WO2016083817A1

WO2016083817A1 - Apparatus for traffic control system

Info

Publication number: WO2016083817A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053612
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin NEATE; Victor BAIN
Original assignee: Neatebox Limited
Priority date: 2014-11-28
Filing date: 2015-11-26
Publication date: 2016-06-02
Also published as: GB2558020A; GB201710152D0; GB201421220D0; GB2558020B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power supply arrangement (60) for providing electrical power to monitoring apparatus. The power supply arrangement is for use with a traffic control system. The power supply arrangement (60) comprises a rectifier arrangement (68) which is configured to be connected to a source of alternating current (AC) power (62, 64) comprised in the traffic control system, to draw an AC signal from the source and to provide a first direct current (DC) signal in dependence thereon. The power supply arrangement further comprises a regulation circuit (72) configured to receive the first DC signal and to provide in dependence thereon a second DC signal for providing power to circuitry comprised in the monitoring apparatus, the regulation circuit (72) being configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least fifty percent.

Description

Title of Invention: Apparatus for traffic control system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a power supply arrangement configured to draw electrical power from a traffic control system, such as a road vehicle traffic control system, and which is configured to provide electrical power to monitoring apparatus, such as is configured to monitor the status of the traffic control system and to inform a sight impaired person or the like when it is safe to cross a carriageway. The present invention also relates to monitoring apparatus which comprises such a power supply arrangement and which is configured for use with a traffic control system. The present invention further relates to a traffic control system comprising such a power supply arrangement.

Background Art

Pedestrian operable road crossing traffic control systems are known. A typical road crossing traffic control system appropriate for a single carriageway comprises two traffic signal light arrangements with one traffic signal light arrangement being installed on one side of the carriageway and the other traffic signal light arrangement being installed on the other side of the carriageway. In many countries each traffic signal light arrangement is configured to selectively display green, amber and red lights to road vehicles travelling along the carriageway in each direction. The typical road crossing traffic control system further comprises a pedestrian operable control mounted on each traffic signal light arrangement. Upon operation by a pedestrian, such as by pressing of a button, the road crossing traffic control system is operative to change the display of green lights to red lights to passing road vehicles to thereby stop the road vehicles and provide for safe crossing of the carriageway by the pedestrian. The road crossing traffic control system is further operative to maintain display of the red lights for a predetermined period of time considered sufficient to allow the pedestrian to cross the carriageway. Normally the road crossing traffic control system comprises a pedestrian signalling system which is operative to provide a visible and sometimes audible signal to the pedestrian when it is safe to cross the carriageway.

The pedestrian signalling systems of road crossing traffic control systems are predominantly visual. For example pedestrian signalling systems display a red sign when it is unsafe to cross and a green sign it is safe to cross. Not all pedestrian signalling systems provide an audible notification when it is safe to cross. Where pedestrian signalling systems are configured to provide audible notification, the audible notification is often switched off at certain times, such as at night, to avoid disturbing persons nearby. Also, where there are two or more road crossing traffic control systems in proximity, there may be no audible notification provided by each road crossing traffic control system to prevent an audible notification from one road crossing traffic control system being mistaken as coming from another road crossing traffic control system. Blind or visually impaired persons may therefore encounter difficulties in crossing a carriageway when assisted by such road crossing traffic control systems. Arrangements to provide for improved safety in use of road crossing traffic control systems by the blind and visually impaired are known. Such arrangements comprise a device held by the blind or visually impaired person. The device is operative to receive signals from the road crossing traffic control system that reflect the current status of the road crossing traffic control system and is further operative to provide an audible signal to the person in dependence on the received signals as to when it is unsafe and safe to cross the carriageway. The present inventors have become appreciative of shortcomings in known arrangements that provide for improved safety during use of road crossing traffic control systems. The present invention has been devised in the light of the inventors' appreciation of such shortcomings.

It is therefore an object for the present invention to provide improved monitoring apparatus for use with a traffic control system. It is a further object for the present invention to provide a traffic control system comprising improved monitoring apparatus. It is a yet further object for the present invention to provide a power supply arrangement which is configured to provide electrical power to monitoring apparatus.

Statement of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a power supply arrangement for providing electrical power to monitoring apparatus, the power supply arrangement being for use with a traffic control system, the power supply

arrangement comprising:

a rectifier arrangement which is configured to be connected to a source of alternating current (AC) power comprised in the traffic control system, to draw an AC signal from the source and to provide a first direct current (DC) signal in dependence thereon; and

a regulation circuit configured to receive the first DC signal and to provide in dependence thereon a second DC signal for providing power to circuitry comprised in the monitoring apparatus, the regulation circuit being configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least fifty percent.

The power supply arrangement may be brought into use, for example, by installation along with the monitoring apparatus beside a traffic signal light arrangement such as in a known timing control box which comprises circuitry for controlling operation of the traffic signal light arrangements or in a known pedestrian operable control mounted on a traffic signal light arrangement. The monitoring apparatus may be configured to provide for communication with a portable electronic device carried by a pedestrian, for example, to provide the pedestrian with notification as to the status of the traffic control system by way of the portable electronic device. A pedestrian who is blind or who has impaired sight may be therefore able to cross the

carriageway more safely than in the absence of the monitoring apparatus. By way of further example, the monitoring apparatus may be configured to provide for control of the traffic control system by the pedestrian by way of the portable electronic device to provide for safer crossing of the carriageway by the pedestrian than in the absence of the monitoring apparatus. A pedestrian who is physically disabled or infirm and thus less able to cross the carriageway in the time normally allowed by the traffic control system may control the traffic control system to provide an extended crossing time. The form and function of the monitoring apparatus is described in more detail below.

