GB2592116A - Assistive device providing traffic light control activation for multiple disability use - Google Patents

Abstract

Remote call system 10, 140 comprises a controller 90 with a switch having a standby state and call state. In the call state, the controller’s circuit controls a device to initiate a predetermined action - e.g. it may control changing a traffic priority via a pedestrian crossing signal (Fig.1,22), opening a door or calling a lift. The controller has a radio frequency (RF) receiver which, upon receipt of a RF signal from a complementary RF transmitter (Fig.4,50), emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state. The controller also has a momentary push button and/or contactless switch 82,92, which also send a control signal to change the switch state. The RF signal may comprise a code such that the controller selectively gives priority to pedestrians only if the code matches a pre-authorised code. The sides and rear surface of the controller’s body may comprise RF shielding material to bias RF receiver gain towards its front.

Description

ASSISTIVE DEVICE PROVIDING TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROL ACTIVATION FOR MULTIPLE DISABILITY USE

This invention relates to the automatic operation of a pedestrian traffic light control systems and in particular, but without limitation, to initiating pedestrian crossing light change demand, but without limitation to, all electronic crossing activation units.

It has been proposed, such as in our earlier patent application G51811515.4 [Pearson, 13 July 2018], to use a "Smart Cane" to help blind or partially-sighted people find their way around complex and/or unfamiliar environments. GB1811515.4 discloses a "Smart Cane", which has an RFID reader at its tip, which interacts with RFID tags on the floor or built into the environment. When the tip of the Smart Cane passes over an RFID tag, information is exchanged, which outputs an audible message into an ear bud that the person using the Smart Cane wears. Where approaching a pedestrian crossing for example, the Smart Cane can pass over an RFID tag, which is programmed to output a plain-speech message such as "pedestrian crossing left" so that the person using the Smart Cane is able to recognise that there is a pedestrian crossing nearby. The RFID tags can be programmed to have various different meanings, and the meanings can be programmed to have different audible messages associated with them, depending on the requirements of the user.

Other similar systems are described, for example, US8786466 [Aladas], U52012/223843 [Wall], US10403129 [Suarez], KR101039572 [EMW] and JPH08191854 [Utsumi].

Activation of traffic light change control is generally done by the use of a push button or touch sensitive button on the traffic light demand control unit. This can cause potential issues for people with disabilities who may not be able to see where the push button is located due to visual impairment or who may have difficulty manoeuvring into a position to press the button due to mobility issues which either require the use of a mobility scooter, wheelchair or other mobility aid, or be unable to press the button due to Parkinson's disease which may affect the dexterity to do this or due to paralysis or missing limbs. Moreover, able-bodied people using conventional pedestrian crossings can also encounter difficulties, such as when approaching with a pram, as this often requires the pram to be positioned very close to the kerb edge in order for the person pushing the pram to be able to reach the push button. This can place a child in the pram in close proximity to moving traffic, which can also be hazardous.

This invention aims to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems and/or provide an improved and/or alternative assistive technology device.

Aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended independent claim or claims. Preferred and/or optional features of the invention are set forthin the appended dependent claims.

According an aspect of the invention, there is provided remote call system comprising a controller comprising a circuit and a switch having a standby state and call state, whereby: when the controller's switch is in the call state, the controller's circuit controls a device to initiate a predetermined action, the switch being changeable from the standby state to the call state by a human interface device, which comprises: an RF receiver, which upon receipt of an RF signal from a complementary RF transmitter, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and any one or more of: a momentary push button switch, which when depressed, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and a contactless switch, which when activated, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state.

The invention thus provides a control system that permits both manual actuation of the switch, for example, by depressing the momentary push button switch or by using a contactless switch; as well as remote-controlled actuation by using the RF transmitter. This gives several options for a user of the invention, and makes it more accessible to able-bodied users, as well as to those with disabilities. Moreover, as push-button devices, such as doorbells, pedestrian crossing buttons and lift call buttons are frequently-used "touch points", they potentially pose health hazards in terms of spreading dirt and pathogens. However, by providing a contactless option (either by using the contactless switch or the RF transmitter), self-inoculation and cross-contamination can be reduced or avoided, and hygiene generally can be improved.

