Patent ID: 12251357

DEFINITIONS

To facilitate an understanding of the present technology, a number of terms and phrases are defined below. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the detailed description.

“Accessible” as used herein, refers to a facility in the public or private right of way that is approachable and usable by persons with disabilities.

“Antenna” or “Antennae” as used herein, refers to an electrical device which converts electric power into radio waves, and vice versa. They are typically associated with transmitters or receivers also referred to as radios.

“Attention Pattern” as used herein, refers to a tactile warning panel design calling attention to a hazard, or to hazards and decision points. Attention patterns can be installed in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings, at-grade curbs, railway platforms, stairs, ramps, escalators, travelators, elevators, etc.

“Decision Point” as used herein, refers to an intersection or change in direction along a path of travel defined by a tactile warning panel.

“Double L-Channel” is used herein, refers to the frame or mold in the ground substrate composed of concrete or suitable material that has two (2) channels in a configuration resembling two steps.

“DSRC” is used herein, refers to dedicated short range communication.

“Electronic Equipment” as used herein, refers to all computers, transmitters, receivers, servers, sensors, circuit boards, circuitry, processors, fog nodes, fog computers, electronic display devices, and all devices that contain circuitry consisting primarily or exclusively of active semiconductors supplemented with passive elements; such a circuit is described as an electronic circuit.

“Fog Nodes” as used herein, refers to one or a collaborative multitude of end-user clients or near-user edge devices that carry out a substantial amount of storage and computation tasks rather than with data stored and computation tasks taking place primarily in cloud data centers.

“Fog Computing” as used herein, is an architecture that uses one or a collaborative multitude of end-user clients or near-user edge devices (Fog Nodes) to carry out a substantial amount of storage and computation tasks rather than using data stored and computation tasks taking place primarily in cloud data centers.

“Graphic Design” as used herein, refers to a product of graphic art including text and/or graphics, communicating an effective message or pleasing design, including but not limited to logos, advertising, branding, promotion, pictures, graphics, posters, signs and any other types of visual communication. The graphic design preferably comprises selected and arranged visual elements—for example, typography, images, symbols, and colors—that convey a message to an audience or create an effect.

“Guiding Pattern” as used herein, refers to a tactile warning panel design indicating a direction of travel or a landmark.

“Hazard” as used herein, refers to any area or element in, or adjacent to, a direction of travel, which may place people at risk of injury.

“Load Bearing” as used herein, refers to the strength or physical characteristics of a product that can withstand a minimum of five (5) ton test load up to and exceeding a sixty (60) ton test load without support from the ground substrate, such as concrete, directly under the product.

“Load Bearing Subsurface Base Panel” as used herein, refers to a non-tactile panel or smooth surface panel that can withstand a minimum of five (5) ton test load up to and exceeding a sixty (60) ton test load without support from the ground substrate, such as concrete, directly under the subsurface base panel.

“Load Bearing Surface Tactile Panel” as used herein, refers to a tactile warning panel with tactile surface profiles molded into the panel that can withstand a minimum of five (5) ton test load up to and exceeding a sixty (60) ton test load without support from the ground substrate, such as concrete, directly under the surface tactile panel.

“Non-Load Bearing” as used herein, refers to the strength or physical characteristics of a non-traffic rated product that cannot withstand greater than a 1,000-pound test load without support from the ground substrate, such as concrete, directly under the product.

“Machine-to-Machine” (M2M) as used herein, refers to direct communication between devices using any communications channel, including wired and wireless.

“pCells” as used herein, is a Distributed Input/Distributed Output (DIDO) mobile wireless technology.

“Pedestrian Walkway” as used herein, refers to a path designed for pedestrian use, such as a passage for walking, a path set aside for walking, a passage or path connecting buildings, or a passage or path, especially one which is covered or raised above the ground. The term “pedestrian walkway” encompasses the following: sidewalks or pavement, footpath, footway, shared-use path, pathway, multi-use path, curb ramps, stairs, ramps, passageways, segregated footway, blended transitions, platform, footbridges, stiles, tunnels, walkways, pedestrian lanes, pedestrian accessible route, pedestrian street crossing, alternate pedestrian access route, alternate pedestrian walkway, temporary pedestrian walkway, pedestrian overcrossing, pedestrian undercrossing, pedestrian overpass, escalators, travelators, crosswalk, moving walkway, transit platforms, sky bridge and the like.

“Pedestrian Access Route” as used herein, refers to a continuous and unobstructed path of travel provided for pedestrians with disabilities within or coinciding with a pedestrian circulation path in the public right-of-way. Pedestrian access routes in the public right-of-way ensure that the transportation network used by pedestrians is accessible to pedestrians with disabilities.

“Sensors” as used herein, refer to electronic devices that are employed to measure, record and report a plethora of static and dynamic data characterizing events, conditions and objects. For example, but not limited to temperature, compression from walking, counting people, counting vehicles, measuring vehicular speed, characterizing sounds, light, and airborne chemicals.

“Small Cells” as used herein, to refer to low-powered radio access nodes that operate in licensed and unlicensed spectrum. They are “small” compared to a mobile macro cells because of their range; 10 meters to 2 kilometers as compared with a range that can exceed ten (10) kilometers. They are being deployed by wireless carriers for offloading mobile data as a more efficient use of radio spectrum. Small cells are a vital element to 3, 4 and 5G data offloading. They are viewed as vital to managing LTE Advanced spectrum more efficiently than macro cells.

“Smart city” as used herein, to refer to a city that incorporates the application of electronic sensors, transmitters, receivers, fog nodes, fog computing, small cells, computers, antennae, applications of smart phones and other M2M technologies to increase safety, efficiency, congestion, reduce pollution and generally improve the quality of life of its citizens.

“Smart Transportation” as used herein, to refer to the use of computers, transmitters, receivers, antennae, fog nodes, fog computing, DSRC, roadside units and combinations thereof to make transportation more accessible, efficient and safe.

“Subsurface Enclosure” as used herein, refers to the enclosure under the surface tactile panel that houses electronic equipment.

“Surface Tactile Panel” as used herein, refers to an upper surface panel with a planar surface having thereon a plurality of distinct spatially raised, three dimensional features arranged in a pattern to be detected by tactile sensation.

“TWPA” is used as the acronym for tactile warning panel apparatus and system.

“Tactile Walking Surface Indicator” as used herein, refers to a standardized walking surface used for information by blind or vision-impaired persons.

“Thermoelectric Cooling” as used herein, refers to technology that uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two different types of materials.

“Truncated Domes or Cones” as used herein, refers to a type of attention pattern also referred to as flat-topped domes or cones.

“Wayfinding” as used herein, encompasses all the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place. In urban planning, it is a consistent use and organization of definite sensory cues (tactile elements and provision for special-needs users) from the external environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Tactile warning panels, such as those incorporated into the surface tactile panel of the TWPA of the present invention, are widely used in many developed and some developing countries to provide wayfinding information to pedestrians who are visually impaired. Tactile warning panels are also used to alert people with visual impairments when they are approaching a hazard such as the edge of a platform, a flight of stairs, an escalator or the end of the pavement and the beginning of the street. Tactile warning panels should be readily detectable and distinguishable from the surrounding or adjacent surfaces by visually impaired people. They are used for both indoor, as well as, outdoor locations. By providing tactile information for safety and wayfinding, tactile warning panels improve the confidence, independence and quality of life for people who are visually impaired. This is achieved by enabling them to participate in employment, social, recreational, educational, cultural and religious activities.

There are other systems and devices for providing wayfinding and safety information to people who are visually impaired. These include accessible signals that use sound or vibration to provide information for crossing at pedestrian traffic lights. Such electronic systems can complement, but do not replace, the requirement for tactual information.

