WO2010125241A1 - An apparatus for controlling traffic - Google Patents

An apparatus for controlling traffic Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010125241A1
WO2010125241A1 PCT/FI2010/050343 FI2010050343W WO2010125241A1 WO 2010125241 A1 WO2010125241 A1 WO 2010125241A1 FI 2010050343 W FI2010050343 W FI 2010050343W WO 2010125241 A1 WO2010125241 A1 WO 2010125241A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mobile apparatus
control signal
traffic
traffic control
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2010/050343
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Markku PENTTILÄ
Original Assignee
Tiimataito Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tiimataito Oy filed Critical Tiimataito Oy
Publication of WO2010125241A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010125241A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/017Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
    • G08G1/0175Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles by photographing vehicles, e.g. when violating traffic rules
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/07Controlling traffic signals

Definitions

  • Also other kinds of known solutions configured to warn traffic are familiarized in the known prior art.
  • One known example is a device that reminds a car driver in real time when he/she violates the law e.g. when he/she is speeding. Also this so- lution fails to improve judicial relief of the victim when an accident occurs.
  • One known way to control traffic is a radar controlling system located on the side of the road. Nonetheless, this device does not provide any kinds of traffic control signals but merely works as a punishment system when traffic rules are violated. Moreover, said radar control systems are not designed to improve judicial relief of the victim of an accident.
  • an apparatus for controlling traffic comprising:
  • a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic
  • a recorder configured to produce a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal
  • the function of the signaling is to control traffic and when an accident takes place to video record the accident at least partially.
  • some further em- bodiments of the invention allow improved traffic safety e.g. due to the control operation.
  • Another further embodiment improves the overall judicial relief of a victim. This can be e.g. when the accident or just an indifference to traffic rules that has taken place is stored to the server to be seen afterwards.
  • Yet another embodiment of the invention is configured to guide its user and thus prevent accidents before- hand.
  • aid when an accident takes place, aid can be arranged quickly to the place of the accident due to the fact that the accident is at least partially recorded and furthermore in some embodiments of the invention the collision to the device is fully recorded.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 3 depicts yet another method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 depicts another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the in- vention
  • Figure 6 depicts yet another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 7 depicts a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Description of further embodiments
  • an apparatus can be considered as a black box.
  • the function of the traffic control signaling is to control traffic and in such a case that an accident takes place to video record the whole accident so that recorded material is transmitted safely and thus it is not destroyed if the apparatus crashes in the accident.
  • Table 1 illustrates some embodiments of the signaling system of the invention.
  • the apparatus comprises at least: a signaling source, a recorder and a transmitter.
  • the function of the signaling source is to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
  • control can mean that the user can either show that he/she is not crossing a road at the mo- ment, he/she is going to cross a road or he/she is crossing the road and the crossing event is video recorded.
  • the function of the video recorder is to produce a video signal relating to the traffic.
  • the function of the transmitter is to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • the upper row of Table 1 depicts two variables: 1 ) components of a signal source and 2) actions. Due to simplicity, in table 1 the signaling source comprises only a red light source (Embodiment A-B), a red light and a green light sources (Embo- diments C-D) or a red light, a yellow light and a green light sources (Embodiment E).
  • Embodiment A-B red light source
  • C-D green light sources
  • Embo- diments E a red light, a yellow light and a green light sources
  • Showing the red light to the traffic means that the user is crossing the road and the crossing event is video recorded.
  • Action is divided into three moments: 1 ) starting point, 2) approaching road, 3) crossing road.
  • Starting point means a moment when the user starts a trip which can be e.g. a walking trip.
  • Approaching road is a predetermined distance from the road.
  • Crossing road means the moment when the user of the apparatus crosses the road.
  • the left hand's side row of table 1 depicts different functional exemplary embodiments of the invention.
  • the apparatus comprises just a red light source and the apparatus is turned on when the user is crossing a road. At the same time the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user.
