Streetlight situational awareness system

A streetlight situational awareness system (SSAS) includes streetlight modules integrated into streetlights. Each module includes a camera configured to detect objects within a predetermined zone along a road. The awareness module includes a lamp array configured to illuminate an area around the streetlight. The system includes a communication network configured to share data about objects within the zone with nearby vehicles and/or neighboring streetlight modules.

BACKGROUND

Autonomous vehicles are becoming more and more common. Unfortunately, there are challenges holding autonomous vehicles back from becoming mainstream. For example, autonomous vehicles are currently able to operate up to level 3 on the autonomous vehicle scale. In some instances, vehicles area able to reach levels 4 and 5 on the autonomous vehicle scale. However, level 3 autonomous driving still requires human intervention in some instances. Additionally, levels 4 and 5 autonomous driving is limited as vehicles are generally unable to detect and/or react to hazards outsize of a predetermined line of sight. As should be appreciated, the inability to sense objects outside of a predetermined area can result in accidents and/or injuries.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

A unique streetlight or streetlamp situational awareness system (SSAS) has been developed to address the above mentioned as well as other issues. The situational awareness system includes an awareness module configured to detect one or more objects within a predetermined zone. In one embodiment, the awareness module is retrofittable into an existing streetlamp housing. The awareness module includes a camera, a lamp array, a positioning system, and a communication network in communication with a processor. The processor is configured to perform object detection and tracking processes based on input from the camera. The communication network includes an intranet communication network and an extranet communication network. The intranet communication network is configured to send object detection information between one or more awareness modules. The extranet communication network is configured to send object detection information between the awareness module and one or more vehicles within the situational awareness system. In one example, the vehicles are autonomous vehicles.

The situational awareness system is configured to operate in a variety of modes and/or perform a variety of functions. In one embodiment, the awareness system functions as a traffic monitoring system. For example, the awareness module monitors traffic conditions and reports the traffic conditions to one or more vehicles and/or a route planning system. In another embodiment, the awareness system functions as a hazard alert system. For example, the awareness module monitors for an accident, fire, and/or other hazard. Once a hazard is detected, the awareness system generates an alert and/or contacts the proper emergency services. In yet another embodiment, the awareness system acts as a warning system for a vehicle. For example, the awareness system monitors a sidewalk and/or road for one or more objects, such as children, animals, and/or bicycles. The awareness system calculates the position of the object and transfers the object detection information to a vehicle. As should be appreciated, the object detection information is used by the vehicle to avoid accidents. Additionally, the vehicle is able to offload processing power from the vehicle to the situational awareness system. For example, the vehicle analyzes an area within a direct line of sight of the vehicle for hazards and/or objects, while the situational awareness system monitors an area around the vehicle for hazards and/or objects outside of the line of sight of the vehicle. The situational awareness system may then transfer the hazard and/or object detection data to the vehicle.

The system and techniques as described and illustrated herein concern a number of unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, of these unique aspects are summarized below.

Aspect 1 generally concerns a system.

Aspect 2 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect that includes a streetlight situational awareness system (SSAS).

Aspect 3 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect that includes one or more streetlight modules configured to visually monitor corresponding zones along a road.

Aspect 4 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are each integrated into a streetlight configured to illuminate the road.

Aspect 5 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules each include a camera configured to visually monitor the zones.

Aspect 6 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the camera is configured to visually monitor the zones from above the road.

Aspect 7 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the camera has a field of view defining a boundary of the zone for the streetlight module.

Aspect 8 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which a dual communication network is configured to communicate object data from the streetlight modules.

Aspect 9 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which an intranet communication network is configured to communicate the object data between the streetlight modules.

Aspect 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which an extranet communication network is configured facilitate communications between the streetlight modules and a vehicle.

Aspect 11 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the extranet communication network is configured to facilitate one-way broadcast communications from the streetlight modules to the vehicle.

Aspect 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the extranet communication network is configured to facilitate two-way communications between the streetlight modules and the vehicle.

Aspect 13 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to monitor traffic congestion within the zones along the road.

Aspect 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to alert emergency services when a hazard is detected along the road.

Aspect 15 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to generate an alert if an unsafe event is detected along the road.

Aspect 16 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to track objects when moving between the zones.

Aspect 17 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to alert a vehicle when at least one of the objects is moving towards a travel path of the vehicle.

Aspect 18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the vehicle includes an autonomous vehicle.

Aspect 19 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to monitor the zones for a vehicle matching an amber alert description.

Aspect 20 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to monitor license plates of vehicles via the camera to detect the vehicle matching the amber alert description.

Aspect 21 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the base station configured to store object data from the streetlight modules.

