EP2390860A1

EP2390860A1 - Signaling equipment for safe crossing of a street

Info

Publication number: EP2390860A1
Application number: EP11004277A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vladimir Kranz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-24
Filing date: 2011-05-24
Publication date: 2011-11-30
Also published as: CZ2010405A3

Abstract

The equipment to enable safe road crossing consists of a signalling device including an arm which the pedestrian (26) controls using a rod before entering the crossing, to signal that the passing cars should stop.
Preferably, the signalling device is deactivated by the releasing of the rod after the car stops, which - together with a sign providing the instructions for the use of the signalling device (37) situated on the signalling device post (7) - is a guarantee that the pedestrian will not enter the road before the cars stop, which will help prevent accidents.
Preferably, the signalling device consists of a disk with a stop sign, and can be motor operated using a button.
Another preference is the design of the signalling device with a signal light or a beacon. This will help speed up traffic because compared with standard traffic lights, cars are only stopped while pedestrians cross the road and not by the traffic light signalization. This is possible in the described signalling where according to the existing regulations cars are not obliged to permanently stop, such as beacons or flashing lights.
Preferably it is possible to use a signalling device with rotary blades, which turns by 180 degrees to signals: stop, in order to give way to pedestrians.
Signalling devices with single-colour lights may indicate the situation at the crossing using different flashing speeds, which can also be provided by multi-colour flashing signalling devices.
For all types oft the described signalling devices, cars are only stopped if there is a pedestrian ready to cross the road, irrespective of the signalling scheme; this will help speed up the operation because cars only stop to enable pedestrians cross the road and they do not need to wait until the signalling device allows them to continue in their journey The signalling devices can also be activated by a motion sensor, a walkway switch, or an electronic detector of a pedestrian in a mat (24).

Description

Technical field

The invention deals with signalling equipment to enable safe road crossing, especially where there are zebra crossings; it consists of a traffic light controlled by pedestrians, where in order to accelerate the traffic flow the equipment is controlled by the rules of crossing using traffic lights which only indicate the pedestrian's intention to use the crossing and then the pedestrian's presence at the crossing; but do not block the traffic and do not prevent pedestrians from crossing, especially after pedestrians leave the corresponding crossing.

The current state of technology

Pedestrians currently cross roads using zebra crossings, by signalling to the passing cars before entering the zebra crossing that the pedestrians intends to cross the road, thus making the cars stop. It often happens that pedestrians enter the roadway on a marked zebra crossing without sufficiently indicating that the approaching vehicles should stop, or without waiting for them to stop, which leads to accidents. According to the amended Act, pedestrians are even longer required to indicate their intention, and cars must travel at such a speed, so as to be able to safely stop even if a pedestrian enters the road unexpectedly. We can assume that with this amendment, crossing will be even more complicated, the car traffic will slow down and there will be more accidents.
For easier crossing, standard traffic lights are used at some places, activated either automatically or by a button pressed by the pedestrian. However, the equipment is expensive because in principle these are standard traffic lights used at intersections, with green, amber and red on both sides of the road and on both sides for the pedestrians. There are considerable time delays between the button's pressing and the car stopping, associated with the activation of the equipment, changing the light from green, through amber, to red. Only then will the light for pedestrians turn green, and this creates a considerable large time lag not only while pedestrians are waiting for the green, but also after the pedestrians have already left the crossing and the cars still have to wait for green, according to the pre-set time programme, independently on the movement of the pedestrians crossing the road; cars thus cannot continue their way, even though the pedestrians have already left the road. At crossings where the green-light interval for pedestrians is shortened in order to accelerate the operation, slower pedestrians are still crossing the road as the light turns red, while the cars are free to go and this causes the risk of injuries. For this reason, common traffic lights do not allow for setting time so as not to slow down traffic and to enable the slower pedestrians to cross the road safely at the same time. There are few pedestrian crossings that would be equipped like this, most probably due to high costs and concerns about slowing down traffic. In addition, traffic lights require a power supply connection and their installation is therefore costly. The installation is complicated by the need to bring the signal for the activation of the traffic lights to the other side of the road. Traffic lights operate permanently, even when the crossing is not used, which results in power consumption and excessive wear of the bulbs in the traffic lights, which then require frequent maintenance and this is again costly. For these reasons, traffic lights are used rarely and pedestrians usually cross roads using unprotected crossings, with all the associated risks.
To mitigate the risks of using unprotected crossings, street lighting is installed at some important and frequently used zebra crossings; however, this is costly as it requires the installation of special poles. The lighting is on throughout the night, which means expensive operation, and it is not effective during the day. Sometimes retarders are installed on the road, but these make cars slow down significantly and damage the car driving system.
It is the objective of the invention to create signalling equipment that will enable safe road crossing and will speed up the operation and increase safety at the crossing, at reduced cost.