  • the apparatus comprises just a red light source and the apparatus is turned on at the starting point. Furthermore, when the user is crossing a road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or by the apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises red and green light sources. At the starting point, the apparatus is turned on and green light signaling is started by the apparatus. Furthermore, when the user starts crossing the road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises a red light source, a yellow light source and a green light source.
  • green light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus to show that the user is not going to cross the road in the time interval the green light is shown.
  • yellow light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus to show that that the user is going to cross the road very soon.
  • the apparatus can be synchronized with the traffic lights of the road e.g. the one which have the closest proximity with the apparatus.
  • Figure 1 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the first step is turning the apparatus (101 ) on.
  • a method illustrated in Figure 1 comprises showing the green light to the traffic which means that the user is not going to cross the road in the time interval the green light is shown (102). Thereafter, showing the yellow light is started by the user or the apparatus to showing that that user is going to cross the road very soon (103).
  • the method further comprises obtaining information of the location of the apparatus and heading direction of the apparatus in relation to a road (104).
  • the method also comprises determining a valid recording position to said apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position to the apparatus based on the heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road and the location of the apparatus in relation to the road (105).
  • the method comprises detecting the position of said apparatus (106) and producing a remark signal in the user interface to the user if the position of said apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position (107).
  • the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (108) in the apparatus (101 ).
  • the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (109).
  • the distance between the appa- ratus and the object can be deduced by measuring a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording and measuring a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording.
  • Deducing a distance between the apparatus and the object can be done based on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable.
  • the next step is producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic (203).
  • the method also comprises producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal (204). If the distance between the object and the apparatus is not adequate, the method presented in Figure 2 starts from the beginning as shown.
  • the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (205).
  • FIG. 3 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the first step is producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic (301 ).
  • the method also comprises producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal (302).
  • the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traf- fic control signal via a communication network so as to store the video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (303).
  • the method further comprises receiving said produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control sig- nal via the communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal (304).
  • the method further comprises receiving the location of the apparatus by said server (305).
  • a computer program compris- ing computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a method presented in figures 1 -2 or any other method according to the invention when said program is run on a computer.
  • the computer program can be a computer program or computer program product.
  • the product is an example of a tangible object.
  • it can be a medium such as a disc, a hard disk, an optical medium, CD-ROM, floppy disk, or the like storage etc.
  • the product may be in a form of a signal such as an electromagnetic signal. The signal can be transmitted within the electric wire for example.
  • the product comprises computer program code or code means arranged to perform the operations of various embodiments of the invention.
  • the invention can be embodied on a chipset or the like.
  • the apparatus is turned on by means of a coupler by pressing e.g. a start button (401 ) in a user interface or by means of a received signal.
  • a start button 401
  • the user is identified as an illustration by means of a finger print or password but it is worth of noticing that this is not a necessary action in all embodiments.
  • the apparatus has a signal source which is configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
  • the signal source is a red light source (402).
  • the signal source can be additionally or solely at least one of the following: a sound source, a reflecting item like a reflector or mirror or combination of different light sources.
  • the user can warn traffic by showing or allocating this traffic control signal to the other actors in traffic e.g. to car driver(s), motor bike driver(s), pedestrian(s) and/or biker(s) or the like.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one of the following: ambient light detector (405), ambient humidity detector (405'), ambient temperature detector (405") and ambient noise detector (405'") for analyzing whether user interface, signaling and recording conditions are properly enough for reliable recording.
  • a processor compares values of the detectors to determined maximum values and if any of those values exceeds determined maximum value the user is informed via a user interface.
  • the user interface can be seen at which a user interacts with the apparatus.
  • humidity level is so high that it is impossible to video record reliable registration plates of vehicles. In this way more reliable video material can be produced.
  • the apparatus further comprises a transmitter (406) configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • This transmitter can be e.g. a radio transmitter.
  • This control information reveals that the traffic has been signaled.
  • transmitter sends produced video signal it also informs so that the traffic control signal has been produced.
  • the video signal is transmitted always when the apparatus is turned on and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal is send simultaneously or non-simultaneously with the video signal.