Aspect 22 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to manage traffic along the road via one or more traffic lights.

Aspect 23 generally concerns a method.

Aspect 24 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including monitoring visually a first zone of a road with a first streetlight module.

Aspect 25 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including monitoring visually a second zone of the road with a second streetlight module.

Aspect 26 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are part of the streetlight situational awareness system (SSAS).

Aspect 27 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including tracking with the system an object as the object moves between the first zone and the second zone with the streetlight modules.

Aspect 28 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including detecting a potential collision with the system by monitoring a travel path of the object with the streetlight modules.

Aspect 29 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including issuing an alert upon the detecting of the potential collision.

Aspect 30 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect in which the object includes a vehicle.

Aspect 31 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including reading a license plate of the vehicle with the first streetlight module.

Aspect 32 generally concerns the system or method of any previous aspect including determining with the system that the license plate matches a license plate identification for an amber alert.

Aspect 33 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to visually monitor corresponding zones along a road and/or sidewalk.

Aspect 34 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the streetlight modules are configured to visually monitor corresponding zones in an area around a road and/or sidewalk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

The reference numerals in the following description have been organized to aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where various components are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the left-most digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a “100” series reference numeral will likely first appear inFIG.1, an element identified by a “200” series reference numeral will likely first appear inFIG.2, and so on.

FIG.1shows an example of a streetlight situational awareness system (SSAS)100. The situational awareness system100is configured to monitor a predetermined zone for one or more objects. The objects may include bicycles, pedestrians, vehicles, animals, road hazards, and/or other objects. In another example, the situational awareness system100is configured to send object detection data to one or more vehicles to assist in preventing accidents. The situational awareness system100includes a streetlight module105, an intranet communication network110, and an extranet communication network115. In one example, the streetlight module105is a component of a streetlamp. In another example, the streetlight module105is mounted to buildings, traffic lights, and/or similar structures. In one embodiment, the streetlight module105replaces the current lighting system of the streetlamp. As should be appreciated, the streetlight module105is configured to retrofit an existing streetlamp without modification.

The intranet communication network110transfers information between the one or more streetlight modules105. For example, the intranet communication network110transfers object detection data between the streetlight modules105within the situational awareness system100to assist in object tracking. The extranet communication network115transfers object detection data between one or more streetlight modules105and one or more vehicles120. For example, the extranet communication network115transmits object detection data to one or more vehicles120. As should be appreciated, the vehicle120uses object detection data to prevent accidents and/or dangerous circumstances.

In another embodiment, the situational awareness system100includes a base station125. The base station125acts as a master controller for the situational awareness system100. For example, the base station125maintains a database of past object detection data. In one example, the base station125communicates with a cloud storage device130. The cloud storage device130may be accessed remotely by a computer and/or other computing device to monitor data from the situational awareness system100.

FIG.2shows components of the streetlight module105. The streetlight module105includes a power converter202, a controller205, a camera210, a lamp array215, a communication network220, and a position sensor225. The power converter202converts alternating current (AC) voltage from the streetlamp into low voltage direct current (DC) voltage to power the streetlight module105. The controller205detects, classifies, tracks, and reports objects within view of the camera210. The controller205additionally maintains a database of objects tracked by the streetlight module105. The controller205further establishes, maintains, and severs communication with one or more vehicles120.

The camera210detects objects within the situational awareness system100. In one example, the camera210is a black and white camera. In another example, the camera210is a color camera. In yet another example, the camera210is a thermal camera240. As should be appreciated, the thermal camera240is more effective in low visibility conditions. The lamp array215is configured to provide light to illuminate an area around the streetlight module105. The lamp array215includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDS) to provide illumination. In one example, the LEDs are chip on board (COB) LEDs. In yet another example, the lamp array215includes halogen lights, high intensity discharge (HID) lights, and/or fluorescent lights.

The communication network220includes the intranet communication network110and the extranet communication network115. As mentioned previously, the intranet communication network110enables communication between multiple streetlight modules105and the extranet communication network115enables communication from the streetlight modules105to one or more vehicles120. In another example, the communication network220is a dual communication network235. The dual communication network235enables communication between the streetlight modules105and one or more vehicles120within a single communication network220. As should be appreciated, the dual communication network235is advantageous when cost savings is desired. The position sensor225is generally a global navigation satellite system230. The position sensor225enables the streetlight module105to utilize a fixed position to provide accurate location data for object tracking.

In another embodiment, the streetlight module105includes one or more object detection sensors245. In one example, the object detection sensors245are radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, and/or other object detection sensors. In yet another embodiment, the streetlight module105includes a speaker250. The speaker250is configured to emit an audible alarm and/or alert based on commands from the controller205.

