Abstract:
A traffic control trailer is provided. The traffic control trailer includes a three-dimensional patrol car body section, which appears to an approaching motorist to be a patrol car regardless of naturally-occurring terrain and road conditions. A plurality of systems simulate actions performed by a law enforcement patrol car, such as turning on a light bar or activating a speed detection radar.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention pertains to the field of traffic safety, and more specifically to a traffic control trailer that creates a realistic deterrent to speeding and increases motorist attention to traffic conditions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Prior art systems and methods for creating a patrol car decoy include parking an actual patrol car or using a two dimensional decoy at a road construction site or other locations where the presence of a patrol car will help to deter speeding and increase motorist attention to traffic conditions. While such prior art systems and methods help to indicate the need for solutions other than having an actual patrol car present, there are numerous problems with such prior art systems and methods. 
         [0003]    For example, if an actual patrol car is used, then the cost incurred is significant, both in the unavailability of an operating patrol car and in the time required to have the patrol car transported to the location where it is being deployed. Furthermore, an unmanned patrol car either must have its lights on permanently, which wastes energy, or must be quiescent, which detracts from its deterrent value. 
         [0004]    Likewise, if a two dimensional decoy is used, motorists can usually determine that the decoy is not an actual patrol car. While such decoys can be readily deployed, they are generally ineffective at deterring speeding or increasing motorist attention to traffic conditions. In addition, such decoys have limited ability to provide other safety or traffic control functions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the present invention, a traffic control trailer is provided that deters speeding and increases motorist attention to traffic conditions. 
         [0006]    In particular, a traffic control trailer is provided that provides functional performance to simulate a patrol car as well as other important traffic safety features. 
         [0007]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a traffic control trailer is provided. The traffic control trailer includes a three-dimensional patrol car body section, which appears to an approaching motorist to be a patrol car regardless of naturally-occurring terrain and road conditions. A plurality of systems simulate actions performed by a law enforcement patrol car, such as turning on a light bar or activating a speed detection radar. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides many important technical advantages. One important technical advantage of the present invention is a traffic control trailer that simulates a three-dimensional portion of a patrol car so as to better simulate the appearance of a patrol car. 
         [0009]    Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a traffic control trailer in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a traffic control trailer system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of an anchor system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of a system for controlling displays and lights on a traffic control trailer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a method for controlling a traffic control trailer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of traffic control trailer  100  in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Traffic control trailer  100  allows a trailer to be deployed instead of a live patrol car for traffic control purposes. 
         [0017]    Traffic control trailer  100  includes patrol car body  102 , which is a portion of a police or other emergency vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, patrol car body  102  can be a simulated patrol car body, a decommissioned patrol car body that has been cut away to reduce the size and weight of patrol car body or other suitable patrol car bodies. 
         [0018]    Trailer hitch  104  is connected to patrol car body  102  by a frame (not explicitly shown). Adjustable support  106  allows trailer hitch  104  to be elevated so as to avoid contact with the ground and potential damage. Storage spike  110  is used to store the plurality of traffic cones (not explicitly shown), such as may be required at a site where traffic control trailer  100  is deployed. Light bar  108  is a three dimensional reproduction of a police or patrol car light bar, such as with flashing lights and other suitable lights. 
         [0019]    In operation, traffic control trailer  100  creates the appearance of a law enforcement patrol car from a distance. Traffic control trailer  100  includes three dimensional elements such as patrol car body  102  and light bar  108  that help to create the illusion of an actual patrol car from a distance, such as where slight bends or curvature of the road may allow motorists to determine the difference between a two dimensional decoy and a three dimensional trailer. As such, while traffic control trailer  100  requires additional fabrication and materials when compared to a two dimensional decoy, traffic control trailer  100  creates a more realistic and therefore more effective apparatus for the purposes of deterring motorists&#39; non-compliance with traffic regulations and gaining motorists&#39; attention of traffic control trailer  100 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of traffic control trailer system  200  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of present invention. Traffic control trailer system  200  includes additional indication panels and other devices to provide motorists with information, and to also obscure the portions of the patrol car  102  that do not represent an actual patrol car. 
         [0021]    Trailer control trailer system  200  includes patrol car body  102  and signal panels  202  and  204 A through  204 D. Each signal panel  202  and  204 A through  204 D can include fixed lights, programmable LED lights, or other suitable displays. Displays  204 A through  204 D extend from the sides of patrol car body  102 , such as at the point at which patrol car body  102  terminates. In this manner, panels  204 A through  204 D help to obscure the portion of the patrol car body  102  beyond that section which resembles an actual patrol car, so that approaching motorists are prevented from determining that patrol car body  102  is not an actual patrol car. 
