Patent Grant
9153128
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of advising traffic at an intersection so that cars can safely be stopped during a red light at the intersection and at the same time providing sufficient security for oncoming traffic that has not yet reached the intersection where the red light has occurred. The present invention also relates to the field of providing advertisements and information to drivers while the red light is on and their vehicle has stopped. The present invention relates to the field of providing traffic advisory messages to drivers/pedestrians/cyclists while the red light is on and the “DO NOT WALK” signal is on so that drivers/pedestrians/cyclist can be better informed with traffic conditions. The present invention also relates to the field of providing public announcements, emergency announcements and similar public safety messages for the driver/pedestrian/cyclist public, along with advertisements so that such systems can be self-funded, enabling Smartphones, or similar devices, that recognize these same messages and/or advertising via application (app) through such device (i.e., Smartphone) will also benefit from the broadcasting of the collected data from the encrypted traffic signal device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Traffic control systems have certainly existed in the past, but to the best of the present inventors' knowledge, there is no traffic control system where the driver is stopped at a red light and provided with information concerning traffic, accidents and other public announcements. In addition, there is no pedestrian traffic control system for pedestrians/cyclists stopped at a red light and at pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signals and provided with information concerning traffic, accidents, emergency alerts, public announcements, advertising and at the same time enabling other equipment, such as Smartphones, to have the same messages on its applications, nor is there any traffic control system with a pedestrian count down to the next pedestrian green light (i.e., the “WALK” sign). There is one particular prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,896. This invention claims a traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. This invention claims a video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. This invention claims tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. This invention claims the information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities. The invention is not considered an extension of this prior art because this invention does not provide for any type of countdown to the next green signal and there is no mention of any direct access to the traffic signal controller cabinet by this claim. The invention also has a method for data capturing of the traffic signal controller's information that includes, but not limited to, traffic signal sequences and live data traffic flow. In addition, the invention provides broadcasted information, advisories, advertisements, digital coupons, and similar communications to Smartphones or similar devices while within the traffic signal intersection area via blue tooth or similar communication protocols.
There is a significant need for such an invention to overcome the problems associated with not being able to inform drivers/pedestrians/cyclists about traffic conditions, traffic signal information, traffic accidents and other problems on the road, highway or at the neighborhood level having the traffic control intersection at a time period when they are stopped at a red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal and so they do not need to be concerned about having their attention diverted from driving or intersection crossing. There is also a significant need to better inform pedestrians of best route through controlled intersections.
The present invention includes an encrypted traffic signal device controller (TSDC) and an Electronic Variable Message Sign (EVMS) at intersection roadways and related traffic intersections where the present invention system is installed at traffic light intersections which will be triggered at the red light sequence where vehicles/pedestrian/cyclists are stopped. After the traffic light turns red, the time delay of the red light will trigger an audio and visual public announcement which will be of assistance to the driver and enable the driver to pay attention to the announcement without being concerned about diverting the driver's attention from driving the vehicle since the vehicle is stopped at a red light and the driver can devote his attention to reading the information provided. A similar procedure also applies to pedestrians and cyclists where cyclists are on the road or at a sidewalk and pedestrians are at a sidewalk adjacent the operating traffic signal.
For purposes of this invention, vehicle means any vehicle driven by an individual on a roadway such as a car, truck, large tractor, trailer truck and any other vehicle having at least four wheels, and also including two wheeled vehicles, motorized two wheel vehicles including motorcycles. Cyclists include anyone riding a non-motorized two wheel vehicle such as a bicycle, mountain bicycle, racing bicycle etc. A pedestrian is any person who is crossing crosswalk including a person who is handicapped in some way and is using an assistant to travel across the intersection.
The positioning of the EVMS will be at the same eye - level as the traffic signal and near the traffic signal. The EVMS has a Doppler device and other current and future speed sensory detection devices that will detect rogue vehicle(s) that have been detected traveling in excess of the acceptable speed limit (i.e., slow down to stop speeds). This detection will prevent the EVMS to display the advisory messages so as to avoid distraction of said vehiele(s) to perform a stop approach. The invention also provides for the EVMS full color monitor screen to duplicate the exact traffic light sequence and therefore reinforces for approaching drivers the traffic light lens color displayed during the current light sequence (i.e. a driver in a car, is following a tractor trailer that is approaching a signalized intersection, has his/her field of view of the traffic signal blocked by said tractor trailer but is able to see the EVMS full color monitor screen which mirrors the signalized intersection's red light preventing a potential crash event).
The present invention also includes an encrypted pedestrian advisory message screen (PAMS) that is installed at signalized intersections which is affixed to the pedestrian signal pole or near to the pedestrian pole and can provide the waiting time for the next “WALK” phase for pedestrians along with advertisements, public announcements, emergency announcements and similar public safety messages for the pedestrians. After the “DO NOT WALK” phase starts, the waiting time for the next “WALK” phase will be displayed on PAMS until the next “WALK” phase starts which will eliminate distraction.