FIGS.3and4show an example of one or more streetlights300used with the situational awareness system100. As has been mentioned previously, the streetlight module105is configured to mount within the streetlight300. The streetlight300includes a post305, an arm315, and a housing320. The post305has a height310. The height310of the post305may be different for various models of streetlight300. For example, the height310of the post305may be larger in urban areas. In another example, the height310of the post305may be shorter in rural areas. The arm315extends outward from the post305. In some streetlights300, the arm315may be absent. For example, the housing320may mount directly on top of the post305. At one end of the arm315is the housing320. The housing320is configured to hold the streetlight module105. As should be appreciated, the housing320does not need to be replaced when installing the streetlight module105. For example, the streetlight module105is configured to retrofit within an existing housing320without modification. The streetlights300are separated by a separation distance405. The separation distance405is variable based on each set of streetlights300. However, the separation distance405is generally calculated to enable adequate illumination of the surroundings.

FIG.5shows an example of one or more zones500of the camera210. The camera210generally includes an image sensor505, a focal length510, and a lens515. A field of view of the camera210is based primarily on the image sensor505and the focal length510. For example, a larger image sensor505will result in a larger field of view and a smaller image sensor505will result in a smaller field of view. In another example, a longer focal length510results in a smaller field of view and a shorter focal length510results in a larger field of view. As should be appreciated, camera210with different fields of view may be beneficial depending on the use case. Corresponding with the field of view are the camera zones500.

In an example, a first field of view520corresponds to a first zone535, a second field of view525corresponds to a second zone540, and a third field of view530corresponds to a third zone545. As should be appreciated, the camera zone may also be impacted by the height310of the streetlight300. For example, a larger height310may result in a larger zone.

Turning toFIGS.6and7, different views of the camera zones500of the situational awareness system100are shown. The situational awareness system100ofFIG.6includes a first streetlight605with a first zone610, a second streetlight615with a second zone620, and a third streetlight625with a third zone630. Generally, adjacent zones are configured to overlap slightly to create an overlapping zone635. The overlapping zone635is configured to prevent object loss as a result of blind spots. The situational awareness system100is designed with camera zones configured to cover a sidewalk640and a road645. As can be seen inFIG.7, one or more zones705of the camera210form one or more overlapping zones715. As mentioned previously, the overlapping zones715help to prevent object loss as a result of blind spots.

FIG.8shows an example of a flowchart800. At stage805the streetlight module105monitors the zones500surrounding the streetlight300containing the streetlight module105via the camera210. At stage810the streetlight module105detects an object via the camera210. If no object is detected at stage810the streetlight module105returns to monitoring the zones500. If an object is detected at stage810, the streetlight module105moves to stage815. At stage815the streetlight module105determines the position of the detected object. At stage820, the streetlight module105determines the movement direction and speed of the object. At stage825, the streetlight module105shares the object detection data with one or more surrounding streetlight modules105via the intranet communication network110. At stage830, the streetlight module105shares the object information with one or more vehicles120and/or other receivers within the situational awareness system100via the extranet communication network115.

FIG.9shows an example of the situational awareness system100in use. The situational awareness system100includes a first zone920, a second zone925, and a third zone930corresponding to a first awareness module955, a second awareness module960, and a third awareness module965. The first awareness module955, the second awareness module960, and the third awareness module965are configured to monitor for one or more objects. The one or more objects may include a person910, a bicycle915, and/or a vehicle120. In one example, the first awareness module955detects objects represented by a first zone data935. The object detection data is sent by the first awareness module955to the second awareness module960via the communication network220. Similarly, the first awareness module955receives object detection data from the second awareness module960in the form of a second zone data940via the communication network220. The second awareness module960receives object detection data from the third awareness module965in the form of a third zone data945via the communication network220. Similarly, the third awareness module965receives object detection data from the second awareness module960in the form of a second zone data940via the communication network220. As should be appreciated, each of the streetlight modules105share object detection data with other streetlight modules105within the situational awareness system100. The compiled object detection data is sent from the streetlight modules105to one or more vehicle120. For example, the one or more vehicles120receive object detection data in the form of a coverage area data950. In another embodiment, the object detection data is send from the streetlight modules105to one or more mobile devices and/or other devices. For example, an individual waiting to cross the road645receives an alert if a vehicle120is nearby. Similarly, an individual on a bicycle receives an alert of a vehicle120coming up behind them. As should be appreciated, the object detection data is able to be shares with multiple different devices based on a free and/or paid subscription model. For example, via a downloadable mobile application (App) on a mobile device.