Essence of technical invention

The aforesaid shortcomings of the current state of the art are removed and the objective of the invention is met by the signalling equipment to enable safe road crossing, especially at zebra crossings; its essence is in the fact that the equipment is formed by a device signalling cars that a pedestrian needs to cross the road and enabling the pedestrian to enter the roadway. After that, the pedestrian can cross the road and there is no signal restricting the traffic after the pedestrian leaves the road, as the cars follow road traffic regulations, which will accelerate the traffic - in the case of a mechanical design, the signalling device is operated manually by pedestrians before they enter the crossing. After using a rod to activate the signalling device and indicating that they intend to enter the roadway and that the cars should stop, pedestrians wait until all cars stop and will then release the rod controlling the signalling device, which returns to its original position not indicating cars to stop; the pedestrians can then safely cross the road as all cars have stopped. Oncoming cars stop because they see that a pedestrian is crossing the road and that the cars in the opposite direction have already stopped. The advantage of this device is that it does not need electric power, that compared with complicated traffic lights the device does requires minimum expenses and that in order to activate the device pedestrians need to hold the handle and therefore cannot enter the roadway as they need to wait for the cars to stop. This is a guarantee of safe crossing. Before pedestrians enter the roadway, they need to release the handle controlling the signalling device, which will release the traffic and cars do not need to wait for a green light as in conventional traffic lights; the traffic can safely continue after the pedestrian crosses road. Cars can continue in their journey as the pedestrian leaves the road, without having to wait for a light to change to green as in conventional signalling devices - traffic lights, which will help speed up the traffic. The cars therefore only need to stop for a period necessary for the pedestrian to cross the road, i.e. without having to wait for a set time as in conventional traffic lights. In addition the traffic is faster compared with conventional traffic lights also thanks to the fact that one direction of the road where the pedestrian enters when crossing the road will be free as the pedestrian leaves it, and cars do not need to wait until the pedestrian crosses the whole road; the opposite direction can continue in their way.
Preferably, the signalling device may be controlled using electric power and a switch activated by pedestrians, or a motion sensor that will be activated as the pedestrians step on the sidewalk near the crossing. In this case, the signalling device is deactivated by the release of the button or leaving the area near the signalling device if a sensor is used, which again helps accelerate the traffic as has been described above in the mechanical controlling of the signalling device using a rod. Preferably, the deactivation of the signalling device may be set with a delay, so that pedestrians are able to enter the road and cross at least part of it. The principle is the same here, i.e. cars wait until the road is clear, i-e. after the pedestrian leaves the corresponding lane, and not until the traffic lights change, as the signalling device is deactivated even before pedestrians leave the corresponding lane. In addition, existing regulations do not accept a mechanical signalling device as a means to stop the traffic, and therefore, it only serves for information purposes. The operation can continue the pedestrian leaves the corresponding lane, even if the signalling device is still activated and signals the cars that there is a pedestrian crossing the road. This helps accelerate the traffic compared to standard traffic lights, while increasing the crossing safety. The principle is based on the pedestrians' rights of passage, which pedestrians have even without the use of a signalling device. Therefore, it is not necessary to activate the signalling device for the entire period of crossing, especially not in the opposite direction, because cars will stop there when they see that a pedestrian is crossing the road from the opposite side of the road.
It is sufficient to activate the signalling device on just one side of the road, where the pedestrian intends to enter the road. This makes the entire equipment cheaper, as it is not necessary to connect the signal to the other side of the road. However, it may also be activated on the other side of the road where the connection may be wired or wireless, using radio signal or light beam. Preferably the signalling on the side of the road where the pedestrian enters the roadway may be terminated upon such an entry or shortly afterwards, allowing for the traffic to be restored immediately after the pedestrian leaves the lane in question, In the opposite direction, there may be some delay in the signalling, alerting about the pedestrians, to allow cars to pass even while pedestrians are crossing the other side of the road, before they get to the opposite lane, which will help speed up the traffic. This means that before the pedestrian is expected to enter the other half of the road, i.e. the opposite lane, the signalling device will be activated there, alerting about the pedestrian's arrival, so as to enable safe crossing through the other half of the road. The time-programmed controller of the signalling device may preferably be set with a time delay or based on a sensor monitoring the movement and presence of pedestrians on both sides of the road.
If an electric control system is used, the signalling device may preferably include a light signal.
Preferably, signal lights can be used, with a colour other than red or green, as used in conventional traffic lights that do not indicate that cars should stop or go, but may indicate the time when a pedestrian is crossing the road. Amber is one of the possible colours to be used, as it is a recognized alerting colour that does not order cars to either stop or go. Preferably, a flashing light can be used as it does not indicate that cars should stop or go, with the exception of red which in some countries has the meaning of a stop signal.
It is also preferably possible to use a combination of quickly flashing amber, if the signalling, device is activated by a pedestrian using a butting, indicating that the pedestrian intends to enter the crossing and ordering cars to stop, with a slowly flashing light indicating that a pedestrian has entered the crossing and released the button, thus changing the flashing speed; this may be deactivated after a time delay corresponding to the assumed time a pedestrian needs to cross the road.
Preferably, in the opposite direction, the signalling may from the beginning be indicated by slowly flashing light, indicating that pedestrian intends to enter or has already entered the crossing from the other side of the road. The flashing light will allow cars to continue in their way, until the pedestrian comes near the other half of the road, and therefore the cars are not prevented from driving. The flashing light can be activated for a longer period of time, or during the entire anticipated crossing time, without slowing down the traffic, because cars can continue in their journey after pedestrians leave the road. The advantage of the flashing light is that cars are warned about a pedestrian crossing the road. A flashing amber light can also be used on roads with public transportation, where pedestrians are not given the right of passage and buses or trams do not need to stop at such a signal.
