ACTIVE LIGHT EMITTING ROAD MARKING SYSTEM

Abstract: A light emitting road marking system (70) which can be used to mark roads (60) which includes a plurality of active light emitting road markers (40) being permanently fixated in an arrangement onto a road (60), each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers (40) includes at least one light source (44), each of the light sources (44) being supplied with power for enabling emission of light.

Description: ACTIVE LIGHT EMITTING ROAD MARKING SYSTEM FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to road markers and, more particularly, to an active, light emitting road marking system. Prior art passive road markers, which are also known in the art as pavement markers and further as "cat eye markers", are light reflecting button like elements. The construction of prior art road markers is shown in Figures 1-3. Figure 1, shows a basic reflective element 20 which includes a light transparent body 22 (made of plastic or glass) and a light reflective cover 24. As shown in Figures 2a-b, typically few, say, seven, basic elements 20 are grouped together into a reflective unit 26 via a plastic mold 28. As shown in Figures 3a-b, few, say, three, reflective units 26 are integrated into a passive road marker 30, which typically includes a trapeze body 32 made of a plastic or metal, such that units 26 form an angle α of about 15° with the road. Passive road markers are typically arranged spaced from one another along roadsides, road margins, between lanes, on road separation elements, etc., such that light from passing vehicles is reflected by the markers, thereby the roadside, lane, margins and/or separation elements are visibly marked also at dark and under bad weather conditions. However, two major limitations characterize prior art passive road markers. First, being reflective, the visibility of such markers depends upon an external light source of a passing vehicle to be pointed at them. This is, however, not always possible, e.g., in curves and under bad weather conditions. Second, being passive, such markers cannot provide light effects, as further described below. There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, active, light emitting road markers, devoid of the above limitation associated with passive road markers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a light emitting road marking system which can be used to mark roads. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the system comprising a plurality of active light emitting road markers being permanently fixated in an arrangement onto a road, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source, each of the light sources being supplied with power for enabling emission of light. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the arrangement extends along at least a section of the road, the plurality of active light emitting road markers are therefore arranged along the road section. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the road section includes a turn, the plurality of active light emitting road markers are therefore arranged along the road turn. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the light sources is a light emitting diode. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the light emitting diodes emits light having a color selected from the group consisting of white, red, green, blue, orange, yellow and infrared. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the light emitting diodes is a bicolor light emitting diode. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers includes a body, the bodies house the light sources. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the body of each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic and glass. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the plastic is elastomeric polyurethane mixed with a filler. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the body of each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers is acquired a shape selected from the group consisting of a trapeze pyramid, a cube and a dome. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprising at least one control unit communicating with each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers, the control units serving for controlling the operation of the plurality of active light emitting road markers. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments groups of active light emitting road markers are independently controlled. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments at least some of the groups include a single active light emitting road marker. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprising at least one electricity and control cable connecting the plurality of active light emitting road markers. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments adjacent active light emitting road markers are spaced from one another from about one to about twenty meters. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the power is an electrical power and is supplied by a power source selected from the group consisting of an electrical net system, a battery and a solar cell. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the road marking system comprising a strap and a plurality of active light emitting road markers being permanently fixated or integrally formed with the strap in an arrangement along the strap, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source, each of the light sources being supplied with power for enabling emission of light. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the strap is made of polyurethane. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the strap is acquired a color selected from the group of white, orange and yellow. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments there is provided a parking system to be implemented in a parking lot having a plurality of parking places and an optional turning point, the system comprising (a) a plurality of active light emitting road markers, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source, each of the light sources being supplied with power for enabling emission of light, the plurality of active light emitting road markers being arranged in routs leading from the optional turning point to at least some of the parking places; (b) a plurality of sensors, each of the sensors serving for indicating the availability of one of the plurality of parking places; and (c) a control unit electronically communicating with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of active light emitting road markers, the control unit serving for operating one of the routs of light emitting road markers, for marking a path leading to an available parking place. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments there is provided a road marking method comprising the steps of (a) permanently fixating a plurality of active light emitting road markers along at least a section of a road, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source; (b) supplying each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers with power for allowing emission of light from the light sources; and (c) operating the plurality of active light emitting road markers, such that, at a given time, at least one of the active light emitting road markers emits light. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the permanent fixation is effected by a process selected from the group consisting of nailing, gluing and screwing. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments gluing is effected by a bitumenic glue. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the supply of power is effected by forming a slit along the section of the road and placing a power cable in the slit, the cable provides the plurality of active light emitting road markers with power for operation. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the plurality of active light emitting road markers emits light in a synchronized pattern. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments there is provided an active road marker comprising a body and at least one light source and an electronic chip embedded in the body, the electronic chip being in electronic communication with at least some of the light sources, and serving for controlling the operation of the light sources. The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing an active road marker and a road marking system. Being active, the visibility of such markers does not depend upon external light of a passing vehicles and can be used to provide lighting effects. BRTEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a prior art reflective element implemented in a prior art reflective unit implemented in passive, light reflecting, prior art road markers; FIGs. 2a and 2b are face and cross sectional views of a prior art reflective unit implemented in passive, light reflecting, prior art road markers; FIGs. 3a and 3b are perspective and cross sectional views of a prior art passive, light reflecting road marker; FIGs. 4a and 4b are perspective and cross sectional views of an active, light reflecting road marker, suitable for use in the road marking system according to the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic depiction of a section of a road on which an active marking system according to the present invention is permanently implemented; FIG. 6 depicts an active marking strap according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a parking system according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of one embodiment to achieve a synchronized lighting effect in the road marking system according to the present invention; and FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of another embodiment to achieve a synchronized lighting effect in the road marking system according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is of active, light emitting road marking system which can be used to mark roads. Specifically, the present invention can be used to replace prior art passive road markers and thereby better mark and highlight road features such as, but not limited to, lanes, driving directions, stopping lines, road margins, crosswalks, intersections, fences, separation elements, turns and the like. The term "road" is used herein in the specification and claims below in a broad sense and therefore also refers to any road feature (e.g., turns, lanes, separation elements, fences, margins, etc.), as well as to aircraft runways, parking lots, railroads, railways, etc. The principles and operation of a road marking system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Referring now to the drawings, Figures 4a-b illustrate one example of the basic construction of a single active, light emitting road marker to be used in the system according to the present invention, which is referred to hereinbelow as road marker 40. The phrases "active road marker" and its equivalent term "active, light emitting road marker" both refer to a light generating marker, however, these phrases, as used herein, do not read upon lighting elements which emit light to eventually be scattered and/or reflected from nearby objects, such that the objects become clearly visible to the human eye. Thus, these phrases, as used herein, do not refer to road lighting systems. On the contrary, in prefered embodiments, the road markers according to the present invention are implemented along dark roads which lack a lighting system. The term "light source", as used herein, refers to any light generating element which generates light having a luminous intensity value lower than 20 candela, preferably ranging between 0.002 - 10 candela, most preferably 0.5- 2.0 candela. Any light generator exceeding 20 candela is not within the scope of the term "light source", as used herein. Thus, road marker 40 includes a body 42 and at least one, preferably three or more, light sources 44. For daylight applications a plurality, say 5-10, of light sources 44 each generating light having a luminous intensity value in the range of 3-12 candela, preferably about 6 candela, are preferred. When used at night, only a fraction of the 5-10 sources 44, say 1-3 sources 44, are operated. Light sources 44 are