  • Figure 5 depicts furthermore another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Backslashed area (5000) depicts an inner structure of the apparatus but otherwise the outer structure of the apparatus is presented.
  • the apparatus presented in Figure 5 is also a portable electronic device (500).
  • the apparatus is turned on by means of a coupler (501 ).
  • the apparatus has a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
  • the signal source is a text sign (502).
  • the apparatus comprises a first unit (510) configured to obtain a location information of the apparatus and furthermore heading direction of the apparatus in relation to a road.
  • the user informs the apparatus when he/she intends to cross the road e.g. by stating intended heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road via the user interface.
  • intended heading direction of the apparatus it is a sign that user is intending to cross a road and as a consequence the user also gives the location information of the apparatus in relation to road.
  • the signal source (502) produces the traffic control signal for controlling traffic and vid- eo recorder (503) starts video signal production.
  • the apparatus further comprises a transmitter (507) which is configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • a transmitter 507 which is configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • the first unit (610) is configured to receive updated map and/or location information or the map and/or location information can also be obtained from the memory unit of the apparatus.
  • the first unit (610) deduces, e.g. by means of a processor, basing on the location information of the apparatus within different time intervals and map and/or location information whether the user of the apparatus is crossing the road.
  • the user moreover validates the heading direction suggested by the apparatus via the user interface.
  • a red signal source (602') produces the red traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
  • the apparatus comprises a processing unit (615) which is configured to determine a valid recording position to said apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position to the apparatus.
  • the apparatus should be held in such kind of position that the video recorder (603) can record picture of the incoming traffic.
  • a processing unit (615) can be configured to deduce incoming direction of the traffic in relation to the apparatus basing on the traffic rules and obtained location and heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road.
  • an orienta- tion detector (606) is configured to determine current position of the apparatus. If the current position of the apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position the user is informed via the user interface.
  • Figure 6 illustrates also a radar unit (625) of the apparatus configured to send a radar signal towards an object which can be e.g. a car which approaches the apparatus and deduce a distance between the object and the apparatus basing on the received radar signal. If the distance between the object and the apparatus is lower than predetermined trigger value the apparatus informs the user via the user interface e.g. by means of produced sound, vibration sequence, light or the like. Owing to this, the user of the apparatus let the user know whether it is not safe to cross the road. Furthermore, according to an embodiment the distance between the object and the apparatus can also be sent via a communication network as to be stored. Clear advantages are that said radar unit (625) gives even more accu- rate information about the distance between the object and the apparatus according to the invention.
  • an object can be e.g. a car which approaches the apparatus and deduce a distance between the object and the apparatus basing on the received radar signal. If the distance between the object and the apparatus is lower than predetermined trigger value the apparatus informs the user via the user interface
  • the radar unit can be replaced by a measuring unit configured to measure a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording.
  • the measuring unit is also configured to measure a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording.
  • the apparatus comprises also a processing unit which is configured to deduce a distance between the apparatus and the object basing on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable.
  • the variable is a dimension.
  • the apparatus further comprises a transmitter (607) which is configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • Figure 7 depicts a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the system comprises an apparatus (700) according to invention and a server (701 ) which is configured to receive produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal via the communication network (702) so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
  • the system is also configured to receive location information of the apparatus e.g. directly from the satellites, via the server or via the receiver signal interface (701 ).
  • the apparatus comprises a detector (703) for recognizing the abrupt collisions of the apparatus.
  • the detector (703) can be e.g. position detector.
  • the transmitter (706) is configured to send the collision information via the communication network (702) e.g. to the server (701 ).
  • the apparatus (700) directly or by means the server (701 ) can be configured to contact an emergency control center. Consequently, the server or emergency control center can e.g. call to the apparatus or even other similar apparatuses in the close proximity to the expected traffic incident apparatus. This enables fast aid to the place wherein an accident has taken place.

