Patent Publication Number: US-11640761-B1

Title: Automated flagger safety assistance device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/773,012 filed on Jan. 27, 2020, the contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP 
     Not Applicable 
     JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention pertains generally to installation and removal of traffic control or traffic regulating devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to the installation and removal of automated switchable road signs or flaggers. The safety assistance device in accordance with the invention envisions added safety for those installing and removing traffic control or automated flagger devices. 
     Also, the safety assistance device of the invention is initiated without requiring a manual activation by those installing or removing the traffic control device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Generally, during road construction various devices have been utilized to alert drivers to anticipate forthcoming road construction. By way of example, the road signs may indicate a lane merger or other traffic control. At times during road construction of two lane or more roadways it becomes necessary to reduce all lanes of traffic to a single lane for traffic travelling in opposing directions. In those situations traffic may be controlled travelling through the single lane by stopping the travel of traffic in a first direction and allowing traffic travelling in an opposing second direction through the single lane of roadway. After the second direction traffic passes through the single lane, subsequent travelers approaching the road restriction in the second direction will be stopped and then those that were travelling in the first direction and stopped will be allowed to travel through the single lane restriction. The stopping of traffic continues to alternate while the roadway is reduced to a single lane. 
     At times at least two road construction workers or flag persons may be utilized, one at each end of the section of the single lane roadway being controlled. A prior automated device has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,292 that is designed to eliminate the need to use individual control persons. The device provides a sign assembly that either displays the message “stop” or the message “slow.” A sign assembly is positioned at each end of the restricted roadway and the assemblies are wirelessly synced so that one assembly displays “stop” while the other assembly displays “slow” or “stop”. A remote transceiver may be utilized to control the display of each assembly. 
     Once a work zone is established, regulating traffic becomes more predictable. However, installing these Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFAD&#39;s) may prove challenging for the safety of the workers in high use roadways or in low light conditions. The potential safety hazard to the workers is greatest during the installation and removal periods because stepping out into the live lane of traffic may be required. Although lights have been utilized to illuminate the AFAD&#39;s when positioned at each end of a work zone, supplemental strobe lights that are activated during set up and take down of the AFAD&#39;s have not been utilized. Further, environmental conditions such as low light levels or direct sunlight may prevent a motorist from seeing a worker which could have a negative impact on the worker. The use of strobe lights during the installation and removal of AFAD&#39;s is expected to heighten motorist awareness. Although a strobe light with an on/off switch might be utilized, a simple on/off switch is dependent upon the worker or installer remembering to activate or deactivate the switch. Also, a simple on/off switch could require a worker to return to the device to turn it off once a second device is installed on the other end of construction. 
     Thus, it is desirable to provide an automated mechanism to illuminate a strobe on the traffic control sign during set up and takedown that does not have to be activated by the worker. Further, it is desirable to provide a mechanism that remotely automatically activates and deactivates a strobe associated with a traffic control sign. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments according to aspects of the invention are incorporated into AFAD&#39;s. According to other aspects, the apparatus of the invention activates remotely. Further, the sequence of activation and deactivation may only be dependent upon initial activation of one of several AFAD&#39;s. The control of the strobe may also be implemented in other safety devices having strobes attached to them. 
     A method in accordance with aspects of the invention includes the steps of activating a remote transceiver having wireless capability; activating power to a first traffic control device that has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the first traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the first traffic control device; determining if first traffic control device is active; illuminating a first strobe coupled to the first traffic control device when the first traffic control device is determined to be active; activating power to a second traffic control device that has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the second traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the second traffic control device; determining if second traffic control device is active; and illuminating a second strobe coupled to the second traffic control device when the second traffic control device is determined to be active. 
     Particular embodiments of the invention may further include the step of determining whether both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device. Additionally, the method may include the step of deactivating the first and second strobes when both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device. The first traffic control device may be an Automated Flagger Assistance Device. Similarly, the second traffic control device may be an Automated Flagger Assistance Device. The method in accordance with aspects of the invention may further include the step of determining whether at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated. When at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated the first and second strobes are illuminated. 
     Another embodiment in accordance with the present invention that controls illumination of the strobe lights of a traffic control system includes the steps of activating a remote transceiver having wireless capability; activating power to a first traffic control device that has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the first traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the first traffic control device; determining if first traffic control device is active; illuminating a first strobe coupled to the first traffic control device when the first traffic control device is determined to be active; and placing markers in the work zone. 
