WO2018027262A1

WO2018027262A1 - Lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2018027262A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050829
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodore Valerio; Bruno ZULBERTI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-09
Filing date: 2017-08-07
Publication date: 2018-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-09

Abstract

A lighting system (10) for providing an alert regarding an approaching hazard comprising a plurality of lighting devices (12) provided on elevated support structures, each lighting device (12) including one or more alert lights (26). A receiver (24) is provided in each of the lighting devices (12) for receiving an activation signal from a transmitter (28) provided in a vehicle (15) when the vehicle (15) is approaching the lighting device (12). A control unit provided on the lighting device (12) receives the activation signal and the activation signal includes location information from the vehicle (15). The control unit activates the alert lights (26) on determining that the vehicle (15) is on a path approaching the lighting device (12).

Description

"Lighting System"

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a lighting system having features for providing an alert regarding the approach of a hazard, such as an emergency services vehicle.

Background to the Invention

[002] When vehicles such as emergency service vehicles approach an area, a potential hazard is created for those in the vicinity. These vehicles are often travelling at a higher speeds and have priority such that other drivers will need to move out of their path. While these vehicles have lights and sirens to alert drivers to their approach, it is often difficult to see the lights in traffic or to work out from which direction the siren is coming. There can therefore often be limited time for vehicles to make a decision as to how to best move out of the way.

[003] Various systems have been proposed to provide an early warning of the approach of emergency service vehicles. Such systems may include GPS tracking on emergency service vehicles and transmission of information via a data network to devices within vehicles, such as applications on mobile phones. Such systems however require the use of communication networks and particular hardware and software which may not be available in every vehicle.

[004] The present invention relates to a lighting system which includes the capability of alerting people in the vicinity to the approach of a hazard, such as an emergency service vehicle. The system is aimed at providing an effective visual cue to people in the path of the hazard of its approach without the need to install significant additional networking infrastructure. Summary of the Invention

[005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a lighting system for providing an alert regarding an approaching hazard comprising:

a plurality of lighting devices provided on elevated support structures, each lighting device including one or more alert lights;

a receiver provided in each of the lighting devices for receiving an activation signal from a transmitter provided in a vehicle when the vehicle is approaching the lighting device; and

a control unit provided on the lighting device for receiving the activation signal; wherein the activation signal includes location information from the vehicle and the control unit activates the alert lights on determining that the vehicle is on a path approaching the lighting device.

[006] Preferably the system uses current bearing information regarding the vehicle and processes this information in order to control operation of the alert lights.

[007] Preferably the system calculates bearing information from the location information received from the vehicle.

[008] Preferably the control unit controls the lighting device such that the alert lights are activated on receiving the activation signal and determining from the location and bearing information that the vehicle is on the road which is illuminated by the corresponding lighting device, within a distance range from the lighting device and heading within a bearing range.

[009] Preferably the system calculates speed information and calculates an arrival time, being the estimated time before the vehicle arrives at the location of the lighting device such that the control unit controls the alert lights to activate when the arrival time is less than an arrival time value.

[010] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is provided with road data regarding the roads in the vicinity of the lighting device, the road data including positional information regarding the extent of the road surface and wherein the location information received from the vehicle is compared to this positional information to determine whether the vehicle is within a defined road corridor such that the control unit activates the alert lights only in the event that the location information from the vehicle is determined to fall within a defined road corridor from which vehicles may be approaching the lighting device.

[01 1 ] Preferably the positional information regarding the extent of the road surface includes information regarding the centre line of the roads such that the control unit uses this information determine if the vehicle is approaching the lighting device based on which side of the centre line the vehicle is located.

[012] In a preferred embodiment, the alert lights are directional such that the alert lights are visible only from the direction from which vehicles would be approaching the lighting device.

[013] In one embodiment, the lighting device comprises a housing having a lower surface, an upper surface and an edge surface, wherein the alert lights comprise one or more lights on the edge surface of the housing.

[014] Preferably the alert lights comprise lights being a colour other than a white light.