The present inventors have become appreciative that traffic control systems, such as road traffic control systems, draw electrical power from alternating current (AC) power sources of widely varying voltage levels. For example older road traffic control systems draw electrical power from mains power sources. More recent road traffic control systems comprise AC power sources of a voltage level of 50 volts or less. Indeed there is wide variation when one considers mains power sources alone with different countries having different voltage levels, such as 120 volts in the US, 220 volts in China and 240 volts in Norway. Accommodating such wide variation in AC power source voltage levels would involve designing a power supply

arrangement for each power source voltage level or at least designing several power supply arrangements with each power supply arrangement being capable of accommodating a relatively small variation in supply voltage. Alternatively a dedicated power supply of predetermined voltage level could be installed. None of these approaches is practicable or commercially attractive. The present inventors have therefore devised a power supply arrangement for providing power to a monitoring apparatus of a form as described herein and which comprises a rectifier arrangement and a regulation circuit. The rectifier arrangement is configured to be connected to a source of AC power comprised in the traffic control system. More specifically the source of AC power may form an integral part of the traffic control system. Where the monitoring apparatus is installed later than the traffic control system, the source of AC power may be present already upon installation of the monitoring apparatus. The power supply arrangement itself and the monitoring apparatus may lack a source of AC power that is received by the rectifier arrangement. The source of AC power may therefore be comprised in apparatus apart from the power supply arrangement and the monitoring apparatus. The regulation circuit receives a first DC signal from the rectifier arrangement and provides in dependence thereon a second DC signal with the regulation circuit being configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least fifty percent. The second DC signal is for providing electrical power to circuitry comprised in the monitoring apparatus. Such a power supply arrangement obviates the need for installation of a dedicated source of AC power or design of a dedicated power supply arrangement. A power supply arrangement according to the invention therefore may be used with sources of AC power of widely varying voltage levels, such as already installed sources of AC power, and indeed in different countries with different mains voltage levels.

The regulation circuit may be configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% such as a variation from a lowest first DC signal level. The regulation circuit may be configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least 100%, 200%, 300% or 400% such as a variation from a lowest first DC signal level. The regulation circuit may be configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while

accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least 250%, 500%, 750%, 1000% or 1250% such as a variation from a lowest first DC signal level.

The rectifier arrangement may comprise at least one half-wave rectifier. A half wave rectifier may be configured to draw an AC signal from solely one source of alternating current (AC) power. The rectifier arrangement may comprise plural rectifiers, such as half-wave rectifiers. Each of the plural rectifiers may draw an AC signal from a different source of AC power. A rectifier may comprise a signal detection circuit which determines a signal level at an input to the rectifier and provides an output signal in dependence thereon, the output signal corresponding to sufficient or insufficient presence of an AC signal at the input to the rectifier. The signal detection circuit may comprise a peak detect circuit, such as an appropriately configured RC circuit. The signal detection circuit may be operative to compare an AC signal, such as a voltage, at the input to the rectifier with a predetermined value. For example, the signal detection circuit may be operative to compare the voltage of the AC signal with a predetermined value of 20 volts. The power supply

arrangement may be operative to selectively provide an output from at least one of the plural rectifiers and perhaps solely one of the plural rectifiers in dependence on an output signal from at least one signal detection circuit. More specifically the power supply arrangement may be operative to selectively provide an output from at least one of the plural rectifiers in dependence on a comparison between an output from at least one signal detection circuit and a predetermined value. Operation of a signal detection circuit may provide for determination as to whether or not there is a sufficient level of AC signal for proper operation of the regulation circuit.

Furthermore and where there are plural signal detection circuits with each signal detection circuit being operative with a different source of AC power, a source of AC power may be selectively provided to the regulation circuit by way of the rectifier arrangement in dependence on operation of the plural signal detection circuits.

Where there are plural sources of AC power, a best one of the plural sources of AC power may thus be provided to the regulation circuit by way of the rectifier arrangement. Traffic signal light arrangements often comprise plural sources of AC power such as a source of power for each of red, amber and green lights of a traffic signal light arrangement. A power supply arrangement configured to receive AC power from such a traffic signal light arrangement may be advantageous in respect of providing the second DC signal on an uninterrupted or less interrupted basis and, for example, with less reliance on the like of an electric battery. The regulation circuit may comprise a step-down regulator. The regulation circuit therefore may be operative to provide at least one low level DC signal. The regulation circuit may comprise a switching regulator and more specifically a buck regulator. The regulation circuit may be configured to receive a voltage of at least 2.5 volts, 5 volts, 7.5 volts, 10 volts, 12.5 volts or 15 volts. The regulation circuit may be configured to receive a voltage of no more than 150 volts, 125 volts, 100 volts, 75 volts, 50 volts or 25 volts. The power supply arrangement may further comprise a DC to DC converter which is configured to receive an output from the regulation circuit and provide a third DC signal in dependence thereon. The DC to DC converter may be configured such that the third DC signal has a voltage level lower than a voltage level of the second DC signal. More specifically the DC to DC converter may be configured such that the third DC signal has a voltage level corresponding to a standard logic power supply level, such as 1 .5 volts, 1 .8 volts, 2.5 volts, 3.3 volts or 5 volts. The second DC signal therefore may be of a higher voltage level sufficient for providing electrical power to an electrical arrangement, such as a relay or electric battery, which requires a voltage supply level higher than a standard logic power supply level. The second DC signal may have a voltage level higher than 1 .5 volts, 1 .8 volts, 2.5 volts, 3.3 volts or 5 volts. In one form, the second DC signal may have a voltage level of 6 volts.