     Additionally, the method may include the step of determining whether the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device. A further step includes deactivating the first strobe when the first traffic control device is in the first display mode. The first traffic control device is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device. A further step includes determining whether the first traffic control devices is deactivated. When the first traffic control device is deactivated the first strobe may be illuminated. This embodiment according to aspects of the invention may further include the steps of activating power to a second traffic control device that has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the second traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the second traffic control device; determining if second traffic control device is active; illuminating a second strobe coupled to the second traffic control device when the second traffic control device is determined to be active. This method in accordance with the invention may further include the step of illuminating the first and second strobes when at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated. Further, the step may include determining whether both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device. Additionally, this method may include the step of deactivating the first and second strobes when both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a portion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to further explain the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred; however, it should be understood, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic of a two lane roadway during construction that is particularly well suited for use of the method in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a first portion of a flow chart demonstrating a portion of the method in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a second portion of a flow chart demonstrating a portion of the method in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective of a control board capable of implementing the method of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is top schematic view a control board of the present invention capable of implementing the method of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic of a portion of the controller of the present invention; 
       and 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary automated flagger assistance device or autoflagger traffic control device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     The apparatus and method of the present invention is particularly well suited for autonomously controlling remote strobe lights attached to AFAD&#39;s. With reference to the Figures, various embodiments according to aspects of the invention will be described in greater detail. With reference to  FIG.  1    a construction zone  10  on a two lane roadway  20  is generally depicted. The roadway and travel of traffic is divided with dotted line  22 . A first traffic control  30  is positioned in the traffic lane of the first direction of traffic flow  34  prior to the work zone  80  and barriers or markers  82 . A second traffic control  50  is positioned in the traffic lane of the second direction of traffic flow  52  prior to the work zone  80  and barriers or markers  82 . The traffic controls  30  and  50  may be positioned near the shoulder of the roadway to increase visibility of the work zone while also alerting traffic to the controlled area. A controller or remote transceiver  70  may be wirelessly coupled to the traffic controls  30  and  50 . Each traffic control  30  and  50  and controller  70  may be equipped with a solar panel power supply and the remote wifi. The wireless power switch control or remote wifi may further include antennas of known suitable construction. Without limitation intended, the wireless control may include wi-fi, z-wave or Bluetooth systems having hand held, key fob or switch controllers. Operating system apps may also be utilized to create additional functionality for the controller. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the method  100  for automatic operation of strobe lights attached to the first and second traffic control  30  and  50  in conjunction with the use of controller  70  will be described in greater detail. Once a construction zone  10  is identified and a traffic control plan is established the workers may install signage to alert traffic approaching the work zone from both directions of upcoming traffic regulation. Prior to installing AFAD&#39;s the power supply to the controller  70  is activated  110 . A worker then supplies power to the first traffic control  30  and the traffic control  30  is moved into position. Controller  70  determines when the traffic control  30  is powered and becomes active  114 . When activation of traffic control  30  is determined  116 , a first strobe coupled to the power supply of traffic control  30  is activated or turned “on”  120 . If the controller  70  does not sense activation of the first traffic control then the controller continues monitor for activation of the first traffic control; see loop  118 . Once the worker installs the first traffic control the second traffic control  50  may be powered up and installed  122 . Of course, multiple co-workers may work in unison to install the first and second traffic controls  30  and  50  at approximately the same time. The controller  70  will independently detect activation of each traffic control. Controller  70  determines if the second traffic control has been activated  124 . When the controller determines the second traffic control has become active  126 , a second strobe coupled to the power supply of the second traffic control is activated or turned on  130 . The controller  70  continues to monitor for activation of the second traffic control as at loop  128 . Once both traffic controllers are in place the workers may place markers or barriers  1332  to define the work zone  80  and provide guidance to the motorists. 
     The controller remains active and monitors the control signals to the traffic controllers  30  and  50 ; see flowchart connector  134  between  FIGS.  2  and  3   , decision  136  and loop  140 . When both traffic controllers  30  and  50  are in the “stop” position, then the controller deactivates  142  or turns off the first and second strobes associated with the first and second controllers  30  and  50 . The controller  70  remains active in and idle mode,  144  and loop  150 , and continues to monitor power or deactivation of the traffic controllers  30  and  50 ; see decision  146 . When power is turned off or deactivated to either of the traffic controllers  148  then the controller  70  activates or powers up the first and second strobes  152 . The controller  70  includes a timer that keeps the strobes powered a sufficient time to allow workers to remove the traffic controllers  30  and  50  from the work zone; see decision  154  and loop  158 . Once the preset time has elapsed  156  the controller again deactivates the strobes  160 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  4 - 6    the components of programmable control board  200  will be described in greater detail. Multiple boards  200  may be coupled to the traffic controllers  30  and  50  and controller  70  and may be programmed (as host and slave) to perform the above described functions. Each control board  200  may include IC board  210  to which components are electrically coupled. Electrical junction  212  includes electrical inputs from power supplies, the strobes and the traffic controller. Electrical junction  214  provides electrical interconnection between external control software and programming chips. Electrical junction  276  provides electrical connection between the strobes and strobe control chip  260 . Shottkey diodes  220 ,  222 ,  224 , and  228  are used in conjunction with power to various activity detectors. Programmable process control chip  236  and power chip  232  are coupled to the various electrical components to allow control of the strobes in accordance with the above described process. Timing switch  250  and knob  252  allow a user to control the amount of time the probes remain activated when the AFAD&#39;s are being removed. Detent switch  240  and configuration switches  270  and  272  allow a user to manually control the implemented configuration controlling activation and deactivation of the strobes. Diodes  286  and  288  are electrically coupled to green and red LED&#39;s that are coupled to process chip control  236 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to control board  200  to further implement the control of strobes during the installation and removal of road construction safety devices without parting from the scope of the invention. 
     These and various other aspects and features of the invention are described with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. This invention has been described herein with detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically different constructions, and that various modifications, both as to the construction and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appended claims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in the open ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated may also be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this document.