Abstract:
A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/381,565 filed Mar. 14, 2009 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/069,473 filed Mar. 15, 2008, the entire disclosure of each such application being expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to devices and methods for traffic control to aid in navigation on land, sea, and air. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Flashing orange traffic safety lamps are commonplace along highways and waterways. Passive cones are often used to mark the boundaries or edges of roadways. They are used during road construction, traffic detours, and for emergency to route traffic through unfamiliar redirection. These passive cones are typically used over an entire 24-hour period, which includes darkness and may include poor visibility. Always on, or blinking, lights or reflectors are often used to define the border of a road that has temporarily changed and no longer follows the path that drivers expect or have become use to seeing. As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the detour includes a curve, the flashing light can be seen across the curve, creating confusion and disorientation. Curved roads or pathways can cause more confusion than straight roads or pathways due to human inability to judge distances, especially at night. The size of the lights or markers may not appear to substantially change in size with increasing distance from the observer. In addition, nautical buoys used to guide vessels into harbors or around dangerous shallows can sometimes be confusing and difficult to interpret. 
     Current alternatives do not exist. Traffic is often controlled using large, trailer-like signs with electric generators or photocells that are towed behind a vehicle and left at the detour site. These signs create a large arrow that directs traffic, but the arrow does not guide the driver around a curve or through unfamiliar road courses. Similarly, nautical traffic entering a harbor is guided via buoys and shore-based lights, which when set upon the backdrop of terrestrial lighting, can be confusing. Similarly, emergency or temporary aircraft runways for military, civilian, police, and Coast Guard air equipment, both fixed wing and rotary wing, lack proper sequenced lights that designate direction and location of the runway. This invention provides a system that is both low in cost and easy to implement, one that can be deployed quickly when necessary to aid aviators when landing or taking off on open fields or highways. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
     The disclosure provided in the following pages describes examples of some embodiments of the invention. The designs, figures, and description are non-limiting examples of some embodiments of the invention. For example, the description of the traffic guiding system relates only to a description of some embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments of the traffic guiding system may or may not include the features disclosed herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply to only some embodiments of the invention, and should not used to limit the invention. 
     The inventions include a highway-traffic, aircraft traffic, or nautical warning system that, in an embodiment, comprises flashing lights or other signaling devices, with coordinated sequencing for aiding driver&#39;s or a helmsman&#39;s directional assessment and orientation. In an embodiment, the system can also comprise audible or auditory sirens, beepers, horns, or other output devices. The system can comprise a plurality of discreet modules, which work together, with the aid of a separate overall control module or by coordinated effort of distributed control modules operably connected to each of the system modules. By working together, the sequenced traffic lights permit an onlooker to visualize which modules are adjacent to each other simply by the order of flashing. This sequencing permits minimum confusion on the part of an onlooker who otherwise might determine that the wrong markers are adjacent because of viewing angle error, parallax, or other visual anomaly, especially when the markers are arranged in a curvilinear fashion. 
     By sequencing these lights or signaling devices, the driver, pilot, or helmsman can be guided along the proper path without the confusion associated with multiple, randomly flashing lights. Sequenced buoys would aid navigation close to shore. The sequencing system involves controlling the time at which each of the lights in a system can flash on and for what period of time the lights are turned on during the flash. The reader can best appreciate the intent of this new system by envisioning the commonly seen runway landing lights designating the beginning of the runway, which are typically a series of white lights sequenced to provide directional information for the approaching pilot. However, where this new system differs from the prior art is that all such sequenced lights as of this date are controlled via a physical connection between the lights, that is, a cable or wire connects the lights to provide the coordinating signal. This new device controls light-to-light sequencing using radio, infrared, or other wireless transmission means. Each light encompasses appropriate electronic circuitry to both receive and transmit necessary analog and digital information to the next light in sequence. Furthermore, and this is a critical advantage of this new invention, the lights do not have to be numbered, nor does a user have to set each light physically in a particular order. The design provides information inherent in the system, utilizing “mesh”, or matrix, technology. There is no need for any user interface, such as a switch, to designate the number of each light. Adjacent lights or modules can be set to recognize their position in a sequence automatically such that the user need not physically set the sequence of module firing. This position recognition can be accomplished using proximity sensors, global positioning receivers, RFID devices, and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the optical signal emitted out one side of the device can be made visible only from that side and made invisible to those approaching from the other direction. Thus, the system can be made to signal independently, with separate signals or light sources, in different directions, for example, two opposite directions, simultaneously. Expanding upon this unique feature, it is important for the reader to understand that when implemented on a highway, for example, traffic moving in opposite directions will see a progression of flashing lights in their direction of travel. Thus, for example, traffic moving north will see a sequence of lights progressively flashing from south to north, while traffic moving south will see a progression of flashing lights moving from north to south, with both sequencing of lights occurring from the same devices at the same time. 