Abstract

Current invention concerns an apparatus for controlling traffic. The apparatus comprises a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic. The apparatus also comprises a recorder configured to produce a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal. Finally, the apparatus comprises a transmitter configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TRAFFIC
Field of the invention
This invention concerns an apparatus for controlling traffic. Furthermore the inven- tion concerns a method for controlling traffic. Furthermore the invention concerns a system for controlling traffic. Furthermore the invention concerns a computer program for controlling traffic.
Background
It is a generally known fact that huge amounts of people are injured and dead every year due to traffic accidents. A report based on British and American crash data, found that indifference to traffic rules like intoxication in addition to human factors like driver error contribute wholly or partially to about 93% of crashes. On the grounds of this it is necessary to pay attention to how the amount of these human related accidents can be decreased.
One highly used known solution is to use a traffic control device like a traffic light, a signboard arranged to produce text or a siren configured to produce howling noise and light. However, there are traffic areas where there are no such control devices e.g. due to the manufacturing and use expenses. Moreover, there is no guarantee that instructions produced by these devices are followed and subse- quently an accident can take place.
A person who has been involved in a car accident as a victim, has usually legal right to seek compensation for the physical injuries and mental trauma caused by the accident. Anyway, the problem is that guarantee of judicial relief of the victim is quite poor as a consequence of the fact that there may not be an eyewitness to the accident. In any case, even if there is one there is no guarantee that the shocking accident event is remembered as it really took place.
Also other kinds of known solutions configured to warn traffic are familiarized in the known prior art. One known example is a device that reminds a car driver in real time when he/she violates the law e.g. when he/she is speeding. Also this so- lution fails to improve judicial relief of the victim when an accident occurs. One known way to control traffic is a radar controlling system located on the side of the road. Nonetheless, this device does not provide any kinds of traffic control signals but merely works as a punishment system when traffic rules are violated. Moreover, said radar control systems are not designed to improve judicial relief of the victim of an accident.
Summary
It is the objective of the invention to improve traffic safety and to improve judicial relief of the victim when a traffic incident or even an accident occurs.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention is an apparatus for controlling traffic provided, comprising:
- a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic,
- a recorder configured to produce a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal, and
- a transmitter configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention a system is provided which system comprises an apparatus according to the invention and said system furthermore comprises a server configured to receive said produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal via the communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
In accordance to yet another aspect of the invention a method is provided for controlling traffic by an apparatus, comprising:
- producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic,
- producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal, and - sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
Furthermore, in accordance with another aspect of the invention a computer program is provided, comprising code means adapted to perform the methods according to the invention when said program is run on a computer.
The function of the signaling is to control traffic and when an accident takes place to video record the accident at least partially. As a conclusion some further em- bodiments of the invention allow improved traffic safety e.g. due to the control operation. Another further embodiment improves the overall judicial relief of a victim. This can be e.g. when the accident or just an indifference to traffic rules that has taken place is stored to the server to be seen afterwards. Yet another embodiment of the invention is configured to guide its user and thus prevent accidents before- hand. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, when an accident takes place, aid can be arranged quickly to the place of the accident due to the fact that the accident is at least partially recorded and furthermore in some embodiments of the invention the collision to the device is fully recorded.
Brief description of the drawings
Various further embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of demonstration purposes only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 2 depicts another method in accordance with an embodiment of the inven- tion,
Figure 3 depicts yet another method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 4 depicts an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 5 depicts another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the in- vention, Figure 6 depicts yet another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 7 depicts a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Description of further embodiments
According to an embodiment an apparatus according to the invention can be considered as a black box. The function of the traffic control signaling is to control traffic and in such a case that an accident takes place to video record the whole accident so that recorded material is transmitted safely and thus it is not destroyed if the apparatus crashes in the accident. To give a picture of an apparatus according to the various embodiments Table 1 illustrates some embodiments of the signaling system of the invention.
Figure imgf000007_0001
Table 1 The apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises at least: a signaling source, a recorder and a transmitter. The function of the signaling source is to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic. The term "control" can mean that the user can either show that he/she is not crossing a road at the mo- ment, he/she is going to cross a road or he/she is crossing the road and the crossing event is video recorded.
