Signaling device for a retractable bollard control totem

Abstract

The present invention relates to a signaling device for a control totem (3) of at least one retractable bollard between a deployed position in which the bollard blocks access to a traffic lane and a retracted position in which the bollard allows access to said traffic lane, the device comprising: - at least one camera (8) configured to capture a real-time image of the bollard; - at least one information screen (6) configured to transmit the image captured by the camera (8) in real time; According to the invention, the screen (6) is fixed, in particular to the control totem (3), so as to be visible from inside a vehicle, by a user in the vehicle wishing to access the traffic lane so that the user can directly and visually determine the position of the bollard (2). Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Signaling device for a retractable bollard control totem technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of retractable bollards allowing or blocking access to a traffic lane.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to the technical field of control totems and the signaling of such retractable bollards. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] To prohibit or authorize access to a traffic lane, in particular to a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, it is known to use retractable bollards moving between a deployed position in which the bollard blocks access to the traffic lane and a retracted position, in particular when pushed into the ground, in which the bollard authorizes access to said traffic lane.

[0004] In the case of a traffic lane located in an urban area, it is known to use a retractable bollard which, in the deployed position, extends perpendicularly to the lane surface to a predetermined height and, in the retracted position, is flush with the lane surface. These bollards offer the advantage of being sufficiently robust to prevent a vehicle from forcing unauthorized access to the lane while offering a limited footprint, allowing their installation in numerous configurations and easy integration into the urban environment. An authorized user of the lane can then control the bollard's movement from one position to the other via a control totem connected to the bollard.

[0005] However, such bollards have the disadvantage of not being visible to the driver of a vehicle about to enter the traffic lane, from inside the vehicle, regardless of the bollard's position. In this situation, the user cannot know the bollard's position and therefore cannot determine whether access to the traffic lane is possible. To overcome this drawback, a control totem is known, comprising a first signal light and a second signal light. The first signal light is illuminated and the second light is off when the bollard is in the retracted position, and the first light is off and the second light is on when the bollard is in the extended position or in an intermediate position between the retracted and extended positions.

[0006] Thus, even if the terminal is not visible to the user from inside their vehicle, the user can determine, via the signage, in The signal indicates the location of the traffic light and, if applicable, how to access the traffic lane. However, it has been observed that users exhibit unexpected behavior in response to this solution, which has become the standard in certain geographical areas. The meaning of the signals is not intuitive for a user, who must be informed that access to the traffic lane is permitted when the first signal is illuminated and the second signal is off, and that access is blocked when the second signal is illuminated and the first signal is off. Furthermore, the standardized system describing the meaning of the signals may vary from one geographical area to another, for example, by using different colored traffic lights, which increases the risk of confusion for a user, especially if they are unfamiliar with the standardized system in their current location.

[0007] On the other hand, even if the user is aware of the correct meaning of the signage, it is still possible that they may refuse to trust said signage and ignore it, either by deciding to proceed with their vehicle when the signage indicates that the lane is closed, which can lead to a collision with the bollard, or by deciding not to proceed with their vehicle when the signage indicates that the lane is open. This is due to the impossibility of seeing the bollard from the driver's seat. Neither of these situations is desirable or acceptable in a dense environment such as an urban area.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a signaling device for a control totem of a retractable bollard regulating access to a traffic lane whose meaning is unambiguous for the user of a vehicle wishing to access the traffic lane and in which he can fully place his trust. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] More specifically, the invention relates to a signaling device for a control totem of at least one retractable bollard between a deployed position in which the bollard blocks access to a traffic lane and a retracted position in which the bollard allows access to said traffic lane, the device comprising: • at least one camera configured to capture a real-time image of the bollard; • at least one information screen configured to transmit the image captured by the camera in real time; the device being characterized in that the screen is fixed, in particular to the control totem, so as to be visible from inside a vehicle, by a user in the vehicle wishing to access the traffic lane so that the user can directly and visually determine the position of the terminal.

[0010] Thanks to such a combination of features, the status and position of the bollard can be known unambiguously and with maximum confidence by a user in a vehicle wishing to access the traffic lane, by having a direct view of said bollard. Furthermore, such a signaling device makes it possible to do without a standardized system for traditional signage or to teach the meaning of the standardized system in force at the user's current location. Road traffic is thus made safer and smoother by eliminating the risk of collision with the bollard or the risk of prolonged parking in front of the access lane by a user.

[0011] Advantageously, the camera is configured to capture a real-time image of the user's vehicle. Thus, the user sees both the charging station and the front of their vehicle on the screen, and can judge the distance between the vehicle and the charging station.

[0012] Advantageously, the signaling device comprises two screens, each screen being respectively visible from inside a vehicle on either side of the bollard. In such a configuration, the bollard is visible regardless of the direction of travel of a user wishing to pass over the bollard.