The power supply arrangement may comprise an electric battery and more specifically a rechargeable electric battery. The rechargeable electric battery may be recharged by the regulation circuit. The electric battery may be operative to provide electrical power to the monitoring apparatus in the absence of the second DC signal such as where no AC source of sufficient voltage level is available. The power supply arrangement may be configured to supply electrical power to the monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus may be configured to monitor a status of the traffic control system. For example the monitoring apparatus may be configured to determine a status of a traffic signal light arrangement such as in respect of whether a pedestrian guidance indicator is displaying a green crossing sign or a red crossing sign to pedestrians. Furthermore the monitoring apparatus may be configured to control the traffic control system. For example the monitoring apparatus may be configured to control a traffic signal light arrangement comprised in the traffic control system, The form and function of the monitoring apparatus is described further below.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is therefore provided monitoring apparatus comprising a power supply arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention. The power supply arrangement may be operative to provide electrical power to electrical circuits comprised in the monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus may be configured to at least one of: monitor a status of a traffic control system from which the power supply arrangement draws electrical power; and control a traffic control system from which the power supply arrangement draws electrical power.

The monitoring apparatus may be configured to measure at least one signal in the traffic control system to thereby determine a status of the traffic control system. For example the monitoring apparatus may be configured to measure at least one signal in a pedestrian signalling system such as signals associated with operation of red man and green man lights comprised in the pedestrian signalling system. The monitoring apparatus may comprise conversion circuitry and more specifically analogue to digital conversion circuitry which is operative to convert such a signal to a digital form. There may be communication with a portable electronic device in dependence on the determined status as is described further below.

The monitoring apparatus may be configured for communication with a portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone carried by a pedestrian. More specifically the monitoring apparatus may be configured for wireless communication with the portable electronic device. The monitoring apparatus may comprise a radio frequency transceiver to provide for such wireless communication. The radio frequency transceiver may be operative in accordance with a wireless personal area network protocol such as Bluetooth® and more specifically Bluetooth® Low Energy (Bluetooth® LE). Where the monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor a status of a traffic control system, the monitoring apparatus may convey the monitored status to a pedestrian by way of the radio frequency transceiver to the pedestrian's portable electronic device. The pedestrian's portable electronic device may convey the monitored status to the pedestrian in a form more readily visually perceived than, for example, a pedestrian guidance indicator or in a form which is audibly

perceptible. A pedestrian who is blind or visually impaired may thus be able to determine the status of the traffic control system. Where the monitoring apparatus is configured to control a traffic control system, the monitoring apparatus may receive control data from a pedestrian's portable electronic device by way of the radio frequency transceiver. A pedestrian may therefore exert control over the traffic control system by way of operation of his portable electronic device. A blind or visually impaired person may have difficulty in locating a pedestrian operable control mounted on a traffic signal light arrangement. Control of the traffic control system by way of the portable electronic device may be more readily accomplished by a blind or visually impaired person than by known means of control.

The monitoring apparatus may be configured to drive at least one relay and perhaps plural relays comprised in the traffic control system. The at least one relay

comprised in the traffic control system may be configured to operate a traffic signal light arrangement by, for example, turning on and off a red light displayed to vehicles. The capability of the monitoring apparatus to drive the at least one relay may provide for normal operation of the traffic control system to be over-ridden by the monitoring apparatus. For example a user, such as a pedestrian, may change a length of time that vehicles are stopped by way of the traffic signal light arrangement. A normal pedestrian crossing time is determined frequently on the basis of a pedestrian moving at 1 .2 metres per second. A pedestrian who is physically infirm or disabled may require more to time cross a carriageway and therefore a slower speed of movement, such as 1 metre per second or 0.6 metres per second, may be more appropriate. The monitoring apparatus may comprise a relay driver arrangement which is configured to drive at least one relay. Where the monitoring apparatus comprises a DC to DC converter, the second DC voltage from the regulator may provide electrical power for the relay driver arrangement.

The monitoring apparatus may be configured to actuate a loudspeaker arrangement comprised in the traffic control system. The loudspeaker arrangement may be comprised in a pedestrian signalling system of the traffic control system. Many traffic control systems are operative to emit an audible signal when it is safe to cross the carriageway. However in urban areas traffic control systems are often configured to disable the audible signal after 9pm so as not to disturb nearby residents. Also where there are two or more traffic control systems in close proximity, audible signals are often disabled to avoid the audible signal emitted by one traffic control system being mistaken as coming from another traffic control system. This presents a problem for blind or visually impaired pedestrians. Configuring the monitoring apparatus to override disabling of the audible signal may address this problem. The monitoring apparatus may therefore comprise a loudspeaker driver arrangement. More specifically the loudspeaker driver arrangement may be configured to generate a driver signal sufficient to actuate a loudspeaker arrangement comprised in the traffic control system. For example the driver signal may be of sufficient voltage and current level to turn on the loudspeaker arrangement. Alternatively or in addition, the loudspeaker driver arrangement may be configured to actuate a switch arrangement comprised in the traffic control system, the switch arrangement being operative to turn on and off the loudspeaker arrangement.

A monitoring arrangement may comprise a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer and the monitoring apparatus. In use the portable electronic device is carried by a pedestrian. The monitoring arrangement may further comprise features described hereinabove in respect of the monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus of the monitoring arrangement may be installed on or nearby a traffic control system and may be operative to monitor and perhaps also control the traffic control system, with the portable electronic device of the monitoring arrangement being carried by a pedestrian.

The portable electronic device may be configured for communication with the monitoring apparatus. More specifically the portable electronic device may be configured for wireless communication with the monitoring apparatus. The portable electronic device may comprise a radio frequency transceiver to provide for such wireless communication. The radio frequency transceiver may be operative in accordance with a wireless personal area network protocol such as Bluetooth® and more specifically Bluetooth® Low Energy (Bluetooth® LE). The portable electronic device may be configured to convey information to the user of the portable electronic device, for example, a pedestrian. The portable electronic device may be configured to convey information at least one of visually and audibly. For example upon receiving data from the monitoring apparatus which indicates that it is safe to cross a carriageway, the portable electronic device may be operative to display an appropriate sign and to produce an appropriate sound message such as by way of a synthetic voice. Further embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention.