The function of the video recorder is to produce a video signal relating to the traffic. The function of the transmitter is to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
The upper row of Table 1 depicts two variables: 1 ) components of a signal source and 2) actions. Due to simplicity, in table 1 the signaling source comprises only a red light source (Embodiment A-B), a red light and a green light sources (Embo- diments C-D) or a red light, a yellow light and a green light sources (Embodiment E). One of the purposes of the lights is to increase the visibility of the user. Showing the green light to the traffic means that the user is not going to cross the road in the time interval the green light is shown. Showing the yellow light means that the user is going to cross the road very soon. Showing the red light to the traffic means that the user is crossing the road and the crossing event is video recorded.
Action is divided into three moments: 1 ) starting point, 2) approaching road, 3) crossing road. Starting point means a moment when the user starts a trip which can be e.g. a walking trip. Approaching road is a predetermined distance from the road. Crossing road means the moment when the user of the apparatus crosses the road. The left hand's side row of table 1 depicts different functional exemplary embodiments of the invention.
In embodiment A: the apparatus comprises just a red light source and the apparatus is turned on when the user is crossing a road. At the same time the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user.
In embodiment B: the apparatus comprises just a red light source and the apparatus is turned on at the starting point. Furthermore, when the user is crossing a road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or by the apparatus. In embodiment C: the apparatus comprises red and green light sources. At the starting point, the apparatus is turned on and green light signaling is started by the apparatus. Furthermore, when the user starts crossing the road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus.
In embodiment D: the apparatus comprises red and green light sources. At the starting point, the apparatus is turned on. When the road is approached, green light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus to show that the user is soon going to cross the road. When the user is crossing the road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus.
In embodiment E: the apparatus comprises a red light source, a yellow light source and a green light source. When the road is approached, green light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus to show that the user is not going to cross the road in the time interval the green light is shown.. Soon after that, yellow light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus to show that that the user is going to cross the road very soon. When the user is crossing the road the video recording and red light signaling is started by the user or the apparatus. It is worth of noticing that according to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus can be synchronized with the traffic lights of the road e.g. the one which have the closest proximity with the apparatus.
Figure 1 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first step is turning the apparatus (101 ) on. A method illustrated in Figure 1 comprises showing the green light to the traffic which means that the user is not going to cross the road in the time interval the green light is shown (102). Thereafter, showing the yellow light is started by the user or the apparatus to showing that that user is going to cross the road very soon (103).
In a further embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining information of the location of the apparatus and heading direction of the apparatus in relation to a road (104). The method also comprises determining a valid recording position to said apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position to the apparatus based on the heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road and the location of the apparatus in relation to the road (105). Furthermore, the method comprises detecting the position of said apparatus (106) and producing a remark signal in the user interface to the user if the position of said apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position (107). Furthermore the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (108) in the apparatus (101 ).
Finally, the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (109).
Figure 2 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the invention according to which the first step is sending a radar signal towards an object (201 ), and deducing the distance between the object and the apparatus configured to produce said traffic control signal, user interface and recording based on said radar signal (202).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the distance between the appa- ratus and the object can be deduced by measuring a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording and measuring a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording.
Deducing a distance between the apparatus and the object can be done based on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable.
If the distance between the object and the apparatus is adequate the next step is producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic (203). The method also comprises producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal (204). If the distance between the object and the apparatus is not adequate, the method presented in Figure 2 starts from the beginning as shown.
Furthermore the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (205).
Figure 3 depicts a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The first step is producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic (301 ). The method also comprises producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal (302). Furthermore the method comprises sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traf- fic control signal via a communication network so as to store the video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal (303).
In a further embodiment, the method further comprises receiving said produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control sig- nal via the communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal (304).
In a further embodiment, the method further comprises receiving the location of the apparatus by said server (305).