FIG.10shows one example of the communication network220of the situational awareness system100. The communication network220includes an one-way communication system1005. In one example, the one-way communication system1005is a radio broadcast via a broadcast communication method. The one-way communication system1005sends object detection data from the streetlight module105to the vehicles120. As should be appreciated, the one-way communication system1005is unidirectional. Meaning, the vehicle120does not transmit an acknowledgment and/or any other information back to the streetlight module105. In one example, as the vehicle120enters a zone500of the situational awareness system100, object detection data is sent from the streetlight module105to the vehicle120via the one-way communication system1005.

FIG.11shows another example of the communication network220of the situational awareness system100. The communication network220includes a two-way communication system1105. In one example, the two-way communication system1105is a bi-directional communication method including a module to vehicle communication1110and a vehicle to module communication1115. Within the two-way communication system1105, the module to vehicle communication1110sends object detection data from the streetlight module105to the vehicle120. However, the vehicle to module communication1115sends an acknowledgement and/or other notification from the vehicle120back to the streetlight module105indicating that the object detection data is received. In one example, as the vehicle120enters a zone500of the situational awareness system100, object detection data is sent from the streetlight module105to the vehicle120via the module to vehicle communication1110and an acknowledgement is sent from the vehicle120to the streetlight module105via the vehicle to module communication1115. As should be appreciated, the two-way communication system1105allows the situational awareness system100to confirm that the object detection data is received.

FIGS.12and13show examples of an object recognition process1200and an object movement tracking process1300respectively. Object detection generally begins by generating an object outline1205of the object. Generally, object detection includes an encoder and a decoder. The encoder generally takes an image from the camera210as an input and breaks the image into statistical features. The statistical features are configured as an output sent to the decoder. The decoder then predicts and places the object outline1205. Similarly, the decoder is able to generate a label for the object. For example, if vehicle120travels into a zone500of the situational awareness system100, the camera210captures the image and the decoder places the object outline1205around and labels the object as a “vehicle.”

In another embodiment, the situational awareness system100may utilize one or more filters to avoid tracking and/or detecting objects that do not meet a specified criterion. In one example, the situational awareness system100is configured to filter out small wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and/or other small rodents. The object recognition process1200further calculates a center point1210and a velocity vector1215. The center point1210is used for movement calculations. For example, as best shown inFIG.13, the velocity of an object is calculated via the equation v=(p2−p1)/t. In the equation, v is velocity, p2 is the second position of the object, p1 is the first position of the object, and t is time. In the example shown inFIG.13, the vehicle120has a first position1305and a second position1310. The second position1310minus the first position1305equals a change in position1315. The change in position1315divided by the time between the first position1305and the second position1310results in a velocity vector1320. The velocity vector1320is recorded by the situational awareness system100as object tracking and movement data.

FIG.14shows an example of a notification process1400of the situational awareness system100. The notification process1400includes a set of tracking data1410. The tracking data1410includes object identifier1415, object type1420, object position1425, and object velocity1430. The object identifier1415is automatically assigned by the controller205when the object is detected. The object type1420is assigned to the object by the decoder as described previously. The object position1425is calculated based on visual information from the camera210and position data from the position sensor225. The object velocity1430is calculated by the controller205as described previously. As should be appreciated, the object velocity1430is used to generate a localized map of the one or more zones500. In one example, the vehicle120uses the localized map information to avoid hazards and/or objects. The tracking data1410is sent to the vehicle120within the situational awareness system100via the communication network220. Based on the tracking data1410, the vehicle120may choose how to proceed. For example, the vehicle120may decide to stop and/or slow down if a hazard is expected. As should be appreciated, the vehicle120is able to offload processing power from the vehicle120to the situational awareness system100. For example, the vehicle120analyzes an area within a direct line of sight of the vehicle120for hazards and/or objects, while the situational awareness system100monitors an area around the vehicle120for hazards and/or objects outside of the line of sight of the vehicle120. The situational awareness system100may then transfer the hazard and/or object detection data to the vehicle120. In another embodiment, the situational awareness system100includes one or more reference markers1405. The reference markers1405are configured to assist the streetlight module105in calibrating the position sensor225. For example, in the event the position sensor225is replaced.

FIG.15shows an example of an object detection and warning mode1500of the situational awareness system100. As has been mentioned previously, the situational awareness system100is configured to share information with one or more vehicles120. In one example, the vehicle120is an autonomous vehicle1505. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100is configured to detect objects that may and/or may not be detected by the autonomous vehicle1505and/or the driver. For example, a child running into the street hidden by one or more parked vehicle1515. In another example, an animal1510is chasing a ball into the road645. These sudden events can lead to accidents and/or accidental death of a child and/or animal. However, the situational awareness system100is able to send object detection data related to the child and/or animal to the autonomous vehicle1505. As a result, the autonomous vehicle1505can prepare for the hazard and act accordingly. For example, the autonomous vehicle1505may slow down and/or use extreme caution when moving forward.