Among their advantages, tactile warning panels can lead users precisely to a destination, can be used to provide information both indoors and outdoors, do not require electric power and do not require users to purchase or maintain any special equipment. Tactile warning panels were originally developed in 1965 by Seiichi Miyake who lived in Japan. Two generic texture patterns are used for tactile warning panels (“attention patterns” and “guiding patterns”). The usage of these tactile warning panel patterns differs somewhat from country to country. Over the years, extensive research in various countries has established that both “attention patterns” (truncated domes or cones) and “guiding patterns” (raised bars) are highly detectable when used in association with typical walking surfaces, and that they are distinguishable from each other. Since 1965, tactile warning panel surface textures have been modified, and systems of installation vary worldwide, not only amongst countries, but also within countries. Multiple patterns, sizes, colors and specifications of materials and systems for installations can now be found. However, consistency is important when providing tactile information for people who are visually impaired. Each country may have some unique aspects but in general terms the tactile warning panels do have many similar characteristics. International Standards have evolved (ISO 23599, Mar. 1, 2012). The scope of this standard says that “it is not intended to replace requirements and recommendations contained in . . . national standards, regulations and guidelines” However, “national design standards provide for high-quality products taking into account different physical, climatic and social situations of each country, as well as, provide consistent tactile warning panel systems within a country”. The ISO standard permits differences in parameters such as shapes, dimensions, arrangements, formula of the luminance and method of installation. This is to give flexibility when considering different national circumstances.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the “attention pattern” comprises truncated domes or cones (also commonly referred to as: detectable warning system, detectable warnings, detectable warning surface, detectable warning panel, tactile warning surfaces, raised tactile profiles, tactile tile, tactile detectable warnings, tactile warning surface, tactile, truncated domes, truncated dome surface, embedment tile device, Braille blocks, blister paver, attention pattern), and is used primarily to indicate hazards, decision points or destination facilities. A decision point may be at an intersection or at a change in direction along a guided path. The “attention pattern” is arranged in a square grid, parallel or diagonal at 45 degrees to the principal direction of travel.FIG.1Ashows an “attention pattern” panel100with a square or inline grid. The “attention pattern” panel100is preferably parallel to principal direction of pedestrian travel. The truncated domes or cones are rounded/conical dome structures107protruding upward from the surface of the substrate panel. The top area105of the truncated domes or cones is a flat surface.FIG.1Bshows an “attention pattern” panel100with truncated domes or cones diagonal at 45 degrees to principal direction of pedestrian travel. The truncated domes or cones are rounded/conical dome structures107protruding upward from the surface of the substrate panel. The top area105of the truncated domes or cones is a flat surface. The spacing and size of the domes varies depending on specific country, government or local municipality specifications. As an example, although not all inclusive, the International Standards (ISO 23599) state that the height of the truncated domes or cones is preferably 4 mm to 5 mm. The top diameter of truncated domes or cones preferably range from 12 mm to 25 mm, and the bottom diameter of truncated domes or cones is preferably (10±1) mm greater than the top diameter. The spacing refers to the shortest distance between the centers of two adjacent truncated domes or cones which may be parallel or diagonal at 45 degrees to the direction of travel. The spacing is preferably within the ranges shown in relation to the top diameter in Table 1—Top diameter and corresponding spacing of truncated domes or cones. The tolerance of the top diameter is preferably +1 mm.

TABLE 1Top Diameter of TruncatedSpacingDomes or Cones Mmmm1242 to 611545 to 631848 to 652050 to 682555 to 70
These truncated dome panels can be any color as long as the color contrasts to the surrounding concrete, asphalt pavement or other material in which they are installed. Common colors are red, yellow, black, brown, patina, grey, and white. “Attention patterns” may be installed in the vicinity of pedestrian crossings, at-grade curb ramps, railway platforms, stairs, ramps, escalators, travelators, elevators, etc.

The “guiding pattern” comprises raised bars (also commonly referred to as: elongated bars, directional blocks, elongated oval bars, elongated oval ribs, elongated rectangle bars, thin linear protrusions, raised ovals, sinusoidal ribs, sinusoidal, ribbed tile, guiding pattern), and is used to guide visually impaired pedestrians to places such as pedestrian crossings, entrances to buildings, lifts and other amenities. Different designs have been developed for “guiding patterns” although flat-topped elongated bars are the most common.FIG.2Ais a “guiding pattern” substrate113with elongated oval bars. The elongated oval bars have a rounded top edge115and a flat-top117.FIG.2Bshows a “guiding pattern” substrate113with elongated rectangle bars. The elongated rectangle bars have a rounded top edge121and a flat-top117.FIG.2Cis a “guiding pattern” substrate113with a sinusoidal ribs design. The sinusoidal rib has a high ridge125and a low valley point123. Sinusoidal patterns are less easily damaged by snow plows than flat-topped bars.FIG.2Dis a “guiding pattern” substrate113with an elongated oval ribs design. The elongated oval ribs have a rounded top edge129and a flat-top131. These raised bars in most cases run parallel to the direction of pedestrian travel. The spacing and size of the raised bars varies depending on specific country, government or local municipality specifications. As an example, the International Standards (ISO 23599) state that the height of the flat-topped elongated bars is preferably 4 mm to 5 mm. The top width of flat-topped elongated bars preferably range from 17 mm to 30 mm. The bottom width is preferably (10±1) mm wider that the top. The spacing refers to the distance between the axes of adjacent flat-topped elongated bars. The distance is preferably in relation to the top width, as shown in Table 2-Top width and corresponding spacing of axes of flat-topped elongated bars. The tolerance of the top width is preferably ±1 mm.

TABLE 2Top Width of Flat-ToppedSpacingElongated Bars MmMm1757 to 782060 to 802565 to 833070 to 85
The top length of flat-topped elongated bars is preferably more than 270 mm and the bottom length is preferably (10±1) mm longer than the top. The distance between the ends of flat-topped elongated bars should be no more than 30 mm. The International Standards (ISO 23599) state that the difference in level between the wave crest and the wave trough of sinusoidal rib patterns is preferably 4 mm to 5 mm. The distance between the axes of two adjacent wave crests of sinusoidal rib patterns is preferably 40 mm to 52 mm. The length of the sinusoidal ribs should be at least 270 mm. The flat-elongated bars or sinusoidal ribs can be any color as long as the color contrasts to the surrounding concrete or pavement.

“Guiding patterns” may be used alone or in combination with “attention patterns” to indicate the walking route from one place to another. Truncated domes or cones and elongated bars or sinusoidal ribs preferably have beveled or rounded edges to decrease the likelihood of tripping and to enhance safety and negotiability for people with mobility impairments.

In the United States these tactile warning panel products for the visually impaired are called detectable warnings or truncated domes (detectable warning surfaces/panels). Detectable warnings were required in 1991 by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA recognizes and protects the civil rights of people with disabilities and is modeled after earlier landmark laws prohibiting discrimination based on race and gender. The ADA mandated that many municipalities, governmental bodies, commercial/public buildings, shopping centers, transit platforms, loading docks, etc. utilize detectable warning panels. The detectable warning panel is a distinctive surface pattern of domes (three-dimensional substrate) detectable by cane or underfoot and is used to alert people with visual impairments of their approach to streets and hazardous drop-offs. The visually impaired rely on a combination of visual cues (color contrast), tactile cues (sweeping cane, sole of shoes, wheelchairs and walker wheels) and audio cues (sound) to identify these hazardous areas. Table 3 shows some of the significant ADA Guideline documents for public right-of-way, state and local government facilities and commercial facilities.

TABLE 3DescriptionDateSectionSubjectU.S. Access Board - ProposedJul. 26, 201136 CFR Part 1190Where They are Required,Accessibility Guidelines forSections R208 & R305 -General, Truncated Domes,Pedestrian Facilities in theDetectable WarningDome Size, Dome SpacingPublic Right-of-WaySurfacesand Color ContrastDepartment of Justice - 2010Sep. 15, 2010Regulations at 28 CFRWhere They are Required,ADA Standards for State and35.151 & the 2004General, Dome Size, DomeLocal Government Facilities:ADAAG at 36 CFR partSpacing, Color Contrast andTitle II1191, appendices B and DPlatform EdgesDepartment of Justice - 2010Sep. 15, 2010Regulations at 28 CFRWhere They are Required,Standards for Publicpart 36, subpart D; and theGeneral, Dome Size, DomeAccommodations and2004 ADAAG at 36 CFRSpacing, Color Contrast andCommercial Facilities: Title IIIpart 1191, appendices BPlatform Edgesand DDepartment of TransportationNov. 29, 2006Regulations at 49 CFRDetectable Warningpart 37Requirements
To ensure that buildings and facilities are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, the ADA also establishes accessibility requirements for state and local government facilities, places of accommodation, and commercial facilities. Under the ADA, the U.S. Access Board has developed and continues to maintain design guidelines for accessible buildings and facilities known as The Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The ADAAG develops/defines certain types of rules/applications for detectable warnings where pedestrian ways blend with vehicular ways (hazardous vehicular areas) including curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, transit facilities, commercial applications (hotels, restaurants and retail stores), parking lots/structures, stairways, escalator approaches and accessible building routes.

The ADAAG 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design state that detectable warnings preferably consist of a surface of truncated domes. The ADA standards for these truncated domes in a detectable warning surface preferably have a base diameter of 0.9 inch minimum and 1.4 inches maximum, a top diameter of 50 percent of the base diameter minimum to 65 percent of the base diameter maximum, and a height of 0.2 inch. Truncated domes in a detectable warning surface preferably have a center-to-center spacing of 1.6 inches minimum and 2.4 inches maximum, and a base to base spacing of 0.65 inch minimum, measured between the most adjacent domes on a square grid.

Multiple companies manufacture and sell ADA compliant tactile warning panels in the United States. The detectable warning panel substrate material types include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal, cast iron, ductile iron, ceramic, concrete, HDPE, plastic, plastic composite, vitrified polymer composite, herculite polymer composite, nylon 6, nylon 6/6, fiberglass, rubber, fiber reinforced plastic, PVC, Poly, sheet molding compound, thermoset plastics, thermoplastics, rubber, other fibrous materials and the like. In addition, the panel substrates come in different panel designs depending on the tactile warning panel specifications, as well as, installation requirements in the field. These designs include cast in place, upgradeable, replaceable, overlay, surface mount, surface applied, retrofit, radius sections and the like.FIG.3Ashows a plan view167of a plastic composite ADA compliant surface mount detectable warning panel with an inline dome attention pattern. The truncated dome on the ADA compliant surface mount detectable warning panel is shown as169.FIG.3Bis a side view of this panel.FIG.3Cis a cut-away view of this panel which shows the truncated domes and the micro texturing which is molded into the panel to provide the necessary slip resistance.FIG.3Dshows the holes171in the panel for the fasteners to secure the panel to the load bearing subsurface panel, concrete, asphalt pavement or another ground surface substrate. This surface mount panel also has a sloped angle172on the perimeter of the panel so that it does not create a trip hazard and to provide the necessary strength to the plastic substrate. Manufacturers of detectable warning panels provide them in a variety of solid colors as specified by their customers (states, municipalities, transit companies, engineers, architects and corporate). The most popular colors used in the United States are federal yellow and brick red. Typically, these panels come in various sizes with the most widely used sizes being 2′×2′, 2′×3′, 2′×4′ or 2′×5′.