[015] In one embodiment, the lighting devices include a light emitter for illuminating an area below the lighting device.

[016] In one embodiment, the light emitter is provided to emit a first illumination level and a higher second illumination level, the light emitters being triggered to provide the second illumination level when the alert lights are activated.

[017] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided method for controlling a lighting system to provide an alert regarding an approaching hazard comprising: transmitting an activation signal from a vehicle approaching a lighting device, the activation signal including location information for the vehicle;

receiving an activation signal at the lighting device; and

activating alert lights on the lighting device on determining that the vehicle is on a path approaching the lighting device.

[018] Preferably the method includes the step of controlling operation of the alert lights based on bearing information regarding the vehicle.

[019] Preferably the method includes the step of calculating bearing information from the location information received from the vehicle.

[020] Preferably the method includes the step of controlling the lighting device such that the alert lights are activated on receiving the activation signal and determining from the location and bearing information that the vehicle is on the road which is illuminated by the corresponding lighting device, within a distance range from the lighting device and heading within a bearing range.

[021 ] Preferably the method includes the step of calculating speed information and an arrival time for the vehicle, being the estimated time before the vehicle arrives at the location of the lighting device, such that the alert lights are activated when the arrival time is less than an arrival time value.

[022] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of providing road data regarding the roads in the vicinity of the lighting device, the road data including positional information regarding the extent of the road surface and wherein the location information received from the vehicle is compared to this positional information to determine whether the vehicle is within a defined road corridor such that the control unit activates the alert lights only in the event that the location information from the vehicle is determined to fall within a defined road corridor from which vehicles may be approaching the lighting device.

[023] Preferably the positional information regarding the extent of the road surface includes information regarding the centre line of the roads the system uses this information to determine if the vehicle is approaching the lighting device based on which side of the centre line the vehicle is located.

[024] Preferably the method includes the step of emitting a first illumination level from a light emitter within the lighting device when the alert lights are not activated and emitting a higher second illumination level when the alert lights are activated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[025] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[026] Figure 1 a is a front view of a lighting device of a lighting system in accordance with the present invention;

[027] Figure 1 b is a top view of the lighting device of Figure 1 a;

[028] Figure 1 c is a lower perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 1 a;

[029] Figure 2a is a front view of second embodiment of a lighting device of a lighting system in accordance with the present invention;

[030] Figure 2b is a top view of the lighting device of Figure 1 a;

[031 ] Figure 2c is a lower perspective view of the lighting device of Figure 1 a; and

[032] Figure 3 is a representation of a lighting system in accordance with the present invention in use;

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[033] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a lighting system 10 comprising a plurality of lighting devices 12 to be located along a path 1 1 such as a road 13. The lighting devices 12 in the embodiment shown comprise streetlight modules 14 mounted in elevated positions on support structures, being poles 16. The streetlight modules 14 are provided at intervals along the length of the road 13 in a usual manner.

[034] Each of the lighting devices 12 includes one or more light emitters 18. The light emitters 18 are arranged within the lighting devices 12 such that the light emitters 18 emit light downwardly to illuminate a region below the lighting device 12 on the path 1 1 . That is, the light emitters 18 perform the function of standard streetlights provided to illuminate an area on and around a section of the road 13.

[035] In the embodiments shown, the streetlight modules 14 comprise a housing 19 having a lower surface 20 and an upper surface 21 . The streetlight modules 14 also include first and second edge surfaces 22a and 22b. The first and second edge surfaces 22a and 22b comprise the surfaces of the streetlight modules 14 that are directed either toward or away from oncoming traffic. The light emitters 18 are mounted into the lower surface 20 to direct light downwardly. The light emitters 18 preferably comprise LED lights.

[036] Each of the lighting devices 12 is provided also with a receiver 24. The receiver 24 is provided for receiving an activation signal from a vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the receiver 24 is provided on the upper surface 21 of the lighting device 12.

