Advanced accessible pedestrian control system for the physically disabled

• US 8,384,562 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2009
• Issued: 02/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: University of Idaho
• Original Assignee: University of Idaho
• Inventors: Wall, Richard W., DeRuwe, Gabriel
• Primary Examiner(s): CROSLAND, DONNIE L
• Application Number:
  US12/411,306
• Publication Number:
  US 20120223843A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,434 Days
• Field of Search: 340/944, 340/925, 701/433
• US Class Current: 340/944
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights

Abstract

A mobile traffic controller to aid pedestrians includes a wireless transmitter and receiver that are configured to communicate with a traffic signal or a traffic control system. In response to a user request, the transmitter sends a traffic control request to a traffic signal or a traffic system controller. The request is acknowledged, and when appropriate, the mobile traffic controller receives a message indicating that a crossing is authorized. The mobile controller can include a vibro-tactile or audio output device for communication with the user. In addition, position and orientation systems can be included so that the user can be directed along a preferred path or alerted that a predetermined or legally established passage zone has been exited or is about to be exited.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a traffic signal locator configured to determine an availability of a traffic signal;

a transmitter configured to communicate with at least one traffic controller associated with the available traffic signal so as to provide a pedestrian traffic control request associated with establishment of a pedestrian crossing zone; and

a receiver configured to receive a notification that the pedestrian crossing zone has been established and that a pedestrian associated with the traffic control request has exited the established pedestrian crossing zone.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a position sensor configured to estimate a position associated with the apparatus, wherein the traffic signal locator determines the availability of the traffic signal based on the estimated position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory storing traffic signal positional information for at least one traffic signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a traffic signal identifier associated with a traffic signal, wherein the traffic signal locator is configured to determine the availability of the traffic signal based on the traffic signal identifier.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an orientation sensor, configured to provide an indication of an orientation associated with the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transmitter is configured to communicate the estimated position and orientation.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transmitted request is based on the estimated position and orientation.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a communication transducer operable to indicate receipt of the notification.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the communication transducer is configured to indicate that the position associated with the sensor is within a predetermined zone associated with the pedestrian traffic control request.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the communication transducer is a vibro-tactile transducer.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a communication transducer configured to indicate that the estimated position is external to a predetermined zone associated with the traffic control request.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a processor configured to produce a pedestrian alert signal indicative of at least one of a pedestrian position or orientation that is outside a predetermined limit.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the communication transducer is coupled to produce an alert signal for delivery to the pedestrian based on the notification that the pedestrian has exited the established pedestrian crossing zone.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the alert signal produced by the transducer is an audible, visible, or vibro-tactile notification.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transducer is coupled to produce at least first and second alert signals indicative of a preferred pedestrian travel direction with respect to the established pedestrian crossing zone.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an orientation sensor that includes a magnetometer and an accelerometer;

a position sensor that includes a global or local positioning system sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit estimated apparatus orientation and position.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an orientation sensor that includes a magnetometer and an accelerometer;

a position sensor that includes a global or local positioning system sensor configured to provide an estimated pedestrian position; and

a processor coupled to the orientation sensor and the position sensor to determine a whether the estimated pedestrian position and orientation are within the established pedestrian crossing zone.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pedestrian traffic control request is a request for a traffic signal to activate a walk signal.

19. A traffic control unit, comprising:

at least one traffic signal interface configured to control at least one traffic signal;

a radiofrequency transceiver configured to receive pedestrian requests for traffic signal control; and

a processor coupled to the traffic signal interface and the transceiver, and configured to establish a traffic signal condition associated with establishment of a predetermined crossing zone in response to the pedestrian request and produce a request acknowledgement for transmission by the transceiver to the pedestrian, wherein the processor is further configured to produce an alarm signal operative to pedestrian an is outside the predetermined crossing zone established in response to the pedestrian request.

20. The traffic controller of claim 19, further comprising a memory coupled to the processor and configured to store at least one legal and/or established pedestrian crossing zone definition associated with the at least one traffic signal, wherein the processor is configured to produce a pedestrian zone signal based on the pedestrian zone definition for transmission by the transceiver.

21. The traffic controller of claim 20, wherein the processor is configured to produce an alarm signal operative to extend the predetermined crossing zone in response to receipt of a pedestrian location signal or pedestrian orientation signal indicating that a pedestrian is outside the predetermined crossing zone.

22. A traffic control method, comprising:

receiving a request from a pedestrian for activation of at least one traffic control device associated with establishment of a safe transit zone;

storing a record associated with at least one safe transit zone associated with the traffic control device, and comparing a pedestrian location with the at least one established safe transit zone;

activating at least a first traffic control device in response to the request so as to establish at least one safe transit zone; and

notifying a pedestrian that the established safe transit zone has been exited based on a comparison of a current pedestrian location and the established safe transit zone, and providing an additional traffic control device activation signal so as to provide an extended safe transit zone.