FIG.16shows an example of a traffic monitoring mode1600of the situational awareness system100. The traffic monitoring mode1600is configured to monitor traffic flow on the road645. For example, the situational awareness system100may detect that traffic in a first direction1605is jammed traffic1610and that traffic in a second direction1615is free flowing traffic1620. The situational awareness system100detects traffic flow via one or more streetlight modules105. The streetlight modules105detect the number of vehicles120within a predetermined zone. For example, free flow conditions are defined by less than 12 vehicles per mile per lane of road, stable conditions are defined as 12-30 vehicles per mile per lane of road, unstable conditions are defined as 30-67 vehicles per mile per lane of road, breakdown conditions are defined as 67-185 vehicles per mile per lane of road, and jam conditions are referred to as over 185 vehicles per mile per lane of road. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100may share traffic information in real-time with one or more vehicles120and/or other devices. The traffic information may be used to automatically update route planning and/or navigation systems. In another embodiment, a user may opt in and/or pay a subscription fee to access the traffic information via a mobile device, vehicle infotainment system, and/or other device.

FIG.17shows an example of a hazard detection mode1700of the situational awareness system100. The hazard detection mode1700is configured to detect a road hazard1705via the streetlight module105. The situational awareness system100may detect the road hazard1705by noting the lack of movement of one or more vehicle120. In another example, the situational awareness system100may detect a fire1720. The situational awareness system100may detect the fire1720by viewing one or more flames and/or a large amount of smoke. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100is generally configured to monitor for objects on and/or nearby the sidewalk640and/or road645. However, in another embodiment, it is envisioned that the situational awareness system100is able to detect objects that are further from the sidewalk640and/or road645. In the event of a hazard, the situational awareness system100is configured to send an alert to emergency services1710. For example, the situational awareness system100may contact an ambulance1715in the event of a road hazard1705. In another example, the situational awareness system100may contact a fire truck1725in the event of a fire1720. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100is configured to detect the type of hazard and automatically contact the proper emergency services1710depending on the hazard type. In another example, the situational awareness system100may transmit a warning to one or more vehicles120to avoid the area. In another embodiment, the situational awareness system100may transmit a warning to one or more mobile devices and/or other devices. In one example, a user may opt in to a paid and/or free service, which delivers information from the situational awareness system100to a mobile device and/or other device.

FIG.18shows an example of a safety monitoring mode1800of the situational awareness system100. The safety monitoring mode1800is configured to deter bad actors and/or act as a tracking system for monitoring the safety of one or more individuals. For example, the situational awareness system100monitors an individual as they move through a zone of the situational awareness system100. For example, the user may enable tracking via a mobile phone application (app) when monitoring is desired. In another example, the situational awareness system100simply monitors all individuals within a predetermined coverage area. If the situational awareness system100detects any event that warrants intervention, for example, a burglary and/or a similar event, the situational awareness system100sounds an alert1810and/or flash a light. Additionally, the situational awareness system100may automatically contact authorities in the event of a triggering event1805. For example, the situational awareness system100may contact the police1815. In yet another embodiment, after the triggering event1805, the situational awareness system100may track the suspect to assist the police1815. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100uses object detection and tracking as described earlier to track the suspect through the situational awareness system100. For example, the suspect ID and movement direction may be transferred throughout the situational awareness system100via the intranet communication network110. In one embodiment, a user pays a subscription fee to utilize the tracking functions. In another example, the user downloads a free and/or paid mobile application (App) on a mobile device to access the tracking functions.

FIG.19shows an example of a license plate tracking mode1900of the situational awareness system100. The license plate tracking mode1900is configured to monitor a license plate1905of a situational awareness system100. In one example, the license plate tracking mode1900is an amber alert mode configured to compare the license plate1905to an amber alert database. If the license plate1905corresponds to a license plate1905within the database the situational awareness system100may begin to track the vehicle120. Simultaneously, the situational awareness system100may contact the police1815. In one example, as a vehicle120drives through a zone500of the situational awareness system100, the streetlight module105reads the license plate1905. After reading the license plate1905, the streetlight module105compares the license plate1905to the database. If the license plate1905matches the database, the situational awareness system100generates an alert to the police1815and continues to track the movements of the vehicle120. As should be appreciated, the license plate tracking mode1900may be used for tracking and/or contacting the police1815in other scenarios besides amber alert scenarios. For example, hit and run accidents, outstanding warrants for arrest, and/or other similar events.