Another key innovation of the present invention is its ability to broadcast live data traffic flow and traffic signal sequences from the data retriever at the signalized intersection and therefore, the present invention will also provide for vehicular safety and to assist in easing roadway congestion.
It is therefore an overall object of the present invention to facilitate safety at the intersection where there is cross traffic.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide information to a driver/pedestrian/cyclist at an intersection, which information is transmitted at a safe time when the driver is stopped at a red light and the pedestrian and the cyclist are stopped at the “DO NOT WALK” signal.
Overall, it is an object of the present invention to enhance the safety of driving/walking/cycling when entering an intersection so as to avoid a crash, to provide vital information to drivers/pedestrians/cyclists at a time when they are able to read or hear the information because the vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist are stopped at a red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal and to provide necessary emergency information at the same time.
In summary, the present invention is an encrypted traffic signal device controller at intersection roadways and related traffic intersections where the present invention system is installed at traffic light intersections which will be triggered at the red light sequence and the pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal where drivers/pedestrians/cyclists are stopped. The present invention includes a pedestrian advisory message screen (PAMS) ruggedized that is installed at traffic signalized intersections preferably affixed on or near the pedestrian signal pole above the pedestrian push button area preferably below the pedestrian signal and can provide the waiting time for the next “WALK” phase for pedestrians. After the “DON'T WALK” phase starts, the waiting time (countdown to next green light via a dedicated data retrieval unit installed within the traffic signal controller cabinet) for the next “WALK” phase will display visual and audio advisories, public announcements and advertisement can be displayed on PAMS until the next “WALK” phase starts. The present invention also includes an EVMS that is installed at signalized intersections near the traffic signal light and can provide useful traffic information to drivers at intersections where the present invention system's TSDC will be installed at traffic signal intersections with the dedicated data retrieval unit which is installed in traffic signal controller cabinets and will capture the red light sequence. After the traffic light turns red, there will be a time delay of the red light sequence. Immediately after the EVMS will trigger a visual and/or audio public announcement and other advisory messages which will be of assistance to the driver and enable the driver to pay attention to the announcement(s) without being concerned about diverting his/her attention since the vehicle is stopped at a red light and the driver can devote his/her attention to reading the information provided.
Overall, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate safety at intersections and to facilitate the transmission of information to individuals at intersections in a safe manner.
Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and discussion.
Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:
Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention.
Defined broadly, the present invention is a method for advising traffic at an intersection comprising: (a) means for capturing traffic light signal sequences and broadcasting the information within the radius of the selected intersection; (b) means for delivering audio and video messages to drivers and/or cyclists who are stopped at a red light and pedestrians on a sidewalk within visual range of the “DO NOT WALK” signal to advise drivers/pedestrians/cyclists of conditions on the road, sidewalks and other important information which drivers/pedestrians/cyclists are able to read because they are not occupied with driving/walking/cycling due to the fact that they are stopped at a red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal.
Described in more detail, the present invention is a method for advising traffic at an intersection comprising: (a) a means for delivering audio and video messages to drivers/pedestrians/cyclists who are stopped at a traffic signal with at least one red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal operating with drivers driving a vehicle on a road leading to the red light, cyclists on either a road leading to the red light or at a sidewalk at an intersection adjacent the red light, and pedestrians at a sidewalk at an intersection where at least one red light is operating, to advise drivers/pedestrians/cyclists of driving/walking/cycling conditions on the road and sidewalk and transmitting additional information which drivers/pedestrians/cyclists are able to read because they are not occupied with driving/walking/cycling due to the fact that they are stopped at a red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal; (b) means for delivering audio and video messages to pedestrians/cyclist who are stopped at a red light and pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal to advise pedestrians/cyclists of the waiting times for the next “WALK” phase along with advisory messages and advertisement; and (c) means for enabling apparatus selected from the group consisting of Smartphones, cellular phones, mobile phones, portable computers, tablets and communication technology devices that can receive wireless or similar communication protocol so that drivers/pedestrians/cyclists will be able to receive the same broadcasted information, advisories, public announcements, emergency alerts, advertisement from the means for delivering audio and video messages.
