Patent Document

FIELD 
       [0001]    The present specification relates generally to a traffic management system and method, and more particularly to a portable traffic management system and method. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Conventional traffic management at worksites or other locations requiring traffic management typically use people (i.e. flagmen) with handheld signs or hand signals to control the flow of traffic. The flagmen typically stand in traffic or close to traffic such that drivers can properly see the signals and signs. In addition, for larger worksites, such as a construction site or traffic accident scene, more than one flagman is needed to properly ensure safety around the worksite. Accordingly, traffic management can require several flagmen to properly manage a site. Indeed, the demand for additional flagmen at a worksite can increase the cost of traffic management significantly. In addition, as mentioned above, flagmen need to stand relatively close to moving traffic in order to be effective at managing the traffic. This inevitably results in accidents causing injury or death. 
         [0003]    Mechanical traffic management systems are known and can sometimes be used in the place of flagmen. However, mechanical systems are generally unable to effectively manage traffic flow in response to changing traffic conditions. Some traffic management systems use rudimentary sensors such as pressure tubes across a roadway which detect cars passing over, radar sensors, microwave sensors, and/or cameras. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for managing traffic at a worksite. The system includes a traffic control signal. In addition, the system includes a wireless interface in communication with the traffic control signal, the wireless interface configured to receive control signals to operate the traffic control signal. Furthermore, the system includes a mast for supporting the traffic control signal. The system further includes a support base for supporting the mast on a surface. Also, the system includes a wireless control device configured to receive input, the input for controlling the traffic control signal. In addition, the system includes a base station in communication with the wireless control device and the wireless interface, the base station configured to receive the input from the wireless control device, generate the control signals and transmit the control signals to the traffic control signal. 
         [0005]    The system may further include a sensor mounted on the mast, the sensor configured to collect traffic data proximate to the traffic control signal and to transmit the traffic data to the base station. 
         [0006]    The sensor may be a camera. 
         [0007]    The base station may be configured to generate the control signals automatically. 
         [0008]    The control signals may be generated in response to the traffic data. 
         [0009]    The system may further include an additional traffic control signal, the additional traffic control signal in communication with the base station. 
         [0010]    The additional traffic control signal may operate as a slave of to the traffic control signal. 
         [0011]    The base station may connect to a remote traffic control center external of the worksite via a cellular data connection. 
         [0012]    The mast may be collapsible. 
         [0013]    The support base may be configured to store the mast and the traffic control signal. 
         [0014]    The system may further include a moveable gate arm connected to the mast, wherein in the moveable gate arm is configured to raise and lower to control traffic. 
         [0015]    The system may further include a battery disposed in the support base, the battery for powering the traffic control signal. 
         [0016]    The system may further include a solar panel, the solar panel for charging the battery. 
         [0017]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of managing traffic at a worksite. The method involves receiving input, at a base station, from a wireless control device, wherein the input is for controlling a traffic control signal, wherein the traffic control signal is supported by a mast, the mast supported by a support base. In addition, the method involves generating control signals based at least partially on the input received, wherein the control signals are for operating the traffic control signal. Furthermore, the methods involve transmitting the control signals to the traffic control signal via a wireless interface, the wireless interface in communication with the traffic control signal. 
         [0018]    The method may further involve collecting traffic data proximate to the traffic control signal. 
         [0019]    The method may further involve transmitting traffic data to the base station. 
         [0020]    The method may further involve generating control signals automatically in response to the traffic data. 
         [0021]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with codes. The codes are for directing a processor to receive input, at a base station from a wireless control device, wherein the input is for controlling a traffic control signal, wherein the traffic control signal is supported by a mast, the mast supported by a support base. In addition, the codes are for directing a processor to generate control signals based at least partially on the input received, wherein the control signals are for operating the traffic control signal. Furthermore, the codes are for directing a processor to transmit the control signals to the traffic control signal via a wireless interface, the wireless interface in communication with the traffic control signal. 
         [0022]    The codes may further direct the processor to receive traffic data proximate to the traffic control signal. 
         [0023]    The codes may further direct the processor to comprising directing the processor to transmit traffic data from the traffic control signal to the base station to generate control signals automatically in response to the traffic data. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing of a system in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing of the traffic control system of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing showing the components of the base station of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of a system in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 5 a - d    are a schematic drawings of traffic control systems in accordance with other embodiments; and 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6 a - b    are screenshot displays on a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic representation of a traffic management system is generally shown at  50 . It is to be understood that the system  50  is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the description provided herein that variations are contemplated. The system  50  includes a portable traffic control system  55 , a base station  80  and a wireless control device  75 . 