         [0022]    In addition, display panels  202  and  204 A through  204 D can be programmable LED panels. In this exemplary embodiment, a series of preset programs can be used to provide arrows directing traffic to move left or right, providing traffic update information, or other suitable information. Likewise, user-programmable messages can be entered and displayed, traffic update data can be received from a traffic control center and displayed, vehicle speed data can be received from a radar speed detection system and displayed, or other suitable information can also or alternatively be provided. 
         [0023]    Each display panel  204 A through  204 D includes adjustable legs  206 . These adjustable legs allow the position of each display panel  204 A through  204 D to be adjusted to fit uneven terrain. 
         [0024]    In an another exemplary embodiment, the message displayed on display panels  202  or  204 A through  204 D can be coordinated with a radar speed detection device maintained within patrol car body  102 . In this exemplary embodiment, the motorists&#39; speed can be displayed on one or more of display panels  204 A through  204 D or  202 . 
         [0025]    In operation, traffic control trailer system  202  allows traffic control trailer  102  to be deployed in a manner that increases the likelihood that a motorist will believe that an actual patrol car is present. In this manner, the front portions of the traffic control trailer  102  are obscured by display panels  204 A through  204 D. Likewise, display panel  202  also creates a distraction to motorists, causing them to pay attention to something other than traffic control trailer  102 . In this manner, motorists will generally perceive that traffic control trailer  102  is a police car or other emergency vehicle and will respond accordingly to obey traffic regulations or laws. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of anchor system  300  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Anchor system  300  is an anti-roll device that can be provided with traffic control trailer  100  or other suitable apparatuses so as to mitigate the probability of damage occurring from a rear end collision with the traffic control trailer  100  or other objects. 
         [0027]    System  300  includes anchor  302 , which is connected to trailer frame  310  by hinge  304  and clevis pins  308 . In one exemplary embodiment, anchor  302  can be placed in a first position while traffic control trailer  100  or other suitable items are being transported, and can be placed in a second position as shown in  FIG. 3  for use in the field. When anchor  302  is deployed, a rear end collision with traffic control trailer  100  will cause the edge of anchor  302  to drive into the ground. In this manner, trailer frame  310  will tilt forward and prevent traffic control trailer  100  or other items attached to trailer frame  310  from proceeding in the direction of vehicle movement. Thus, an inattentive motorist or disabled motorist who runs into traffic control trailer  100  or other items will not continue on, with the possibility of causing injury or damage to workers or equipment, but will instead become entangled in trailer frame  310 , which will be anchored in location. In this manner, the damage caused an inattentive motorist can be mitigated so as to prevent injury or damage to others. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of system  400  for controlling displays and lights on a traffic control trailer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    System  400  includes trailer controller  402 , which can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, which can be one or more software systems operating on a general purpose processing platform. Trailer controller  402  controls the operation of radar system  404 , camera system  406 , display system  408  and communication system  410 . 
         [0030]    Radar system  404  generates a vehicle speed detecting radar signal and measures the speed of a plurality of vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, radar system  404  can generate speed data that is used by trailer controller  402  to operate camera system  406 , display system  408 , light bar  108 , or other suitable systems. Likewise, camera system  406  can turn on radar system  404  as described below. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more systems can be operated when a first speed range is detected, such as from 1 to 10 miles per hour over a user-entered speed limit, and one or more additional systems can be operated for detected speed ranges over the first speed range. In this exemplary embodiment, light bar  108  can be operated when a vehicular speed in the first range is detected, and camera system  406  and communication system  410  can be operated when a vehicular speed in excess of the first range is detected, such as to generated video evidence and to notify patrol cars of the speeding vehicle. 
         [0031]    Camera system  406  generates image data of vehicles approaching the traffic control trailer using system  400 . In one exemplary embodiment, camera system  406  can be coordinated with radar system  404  so as to operate only when vehicles are approaching. Likewise, camera system  406  can be used in conjunction with radar system  404 , such as to generate a time stamped entry to allow radar data generated by radar system  404  to be used as evidence for enforcing traffic regulations against vehicles captured by camera system  406 , to turn radar system  404  on if movement is detected, or to perform other suitable functions. 
