CA2531259A1

CA2531259A1 - Traffic interval signal device

Info

Publication number: CA2531259A1
Application number: CA 2531259
Authority: CA
Inventors: Spiros Sh Hippolyte; Thomas Tf Fatouros
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-03
Filing date: 2006-01-03
Publication date: 2007-07-03

Abstract

The "Traffic Interval Signal Device" indicates to the vehicle driver the length of time for a green traffic signal light. The invention can be implemented at existing traffic lights; it is optimally used at highways and main thoroughfares. The signaling device uses display panel to present visually time remaining for a "green" light signal at traffic controlled intersection.
This will aid in the prevention of crossing the intersection in hazardous conditions (Red light signal).
The case for the "Traffic Light Interval Signal Device" can use many types of lighting components:
light emitting diodes, Liquid crystal display, and standard bulbs. The interval traffic light uses four segments (or the amount required) to represent elapsed time. The left segment can indicate a left turning signal by flashing for a defined time period. When the traffic controller sends the signal for a green light all segments of the traffic light shine green.

Description

Traffic Interval Signal Device This invention falls within the category of visual signalling devices used to control operator function of road vehicles in civil road transport environments. Traffic controller devices are used to regulate the safe flow of traffic using visual cues to alert the vehicle driver of the status of the floNi, of traffic through an intersection or part of a high volume thoroughfare.
Background The "Traffic Interval Signal Device" is a means of indicating to the driver of a vehicle the length of time for a green light at a traffic signal device. The invention can be implemented at any existing traffic light, yet is its optimal use is in highways and main thoroughfares. Standard traffic light devices use light bulbs within the fixture housing, to be illuminated when the controller sends the signal to the corresponding bulb which shines through a coloured material (glass or plastic) to present to vehicle drivers a coloured light. The driver of the vehicle interprets the colour as the instructions: to proceed "green", moving with caution or stop "yellow" and to stop "red". With this standard of signalling there is indication of the time remaining for the current signal light.

Descripfion The signalling device uses a LED (light emitting diode) panel to present visually the amount of time remaining for a green light signal at a traffic controlled intersection (fig. A).
This will aid in the prevention of crossing the intersection when hazardous conditions occur (Red light signal). The fixture for the "Traffic Interval Signal Device" can use many types of lighting components: light emitting diodes, Liquid crystal display, standard bulbs used in current traffic signal devices. The traffic interval signal device will use four light segments (or any number that are required) to represent elapsed time (fig. A 1-4). The far left segment can indicate a left turning signal by flashing for a defined period of time (fig. A-1). When the traffic cycle of the controller device sends the signal for a green light all segments of this traffic light will shine green.
As the cvcle controller transmits the time remaining for the green light, segments from left to right will turn off (or dim) given a period of time remaining for the green light tra.tlic signal.
When the final interval is reached the traffic display will present a digital count of the time (example: seconds) remaining of the green light signal (fig. A-4). The time intervals of the lights will be extrapolated from the timing signal for the local controller and traffic grid system.

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Claims

1. The traffic internal signal device is used in place of standard traffic control lights to indicate for the driver visually the remaining time the signal for traffic to proceed will last (green light). The device display is as follows:
a) The device makes uses of four segmented displays that are illuminated in relation to the time remaining for the traffic signal.
b) One segment of the display is used to show the time remaining through digital numbers produced using Light emitting diodes. Liquid crystal display or florescent light, c) The traffic interval signalling device will receive and interpret time information from the traffic controller, d) The orientation and position of the device unit including each display segment is variable.