The power supply arrangement may be configured for use with a traffic control system. The traffic control system may be a road vehicle traffic control system and more specifically a road vehicle traffic control system which is configured for control by pedestrians. The traffic control system may therefore comprise at least one traffic signal light arrangement which is installed and perhaps permanently installed by the roadside. The traffic control system may also comprise a pedestrian signalling system of a form described above. In accordance with known practice such a traffic control system may comprise a pedestrian operable control which upon operation provides for signalling to and thereby stopping of road vehicles by way of the traffic signal light arrangement. Furthermore the traffic control system may be configured to signal to and thereby stop road vehicles for a predetermined period whereby one or more pedestrians may cross the road safely. Where the traffic control system comprises a pedestrian signalling system, the pedestrian signalling system may comprise a pedestrian guidance indicator which is operative to provide visible indication to a pedestrian when it is safe to cross a carriageway.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a traffic control system comprising a power supply arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention. The power supply arrangement may draw electrical power from the traffic control system. The traffic control system may further comprise monitoring apparatus as described hereinabove. The power supply arrangement may be operative to provide electrical power to the monitoring apparatus. Further embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect or second aspect of the present invention. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pedestrian crossing system comprising a power supply arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention. The power supply arrangement may draw electrical power from the pedestrian crossing system. The pedestrian crossing system may be comprised in a traffic control system. The pedestrian crossing system may thus constitute apparatus apart from components of the traffic control system which are operative to regulate the passage of traffic along a carriageway. The pedestrian crossing system may comprise at least one of a pedestrian operable control and a pedestrian signalling system of a form as described above. The pedestrian crossing system may further comprise a monitoring apparatus as described hereinabove. The power supply arrangement may be operative to provide electrical power to the monitoring apparatus. Further embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect or second aspect of the present invention. The present inventors have appreciated that the use of wireless communication between a portable electronic device and monitoring apparatus may give rise to difficulties when the portable electronic device is within communication range of two or more monitoring apparatus installed on different traffic control systems. For example an intersection of two carriageways may comprise a first traffic control system regulating traffic flow on a first carriageway and a second traffic control system regulating traffic flow on a second carriageway. Monitoring apparatus installed on the first and second traffic control systems may be sufficiently close that a portable electronic device may be liable to be in wireless communication with both monitoring apparatus. Such confusion between traffic control systems is

undesirable. The present invention in another aspect has been devised in the light of the inventors' appreciation of this problem. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is therefore provided a monitoring arrangement for monitoring a status of at least one of a traffic control system, such as a road traffic control system, and a pedestrian crossing system, the monitoring arrangement comprising:

monitoring apparatus which is configured to determine a status of at least one of a traffic control system and a pedestrian crossing system; and

a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, which is configured to receive a signal corresponding to the determined status from the monitoring apparatus by way of wireless communication and to convey the determined status to a user of the portable electronic device,

the monitoring apparatus being configured to select one of plural ranges of wireless communication between the monitoring apparatus and the portable electronic device.

The monitoring apparatus is configured to determine a status of a traffic control system or a pedestrian crossing system. The monitoring apparatus may therefore be installed on the traffic control system or the pedestrian crossing system, for example, after installation of the traffic control system or the pedestrian crossing system. The monitoring apparatus may be configured to determine a status of at least one of a pedestrian signalling system of the pedestrian crossing system and a traffic signal light arrangement of the traffic control system. The status may be in respect of at least one of when it is safe to cross a carriageway and when it is unsafe to cross a carriageway as, for example, reflected by operation of a pedestrian signalling system. The monitoring apparatus therefore may be configured to determine a status of a pedestrian signalling system and more specifically in respect of at least one of: a signal provided by the pedestrian signalling system; and a control of the pedestrian signalling system.

A signal provided by the pedestrian signalling system may be a visible signal, such as a green man or red man, or an audible signal, such as an audible signal which is emitted when it is safe to cross a carriageway. Alternatively or in addition, a signal provided by the pedestrian signalling system may be susceptible to tactile

perception. More specifically the pedestrian signalling system may be configured such that a part of the pedestrian signalling system moves, such as when it is safe to cross a carriageway. A pedestrian may determine by touch when the part is moving and thereby ascertain when it is safe to cross. In accordance with known practice the part may be a cone provided on an underside of a pedestrian operable control mounted on a traffic signal light arrangement with the cone rotating when it is safe to cross the carriageway. A control of the pedestrian signalling system may comprise a switch comprised in a pedestrian operable control. The switch may be, for example, a push button which is pressed by a pedestrian when he or she wishes to cross a carriageway. The status of a pedestrian signalling system may be reflected by an electrical signal of the pedestrian signalling system such as an electrical signal that provides for actuation of a light which provides a visible signal or actuation of a loudspeaker which provides an audible signal or an electrical signal that is generated in dependence on operation of a control of the pedestrian signalling system. The monitoring apparatus may be configured to detect such an electrical signal where the presence of an electrical signal of predetermined voltage level is indicative of a certain status. More specifically the monitoring apparatus may comprise a logic gate or the like which is operative to sense the electrical signal. Alternatively or in addition the monitoring apparatus may be configured to measure such an electrical signal. More specifically the monitoring apparatus may comprise an analogue to digital converter which is operative to measure the electrical signal.