Real estate in metropolitan areas is expensive to secure. The physical location where tactile warning panels are installed on public right-of-way becomes more valuable when multifunctional capabilities are added. This valuable real estate goes beyond street intersections in cities, they extend to other locations as well, including: pedestrian walkways; transit platforms, transit stations, subways and bus stops; the front entrance of retailers where the pedestrian walkway transitions into the parking lot; airports, hospitals, convention centers, sports stadiums, universities, government buildings, theme parks, commercial buildings, restaurants, etc.

Many smart city service providers are looking for a consistent, scalable footprint in major cities around the world. They are looking to build a platform to connect disparate sensors deployed throughout a city. With wireless communications growing in popularity, the need to place antennae and small cells for sending and receiving communications signals of all types is growing.FIG.4depicts a transmitter, receiver and antenna attached to a light post or light pole. ThisFIG.4illustrates the problem cities are facing with the growing demand for locations to attach and install smart city technology in the city right-of-way. These electronic equipment “add-ons” to light and utility poles is unsightly, provides clutter to the cityscape, as well as, is vulnerable to vandals, criminals and other nefarious intents. In addition, in most cases these light and utility poles are not designed to handle the additional weight requirements of this electronic equipment.

The present invention enables a far more secure solution for the placement of electronic equipment or antennae than current alternatives. The TWPA located at city street intersections also offers cities the opportunity to establish a near ubiquitous and integrated footprint for the processing and communications of local data for “Fog Computing” to support local M2M and IoT functions such as vehicular to pedestrian, vehicular to vehicle, vehicular to infrastructure communications and other smart city applications and functions.

The present invention TWPA greatly expands the utility of the traditional tactile warning panels typically located at pedestrian walkways, transportation ramps, or other locations where pedestrians gather or walk. The utility of these panels is greatly expanded by the present invention by layering and integrating a tactile warning panel, a load bearing surface tactile panel, a load bearing subsurface base panel, a subsurface enclosure and other TWPA components that enable the unobtrusive placement of smart city technology including wireless connectivity by incorporating or integrating sensors and the wireless sending or receiving devices both internal and external to the TWPA. Sensors contained in the TWPA provide a multitude of M2M functions including but not limited to enhanced visual and electronic cues from locations on sidewalks, intersections, transit platforms, parking lots and all other locations requiring ADA compliant tactile warning panels. Another embodiment contains integrated solar panels and batteries to power electronic components operating within the TWPA independent of the power grid.

An embodiment of the TWPA is the integration of structural components that enable the delivery of smart city functionality in a secure, hardened, fully integrated and self-contained apparatus that protects functionality against vandalism, criminal activity, terrorists and other nefarious activity. In the alternative embodiments, metal components, metal screening and metal substances in the composite materials making up the subsurface enclosure provides shielding from electromagnetic interference. In further embodiments, tamper resistant bolts, flush mounting and the placement of the TWPA in a concrete substrate provides further security from vandalism, criminal activity, terrorists and other nefarious activity.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to tactile warning panels, and in particular to a TWPA that is designed and built to enable space underneath tactile warning panels for the placement of smart city technology for connected multifunctional capabilities. These capabilities include communications or energy technology that creates a novel and fully integrated, connected and intelligent multifunction apparatus to support smart city technology deployment and, M2M and other communications needs nested within a secure subsurface enclosure.

The present invention expands the capability of tactile warning panels beyond tactile and visual warnings to the visually impaired, as well as, serving as a new media for displaying high quality full color graphical images (U.S. Pat. No. 9,311,831 B2 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,361,816 B2).

Communications and energy technologies that are integrated in the apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Beacons, Blue Tooth, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geofencing, Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), WiFi, sensors, small cells, augmented reality, solar power, LED lighting, HD video, rechargeable batteries, battery backup, AC/DC conversion, electric power conditioning or combinations thereof.

In alternative embodiments, security against vandalism and other unwanted destruction of the TWPA is provided by its placement in concrete and with hardened external surfaces. Security against electromagnetic interference or destructive pulses is provided by a combination of internal steel panels, wire meshing and incorporation of metal particles in the composite material in the walls of the subsurface enclosure. The present invention adds further value to the ADA compliant tactile warning panels by greatly increasing the functionality of the panel and its ADA required footprint at street corners and intersections. Added functionality of the present invention addresses a multitude of challenges cities face due to population growth and aging infrastructure.

Currently, about half of the world's population is living in urban areas. It is estimated that by 2050, 66% of the global population will live in urban areas. This equates to an estimated 6.4 billion people, a sharp increase from the 3.9 billion people who inhabit cities today. This rapid urban growth over the next 35 years will pose several challenges including congestion, inadequate infrastructure, public safety and energy management just to name a few. Governments at the city, state, and federal levels confront a similar dilemma worldwide, how to meet increased citizen expectations in the face of reduced or flat budgets. This challenge contributes to an increasing gap between citizen expectations and what government can actually deliver. An emerging community of civic leaders and companies are joining forces to build “smart cities”. Smart cities are communities that are building an infrastructure to continuously improve the collection, aggregation, and use of data to improve the life of their residents by harnessing the growing data revolution, low-cost sensors, and research collaborations, and doing so securely to protect safety and privacy.

With these limited resources, municipal leaders are looking to advances in technology to help solve these problems. More than perhaps any technological advance since the dawn of the internet, the Internet of Everything (IoE), the networked connection of people, process, data, and things, holds tremendous potential for helping public-sector leaders address their many challenges and make their communities more efficient and safer. Applications are targeted to unleash spare capacity, cut out peaks, implement small-scale thinking and foster people-centered innovation. Technology convergence and advancements have propelled robustly interconnected systems, ubiquitous data capture and the increased availability and importance of big data. The IoE Economy is about enabling people to be more productive and effective, make better decisions, and enjoy a better quality of life.

The tremendous worldwide growth of smartphones has enhanced the drive for intelligent connectivity. In 2013, 3.4 billion people, or 50% of the global population, are active users of mobile data services. In 2020, 4.3 billion people are projected to use smartphones. It is also projected that mobile service usage rates will continue to accelerate with traffic growth rates of 61% through 2018. The Internet of Everything (IoE) is likely to continue increasing at an exponential rate of growth. Approximately 99.4% of objects that will likely be part of the IoE, are still unconnected. In addition, it is estimated that 50 billion things will be connected to the Internet by 2020 with major growth coming from the field of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. Key to the actualization of M2M functionality will be the placement and data collection from a large multitude of sensors.

As M2M technologies mature and proliferate, so will the need for M2M communication in an exploding array of applications from smart-cars to smartphone applications (apps) that warn of hazards like walking off a curb into traffic. LPWANS and DSRC are emerging as viable technologies and offer advantages over the cellular networks and Wi-Fi for M2M communication.

The need to place communications devices in and around city streets to enable Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) associated with vehicular and pedestrian traffic is growing. As vehicles become more connected with their environment (road, signals, toll booths, other vehicles, walking pedestrians), efficiencies and safety greatly increase. Lower accident rates will be experienced due to vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. For example, a 2013 report by the Eno Center for Transportation predicted that driverless vehicles would make roads dramatically safer by eliminating the human factors that cause 93 percent of crashes.FIG.5shows how DSRC technology can provide efficient and effective vehicle-to-vehicle201(V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure205(V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian210(V2P) and infrastructure-to-pedestrian215(I2P) data communication. Infrastructure-to-pedestrian is important to those who are handicapped and, in particular, the visually impaired as depicted inFIG.6,FIG.7andFIG.8. Roads with crosswalks and ADA curb ramps for wheelchairs, train station platforms and bus stops present a unique hazard to the visually impaired and hence the passage of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the near universal requirement to deploy tactile warning panels on all public rights-of-way.

However, hazards to the visually impaired are becoming hazards to the “device-absorbed pedestrian” as well. Drivers of vehicles who text, have become a major problem on our roads and highways. And now, pedestrians are exhibiting the same bad habit of texting while walking. Pedestrian fatalities, surprisingly, frequently occur in crosswalks. Over half of pedestrian collisions occur in the crosswalk when the pedestrian has the right of way.

In a study by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, three (3) out of five (5) or roughly 60% of walking pedestrians prioritize the use of smartphones over safety when crossing the street. They rank smartphone use as the most distracted crossing behavior and 70% admit that texting, emailing and talking on a phone is a dangerous behavior. This compares to 40% believing that running across a street to beat traffic and 26% believing that jaywalking is dangerous. Yet they still do it.