If a responsible driver wants to prevent accidents arising from the sudden entry of a crossing pedestrian without any signalling, they will probably drive at lower speeds than the officially permitted 50 kmph, especially when it is dark. This will significantly slow the traffic. Therefore, it is possible to preferably use a signalling system where the driver not only sees that the signalling device has been activated but also that it has not been activated, so that the driver can drive at the permitted speed limit, without facing an increased risk of injury to pedestrians. Preferably, this may be a mechanical signalling device with an arm, where the lifted arm indicates that no pedestrian has activated the device. Similarly, a label with a rotating "stop" sign in a vertical position can be used, where horizontal position means "not activated", or turned by 180 degrees, where on the other side the green colour can be used to indicate "not activated". Similarly, a stop sign made of rotating lamellas could be used, with preferably green colour on the back. For the signalling device that is the subject of this patent, where the traffic is regulated based on the pedestrian's movement through the crossing and not by the signalling device, it is problematic to use a permanent light to indicated non-activated crossing, i.e. green that is used in standard traffic lights to regulate the traffic and signal that cars can freely continue in their way, irrespective of the crossing. This means using the red to indicate that pedestrians should not enter the road before activating the signalling device, until the traffic lights turn red to stop the passing cars. The disadvantage is that the change to a red for cars and green for pedestrians would require a control unit regulating the traffic, instead of the specific movement of pedestrians across the road, which would slow down the traffic. Releasing one of the lanes after the pedestrian crosses it would be even more complicated. Traffic lights with green or red lights are commonly used for controlling traffic, with all described disadvantages in delaying the traffic, and high costs. The disadvantage is that the traffic regulated by the lights and not pedestrians and their movements when crossing roads will always slow down traffic. Preferably, a flashing light can be used in traffic lights to indicated non-activated device, which is not used in conventional traffic lights, and which helps eliminate the aforesaid disadvantages of slowing down traffic and the high cost of traffic lights with a permanent red and green light. Preferably in single-colour traffic lights, it is possible to use a slowly flashing amber slight to indicate that the signalling device is not active, where cars can drive at the given speed limit, with care but without decelerating, and pedestrians do not have an absolute right of way as if the light is green in conventional traffic lights.
If a pedestrian activates the signalling device by pressing a button, the flashing frequency can preferably change from slow to fast, indicating that the signalling device has been activated and the pedestrian is waiting for the cars to stop, so as to be able to enter the roadway. After the cars stop, the pedestrian will release the switch, whereby the frequency of the flashing may preferably change to medium-fast, indicating that a pedestrian is crossing the road and that the corresponding road lane will be free after the pedestrian leaves it, irrespective of the signal device indications, because in accordance with the valid regulations, flashing amber indicates that cars can continue in their way with caution, in accordance with the rules of crossing. This will enable changing the indication back to slow, during the pedestrian's crossing, because the medium-flashing light will not block the traffic but only indicate caution for cars, and the road will be free after the pedestrian leaves it, not after the traffic lights give a corresponding signal. This means that slow or handicapped pedestrians are not encouraged to cross the road quickly, which is the case in conventional traffic lights used in junctions, where in order to speed up the traffic pedestrians are given a relatively short time to cross the road and therefore a slow pedestrian is stressed on their way, as they see a red light for the pedestrians and cars are already free to go. Especially in multiple-lane road this increases the risk for pedestrians, when in the distant lane, cars may start as they see green, because they do not see the pedestrians over cars standing in the lane closer to the pedestrian. Preferably, it is possible to use more colours in flashing lights. Flashing lights do not represent an absolute right of way, such as permanent green, or a command to stop, such as permanent red. Preferably, the flashing green light can be used for non-activated signalling device, while flashing red can indicate the stopping of traffic and flashing amber may indicate that a pedestrian is crossing the road. In two-colour traffic lights, it is possible to use quickly flashing red to order cars to stop and give way to pedestrians, and quickly flashing amber to indicate pedestrians currently crossing the road. After that, the traffic lights may switch to slowly flashing amber, to indicate non-activated crossing. The advantage of such adapted traffic lights is that the time of traffic stopping is given by a pedestrian' s actual road crossing, and not by the traffic lights themselves, which will help speeds up the traffic. An advantage of using a flashing red is that it indicates the stop sign, where the car will stop and give way, and then it can continue its journey.
If, for simplified installation, the signalling device is not connected to the signalling device on the other side of the road, the signalling light on one side of the road may preferably shine in both directions, so that cars travelling in the opposite direction are alerted of pedestrians entering the crossing. In such a case, red light is not used in the opposite direction so that the cars travelling in the opposite direction are not stopped too early, while the pedestrians enter the crossing on the other side of the road. Even if the traffic lights on both sides of the road are connected, both lights can preferably shine in both directions, so that if the light is hidden behind a larger vehicle on one side of the road, the signal on the other side of the road will be visible. Preferably, pulse lights or lamps can be used in the flashing traffic lights, offering higher light intensity at lower power consumption and better visibility during the day than the lights of conventional traffic lights.
Preferably, a beacon can be used, consisting of a rotating or fixed light with a mirror, whether pulse or vacuum tube, as in traffic lights. Beacons on both sides of the road can be interconnected so that they will signal together, or the beacon in the opposite direction will be delayed, or both beacons can be independent and only the beacon on the side of the road where the pedestrian activates it will light. It is the advantage of beacons that they are visible from both sides of the road, from a greater distance than standard traffic lights as they make use of pulse light or a light with greater intensity and a rotating reflector. Another advantage is that beacons are not commonly used for traffic lights and therefore cars are not obliged to stop at the beacon signal, especially if a colour other than red is preferably used, for example amber. Cars would understand them as alerts, indicating that they should give way to pedestrians who intend to cross the road. This will make it possible to signal crossing pedestrians without slowing down the traffic because after the pedestrians leave the road, cars can continue in their journey, irrespective of the beacon. This means that the beacon may preferably shine not only while the button is activated but also for a certain pre-set time following the button deactivation, thus alerting cars that there are pedestrians crossing the road. Instead of buttons it is possible to use a toggle switch to activate the signalling device, for easier handling while waiting for cars to stop.