     For the purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A general architecture that implements the various features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a road with an approaching vehicle and a plurality of typical randomly flashing lights, which are currently used and which can cause confusion and disorientation to the vehicle driver, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a road with an approaching vehicle and a plurality of sequenced lights, which can reduce the confusion to the vehicle driver, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a front view of an exemplary signaling device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of an exemplary signaling device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a side view of an exemplary signaling device with optical output only on one side and said optical output shielded from view from the other side of the device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of the circuitry of the sequenced vehicle light system, according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates three sequenced lights configured for traffic flow visualization, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Throughout the detailed description and remainder of this document, the author uses the term “traffic” to refer to motor vehicular, nautical, pedestrian, or aircraft movement. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a road  20  with a vehicle  22  driving along the road  20  into a turn. A plurality of flashing markers, including markers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 , are distributed along side the road  20 . These markers  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  can be passive with no illumination or signaling, or they can flash in unsynchronized patterns, in unison, or the like. The driver (not shown) of the vehicle  22  will see these markers and can easily be confused, especially at night, because the contour of the road and the turn may not be clear. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a road  20  with a vehicle  22  moving along the road  20  into a turn. A plurality of sequenced flashing markers  202 - 220  is distributed along the road  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the lights can be placed alongside a street  20 . In this illustration, ten lights  202 - 220  are distributed around a double corner. The first light  202  is closest to the oncoming car  22  with a tenth light  220  being furthest from the oncoming car. The observer, traveling with the car  22 , sees the first light  202  flash on and then turn off. The second light  204  can flash on and then off shortly after light number  202 . The third light  206  flashes on and off slightly after light  204  and so on. The observer or driver of the vehicle  22  observes a pattern that guides the eye around the corner of the road  20  in a manner that is not confusing or subject to misinterpretation. The lights, in an embodiment, can further be shaped like arrows pointing in the desired direction of travel. The arrows can be simple chevron shapes or they can be arrows with pointed heads, axially linear bodies, and can even comprise tails. In another embodiment, some lights can be arranged in a group to form a pattern, such as an arrow, whereby all lights in a given pattern or grouping are synchronized to turn on and off at approximately the same time. Thus, although different patterns can turn on and off at different times, lights within the pattern can be linked electronically to turn on and off as a unit, or substantially simultaneously. 
     When a plurality, defined as a series of two or more, of flashing lights  202 - 220  are placed on the road  20  or in the water to define a route or detour, or on a temporary runway, sequencing of the flash of each light will aid the driver, pilot, or helmsman in determining the direction of travel. The minimum number of lights  202 - 220  in a given system is two, while the maximum is unlimited, but practically can include ten, or several hundred, or several thousand, lights over the course of 0.01 miles to 100 miles or more. 
     Each light  202 - 220  is controlled by a logic circuit. The first light in the sequence  202  can flash at a rate determined by the user. The rate can be pre-determined, pre-set, or set at the time of installation. When the light flashes on, it sends a signal, either by radio wave, infrared signal, or via hard wire to the next light in sequence, which delays a predetermined time interval before it flashes. Alternatively, the first light  202  can delay a given amount of time prior to sending its signal to the second light  204 , and so forth. This 2nd light  204  then sends a signal via radio wave, infrared, or via hard wire to the 3rd light  206  in sequence, and so on. The delay between receiving the trigger signal from the light lower in sequence number and the initiation of the flash is user defined, and may range from milliseconds to several minutes. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a front view of a signaling unit  300 . The signaling unit  300  comprises a base  302 , a signal shell  304 , a light source  310 , a shield  312 , a controller  318 , a power supply  316 , an on-off switch  308 , and an electrical bus  320 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , the light source  310 , optical output device, or signaling device can be incandescent, light emitting diodes, discharge tube, as in stroboscopic light, fluorescent, etc. The logic circuit or controller  318  can comprise an electronic circuit, further comprising digital, analog, or hybrid technologies. The controller  318  can be fabricated of discreet components or it can be fabricated as a monolithic module or chip that performs all or most of the required functions. The logic circuit or controller  318  further comprises input and output ports that are operably connected to the signaling device  310 . The inputs can include electrical power from the power supply  316 , control and command input channels, on-off switching  308 , and signal receivers. The outputs can include signal transmitters and lights or other optical, audio or other sensory signaling devices. 