         [0033]    The traffic control system  55  is generally configured to provide signals to drivers to control the flow of traffic. The signals provided to the drives are not particularly limited. For example, the signals to drivers can include visible and/or audible signals. Visible signals can include the use of screens, lights, or physical indicators, such as mechanically moveable barriers or signs. Audible signals can include the use of various sounds such as sirens, chirps, and/or low frequency sound wave that can provide a vibrational indication to the drivers in vehicles. In the present embodiment, the traffic control system  55  generally includes a traffic control signal  57  for providing the visible and/or audible signals to traffic, a wireless interface  60  for receiving signals from the base station  80 , a mast  65 , and a support base  70 . 
         [0034]    The support base  70  is generally configured to support the mast on a surface, such as a road surface, when the traffic control system  55  is deployed. Accordingly, the support base  70  generally includes a substantial mass such that the mast  65  would be held rigidly in place. For example, the support base  70  can include dense materials such as cement and heavy metals. In some embodiments, the support base  70  can include anchors (not shown) for securing the support base  70  to the surface with a fastener. 
         [0035]    In the present embodiment, the wireless control device  75  is generally configured to receive input for controlling the traffic control signal  57  of the portable traffic control system  55 . The wireless control device  75  is a portable electronic device and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of this description that a wide variety of portable electronic devices are contemplated. For example, the wireless control device  75  can include, without limitation, a cellular telephone, a portable email paging device, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a laptop computer, or an on-board computer in a vehicle. Other contemplated variations include devices which are not necessarily portable, such as desktop computers. In the present embodiment, the wireless control device  75  includes a display screen  76 , which can also serve as a touchscreen input device for receiving user input. In other embodiments, the wireless control device  75  can further include various lights, such as various warning lights. 
         [0036]    The manner by which the wireless control device  75  receives input is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the wireless control device  75  includes a screen  76  where an operator can use to enter input via the use of various virtual keys. In other embodiments, the input can be received via a plurality of keys, such as through a conventional keyboard. Further types of input devices are also contemplated. For example, a joystick, trackball, track-wheel, or optical camera or microphone can be use in addition to or in lieu of the touch screen. 
         [0037]    The base station  80  is generally configured to receive the data from the wireless control device  75 , and to generate control signals for operating the traffic control signal  57 . The base station  80  is further configured to transmit the control signals to the traffic control system  55  via the wireless interface  60 . It is to be appreciate by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the manner by which the base station  80  generates and transmits control signals based on data from the wireless control device  75  is not particularly limited and variations are discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0038]    In the present embodiment, the base station  80  receives data from the wireless control device  75  and transmits control signals to the traffic control system  55  using wireless technology. In particular, the base station  80  can serve as a wireless hub and the traffic control system  55  and the wireless control device  75  can be devices connected to the hotspot. However, it is to be appreciated that the communications between the base station  80 , the wireless control device  75 , and the traffic control system  55  is not particularly limited and that other standards such as BLUETOOTH, mobile network standards, such as fourth generation (4G), third generation (3G), code division multiple access (CDMA), Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, or non-standard radio frequency (RF) signals can be used. Other manners of wireless data transmission can also be used such as transmission signals outside the RF spectrum, for example infrared, or audio signal transmission techniques, such as sonar. 
         [0039]    In the present embodiment, the base station  80  is supported by base station legs  85  to elevate the base station  80  to improve reception. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, the base station  80  can be mounted to an elevated location or vehicle such that the legs  85  can be omitted. 
         [0040]    In general terms, the system  50  is generally configured to manage traffic at a worksite based on input from a wireless control device  75  for controlling the traffic control system  55  via a base station  80 . It is to be re-emphasized that the structure shown in  FIG. 1  is a non-limiting representation only. Notwithstanding the specific example, it is to be understood that other equivalent systems managing traffic can be devised to perform the same function as the system  50 . For example, systems can include multiple traffic control systems  55 , base stations  80  or even wireless control devices  75  which may be different types of devices. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the traffic control system  55  is shown in greater detail. It is to be understood that the traffic control system  55  is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of traffic control systems are contemplated including additional embodiments described in greater detail below. In the present embodiment, the traffic control system  55  includes a wireless interface  60 , the mast  65 , traffic lights  100 - 1  and  100 - 2 , a support beam  105 , a storage box  110 , and a battery compartment  115 . 
