Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Traffic analysis or control of surface vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-01
2001-06-05
Zanelli, Michael J. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Traffic analysis or control of surface vehicle
C340S907000, C340S933000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243644
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to traffic monitoring devices.
2. Prior Art
A stop sign is a simple painted plate on a support post positioned at a street intersection. Aside from its red color, it is not conspicuous enough to positively attract the attention of drivers or to convey the importance of stopping. Accidents can happen when a driver fails to notice a stop sign, or simply ignores it.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, objects of the present traffic monitoring device are:
to positively alert drivers to the presence of a stop sign or other traffic sign;
to convey the importance of stopping to drivers who might otherwise ignore the sign;
to be self-powered;
to provide an alert which is automatically activated by oncoming traffic or approaching pedestrians;
to monitor and record traffic activity;
to transmit the traffic activity information to a remote monitoring station;
to provide a communication link for drivers or pedestrians with an emergency call center;
to be tamper resistant; and
to be easily retrofitted to existing stop signs.
Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A traffic monitoring device is comprised of a housing for mounting on an existing stop sign. A red lamp attached under the housing is for being positioned in front of the sign above the word “Stop.” When approaching traffic or pedestrians are detected by motion detectors on the housing, the lamp is flashed several times to positively alert drivers to the presence of the sign, and to convey the importance of stopping. Detected traffic movements are stored in memory, and intermittently transmitted to a remote monitoring station with a telephone transceiver. A tamper alert is activated by a tamper switch positioned against a cover on the housing, and deactivated by a keyed control switch. A panic switch and speakerphone for being attached to a supporting post of the stop sign is available to drivers and pedestrians for communicating with an emergency response center. In a second embodiment, the sign is comprised of a housing in the shape of a stop sign enclosing the electronics. In a third embodiment, the sign is comprised of a housing in the shape of a school crossing sign enclosing the electronics.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4788711 (1988-11-01), Nasco, Jr.
patent: 5276424 (1994-01-01), Hegemann
patent: 5448219 (1995-09-01), Yoshikawa et al.
patent: 5734339 (1998-03-01), Ogle
patent: 5889477 (1999-03-01), Fastenrath
patent: 6005491 (1999-12-01), Kopchak et al.
Lo Jack
Zanelli Michael J.
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