TRAFFIC SIGNAL WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS

• US 20080150757A1
• Filed: 12/20/2006
• Published: 06/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: M&K Hutchison Investments, LP
• Original Assignee: M&K Hutchison Investments, LP
• Inventors: Hutchison, Michael Cole
• Granted Patent: US 7,642,928 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/907
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights

Abstract

A traffic signal including a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, and a door operably attached to the housing. The door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the housing. The traffic signal also includes a sensor attached to one of the door and the housing.

Claims

1. A traffic signal comprising:

a pre-existing housing;

a light source disposed within the pre-existing housing;

a door operably attached to the pre-existing housing, wherein the door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the pre-existing housing; and

a sensor attached to one of the door and the pre-existing housing, wherein addition of the sensor modifies the pre-existing housing.

3. The traffic signal of claim 1 wherein the sensor is attached to an outside surface of the door.

4. The traffic signal of claim 1 wherein the sensor is attached to an outside surface of the pre-existing housing.

5. The traffic signal of claim 1 wherein at least one of the door and the pre-existing housing is modified such that the sensor can sense a parameter outside the pre-existing housing and wherein the sensor is disposed at least partially inside the pre-existing housing.

6. The traffic signal of claim 1 further comprising:

a gimbal attached to the sensor.

7. The traffic signal of claim 1 further comprising:

a cover attached to the sensor; and

a window attached to the sensor, wherein the window is disposed in front of the sensor and wherein the cover is disposed to protect the window.

8. The traffic signal of claim 4 wherein the sensor is a camera.

9. The traffic signal of claim 8 further comprising:

a gimbal attached to the sensor.

10. The traffic signal of claim 9 wherein the sensor is attached to an outside surface of the door.

2. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. A public lamp comprising:

a light source;

a pre-existing housing attached to the light source, wherein the pre-existing housing is attached to an object such that the light source is disposed to illuminate a public area; and

a sensor attached to the pre-existing housing, wherein addition of the sensor modifies the pre-existing housing.

14. The public lamp of claim 12 wherein the object is a pole attached to ground.

15. The public lamp of claim 12 further comprising:

a gimbal attached to the sensor.

13. (canceled)

16. A computer-implemented method of using a sensor, wherein the sensor is attached to and modifies one of a pre-existing traffic signal having a first light source and a pre-existing public lamp having a second light source, wherein the pre-existing public lamp is disposed to illuminate a public area, and wherein the method comprises:

sensing a parameter with the sensor; and

responsive to sensing the parameter, performing an action.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the parameter is visibility and the action is selected from the group consisting of adjusting one of the first light source and the second light source, transmitting an alert to a control center, and a combination thereof.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the sensor is attached to the pre-existing traffic signal, wherein the parameter is a dilemma zone, and wherein the action is selected from the group consisting of adjusting the first light source, transmitting an alert to a control center, adjusting a third light source attached to the pre-existing traffic signal, adjusting a fourth light source attached to the pre-existing traffic signal, and a combination thereof.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the parameter is sound waves, and wherein the action is to transmit an alert to a control center if the sound waves are characteristic of one of a gun shot, a traffic accident, or an explosion.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the parameter is selected from the group consisting of radiation, biological hazards, chemical hazards, and combinations thereof, and wherein the action is to transmit an alert to a control center if the sensor senses the parameter.

21. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the parameter is a speed of a vehicle approaching an intersection and wherein performing an action comprises:

responsive to the speed of the vehicle being one of greater than or less than a threshold speed, adjusting a duration of operation of one of the first light source and the second light source.

22. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the sensor is attached to the pre-existing traffic signal, wherein the parameter is a speed of a vehicle approaching an intersection, wherein the first light source comprises at least one of a red light source, a yellow light source, and a green light source, and wherein performing an action comprises:

responsive to the speed of the vehicle being one of greater than or less than a threshold speed, adjusting a duration of operation at least one of the red light source, the yellow light source, and the green light source.

23. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 wherein the sensor is attached to the pre-existing traffic signal, wherein the parameter is a condition of a road which the sensor can sense, wherein the first light source comprises at least one of a red light source, a yellow light source, and a green light source, and wherein performing an action comprises:

responsive to the condition of the road being at least one of icy or wet, adjusting a duration of operation of at least one of the red light source, the yellow light source, and the green light source.