Traffic signal with integrated sensors

• US 7,327,281 B2
• Filed: 08/24/2005
• Issued: 02/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: M&K Hutchison Investments, LP
• Original Assignee: M & K Hutchison Investments LP
• Inventors: Hutchison, Michael Cole
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland; Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US11/211,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20070052553A1
• Time in Patent Office: 895 Days
• Field of Search: 340/907
• US Class Current: 340/907
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A traffic signal with integrated sensors. The present invention provides an apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A signal case has a housing and a light source placed within the housing. A door attached to the housing is configured such that photons generated by the light may be sensed outside the housing. A tab is attached to the door. A sensor is attached to the tab. The housing or the door is adapted to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

Claims

1. A signal case for use as a traffic signal, the signal case comprising:

a housing;

a light source disposed within the housing;

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

a tab attached to the door; and

a sensor attached to the tab, wherein one of the housing and the door is configured to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

2. The signal case of claim 1 wherein the sensor comprises a camera and wherein an aperture is disposed in the door opposite the tab such that light may pass through the aperture and into the camera.

3. The signal case of claim 1 further comprising a control board operably connected to the sensor, the control board disposed within the housing and operable to control operation of the sensor.

4. The signal case of claim 3 wherein the control board is attached to one of the door, a light source module attached to and disposed within the housing, and a frame attached to the door.

5. The signal case of claim 1 wherein the sensor is wholly disposed within the housing when the door is shut.

6. The signal case of claim 1 wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a nuclear sensor, a chemical sensor, a bacteriological sensor, an audio sensor, a motion sensor, a thermometer, and a moisture sensor.

7. The signal case of claim 1 further comprising a light source module attached to the door, wherein the light source is disposed within the light source module and wherein the tab is attached to the light source module.

8. The signal case of claim 1 further comprising:

a second tab attached to the door; and

a second sensor attached to the second tab, wherein one of the housing and the door is configured to allow the second sensor to operate.

9. A signal case for use as a traffic signal, the signal case comprising:

a housing;

a light source disposed within the housing;

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

a frame attached to the door;

a tab attached to the frame; and

a sensor attached to the tab, wherein one of the housing and the door is configured to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

10. The signal case of claim 9 wherein the sensor comprises a camera and wherein an aperture is disposed in the door opposite the tab such that light may pass through the aperture and into the camera.

11. The signal case of claim 9 wherein the control board is attached to one of the door, a light source module attached to and disposed within the housing, and the frame.

12. The signal case of claim 9 wherein the frame is removably attachable to the door.

13. The signal case of claim 9 wherein the sensor is wholly disposed within the housing when the door is shut.

14. The signal case of claim 9 wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a nuclear sensor, a chemical sensor, a bacteriological sensor, an audio sensor, a motion sensor, a thermometer, and a moisture sensor.

15. The signal case of claim 9 wherein one of the frame and the tab is adjustable.

16. The signal case of claim 9 further comprising:

a second sensor attached to the frame, wherein one of the housing and the door is configured to allow the second sensor to operate.

17. A signal case for use as a traffic signal, the signal case comprising:

a housing;

a door operably attached to the housing;

a light source module disposed within the housing;

a frame disposed between the light source module and the housing; and

a sensor attached to the frame, wherein one of the housing and the door is configured to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

18. The signal case of claim 17 wherein the sensor comprises a camera and wherein an aperture is disposed in the housing opposite the camera such that light may pass through the aperture and into the camera.

19. The signal case of claim 17 further comprising a control board attached to one of the frame, a door, and a light source module attached to and disposed within the signal housing, wherein the control board is operable to control operation of the sensor.

20. The signal case of claim 17 further comprising a door operably attached to the housing, wherein a light source module is attached to the door, and wherein the frame is disposed opposite the light source module relative to the door.