     The power supply  316  of the device can comprise one or more batteries, and can use rechargeable batteries or those that are to be discarded. The batteries or power supply  316  can be operably connected to the power input of each individual system. The power supply  316  can comprise photovoltaic cells (not shown), which may be used to recharge batteries, allowing for sunlight to provide power to the device. The controller can comprise photo detectors to provide the option of the user to have the sequencing and flashing of lights to turn on automatically at sunset, and to turn off at sunrise. 
     When using radio frequency to send the signal, the range is anticipated to be less than about 100 meters, allowing the use of low-wattage output transmitters. The system can operate using protocols and technologies such as Bluetooth™, ZigBee™, or other standardized short-range protocols in the radio frequency spectrum. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of a signaling unit  300 . The signaling unit comprises the base  302 , the on-off switch  308 , the lamp cover  304 , the second lamp  306 , the first lamp  310 , and the illumination shield  312 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , the shield  312  can be configured to prevent light from the output device  310  from being seen by an observer looking at the system  300  from a given direction. Thus, in an embodiment, the system  300  can have the option of emitting light in one direction only, providing guidance for traffic in one direction while not being visible by, and thus not having an impact on, traffic from another direction. In an embodiment, traffic coming from opposing directions (substantially 180 degrees apart) can both see the system light  310  but traffic only in the first direction can visualize the illuminated sequencing of the lights while the traffic from the other direction cannot see the lights  310 . Directionality can be maintained sufficiently to be visible from traffic with vectors separated by as little as 30 degrees or as much as 180 degrees. Such directionality can be accomplished with baffles, shields, lenses, or the like  312 . The system  300  can be incorporated in a unit that will mount onto existing traffic barriers, floating buoy, or incorporated into flexible orange (or other color) traffic cones. The baffles or shields  312  can have their orientation adjusted by installers, once the modules are in place, by rotating the baffles or shields  312  appropriately. In another embodiment, the baffles or shields  312  can automatically be adjusted by detection of the orientation of the other light modules in the system. In addition, the device can be constructed with two LEDs,  306  and  310  each facing in the opposite direction. The device can be programmed to provide proper sequencing for drivers approaching from opposite directions, that is, more than one signaling device  310  can be provided. Each LED or signaling device  310  can be independently linked to the proceeding and trailing light  310  in sequence allowing for the progression of light  310  movement in opposite directions simultaneously. 
     Further referring to  FIG. 3B , different color lights or LEDs, for example  306 ,  310 , can be mounted inside the lamp housing  304  such that the sequence of lights could provide color patterns. For example, the standard color might be yellow, with every 5 th  light revealing red color, such that as the light sequence traverses a distance, every 5 th  light flashes red in progression. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a signaling unit  300  when viewed from the side showing light being emitted from the second lamp  306  and visible only from that side of the shield  312 . No light coming from lamp  310  can be seen from the direction where lamp  306  shines. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of the electrical components of the controller  318 . The controller  318  comprises a radio frequency (RF) demodulator receiver  402 , an RF amplifier  404 , a decoder  406 , a micro controller  408 , an encoder  410 , an RF transmitter  412 , an LED driver  414 , a first LED  310 , a second LED  306 , and an antenna  416 . 
     The functional diagram of  FIG. 4  reveals a radio receiver  402  that detects a digital code modulated on a radio frequency signal. This signal is demodulated, and the resulting digital code is provided as input to the decoder  406 . In an exemplary embodiment, each device transmits this code, three times. If the code matches the appropriate sequence number of this unit on all three occasions, then the microcontroller  408  provides a confirmation signal, which then utilizes the LED driver  414  to turn on the first LED  310 . At the same time, the microcontroller  408  sends a signal to the encoder  410 , which provides a coded digital signal to a modulator (not shown) and then to the radio transmitter  412 . This digitally encoded radio signal is now transmitted to all neighboring units. Only the unit next in sequence that matches this code will respond with the appropriate flash of the LED  310  mounted thereon. 
     The microcontroller  408  can be receiving multiple signals in rapid succession, and this provides the opportunity for the microcontroller  408  to turn on or off two or more LEDs  310 ,  306  at the appropriate time. This results in the capability of having multiple simultaneous progressive flashing sequencing for traffic moving in opposite directions. 