A. Wireless Technology Used in Conjunction with the Present Invention.

1. iBeacons and Beacons

The term iBeacon and beacon are often used interchangeably. iBeacon is the name for Apple's technology standard, which allows mobile applications (“apps”) that run on both IOS and Android devices, to listen to signals from beacons in the physical world and react accordingly. In essence, Beacon technology allows mobile apps to understand their position on a micro-local scale, and deliver hyper-contextual content to users based on locations. Beacons are primarily proximity detection devices that broadcast outbound signals. iBeacons and beacons are ideal for detecting smartphones and sending alerts and data to apps on those devices. The underlying communication technology for beacons is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE; explained in more detail below).

Beacons typically have a wireless range of 1 m to 70 m, with the range dependent on the beacon's broadcast signal power. The higher the broadcasting signal power the greater the range at which mobile devices will be able to pick up the signal and convert it into information. The beacon, on detecting the respective app on a mobile device, measures the strength of the signal being received, translates it into an approximate distance, and sends a notification when a certain threshold is met. In operation, a pedestrian's smartphone listens for beacons placed in the TWPA on the pedestrian walkways and when it finds one, it receives information associated with that beacon's identification. The information appears as words on the user's smartphone screen. The information may also be replayed via the smartphones voice-over function. For visually and audibly impaired, vibrations are also a method of communication to the user of the smartphone or portable mobile electronic device. The information exchanged with the smartphone may include text messages, voice warnings, audible alarms and vibrations. Information provided may inform the person with the smartphone or mobile electronic device of major intersections, pedestrian crossings, street hazards, and facilities such as post office or banks, bus stops and railway stations.

In addition to enhancing safety, BLE beacon technology may be adapted by retailers who use BLE beacon technology to deliver context-rich experiences to their customers. The ability to trigger a mobile message to a customer based on their proximity allows for content to be more relevant than ever before. In a retail scenario, the typical uses for Beacons are to, for example, greet customers, send proximity-based offers and coupons, give customers access to loyalty program details, enable contactless payments, and upsell to customers.

There is an emerging field for retailers of proximity-based marketing and analytics as a new way to bridge online and offline experiences for their customers. With retailers trying to make the best use of this technology, mall owners too are considering the installation of beacons to make the mall experience a little more engaging. The Beacon provides a new revenue stream for malls in the form of sponsored content. Beacons will be helpful in breaking down large common spaces into discrete areas that can float different messages to visitors depending on where they are. These discrete digital spaces could be sold to advertisers in different packages.

Another example of beacons being used is major sports stadiums. TWPAs placed at stadiums (outside entrance gates, at top of escalators, at top of stairs, at mid stair landings, etc.) offer fans a completely interactive experience at the stadium. Some of the features offered to visitors via Beacons are, for example, offers and rewards; personalized history on the stadium; team schedule, directions, parking and facilities information including food and drinks; and interactive maps and directories.

The TWPA invention enables businesses to deliver superior customer experiences using beacons for engagement, messaging and analytics. Because of beacons, the physical world is now the new digital channel. There's no doubt that these small devices, with the proximity-based services they deliver, are all set to revolutionize the way both visually impaired and the non-visually impaired people interact with public spaces.

2. Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks. Bluetooth comes in two varieties: Bluetooth Classic and BLE. They both operate in the 2.4 to 2.4835 GHZ ISM band. Bluetooth Low Energy is also referred to as Bluetooth Smart. Classic and BLE differ in that they use a different set of channels. Classic uses 79 1-MHz channels. Smart uses 40 2-MHz channels. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization. Bluetooth is preferred for more complex applications requiring consistent communication and more data throughput. BLE is a wireless personal area network technology used for transmitting data over short distances. BLE has low energy requirements. It can last up to 3 years on a single coin cell battery. BLE is ideal for simple applications requiring small periodic transfers of data.

3. Global Positioning Systems

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. The system provides critical capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. The United States government created the system, maintains it, and makes it freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.

GPS technology is one of a multitude of methods by which the location of the TWPA can be identified for the purpose of measuring proximity to a communicating mobile device. Limitations to this form of geo-location may exist where line-of-sight to at least four satellites is obstructed by tall buildings or other structures.

4. Geofencing

A geofence is a virtual perimeter for a real-world geographic area. A geofence could be dynamically generated—as in a radius around a store or point location, or a geofence can be a predefined set of boundaries, like school attendance zones or neighborhood boundaries.

The process of using a geofence is called geofencing, and one example of usage involves a location-aware device of a location-based service user entering or exiting a geofence. This activity could trigger an alert to the device's user as well as messaging to the geofence operator. This information, which could contain the location of the device, could be sent to a mobile telephone or an email account.

The TWPA provides the network of wireless communicating devices to enable the dynamic creation and tearing down of geofences at will. The wide deployment of panel apparatuses as part of the deployment of tactile warning panels on city sidewalks and curbs at intersections enables dynamic geofences throughout cities where size, configuration and activation times are dynamically controlled by city administration. Safety, crime prevention, and police work would be enhanced.

5. Low Power Wide Area Network

LPWAN is a new low power low bit rate technology that offers significant advantages over cellular networks and Wi-Fi for providing machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. There is enormous potential for the Internet-of-Things for businesses to collect data from thousands of devices, analyze and act upon this data to make quick and accurate decisions. Technical challenges, such as limited battery life, short communication distances, high costs and a lack of standards have impeded progress in the widespread use of this technology. The LoRaWAN technology (Long Range Wide-Area Networks) overcomes many hurdles. Based on a new specification and protocol for low-power, wide-area networks that taps an unlicensed wireless spectrum, the technology can connect sensors over long distances, while offering optimal battery life and requiring minimal infrastructure. LPWAN's deliver benefits such as improved mobility, security, bi-directionality, and location/positioning, as well as lower costs.

6. Dedicated Short Range Communication

Dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) is a two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication capability operating at the 5.9 GHz spectrum, that permits very high data transmission critical in communications-based active safety applications. This technology is specifically designed for automotive and transportation use.FIGS.5-8illustrate how DSRC and other short-range communications of the present invention serve the visually impaired, the device-distracted pedestrian, other vehicles and city infrastructure with tools to safely navigate streets, sidewalks, transportation platforms and other pedestrian walkways. Research is currently being conducted using DSRC and other wireless communications technologies to ensure safe, interoperable connectivity to help prevent vehicular crashes of all types and to enhance mobility and environmental benefits across all transportation system modes.FIG.5illustrates the many types of vehicles (i.e., trains220, buses225, emergency vehicles230, personal vehicles235and bicycles240) navigating roadways that are hazards to the distracted and visually impaired245and how wireless mobile communications technology, depicted by wireless signal circles250, can be used to connect and locate vehicles equipped with transmitting and receiving devices located on the vehicles and/or pedestrians such as visually impaired individuals. As described in more detail below, the TWPA preferably comprises transmitters and/or receivers (and optionally sensors and other electronic components) that communicate with transmitters or receivers located on the vehicles and also preferably with a receiving and/or transmitting device carried by the pedestrian. The transmitters and/or receivers thus provide a network that facilitates communication between vehicles and/or pedestrians or other individuals (such as bicyclists or visually impaired individuals) carrying a device compatible with the network.FIG.6illustrates how the TWPA300of the present invention integrates with and enhances location awareness of DSRC equipped vehicles e.g., trains320, buses325, emergency vehicles330, personal vehicles335, bicycles340, and trucks345.FIG.7provides an illustration how the electronic equipment and sensors in a TWPA400of the present invention communicates by a wireless signal, depicted by wireless signal circles420, with a pedestrian405to alert the pedestrian of potential hazards such as an approaching vehicle410.FIG.7also illustrates how the traffic signal light430can communicate via wireless communication420with the electronic equipment and sensors in a TWPA400, vehicles410and pedestrians405.FIG.8illustrates how electronic equipment and sensors in a TWPA500of the present invention can communicate via conduit and wires502with an antenna505located on top of a pole or nearby structure510in proximity to the TWPA500where wireless communication longitudinally may be impeded due to the limitations imposed by the subsurface enclosure location of antennae and various embodiments of the invention such as environmental hardening by concrete and EMI shielding.FIG.8also illustrates how the TWPA500can be connected by conduit504to an external ground level antenna503located in a small ground surface level enclosure.

7. Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a local area wireless computer networking technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the network, mainly using the 2.4 gigahertz (12 cm) UHF and 5 gigahertz (6 cm) SHF ISM radio bands. It is based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards. Computers and Wi-Fi enabled devices can connect to a network such as the Internet via a wireless network access point. Such an access point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 meters (66 feet) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can be as small as a single room with walls that block radio waves, or as large as many square kilometers achieved by using multiple overlapping access points.

8. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. By incorporating wireless data inputs from a network of transmitting devices nested within the TWPA's enclosure, persons employing augmented technology can visualize location and surroundings through a variety of sensory inputs including visual, auditory and tactile; one or multiple combinations of these.

9. Sensors

Sensors are electronic devices that are employed to measure, record and report a plethora of static and dynamic data characterizing events, conditions and objects. For example, but not limited to temperature, humidity, water levels, enclosure entrance, compression from walking, counting people, counting vehicles, measuring vehicular speed, characterizing sounds, light, and airborne chemicals.