[037] A vehicle 15 utilising the lighting system 10 is provided with a transmitter 28. The transmitter 28 is provided to transmit the activation signal such that the activation signal may be received by the receivers 24 of one or more of the lighting devices 12.

[038] The lighting devices 12 are also be provided with alert lights 26. The alert lights 26 comprise further lights provided to give a visual indication of an approaching hazard. In the embodiment shown, the alert lights 26 comprise a plurality of lights provided on the first and/or second edge surfaces 22a and 22b of the housing 19. The alert lights 26 are therefore directed at oncoming traffic on one or both sides of the road 13. The alert lights 26 comprise lights being a colour other than a white light, for example red and blue lights. In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the alert lights 26 are provided on the first edge surface 22a only. The alert lights 26 may alternatively be mounted on the second edge surface 22b for use on an oppose side of the road 13. The lighting device of Figure 2 shows alert lights 26 provided on both the first and second edge surfaces 22a and 22b to be directed towards traffic coming from two directions.

[039] On receiving the activation signal from a transmitter 28, the alert lights 26 are illuminated if certain activation conditions are met. The illumination of the coloured alert lights 26 in a direction towards oncoming traffic provides a visual cue to other traffic moving towards the lighting device 12 of the approach of the vehicle 15.

[040] The use of directional alert lights 26 is provided to reduce the likelihood of the alert situation being notified to drivers of vehicles to which it does not apply. It is recognised that exposure to false warnings generated by a system reduces the impact of the warnings, thereby increasing the likelihood that such warnings may be ignored.

[041 ] In one embodiment, each of the lighting devices 12 may be configured to provide a first illumination level and a second illumination level. In the embodiment shown, there is provided a single light emitter 18 with variable light output, such that the light emitter 18 can provide first and second illumination levels. The second illumination level comprises a higher level of illumination than the first illumination level. In an alternative embodiment, multiple light emitters 18 may be provided to create the first and second illumination levels.

[042] The lighting devices 12 may also be configured such that, on receipt of the activation signal, the illumination level provided by the light emitters 18 is changed from the first illumination level to the second illumination level, should the activation conditions be met.

[043] This operation provides a further notification to drivers and pedestrians in vicinity of the vehicle 15. It is recognised that people generally find it relatively easy to recognise changing levels of ambient light. This change in light level will therefore enhance the ability of the system to attract the attention of drivers, who may then look upwardly where they can receive confirmation of the approaching hazard via the alert lights 26 which will also have been activated. The use of the first and second illumination levels, therefore provides a two stage alert for people in the path of a moving hazard. It will be appreciated however that the system 10 may utilise only the alert lights 26 without the two level illumination provided by the light emitter 18.

[044] The lighting devices 12 are provided also with a control unit in conjunction with the receiver 24. The control unit comprises a suitable processing device and receives the activation signal and determines whether the required activation conditions have been met. The activation conditions are used to determine whether the lighting device 12 on which the control unit is provided is in the path of the vehicle 15.

[045] The alert lights 26 are therefore activated and the illumination level changed from the first illumination level to the second illumination level on lighting devices 12 in the path of the vehicle 15. The alert lights 26 will be switched off and the light output of the lighting devices 12 will return to the first illumination level once the vehicle 15 has passed below the lighting device 12.

[046] The transmitter 28 provided on the vehicle 15 transmits location information within the activation signal. The location information is provided by a GPS device located on the vehicle 15 and comprises information regarding the position of the vehicle 15. The system 10 calculates velocity information regarding the vehicle 15. That is, bearing information and speed information regarding the vehicle 15. The velocity information may be calculated by the control unit from the location information received from the transmitter 28. Alternatively, or in addition to, the velocity information may be calculated at the vehicle 15 and transmitted within the activation signal.