         [0042]    In operation, the wireless interface  60  is generally configured to receive control signals from the base station  80 . The wireless interface  60  is also in communication with the traffic control signal  57  and uses the control signals from the base station  80  to control the traffic control signal  57 . The base station  80  receives data from the wireless control device  75  to generate and transmit control signals to the traffic control system  55  using wireless technology. However, it is to be appreciated that the communications between the base station  80 , the wireless control device  75 , and the traffic control system  55  is not particularly limited and that other standards such as BLUETOOTH, mobile network standards, such as fourth generation (4G), third generation (3G), code division multiple access (CDMA), Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, or non-standard radio frequency (RF) signals can be used. 
         [0043]    The manner by which the traffic control signal  57  is controlled is not particularly limited. For example, the traffic control system  55  can include a local processing unit (not shown) for managing the operation of the traffic control signal  57 . For example, the local processing unit can include a timer that toggles the state of the traffic control signal  57  and the control signals received at the wireless interface  60  can then be used to adjust parameters, such as timing and sequence. Alternatively, the wireless interface  60  can directly control the traffic control signal  57  with the control signals which can be used to directly operate the hardware of the traffic control signal  57 , such as turning on a specific light or engaging a motor to move a sign or barrier in some embodiments. 
         [0044]    The mast  65  is connected to the support base and generally configured to support the traffic control signal  57  at a suitable height during operation such that the traffic control signal  57  is visible to drivers. In terms of providing physical support, the mast  65  is mechanically structured to support the weight of the traffic control signal  57  and withstand some typical forces that may be caused by weather or passing vehicles. The mast  65  is typically constructed from materials with suitable mechanical properties. Some examples of suitable materials include stainless steel, titanium, plastics, composites, and other materials with similar structural stability characteristics. In the present embodiment, the mast  65  is optionally engineered break away from the support base  70  during a collision, such as if a vehicle crashes into the traffic control system  55 . It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that manner by which the mast  65  breaks away is such that the mast and/or other components of the traffic control system  55  would not enter the passenger compartment of a vehicle. For example, the connection point of the mast  65  and the support base  70  can be pivotally connected such that a collision would simply rotate the mast  65  about the pivot point to remain under the vehicle which collided into the traffic control system  55 . 
         [0045]    In the present embodiment, the traffic control signal  57  includes traffic lights  100 - 1  and  100 - 2  (collectively, traffic lights  100 , and generically, traffic light  100 —this nomenclature is used elsewhere herein) supported by the beam  105 . The traffic lights  100 - 1  and  100 - 2  are not particularly limited and generally include a red light at the top, a yellow light in the middle and a green light at the bottom. The light source of the traffic lights  100 - 1  and  100 - 2  can include any manner that produces a sufficient brightness of light for the application. For example, each of the light sources can include an incandescent light bulb, or a light emitting diode (LED). Although the present embodiments illustrate a pair traffic lights  100  with three colored lights, it is to be appreciated that variations are contemplated. For example, instead of a pair of traffic lights, a single traffic light can be substituted. The orientation of the traffic lights  100  is also not particularly limited and the traffic lights  100  can be horizontally oriented. As another example of a variation, the traffic lights  100  can include more or fewer lights, such as omitting the yellow light or adding in directional control lights. 
         [0046]    In the present embodiment, the support base  70  includes an optional storage box  110  for storing the traffic control system  55  during transport or storage. The manner by which the traffic control system  55  is stored is not particularly limited. For example, the storage box  110  can be dimensioned to fit the wireless interface  60 , the mast  65 , the beam  105 , and the traffic lights  100 . In some embodiments, the mast  65  can be collapsible (e.g. telescopically) or foldable to more readily fit within the storage box  110 . It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that when the traffic control system  55  is deployed, the storage box  110  can also be filled with another material, such as sand or water, to provide greater stability by adding mass to the support base  70 . It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, the storage box can be omitted and the support based  70  can simply include a weight such as a cement block. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, the support base  70  also includes an optional battery compartment  115  in the present embodiment. The battery compartment  115  is generally used to store a battery such as rechargeable battery for embodiments where the traffic control system  55  is powered with a battery. They type and size of the battery is not particularly limited and can be varied depending on the specific application. For example, for applications where the traffic control system  55  is intended to be operated for periods typically not exceeding 8 hours such as to clear an accident scene, the battery compartment  115  can be used to store a lithium ion battery, lead acid battery, or any other suitable energy storage device capable of providing at least 8 hours of operation. For applications requiring additional battery life, such as 24 hours, a larger batter pack can be place in the battery compartment  115  to provide a longer period of operation between charging. It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments not powered by battery that the battery compartment  115  can be omitted. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a schematic block diagram illustration of components of the base station  80  is provided. It is to be understood that the base station  80  is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of base station devices are contemplated. In the present embodiment, the base station  80  includes a processor  200 , a network interface  205 , a memory storage unit  210 , and a control module  215 . The network interface  205 , the memory storage unit  210 , and the control module  215  are each in electrical communication with the processor  200 . 
