EP3811350A2

EP3811350A2 - Turning the traffic lights into smart screens and providing information exchange via these screens

Info

Publication number: EP3811350A2
Application number: EP18923046.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet INCI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-22
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Also published as: TR201808895A2; WO2019245493A3; EP3811350A4; WO2019245493A2

Abstract

The invention relates to turning these traffic lights into smart screens and via these multi-purpose screens (100) providing a visual and literary representation of the city, road, advertising, public spotlight and important information to vehicles and pedestrians that are navigating and stationary in traffic, wherein; it comprises, a main server (200), the processor (202) and memory units (203) where the information is transmitted to the main center (201) through the above-mentioned main server (200), access units (204) that allow access to smart devices and in-car multimedia systems via operating system and applications, at least one camera (101) placed on it, a plate recognition module (102) with the ability to recognize plates of vehicles moving on the road, ana an internet dispenser module (103) that provides internet access to people in the immediate vicinity.

Description

TURNING THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS INTO SMART SCREENS AND PROVIDING INFORMATION EXCHANGE VIA THESE SCREENS

Technical Field

The invention relates to turning these traffic lights into smart screens and via these multi- purpose displays providing a visual and literary representation of the city, road, advertising, public spotlight and important information to vehicles and pedestrians that are navigating and stationary in traffic.

Infrastructure of the Invention

In present day, there is a high rate of vehicles and people flow in traffic. Traffic is of high importance especially in provinces and districts where population is dense. Following the increase in the number of vehicles and people, the needs and requirements also relatively increase. Especially in areas where there is traffic density, the waiting rate in traffic increases. This situation adversely affects the vehicle users in particular.

Information screens, which are called smart boards, are used recently to inform vehicles and pedestrians in the main roads, secondary roads and regions where there is heavy traffic. In particular, some municipalities place information screens with city information in certain parts of the city for the citizens to use.

Smart boards or screens already in use have limited presentation of information. In most cases, these screens feature the city information, the presentation of the city or the presentation of the mayor. In fact, needs and requirements for more efficient and effective use of these screens are developed.

In the patent survey of the Turkish Patent registrations relating to the present art, some patents have been found. Among these patents, there is an application with number TR 2015/14429. In the abstract of this application, it is explained as: The invention features passive RFID tags to be applied to many different locations such as roads, boards, bus stops, traffic signal systems, buildings, shopping malls, theaters and cinemas all over the city in smart cities, also called as the cities of future, which are especially designed to facilitate the lives of disabled citizens, and the electronic guidance system developed for use in RFID readers that will be integrated into the smart phones of the users.

Another application is the one with the application number TR2009/05690. The invention is a multi-purpose led display for information and advertisement purposes that works in harmony with traffic lights at intersections, and has led display, industrial pc, touch screen, receiver control card, transmitter card, traffic light detection card and power sources so that drivers can use it to benefit from information and entertainment services during the waiting period of the red light.

Another application belongs to Mr. Mehmet INCi who has also made many applications related to the traffic systems in the past. In the abstract of the application with no TR 2012/07318 belonging to Mr. Mehmet INCi, it is explained as: The invention relates to traffic lights that determine the passing and stopping times of vehicles and pedestrians in traffic, and is a commercial traffic light with an electronic display that switches in red light to advertising, animation, informational texts and city information.

Description of the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to have different technical features that bring a new expansion in this field, unlike the smart board and smart screen systems used in the current technique.

The primary purpose of the invention is turning the traffic lights into smart screens and via these multi-purpose displays providing a visual and literary representation of the city, road, advertising, public spotlight and important information to vehicles and pedestrians that are navigating and stationary in traffic.

Another purpose of the invention is to have a structure that can use the internet line and connect to the cctv city surveillance system through this network. In this way, the broadcasts from the city surveillance channel is received and presented to vehicles and pedestrians.

Another purpose of the invention is to place a 360 degree rotatable camera on the screen. This camera system includes means for transferring images from the camera on the every screen to other screens. Thus, when an accident, disaster, landslide or other event takes place 10 km away, it is possible to send related images to the vehicles at a distance of 10 km. It is to ensure that vehicle owners who are aware of the accident are directed to alternative roads or act cautiously.

Another purpose of the invention is that the screens placed on different roads or different locations of the city have the feature of being synchronized with each other.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide urban information, emergency information and advertisements via screens placed on different roads or different locations of the city.

Another purpose of the invention is that screens have a structure that is able to produce their own electricity. Due to the solar panels placed on the screen, it is possible to produce energy.

Another purpose of the invention is that the screens also have an internet distributor wi-fi module. In this way, it is possible for the citizens to make emergency or special transactions by using the free internet service in the areas close to the screen.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide information gathering via cameras placed on screens.

Another purpose of the invention is to have a license plate recognition module on the screens. The plate recognition module provides information to the police department and assists in the provision of security.