It is preferably possible to install the signalling devices on existing poles or posts where the road signs indicating the crossing are located. This will lead to further cost saving. Where the poles are too low, it is possible to disable the parking of higher vehicles at certain distances from the crossing, so that the signalling devices are well visible, or install extensions on such poles. It is difficult to use the signalling device to give pedestrians guidance for crossing because they would watch the signalling device and not the traffic around and therefore the crossing would be regulated by the signalling device and not the pedestrian, which would slow down the traffic. Therefore, the signals for pedestrians can preferably be located on a sign with the instructions for use. Such a sign can preferably be located near the button controlling the signalling device. The sign will describe individual steps to activate the device, i.e. do not enter the crossing without activating the signalling device, press the button and wait for the signalling device to activate and stop the traffic, only then release the button and enter the road, similarly to the mechanical signalling devices described above. This will help prevent accidents caused by pedestrians entering the roadway without waiting for cars to stop, and it will also increase the crossing safety. Preferably there may be a red light near the sign, alerting pedestrians not to enter the roadway without activating the signalling device and waiting for the cars to stop. After the signalling device is activated, this alerting red light may go off, while another sign instructing pedestrians to wait for the cars to stop can shine in amber. Permanent green is not recommended, as pedestrians may think they can freely enter the roadway, as in conventional traffic lights. But this is not the case if a pedestrian crosses the road with a flashing light signal, where cars are not shown permanent red as in conventional traffic lights, but the pedestrian needs to wait until the cars stop after using a signal.
After the cars stop, pedestrians release the button according to the instructions; after a short time interval allowing the pedestrian to enter the roadway, the amber light may preferably change into permanent red in the first sign, indicating another pedestrian that it is necessary to activate the signalling device before crossing the road, and the whole procedure repeats.
In summary of the function of the crossing with a flashing light and an instruction sign, in the starting status of the non-activated signalling device, cars may be indicated about the non-activated signalling device using a slowly flashing amber, instructing cars to go carefully, without a need to slow down, while pedestrians see a permanent red light in the sign, alerting them not to cross the road without activating the signalling device.
After the pedestrian activates the signalling device, cars may preferably be shown quickly flashing amber light, indicating that a passenger intends to cross the road, while passengers may preferably be shown a flashing red or amber light in the next sign according to which the pedestrians should not enter the roadway without waiting for all cars to stop.
After the cars stop and the signalling device is deactivated by the pedestrian, the signalling for cars changes into medium quick flashing amber, indicating that the pedestrian is crossing the road, and after a short delay, while the pedestrian enters the roadway, the light changes to red, alerting the next pedestrian about the need to activate the signalling device before attempting at crossing the road.
The advantage of such a system is that after the pedestrian leaves the corresponding side of the road, the cars do nut need to wait for the light to change and they can continue in their way, while the an amber light flashes in the signalling device. This means that cars only stop if there is a pedestrian crossing the road, according to the corresponding road rules, and not as the traffic lights indicate. This will speed up the traffic compared with conventional traffic lights, where the traffic stops for a pre-set time according to the lights.
In summary of two-colour traffic lights with a sign giving instructions to the pedestrian, non-active signalling device may be used to indicate non-activity, slowly flashing amber can be used to alert cars and red light in the sign will instruct the pedestrians "not to cross the road without activating the signalling, device by holding down the button and stopping the cars". After the pedestrian activates the signalling device, cars can be alerted by quickly flashing amber light, indicating that the signalling device has been activated by a pedestrian and instructing cars to slow down and prepare to stop, while pedestrians are shown flashing red or amber next to the following sign "wait for cars to stop, then deactivate the signalling device by releasing the button". After a short delay to allow cars to prepare to stop the quickly flashing amber light may change to quickly flashing red light, instructing cars to "stop, give way to pedestrians". The signal for pedestrians does not change. After the cars stop, pedestrians deactivate the signalling device, and the light changes to flashing amber, next to the sign according to "After the cars stop, release the button and cross the road. Before entering the opposite lane, wait for the cars moving in the opposite direction to stop". After a short delay allowing pedestrians to cross the road and making sure that cars do not start up again, the flashing red signal will change into quickly flashing amber, indicating that there is a pedestrian crossing the road. At the same time the signalling on the sign can preferably change to default red to wam other pedestrians not to cross the road without activating the signalling device according to the instructions. After a delay proportional to the estimated time required for crossing the road, the signal for cars changes into the default slowly flashing amber.
If the signal is not connected to the signalling device on the other side of the road, it is also preferable to install the light on the other side of the signalling device in the opposite direction, where it can signal the same way. This may preferably include a quickly flashing amber light as the pedestrian deactivates the signalling device, to indicate the cars travelling in the opposite direction that a pedestrian is crossing the road.
If the alarm is connected to the signal on the other side of the crossing, then only a crossing pedestrian is preferably signalled to cars; after the pedestrian deactivates the signalling device, the slowly flashing amber light changes to a quickly flashing one. Preferably, it is possible to use a version of not activating the red light, so that the car does not need to step while the pedestrian is only standing on the other side of the road. Cars in the opposite direction can be signalled with quickly flashing amber light that there is a pedestrian crossing the road, so that they can stop before the pedestrian enters their side of the road, and not depending on the traffic light signal. This will speed up the traffic. Preferentially, it is possible to use a sensor to activate the signalling device, indicating the presence of a pedestrian at the crossing. Preferably, the electronic sensor can be placed on top of a pole for the traffic sign indicating the crossing on an extension, pointing down to the indicate place at the sidewalk near the crossing, on which the sensor aims with its beam. The sensor is preferably adapted so that it does not register animals, and that it reacts to the presence of a pedestrian and activates the signalling device; while in the absence of pedestrians the signalling device will be deactivated, with functions similar to the pedestrians' manual activation using a switch. Preferentially, a sign and lights next to the instructions can be used. If a sensor is used, the signals for cars are similar to the activation by switch, with the difference that the signalling device is deactivated by the pedestrians entering the crossing, not manually. Therefore, the first instruction on the sign will change to "Do not cross before the signalling device is activated, and stand on the marked spot on the sidewalk", with a red light next to it. After the signalling device is activated, the light can change to amber, as an indication of the activation, next to the "Signalling device activated. Please wait for the cars to stop and then cross the road" sign. After the pedestrian enters the crossing, the light in the sign can preferably change back to permanent red. Preferably, a sensor with vertically adjustable beams can be used. It is also possible to preferably use a tread sensor in the sidewalk, activated by the pedestrian stepping on it, or an electronic sensor based on a capacity principle, registering the presence of a pedestrian.
For people with a visual impairment, it is possible to install an acoustic signal that will lead pedestrians to the crossing, with a different signal used for a manually activated sensor.