         [0049]    The network interface  205  is not particularly limited and can include various wireless network interface devices such as a wireless network interface controller (NIC). In particular, the network interface  205  is generally configured to the wireless interface  60  and the wireless control device  75 . For example, the network interface  205  can connect to the wireless interface  60  and the wireless control device  75  using WIFI, BLUETOOTH, and/or via another RF signal. In particular, the network interface  205  is configured to receive input from the wireless control device  75  and pass the input to the processor  200  for further processing as described further below. 
         [0050]    The network interface  205  can also provide connectivity to an external network such as a mobile network via known standards such as fourth generation (4G), third generation (3G), code division multiple access (CDMA), Groupe Spécial Mobile (GSM) or Long Term Evolution (LTE). It is to be appreciated that by providing access to an external network, the based station  80  can be connected to a remote traffic control center external of the worksite, where additional processing capacity may be available to analyze and optimize the operation of the system  50  based on traffic conditions. The remote traffic control center can be a physical location, such as a company headquarters, or it can be a cloud server. In the present embodiment, a server collects the traffic data for the purpose of creating a reviewable log for subsequent or real time monitoring at a remote location. In other embodiments, the server can be used to perform complex traffic optimization on the traffic data that can be used to better control the traffic control systems around the worksite. 
         [0051]    It is to be appreciated with the benefit of this description that the base station  80  can use more than one method of communication with either the wireless control device  75  or the traffic control system  55 , where the multiple methods function as redundant backup systems. Accordingly, the network interface cab be configured to communicate using multiple standards. Alternatively, a separate network interface can be used within the base station  80  for each communication standard. In particular, since failure of the system  50  can result in the direction of traffic into dangerous situations, several failsafe procedures are generally built into the system. For example, redundant communications provide a backup when a frequency or mode of communication is disrupted, such as due to interference. In other embodiments, a failsafe can involve using the traffic control system  55  to stop all cars until the problem is resolved. The manner by which a failure is detected is not particularly limited. For example, the base station  80  can periodically ping the traffic control system  55  and the wireless control device  75  and listen for a response. Accordingly, if no response is received within an acceptable time, the system  50  can enter a failure mode as one of the components is no longer responding. The causes of failure are not particularly important and can include a battery failure or a destructive event such as an accident involving the traffic control system  55 . 
         [0052]    The memory storage unit  210  can be of any type such as non-volatile memory (e.g. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), Flash Memory, hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk, solid state drive, or tape drive) or volatile memory (e.g. random access memory (RAM)). Although the memory storage unit  210  is generally a type of non-volatile memory because of the robust nature of non-volatile memory, some embodiments can use volatile memory in situations where high access speed is desired. In the present embodiment, the memory storage unit  210  is a non-volatile memory unit instructions  250  for directing the processor  200  to carry out various functions. In addition, the memory storage unit can be used to store and record logs and traffic data as described further below. 
         [0053]    The processor  200  is generally configured to execute programming instructions  250  to generate control signals and to send and receive data via the network interface  205 . In the present embodiment, the programming instructions  250  configure the processor  200  to receive input data from a wireless control device  75 . The processor  200  subsequently determines what functionality the input data is requesting and generates a control signal to be sent to the wireless interface  60  of the traffic control system  55 . 