Another purpose of the invention is to have a feature which is downloaded as an application to android, iphone and different smart phones that allows access to the images obtained by the screen through the application as integrated into the system program. Thus, this application allows vehicle users to see the status of the highway 20 km ahead of them.

Another purpose of the invention is to inform citizens online via screens of information and events that are closely related to the public.

Another purpose of the invention is to integrate the screen into the In-Car Multimedia Systems and transfer the images and information obtained from the screen to these In- Car Multimedia Systems.

Another purpose of the invention is the automatic recognition of the ambulance by means of the recognition module placed on the screen. This recognition module integrates with the traffic lights of the screen to automatically turn the lights to green on the line where the ambulance is located and turn the lights on the other side to the red position. ln order to fulfill the purposes described above, the invention comprises; a main server,

the processor and memory units where information is transmitted to the main center via the main server,

access points that allow access to smart devices via operating system and applications,

at least one camera placed on it,

plate recognition module with the ability to recognize plates of vehicles moving on the road,

the internet dispenser module providing internet access to nearby people.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure-1 is the schematic view of the screen of the invention applied in traffic.

Figure-2 is the individual view of the screen of the Invention.

Figure-3 is the schematic view of the screen of the invention applied in traffic.

Figure-4 is the schematic view of the screen of the invention applied in traffic for pedestrians.

Figure-5 is a schematic view showing the units that the invention comprises.

Figure-6 is the schematic view of the plate recognition module.

Figure-7 is the schematic view of the ambulance recognition module.

Reference Numbers

100 - Screen

1001 - Traffic Light Zone

1002- Display Area

101 - Camera

102- Plate recognition module

1021 - Application

1022- Interface

1023- Mating module

1024- Reporting unit

125- Information transfer unit

103- Internet Distributor Module (Wi-fi)

104- Ambulance recognition module 1041 - Recognition module

1042- Warning unit

1043- Light switching module

105- Bulletproof front panel

106- Solar panels

200- Main server

201 - Main center

202- Processor

203- Memory units

204- Access units

205- Intervention units

206- Synchronization module

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention relates to turning these traffic lights into smart screens (100) and via these multi-purpose screens providing a visual and literary representation of the city, road, advertising, public spotlight and important information to vehicles and pedestrians that are navigating and stationary in traffic. The screen (100) has a main server (200) as a feature of innovation and comprises the processor (202) and memory units (203) where the information is transmitted to the main center (201 ) through the above-mentioned main server (200). It has access units (204) that allow access to smart devices and in-car multimedia systems through the operating system and applications it contains, and has at least one camera (101 ) placed on it. It comprises a plate recognition module (102) which is capable of recognizing the plates of vehicles driving on the highway and an internet dispenser module (103) that provides internet access to people in the immediate vicinity.

In addition, the front surface of the mentioned display (100) comprises the bullet-proof front panel (105), and the solar panels (106) that meet the required energy of the said screen (100) and its units. Also, the said camera (101 ) has 360 degrees of rotation.

On the other hand, it comprises an ambulance recognition module (104), which recognizes ambulances and fire trucks in cases such as emergencies, disasters and so on, and brings traffic lights to the green position with this recognition, emergency response units (205), which bring traffic lights to the green position, and synchronization module (206), which ensures that all screens (100) placed on roads, streets and different parts of the city are synchronized with each other.

Figure-1 shows the schematic view of the screen (100) of the invention applied in traffic. The screen (100) of the invention can be placed next to the traffic lights, as well as it can be placed at the hanging posts of the signs by preference.

Figure-4 shows the schematic view of the screen (100) of the invention applied in traffic for pedestrians. The screen (100) of the invention can preferably be mounted on an existing post, as well as to a specially designed post for the display (100).

The screen (100) of the invention comprises a camera (101 ) having a 360 degree rotation feature. This camera (101 ) is capable of viewing vehicles that are driving along the highway, or transferring the acquired images to other screens (100) that are 20-30 km ahead or behind. For example, it comprises units that allow other vehicles to see an accident or disaster which is 10 km away or vehicle owners to connect via in-car smart phones and multimedia systems. To accomplish this, access is granted by downloading the relevant application from applications section of the android phones or iphone. Due to this feature, because they will be aware of an accident or disaster within 20-30 km, users will be able to use alternative ways.

The screen (100) has a structure resistant to rain, snow, wind and other different external factors. While its outer casing contains a durable metal material, its front surface has a bulletproof front panel (105). It also includes license plate recognition module (102) and access units (203), which recognize the license plates of suspected vehicle owners who have committed a crime or have a potential to commit a crime in traffic, and transfer this information to the relevant police and military police headquarters. It is possible to activate the plate recognition module (102) by setting up the system setup of the program and entering the license plate information. By downloading the application module of the program and then by entering the license plate information to the plate recognition module, the system can see the path of the license plates, which match the same numbers and letters, on the road map. In this way, the police department can determine at which point the suspected vehicle is proceeding using the map application.