housed (held) by, preferably embedded in, body 40. In a prefered embodiment, road marker 40 is manufactured by placing light sources 44 in a mold of a desired shape and size and molding a suitable hardening material in a liquid form into the mold, such that when the material hardens, light sources 44 become permanently embedded within body 42. Any hardening material is suitable for body 42. Examples include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic and glass. However, since in some applications road marker 40 should be resilient to the tough conditions present by a road, e.g., resist the impact and weight of passing vehicles, for these applications the material of which body 42 is made of is selected resilient to such conditions. In a prefered embodiment body 42 is made of an elastomeric polyurethane mixed with a suitable filler such as silicates and recycled rubber. Should further strength is required for road marker 40, it may further include an external frame 46, a feature sometimes used along with prior art passive road markers. Frame 46 may be an open frame, as shown in Figures 4a-b. Alternatively, frame 46 may cover body 42 substantially completely. Body 42 may acquire any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, a trapeze pyramid (having a polygonal base, typically triangular or square base), a cube or a dome. The shape of body 42 and the positioning of light sources 44 in body 42 are preferably selected such that light sources 44 avoid direct contact with wheels of passing vehicles. Thus, light sources 44 are protected both by being mostly embedded within body 42 and by having any exposed parts thereof positioned so as to avoid contact with the wheels of passing vehicles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the outlines of body 42 are curved. In another prefered embodiment of the invention each of light sources 44 is a light emitting diode (LED) which, as well known in the art, includes a diode 48 and a lens 50. Any LED may be of choice. LED color, for example, may be selected from the group of white, red, green, blue, orange, yellow and infrared colors. The latter may serve for military applications, wherein viewers are equipped, for example, with headworn infrared detecting instruments. The LED may also be of a bicolor type. Any combination of colors is suitable for the bi-color LED. The LED is preferably selected to emit light at 70°. However, for some applications LEDs emitting light at 15-180° are also applicable. As well known in the art, the lighting angle of the LED is an intrinsic feature dictated by the lens employed therein. Light sources 44 require electrical power for their operation. Therefore, electrical wires 52 are provided. Each source 44 may be wired in parallel or in serial to another source. Parallel wiring has an inherent advantage since disfunctioning of one source does not lead to disfunctioning of all others. For some applications road marker 40 further includes an electronic chip (processor) 54, which is best seen in Figure 4b. Chip 54 serves as a decoder for controlling the operation of light sources 44, if so desired. Further description concerning the operation of chip 54 is given hereinbelow. Any suitable power source may be used to provide light sources 44 with the electrical power for their operation. Preferably, as further detailed hereinbelow, a single source provides power to a plurality of road markers 40 arranged in a suitable arrangement. In any case, the power source may be the electrical net, a battery (preferably a rechargeable battery) or even a solar cell (photoelectric cell), or any combination thereof for power backup. For some embodiments each of markers 40 includes two sets of light sources each pointing at a different direction. The different sets may emit light in different colors and may be independently operated. Figure 5 presents a road 60 featuring two lanes 62 in each driving direction, a separation element 64, margins 66 and a roadside fence 68. A road marking system 70 according to the present invention is implemented in various locations along and across the road. System 70 includes a plurality of active light emitting road markers 72 permanently fixated in an arrangement onto the road. As described hereinabove, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers 72 includes at least one light source supplied with power for enabling emission of light. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the plurality of road markers 72 extends along at least a section of the road. The plurality of active light emitting road markers 72 are therefore arranged along at least one section of the road. The road markers may be permanently attached to any feature of the road, both features extending along the road (e.g., lane, separation element, sidefence, margins, poles) and features of a more localized nature, or features crossing the road (e.g., stopping line, crosswalk, junction, railroad junction etc.). In one embodiment of the invention the plurality of road markers are arranged along a turn present in the road. This ensures that drivers will be able to notice the curvature of the turn even in the dark and especially under bad weather conditions. The prior art passive road markers are deficient in this respect since they are not visible unless directly illuminated. However, due to the turn, at any given time, most of the prior art markers are not illuminated. Furthermore, both illumination and reflection are severely restricted under bad weather conditions wherein visibility is limited. According to a prefered embodiment of the invention road marking system 70 further includes at least one control unit 74. Unit 74 communicates with each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers 72. Control unit 74 serves for controlling the operation of the plurality of markers 72. Unit 74 is preferably positioned close to the road and is wired, preferably with underground wires arranged into a cable, to each of the plurality of road markers 70. The wires are preferably arranged into electricity and control cable and serve also for power supply. Alternatively, different wires/cable provide the markers with the power required for their operation. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of road markers, or groups (e.g., 5-20) of road markers 72 are independently controlled by unit 74. This ensures that a lighting pattern can be achieved. The term "lighting pattern" refers to any change in lighting associated with the operation of system 70. Few examples are given hereinbelow. One pattern may include operating road markers 72 or groups thereof in a successive synchronized fashion, such that a light wave progresses along the road. In one application, a plurality of such light waves may be exercised simultaneously, such that one wave follows the other. The speed of progression of each of the waves may be correlated to the speed limitation set for that road, and thereby assist a driver to notice that he/she is under or over speeding the vehicle. Another possible application is to have the color of the light emitted by the active road markers altered in accordance with the use intended for the road (or lane) in that time of day. For example, when a lane turns dedicated only to public transportation vehicles during, for example, rush-hours, the light sources will emit a dedicated color (e.g., yellow), as opposed to other times wherein green light will be employed to indicate free use. Yet another possible application, which is most applicable for highways, is to have the markers indicate coming vehicles of a road block ahead due, for example, to road construction or an accident. Controlling the markers may be manual, from a control center or by dedicated sensors, as further detailed hereinbelow. According to a preferred embodiment sensors designed to sense non-moving objects in their field of operation (e.g., infrared or weight sensors) are employed with the road markers system to control the system such that when a non-moving object is sensed by the sensors, e.g., following a car accident, a dedicated light pattern (e.g., blinking red light pattern) is initiated to indicate coming vehicles of the accident ahead. In case of road construction manual control of the markers system by the constructors themselves or from the control center can be employed. Optional sensors are described hereinbelow in greater detail with respect to Figure 7. Yet another application is to have the road markers arranged across the road, e.g., along a stopping line, a crosswalk or a road intersection, blink in red when the red light of a traffic-light is on, and turn green (or blinking yellow) when the red light of the traffic-light changes to green. Constantly red or blinking red markers can be deployed across road intersections where no traffic lights are available to indicate drivers of a dangerous road intersection. A sensor (e.g., underground pressure sensor, above ground infrared sensor, etc., see also the descriptions below relating to Figure 7) can be used in a crosswalk to sense a walker intending to cross or crossing the crosswalk and to control the light pattern of the markers accordingly. For example, when a walker is intending to cross or crossing the crosswalk, the walker is sensed by the sensor and the sensor then commands the markers to generate a dedicated pattern of light, say, to blink in red, to alert coming vehicles of the situation. A manual operation system manually operated by the walker can alternatively, yet less preferably, be employed. In another application the road markers are arranged across the road, along a stopping line before an intersection with a railroad. In this case, the markers are, for example, emitting red light (e.g., blinking red light) when a train approaches the intersection and a green or yellow light or no light at all when the intersection in clear. The road markers are preferably controlled by sensors that sense the approach and departure of a train, which sensors are located at safety distances from the road on or close to the railroad. Such sensors are well known in the art and require no further description herein. The markers may also be used as guides to guide drivers to specific lanes, e.g., when entering a freeway or when the road is under construction. When arranged along the road, adjacent road markers are spaced from one another from about one to about twenty meters. However, closer arrangements are also possible when system 70 is employed to mark local road features and road crossing features, such as a crosswalk. System 70 includes a power source 76. In a prefered embodiment source 76 is a 12 V battery. However, source 76 may alternatively be an electrical net (e.g., the municipal net) or a solar (photoelectric) cell. With reference now to Figure 6, according to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a road marking system 80 which includes a strap 82 along which a plurality of active, light emitting road markers 84 are permanently fixated or integrally formed. The backside of strap 82 may serve to harbor all of the wiring required for providing the markers with power and to control their operation. Strap 82 is preferably made of an elastic yet resilient material, such as polyurethane, and may be acquired any suitable color, such as white, yellow or orange colors. The strap may be rolled for storage and shipping. When implemented, the strap is unrolled and it is permanently affixed along or across a road, e.g., nailed, screwed or glued to the road using, for example, bitumenic glue. The strap can thereby replace the lanes separation and/or margin lines typically painted along and across roads and lanes and further provide an active marking system. To this end, the strap may be covered by small glass beads which will render it light reflective. With reference to Figure 7, according to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a parking system 90 to be implemented in a parking lot 92 having a plurality of parking places 94 and at least one optional turning point 96 where a turning decision is to be made. System 90 includes a plurality of active light emitting road markers 98. Each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers includes at least one light source (see Figures 5 a and 5b) and is supplied with power for enabling