With respect to element “a” set forth above on the means for delivering audio and video messages, and also element “b” on the means for delivering audio and video messages, that is set forth in detail in the description below of
With respect to element “c” set forth above, that is also disclosed in the description of
The present invention is also defined as a means for delivering live traffic flow data at an intersection where there is a traffic signal comprising: (a) the means for delivering live traffic flow data at the intersection where there is a traffic signal includes a proprietary data retrieval unit which is installed inside of a traffic signal controller cabinet located at the traffic signal intersection, which data retrieval unit also transmits via electronic variable message sign and pedestrian advisory message screen triggers; (b) the means for delivering the traffic flow data further includes a roadside loop detector hardwired to the traffic signal controller with information obtained stored within a data retrieval unit; and (c) a means for enabling the captured live traffic flow data to be broadcast motorists via at least wireless communications.
Referring to
After a traffic light turns red and after the pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal is on, a time delay of the red light will trigger the audio; and the time of day will also trigger a visual public announcement selected from the group consisting of national, regional and local traffic, weather, amber and other emergency alerts and notices, and in addition television station program spots to provide the alert on major channel stations such as CBS, NBC, ABC and various cable television networks, along with advertisement from any business that may purchase time during the red light sequence (collectively “images”). Toward the end of the red light sequence (cycle) and the pedestrian “DO NOT WALK” signal, the images and audio switches off terminating any distraction to the driver/pedestrian/cyclist. The TSDC will interact with the driver's communication platform (hand held device selected from the group consisting of smart phones, cellular phones, mobile phones, portable computers, tablets and any other new communication technology that can receive blue tooth, Wi fi and similar wireless communication technology, vehicle OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or after-market blue tooth systems (#3) via a software application on the aforementioned devices.
This application will be also available for all passengers and pedestrians emanating from the traffic light system within the blue tooth radius of the TSDC (#5). An additional application of the present invention is to facilitate vehicles in motion having the capacity to receive and transmit image/script data outside the vehicle and inside the vehicle from any traffic signal device that has the present invention technology at a selected traffic signal.
The central content server (#3) will be dedicated to the national emergency broadcast system, insurance companies, federal, state and local governments. These claims will alert the driving public who utilize the present invention system of government announcements and advertisements.
The PAMS (#7) is integrated with the red light sequence (cycle). The present invention system TSDC (#5) incorporates the use of existing Doppler and any current and future vehicle sensor technology with the formula of a calculated volume, time, distance and speed. When the red light cycle is on, the system will detect the volume, time, distance and speed of opposing intersecting vehicular traffic flow. The traffic flow sensor application (#12) will improve emissions and gas consumption by reducing vehicle waiting time at the red traffic light signal and provide safer approaches to the intersection.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Finally, the system displays remaining red light time and sponsored information on EVMS/PAMS station and EVMS/PAMS mobile number 90 (#90). It is noted that the display on EVMS and PAMS also deals with all of the information previously set forth in the previous discussion and in the description of the preferred embodiment and reference to the drawings as set forth in the brief description of the drawings and in the detailed description of embodiments.
There is a need to provide motorist, who are color blind and have color disorientation, with distinguishable properly displayed traffic signal sequences due to their physical challenge to see proper colors at the traffic signal light intersections. The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Manual Unifo in Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) regulations makes mention of the particularly difficulty of motorist who have color blindness or color disorientation with making a distinction between red and green. The FHWA has been addressing this issue since the “1930s”. Their explanation to remedy this issue is to keep standard color red on top of color yellow and color yellow on top of color green in the traffic signal light lenses. The invention's EVMS, as was previously mentioned in the invention's previous claim, will be in a full color mode during the respective traffic signal light color sequence and will have will have the color spelled out within in the screen of the respective light color sequence. For example, when the traffic sight light turns red, the EVMS will minor the same full color screen red as the traffic signal light. The screen will spell out the color being displayed (i.e. “RED”) at the same time the color sequence has been displayed to the motorist. The invention will assist the motorist with color disorientation and color blindness of the proper traffic signal light sequence and other motorists who may require additional reinforcement of the traffic signal light sequence.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to the one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.
The inventors have all jointly contributed to the invention as described in the patent application. While certain claims have been set forth in the present application, it is anticipated that the applicants may file amendments to these claims or additional claims of invention before the patent application is examined or reserve the right to file divisional applications as fully supported by the patent specification to present additional claims if necessary.
Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.
This patent application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/767,201 filed on Feb. 20, 2013, now pending.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5150116 | West | Sep 1992 | A |
| 6266589 | Boies et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
| 8232896 | Keller | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 8675909 | Sivertsen | Mar 2014 | B2 |
| 20020140604 | Doi | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20030020633 | Lee | Jan 2003 | A1 |
| 20050116838 | Bachelder et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050156757 | Garner | Jul 2005 | A1 |
| 20050200500 | Wing | Sep 2005 | A1 |
| 20060176192 | Noriega | Aug 2006 | A1 |
| 20070008178 | Lo | Jan 2007 | A1 |
| 20080104871 | Stadjuhar | May 2008 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150154860 A1 | Jun 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61767201 | Feb 2013 | US |