B. Cloud and Fog Computing Used in Conjunction with the Present Invention

The Internet of Things (IoT) and the immense amount of data that sensors generate are stressing existing cloud computing architectures. Existing cloud architectures are simply inefficient for the transmission, processing and analysis of all the data that a rapidly growing number of sensors create. Doing so requires a great deal of bandwidth and all the back-and-forth communication between the sensors and the cloud can negatively impact performance. Centralized cloud-based processing is inherently flawed for this task when huge amounts of data are involved and latency is a critical factor in the effective utility of the Internet of Things. Although latency may simply be annoying when the sensors are part of a gaming application, delays in data transmission can be life-threatening if the sensors are part of a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system or large-scale distributed control system for rail travel

The IoT requires a new kind of infrastructure. The cloud itself can't connect and analyze data from thousands and millions of different kinds of things spread out over large areas. Capturing the power of the IoT requires new solutions that can connect new kinds of things to the network, secure things that produce data and can handle an unprecedented volume, variety, and velocity of data as it travels from the network edge to the cloud.

A solution to this problem is “Fog Computing,” a term coined by Cisco. In a fog-computing environment, much of the processing takes place in a data hub on a smart mobile device or on the edge of the network in a smart router or other gateway device. Whereas the cloud is “up there” in the sky somewhere, distant and remote, the “fog” is close to the ground, right where things are getting done. It consists not of powerful servers, but weaker and more dispersed computers of the sort that are making their way into appliances, factories, cars and street lights. This distributed approach is growing in popularity because of the growing number of intelligent devices on the edge of the cloud. The word “fog” is meant to convey the idea that the advantages of cloud computing can—and should—be brought closer to the data source. (In meteorology, fog is simply a cloud that is close to the ground.) Perhaps the key differentiator of the fog is the geographical distribution of devices, and how location provides an important input. Fog computing solutions secure the IoT devices and protect the data they produce as it travels between the network edge and the cloud. Fog computing directs the data to the best place for analysis: fog nodes or a data center cloud platform. Depending on the industry and application, fog nodes can number in the hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands. Many applications will benefit from the fog including deployment of network sensors such as smart grids or smart water, and intelligent transportation along roads and rail. The higher-quality signals along these networks from the distributed deployment of local nodes will present a new means for adding robustness to these networks. This is a whole new paradigm for internet-based computing, with the addition of a great many nodes that combine intelligence as well as aid capacity.

C. Electric Power Generation and Storage Used in Conjunction with the Present Invention

The need for clean energy is of growing importance worldwide. Electricity and heat production accounts for 25% of 2010 global greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Solar and wind generation of electricity offer the promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while powering our growing need for electricity.

1. Solar Electric Power Generation

Solar panels are made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous (thin film) materials and are growing in popularity as a source of augmenting traditional electric power generation. Inverters convert DC to AC 120 VAC 60 HZ to deliver AC current and to tie into the electric grid. US patent application 20150121780 presents a walkable photovoltaic floor that is comprised of pieces of laminated glass of multiple layers that are joined together by an encapsulant and by an intermediate layer of photovoltaic material within a peripheral sealed frame.

2. Rechargeable Batteries

An embodiment of this invention includes rechargeable batteries. They are comprised of several different combinations of electrode materials and electrolytes including lead-acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer).

D. Enclosure Technology used in Conjunction with the Present Invention

Kim M. Goldstein, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,928 B1) discloses a container apparatus to place in the ground to provide a secure anchor to an above surface enclosure for the housing of electronic or other equipment. However, Goldstein subsurface container does not house electronic and other equipment. In addition, it does not have a detectable warning panel as the top cover panel.

SCTE specifies (ANSI/SCTE 77 2010) the testing of integrity of grade-level underground closures containing telecommunications or other low voltage apparatus that may be exposed to the public. Six ASTM standards apply including: ASTM D543-06; ASTM D570-05; ASTM D635-06; ASTM D2444-05; ASTM G154-06; and ASTM C1028027.

Yenni (U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,595) includes in the composite material that forms the structure of the enclosure, fibrous metal mat that has fibers surrounded by a fiber-coat giving the container Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding characteristics.

Beyond serving the visually impaired, embodiments of the TWPA provide smart-city technologists the means to serve and provide device-distracted pedestrians ways to better and more safely navigate streets, sidewalks and transportation platforms while engaging with their electronic devices. For the visually impaired and device-distracted pedestrian, the TWPA enables a multitude of other cues to hazardous situations. Such cues are audio or visual messages to handheld mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers or other wearable electronic devices such as a smart watch, Fitbit, etc.

The TWPAs of the present invention is composed of a multitude of fully integrated horizontally layered panels, platforms and enclosureFIGS.9A,9B,9C,9D,9E,10A,10B,11A,11B,11C and12). In some preferred embodiments, the TWPAs comprise a load bearing surface tactile panel that comprises a plurality of distinct specially raised, three dimensional features arranged in a pattern to be detected by tactile sensation by users of a pedestrian walkway. In another preferred embodiment, the non-loading bearing surface tactile panel is secured to a load bearing subsurface base panel. The remaining platforms are preferably arranged beneath the surface tactile panel and provide enhanced functionality for the TWPA.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the surface tactile panel comprises a tactile warning panel that is American Disability Act (ADA) compliant. In further embodiments, the surface tactile panel comprises high quality full color graphical images, described in more detail below (U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,311,831 B2 and 9,361,816 B2). In some embodiments, the surface tactile panel utilized in the TWPA of the present invention is one solid color, while in other embodiments, the surface tactile panel includes a graphic design displaying at least two, three, four or more colors on the surface tactile panel. In other embodiments, the surface tactile panel provides a transparent top layer to allow the transmission of light to the solar panels immediately underneath the surface tactile panel. Accordingly, the surface tactile panel may be formed from a material including, but not limited to metals, polymeric materials, concrete, brick, natural stone, ceramic, fiberglass, tempered glass, tiles or composites. In some embodiments, the surface tactile panel substrate is made slip resistant and/or durable to withstand harsh environments such as winters, pedestrian traffic, vehicle traffic, etc. by inclusion in or by coating of various polymeric, inorganic particles or organic particles to increase frictional resistance between pedestrian feet and the walking surface of the surface tactile panel.

Referring toFIGS.9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, in some embodiments the TWPA600of the present invention comprises a surface tactile panel610comprising an array of truncated domes615that provide an ADA compliant tactile warning panel. The truncated domes615project upward from the planar surface620of the surface tactile panel610. In some embodiments, the TWPA600comprises a plurality of fasteners625so that the surface tactile panel610can be permanently or releasably attached to a load bearing subsurface base panel645or a ground surface such as asphalt pavement, concrete or metal that is in a pedestrian walkway. In the preferred embodiments, the surface tactile panel610is mounted horizontally in relation to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the fasteners625allow permanent or releasable attachment to a load bearing subsurface base panel645that forms part of the TWPA600. The present invention is not limited to the use of any particular type of permanent or releasable fasteners625. Suitable fastener systems are described in detail in Henshue patent application Ser. No. 14/661,853, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The TWPAs600of the present invention comprises an integrated surface tactile panel610, a load bearing subsurface base panel645, and a subsurface enclosure630with the surface tactile panel610being the uppermost top panel, which is exposed to the environment. Still referring toFIGS.9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, the in some embodiments the surface tactile panel610is formed from glass or other material that allows transmission of light. In some embodiments, the glass is hardened and tempered glass.

The TWPA600depicted inFIGS.9A,9B,9C,9D and9Emay also further comprise a load bearing subsurface base panel645, which has incorporated a solar panel, which located adjacent to and beneath the surface tactile panel610. The load bearing subsurface base panel645comprises one or more, for example a plurality, of solar cells (not depicted) that are used to power the TWPA600. In some embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel645has therein an antenna635arranged horizontal just beneath the surface tactile panel610. In alternative embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel645has therein a void cavity640to accommodate the top of an antenna located in a subsurface enclosure630beneath the load bearing subsurface base panel645. In some embodiments, the TWPA600comprises a conduit650that allows access to the load bearing subsurface base panel645and/or subsurface enclosure630. The conduit650preferably provides a coupling or penetration entrance through which run cables655, for communications, video or electrical wire. In some embodiments, the TWPA600comprises a fan660that facilitates airflow in and out of the TWPA600for the purpose of venting and cooling. A separate conduit for providing air or venting air is also depicted680.

In some embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel645has therein a series of holes632that allow attachment (preferably releasable attachment) of the load bearing subsurface base panel645to an underlying subsurface enclosure630and in some embodiments to the ground surface as well.

In some embodiments, the TWPA600of the present invention further comprises an elongated vertical containerFIG.9B,670. Referring toFIG.9B, the vertical wall670of the vertical container is shown in relation to the surface tactile panel610. In some embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel645has a void cavity640therein to accommodate the top of an antenna635located in a subsurface enclosure630beneath the load bearing subsurface base panel645.

In some embodiments, the TWPA of the present invention further comprises an LED lighting stripFIG.9C,661that serve as an enhanced visual warning and are integrated into the load bearing subsurface base panel645.

Referring toFIG.9D, a TWPA600of the present invention comprises a load bearing subsurface base panel645with an integrated video screen662nested within solar panels665.