In another embodiment of the invention a computer program is provided compris- ing computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of a method presented in figures 1 -2 or any other method according to the invention when said program is run on a computer. In various embodiments of the invention the computer program can be a computer program or computer program product. The product is an example of a tangible object. For example, it can be a medium such as a disc, a hard disk, an optical medium, CD-ROM, floppy disk, or the like storage etc. In another example the product may be in a form of a signal such as an electromagnetic signal. The signal can be transmitted within the electric wire for example. The product comprises computer program code or code means arranged to perform the operations of various embodiments of the invention. Furthermore the invention can be embodied on a chipset or the like.
Followingly, the apparatus according to the invention is described from more technical point of view. Figure 4 depicts an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus presented in Figure 4 is a portable electronic device (400) such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). According to another em- bodiment of the invention the apparatus can also be a module of a portable pocket PC (PPC) or a module of a cellular/mobile phone or similar. However, it is worth of noticing, that the apparatus is not a portable pocket PC or a cellular phone in its self.
At first, the apparatus is turned on by means of a coupler by pressing e.g. a start button (401 ) in a user interface or by means of a received signal. In an embodiment of the invention the user is identified as an illustration by means of a finger print or password but it is worth of noticing that this is not a necessary action in all embodiments. The apparatus has a signal source which is configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic. According to the embodiment presented in Figure 4 the signal source is a red light source (402). However, in another embodiment the signal source can be additionally or solely at least one of the following: a sound source, a reflecting item like a reflector or mirror or combination of different light sources. The user can warn traffic by showing or allocating this traffic control signal to the other actors in traffic e.g. to car driver(s), motor bike driver(s), pedestrian(s) and/or biker(s) or the like.
The apparatus comprises additionally at least one recorder (403) which is configured to produce a video signal relating to the traffic (404) warned by the produced traffic control signal. In addition to video signal the recorder can also be configured to produce an audio signal.
According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises at least one of the following: ambient light detector (405), ambient humidity detector (405'), ambient temperature detector (405") and ambient noise detector (405'") for analyzing whether user interface, signaling and recording conditions are properly enough for reliable recording. As an illustration in an embodiment a processor compares values of the detectors to determined maximum values and if any of those values exceeds determined maximum value the user is informed via a user interface. According to an aspect of the invention the user interface can be seen at which a user interacts with the apparatus. As an illustration humidity level is so high that it is impossible to video record reliable registration plates of vehicles. In this way more reliable video material can be produced.
The apparatus further comprises a transmitter (406) configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal. This transmitter can be e.g. a radio transmitter. This control information reveals that the traffic has been signaled. According to an embodiment of the invention, in such a case that transmitter sends produced video signal it also informs so that the traffic control signal has been produced. In another embodiment of the invention the video signal is transmitted always when the apparatus is turned on and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal is send simultaneously or non-simultaneously with the video signal.
Figure 5 depicts furthermore another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Backslashed area (5000) depicts an inner structure of the apparatus but otherwise the outer structure of the apparatus is presented. The apparatus presented in Figure 5 is also a portable electronic device (500). At first, the apparatus is turned on by means of a coupler (501 ). The apparatus has a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic. According to an embodiment presented in Figure 5 the signal source is a text sign (502).
The apparatus comprises a first unit (510) configured to obtain a location information of the apparatus and furthermore heading direction of the apparatus in relation to a road. In the embodiment presented in Figure 5 the user informs the apparatus when he/she intends to cross the road e.g. by stating intended heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road via the user interface. When the user gives intended heading direction of the apparatus according to an embodiment it is a sign that user is intending to cross a road and as a consequence the user also gives the location information of the apparatus in relation to road. Followingly, the signal source (502) produces the traffic control signal for controlling traffic and vid- eo recorder (503) starts video signal production.
In an embodiment the apparatus should be held in such a position that the video recorder (503) can record picture of the incoming traffic. Figure 5 shows an embodiment according to which the processing unit (504) of the apparatus is configured to determine a valid recording position to said apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position to the apparatus. A processing unit (504) can be configured to deduce incoming direction of the traffic in relation to the apparatus basing on the traffic rules and obtained location and heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road. These traffic rules can be stored to a program code configured to control said processing unit (504) or these traffic rules can be obtained from the user of the apparatus via the user interface. In the embodiment presented in Figure 5 an orientation detector (506) is configured to determine a current position of the apparatus. If the current position of the apparatus deviates more than a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position the user is informed via the user interface.