FIG.20shows an example of a traffic management mode2000of the situational awareness system100. The traffic management mode2000includes the situational awareness system100networked with one or more traffic lights2005to enable the situational awareness system100to assist in optimizing traffic flow. For example, the situational awareness system100may detect the congestion in an intersection as discussed previously. Based on the congestion level, the situational awareness system100can recommend actions to the traffic light2005via a street status broadcast2015. For example, the situational awareness system100can alert the traffic light2005to change the light color due to a large number of stopped vehicles120.

In another example, the situational awareness system100is configured to monitor a status of traffic light2005via a light status broadcast2010. The situational awareness system100may then transmit the light status of the traffic light2005to one or more vehicles120. As should be appreciated, the vehicles120may react to the status indicator from the situational awareness system100to avoid accidents. In another embodiment, the situational awareness system100is configured to alert the traffic light2005if a vehicle120is driving erratically. For example, a vehicle120is approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed. The situational awareness system100may alert the traffic light2005to change all surrounding traffic lights2005to red in order to stop traffic. Similarly, the situational awareness system100may alert the traffic lights2005to change all lights to red for a funeral procession and/or other emergency service. As should be appreciated, the situational awareness system100may also log and/or store congestion information to the cloud storage device130for use in traffic planning.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's dictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and common variations thereof identified below.

“About” with reference to numerical values generally refers to plus or minus 10% of the stated value. For example if the stated value is 4.375, then use of the term “about 4.375” generally means a range between 3.9375 and 4.8125.

“Aftermarket Product” generally refers to one or more parts and/or accessories used in repair and/or enhancement of a product already made and sold by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). For example, aftermarket products can include spare parts, accessories, and/or components for motor vehicles.

“And/Or” generally refers to a grammatical conjunction indicating that one or more of the cases it connects may occur. For instance, it can indicate that either or both of two stated cases can occur. In general, “and/or” includes any combination of the listed collection. For example, “X, Y, and/or Z” encompasses: any one letter individually (e.g., {X}, {Y}, {Z}); any combination of two of the letters (e.g., {X, Y}, {X, Z}, {Y, Z}); and all three letters (e.g., {X, Y, Z}). Such combinations may include other unlisted elements as well.

“Communication Link” or “Communication Channel” generally refers to a connection between two or more communicating entities and may or may not include a communications channel between the communicating entities. The communication between the communicating entities may occur by any suitable means. For example, the connection may be implemented as an actual physical link, an electrical link, an electromagnetic link, a logical link, or any other suitable linkage facilitating communication. In the case of an actual physical link, communication may occur by multiple components in the communication link configured to respond to one another by physical movement of one element in relation to another. In the case of an electrical link, the communication link may be composed of multiple electrical conductors electrically connected to form the communication link. In the case of an electromagnetic link, elements of the connection may be implemented by sending or receiving electromagnetic energy at any suitable frequency, thus allowing communications to pass as electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves may or may not pass through a physical medium such as an optical fiber, or through free space, or any combination thereof. Electromagnetic waves may be passed at any suitable frequency including any frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. In the case of a logical link, the communication links may be a conceptual linkage between the sender and recipient such as a transmission station in the receiving station. Logical link may include any combination of physical, electrical, electromagnetic, or other types of communication links.

“Computer” generally refers to any computing device configured to compute a result from any number of input values or variables. A computer may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A computer may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A computer may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a computer can control a network interface to perform various network communications upon request. A computer may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one computer and linked together by a communication network. A computer may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A computer may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A computer may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single computer. The concept of “computer” and “processor” within a computer or computing device also encompasses any such processor or computing device serving to make calculations or comparisons as part of a disclosed system. Processing operations related to threshold comparisons, rules comparisons, calculations, and the like occurring in a computer may occur, for example, on separate servers, the same server with separate processors, or on a virtual computing environment having an unknown number of physical processors as described above.

“Controller” generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic electronic techniques, and/or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of a given dynamical system. In one non-limiting example, the controller can include an Allen Bradley brand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a controller can control a network or network interface to perform various network communications upon request. The network interface may be part of the controller, or characterized as separate and remote from the controller. A controller may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, or a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one controller and linked together by a communication network. The communication network connected to the controller may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus, a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A controller may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scattered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a network. Network communications may pass through various controllers operating as network appliances such as switches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfaces before passing over other larger computer networks such as the Internet. Communications can also be passed over the network as wireless data transmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmission lines or free space. Such communications include using WiFi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter/receiver to transfer data.