The monitoring apparatus is configured to select one of plural ranges of wireless communication between the monitoring apparatus and the portable electronic device. More specifically a signal power level of a wireless transceiver comprised in the monitoring apparatus may be changed to select one of the plural ranges of wireless communication. Increasing the signal power level may increase the range and, conversely, reducing the signal power level may reduce the range. Where there is no other traffic control system in proximity, a greatest range of wireless communication may be selected. Where there is another traffic control system relatively nearby, a medium range of wireless communication may be selected.

Where there is another traffic control system very nearby, a short range of wireless communication may be selected. The plural ranges of wireless communication may be predetermined. The monitoring apparatus therefore may be configured in respect of the plural ranges of wireless communication. The topography of traffic control systems may be determined and a conclusion drawn in respect of likelihood of confusion between traffic control systems whereby one of the plural ranges of wireless communication may be selected. The selected range of wireless communication may then be stored in the monitoring apparatus whereby during use the appropriate one of the plural ranges of wireless communication is selected. The selection of one of plural ranges of wireless communication therefore may be predetermined. Thus each monitoring apparatus may be configured for appropriate operation having regard to the topography surrounding the traffic control system with which the monitoring apparatus is operative.

Further embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a monitoring arrangement for monitoring a status of at least one of a traffic control system and a pedestrian crossing system and controlling at least one of the traffic control system and the pedestrian crossing system, the monitoring arrangement comprising:

a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, which is configured to receive a first signal corresponding to the determined status from the monitoring apparatus and to convey the determined status to a user of the portable electronic device and which is user operable to control at least one of the traffic control system and the pedestrian crossing system by way of a second signal conveyed from the portable electronic device to the monitoring apparatus.

In use, a user, such as a pedestrian, following receipt of status information from the monitoring apparatus operates the portable electronic device to control the traffic control system or pedestrian crossing system by way of a second signal conveyed to the monitoring apparatus from the portable electronic device. Control may be in respect of when an information sign comprised in the traffic control system or the pedestrian crossing system is operative. For example the information sign may comprise a pedestrian information sign such as a green sign which indicates when it is safe for a pedestrian to cross a carriageway or an audible sign which is emitted when it is safe for a pedestrian to cross a carriageway. The control may be in respect of determining a length of time that the information sign is operative, for example, by increasing a length of time that a green sign is displayed to a

pedestrian. More specifically the monitoring apparatus may be configured to drive at least one relay and perhaps plural relays comprised in the traffic control system or the pedestrian crossing system as described hereinabove. Alternatively or in addition the control may be in respect of providing for emission of an audible sign such as when emission of the audible sign is disabled as described hereinabove.

Further embodiments of the further aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a power supply arrangement for providing electrical power to an electrical load, such as monitoring apparatus, the power supply arrangement being for use with at least one of a traffic control system and a pedestrian crossing system, the power supply arrangement comprising: a rectifier arrangement which is configured to be connected to a source of alternating current (AC) power comprised in at least one of the traffic control system and the pedestrian crossing system, to draw an AC signal from the source and to provide a first direct current (DC) signal in dependence thereon; and a regulation circuit configured to receive the first DC signal and to provide in

dependence thereon a second DC signal for providing power to circuitry comprised in the electrical load. Embodiments of the yet further aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a road traffic control system comprising the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram representation of a monitoring arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a block diagram representation of a power supply arrangement comprised in the monitoring arrangement of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a flow chart representing steps of operation of the monitoring apparatus comprised in the monitoring arrangement of Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is a flow chart representation of steps of operation of the smartphone comprised in the monitoring arrangement of Figure 2.

Description of Embodiments

A view of an example of a road vehicle traffic control system 10 comprising the present invention is shown in Figure 1 . The road vehicle traffic control system 10 comprises a first traffic signal light arrangement 12 and a second traffic signal light arrangement 14 which are disposed on opposite sides of a road 16 which has two carriageways on which road vehicles travel in opposite directions. A pedestrian crossing 18 is defined on the road 16 by way of markings. The first traffic signal light arrangement 12 is disposed on a first side of the road on one side of the pedestrian crossing 18 and the second traffic signal light arrangement 14 is disposed on a second opposite side of the road on the other side of the pedestrian crossing 18. Each of the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14 comprises the known configuration of red, amber and green lights which are oriented on the traffic signal light arrangement such that they are displayed to oncoming road vehicles and such that the red, amber and green lights of the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14 are oppositely directed. In accordance with known practice, the red, amber and green lights of the traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14 are selectively operated to regulate the flow of road vehicles travelling in both directions on the road 16. Each of the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14 further comprises a pedestrian signalling system having the known configuration of red man and green man lights which are oriented on the traffic signal light

arrangement such that they are displayed across the road 16 to pedestrians on the opposite side of the road to the traffic signal light arrangement. A pedestrian operable control 20 is mounted at waist height on each of the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14. In accordance with known practice each pedestrian operable control 20 comprises a push button which is operated by a pedestrian who wishes to cross the road 16. Operation of a push button sends a crossing initiation signal to a known timing control box 22 which is installed beside the road. The timing control box 22 is configured to send actuating signals to the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14 to selectively operate the red, amber and green lights displayed to road vehicles and to selectively operate the red man and green man lights displayed to pedestrians to thereby provide for safe crossing of the road by pedestrians.

Considering Figure 1 further, a monitoring arrangement according to the present invention comprises monitoring apparatus and a smartphone (which constitutes a portable electronic device). The monitoring apparatus is installed either in one of the pedestrian operable controls 20 or in the timing control box 22. The smartphone is carried by a pedestrian.

A block diagram representation of the monitoring arrangement 30 is shown in Figure 2. As mentioned above, the monitoring arrangement 30 comprises monitoring apparatus 32 and a smartphone 34. The smartphone 34 is operative to run an application (or mobile App) in accordance with the present invention and as described below in more detail with reference to Figure 5. Otherwise the

smartphone 34 is of known form and function in respect of comprising, amongst other things, a radio frequency transceiver 36 which is operative in accordance with the Bluetooth® Low Energy (Bluetooth® LE) protocol. Each pedestrian who wishes to use the present invention downloads the mobile App to his or her smartphone 34. The monitoring arrangement 30 may thus comprise plural smartphones 34 with each smartphone 34 configured to operate in accordance with the present invention by way of the mobile App.