         [0032]    Display system  408  controls information or operation on display panels (not explicitly shown). In one exemplary embodiment, trailer controller  402  can include a keyboard and terminal screen that allows a user to enter a display, select between preprogrammed displays, or make other suitable display selections. Display system  408  transmits control data to lights such as LEDs or other suitable lights to cause a display to operate. In one exemplary embodiment, display system  408  can generate a speed generated by radar system  404 , such as to alert a motorist as to its speed as detected. In another exemplary embodiment, display system  408  can cause light bar  108  to operate when radar system  404  detects a speed over a lawful speed limit, such as to generate the appearance that the traffic control trailer  400  is an actual patrol car that has turned on its lights because of a detected speeder. 
         [0033]    Communication system  410  communicates with a remote operator in response to control data received from trailer controller  402 . In one exemplary, trailer controller  402  can notify one or more patrol cars of detected vehicle speeds in excess of the speed limit, so as to alert them to watch for the speeding vehicles. Communication system  410  can also notify an operator when an equipment malfunction is detected by trailer controller  402 , such as the failure of a power source, a display panel (such as due to age, wear, a collision or vandalism), or other equipment. Communication system  410  can also include user controls to allow a user to communicate with patrol cars, a dispatcher, the Internet, or other suitable persons or systems, such upon entry of a user password, receipt of a mechanical key, or in other suitable manners. 
         [0034]    Photovoltaic grid  416  and generator  412  are coupled to trailer controller  402 , and can provide power to radar system  404 , camera system  406 , display system  408 , as well as trailer controller  402 . In one exemplary embodiment, photovoltaic grid  410  can be used when incident sunlight is sufficient to generate power to operate trailer controller  402  and any other related systems. Likewise, trailer controller  402  can cause generator  412  to operate so as to generate electric power for operation. Likewise, generator  412  can be controlled to provide energy to run system  400  and charge battery  414 , such that battery  414  is charged when photovoltaic grid  410  is not generating sufficient energy to run trailer controller  402 . 
         [0035]    In operation, system  400  controls one or more related systems of a traffic control trailer so as to provide for power management, operation of a radar system  404 , camera system  406 , display system  408 , light bar  408 , or other suitable systems. In this manner, traffic control trailer  100  can be operated so as to create a more realistic impression of the presence of a patrol car, to generate evidence for use in prosecuting traffic violators, or for other suitable purposes. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of method  500  for controlling a traffic control trailer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method  500  begins at  502  where a radar signal is received. In one exemplary embodiment, the radar signal can be generated by the traffic control trailer and can be used to detect the presence of people traveling in excess of the posted speed limits. In another exemplary embodiment, a camera or other suitable motion detector can first be used to turn the radar signal generator, after which the speed is detected, such as where the energy used to run the motion detector is less than the energy required to generate the radar signal. The method then proceeds to  504 . 
         [0037]    At  504 , it is determined whether the detected speed is greater than the first predetermined speed limit, such as 5 miles over the speed limit. If the detected speed is not greater than the first detected speed limit, the method proceeds to  516 . Otherwise, the method proceeds to  506  where a light bar or other suitable equipment is operated. In one exemplary embodiment, the light bar can be a light bar on top of a traffic control trailer so as to generate the appearance that a police car has detected a speeder as is entering traffic to issue a violation. The method then proceeds to  508 . 
         [0038]    At  508 , it is determined whether a speed is greater than a second speed limit, such as 10 miles over the posted limits or other suitable limits. If the speed is not greater than the second limit the method proceeds to  516 . Otherwise, the method proceeds to  510  where a camera is operated if the camera system is not presently operating, such as to capture images of the speeding vehicles. The method then proceeds to  512  where notification data is generated, such as to notify patrol officers in the area of a speeding vehicle. The method then proceeds to  514  where time stamp data, radar speed data or other suitable data is generated and added to the camera image. In one exemplary embodiment, the time stamp can be stored or other data can be indexed to the image data, so as to create a uniform record. Likewise, the time stamp, speed or other suitable data can be added to the image data. The method then proceeds to  516 . 
         [0039]    At  516 , it is determined whether a display option has been selected. If the display option has not been selected, the method proceeds to  520  and terminates. Otherwise, the method proceeds to  518  where the speed, a message, or other suitable data is displayed. In one exemplary embodiment, a speeder can be notified of his speed, a message such as slow down, please pull over for the patrol vehicle, or other suitable messages can be generated. Likewise, when detected speeds are within allowed speed limits, a sign such as “thank you for not speeding” or other suitable indications can be generated. In addition, if traffic signals such as indicating directions for traffic to merge or other suitable information are provided, the message can be displayed only when vehicles are detected to be present, so as to conserve hour, equipment wear, and other resources. 
         [0040]    Although exemplary embodiments of a system and method of the present invention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications can be made to the systems and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.