Automated flagger safety assistance device

Abstract

A method of installing and removing traffic control or traffic regulating devices. More particularly, the method includes the installation and removal of automated switchable road signs or flaggers. The safety assistance device and method in accordance with the invention envisions added safety for those installing and removing traffic control or automated flagger devices. Also, the safety assistance device and method of the invention is initiated without requiring a manual activation by those installing or removing the traffic control device.

Claims

1. A method for controlling illumination of lights of a traffic control system, the method including steps of: activating a remote transceiver having wireless capability; activating power to a first traffic control device positioned adjacent a work zone, wherein the first traffic control device has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the first traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the first traffic control device; determining if first traffic control device is active; illuminating a first strobe light coupled to the first traffic control device when the first traffic control device is determined to be active; activating power to a second traffic control device positioned adjacent the work zone, wherein the second traffic control device has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the second traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the second traffic control device; determining if second traffic control device is active; and illuminating a second strobe light coupled to the second traffic control device when the second traffic control device is determined to be active.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, further including a step of determining whether both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, further including a step of deactivating the first strobe light and second strobe light when both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the first traffic control device is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the second traffic control device is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device.

6. The method as recited in claim 3, further including a step of determining whether at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, further including a step of illuminating the first and second strobe lights when at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

8. A method for controlling illumination of lights of a traffic control system, the method including steps of: activating a remote transceiver having wireless capability; activating power to a first traffic control device positioned adjacent a work zone, wherein the first traffic control device has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the first traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the first traffic control device, further wherein the first traffic control device is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device; determining if first traffic control device is active; activating power to a second traffic control device positioned adjacent the work zone, wherein the second traffic control device has capability to wirelessly interface with the remote transceiver, the second traffic control device having a first display mode and second display mode of the second traffic control device, further wherein the second traffic control device is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device; determining if second traffic control device is active; determining whether both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device; illuminating a first strobe light coupled to the first traffic control device when the first traffic control device is determined to be active; and illuminating a second strobe light coupled to the second traffic control device when the second traffic control device is determined to be active.

9. The method as recited in claim 8, further including a step of deactivating the first and second strobe lights when both the first traffic control device is in the first display mode of the first traffic control device and the second traffic control device is in the first display mode of the second traffic control device.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, further including a step of determining whether at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

11. The method as recited in claim 10, further including a step of illuminating the first and second strobe lights when at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

12. The method as recited in claim 8, further including a step of determining whether at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further including a step of illuminating the first and second strobe lights when at least one of the first or second traffic control devices is deactivated.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components.

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic of a two lane roadway during construction that is particularly well suited for use of the method in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a first portion of a flow chart demonstrating a portion of the method in accordance with the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a second portion of a flow chart demonstrating a portion of the method in accordance with the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective of a control board capable of implementing the method of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is top schematic view a control board of the present invention capable of implementing the method of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic of a portion of the controller of the present invention;

(8) and

(9) FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary automated flagger assistance device or autoflagger traffic control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

(11) The apparatus and method of the present invention is particularly well suited for autonomously controlling remote strobe lights attached to AFAD's. With reference to the Figures, various embodiments according to aspects of the invention will be described in greater detail. With reference to FIG. 1 a construction zone 10 on a two lane roadway 20 is generally depicted. The roadway and travel of traffic is divided with dotted line 22. A first traffic control 30 is positioned in the traffic lane of the first direction of traffic flow 34 prior to the work zone 80 and barriers or markers 82. A second traffic control 50 is positioned in the traffic lane of the second direction of traffic flow 52 prior to the work zone 80 and barriers or markers 82. The traffic controls 30 and 50 may be positioned near the shoulder of the roadway to increase visibility of the work zone while also alerting traffic to the controlled area. A controller or remote transceiver 70 may be wirelessly coupled to the traffic controls 30 and 50. Each traffic control 30 and 50 and controller 70 may be equipped with a solar panel power supply and the remote wifi. The wireless power switch control or remote wifi may further include antennas of known suitable construction. Without limitation intended, the wireless control may include wi-fi, z-wave or Bluetooth systems having hand held, key fob or switch controllers. Operating system apps may also be utilized to create additional functionality for the controller.