[047] The control unit uses the current bearing information regarding the vehicle 15 and processes this information in order to control operation of the alert lights 26. The control unit also includes stored information regarding the position of the lighting device 12 it is controlling. The control unit then controls the lighting device 12 such that the alert lights 26 are activated on receiving the activation signal and determining from the location and bearing information that the vehicle 15 is on the road which is illuminated by the corresponding lighting device 12, within a distance range from the lighting device 12 and heading within a bearing range which would indicate that the vehicle 15 is approaching the lighting device 12.

[048] The control unit also receives the speed information provided by via the transmitter 28. The speed information is used to calculate an arrival time, being the estimated time before the vehicle arrives at the location of the lighting device 12. The control unit then controls the alert lights to activate when the arrival time is less than an arrival time value.

[049] Such an arrangement allows for greater control to ensure lighting devices 12 only in the path of the vehicle 15 are controlled to operate the alert lights 26.

[050] The control unit is also provided with road data regarding the roads in the vicinity of the lighting device 12. The road data includes positional information regarding the extent of the road surface. That is, the positional information defines the nearby roads as corridors and the location information received from the vehicle 15 is then compared to this information to determine whether the vehicle 15 is within one of the defined road corridors. The control unit then activates the alert lights 26 only in the event that the location information from the vehicle 15 is determined to fall within one of the defined road corridors from which vehicles may be approaching the lighting device 12.

[051 ] This comparison allows the control unit to more accurately determine whether the vehicle 15 is actually approaching the lighting device 12 and would be particularly suitable for complex roadway configurations, such as curved roads, around intersections and near freeway exits and entrances.

[052] The positional information regarding the extent of the road surface may also include information regarding the centre line of the roads. The control unit can also use this information to more accurately determine if the vehicle 15 is approaching the lighting device 12 based on which side of the centre line the vehicle 15 is located and to only activate the alert lights 26 in the event that the vehicle 15 is determined to be on a side of the road from which vehicles would be approaching the lighting device 12.

[053] In a further embodiment, each of the lighting devices 12 may be provided also with a transmitter (not shown). The transmitter is provided on the lighting device 12 such that the transmitter can send an activation signal to a subsequent lighting device 12 located along the path 1 1 . In this way, a series of lighting devices 12 may have the alert lights 26 activated by transmission of the activation signal between adjacent lighting devices 12, thereby allowing activation of lighting devices 12 which may not be able to receive the activation signal from the vehicle 15.

[054] The activation signal transmitted by each lighting device 12 would include a counter value which is also transmitted. The counter value is altered for each subsequent transmission such that a set number of lighting devices 12 in a series in front of the vehicle 15 may be activated to provide the second illumination level.

[055] The lighting system 10 may also include further information transmitted by the vehicle along with the activation signal. For example, in the case of a vehicle travelling along a major road having exits, an 'exit' signal may be transmitted on activation by a person within the vehicle 15. The exit signal can be used to indicate that lighting devices 12 along an approaching exit of the road 15 should have the alert lights 26 activated.

[056] Further notification means may also be employed as part of the system. The further notification means may comprise an application on a mobile phone that causes the phone to vibrate. An approaching vehicle 15 may therefore cause the mobile phones of people in the path of the vehicle 15 to vibrate in order to provide a warning of the approaching vehicle.

[057] It will be appreciated that the first illumination level of the lighting system 10 may also comprise the situation where no illumination is provided. For example, during the day the lighting devices 12 may be inactive. In the case of an approaching hazard during the day, the lighting devices 12 will be activated to provide the second illumination level. It is expected that with a sufficient light output for the second illumination level, even during the day the change in lighting conditions caused by switching from no light to the second illumination level will be sufficient to provide a visual cue to drivers of the approaching hazard.

[058] While the lighting system 10 of the present invention may be utilised for warning of the approach of emergency service vehicles, it may also be used in other applications to alert the approach of hazards generally. For example, in the case of a speeding vehicle involved in a high-speed chase, the transmitter 28 may be provided on a helicopter 17. The helicopter 17 may fly over regions of the road 13 to activate the alert lights 26 of the lighting devices 12. The alert lights 26 are then activated to warn drivers in the area of the approaching hazard. The activation signal of the transmitter 28 of the helicopter may include an alert activation signal provide to activate the alert lights 26 of the lighting devices 12 without consideration for the location of the helicopter.