Considering Figure 1 further, the monitoring apparatus 32 comprises a

microcontroller 38 of known form and function and a radio frequency transceiver 40 which is operative in accordance with the Bluetooth® Low Energy (Bluetooth® LE) protocol. The microcontroller 38 is configured by way of firmware to receive data from the radio frequency transceiver 40 and to decode the received data and to encode data which is then transmitted by way of the radio frequency transceiver 40. The monitoring apparatus 32 and the smartphone 34 are therefore configured to provide for communication of data therebetween by way of their respective radio frequency transceivers 36, 40. The microcontroller 38 is further configured to provide for control of the monitoring apparatus 32 as described in more detail below and in particular with reference to Figure 4. More specifically the microcontroller 38 comprises an analogue to digital converter, a digital to analogue converter and digital input and output lines. The monitoring apparatus 32 further comprises a power supply arrangement 42 which is configured to receive electrical power from plural AC power sources comprised in the road vehicle traffic control system 10 of Figure 1 and to provide a regulated DC signal of 6 volts and a regulated DC signal of 3.3 volts. The power supply arrangement 42 is described in detail below with reference to Figure 3. In addition the monitoring apparatus 32 comprises plural driver circuits 44 which are configured to provide electrical signals of appropriate voltage and current to drive a loudspeaker and relays comprised in the road vehicle traffic control system 10. Each of the plural driver circuits 44 receives an input from either the digital to analogue converter or a digital output line comprised in the microcontroller 38. The monitoring apparatus 32 also comprises interface circuitry 46 which is operative to receive signals from the red man and green man lights of the pedestrian signalling system and to condition the received signals before the conditioned received signals are received by the analogue to digital converter comprised in the microcontroller 38. The analogue to digital converter converts the conditioned received signals to digital form for subsequent processing by the microcontroller 38.

The power supply arrangement 42 comprised in the monitoring apparatus of Figure 2 will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The power supply arrangement 60 of Figure 3 comprises plural pairs of live 62 and return 64 connectors and a polymeric positive temperature coefficient device (or polyfuse device) 66 in each of the plural live inputs to the power supply arrangement. A first pair of live 62 and return 64 connectors is connected to an AC supply to the red man light of the pedestrian signalling system and a second pair of live 62 and return 64 connectors is connected to an AC supply to the green man light of the pedestrian signalling system. Although not shown in Figure 3, the power supply arrangement 60 comprises third and further pairs of live 62 and return 64 connectors which are connected to further AC supplies in the road vehicle traffic control system 10 such as AC supplies to the red, amber and green lights of the first and second traffic signal light arrangements 12, 14. The power supply arrangement 60 also comprises plural half-wave rectifiers 68 with each half-wave rectifier configured to rectify an AC signal from a respective one of the plural pairs of live 62 and return 64 connectors. Each half-wave rectifier is of known form and comprises a diode in each of the live and return lines, with the diodes being of opposite polarity. Respective ones of the live and return lines on the side of the half-wave rectifiers 68 opposite from the live 62 and return 64 connectors are connected together. The power supply arrangement 60 further comprises a capacitor 70 between the connected together live lines and the connected together return lines.

The power supply arrangement 60 of Figure 3 yet further comprises a first DC to DC converter (which constitutes a regulation circuit) 72, a second DC to DC converter 74 and a rechargeable battery 76. The first DC to DC converter 72 is an LM 5018 from Texas Instruments which is capable of maintaining a 6 volt output whilst

accommodating a change in input voltage between 7.5 volts and 100 volts. The first DC to DC converter 72 receives at its input the output from the half-wave rectifiers 68. The second DC to DC converter 74 is a TPS560200 from Texas Instruments which receives at its input the 6 volt output from the first DC to DC converter 72 and provides a 3.3 volt output in dependence thereon. The 3.3 volt output from the second DC to DC converter 74 is a standard logic power supply level for providing power to integrated circuits, active electronic components and passive electronic components comprised in the monitoring apparatus 32. The battery 76 is connected to the output from the first DC to DC converter 72 to provide thereby for charging of the battery 76. Although not shown in Figure 3, the power supply arrangement 60 comprises known circuitry for monitoring and controlling the charging of the battery 76. The battery 76 is operative to provide electrical power to circuitry of the monitoring apparatus 32 in the absence of electrical power from the live and return connectors 62, 64.

The power supply arrangement 60 of Figure 3 also comprises plural signal detection circuits 78 with each signal detection circuit being configured to sense a voltage between a respective pair of live and return lines before rectification. Each signal detection circuit 78 comprises an RC circuit configured as a peak detect circuit with an output from the peak detect circuit being received by the analogue to digital converter comprised in the microcontroller 38. The microcontroller 38 is thus operative to determine a voltage between pairs of live and return lines and to compare each determined voltage with a threshold value of 20 volts to determine whether or not a pair of live and return lines supports a sufficient voltage for proper operation of the first DC to DC converter 72. The microcontroller 38 is further operative to determine that electrical power is to be drawn from the battery 76 and provides for closing of a switch (not shown) by way of one of the digital output lines comprised in the microcontroller 38 whereby the second DC to DC converter 74 draws current from the battery. In certain forms, the microcontroller 38 is operative to determine that a certain combination of outputs from the rectifiers 68 provides for optimal supply of electrical power and is operative accordingly by way of closing of switches (not shown) by way of digital output lines comprised in the microcontroller 38 to connect outputs from the rectifiers 68 to the first DC to DC converter 72.