A list of pictures on drawings

The invention will be further illuminated according to the drawing, where:

Figure 1 Equipment according to the technical solution, where the mechanical signalling device with an arm to stop cars travelling on the road is in the horizontal position
Figure 2 Signalling device in the "go" position, with the arm in the vertical position
Figure 3 Signalling device in the "go" position, with the arm lifted in a diagonal position
Figure 4 Signalling device consisting of a mechanical signalling device, with a stop sign
Figure 5 The stop sign is hidden behind the disk, thus allowing cars to go
Figure 6 Swivel stop sign, in the stop position
Figure 7 Stop sign rotates to a horizontal position, thus allowing cars to go
Figure 8 Controlling of the signalling device using solenoid and electrically, using a button
Figure 9 Controlling the signalling device using a motor
Figure 10 Controlling of the rotary signalling device using a motor
Figure 11 Signalling device with lights, controlled by a button or sensor detecting the of pedestrians
Figure 12 Signalling devices with lights on both sides of the road, communicating via wireless signal.
Figure 13 Signalling device suspended on a cable above the road
Figure 14 Signalling device formed by a beacon
Figure 15 Mechanical signalling device formed by a traffic stop sign with rotating lamellas
Figure 16 Signalling device with lights, formed by pulse single-colour lights
Figure 17 Signalling device with lights, formed by pulse multi-colour lights
Figure 18 Signalling device with lights, controlled by a tread sensor
Figure 19 Signalling device with lights, controlled by a motion sensor
Figure 20 Signalling device with lights, controlled by a tread capacity sensor