[059] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1 . A lighting system for providing an alert regarding an approaching hazard comprising:

2. A lighting system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the system uses current bearing information regarding the vehicle and processes this information in order to control operation of the alert lights.

3. A lighting system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the system calculates bearing information from the location information received from the vehicle.

4. A lighting system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the lighting device such that the alert lights are activated on receiving the activation signal and determining from the location and bearing information that the vehicle is on the road which is illuminated by the corresponding lighting device, within a distance range from the lighting device and heading within a bearing range.

5. A lighting system in accordance with claim 4, wherein system calculates speed information and calculates an arrival time, being the estimated time before the vehicle arrives at the location of the lighting device such that the control unit controls the alert lights to activate when the arrival time is less than an arrival time value.

6. A lighting system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is provided with road data regarding the roads in the vicinity of the lighting device, the road data including positional information regarding the extent of the road surface and wherein the location information received from the vehicle is compared to this positional information to determine whether the vehicle is within a defined road corridor such that the control unit activates the alert lights only in the event that the location information from the vehicle is determined to fall within a defined road corridor from which vehicles may be approaching the lighting device.

7. A lighting system in accordance with claim 6, wherein the positional information regarding the extent of the road surface includes information regarding the centre line of the roads such that the control unit uses this information determine if the vehicle is approaching the lighting device based on which side of the centre line the vehicle is located.

8. A lighting system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alert lights are directional such that the alert lights are visible only from the direction from which vehicles would be approaching the lighting device.

9. A lighting device in accordance with claim 8, wherein the lighting device comprises a housing having a lower surface, an upper surface and an edge surface, wherein the alert lights comprise one or more lights on the edge surface of the housing.

10. A lighting system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alert lights comprise lights being a colour other than a white light.

1 1 . A lighting system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting devices include a light emitter for illuminating an area below the lighting device.

12. A lighting system in accordance with claim 1 1 , wherein the light emitter is provided to emit a first illumination level and a higher second illumination level, the light emitters being triggered to provide the second illumination level when the alert lights are activated.

13. A method for controlling a lighting system to provide an alert regarding an approaching hazard comprising:

transmitting an activation signal from a vehicle approaching a lighting device, the activation signal including location information for the vehicle;

receiving an activation signal at the lighting device; and

14. A method in accordance with claim 13, including the step of controlling operation of the alert lights based on bearing information regarding the vehicle.

15. A method in accordance with 14, wherein including the step of calculating bearing information from the location information received from the vehicle.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 including the step of controlling the lighting device such that the alert lights are activated on receiving the activation signal and determining from the location and bearing information that the vehicle is on the road which is illuminated by the corresponding lighting device, within a distance range from the lighting device and heading within a bearing range.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16, including the step of calculating speed information and an arrival time for the vehicle, being the estimated time before the vehicle arrives at the location of the lighting device, such that the the alert lights are activated when the arrival time is less than an arrival time value.

18. A method in accordance with any one of claims 13 to 17, including the step of providing road data regarding the roads in the vicinity of the lighting device, the road data including positional information regarding the extent of the road surface and wherein the location information received from the vehicle is compared to this positional information to determine whether the vehicle is within a defined road corridor such that the control unit activates the alert lights only in the event that the location information from the vehicle is determined to fall within a defined road corridor from which vehicles may be approaching the lighting device.

19. A method in accordance with claim 18, wherein the positional information regarding the extent of the road surface includes information regarding the centre line of the roads the system uses this information to determine if the vehicle is approaching the lighting device based on which side of the centre line the vehicle is located.

20. A method in accordance with any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the alert lights comprise lights being a colour other than a white light.

21 . A method in accordance with any one of claims 13 to 20, including the step of emitting a first illumination level from a light emitter within the lighting device when the alert lights are not activated and emitting a higher second illumination level when the alert lights are activated.