“Data” generally refers to one or more values of qualitative or quantitative variables that are usually the result of measurements. Data may be considered “atomic” as being finite individual units of specific information. Data can also be thought of as a value or set of values that includes a frame of reference indicating some meaning associated with the values. For example, the number “2” alone is a symbol that absent some context is meaningless. The number “2” may be considered “data” when it is understood to indicate, for example, the number of items produced in an hour. Data may be organized and represented in a structured format. Examples include a tabular representation using rows and columns, a tree representation with a set of nodes considered to have a parent-children relationship, or a graph representation as a set of connected nodes to name a few. The term “data” can refer to unprocessed data or “raw data” such as a collection of numbers, characters, or other symbols representing individual facts or opinions. Data may be collected by sensors in controlled or uncontrolled environments, or generated by observation, recording, or by processing of other data. The word “data” may be used in a plural or singular form. The older plural form “datum” may be used as well.

“Electrical Connection” means here a connection between two objects that allows a flow of electric current and/or electric signals.

“Emitter” means the terminal of a bipolar junction transistor out of which a switched current leaves the transistor when the transistor is forward biased.

“Guidance, Navigation and Control System” (GNC) generally refers to systems to control the movement of vehicles, especially, automobiles, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. In many cases these functions can be performed by trained humans. However, because of the speed of, for example, a rocket's dynamics, human reaction time is too slow to control this movement. Therefore, systems—now almost exclusively digital electronic—are used for such control. Even in cases where humans can perform these functions, it is often the case that GNC systems provide benefits such as alleviating operator work load, smoothing turbulence, fuel savings, etc. In addition, sophisticated applications of GNC enable automatic or remote control.

“Housing” generally refers to a component that covers, protects, and/or supports another thing. A housing can have a unitary construction or made of multiple components. The housing can be made from the same material or a combination of different materials. The housing can include a protective cover designed to contain and/or support one or more mechanical components. Some non-limiting examples of a housing include a case, enclosure, covering, body, and shell.

“Lamp” generally refers to an electrical device configured to produce light using electrical power. The generated light may be in the visible range, ultraviolet, infrared, or other light. Example illumination technologies that may be employed in a lamp include, but are not limited to, incandescent, halogen, LED, fluorescent, carbon arc, xenon arc, metal-hallide, mercury-vapor, sulfer, neon, sodium-vapor, or others.

“Light Emitting Diode” or “LED” generally refers to a semiconductor diode, made from certain materials, in which light is emitted in response to application of an electrical current. A variety of materials in the LED can produce a range of colors. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor. Typically, but not always, white light is obtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting phosphor on the semiconductor device. The LED can come in the form of a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and designs, including with or without heat sinking, lenses, or reflectors, built into the package.

“LED Lamp” generally refers to an electrical device that uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to produce light using electrical power. A lamp may include a single LED, or multiple LEDs.

“Network” or “Computer Network” generally refers to a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. Computers can pass data to each other along data connections by transforming data into a collection of datagrams or packets. The connections between computers and the network may be established using either cables, optical fibers, or via electromagnetic transmissions such as for wireless network devices. Computers coupled to a network may be referred to as “nodes” or as “hosts” and may originate, broadcast, route, or accept data from the network. Nodes can include any computing device such as personal computers, phones, and servers as well as specialized computers that operate to maintain the flow of data across the network, referred to as “network devices”. Two nodes can be considered “networked together” when one device is able to exchange information with another device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other. Examples of wired network connections may include Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), coaxial cable lines, or optical fiber lines. The wireless connections may include BLUETOOTH®, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared channel or satellite band, or any wireless local area network (Wi-Fi) such as those implemented using the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards (e.g. 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 802.11(g), or 802.11(n) to name a few). Wireless links may also include or use any cellular network standards used to communicate among mobile devices including 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G. The network standards may qualify as 1G, 2G, etc. by fulfilling a specification or standards such as the specifications maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). For example, a network may be referred to as a “3G network” if it meets the criteria in the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification regardless of what it may otherwise be referred to. A network may be referred to as a “4G network” if it meets the requirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMTAdvanced) specification. Examples of cellular network or other wireless standards include AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, and WiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods such as FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. Different types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards, or the same types of data may be transmitted via different links and standards. The geographical scope of the network may vary widely. Examples include a Body Area Network (BAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Local-Area Network (LAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. A network may have any suitable network topology defining the number and use of the network connections. The network topology may be of any suitable form and may include point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, or tree. A network may be an overlay network which is virtual and is configured as one or more layers that use or “lay on top of” other networks.

“Optionally” means discretionary; not required; possible, but not compulsory; left to personal choice.

“Original Equipment Manufacturer” or “OEM” generally refers to an organization that makes finished devices from component parts bought from other organizations that are usually sold under their own brand in a consumer or commercial market.