Examples of technical solutions

The device shown in Figure 1 consists of a signalling device pole 7, in which a rotating arm 4 is installed on a joint 9, using an arm 8 controlled by a rod 5 handle 6, located on a sidewalk 2 near a road 1. The signalling device pole is anchored with its bottom end 3 in the sidewalk 2. The signalling device is shown in the stop position, i.e. by pulling the rod 5 of the handle 6, and the arm 4 is held in the stop position by the rod 5 drawn by the pedestrian 26. Preferably, a sign may be installed on the pole 7, with instructions regarding the use of the signalling device. Preferably, reflective glass 40 may be placed on the arm 4, so that the signalling device is well visible even at nights. There may also be a light 41, preferably pulse-type for greater intensity, which can flash or change colour depending on the arm position. Preferably, it is possible to supplement mechanical signalling devices with lights.
In Figure 2, the signalling device is shown in the "go" position, where the arm 4 points to the ground after the rod handle 6 is released by the pedestrian 26.
Figure 3 shows the signalling device 4 in an alternative "go" position, i.e. pointing upward and brought to the "stop" position by pulling the rod handle 6. The upward position is maintained with the use of a weight 11 that lifts the arm up around a joint 9.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 4, the signalling device is formed by a stop traffic sign 11 in the stop position, after the pedestrian 26 has pulled the rod 5.
Figure 5 shows the signalling device in the "go" position when the stop sign 11 will be hidden behind the cover 10, around the joint 9, as the pedestrian releases the rod handle 6, i.e. the sign is not visible.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the signalling device is made of a stop traffic sign 11, which can rotate around its horizontal axis, where the tube 12 to which the sign is attached can rotate in the tube 13. The signalling device is brought in the shown stop position using a rod 5 fitted on an arm 14; which the pedestrian 26 pulls down against the force of the weight 15 on one side of the signalling device 11:
Figure 7 shows the signalling device in the "go" position where the pedestrian releases the rod 5, and the weight 15 will rotate the signalling device to a horizontal position held by an end stop 46, and the arm 14 is brought to a horizontal position.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 8, the signalling device rod 5 can be controlled electromagnetically using a solenoid 15, controlled by a switch 16.
Figure 9 shows the control of the rope-type rod 5 using a winch 17, with an electric motor 18.
Figure 10 shows the signalling device 11 which can rotate around its axis and is controlled by an electric motor with a gearbox 18.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 11, the signalling device is formed by a signalling device with a light 19, mounted on an arm 47, which is controlled by button 16. Before entering the roadway 1 from the sidewalk, the pedestrian activates the button 2, thus activating the signalling device indicating a pedestrian 26 near the crossing, stopping the cars with the use of a red light. Before this, the signalling device 19 may quickly flash (amber light) to indicate that cars should slow down before subsequently stopping at the red light. A non-activated signalling device may preferably be identified with slowly flashing amber light. This may be controlled by electronic relays, in the control box for the electronic regulation of the operation of the signalling device 25, where you can set the on and off time intervals in lights and other functions. Once the car on the road 1 stops, the pedestrian may safely enter the roadway, while releasing the button 16, and the red colour in the signalling device stops flashing. Alternatively, immediately after the activation of the button 16, the pedestrian 26 will release it, and the pedestrian's crossing after the cars stop and therefore the deactivation of the signalling device 19 may be monitored by a sensor 20 regulating the signalling device 19. After cars stop at the signalling device 19; further traffic flow is not regulated by traffic lights but the pedestrian's speed of crossing, i.e. the pedestrian's leaving of the road lane where cars have stopped. When the pedestrian enters the opposite lane, cars in the first lane can continue in their journey. Cars travelling in the apposite direction will stop at the crossing because they see a pedestrian crossing and cars stopped in the other direction. Alternatively, a delay can be set for the deactivation of the red light after the button 16 is released, according to the anticipated time of the pedestrian's crossing in the direction where cars have stopped, which guarantees safe crossing, even with a shorter delay following the initial stopping; if the delay is longer, this would indicate the pedestrian's crossing on this side of the road. Preferably, the signalling device 18 may change the quickly flashing red into amber, indicating the pedestrian's presence during the entire period of crossing. The signalling device 19 may preferably shine in both directions, therefore indicating a pedestrian also in the opposite direction. In this case, the lighting delay may be longer in the opposite direction, which will continue to shine even after the signalling device in the direction of the stopped cars on the pedestrian's side has already gone off. This will indicates to the cars travelling in the opposite direction that a pedestrian is approaching the other side of the road and will start crossing it, which will help increase crossing safety. In order to speed up the traffic in the opposite direction, the light does not need to shine until the pedestrian leaves this side of the road but may go off after the anticipated pedestrian's crossing time, because at that time cars will have stopped and the traffic will only continue after the pedestrian leaves the road, not after the lights go off. The traffic can preferably be accelerated with the use of quickly flashing amber light instead of a red light, indicating the pedestrian's intention to cross the road, because the traffic will follow the rules of the crossing, and not the lights. The motion sensor 20 indicates the presence of a pedestrian 26 on the sidewalk 2, on a marked crossing 47; and it can be used alternatively to the button 16 to control the light signalling device 19 which is activated by the arrival of a pedestrian at a marked spot 47. The delay in the electronic relays in the control box 25, connected with the sensor 20 via cable 21, further leading to the sensor 19, enables a delay in the switching off of the signalling device, so that the pedestrian can safely enter the road 1 after stopping the traffic, and the operation of the signalling device can be regulated as needed.
Figure 12 shows signalling devices on both sides of the road, where the signalling device 19 shines in the direction of the road 27 used by cars approaching the pedestrian 26, and the signalling device 30 shines in the opposite direction 28, where the centre of the road is shown 29. The signalling devices are controlled by a button 16 from the side of the road, from which the pedestrian 26 intends to cross it. The signal is transmitted to the other side of the road preferably using a wireless transceiver 22 via wireless waves 23. Alternatively, an electric connection may be established between the signalling devices on both sides of the road. In this case, as described in Figure 11, it is possible to use the electronic control device 25 to set the delay for the deactivation of the signalling device on the side where the pedestrian waits to cross the road, which will enable the pedestrian safely enter the road, but which may preferably be switched off before the pedestrian crosses this part of the road and enters the opposite direction, so that other cars can continue in their way immediately after the pedestrian leaves this part of the road. On contrary, the light on the opposite side of the road may preferably be switched on with a certain time delay, so that the cars can continue in their way even as the pedestrian is crossing the first part of the road, before entering the opposite lane. Again, the delay can be set so that the light goes off in the opposite direction before the pedestrian 26 crosses the road at an estimated time, and thus the road is not controlled by lights but by the pedestrian leaving the road, which again helps speed up the traffic. The traffic may be further accelerated by the use of flashing lights, where cars do not need to wait for the lights to go off but can continue in their way after the pedestrian leaves the road.