The invention can thus be incorporated into any device or system where a push-button activation system is conventionally employed -for example, doorbells, lift call buttons, ring-forattention buttons, etc. A preferred embodiment of the invention sees the invention incorporated into a pedestrian crossing system, and so, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pedestrian crossing activation system comprising a controller comprising a circuit and a switch having a standby state and call state, whereby: when the controller's switch is in the call state, the controller's circuit controls a pedestrian crossing to give priority to pedestrians and/or cycle traffic, and when the controller's switch is in the standby state, the controller's circuit controls the pedestrian crossing to give priority to vehicular traffic, the switch being changeable from the standby state to the call state by a human interface device, the human interface device comprising: an RF receiver, which upon receipt of an RF signal from a complementary RF transmitter, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and any one or more of: a momentary push button switch, which when depressed, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and a contactless switch, which when activated, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state.

The RF transmitter suitably comprises a main body comprising a power source, a momentary push button switch and an RF transceiver, the RF transceiver being configured to emit the RF control signal when the RF transmitter's momentary push button switch is depressed. The RF transceiver of the RF transmitter can be a one-way device, such as a transmit-only transceiver (transmitter), or it could be a send and receive device (transceiver).

Preferably, the RF control signal comprises a code, and wherein the controller's circuit is configured to parse the code to selectively give priority to pedestrians and/or cycle traffic only when the received code matches a pre-authorised code. The use of a control signal comprising a code can have many additional benefits. Firstly, it can control who can operate a given device remotely -namely by restricting use of the RF system to pre-authorise users or subscribers. Furthermore, by using a code, the actuation of the device can be rendered secure, and this means that the invention could, in certain embodiments, be used as a keyless door entry system. The use of a code requires the controller to be listening for a given code or codes, and to also comprise a logic device that accepts or rejects RF signals received-depending on whether or not an authorised code has been received or not. The use of a code as opposed to a plain signal at a given frequency reduces the likelihood of interference or inadvertent actuation of the device from causing the controller to move from a standby state to a call state.

The RF transmitter preferably comprises a short-range RF transmitter having a range of less than 2m. By using a transmitter with a short-range, it is possible to limit the proximity a user needs to be to the controller to actuate the device wirelessly. This is particularly useful where the invention is used in a pedestrian crossing -where several call buttons may be in close proximity. By limiting the range of the transmitter, to say less than two metres, it means that a call button on an opposite side of the street would not ordinarily be actuated by a user standing on one side of the street.

The controller suitably comprises a main body having front, side, rear, upper and lower surfaces, wherein the side, rear, upper and lower surfaces are at least partially manufactured from an RF shielding material such that the gain of the RF receiver is biased in a direction corresponding to the front side of the main body. The front surface is at least manufactured from glass of plastics, and wherein the side, rear, upper and lower surfaces are at least partially manufactured from metal. Previous attempts at automating pedestrian crossings and other devices have required some form of "directionality" to be built into the transmitter and/or receiver. For example, in the published patent documents mentioned previously, it was necessary to include gyroscopes, attitude centres, GPS receivers, etc. in order to determine the position and/or orientation of the transmitter at the time the actuation signal is transmitted. This was deemed necessary to ensure that only a desired device was actuated by pointing the transmitter at that device when pressing the actuation button. However, the ability to point a transmitter in a given direction may not always be possible, and so an "omnidirectional" transmitter is preferred.

The inventions turns the problem the other way around and provides an omnidirectional transmitter, but a directional receiver, which only receives signals transmitted from a certain range of directions. This is accomplished in embodiments of the invention, by locating the receiver within an RF shielding enclosure. Conveniently, many pedestrian crossing control units, lift call buttons, door access system enclosures are conveniently made of metallic materials, such as cast aluminium or steel and the housing of the unit can be used to shield the antenna/receiver from RF signals received from certain directions. In the case of a pedestrian crossing, the control module is typically manufactured as a 5-sided box manufactured from cast aluminium. A glass or plastics front surface is used so that the lights can be seen from the front direction. This conveniently provides an enclosure, which shields RF signals from five directions, but which is RF transparent from a front direction. By mounting the receiver/controller within such an enclosure, it can only receive RF signals from the front direction. Thus, and because most pedestrian crossings are arranged perpendicular to the Kerb edge, even at a crossroads, the front faces of the control modules will be oriented in different directions. This configuration means that a person can actuate a desired crossing system simply by standing in front of the unit, within a certain range, and depressing the actuation button. This solution obviates the need for orientation and/or position sensors and thus greatly simplifies the invention compared to the prior art.