“Power Converter” generally refers to a device that changes one form of energy to another form. In electrical systems, power converters change electric energy from one form to another, such as converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) (or vice-versa) and/or changing electrical voltage, current, frequency, and/or phase of the electricity. For DC to DC conversion, the power converter can include voltage regulators and/or linear regulators. The power converter can include an inverter to change DC to AC, and the power converter can include a rectifier to change AC to DC. For AC to AC conversion, the power converter can include a transformer, autotransformer, variable-frequency transformer, voltage converter, voltage regulator, and/or cycloconverter. These of course are just a few non-limiting examples. Power converters can also change other forms of energy, such as mechanical and/or chemical energy, to name just a few. For instance, the power converter can include a hydraulic pump that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy when the energy storage system is in the form of a hydraulic accumulator.

“Remote” generally refers to any physical, logical, or other separation between two things. The separation may be relatively large, such as thousands or millions of miles or kilometers, or small such as nanometers or millionths of an inch. Two things “remote” from one another may also be logically or physically coupled or connected together.

“Road” generally refers to a mostly public way for the passage of vehicles, people, and/or animals. In other words, a road can include a linear way for the conveyance of traffic that typically has an improved surface for use by vehicles (motorized and non-motorized), pedestrians, and/or animals. By way of non-limiting examples, the road can include streets, parkways, avenues, freeways, tollways, thoroughfares, and highways, to name just a few.

“Satellite Navigation” generally refers to a system that uses satellites to provide geo-spatial positioning data. In one example, the system may include a receiver that interacts with satellites using electromagnetic radiation. The timing of the transmission of the signal from the receiver to the satellites allows calculation of the position of the receiver using triangulation. Some of examples of satellite navigation systems include global positioning systems such as GPS and GLONASS as well as global positioning systems under development such as Galileo. A satellite navigation system may also be a regional positioning system such as BeiDou, NAVIC, and QZSS.

“Sensor” generally refers to an object whose purpose is to detect events and/or changes in the environment of the sensor, and then provide a corresponding output. Sensors include transducers that provide various types of output, such as electrical and/or optical signals. By way of nonlimiting examples, the sensors can include pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, acceleration sensors, displacement sensors, force sensors, optical sensors, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In some examples, the sensors include barcode readers, RFID readers, and/or vision systems.

“Server” generally refers to a computer or group of computers that provide(s) data to other computers. It may serve data to systems on a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) over the Internet.

“Streetlight” or “Streetlamp” generally refers to an illumination device configured to illuminate a road, street, highway, or other paths. Typically, but not always, the streetlight includes a raised source of light, such as one mounted on a tall pole, that is located along the edge of a road or other path.

“Transceiver” generally refers to a device that includes both a transmitter and a receiver that share common circuitry and/or a single housing. Transceivers are typically, but not always, designed to transmit and receive electronic signals, such as analog and/or digital radio signals.

“Vehicle” generally refers to a machine that transports people and/or cargo. Common vehicle types can include land-based vehicles, amphibious vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and space craft. By way of non-limiting examples, land-based vehicles can include wagons, carts, scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, buses, trucks, semi-trailers, trains, trolleys, and trams. Amphibious vehicles can for example include hovercraft and duck boats, and watercraft can include ships, boats, and submarines, to name just a few examples. Common forms of aircraft include airplanes, helicopters, autogiros, and balloons, and spacecraft for instance can include rockets and rocket powered aircraft. The vehicle can have numerous types of power sources. For instance, the vehicle can be powered via human propulsion, electrically powered, powered via chemical combustion, nuclear powered, and/or solar powered. The direction, velocity, and operation of the vehicle can be human controlled, autonomously controlled, and/or semi-autonomously controlled. Examples of autonomously or semi-autonomously controlled vehicles include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and drones.

“Vision System” generally refers to one or more devices that collect data and form one or more images by a computer and/or other electronics to determine an appropriate position and/or to “see” an object. The vision system typically, but not always, includes an imaging-system that incorporates hardware and software to generally emulate functions of an eye, such as for automatic inspection and robotic guidance. In some cases, the vision system can employ one or more video cameras, Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC), and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) systems. By way of a non-limiting example, the vision system can include a charge-coupled device for inputting one or more images that are passed onto a processor for image processing. A vision system is generally not limited to just the visible spectrum. Some vision systems image the environment at infrared (IR), visible, ultraviolet (UV), and/or X-ray wavelengths. In some cases, vision systems can interpret three-dimensional surfaces, such as through binocular cameras.

It should be noted that the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and the like as used in the description and/or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and/or claims refer to “a device” or “the device”, it includes one or more of such devices.

It should be noted that directional terms, such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” “circumferential,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.