Operation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the flow charts shown in Figures 4 and 5.

Steps of operation of the monitoring apparatus 32 are shown in Figure 4 in flow chart form 100. The creation of appropriate firmware which runs on the microprocessor 38 of the monitoring apparatus 32 and which is operative to perform the steps shown in Figure 4 and described below will be within the scope of the ordinary design skills of the person skilled in the art. Upon installation of the monitoring apparatus, a field for the crossing configuration, which is stored in local memory, is set as appropriate by making a selection from: no other traffic control system nearby; another traffic control system relatively nearby; and another traffic control system very nearby. Also three corresponding power levels are stored in local memory in a power level field, namely: high power; medium power; and low power. Following power up or reset of the monitoring apparatus 102, the crossing configuration is read from local memory 104. Then the corresponding power level is read 106 from local memory. Thus the low power level is read where the crossing configuration is for another traffic control system very nearby, the medium power level is read where the crossing

configuration is for another traffic control system relatively nearby and the high power level is read where the crossing configuration is for no other traffic control system nearby. The range of the radio frequency transceiver 40 of the monitoring apparatus 32 is then set 108 in dependence on the read power level with the low power level providing for short range, the medium power level providing for medium range and the high power level providing for long range.

Thereafter the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators which involves reading at least one of: the push button of the pedestrian operable control 20, 1 10; the rotating cone where provided on the pedestrian operable control 20, 1 12; green man light of the pedestrian signalling system 1 14; and the red man light of the pedestrian signalling system 1 16. Whether not these status indicators are available to be read depends on the type of traffic control system. After each available status indicator has been read, the Bluetooth® LE advertising packet is updated to reflect the current status 1 18. Then the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to determine whether or not a connection request has been received 120 by way of the radio frequency transceiver 40. If not, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators again with this process repeating until a connection request is received. The monitoring apparatus 32 then determines whether or not the connection request is from the smartphone 34, 122. If not, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators again with this process repeating until a connection request is received from the smartphone 34, 122. If a connection request is received from the smartphone, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to allow for communication with the smartphone 34, 124. The monitoring apparatus 32 then determines whether or not a change button relay command 126 is received from the smartphone 34. If not, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to determine whether not the power level determined at step 108 above should be changed depending on further circumstances 128. An example of such a further circumstance is the monitoring apparatus 32 determining that it is in communication with two or more smartphones 34. According to this particular example, the power level determined at step 108 is reduced 130 to provide for communication with only one smartphone 34. Thereafter the monitoring apparatus 32 returns to step 1 10 whereby the monitoring apparatus is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators again. If the monitoring apparatus 32 determines that there is no need for a change in power level the monitoring apparatus returns to step 1 10 whereby the monitoring apparatus is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators again. If, at step 126, the monitoring apparatus 32 determines that a change button relay command 126 has been received from the smartphone 34 the monitoring apparatus is operative to change the relay state 132 by way of the driver circuits 44 described above with reference to Figure 2. As described below with reference to Figure 5, the smartphone 34 may be operative to increase a length of time for which the green crossing sign is displayed. Although not shown in Figure 4, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to determine whether or not a turn on loudspeaker command is received from the smartphone 34. If so, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to turn on a loudspeaker comprised in the traffic control system by way of the driver circuits 44 described above with reference to Figure 2. Thereafter the monitoring apparatus 32 returns to step 1 10 whereby the monitoring apparatus is operative to read each of all appropriate status indicators again.

A flow chart representation 200 of steps of operation of the smartphone comprised in the monitoring arrangement of Figure 2 is shown in Figure 5. The creation of appropriate software which runs on the smartphone 34 and which is operative to perform the steps shown in Figure 5 and described below will be within the scope of the ordinary design skills of the person skilled in the art. After the App which is resident on the smartphone 34 starts 202, the smartphone is operative under direction of the App to determine whether or not a crossing has been detected 204 by way of the communication link between the smartphone 34 and the monitoring apparatus 32 with the present step being repeated until a crossing is detected.

When a crossing is detected, the App is operative to provide for display of an appropriately configured graphical user interface page on the display screen of the smartphone 34, 206 which conveys an appropriate image to the pedestrian carrying the smartphone 34 and to provide for an appropriate audible message to be conveyed to the pedestrian.

Then the App is operative to determine whether or not the strength of the signal received from the monitoring apparatus 32 is greater than a threshold value 208. If not, the App returns to step 204, i.e. the App reverts to searching for a crossing 209, an appropriately configured graphical user interface page is displayed on the display screen of the smartphone 34, and an appropriate audible message is provided to the pedestrian by the smartphone. If the strength of the signal is not greater than the threshold value this reflects the smartphone being out of range of the crossing, for example, by being too far away from the crossing or, where there is another crossing, by being at the other crossing. If the strength of the signal received from the monitoring apparatus 32 is greater than the threshold value, the App is operative to read the Bluetooth® LE advertising packet received from the monitoring apparatus 210. As described above with reference to Figure 4, the Bluetooth® LE advertising packet is updated at step 1 18 to reflect the current status of the crossing. The App then analyses the content of the Bluetooth® LE advertising packet to determine if the red crossing sign is operative 212 and, if not, to determine if the green crossing sign is operative 214. If not, the App proceeds to step 220 which is described below. If so, the App is operative to provide for display of an appropriately configured graphical user interface page on the display screen of the smartphone 34 which conveys a 'green man displayed' image to the pedestrian carrying the smartphone 34, 216 and to provide for an appropriate audible message to be conveyed to the pedestrian by the smartphone. The pedestrian can then cross the carriageway. As mentioned above, the App is configured to allow the pedestrian to increase the length of time allowed for crossing and to convey an appropriate command to the monitoring apparatus 32 to extend the crossing time as described above with reference to Figure 4. Also the App is configured to allow the pedestrian to turn on the loudspeaker in the crossing where the loudspeaker is turned on, such as often happens in built-up areas at night. While the pedestrian is crossing the carriageway, the App continues to monitor the status of the crossing by returning to step 208 and repeating the subsequent steps. When the pedestrian has crossed the carriageway and has moved out of communication range, the signal received from the monitoring apparatus 32 by the smartphone 34 drops below the threshold value 208 and the App reverts to searching for a crossing 209.