In some embodiments of the present invention,FIG.9Edepicts an embodiment where an antenna unit636is placed into a void cavity640of the surface tactile panel610that is connected to radios and other electronic equipment or batteries contained below in the subsurface enclosure630through an opening640. The housing where the antenna unit636is placed, contains notches that match small protrusions637on the edge of the antenna unit636and surface tactile panel610void cavity640so that the antenna unit636sits securely in the surface tactile panel610and aligns with the truncated domes615.

FIGS.10A and10Beach provide a profile view of a TWPA700of the present invention. Referring toFIGS.10A and10B, the TWPA700comprises a surface tactile panel710, a load bearing subsurface base panel715, and a subsurface enclosure720. The subsurface enclosure720is preferably waterproof and has a lid that is releasably fastened. The TWPA of the present invention is preferably designed to have replaceable features since the surface tactile panel and possibly the load bearing subsurface base panel can be damaged in the harsh outdoor environment.

FIGS.10A and10Bshow the surface tactile panel710has an upper planar surface725. Spatially raised features730in an attention pattern projected upwardly from the upper planar surface725of the surface tactile panel710. In some embodiments, the surface tactile panel710is formed from tempered glass, i.e., glass that has been strengthened or hardened, or other material that allows transmission of light. In some embodiments, oxide or another additive is included in the glass to provide slip resistance. In other embodiments, the surface tactile panel may be composed of polycrystalline transparent ceramics such as alumina AI203, yttria alumina garnet (YAG) and neodymiumdoped ND:YAG and other products of nanoscale ceramic technology. Still further embodiments for the surface tactile panel may include but not be limited to transparent nylons, polyurethane, acrylics, soda-lime-silica glasses, borosilicate glasses, fused silica glasses, lithium disilicate based glass-ceramics, aluminum oxynitride (AION), magnesium aluminate spinel (spinel), single crystal aluminum oxide (sapphire, aluminum oxynitride spinel (AI23O27N5), Magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAL204), single-crystal aluminum oxide (sapphire—AI2O3), and nanocomposites of yttria and magnesia. In some embodiments, oxide or another additive is included in the glass to provide slip resistance. In some embodiments, the surface tactile panel comprises an image. Spatially raised features generally are rounded dome structures protruding upward from the surface of the substrate panel as dictated by the laws, rules, and regulations of local jurisdiction, which will specify their size, shape, height, and spacing. There is usually some variation of truncated round domes or cones arranged in an attention pattern or array. Another category of spatially raised features is guiding indicators (guiding pattern), generally comprising three-dimensional parallel flat-topped elongated bars or sinusoidal ribs. These bars or ribs are installed in an array at right angles to the direction of travel at either the sides of a walkway or along its center. A person with impaired vision carrying a cane detects the guidance bars or ribs by a sweeping action across the bars or ribs with the cane. Guidance indicators are more commonly used outside the United States.

InFIGS.10A and10Bthe surface tactile panel710is removeably attached to the subsurface enclosure720and optionally a ground substrate740such as concrete by fasteners735. In some embodiments, the fasteners735secure the surface tactile panel710to the subsurface enclosure720with the load bearing subsurface base panel715securely sandwiched in between. Referring toFIG.10A, in some embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel715includes an integrated solar panel comprising one or more solar cells. Referring toFIG.10B, in some embodiments the load bearing subsurface base panel715incorporates a video screen, alone or in combination with solar cells. In some embodiments, the video screen is positioned so that the display from video screen is transmitted through a transparent surface tactile panel710. In some embodiments, the video screen is approximately the same size as the surface tactile panel while in other embodiments the video screen or screens are smaller and may optionally be contained in the load bearing subsurface base panel715along with, for example, one or more solar cells.

Referring toFIGS.10A and10B, in some embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel715comprises an integrated antenna755arranged horizontally within the load bearing subsurface base panel715. In other embodiments, the load bearing subsurface base panel715has a holeFIG.10A,745therein to accommodate the integrated antenna755standing vertically within the subsurface enclosure720.

The subsurface enclosure720is preferably waterproof and formed from materials including, but not limited to, cast iron, ductile iron, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys, fiberglass reinforced plastic, polymeric concrete, plastic composites, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, a plastic composite, sheet molding compound, bulk molding compound, fiber composite, fiberglass reinforced plastic, polymer concrete or combinations thereof. Polymeric materials may also include metal particles to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference and pulses. In preferred embodiments, the entire subsurface enclosure720sits within a surrounding ground substrate740such as concrete, gravel concrete mix or other hardened substrate creating a secure environment offering protection from vandalism and criminal or terrorist activity.

Further embodiments of the invention incorporate fasteners735, hinges, hinge plates, bolts, screws or other similar devices to secure the surface tactile panel710and the load bearing subsurface base panel715to the subsurface enclosure720. For example, in some embodiments, a waterproof seal or gasket765is arranged between the surface tactile panel710, the load bearing subsurface base panel715and the subsurface enclosure720. The entire TWPA700is embedded directly into the moldable ground surface such as concrete740.

In some embodiments, a removable lidFIG.10A,772on the subsurface enclosure720supports the load bearing subsurface base panel715and the surface tactile panel710. The lid772has therein one or more holes774accommodating a silicone or other waterproof material that provides a waterproof barrier while enabling a connecting wire776to pass through the lid772connecting the load bearing subsurface base panel715, comprising solar cells, to a power converter and battery778in the subsurface enclosure720. In some embodiments, the lid772has a silicone or other sealant material765serving as a waterproofing gasket between where the load bearing subsurface base panel715and the subsurface enclosure720surfaces are pressed together when attached. In some embodiments, the lid772has a hole therein and scaling O-ring to accommodate a integrated antenna755.

Still referring toFIGS.10A and10B, in some embodiments, the subsurface enclosure720has therein a panel780, formed from stainless steel, metal screen or other EMI shielding material that shields the electronic equipment beneath the panel780, for example sensors, batteries, power supplies, transmitters, receivers, etc. from electromagnetic interference. The panel780has a hole781therein with electrically insulating material to allow the integrated antenna755and the connecting wire776between the solar panel and the converter and batteries to pass through. In some embodiments, the TWPA incorporates an antenna755that transmits and receives data from a plurality of electronic devices and sensors within the TWPA. In some embodiments, the antenna755is attached to and in electronic communication with one or more transmitters or receivers782within the TWPA. In some embodiments, the transmitters and receivers are also in electronic communication with additional electronic devices784and/or computers or computer processors786operating within the subsurface enclosure720. In some embodiments, the electronic equipment and computers are arranged on rackingFIG.10A,788that rest on the bottom of the inside of the subsurface enclosure720. In some embodiments, the TWPAs of the present invention communicate in either a wired or wireless protocol with an external antennaFIG.8,505on a vertical structure, for example a top of a pole or nearby structure510supporting a streetlight, traffic light or other structure. The external antenna505enables multi-direction wireless communication at greater distances than an antenna placed within the TWPA subsurface enclosure. In some embodiments, the external antenna communicates wirelessly with the antenna in the TWPA.

In some embodiments, the TWPAFIG.10A,700comprises a conduit790that connects the TWPA700to wired external communications and power cables792. In another embodiment of the invention, the conduit790serves as a cooling and/or venting tunnel to dissipate heat from the electronic equipment residing in the waterproof subsurface enclosure. A small fanFIG.10A,794apparatus facilitates the airflow exchange. In some embodiments, the subsurface enclosure720has conduit789in order to exhaust air from the subsurface enclosure720.

In still further embodiments, the TWPAFIG.10A,700of the present invention includes one or more sensors712and beacons714. In some embodiments, the sensors712measure and report a plethora of information, including but not limited to, temperature, humidity, water, enclosure entry, equipment alarms, foot traffic counts, location of the TWPA, sounds that can be characterized such as gunshots, status of operating components, warnings, triggers for visual warnings displayed through the upper surface panel from a subsurface video display panel, communication with smartphones carried by pedestrians who have visual, device or other impairments. In some embodiments, the guidance is audible or tactile sensations emitting from the portable mobile device. In some embodiments, the sensors712send and receive M2M data, and detect and characterize vehicular and pedestrian traffic with wireless send/receive devices. In some embodiments of the present invention, the TWPA integrates technologies including, but not limited to, Small Cells, Beacons, Bluetooth, Global Positioning Systems, Geofencing, Low Power Wide Area Network, Dedicated Short Range Communication, Wi-Fi, Augmented Reality Capabilities as described above in detail.

Referring toFIG.10B, in some embodiments a heating element717is incorporated into the load bearing subsurface base panel715for the purpose of melting ice and snow on the surface tactile panel710. A further embodiment replaces the solar cells in the load bearing subsurface base panel715with a plurality of heating elements717with power supplied by an external power source via cables792through the conduit790.

A further embodiment of the present invention is depicted inFIGS.11A and11Bwhich provides a profile view of the TWPA800comprising an surface tactile panel810, and a load bearing subsurface base panel815and a vertically elongated subsurface container820housing a plurality of components including but not limited to sensors825, electronics830, computer processors835, antenna840, batteries845, wireless transmitting and receiving units850and other electronic equipment855enabling the TWPA's many functions. Additional components include, but are not limited to, electromagnetic shielding material857. The purpose of the elongated subsurface container820is to facilitate cooling. Each component within the container is mounted to the vertical external wall860and connected with wires through a wiring harness tray or conduit865that is attached to the inside of the container wall860to contain wires866. In some embodiments, there is an internal lid873and handles875on the lid873which enable the lid873to be removed so that components within the subsurface container820can be removed for inspection, repair, replacement, upgrades to electronic components or other purposes. One embodiment provides for wired866access external to the TWPA through a conduit880and provides for a conduit867for exhaust or venting purposes.