The RF signal suitably comprises a low-power Bluetooth® signal. The use of a low-power Bluetooth signal is advantageous as Bluetooth is a ubiquitous technology and is inherently short-range. By using a low-power Bluetooth signal, the range is also limited to around a few metres.

The contactless switch may comprise a beam-break sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the contactless switch may comprise a capacitive proximity sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the contactless switch may comprise a radar proximity sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the contactless switch may comprise a time-of-flight laser sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the contactless switch may comprise an infra-red proximity sensor. Additionally, or alternatively, the contactless switch may comprise a photoelectric sensor. The use of a contactless switch can be easier to use for people with dexterity issues and it also helps to avoid cross-contamination and/or the transmission of dirt and pathogens. A simple beam-break sensor or a capacitive proximity sensor is preferred as they are relatively simple to use and do not require a particular gesture to be used in front of the sensor in order to actuate them. The near presence of an object within the vicinity of the contactless sensor is sufficient to actuate it without having to actually touch anything. The use of an assistive device to facilitate and initiate the change sequence of traffic lights is therefore a solution to many of the difficulties faced by many disability groups. Using a radio frequency transceiver operating but not limited to the sub gigahertz frequency range, and a means of transmitting said signal to a corresponding radio frequency transceiver which is operating as a base station capable of initiating the demand button, this invention will enable the remote operation of the traffic light demand by users in the near vicinity of the crossing. The invention will initiate the crossing button and provide audio information via a listening device for example but not limited to an earphone, speaker or other such audio device capable of producing sound in the audio frequency range as to the current state of the traffic lights. For example, the audio messages that may be heard could include but are not limited to the following messages. "Crossing activated, please wait to cross", "Green man active, take care when crossing", Red man active, do not cross".

The assistive devices capable of initiating the activation of the invention connected to the demand button will include but are not limited to: a blind cane for visually impaired people; * a shoe insole with electronic transmission for visually impaired people, dementia sufferers, people with learning disabilities and people with amputations or paralysis in their limbs; * c) a walking stick for mobility impaired people, dementia sufferers; * d) a push button on a mobility scooter, wheelchair or assisted walking device for people with mobility issues; and * e) a push button unit designed for people with Parkinson's.

The invention aims to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems by connecting to the existing push to make/break demand button, mounted in or adjacent to the demand unit housing which when initiated by way of the radio frequency transmission causes the push button activation to commence.

The invention is not limited to use in pedestrian crossings, but can be utilised for activating any electronic switches where there is a need for someone with a disability to activate them without the need to actively touch or directly interact with the switch. For example, the invention could be incorporated into a lift call system, whereby the user could remotely call a lift, rather than having to find the conventional lift button. Additionally or alternatively, the invention could be incorporated into a doorbell system, whereby the user could remotely ring a door bell, rather than having to find the conventional push button. Other examples of applications for the invention will be readily apparent.

Preferred embodiments of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a Drawing showing the invention being activated by a shoe insole containing an electronic transceiver system used to trigger the demand control unit; Figure 2 is a Drawing showing the invention being activated by a blind cane containing an electronic transceiver system used to trigger the demand control unit; Figure 3 is a Drawing showing the invention being activated by a walking stick containing an electronic transceiver system used to trigger the demand control unit; Figure 4 is a Drawing showing the invention being activated by a button on a mobility device containing an electronic transceiver system used to trigger the demand control unit; Figure 5 is a schematic, perspective view, of an RF transmitter suitable for use in conjunction with the invention on a walking stick or a mobility scooter or a pram; Figure 6 is a Drawing showing the invention being activated by a device designed for people with Parkinson's containing an electronic transceiver system used to trigger the demand control unit; Figures 7 and 8 are schematic and internal views of an electronic transceiver system such as might be used by the person shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the component parts of the invention and connections to the demand control unit; Figure 10 is a schematic, perspective view of a pedestrian crossing control unit in accordance with the invention; Figure 11 is a schematic. Internal view of the pedestrian crossing system of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a schematic, perspective internal view of a lift call button in accordance with the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate, schematically, a remote call system 10 in accordance with an embodiment in the invention in which there is a pedestrian crossing 12 that is controlled by a controller 14. In each case, a user 16 of the remote call system 10 has on their person, or in their possession, an RFID reader 18, which is located, respectively, in the sole of their shoe, the tip of a blind cane and the tip of a walking stick, respectively. Embedded within the pedestrian crossing 12 is an RFID tag which, when the RFID reader 18 comes into proximity therewith, exchanges a signal. The RFID reader 18 then transmits a call signal 20 to the controller 14 of the pedestrian crossing 12, which causes the traffic light 22 priority to change from vehicular priority to pedestrian/cycle priority. Once the controller 14 has prioritised for pedestrian/cycle traffic, it transmits a signal 24 to an earpiece 26 worn by the user 16, which outputs a plain-speak message such as "clear to cross" at the appropriate time.