Figure 13 shows the signalling device 19, preferably suspended on a cable 30 between poles 7 for better visibility from all directions, which may give different signals in both directions according to the setting of the controls 25.
Preferably, Figure 14 shows a signalling device located on an existing crossing traffic sign 31, on an extended arm 32, consisting of a beacon 33, controlled by a toggle switch 34, which is shown in the off position, and which is activated by a pressure on the lever 35 which may after deactivation return back to the original off position, where an acoustic device may be preferably connected, providing signal for people with visual impairment 36. The delay 25 maintains the beacon activated during a preset time following the deactivation of the switch 34, and there may be a sign 37 placed on the pole, with instructions for the use of the signalling device for safe crossing.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 15, the signalling device 11 is formed by rotating lamellas 38, similarly as in blinds, rotating on their axis and activated by button 16, with a "stop" sign and the picture of a pedestrian, ordering cars to stop and give way to pedestrians, where the setting of the lamellas in the activated "stop" position is shown. After they are deactivated, the lamellas turn by 180 degrees, the "stop" sign will no longer be visible from the road and cars will thus not be ordered to stop. In addition, the reverse side may preferably have a sign or colour indicating that the signalling device has not been activated by the pedestrian, which will help speed up the operation.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 16, the signalling device is formed by pulse lights, reflecting mirrors with lenses of amber colour 38, located on the crossing sign 46, controlled by a button 16 and an electronic control box 25, connected via cables 21, where there is a sign with the instructions for the use of the signalling device 37, warning pedestrians not to enter the roadway before using the button 16 to activate the signalling device and before the cars stop, after which they can release the button 16. Before the signalling device is activated, the lights 38 flash slowly, alerting drivers that they are approaching a crossing, which is not activated, and therefore they can travel at the given speed limit with caution. After the activation, the light flashes quickly and indicates car stopping, because the pedestrian 26 intends to enter the road 1. After the button 16 is deactivated, the lights flash at a medium speed, indicating that there are pedestrians crossing the road. Preferably, a flashing amber light can be used, at which cars do not need to stop according to the valid regulations, and can continue in their way after the pedestrian 26 leaves the road 1, and do not need to wait for a change in the signal, which - compared with the use of standard traffic lights - will considerably speed up the traffic.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 17, the signalling device consists of amber 43 and red 39 colours, where if the signalling device is deactivated, the amber light 43 flashes slowly indicating that no pedestrian has activated the signalling device, and that cars can continue in their way according to the usual speed limit, but with caution. After the pedestrian 26 activates the signalling device using a switch 35, the amber starts flashing quickly, indicating that the light will soon be red. After a preset time delay, the amber will go off and red 39 will start flashing, at which cars have to stop and give way to the pedestrian; after the pedestrian 26 releases the lever 35 of the switch 34, the red goes off and amber starts flashing, indicating that there is a pedestrian crossing the road. Because none of the lights used can order cars to stop permanently, cars can continue in their way immediately after the pedestrian leaves the corresponding lane. The cars travelling in the opposite direction will stop because they see a pedestrian crossing the road. Preferentially, the signalling devices on both sides of the road may be connected, i.e. if a signalling device is activated on the opposite side of the road where a pedestrian enters the roadway, the amber will change from slowly flashing to quickly flashing, indicating that a pedestrian has entered the road from the opposite side. Cars therefore do not have to stop as the pedestrian enters the roadway but has to stop in time before the pedestrian enters the other lane. This will speed up the traffic. Cars do not need to wait for the lights to change and can continue in their way immediately after the pedestrian leaves the corresponding lane, which will help speed up the traffic compared with conventional traffic lights where drivers have to wait for red to change to green. Security will be improved thanks to a board 37 warning pedestrians 26, using a sign 48, not to enter the roadway without using the button 34 to activate the signalling device and waiting for the cars to stop; until then they should hold the switch lever 35 in the activated position. There may be a permanent red light 44 next to the instruction. After the activation, red 44 will go off and amber 45 will start to shine next to the sign 49 warning that the pedestrian should wait for the cars to stop before deactivating the switch 35 and entering the crossing. After the signalling device is activated, the light giving signal to cars changes from slowly flashing amber 43 to flashing red 39. After the cars stop at the crossing, the pedestrian 26 deactivates the switch 35, amber 45 starts to flash and the pedestrian can start crossing the road. After a short time delay, the amber 45 allowing the pedestrian to enter the crossing changes back to red 44. At the same time, flashing red 39 changes to quickly flashing amber 43, indicating cars that a pedestrian has entered the roadway to cross the road. Other pedestrians must reactivate the switch 35 before crossing the road, according to the inscription 48, and the whole procedure is repeated. The signal for cars will change back to amber, after the preset delay, corresponding to the time necessary for pedestrians to cross the road.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 18, a tread switch 49 is installed in front of the signalling device pole 7, activating the signalling device instead of a manual switch 16, which is connected to a control box 25 via cable 51. The tread switch may preferably be formed by a rectangular plate, on which the pedestrian 26 steps to activate the switch 52 connected to the control box. After the pedestrian 26 leaves the tread switch plate 50, the springs 53 will return it to its original position and the switch will disconnect it. Resistance sensors with an electronic device can be used instead of switches, evaluating the resistance and therefore the presence of a pedestrian. The sign 37 gives guidance on how to activate the tread switch, which is clearly marked so that the pedestrians are informed about where they need to step in order to activate the device.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 19, a motion sensor 20 can be used, working on a thermal or radar principle, detecting the presence of pedestrians; and connected using a cable 51 to the control box, where the presence of a pedestrian activates the signalling device at the crossing. There are instructions for use at the board 37. On the sidewalk 2, the place 54 where the pedestrian is to step to activate the signalling device is marked.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 20, it is possible to replace the tread switch with a detector to determine the presence of a pedestrian on a capacity principle, such as in mat 24, where the electronic device detects a change in the sensor capacity, depending on the presence of pedestrians. The principles remain the same as in the tread switch. Preferably, a board 37 can be installed on the pole 7, with a sign 42 instructing pedestrians 26 that before entering the road they should step on the marked spot on the mat 24 to activate the signalling device, or - if the ground is covered with snow - pres and hold the lever 35 in the switch 34. After the signalling device is activated, the red flashing light 44 in the sign 42 changes to amber 45 near the sign 49, indicating about the need to wait for the cars to stop before entering the crossing, where after the lever 35 5 in the switch 34 is released or the pedestrian leaves the mat 24, the signalling device is deactivated and the light 45 is replaced with light 44 after a short delay, enabling the pedestrian to enter the crossing. The signalling lights 39 and 43 for vehicles is similar, as shown in Figure 17