(12) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the method 100 for automatic operation of strobe lights attached to the first and second traffic control 30 and 50 in conjunction with the use of controller 70 will be described in greater detail. Once a construction zone 10 is identified and a traffic control plan is established the workers may install signage to alert traffic approaching the work zone from both directions of upcoming traffic regulation. Prior to installing AFAD's the power supply to the controller 70 is activated 110. A worker then supplies power to the first traffic control 30 and the traffic control 30 is moved into position. Controller 70 determines when the traffic control 30 is powered and becomes active 114. When activation of traffic control 30 is determined 116, a first strobe coupled to the power supply of traffic control 30 is activated or turned “on” 120. If the controller 70 does not sense activation of the first traffic control then the controller continues monitor for activation of the first traffic control; see loop 118. Once the worker installs the first traffic control the second traffic control 50 may be powered up and installed 122. Of course, multiple co-workers may work in unison to install the first and second traffic controls 30 and 50 at approximately the same time. The controller 70 will independently detect activation of each traffic control. Controller 70 determines if the second traffic control has been activated 124. When the controller determines the second traffic control has become active 126, a second strobe coupled to the power supply of the second traffic control is activated or turned on 130. The controller 70 continues to monitor for activation of the second traffic control as at loop 128. Once both traffic controllers are in place the workers may place markers or barriers 1332 to define the work zone 80 and provide guidance to the motorists.

(13) The controller remains active and monitors the control signals to the traffic controllers 30 and 50; see flowchart connector 134 between FIGS. 2 and 3, decision 136 and loop 140. When both traffic controllers 30 and 50 are in the “stop” position, then the controller deactivates 142 or turns off the first and second strobes associated with the first and second controllers 30 and 50. The controller 70 remains active in and idle mode, 144 and loop 150, and continues to monitor power or deactivation of the traffic controllers 30 and 50; see decision 146. When power is turned off or deactivated to either of the traffic controllers 148 then the controller 70 activates or powers up the first and second strobes 152. The controller 70 includes a timer that keeps the strobes powered a sufficient time to allow workers to remove the traffic controllers 30 and 50 from the work zone; see decision 154 and loop 158. Once the preset time has elapsed 156 the controller again deactivates the strobes 160.

(14) With reference now to FIGS. 4-6 the components of programmable control board 200 will be described in greater detail. Multiple boards 200 may be coupled to the traffic controllers 30 and 50 and controller 70 and may be programmed (as host and slave) to perform the above described functions. Each control board 200 may include IC board 210 to which components are electrically coupled. Electrical junction 212 includes electrical inputs from power supplies, the strobes and the traffic controller. Electrical junction 214 provides electrical interconnection between external control software and programming chips. Electrical junction 276 provides electrical connection between the strobes and strobe control chip 260. Shottkey diodes 220, 222, 224, and 228 are used in conjunction with power to various activity detectors. Programmable process control chip 236 and power chip 232 are coupled to the various electrical components to allow control of the strobes in accordance with the above described process. Timing switch 250 and knob 252 allow a user to control the amount of time the probes remain activated when the AFAD's are being removed. Detent switch 240 and configuration switches 270 and 272 allow a user to manually control the implemented configuration controlling activation and deactivation of the strobes. Diodes 286 and 288 are electrically coupled to green and red LED's that are coupled to process chip control 236. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to control board 200 to further implement the control of strobes during the installation and removal of road construction safety devices without parting from the scope of the invention.

(15) These and various other aspects and features of the invention are described with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. This invention has been described herein with detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically different constructions, and that various modifications, both as to the construction and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appended claims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in the open ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated may also be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this document.