Further embodiments in the invention are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings in which users 16 of the pedestrian crossing are able to communicate wirelessly 20 with a pedestrian crossing controller 14 using a remote control button 50. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 5 of the drawings, the remote control button 50 has a main body 52, which has a formation 54 that enables it to be easily affixed to a handle bar, walking stick handle, pram handle, etc. It is a battery-powered device with an integral battery and it has a rubberised push button 56 on it. Depressing the button 56 causes the transmitter 50 to transmit a control code signal 20 to the pedestrian crossing controller 14, and that causes the pedestrian crossing 12 to move from a vehicular to a pedestrian/cycle priority state.

A hand-held version of the RF transmitter 50 is shown in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, but this time, it has two push buttons 56A, 568 each housed behind a rubber end cap 58. The main body 52 of the RF transmitter 50 is generally cylindrical and shaped so as to fit comfortably into the hand of a user. By providing a push button 56 at either end of the main body 52, it doesn't matter which way round a user grasps the main body 52-one of the push buttons 56A, 568 will always be located adjacent to the user's thumb.

Internally, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 8, the RF transmitter 50 has a circuit 60, which is powered by a batter 62 and the buttons 56A, 56B are connected to the circuit 60 via fly leads 64. The circuit 60 comprises a power control module as well as an RF transmitter 66, which emits the wireless signal 20 when either, or both, of the buttons 56A, 56B are depressed.

The system is powered from the main control unit in which it is housed. It derives its power from available supplies within the control unit which are generally 48v AC but may also be 230v AC in some older models. The supply voltage is rectified and reduced to a suitable DC voltage to power the invention, which operates in a stand-by listening mode awaiting a trigger signal from an associated device in the ISM Sub-gigahertz frequency range, but may also be configured to receive trigger signals from other frequencies above that. Upon receipt of said signal the invention triggers a relay which in turn mimics the open/close operation of the push button switch which is the normal method of operation for a traffic light demand control unit. The invention then sends out an RF signal which may be a code or audio signal which provides an audio message to the user either by way of Bluetooth earpiece or speaker to provide a message to the user that the traffic light change has been activated. Once the relay has initiated the traffic light change sequence the invention is operatively monitoring the supply feed of the green person indication or invitation to cross indication contacts waiting to detect the illumination feed for the invitation to cross lights. Once the illumination supply feed illuminates the invitation to cross lights the invention transmits a further RF signal which may be a code or audio signal which provides an audio message to the user that the crossing invitation has been activated after which the user can make a decision to traverse the crossing. The invention continues to monitor the supply feed of the green person indication or invitation to cross as well as the do not cross illumination feed to detect when the invitation to cross feed has been removed. Once this is detected the invention transmits an RF signal which may be a code or audio signal which provides an audio message to the user that informs them not to cross as the traffic lights have changed.

The system can be initiated by a blind persons' assistive device that is fitted with compatible technology system as shown in fig 1 and fig 2 that can communicate with the invention by way of RF transmission. In a preferred embodiment of this assistive device, it is triggered by the receipt of an RFID sensor embedded in the crossing which is coded to only trigger the invention at the same crossing and not any other crossings in the vicinity. This ensures the security and integrity of the system in such a way that it does not interfere with other crossings in the vicinity that are fitted with the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of an assistive device for people with mobility impairments a device that is fitted with compatible technology system as shown in fig 4 that can communicate with the invention by way of RF transmission can be fitted to a mobility aid. The user with this device can initiate the RF signal transmission by pressing a button on a device fitted to the mobility aid which will initiate the transmission to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of an assistive device for people with Parkinson's disease, as shown in Fig 5 who have difficulties pressing buttons, a hand-held device that is a tube-shaped device with a button at both ends is fitted with compatible technology system that can communicate with the invention by way of RF transmission can be fitted to a mobility aid. The user with this device can initiate the RF signal transmission by pressing a button on the device which will initiate the transmission to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of an assistive device for people with Dementia or Alzheimer's a walking stick as shown in fig 3 that is fitted with compatible technology system that can communicate with the invention by way of RF transmission can be fitted with a switch to the walking stick or initiated by an RFID sensor embedded in the crossing is coded to only trigger the invention at the same crossing and not any other crossing in the vicinity. The user with this device can initiate the RF signal transmission by pressing a button fitted to the mobility aid which will initiate the transmission to the invention or by detecting the RFID sensor embedded in the crossing.