Referring toFIG.11A, the TWPA800with an elongated subsurface container820incorporates a surface tactile panel810with tactile raised features805. The load bearing subsurface base panel815has incorporated in it, a solar panel816comprising a plurality of solar cells. Referring toFIG.11B, the TWPA800with an elongated subsurface container820incorporates a surface tactile panel810with tactile raised features805. The load bearing subsurface base panel815has incorporated, a video screen817. In each instance, the surface tactile panel810and load bearing subsurface base panel815are attached to the elongated container820with fasteners, preferably corrosion resistant fasteners885that anchor the surface tactile panel810to the subsurface elongated container820in addition to anchoring the TWPA into a concrete, concrete mix, ground or similar substrate890.

FIG.11Cillustrates a load bearing surface tactile panel818, with a molded space854for the placement of an antenna plate unit856. The surface plate of the antenna plate unit856is comprised of composite material that is suitable for the transmission of radio frequency signals. The edges of the plate have small protrusions887that fit into the notch holes on the edge of the molded space854into the surface panel818causing the tactile raised features to align properly. In an alternative embodiment, a fan826moves air into and out of the enclosure820for cooling and venting purpose in association with conduits867and880.

FIG.12provides another embodiment of the TWPA900of the present invention. The TWPA900comprises a surface tactile panel910and a securement plate912. The surface tactile panel910preferably comprises an array of truncated domes915that provide a tactile warning panel. The truncated domes915project upward from the planar surface920of the surface tactile panel910. The TWPA preferably comprises a plurality of fasteners so that the surface tactile panel910can be releasably attached945to the securement plate912. In other embodiments, the fasteners allow permanent or releasable attachment to the securement plate912that forms part of the TWPA. The securement plate912is attached to a concrete, concrete mix or other solid substrate925by corrosion resistant fasteners930that screw into anchors or sleeves935that are imbedded in the ground substrate925. The surface tactile panel910is in turn attached to the securement plate912by corrosion resistant fasteners945. The surface tactile panel910incorporates tactile raised features, the truncated domes915, and is preferably formed from steel, thermoplastic, sheet molding compound or other non-metallic composite material. In some embodiments, the securement plate912is formed from, metal, steel, thermoplastic, thermoset plastic sheet molding compound or other non-metallic composite material, or other composite material and has indentation features, pockets, or void cavities960therein that accommodate the placement of beacons970and batteries975, along with transmitters or receivers that are positioned between the surface tactile panel910and the securement plate912. In some embodiments, the electronic components970are connected to a battery975by a wire980that lays in an elongated indentation on either the lower or upper surface of the securement plate912. In other preferred embodiments, batteries are integrated into the housing of the electronic components.

Deployment of TWPAs at every intersection as shown inFIG.13enables large data capture capabilities within a cities grid of intersections for a multitude of purposes ranging from traffic counts, types of vehicles, pedestrian flow and counts when sensors are incorporated into the TWPAs. In some embodiments, the TWPAs of the present invention serve as an array of distributed processors in a Fog Computing and server configuration in a smart city deployment as also shown inFIG.13. In addition,FIG.13depicts a network of TWPAs at every street corner sidewalk handicap ramp1010deployed in a densely populated urban area1020within a city.

FIG.14Ashows a three dimensional view of the installation of the TWPA1100in a handicap ramp1102. ADA rules and regulations along with State jurisdictions provide the approved designs for both handicap ramps1102and the tactile warning panel1104. Typically, the handicap ramp1102and adjacent sidewalk1106is formed and poured using concrete. In most cases, the TWPA1100will be located in public right-of-way in a sidewalk handicap ramp1102or at transit stops/crossings. The tactile warning panel1104is installed near the roadway side1114of the ramp. Further,FIG.14Aprovides a view of the tactile warning panel1104, the subsurface enclosure1108, the frame1110which is embedded in the concrete and conduit penetrations1112which enter the subsurface enclosure1108underground. Only the tactile warning panel1104will be visible once the TWPA1100is installed, backfilled and the concrete poured and cured.

FIG.14Bshows another three dimensional view of the installation of the TWPA1100in a handicap ramp1102. The tactile warning panel1104and subsurface enclosure1108are in the handicap ramp1102. The subsurface enclosure1108has conduit penetrations1112. The sidewalk1106is formed and poured with concrete. In addition, the TWPA1100has a conduit1115that connects the TWPA1100to a ground level manhole enclosure1116that houses an external antenna.

The TWPA is made up of many different system components.FIG.15shows one design of the TWPA and system. This embodiment shows a one-piece load bearing surface tactile panel1200. The load bearing characteristics, a minimum of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons, of the load bearing surface tactile panel1200is required since in the TWPA application, the tactile warning panel has no support from the ground substrate (concrete) like it would if it was directly attached to the concrete ground substrate. All current industry-wide tactile warning panel designs rely on the strength of the ground substrate (concrete) in order to keep the tactile warning panel from becoming damaged if a vehicle or heavy truck like a loaded dump truck or semi were to drive up onto the handicap ramp. With the TWPA there is the additional requirement of not breaking through the tactile warning panel and thus damaging the expensive smart city technology housed in the subsurface enclosure1208. The load bearing surface tactile panel1200preferably allows radio frequency signals to travel through it from wireless technology in the above or in the subsurface enclosure1208and is formed from materials including, but not limited to, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic composites, polyurethane and glass fiber, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, plastic composite, sheet molding compound, fiber composite, fiberglass, or combinations thereof.

The different system components shown inFIG.15include a load bearing surface tactile panel (all one-piece panel)1200, a metal or plastic composite frame1202that the load bearing surface tactile panel1200sits in or is secured to. The frame1202is embedded in the concrete or other ground substrate, a waterproof enclosure lid1204attached to the subsurface enclosure1208, locking and tightening screws/latches/straps1206that secure the waterproof enclosure lid1204to the top of the subsurface enclosure1208. One embodiment includes a side channel1210attached to the subsurface enclosure1208to secure the subsurface enclosure1208to the surrounding substrate. The subsurface enclosure1208is preferably waterproof and formed from materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys, fiber reinforced plastic, polymeric concrete, plastic composites, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, plastic composite, sheet molding compound, fiber composite, fiber reinforced plastic, polymer concrete or combinations thereof. Polymeric materials may also include metal particles to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference and pulses.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG.16. This design shows a system that provides both a non-load bearing surface tactile warning panel1300and a load bearing subsurface base panel without tactile features1302. In this design the non-load bearing surface tactile warning panel1300is secured with fasteners to the load bearing subsurface base panel without tactile features1302. Another embodiment of the invention secures the surface tactile warning panel1300through the use of adhesives and/or in combination with fasteners. The load bearing characteristics, of a minimum of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons, of the load bearing subsurface base panel without tactile features1302is required since in this application the non-load bearing surface tactile warning panel gets no support from the ground substrate (concrete) like it would if it was directly attached to the concrete ground substrate. All current industry wide tactile warning panel designs rely on the strength of the ground substrate (concrete) in order to keep the tactile warning panel from becoming damaged if a vehicle or heavy truck like a loaded dump truck or semi were to drive up onto the handicap ramp. With the TWPA there is the additional requirement of not breaking through the surface tactile warning panel and thus damaging the expensive smart city technology housed in the subsurface enclosure1208. The non-load bearing surface tactile warning panel1300and preferably allows radio frequency signals to travel through it from wireless technology in or on top of the subsurface enclosure1208and is formed from materials including, but not limited to, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic composites, poly urethane and glass fiber, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, plastic composite, sheet molding compound, fiber composite, fiber reinforced plastic, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the load bearing subsurface base panel1302preferably also allows radio frequency signals to travel through it from wireless technology in or on top of the subsurface enclosure1208and is formed from materials including, but not limited to, fiber reinforced plastic, plastic composites, poly urethane and glass fiber, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, plastic composite, sheet molding compound, fiber composite, or combinations thereof.

The different system components shown inFIG.16include a non-load bearing surface tactile warning panel1300, a load bearing subsurface base panel without tactile features1302, a metal or plastic composite frame1202that the load bearing subsurface base panel without tactile features1302sits in or is secured to and the frame1202that gets embedded in the concrete or other ground substrate, a waterproof lid1204attached to the subsurface enclosure1208, locking and tightening screws/latches/straps1206that secure the waterproof enclosure lid1204to the top of the subsurface enclosure1208. One embodiment of the invention includes a side channel1210attached to the subsurface enclosure1208to secure the subsurface enclosure1208to the surrounding ground substrate composed of backfill material. The subsurface enclosure1208is preferably waterproof and formed from materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys, fiber reinforced plastic, polymeric concrete, plastic composites, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, a plastic composite, sheet molding compound, bulk molding compound, fiber composite, polymer concrete or combinations thereof. Polymeric materials may also include metal particles to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference and pulses.