The apparatus further comprises a transmitter (507) which is configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
Figure 6 depicts yet another apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. According to the embodiment presented in Figure 6 the apparatus is a module of a portable pocket PC (PPC) (600). Backslashed area (6000) depicts an inner structure of the apparatus but otherwise the outer structure of the apparatus is presented. At first, the apparatus is turned on by means of a coupler by pressing e.g. a start button (601 ) in a user interface. According to the embodiment pre- sented in Figure 6 the apparatus comprises a traffic light group which comprises green (602) and red (602') light sources which are configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic. In an embodiment consequently when the apparatus is turned on a green light source (602) starts to produce green traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
The apparatus comprises a first unit (610) configured to obtain a location information of the apparatus and furthermore heading direction of the apparatus in relation to a road. According to an embodiment the first unit (610) comprises a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver for receiving at least location information of the apparatus within different time intervals when the apparatus is carried but it can also receive at least time and velocity information of the apparatus. According to another embodiment of the invention the techniques that can be used to obtain location information of the apparatus are Assisted GPS and WLAN-positioning or alike.
Moreover, in one embodiment the first unit (610) is configured to receive updated map and/or location information or the map and/or location information can also be obtained from the memory unit of the apparatus. According to an embodiment the first unit (610) deduces, e.g. by means of a processor, basing on the location information of the apparatus within different time intervals and map and/or location information whether the user of the apparatus is crossing the road. In accordance with an embodiment the user moreover validates the heading direction suggested by the apparatus via the user interface. When the first unit (610) notices that the user crosses the road a red signal source (602') produces the red traffic control signal for controlling traffic.
Moreover, according to an embodiment the apparatus comprises a processing unit (615) which is configured to determine a valid recording position to said apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position to the apparatus. The apparatus should be held in such kind of position that the video recorder (603) can record picture of the incoming traffic. A processing unit (615) can be configured to deduce incoming direction of the traffic in relation to the apparatus basing on the traffic rules and obtained location and heading direction of the apparatus in relation to the road. In the embodiment presented in Figure 6 an orienta- tion detector (606) is configured to determine current position of the apparatus. If the current position of the apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position the user is informed via the user interface. In an embodiment video signal is either transmitted when recording position deviation is more than a maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position. In such a case that the position of the apparatus does not deviate more than the maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position, the red signal source (602') produces the red traffic control signal for controlling traffic and video recorder (603) starts video signal production.
Figure 6 illustrates also a radar unit (625) of the apparatus configured to send a radar signal towards an object which can be e.g. a car which approaches the apparatus and deduce a distance between the object and the apparatus basing on the received radar signal. If the distance between the object and the apparatus is lower than predetermined trigger value the apparatus informs the user via the user interface e.g. by means of produced sound, vibration sequence, light or the like. Owing to this, the user of the apparatus let the user know whether it is not safe to cross the road. Furthermore, according to an embodiment the distance between the object and the apparatus can also be sent via a communication network as to be stored. Clear advantages are that said radar unit (625) gives even more accu- rate information about the distance between the object and the apparatus according to the invention.
Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention the radar unit can be replaced by a measuring unit configured to measure a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording. The measuring unit is also configured to measure a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording. The apparatus comprises also a processing unit which is configured to deduce a distance between the apparatus and the object basing on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable. According to an embodiment the variable is a dimension.
The apparatus further comprises a transmitter (607) which is configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal. Figure 7 depicts a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system comprises an apparatus (700) according to invention and a server (701 ) which is configured to receive produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal via the communication network (702) so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal. According to an embodiment of the invention the system is also configured to receive location information of the apparatus e.g. directly from the satellites, via the server or via the receiver signal interface (701 ).