emission of light. The plurality of active light emitting road markers 98 are arranged in routs leading from the optional turning point 96 to at least some, preferably all, of parking places 94. System 90 further includes a plurality of sensors 100. Each of sensors 100 serves for indicating the availability of one of the plurality of parking places 94. Suitable sensors are underground sensors (e.g., inductive, microwave or load sensors) or photoelectric sensors (e.g., infrared sensors). Suitable sensors of various types are distributed by Telemechanique Inc. Owings Mills, 100065 Redrun Blvd. 21117 MD. System 90 further includes a control unit 102 electronically communicating with the plurality of sensors 100 and the plurality of active light emitting road markers 98. Control unit 102 serves for operating one of the routs of light emitting road markers, e.g., the rout indicated by dark marks in Figure 1, for marking a path leading to an available parking place 94. In one prefered embodiment two such guiding systems are employed, each emitting light of a different color, one is for guiding vehicles to free parking places, whereas the other is for directing vehicles to the exit of the parking lot or to a free cashiers. A similar system may be used to direct vehicles to free cashiers implemented in the entrances and exits of toll roads. The plurality of road markers may be implemented along the floor of the parking lot, however, similarly, they can be implemented along the walls and/or ceiling thereof. Throughout, it is prefered that electric wiring, either power supply wires and/or control wires are hidden e.g., placed underground, such that they are protected. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a road marking method. The method includes the following steps. First, a plurality of active light emitting road markers are permanently fixated along at least a section of a road. Each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers includes at least one light source. Second, each of the plurality of active light emitting road markers is supplied with power for allowing emission of light from the light sources. Third, the plurality of active light emitting road markers are operated, such that, at a given time, at least one, preferably, at least a group, of the active light emitting road markers emits light. Permanently fixating the road markers is preferably effected by a process selected from the group consisting of nailing, gluing and screwing. Gluing is preferably effected by a bitumenic glue. Alternatively, permanently fixating the road markers is effected by connecting the markers to a strap and attaching the strap along the road. The supply of power is preferably effected by forming a slit along the road and placing a cable including the required wires in the slit. The cable (or wires) provides the plurality of active light emitting road markers with power for operation. In a prefered embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the plurality of active light emitting road markers emit light in a synchronized pattern. From the description of the various embodiments according to the present invention it is evident that power and/or communication/control lines (wires) should arrive to each of the active markers employed. Depending on the application, such wires are preferably arranged into a cable which is preferably protected from damages by being placed underground or underneath a strap, when the latter is employed. For many applications, especially when lighting patterns or effects are of choice, e.g., synchronized lighting waves, a control unit serves to generate and control the desired light patterns or effects. Two prefered types of control units can be employed as further described below. As shown in Figure 8, according to the first, all markers 110 are electrically connected in parallel to a cable 112 including a power supply wire 114 (e.g., 12 V) and a ground wire 116, such that all markers 110 receive power. According to one configuration, each marker 110 is further connected to a communication wire 120, itself connected to and controlled by a parallel to serial converter 122 (e.g., Motorola MC14013), an address generator 124 (e.g., Motorola, MC14518) and a timer 126 (e.g., Motorola, MC1555). According to this embodiment, each of markers 110 includes an address decoding chip (decoder, see Figure 4b) and a serial to parallel converter, which collectively serve for decoding and reconverting the address provided by converter 122 and generator 124, and thereby allow the operation of the associated light source. According to another configuration, the control unit further includes an amplitude modulation unit 118. In this case wire 114 further serves to carry amplitude modulated information, whereas wire 120 is omitted, and each of markers 110 further includes a demodulation circuit including, for example, a bridge-rectifier and a diode. As shown in Figure 9, according to the second, a cable 130, including n (e.g., 12) wires is employed to control groups (A, B, C ...) of n-2 markers 132 each (e.g., 10: 1 through X, not all markers are shown, as indicated by breaking marks 134). One wire 136 is grounded, n-2 wires 138a-j are connected in parallel to markers I - X, respectively, of groups A, B, C ... of markers 132. Further included are a counter/decoder unit 140 (e.g., Motorola, MC14017) and a timer 142 (e.g., Motorola, MCI 555). In this case, a chip within markers 132 is not required, rendering all markers identical and position independent, yet wiring is more demanding. The markers and systems according to the present invention enjoy two major advantages as is compared with prior art passive markers. First, being active, the visibility of such markers does not depend upon an external light source of a passing vehicle. Second, being active, the markers can be used to provide lighting patterns or effects. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A road marking system comprising a plurality of active light emitting road markers being permanently fixated in an arrangement onto a road, each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source, each of said at least one light sources being supplied with power for enabling emission of light. 