Communications: electrical – Traffic control indicator – Indication of time remaining before change of phase
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-10
2001-12-18
Lee, Benjamin C. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Traffic control indicator
Indication of time remaining before change of phase
C340S925000, C340S944000, C340S907000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331824
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a new and novel method for signaling and controlling traffic flow by means of an electric device, or the like.
Efforts to control pedestrian and vehicular patterns for safe passage at areas where opposing movements occur have largely been restricted to (1) electric devices known as traffic lights or (2) traffic-control directed by human personnel.
Current systems of traffic light control devices do not allow (1) pedestrians to anticipate the actual time span for expedient and safe crossing or (2) for motorists to approach and pass warning signals with safety through intersections. This invention affords a real-time signal to the motorist to apply his brakes allowing him to make the appropriate judgment to avoid intersection gridlock. The “real-time” signal informs the motorist to anticipate the time-changing of a traffic signal from “go” to “stop”, thereby preventing his entering and passing the intersection on a “yellow” signal.
Current methods do not allow pedestrians to anticipate the time span for expedient and safe crossing. This invention provides real-time countdown for pedestrian or vehicular cross-over.
Originally, traffic control devices contained only red and green signals. Safety concerns then required the addition of a “yellow” signal to provide an added element of safety. Other safety measures followed, including blinking signals and icons as warnings of a signal change. Despite this intense consideration for traffic safety, the current light-changing “red-yellow-green” and “icon” systems remain an un-safe element of guesswork for the pedestrian and vehicle driver.
The present new and novel device and method of signaling pedestrians and vehicles eliminates the guesswork associated with safe passage.
The inventor is aware of the following U.S. Patents which show efforts made to solve some of the problems described above: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,100,819; 6,087,962; 6,054,932; 3,764,973; 3,302,170.
Though traffic devices have attempted to provide safety in directing the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the traffic flow participants are not informed as to the pending signal change wherever signals are placed. The absence of time-related information presents an unsafe condition since motorists and pedestrians must rely on guessing and/or hopeful anticipation for sufficient time for passage. Guessing has led to improper and dangerous movement. The present invention solves the problem of the current lack of “real-time” elapse information to motorists and pedestrians to negotiate any intersection with safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to control devices generally used to facilitate the orderly movement of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points where non-parallel streets intersect.
This invention relates to a unique and novel device and method that allows for a “real-time” elapse or countdown—most probably a “numerical” countdown—of each successive operating signal, indicating vehicular “stop”, vehicular “go” and pedestrian “walk” to provide information for complete safe passage.
Each street and/or intersection can be uniquely programmed to coordinate with each other in unison or set in appropriate patterns to deal with special traffic situations. Housed in or about the lighted surface, the instant invention provides for a method and device for controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic, eliminating guesswork relative to time in the control of pedestrian and vehicular movement.
The invention provides for an environment that informs all pedestrians and/or vehicle operators with the “real-time” elapse or countdown, better informing the participant so as to adhere to lawful traffic regulations.
As stated earlier, historically, a person or vehicle has not been advised of the length of time to remain in a stopped position. Only an angled view of the opposing signal or a time-tested familiarity with the specific intersection mechanism could provide information to the vehicle operator or the pedestrian.
The instant invention informs a clear and fool-proof mechanism, and method of same, that advises, in “real-time”, the time remaining of the predominant signal.
For example, as soon as a red light is activated, an intrinsic part of the red light begins a countdown in “real-time.” When the red light countdown is completed and ceases to be illuminated, the green signal is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising “real-time” elapse.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3234506 (1966-02-01), Hines
patent: 3302170 (1967-01-01), Jensen
patent: 3320585 (1967-05-01), Hines
patent: 3764973 (1973-10-01), Muramatu
patent: 4200860 (1980-04-01), Fritzinger
patent: 4827258 (1989-05-01), Evans
patent: 5519390 (1996-05-01), Casini
patent: 6054932 (2000-04-01), Nasesi
patent: 6087962 (2000-07-01), Rojas
patent: 6100819 (2000-08-01), White
Lee Benjamin C.
Previl Daniel
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