Claims

The Signalling Equipment to allow for the safe road crossing, formed by a signalling device, characterized in that if activated by a pedestrian, it signals to cars that the pedestrian wishes to stop the traffic to be able to cross the road, and the stage during which the pedestrian is crossing the road, using signalling that does not restrict the traffic at the crossing, does not prevent pedestrians from crossing, especially after the pedestrian leaves a certain part of the road; the cars following the traffic regulations relating to road crossings, and the signalling device is controlled by the pedestrian prior to their entering the crossing.
Equipment, according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a mechanical arm which - when activated by a pedestrian - will set in a horizontal position, indicating that the traffic should stop as in conventional semaphore, and which after it is deactivated will move to a vertical position to enable the traffic to resume; the signalling device is activated using a rod moving the semaphore arm via a rotating joint.
Equipment, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the arm in the "go" position is located in a position leading diagonally up above the road.
Equipment, according to claim 1, characterized in that the signalling device is formed by a disk fitted on a rod rotating in a bearing, so that it can be lifted in a vertical position, where the sign on the disk is visible from the road, and the disk is visible from one direction of the road, indicating that the cars should stop, after the pedestrian activates the disk using a rod, and after the rod is released the disk will no longer be visible and the traffic will be free to resume.
Equipment, according to claim 1, characterized in that the signalling device is formed by a disk fitted on a rotating joint, enabling the activation of the signalling device by the pedestrian using a rod; upon the activation, the disk will be placed in a vertical position, where the disk and the sign indicating that cars should stop is visible from one direction of the road, and when deactivated, the disk will rotate by 90 degrees of the rod axis to a horizontal position, so that the sign is not visible and the traffic is thus free to resume.
Equipment, according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the activation of the signalling device using a rod is regulated electronically, by a switch-controlled solenoid that is activated by the pedestrian before entering the road.
Equipment, according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that the activation of thc signalling device by the pedestrian using a switch, is conducted with the use of an electric motor winch that winds a wire to move the signalling device.
Equipment, according to claim 5, characterized in that the signalling device is rotated using an electric motor controlled by a switch.
Equipment, according to claim 1, characterized in that the signalling device consists of a flashing light operated by an electric switch by the pedestrian at the time when the pedestrian intends to enter the road.
Equipment, according to claim 9, characterized in that the signalling device is activated by the pedestrian coming to the edge of the sidewalk near the road which the pedestrian intends to cross, stepping on a spot monitored by a sensor, and deactivated by the pedestrian leaving such a spot.
Equipment, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the light-emitting signalling device remains lighting even after it is deactivated by the pedestrian, using a preset relay, so that the pedestrian can safely enter the roadway after the cars stop, and cross the corresponding road lane while cars are waiting.
Equipment, according to claim 10 or 11 or 12, characterized in that the light-emitting signalling device lights in both directions of the road.
Equipment, according to claim 10 or 11 or 12, characterized in that signalling devices are placed on both sides of the road, interconnected via a wire.
Equipment, according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the connection between the signalling devices on both sides of the road is wireless.
Equipment, according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that after it is activated by the pedestrian on one side of the road, the signalling device on the side of the road on which the pedestrian is standing activates first, and after it is deactivated and the pedestrian, enters the road, the light indication remains operating for a preset period of time, so that the pedestrian can safely enter the road; then with a delay the signalling device in the opposite direction is activated to enable cars to continue in their journey until the pedestrian approaches the opposite direction of the road; the device is deactivated before the pedestrian leaves the opposite direction, at the anticipated crossing time.