for the sensor for different resistance levels may be variable as well, and programmed into the controller accordingly.

In operation, at least one characteristic of the barricade 200 is configured to change in response to the second signal. For example, each switch is configured to be energized when the distance between the outer panel and the inner panel in the respective location associated with the switch reaches a predetermined threshold. To facilitate this communication, as shown in FIG. 11, a controller 246 (e.g. a computer processor configured to execute instructions stored in computer memory accessible thereto, programmed with machine-readable instructions for performing the functions as described herein) is connected to the at least one transmitter 229 attached to at least one pressure sensor 228 and the at least one receiver 230. The controller (or a receiver in communication with the controller) is configured to receive the first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement. The controller is configured to determine if the value of the first signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value that prompts sending a second signal. The controller is also configured to send the second signal, for example, via router 231 to one or more control switches 252 (each for, e.g., toggling on a warning light and/or alarm) and/or via gateway 250 to a mobile device of a user via a communication network (e.g. a cellular network, the Internet, a dedicated local wireless network, or the like) in response to receipt of a transmitted value of the first signal above the predetermined threshold.

In an exemplary embodiment, barricade 100 includes at least one light 234 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 9) mounted on a light pole 272 connected to the barricade 100. The at least one light comprises a steady or flashing alarm light 234 a, a crowd illumination light 234 b, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or optionally, at least one crowd-facing camera 270 is attached to the light pole 272. The light pole 272 has at least one light mounting location behind the rigid frame 210 (i.e. opposite the crowd-facing surface of the frame 210).

Although described herein with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that components illustrated and described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with components illustrated and described with respect to another component. For example, although distinct air-inflatable and foam embodiments are described herein, embodiments may include a primarily air-inflatable cushion with at least one foam layer and a primarily foam cushion with a fluid-filled bladder disposed inside of opposing foam layers. It should also be understood that the term "pressure sensor" as used herein does not exclusively refer to sensors for sensing pressure of a fluid such as air or liquid (except when expressly described as such herein), but may include any sensor configurable to detect pressure of the crowd on the cushion using any one of the mechanisms and sensor technologies as described herein.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A crowd control system, the system comprising: a barricade having a rigid frame; a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism mounted to a crowd-facing side of the frame, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having a crowd-adjacent surface spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the frame, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism comprising: a cushion disposed on at least the crowd-facing side of the frame; at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement on the frame as transmitted through the cushion; at least one transmitter in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement; a controller in communication with at least one receiver in communication with the at least one transmitter, the controller configured to determine if the first signal is above a threshold, and to send a second signal communicative to a respective receiver configured to initiate a response to the second signal.

2. The crowd control system of claim 1, wherein the at least one pressure sensor comprises a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a mechanical detection device, or a combination thereof.

3. The crowd control system of claim 1, wherein the response to the second signal includes a change to at least one characteristic of the barricade.

4. The crowd control system of claim 3, further comprising at least one light mounted on the barricade and visible from the crowd-facing side of the frame, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes illumination of the light.

5. The crowd control system of claim 4, wherein the at least one light includes a steady or flashing alarm light, a crowd illumination light, or a combination thereof.

6. The crowd control system of claim 5, wherein the barricade includes a light pole having at least one light mounting location elevated above a top elevation of the rigid frame, and the at least one light is mounted to the at least one light mounting location.

7. The crowd control system of claim 6, further comprising at least one crowd-facing camera attached to the light pole.

8. The crowd control system of claim 1, further comprising at least one crowd-facing camera mounted to the barricade.

9. The crowd control system of claim 8, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes activating the at least one crowdfacing camera.

10. The crowd control system of claim 1, wherein the cushion is a fluid- inflatable cushion, and the at least one pressure sensor is configured to obtain a pressure measurement of fluid contained in the fluid inflatable cushion.

11. The crowd control system of claim 10, wherein the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism further comprises a fluid-transfer device in communication with a source of fluid and is configured to increase or decrease pressure of the fluid inside the fluid-inflatable cushion, and the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade includes increasing or decreasing pressure of the fluid inside the inflatable cushion.

12. The crowd control system of claim 1, wherein the resistance to the decrease in the variable distance is variable over the variable distance.

13. The crowd control system of claim 3, wherein the change to the at least one characteristic of the barricade comprises a change in the resistance to the decrease in the variable distance.

14. The crowd control system of claim 13, wherein the change in the at least one characteristic of the barricade further comprises at least one of illumination of at least one light, activation of a crowd-facing camera, or a combination thereof.

15. The crowd control system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of the barricades interlocked with one another to define a line of barricades; a communications network connected the controller and to at least one mobile device; and a central monitoring system connected to the communications network and the controller, the central monitoring system including a display for visualizing the crowd pressure measurement corresponding to the first signal from each of the plurality of barricades and an alert system configured to send an alert to the at least one mobile device.

16. The crowd control system of claim 14, wherein the alert system further comprises at least one of: a user interface configured to cause the controller to send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof, in response to a user input, and non-transitory computer memory media connected to the controller and programmed with machine-readable instructions for causing the controller to automatically send the second signal, the alert, or a combination thereof based upon the received value of the first signal.

17. The crowd control system of claim 1, wherein the crowd pressure measurement obtained by the crowd pressure sensor is based upon the decrease in variable distance.

18. A crowd control system, the system comprising: a cushion configured to be disposed on a crowd-facing side of a barricade comprising a rigid frame, a crowd-pressure sensing mechanism embodied by or connected to the cushion, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having a crowd-adjacent surface configured to be spaced a variable distance from the crowd-facing side of the barricade frame, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism having a resistance to a decrease in the variable distance, the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism comprising: at least one pressure sensor configured to obtain a crowd pressure measurement that based on the decrease in variable distance; at least one transmitter in communication with the at least one pressure sensor for transmitting a first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement; a controller in communication with the at least one transmitter, the controller configured to receive the first signal corresponding to the crowd pressure measurement, to determine if the detected crowd pressure is above a predetermined threshold, and to initiate a response upon a determination that the crowd pressure is above the predetermined threshold.

19. The crowd control system of claim 18, wherein the initiated response is selected from the group consisting of: a) transmitting a second signal to a receiver in communication with a system responsive to receipt the second signal; b) transmitting a notification to a mobile device; c) causing a light or a camera to activate; d) causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism; e) a combination of one of more of a)-d).

20. The crowd control system of claim 18, wherein the resistance to the decrease in the variable distance is variable over the variable distance.

21. The crowd control system of claim 20, wherein the initiated response includes causing a change in at least one characteristic of the crowd-pressure sensing mechanism, and the change includes a change in the variable resistance.

22. The crowd control system of claim 18, wherein the crowd- pressure sensing mechanism further comprises at least two members spaced apart from one another by a distance proportional to the variable distance, and one or more springs disposed between the two members.

23. The crowd control system of claim 22, wherein the cushion comprises a compressible foam.

24. The crowd control system of claim 23, wherein the crowd pressure measurement obtained by the crowd pressure sensor is based upon the decrease in variable distance.