         [0054]    The manner by which the control signals are generated are not particularly limited and can include variations. For example, the control signals can be generated automatically in a “automatic mode” based on a predetermined sequence of control signals stored managed by the control module  215 . In this example, the memory storage unit  210  can store a series of control signals wo be used by the control module  215 . The series of control signals can each be a command to turn on or off a light in the traffic lights  100 , such as cycling between the green, yellow, and red lights based on fixed time periods, such as displaying each of the lights for one minute,  5  second, and another minute, respectively. To begin this predetermined sequence, the input received from the wireless control device  75  be a command to begin operating in an “automatic mode” 
         [0055]    Although the present embodiment show the control module as a separate component in the base station  80 , it is to be appreciated that the control module  215  can be a set of instructions carried out by the processor  200 . 
         [0056]    The input from the wireless control device  75  can be a command to toggle between the “automatic mode” and a “manual mode”. In the “manual mode”, the control signals can be generated manually based on the input received from the wireless control device  75 . For example, input from the wireless control device  75  can represent a command to turn on a red light on the traffic light  100 . The command is processed by the processor  200  which sends the control signal to the traffic control system  55  to turn on the red light. 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of a traffic management system  50   a  is shown. Like components of the system  50  bear like reference to their counterparts in the system  50 , except followed by the suffix “a”. The traffic management system  50   a  includes a first portable traffic control system  55   a - 1 , a second portable traffic control system  55   a - 2  (collectively, traffic control systems  55   a,  and generically, traffic control system  55   a ), a base station  80   a  and a wireless control device  75   a.    
         [0058]    In the present embodiment, the system  50   a  includes two traffic control systems  55   a  for managing traffic at a worksite, in this case a car accident scene. Each of the traffic control systems  55   a  are in communication with the base station  80   a,  and includes a traffic control signal for managing traffic from two separate locations. In the present embodiment, the worksite is located at a bend in a road blocking one lane of the two-lane road. Accordingly, opposing traffic would need to share the single available lane to pass through the worksite. The traffic control systems  55   a  are deployed at each end of the bend and are used to allow traffic through in one direction at a time. 
         [0059]    It is to be appreciated that in order to have the traffic control systems  55   a  operate to allow traffic to pass through the worksite, the operation of the traffic control systems  55   a  are coordinated. For example, the base station  80   a  prevents both traffic control systems  55   a  from displaying a “green” light, which can cause an additional accident as opposing traffic would be driving around the corner in a single lane. Therefore, the control module of the base station  80   a  would need to ensure that both traffic control systems  55   a  are not simultaneous “green”. The manner by which the control module avoids this is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the traffic control systems  55   a  can be synchronized by the base station  80   a  such that the traffic control system  55   a - 1  is designated a master and the traffic control system  55   a - 2  is designated a slave. Accordingly, the traffic control signal of the traffic control system  55   a - 2  is a slave to the traffic control signal of the traffic control system  55   a - 1  and necessary put in the opposite state. Therefore, the entire system  50   a  can be controlled by adjusting only the operation of the traffic control system  55   a - 1 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 5 a   , another embodiment of a traffic control system  55   b  is shown. Like components of the traffic control system  55   b  bear like reference to their counterparts in the traffic control system  55 , except followed by the suffix “b”. The traffic control system  55   b  includes a sensor  56   b  mounted on the mast  65   b.  The sensor  56   b  is generally configured to collect traffic data and is positioned near the traffic control signal. In the present embodiment, the sensor  56   b  is in communication with the wireless interface  60   b  and configured to transmit the traffic data to the base station  80 . 
         [0061]    It is to be appreciated that the traffic data collected is not particularly limited and can be any data that can provide an indication of the traffic conditions. In the present embodiment, the sensor  56   b  is a camera collecting images. The images are transmitted to the base station  80 , where the processor  200  can process the images to determine the traffic conditions using various image recognition methods to determine the number of cars as well as their speeds and direction of travel. Accordingly, if the images indicate a large number of vehicles lined up in front of the traffic control system  55   b,  the processor  200  forward the information to the control module  215  automatically, where the control module  215  generate a control signal for transmission back to the traffic control system  55   b  to allow vehicles to pass to alleviate the traffic congestion. In other embodiment, the images can be analyzed at the traffic control system  55   b  and the traffic data can be a number, such as a number representing the number of cars or the time delay. In other embodiments, instead of using the control module  215 , the base station  80  can transmit the images to a remote traffic center for analysis to optimize the operation of the traffic control system  55   b.    
         [0062]    Alternatively, the images can be relayed by the base station  80  to a wireless control device  75  for displaying on a display screen  76 . Accordingly, an operate can then easily view the traffic conditions and manually control the traffic control system  55   b  using the wireless control device  75 . 