According an embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a detector (703) for recognizing the abrupt collisions of the apparatus. The detector (703) can be e.g. position detector. In such a case that this kind of collision occurs in an embodiment the transmitter (706) is configured to send the collision information via the communication network (702) e.g. to the server (701 ). The apparatus (700) directly or by means the server (701 ) can be configured to contact an emergency control center. Consequently, the server or emergency control center can e.g. call to the apparatus or even other similar apparatuses in the close proximity to the expected traffic incident apparatus. This enables fast aid to the place wherein an accident has taken place.
Ramifications and Scope
Although the description above contains many specifics, these are merely provided to illustrate the invention and should not be construed as limitations of the invention's scope. It should be also noted that the many specifics can be combined in various ways in a single or multiple embodiments. Thus it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the apparatuses and processes of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims
1. A mobile apparatus for controlling traffic, comprising: a signal source configured to produce a traffic control signal for controlling traffic, - a recorder configured to produce a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal, and a transmitter configured to send the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the produced traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the produced traffic control signal.
2. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first unit configured to obtain a location information of the mobile apparatus and heading direction of the mobile apparatus in relation to a road, a processing unit configured to determine a valid recording position to said mobile apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position to said mobile apparatus basing on the heading direction of the mobile apparatus in relation to the road and the location of the mobile apparatus in relation to the road, a sensor unit configured to detect a position of said mobile apparatus, and - a remark signal source unit configured to produce a remark signal if the position of said mobile apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position.
3. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a measuring unit configured to measure; i. a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording, and ii. a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording, and a processing unit configured to deduce a distance between the mobile appa- ratus and the object basing on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable.
4. The mobile apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said variable is a dimension.
5. The mobile apparatus, according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a radar unit configured to send a radar signal towards an object and deduce a distance between the object and the mobile apparatus basing on said radar signal.
6. A system which system comprises a mobile apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5 and said system furthermore comprises a server configured to receive said produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal via the communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the traffic control signal.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein said server is further configured to receive a location of the mobile apparatus.
8. A method for controlling traffic by a mobile apparatus, comprising: producing a traffic control signal for controlling traffic, producing a video signal relating to the traffic warned by the produced traffic control signal, and sending the produced video signal and information relating to an occurrence of the produced traffic control signal via a communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to the occurrence of the produced traffic control signal.
9. The method according to claim 8, comprising: obtaining a location information of the mobile apparatus and heading direction of the mobile apparatus in relation to a road, determining a valid recording position to said mobile apparatus and a maximum allowed deviation from that valid recording position to said mobile apparatus basing on the heading direction of the mobile apparatus in relation to the road and the location of the mobile apparatus in relation to the road, detecting a position of said mobile apparatus, and producing a remark signal if the position of said mobile apparatus deviates more than the maximum allowed deviation from the valid recording position.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, comprising: measuring a first value of a variable from a first picture, comprising a first presentation of an object, received during video recording, measuring a second value of the variable from a second picture, comprising a second presentation of the object, received during video recording, deducing a distance between the mobile apparatus and the object basing on comparison of the first value of the variable and the second value of the variable.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said variable is a dimension.
12. The method according to any of claims 8 to 1 1 , comprising: - sending a radar signal towards an object, and deducing a distance between the object and the mobile apparatus configured to produce said traffic control signal basing on said radar signal.
13. The method according to any of claims 8 to 12, comprising: receiving said produced video signal and the information relating to the oc- currence of the traffic control signal via the communication network so as to store the produced video signal and the information relating to an occurrence of the traffic control signal.
14. The method, according to claim 13 further comprising; receiving location of the mobile apparatus by said server.
15. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the method of any of claims 8 to 14 when said program is run on a computer.
PCT/FI2010/050343 2009-04-29 2010-04-28 An apparatus for controlling traffic WO2010125241A1 (en)

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CN102163372A (en) * 2011-04-12 2011-08-24 陆化普 Internet-based coordinated control system for assisting traffic police in directing intersection traffic

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FI20095479A (en) 2010-10-30
FI20095479A0 (en) 2009-04-29

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