The screen (100) contains the internet dispenser module (103) as a result of the placement of it in the busy areas of the city. The internet dispenser module (103) is active only in areas where people are dense. It provides free communication by meeting the internet needs of the citizens. The most effective and advantageous feature of this system is the ambulance recognition module (104). This module is not only recognizes an ambulance, but also emergency response teams such as fire trucks. Due to the ambulance recognition module (104), the vehicle is recognized and the lights on the line where the vehicle is located are turned into green, allowing the medical team to catch up quickly to the hospital. This module is made possible by the access rules and permissions permitted by the highways traffic signaling system.

The said plate recognition module (102) has an application (1021 ) downloaded from the internet to a mobile phone, computer or tablet computer. It comprises an interface (1022) allowing the entry of the suspicious plate number, and a mating module (1023) that records the vehicle with pairing license plate to the memory unit following the matching plate number entrance to said interface (1022). The said mating module (1023) comprises a reporting unit (124) which reports the proceeding time and place of the relevant vehicle at the road, and an information transmission unit (125) that enables this reporting unit (124) to transfer this information to the security center. Plate recognition module (102) can be used actively and correctly within this system flow.

Said ambulance recognition module (104) comprises a recognition module (1041 ) which recognizes the vehicle from the ambulance sign on the vehicle or from the license plate number registered to the system, a warning unit (1042) transmitting information to the traffic light system through said recognition module (1041 ), and a light switching module (1043) which cancels red traffic light by means of said warning unit (1042) and turns it to green position until the ambulance has passed and also brings the green lights in the sideway to the red position.

The main purpose of the invention is to turn the traffic lights into smart screens, and the main function of the screen (100) is to act as a traffic light and the regulate the traffic. The screen (100) will remain red for 10 seconds after the traffic light turns red, and then it will be divided into three areas, the remaining two light zones (1001 ) will continue to light red, while the large image zone (1002) in the middle will provide visual and literary representation of the city, road conditions, advertising, public service announcements and important informations to the vehicles and pedestrians. When 10 seconds remains before the red light turns yellow and then turns green, the screen (100) will switch to the traffic light mode again, as its main function, and all areas (1001 and 1002) will turn into red.

Claims

1. The invention relates to turning these traffic lights into smart screens and via these multi-purpose screens (100) providing a visual and literary representation of the city, road, advertising, public spotlight and important information to vehicles and pedestrians that are navigating and stationary in traffic, wherein; it comprises, a main server (200),

the processor (202) and memory units (203) where the information is transmitted to the main center (201 ) through the above-mentioned main server (200),

access units (204) that allow access to smart devices and in-car multimedia systems via operating system and applications,

at least one camera (101 ) placed on it,

and a plate recognition module (102) with the ability to recognize plates of vehicles moving on the road.

2. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; the front surface of the mentioned display (100) comprises the bullet-proof front panel (105).

3. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; it comprises solar panels (106) that meet the required energy of the said screen (100) and its units.

4. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; it comprises a camera (101 ) having a 360 degree rotation feature.

5. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; it comprises an ambulance recognition module (104), which recognizes ambulances and fire trucks in cases such as emergencies, disasters and so on, and brings traffic lights to the green position with this recognition.

6. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 5, wherein; it comprises emergency response units (205), which turns traffic lights into the green position.

7. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; it comprises a synchronization module (206), which ensures that all screens (100) placed on roads, streets and different parts of the city are synchronized with each other.

8. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; the said screen (100) comprises a traffic lights zone (1001 ) and a display area (1002).

9. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; it comprises an internet dispenser module (103) that provides internet access to people in the immediate vicinity.

10. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 5, wherein; the said ambulance recognition module (104) comprises;

a recognition module (1041 ) which recognizes the vehicle from the ambulance sign on the vehicle or from the license plate number registered to the system,

a warning unit (1042) transmitting information to the traffic light system through said recognition module (1041 ),

and a light switching module (1043) which cancels red traffic light by means of said warning unit (1042) and turns it to green position until the ambulance has passed and also brings the green lights in the sideway to the red position.

11. The invention is a screen (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein; the said license plate recognition module (102) comprises;

an application (1021 ) downloaded from the internet to a mobile phone, computer or tablet computer,

an interface (1022) allowing the entry of the suspicious plate number, a mating module (1023) that records the vehicle with pairing license plate to the memory unit following the matching plate number entrance to the said interface (1022),

a reporting unit (124) of the said mating module (1023) which reports the proceeding time and place of the relevant vehicle at the road,

and an information transmission unit (125) that enables this reporting unit (124) to transfer these information to the security center.