         [0063]    In other embodiments, the sensor  56   b  can be a ranging sensor such as a microwave, radar, lidar, and photovoltaic sensor. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 5 b   , another embodiment of a traffic control system  55   c  is shown. Like components of the traffic control system  55   c  bear like reference to their counterparts in the traffic control system  55 , except followed by the suffix “c”. The traffic control system  55   c  includes a moveable gate arm  58   c  connected to the mast  65   c.  In the present embodiment, the gate arm  58   c  is pivotally connected to the mast  65   c  and configured to move between a raised position to allow traffic to flow past and a lowered position to act as a barrier to prevent traffic from flowing through. In other embodiments, the arm can telescope between a contracted position and an extended position. 
         [0065]    Although the present embodiment of the traffic control system  55   c  includes a traffic lights  100   c,  it is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the traffic lights  100   c  can be omitted and the gate arm  58   c  can be used along to control traffic flow alone. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 5 c   , another embodiment of a traffic control system  55   d  is shown. Like components of the traffic control system  55   d  bear like reference to their counterparts in the traffic control system  55 , except followed by the suffix “d”. The traffic control system  55   d  includes a solar panel  59   d  for charging a battery in the batter compartment  115   d.  It is to be appreciated that the solar panel  59   d  can also be used to power the traffic control system  55   d  without a battery; however, this would limit the use of the traffic control system  55   d  to ideal weather conditions. By adding the solar panel  59   d,  the traffic control system  55   d  can be installed at a worksite for longer periods of time without the need to remove the traffic control system  55   d  for charging or to bring a charging station to the worksite. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 5 d   , another embodiment of a traffic control system  55   e  is shown. Like components of the traffic control system  55   d  bear like reference to their counterparts in the traffic control system  55 , except followed by the suffix “e”. The traffic control system  55   e  includes a display  300   e.  The display  300   e  is not particularly limited and can include any display capable of presenting a message to traffic. For example, the display  300   e  can include one or more light emitters such as an array of light emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystals, plasma cells, or organic light emitting diodes (OLED). 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b   , screen shots of the display screen  76  of the wireless control device  75  are shown. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 a   , a home screen with four video feeds  500 - 1 ,  500 - 2 ,  500 - 3 , and  500 - 4  (collectively, feeds  500 , and generically, feed  500 ). In the present embodiment, each feed  500  is an image from a camera mounted on a traffic control system. Accordingly, the screen shown in  FIG. 6 a    is connected to a system with at least four traffic control systems. In addition, a menu  510  with various options for controlling the traffic control systems is shown as well as a map  520  of the area where the system is deployed. Using the display shown in  FIG. 6 a   , an operator can monitor the entire worksite from the safety of a location far away from the flow of traffic, such as in the cab of a truck. Using the menu  515 , the operator can manually adjust the various traffic control signals. The feeds  500  allow the operator to observe the traffic and make adjustments accordingly. 
         [0069]    It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that the screen shots shown in  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    are not particularly limited and that numerous layouts can be used. In some embodiments, the wireless control device  75  can present options to customize the views. For example, although  FIGS. 6 a  and 6 b    show four feeds, it is to be understood that more or less feeds  500  can be shown simultaneous. In some embodiments, the feeds  500  can be omitted when the system is operating in “automatic mode” 
         [0070]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 b   , another screen with the four video feeds  500 - 1 ,  500 - 2 ,  500 - 3 , and  500 - 4 . In the present embodiment, the menu is configured to allow an operator to flip a light from one state to another, such as from green to red. 
         [0071]    Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is the ability to deploy a lightweight traffic management system at a worksite connected by a base station. The traffic management system provides traffic management without having a need for a flagman and thus reducing the probability accidents causing personal injury at worksites. As described above, the traffic management system is not particularly limited and can include additional components when needed. For example, additional base stations can be added to extend the range of the traffic management system for large sites and addition traffic control systems can be added if there are more than one or two flows of traffic that need to be controlled. In addition, the system allows for data to be sent to a remote cloud server from where the system can be controlled such that it would not be necessary to staff a person at the worksite. Sending data to the cloud also allows for traffic analysis to be carried out by dedicated traffic servers that can perform more complex traffic optimization analysis. 
         [0072]    While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims.

Technology Category: 5