Finally, referring to Figures 10, 11 and 12 of the drawings, examples of control modules 14, 140 are shown. In Figures 10 and 11, a pedestrian crossing control module 14 is shown, which has a conventional aluminium casting for its main body 80. A conventional momentary push button 82 is provided on the front surface of the main body 80 and a display screen (removed for clarity in Figure 10), indicates when it is safe to cross. Conventionally, a user 16 would depress the button 82 to actuate a controller 86, which would control the priority of the traffic lights 22 as previously described. However, in the present case, there is an additional controller 90 forming one part of the invention, which interfaces with the existing controller 86 via fly leads (not shown). The main controller 90 is powered off the same power supply that supplies power to the conventional pedestrian crossing controller 14, 140. Built into the main controller 90, and projecting therefrom, is a contactless switch 92, which in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 protrudes downwardly through an aperture in a base wall of the pedestrian controller 14. In order to actuate the pedestrian crossing, a user 16 simply needs to wave their hand underneath the sensor 92, and the controller 19 sends a signal to the main controller 86 to change from a standby to a call state.

Additionally, the main controller comprises an RF receiver and an antenna 96, which is located within the main body 80. Because the main body 80 is manufactured from cast aluminium, save for the display screen 84, RF signals (indicated, schematically in Figure 11 by the chain-link arrows) are unable to pass through the main body 80, thus rendering the antenna 96 directional in a forward direction -i.e. in a direction of the display panel 84. This means that the antenna 96 is only able to receive signals from a generally forward direction, and this renders the device directional as previously described.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 12 of the drawings, but this time incorporated into a lift call button. Here, the control button 82/92 is a hybrid push button/proximity sensor, which can either be pressed in the manner of a conventional momentary switch, or it can be operated contactlessly by waving a hand in front of it. The controller in this case 90 also has an antenna 96 for receiving signals from a forward direction, and this is achieved by a back plate 801 of the main body being manufactured from metal, such as aluminium or steel, but a front face 802 of the lift call button 140 being manufactured from an RF-transparent material, such as plastics.

The following features are not the claims, but relate to various possible features or embodiments of the invention: Satement 1. An RF transceiver switch system comprising: an RF transceiver for receiving a wireless signal; a switch that changes state when an RF signal is received.

Satement 2. An RF switch system as in statement 1, wherein the system comprises an RF transceiver, a voltage sensing circuit and a relay or electronic switch.

Satement 3. An RF switch system as in statements 1 or statement 2 further comprising a voltage rectifier and voltage regulator circuit allowing for different input voltages feeds.

Satement 4. An RF switch according to any of statements 1, 2 or 3 wherein the system comprises a processor for monitoring the voltages and voltage changes.

Satement 5. An RF switch according to any preceding statement further comprising a short-range wireless transceiver, a processor, voltage rectification circuits with voltage regulation, voltage sensing circuits and relays, which when an RF signal is received from an assistive device, changes the state of the relay.

Satement 6. An RF switch according to statement 5, wherein the RF transceiver upon receipt of an RF signal transmits a coded RF signal to an assistive device that then delivers an audio message to the user relating to the coded signal.

Satement 7. An RF switch according to statement 6, wherein the RF transceiver upon receipt of an RF signal transmits an audio signal to an assistive device that then delivers an audio message to the user.

Satement 8. An RF switch according to any preceding statement, wherein the system comprises a feedback circuit that monitors the status of the input voltage feed circuits.

Satement 9. An RF switch according to statement 8, wherein the system transmits a coded RF signal to an assistive device which delivers an audio message to the user as to the status of the input voltage feed circuits.

Satement 10. An RF switch according to statement 8, wherein the system transmits an audio signal to an assistive device which delivers an audio message to the user as to the status of the input voltage feed circuits.