     Each device&#39;s sequence number can be programmed using an input keyboard, an electrical transmission from an external controller, or hardwired and controlled by a local switch such as thumbwheel or membrane switch. The sequence can be input through the individual module control input port. It can also be programmed from a distance using radio frequency, microwave, inductance, infrared or other electromagnetic radiation. Hence, the devices, or modules, can be deployed without regard to sequence number, and when in place, the user can simply walk along the path and define each devices sequence number. However, the unique aspect of this invention is the use of a “mesh” network that allows for the lights to assume the proper sequence number simply by applying power in the proper order or with proximity sensors. For example, in an embodiment, the user would simply locate a light and turn it on. The electronic circuitry and logic would “listen” to detect whether there were any other lights currently on and transmitting a signal. If no other signal is received in a predetermined period of time, then this device would assume identity number 1. When the 2 nd  light is turned on, it would listen for any other devices, and upon “hearing” number 1 transmitting a signal, but no other transmitted signals, it would then say, “I must be number 2”. When turned on, the 3 rd  light would receive (or “hear”) numbers 1 and 2, and if no other signals were heard it would then assume that “I must be number 3”, and so on. When used in a nautical setting, the buoys could be activated in order when placed in the water. In addition, the user can define the length of flash and the delay between reception of triggering signal and flash with input on the control panel of each device. In other embodiments, an array of modules is placed and once activated, would self-determine their order in the array, position in the system, etc., and set the activation sequence accordingly. 
     The flashing sequence is programmable, and may reverse to produce a particular guide or warning. Furthermore, a failure of one unit would not influence performance of the entire system. Should one unit fail, the next higher number will wait a predetermined number of milliseconds, and upon failing to receive a transmission from the failed unit, will continue to operate without interruption. This same methodology, that is the mesh network, provides a simple means by which a failed unit could be replaced. The person replacing the failed unit simply has to turn the replacement unit on. It will listen for a predetermined length of time. If it “hears” a number 10, for example, and a number 12, but no signal is received from a number 11, then it will assume that number 11 is out of the system and simply adopt that code number. 
     In another embodiment, the system of lights or modules can be configured to provide an indication of distance from the observer. The signaling system, of which the lights are the most visible part of each module, can comprise lights that are visibly dimmer the higher the number in the sequence to which they are assigned (or the opposite). The lights can, in another embodiment, illuminate at different visible wavelengths to provide some indication of distance. While this methodology is not as effective for a color-blind person, longer frequency colors such as the reds appear to be different distances from an observer than do colors near the cooler end of the spectrum (blue for example). Thus lights with lower sequence numbers can illuminate at different emission frequencies than lights, which are assigned higher numbers in the sequence. In another embodiment, the lights can be assigned to flash on for shorter periods of time, the further they are from the observer (higher in the sequence chain) than lights, which are closer to the observer (lower in the sequence chain). Thus, the lights, which are on longer will appear to be relatively brighter and thus closer to the observer. In yet another embodiment, the lights that are closer to the observer can flash on and off a number of times during their assigned “on” cycle. Lights further from the observer can be assigned to flash on and off a relatively lower number of times during their “on” cycle, thus appearing slightly dimmer or further away from the observer. Any combination of the aforementioned systems can be used to assist the driver or observer in determining the path in which the lights or signaling devices are arrayed, and thus the safe path that can be followed by the observer. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the logic control used to create sequenced flashing of lights as illustrated in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  shows module number  202  comprising the light or sensory signaling devices  306 , 310 , the controller, and a shield  312 . The controller for light number  202  is shown transmitting an electromagnetic signal  320  to the controller for light number  204 . There is no signal being emitted between the controller, or module, for light number  20  and the controller or module for light number  206  at this point in time. The signal from module number  204  to module number  206  will be generated at a future instant in time. The shield or baffle  312  prevents viewing of the lights  306 ,  310  from an undesired direction, thus preventing confusion on the part of drivers coming from an oncoming direction, for example. Both lamp  306  and  310  are illuminated in module  206 . 
     A system of signal emitting modules  300  is disclosed. The modules emit light or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or other pathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules  300  are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in a pattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with less confusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors. The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmed following deployment. The programming can be done with the described mesh technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific number in each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules can improve highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules are arrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction, or, using two independent sequencing software programs for opposite facing LEDs, the driver coming from the opposite direction will have his or her own guiding system. 
     The visual output device, which can be a light, led, or other visual emitter can be highly directional, omni-directional, or quasi-directional. Each visual output device can be set to emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible range or a range outside the visible spectrum. Such radiation can be in the infrared, ultraviolet, microwave, or radio frequency range. Such radiation can be configured to be received by, and interact with, a receiver in an approaching or departing vehicle that can display the information on a Global Positioning System (GPS) display or other mapping device within the vehicle. Furthermore, each module supporting the visual output devices can comprise a GPS receiver that can provide its position and then transmit that position to the approaching or leaving vehicle such that the information may be used to locate one, a few, or all of the modules on a GPS display or other mapping system. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.