2. The road marking system of claim 1, wherein said arrangement extends along at least a section of the road, said plurality of active light emitting road markers are therefore arranged along said at least section of the road. 3. The road marking system of claim 2, wherein said at least a section of the road includes a turn, said plurality of active light emitting road markers are therefore arranged at least along the road turn. 4. The road marking system of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one light sources is a light emitting diode. 5. The road marking system of claim 4, wherein each of said at least one light emitting diodes emits light having a color selected from the group consisting of white, red, green, blue, orange, yellow and infrared. 6. The road marking system of claim 4, wherein each of said at least one light emitting diodes is a bicolor light emitting diode. 7. The road marking system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers includes a body, said bodies house said light sources. 8. The road marking system of claim 7, wherein said body of each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic and glass. 9. The road marking system of claim 8, wherein said plastic is elastomeric polyurethane. 10. The road marking system of claim 7, wherein said body of each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers is acquired a shape selected from the group consisting of a trapeze pyramid, a cube and a dome. 11. The road marking system of claim 1, further comprising at least one control unit communicating with each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers, said at least one control unit serving for controlling the operation of said plurality of active light emitting road markers. 12. The road marking system of claim 11, wherein groups of active light emitting road markers are independently controlled. 13. The road marking system of claim 12, wherein at least some of said groups includes a single active light emitting road marker. 14. The road marking system of claim 1, further comprising at least one electricity and control cable connecting said plurality of active light emitting road markers. 15. The road marking system of claim 1, wherein adjacent active light emitting road markers are spaced from one another from about one to about twenty meters. 16. The road marking system of claim 1, wherein said power is an electrical power and is supplied by a power source selected from the group consisting of an electrical net system, a battery and a solar cell. 17. A road marking system comprising a strap and a plurality of road markers being permanently fixated to or integrally formed with said strap in an arrangement along said strap. 18. The road marking system of claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of road markers including at least one light source, each of said at least one light sources being supplied with power for enabling emission of light. 19. The road marking system of claim 17, wherein said strap is made of polyurethane. 20. The road marking system of claim 17, wherein said strap is acquired a color selected from the group of white, orange and yellow. 21. A parking system to be implemented in a parking lot having a plurality of parking places and an optional turning point, the system comprising: (a) a plurality of active light emitting road markers, each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source, each of said at least one light source being supplied with power for enabling emission of light, said plurality of active light emitting road markers being arranged in routs leading from said optional turning point to at least some of said parking places; (b) a plurality of sensors, each of said plurality of sensors serving for indicating the availability of one of the plurality of parking places; and (c) a control unit electronically communicating with said plurality of sensors and said plurality of active light emitting road markers, said control unit serving for operating one of said routs of light emitting road markers, for marking a path leading to an available parking place. 22. A road marking method comprising the steps of: (a) permanently fixating a plurality of active light emitting road markers along at least a section of a road, each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers including at least one light source; (b) supplying each of said plurality of active light emitting road markers with power for allowing emission of light from said light sources; and (c) operating said plurality of active light emitting road markers, such that, at a given time, at least one of said active light emitting road markers emits light. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said permanent fixation is effected by a process selected from the group consisting of nailing, gluing and screwing. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein gluing is effected by a bitumenic glue. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein said supply of power is effected by forming a slit along said at least a section of the road and placing a power cable in said slit, said cable provides said plurality of active light emitting road markers with power for operation. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein said plurality of active light emitting road markers emits light in a synchronized pattern. 27. An active road marker comprising a body and at least one light source and an electronic chip being embedded in said body, said electronic chip being in electronic communication with at least one of said at least one light sources, serving for controlling the operation of said light sources. 28. The active road marker of claim 27, wherein each of said at least one light sources is a light emitting diode.

Inventors: MARINESCU VALENTIN EMANUEL, MARINESCU, VALENTIN, EMANUEL
Applicants: DALMARK TECHNOLOGIES LTD, FRIEDMAN MARK M, MARINESCU VALENTIN EMANUEL, DALMARK TECHNOLOGIES LTD., FRIEDMAN, MARK, M., MARINESCU, VALENTIN, EMANUEL
Application year: 1998
Main classification: E01F9
IPC codes: E01F9