Satement 11. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

Satement 12. An RF switch according to any preceding statements, wherein the system transmits a signal to a visual display device as to the status of the input voltage feed circuits. Satement 13. An RF switch according to any preceding statement, wherein the system transmits a coded signal to a visual display device as to the status of the input voltage feed circuits.

Satement 14. An RF switch according to any preceding statement, wherein the system transmits a coded RF signal to an assistive device which delivers an audio message to the user as to the status of a pedestrian crossing.

Satement 15. An RF switch according to any preceding statement, wherein the system transmits an audio signal to an assistive device which delivers an audio message to the user as to the status of a pedestrian crossing.

Satement 16. An RF switch according to any preceding statement, wherein the system transmits bi-directional data via a radio frequency transceiver.

Satement 17. An RF switch according to statement 8, wherein the system transmits a coded RF signal to an assistive device which delivers an audio message to the user via a Bluetooth or other earpiece as to the status of the input voltage feed circuits. Satement 18. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal from the pavement of the pedestrian crossing which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

Satement 19. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal from a blind cane which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

Satement 20. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal from a walking stick which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

Satement 21. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal from a users shoe which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

Satement 22. An RF switch according to any preceding statement that receives a coded RF signal from a push-button unit which operatively activates the relay or other switch as a result of detecting a specific code.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments, which are merely exemplary.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS1. A remote call system comprising: a controller comprising a circuit and a switch having a standby state and call state, whereby: when the controller's switch is in the call state, the controller's circuit controls a device to initiate a predetermined action, the switch being changeable from the standby state to the call state by a human interface device, which comprises: an RF receiver, which upon receipt of an RF signal from a complementary RF transmitter, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and any one or more of: a momentary push button switch, which when depressed, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and a contactless switch, which when activated, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state.
2. 2. The remote call system of claim 1, wherein the call state activates any one or more of: a doorbell; a lift call button; a door access/unlocking system and a ring-for-attention button
3. 3. The remote call system of claim 1, wherein the call state activates a pedestrian crossing system to give priority to pedestrians and/or cycle traffic.
4. 4. The remote call system of claim 1, wherein the standby state activates a pedestrian crossing system to give priority to vehicular traffic
5. 5. A pedestrian crossing activation system comprising the remote call system of claim 1.
6. 6. The pedestrian crossing activation system of claim 5 whereby: when the controller's switch is in the call state, the controller's circuit controls a pedestrian crossing to give priority to pedestrians and/or cycle traffic, and when the controller's switch is in the standby state, the controller's circuit controls the pedestrian crossing to give priority to vehicular traffic, the switch being changeable from the standby state to the call state by the human interface device, the human interface device comprising: the RF receiver, which upon receipt of an RF signal from a complementary RF transmitter, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and any one or more of: the momentary push button switch, which when depressed, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state; and the contactless switch, which when activated, emits a control signal to the switch to change the switch from the standby state to the call state.
7. 7. The pedestrian crossing activation system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the RF transmitter comprises a main body comprising a power source, a momentary push button switch and an RF transceiver, the RF transceiver being configured to emit the RF control signal when the RF transmitter's momentary push button switch is depressed.
8. 8. The pedestrian crossing activation system of claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the RF control signal comprises a code, and wherein the controller's circuit is configured to parse the code to selectively give priority to pedestrians and/or cycle traffic only when the received code matches a pre-authorised code.
9. 9. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the RF transmitter comprises a short-range RF transmitter haying a range of less than 2m.
10. 10. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the controller comprises a main body having front, side, rear, upper and lower surfaces, wherein the side, rear, upper and lower surfaces are at least partially manufactured from an RF shielding material such that the gain of the RF receiver is biased in a direction corresponding to the front side of the main body.
11. 11. The pedestrian crossing activation system of claim 10, wherein the front surface is at least manufactured from glass of plastics, and wherein the side, rear, upper and lower surfaces are at least partially manufactured from metal.
12. 12. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim wherein RF signal comprises a low-power Bluetooth ® signal.
13. 13. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises a beam-break sensor.
14. 14. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises a capacitive proximity sensor.
15. 15. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises a radar proximity sensor.
16. 16. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises a time-of-flight laser sensor.
17. 17. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises an infra-red proximity sensor.
18. 18. The pedestrian crossing activation system of any preceding claim, wherein the contactless switch comprises a photoelectric sensor.