If the App determines at step 212 that the red crossing sign is operative, the App is operative to provide for display of an appropriately configured graphical user interface page on the display screen of the smartphone 34 which conveys a 'red man displayed' image to the pedestrian carrying the smartphone 34, 218 and to provide for an appropriate audible message to be conveyed to the pedestrian by the smartphone. Then the App is operative to determine whether or not the crossing is in 'waiting mode' 220 in dependence on the content of the received Bluetooth® LE advertising packet, which comprises data reflecting the current status of the crossing as determined by the monitoring arrangement comprised in the crossing. If the crossing is in 'waiting mode', this indicates that the push button of the pedestrian operable control 20 has been pressed already 222 and the App returns to step 208 whereby the status of the crossing is monitored prior to, during and after crossing of the carriageway by the pedestrian as described above. If the crossing is not in 'waiting mode', the App is operative to connect the smartphone 34 to the monitoring apparatus 32 and hence the crossing 224 by way of the Bluetooth® LE

communication link. Then the App is operative to send a push button press command by way of the Bluetooth® LE communication link to the monitoring apparatus 32, 226. Upon receipt of the push button press command, the monitoring apparatus 32 is operative to actuate the push button of the pedestrian operable control 20 by way of the driver circuits 44 described above with reference to Figure 2. After actuation of the push button of the pedestrian operable control 20, the App ceases to send a command to the monitoring apparatus 32, 228 and returns to step 208 and the subsequent steps whereby the status of the crossing is monitored prior to, during and after crossing of the carriageway by the pedestrian as described above.

Claims

1 . A power supply arrangement for providing electrical power to monitoring apparatus, the power supply arrangement being for use with a traffic control system, the power supply arrangement comprising:

2. The power supply arrangement according to claim 1 in which the regulation circuit is configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while

accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least 100%.

3. The power supply arrangement according to claim 1 in which the regulation circuit is configured to maintain provision of the second DC signal while

accommodating a variation in the first DC signal of at least 250%.

4. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims in which the rectifier arrangement comprises at least one half-wave rectifier.

5. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims in which the rectifier arrangement comprises plural rectifiers, each of the plural rectifiers drawing an AC signal from a different source of AC power, each rectifier comprising a signal detection circuit which determines a signal level at an input to the rectifier and provides an output signal in dependence thereon, the output signal corresponding to sufficient or insufficient presence of an AC signal at the input to the rectifier.

6. The power supply arrangement according to claim 5 in which the signal detection circuit comprises a peak detect circuit operative to compare an AC signal at the input to the rectifier with a predetermined value, the power supply

arrangement being operative to selectively provide an output from at least one of the plural rectifiers in dependence on an output signal from at least one signal detection circuit.

7. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims in which the regulation circuit comprises a step-down regulator whereby the regulation circuit is operative to provide at least one low level DC signal.

8. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a DC to DC converter which is configured to receive an output from the regulation circuit and provide a third DC signal in dependence thereon, the DC to DC converter being configured such that the third DC signal has a voltage level corresponding to a standard logic power supply level.

9. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims in which the monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor a status of the traffic control system.

10. The power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims in which the monitoring apparatus is configured to control the traffic control system.

1 1 . Monitoring apparatus comprising a power supply arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the power supply arrangement is operative to provide electrical power to electrical circuits comprised in the monitoring apparatus and the monitoring apparatus is configured to at least one of: monitor a status of a traffic control system from which the power supply arrangement draws electrical power; and control a traffic control system from which the power supply arrangement draws electrical power.

12. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 1 configured to measure at least one signal in a pedestrian signalling system comprised in the traffic control system to thereby determine a status of the traffic control system.

13. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 1 or 12 configured for wireless communication with a portable electronic device, the monitoring apparatus being configured to convey monitored status to a pedestrian by way of a portable electronic device.

14. The monitoring apparatus according to claim 13 configured to receive control data from the portable electronic device to thereby control the traffic control system.

15. The monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14 configured to drive at least one relay comprised in the traffic control system, the at least one relay comprised in the traffic control system being configured to operate a traffic signal light arrangement.

16. The monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 15 configured to actuate a loudspeaker arrangement comprised in the traffic control system.

17. A monitoring arrangement comprising a portable electronic device and the monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 16.

18. The monitoring arrangement according to claim 17 in which the monitoring apparatus is configured to determine a status of at least one of a traffic control system and a pedestrian crossing system and the portable electronic device is configured to receive a signal corresponding to the determined status from the monitoring apparatus by way of wireless communication and to convey the determined status to a user of the portable electronic device, the monitoring apparatus being configured to select one of plural ranges of wireless communication between the monitoring apparatus and the portable electronic device.

19. A traffic control system comprising a power supply arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the power supply arrangement drawing electrical power from the traffic control system.

20. The traffic control system according to claim 19 further comprising monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 16, the power supply arrangement being operative to provide electrical power to the monitoring apparatus.

21 . A pedestrian crossing system comprising a power supply arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the power supply arrangement drawing electrical power from the pedestrian crossing system.

22. The pedestrian crossing system according to claim 21 further comprising monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 1 to 16, the power supply arrangement being operative to provide electrical power to the monitoring apparatus.