FIG.17shows a profile view of the TWPA1400installed in the ground, backfilled with washed stone1404and the surrounding concrete1403. The subsurface enclosure1208includes a waterproof enclosure lid1204attached to the subsurface enclosure1208, locking and tightening screws/latches/straps1206that secure the waterproof enclosure lid1204to the subsurface enclosure1208. The subsurface enclosure1208is backfilled with washed stone1404prior to the concrete1403handicap ramp being poured and cured. The construction process includes installing plywood forms or a prefabricated plastic composite skirt1410to hold back the washed stone backfill1404and the concrete1403when it is poured. This creates an air space1406between the surface tactile panel1200and the subsurface enclosure1208. This air space1406allows space for an underground antenna depicted inFIG.18or other equipment to be placed in this area. Referring back toFIG.17, the frame1202made of steel or composite plastic material, is formed and embedded in the concrete1403handicap ramp or other sidewalk substrate. This frame1202will provide the seat for the load bearing surface tactile panel1200. The load bearing surface tactile panel1200or in the alternative embodiment the non-load bearing surface tactile panelFIG.16,1300attached to a load bearing subsurface base panel1302, is seated in the frame1202. The surface tactile panel1200is releasably fastened to the frame1202with a threaded bolt or secure locking mechanism1402. The fastener1402could also be designed as a tamper-proof fastener. The combination of these system components make up the TWPA1400.

FIG.18shows a profile view of the TWPA that includes an integrated underground antenna1500embodiment. The different system components of this embodiment include a load bearing surface tactile panel1502with a smaller insertable load bearing surface tactile panel cover1504that allows radio frequency propagation or transmission through it. The frame1202made of steel or composite plastic material. This frame1202will provide the seat for the load bearing surface tactile panel1502. The construction process includes installing plywood forms or a prefabricated plastic composite skirt1410. The subsurface enclosure1208includes a waterproof enclosure lid1204attached to the subsurface enclosure1208. The waterproof enclosure lid1204has locking and tightening screws/latches/straps (Refer toFIG.15,1206) that secure the waterproof enclosure lid1204to the subsurface enclosure1208. The air space1406between the load bearing tactile panel1502and the subsurface enclosure1208allows space for a subsurface antenna1506to be placed in this area under the smaller insertable load bearing tactile warning panel1504. The subsurface enclosure1208is preferably waterproof and formed from materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys, fiberglass, polymeric concrete, plastic composites, composites and polymeric materials. Suitable polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoset plastic, thermoplastic, a plastic composite, sheet molding compound, fiber composite, fiber reinforced plastic, polymer concrete or combinations thereof. Polymeric materials may also include metal particles to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference and pulses.

Another embodiment of the TWPA is shown inFIG.19which illustrates the surface tactile panel1600, placed directly above a securement plate1606. This two-panel system is described in more detail in Henshue U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/661,853, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIG.19also illustrates the round through-holes1602in the surface tactile panel1600aligning with the receivers1608in the lower base plate1606. In addition,FIG.19illustrates anchor-holes1604which are used to anchor and fasten the securement plate1606to the existing preformed ground surface. Also, shown inFIG.19is a pocket space1610built into the securement plate1606to place a beacon1612below the surface tactile panel1600.

Another embodiment of the TWPA is shown inFIG.20illustrates a plan view of a typical city sidewalk1650, curb & gutter1655, handicap ramps1660, crosswalks1665and street1670. A typical city sidewalk1650is approximately 6′ wide. A typical city ADA handicap ramp1660has a maximum slope from the sidewalk1650to the street1670of approximately 10 percent. Public right-of-way handicap ramps1660require the installation of an ADA compliant tactile warning panels1675. With the present invention, a load bearing surface tactile panel1675is installed with the TWPA1680. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is to place next to each other two TWPAs1680in a single handicap ramp1660. This construction method will double the amount of TWPAs1680in any one handicap ramp1660. This construction method will decrease the overall construction costs per TWPA1680since a great deal of the construction cost relates to the removal, excavation and replacement of the concrete sidewalk1650, curb & gutter1655, handicap ramp1660and street1670abutting the curb and gutter1655. The load bearing surface tactile panel1685furthest setback from the street1670may or may not have a different type of tactile texture on its surface. In an alternate embodiment, the two separate TWPAs1680in a single handicap ramp1660are connected with conduit. Another embodiment includes all four separate TWPAs1680in two handicap ramps1660being connected together with subsurface conduit.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG.21. This drawing shows how all the TWPAs in the handicap ramps1660in a city intersection can be interconnected with subsurface conduit1700.

In some embodiments, the TWPA600of the present invention,FIG.22Aillustrates a profile view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the incorporation of an antenna unit636into a housing nested under a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610with truncated domes on its upper surface615where the load bearing subsurface base panel645has molded into it, a housing656to allow for the insertion of an antenna unit636into the housing plate656. Also illustrated is a frame685for the support of the combination of a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610attached to a load bearing subsurface base panel645which is attached by releasable fasteners625to the frame685which is formed in the surrounding substrate of concrete or other supporting material. The housing plate656installed in the load bearing subsurface base panel645is also load bearing and has truncated domes615matching and in alignment with the truncated domes615on the non-load bearing surface tactile panel610. Small protrusions637on the edge of the housing plate656of the antenna unit636match and fit into the notches molded into the load bearing subsurface base panel. The radio681is connected by a wire682to an antenna unit636located above the subsurface enclosure630in the housing plate656for the antenna unit636. Also, depicted inFIG.22Ais a conduit680for venting and separate conduits639for the provisioning of power, communication and other connections. Special watertight and/or waterproof fittings643attach the conduit680for venting and the separate conduits639to the subsurface enclosure630.

FIG.22Billustrates the TWPA600and the incorporation of a double L-channel frame688in the surrounding concrete or other suitable substrate for the placement of the current TWPA600invention in the ground. The double L-channel frame688enables the placement of a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610connected to a load bearing subsurface base panel645. In addition, the double L-channel frame688also supports a load bearing lower plate675which supports load bearing columns686. The purpose of the columns686is to enable the load bearing lower plate675to support the housing cavity687while also accommodating an antenna unit636placed in the cavity687. The top of the double L-channel frame688holds the non-load bearing surface tactile panel610which is releasably attached with fasteners617to a load bearing subsurface base panel645. The lower portion of the double L-channel frame688supports the load bearing lower plate675that may also serve as the lid to the subsurface enclosure630or remain separate and above the subsurface enclosure630lid leaving a void space which acts as an air barrier.

FIG.22Balso depicts a profile view illustrating the double L-channel frame688which accommodates an antenna unit636placed in a housing cavity687nested that resides just beneath the surface of the non-load bearing surface tactile panel610. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610with truncated domes615that is attached to the top of the load bearing subsurface base panel645by releasable and tamperproof fasteners617. The non-load bearing surface tactile panel is composed of various materials and can be decorated using Henshue U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,311,831 B2 and 9,361,816 B2 incorporated herein.FIG.22Bfurther depicts an embodiment of the current invention that accommodates batteries644as rechargeable power supplies for radios and electronic equipment642housed in the enclosure630. Also depicted are equipment racks646that hold electronic equipment642, rechargeable power supplies, etc. that are housed in the subsurface enclosure630.

FIG.22Cshows the TWPA600and depicts a profile view of an embodiment of the double L-channel frame688configuration where the non-load bearing surface tactile panel610has truncated domes615is attached to a load bearing subsurface base panel645. The load bearing subsurface base panel645has a cavity for the insertion of an antenna unit636just beneath the upper surface of the non-load bearing surface tactile panel610. An embodiment of the current invention TWPA600employs an external conduit connection692between the antenna unit636and the radio or electronic equipment housed in the subsurface enclosure630. The connection is an external conduit connection692that connects to the base of the antenna unit636extending laterally into the ground substrate628and loops to connect to the subsurface enclosure630with waterproof fittings643.

FIG.22Dshows the TWPA600and depicts a profile view of the subsurface enclosure630that houses radios and electronic equipment642that are connected to an external ground surface level antenna671.FIG.22Dfurther depicts an embodiment where a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610with truncated domes615in combination with a load bearing subsurface base panel645where in combination they are removable and anchored to a frame691formed in a substrate of concrete or other similar material. Below the combination of a non-load bearing surface tactile panel610and a load bearing subsurface base panel645is a subsurface enclosure630with a lid684that creates a waterproof seal for the subsurface enclosure630. Multiple conduits are connected to the subsurface enclosure683,639, and673for the purpose of venting and connecting power, communication equipment and other technology housed in the subsurface enclosure630including external ground surface level antenna671and other equipment.

FIG.23depicts where two TWPA's700are connected by subsurface conduit721that houses connecting cables719. An alternative embodiment comprises cables718in conduit729connecting to a pole serving as a light pole, traffic signal pole or other pole or structure724through conduits729where an antenna or additional equipment723may be attached. The TWPA's700reside within the sidewalk curb ramp711and are contiguous. An alternative embodiment includes a radio722and its antenna713in the other TWPA where the antenna713is integrated into the surface tactile panel728of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, venting of the present inventions is achieved by circulating air by a fan727into and out of the surface tactile panel system728via an external vent conduit791and inter-vault venting via conduit793. In an alternative embodiment, power and communication to the TWPA's700is provided by cables in conduits739that power the street light and continue through conduits729that connect the street light pole to the TWPA's700.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described method and system of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the field of this invention are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.