AU2007276730A1 - Pedestrian crossing improvement pedestrian crossing safety system - Google Patents

Description

IP Austria 1, 9 MAR 2008 Australia Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification Standard Patent PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IMPROVEMENT The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 PEDESTRIAN COSSING IMPROVEMENT The Pedestrian Crossing Safety System is designed to highlight and maximise pedestrian safety on all types of crossings. Visibility is a key factor, aiming to alert all motorists of an approaching pedestrian crossing. 5 The invention will be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which: Figure 1 is an elevation engineering drawings of the pedestrian crossing safety systems layout and design. Figure 2 is a plan view of the whole crossing setup. 10 Figure 3 is a picture of one side set of light poles and a picture of a the system in place on an existing crossing Figures 4 is the pre warning signs Figure 5 is in reference to the LED beacon used at the top of each pole in the crossings function Figure 6 is the type of solar panel used to maintain power supply to the system to keep it functional without external power supply Figure 7 is the override switch for the shut down and maintenance of the system 15 Figure 8 is the central control storage unit containing the vital parts for this system to operate Figure 9 is the main unit that contains he circuitry for the systems operation this is housed in Figure 8 Figure 10 is were the infrared sensor beams are recessed in the hand rail to be clear of the pedestrians Figure 11 is a picture of the light poles that are set either side of the crossing.

2 5 As the road network is becoming busier every year motorists travel to and from work each day and develop a state were they are focused on their destination. Not only just local people but also new people to the town who are not aware of each crossing location. This system is developed to break that barrier and catch their attention for a split second. 10 The operation of this system is controlled by four infared sensor beams mounted on four poles with class 1 Light emmitent diode flashing lights at the top of each pole (Ref. Fig.1, Fig.5 & Fig.11) The class 1 light emmitent diode lights are equivilant if not better than flashing lights on an emergency services vehicle. These lights come in a variety of colours ranging from bright red, green, yellow, blue and clear.(Ref. Fig.5) 15 This system is manufactured using the latest technology and high quality products available to the market. The Pre. Warning signs are set before the crossing consisting of a flashing light at the top of a powder coated sign pole with a main roads standard sign. This flashes in conjunction with the four light poles on the designated crossing. This works affectively on crossings that are set over a crest or around blind corners. (Ref. Fig. 1, Fig.5 & Fig. 11 ) 20 When a pedestrian approaches the safety zone within handrails mounted to the light poles the infrared beams are broken activating a timer, intermittent buzzer and six flashing lights. The timer and intermittent buzzer are in place to aid the blind and control the amount of time the system operates allowing enough time for the pedestrians to be well clear of the crossing for when the timer resets back ready for the next flow of for the next flow, if there is a continuous stream of pedestrians the timer is reset as the beam is and will not stop operating until the last person has crossed. (Ref. Fig.9, Fig.10 & Fig. 11) 3 5 The Pedestrian Crossing Safety System is solar powered and comes with a large charging and storage capacity. At the side of the crossing will be a fibreglass box and concrete box beneath this containing all circuitry necessary to operate the system this includes, the central control unit that contains the a circuit board and G.S.M wireless network alerting the maintenance team via text message on my mobile phone of which crossing has the problem, two one hundred AMP/H 12 volt battery's which will power the crossing system allowing it to operate on cloudy days, a built in, a third 12 volt heavy duty battery is for backup power supply which is activated when the voltage of the system drops and maintains the systems operation until the problem is rectified immediately and an isolator switch that can shutdown the system or over ride the system from automatic mode to manual mode allowing the system to run continuously for specialised areas such as School Zones during the restricted speed times set by Main Roads. (Ref. Fig.7, Fig.8 & Fig.9 ) 10 At night the system operates in night mode with a light activated sensor allowing the system to reduce the voltage which reduces the light output to limit confusion and not distract the drivers concentration with over powering bright lights this will limit confusion but also will allow the system to function as normal. 15 Any fabricated structure is engineer approved, manufactured and installed according to all necessary codes of practices standards and governing laws in each state. This system can be installed as a complete new setup eg. Road marking zebra crossing, street furniture, paving concreting new Pathways and the initial setup of the system or this system can be adapted to all types of existing crossings with the installation of the system only.

Claims (5)

1. A pedestrian crossing warning system for motorists comprising of six powder coated poles constructed from steel with six industrial L.E.D lights at the top of each pole and a central control unit housed in a fibre glass and concrete box were the PVC control box and four infrared sensor beams mounted in four of the poles to activate the crossing.

2. A pedestrian crossing warning system as in claim 1, wherein the system is manufacture from steel to engineer specifications and complies with all necessary laws, powder coated for long lasting durability. 0

3. A pedestrian crossing warning system as in claim 1 and 2 were a GSM wireless network sends a text message to or mobile phone responding to a problem with the system.

4 A pedestrian crossing warning system as in claim 1-3 wherein the system is solar powered and has backup battery power in the event of a malfunction.

5 5. A pedestrian crossing warning system as herein before described with reference to figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings. Matthew Charles Roberts 15 February 2008