This invention is a novel retroreflective traffic stripe comprising an exposed top surface containing a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms and a second repeating pattern of linear prisms between the light-turning prisms, over a bottom surface containing cube corner retroreflective prisms. The two types of top surface prisms are operable under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Both types of top surface prisms are configured to use refraction and reflection to redirect light from distant headlights into a downward direction onto the bottom surface of the traffic stripe under dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Cube corner retroreflective prisms on the bottom surface accept the light and return it in the opposite direction.

An apparatus, method and system utilize an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) in order to support the definition and use of routes by bicyclists, pedestrians or scooters. With respect to defining a bicycle route a map database is accessed that represents roads segments in a geographic area. The map database contains map data that indicates attributes of the road segments. The bicycle route is then defined from an origin to a destination based upon the map data indicative of attributes of the road segments. In this regard, the bicycle route is defined to include one or more road segments that allow bicycle traffic unaccompanied by a UAV and one or more road segments for which bicycle traffic is unauthorized unless accompanied by a UAV. The bicycle route is subsequently caused to be provided to the bicyclist or a device accessible to the bicyclist.

An apparatus, method and system utilize an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) in order to support the definition and use of routes by bicyclists, pedestrians or scooters. With respect to defining a bicycle route a map database is accessed that represents roads segments in a geographic area. The map database contains map data that indicates attributes of the road segments. The bicycle route is then defined from an origin to a destination based upon the map data indicative of attributes of the road segments. In this regard, the bicycle route is defined to include one or more road segments that allow bicycle traffic unaccompanied by a UAV and one or more road segments for which bicycle traffic is unauthorized unless accompanied by a UAV. The bicycle route is subsequently caused to be provided to the bicyclist or a device accessible to the bicyclist.

The present invention is a roadway marking having a recessed longitudinal groove provided in the roadway parallel to the direction of traffic. The groove has an inclined bottom surface that gradually tapers upward in the direction of traffic on the roadway. At least one retroreflective element is provided in the groove. The retroreflective element can be a reflector, a preformed reflective member, or a layer of retroreflective beads provided on a water-based or thermoplastic binder.

In one instance, a parking lot system is presented with a first driveway in a first direction and a second driveway in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first driveway includes a first plurality of parking spaces, wherein each parking space comprises a first rectangular space to accommodate an automobile. A second rectangle is adjacent to the first rectangular space. The second driveway includes a second plurality of parking spaces, wherein each parking space comprises a third rectangular space sized to accommodate an automobile. The second rectangle is adjacent to the third rectangle. The second rectangle forms a buffer zone into which automobile doors in the second and third rectangle may open. The first and second plurality of parking spaces at least partially abut one another directly. Other systems are also presented.

A system and method is provided for delivering electric energy to an electric vehicle via electric charging stations or kiosks where an energy delivery point is configured to provide energy to the electric vehicle via a connector or a wireless energy source. The method involves charging an electric vehicle by detecting, using a RFID tag reader associated with an electric vehicle, signals emanating from a marker positioned on the ground, where the marker includes one or more RFID tags, and where the RFID tag reader is able to recognize the signals despite weather conditions where the ground is covered by snow.

A mobile platform for assessing and modifying pavement surfaces. An emitter generates electromagnetic waves towards a portion of a pavement surface. A condition sensor receives electromagnetic radiation from a first portion of the pavement surface and generates a first electronic signal representative of a current condition of the portion of the pavement surface. A location sensor generates a second electronic signal containing location data corresponding to the first portion of the pavement surface. A computing platform processes the electronic signals and creates a current pavement condition data point. The computing platform may compare the first electronic signal against a reference representative of a target condition, determine if there is a condition variance, and, if a condition variance exceeds a predetermined threshold, generate a condition control signal which is transmitted to and operates to modify operation of the pavement surface modification system in order to reduce the condition variance.

A mobile platform for assessing and modifying pavement surfaces. An emitter generates electromagnetic waves towards a portion of a pavement surface. A condition sensor receives electromagnetic radiation from a first portion of the pavement surface and generates a first electronic signal representative of a current condition of the portion of the pavement surface. A location sensor generates a second electronic signal containing location data corresponding to the first portion of the pavement surface. A computing platform processes the electronic signals and creates a current pavement condition data point. The computing platform may compare the first electronic signal against a reference representative of a target condition, determine if there is a condition variance, and, if a condition variance exceeds a predetermined threshold, generate a condition control signal which is transmitted to and operates to modify operation of the pavement surface modification system in order to reduce the condition variance.

A system and method is provided for delivering electric energy to an electric vehicle via electric charging stations or kiosks where an energy delivery point is configured to provide energy to the electric vehicle via a connector or a wireless energy source. The method involves charging an electric vehicle by detecting, using a RFID tag reader associated with an electric vehicle, signals emanating from a marker positioned on the ground, where the marker includes one or more RFID tags, and where the RFID tag reader is able to recognize the signals despite weather conditions where the ground is covered by snow.

A road marking (10) has bristles (11) extending above a road surface level (12). The bristles (11) are attached below the road surface level (12), leaving a recess (13) between the road surface level (12) and the bristles (11). The recess (13) allows the bristles (11) to bend below the road surface level (12) during snowploughing. The forces exerted to the raised road marking (10) do not pull the bristles (11) or the whole road marking (10) assembly off the road surface.

The bristles (11) may be installed into the road surface by cutting a suitable cavity (15) into the road surface. A bottom portion of the cavity (15) is filled with a fluid adhesive, leaving the surface of the adhesive below the road surface. The bristles (11) are inserted in the fluid adhesive. After the adhesive has been cured, the bristles (11) stand proud from the road surface.