[0013] Advantageously, the screen is a curved screen. In such a configuration, the screen is visible from more angles from which the user's gaze observes the signaling device.

[0014] Advantageously, the signaling device comprises two cameras, each camera being configured to capture a real-time image of the bollard's position from each side of the bollard. In such a configuration, each camera can film from a different angle, adapted to the direction of travel of a user wishing to pass over the bollard.

[0015] Advantageously, the signaling device includes at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of a vehicle wishing to cross the traffic lane, the sensor triggering real-time image capture by the camera when a vehicle is present. In such a configuration, the user can concentrate on maneuvering their vehicle as it approaches the bollard without needing to take any additional action to obtain feedback on the bollard's position via the screen.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a control totem of at least one retractable bollard between a deployed position in which the bollard blocks a traffic lane and a retracted position in which the bollard releases said traffic lane, the control totem comprising a signaling device as described above, the screen being fixed to the totem.

[0017] Advantageously, the control totem includes a wireless transmission element configured to control the passage of the terminal between the deployed and retracted positions by a remote user, the wireless transmission unit being further connected to the signaling device so as to activate the device upon a command instruction to the terminal.

[0018] Advantageously, the control totem comprises a first illuminated traffic light and a second illuminated traffic light, the first illuminated traffic light being lit at least intermittently and the second light being off when the bollard is in the retracted position, and the first light being off and the second light being lit at least intermittently when the bollard is in the deployed position or in a position intermediate between the retracted and deployed positions. In such a configuration, the user can deduce the meaning of the traffic light signals from the position of the bollard, which they view directly on the screen, thus ensuring their proper understanding of the regulatory system in force at their current geographical location.

[0019] Advantageously, the first light signal and the second light signal are displayed on the screen of the signaling device.

[0020] Advantageously, the display of the signaling device shows the user information about the vehicle's environment. This environmental information may, for example, include a countdown of the remaining time in the retracted position of the terminal, information about traffic rules on the roadway such as a no entry sign, or a message prompting the user to move their vehicle forward. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view representation of a traffic lane whose access is limited by a retractable bollard controlled by a control totem comprising a signaling device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic top view representation of the traffic lane of Fig. 1.

[0024] The [Fig.3] is a schematic isometric perspective representation of a control totem comprising a signaling device according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic front view representation of a control totem including a signaling device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a traffic lane V whose access is regulated by a bollard 2. The bollard 2 is retractable: a deployed position in which the bollard blocks access to a traffic lane and a retracted position in which the bollard permits access to said traffic lane. The bollard 2 extends perpendicularly to the floor of traffic lane V at a predetermined height in the deployed position. In the retracted position, the bollard 2 is flush with the floor of traffic lane V. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, access to traffic lane V is regulated by a plurality of aligned bollards 2.

[0028] The movement of the terminal 2 from one position to another is achieved via a control totem 3 according to a first aspect of the invention. In the embodiment presented, the control totem 3 includes a hydraulic power unit (not shown) that controls the deployment or retraction of the terminal 2. The control of the terminal 2 by the control totem 3 is carried out upon instruction from a user U in a vehicle 1 wishing to access the traffic lane V. Preferably, the control totem 3 includes a wireless transmission element (not shown) configured to remotely control the movement of the terminal 2 by the user U, for example, using an infrared remote control. The control totem 3 is preferably aligned with the plurality of terminals 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In this configuration, the position of all the terminals 2 is permanently identical.For the remainder of the description, a single terminal 2 will be considered, it being understood that the operation of the invention is identical regardless of the number of terminals 2 regulating access to the traffic lane.

[0029] The control totem 3 further comprises a first illuminated signal light 10 and a second illuminated signal light 12. The first illuminated signal light 10 is illuminated at least intermittently when the bollard is in the retracted position. In this case, the second signal light 12 is off. The first signal light 10 is off when the bollard is in the extended position or in an intermediate position between the retracted and extended positions. In this case, the first signal light 10 is off. The illuminated or off state of the first signal light 10 and the second signal light 12, depending on the position of the bollard 2, can be modified according to the applicable standards in the geographical area where the control totem 3 is installed.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the control totem 3 comprises a device for signaling 4. In the described embodiment, the signaling device 4 includes a camera 8 configured to capture a real-time image of the terminal 2. The camera 8 is preferably a wide-angle camera, enabling it to also capture a real-time image of the environment near the terminal 2, for example the front of the vehicle 1 of user U wishing to access the traffic lane V.

[0031] The signaling device 4 further includes an information screen 6 configured to transmit the image captured by the camera 8 in real time. The screen 6 is preferably attached to the control totem 3, but can alternatively be attached to another element in the environment, for example, a wall or a dedicated support. The screen 6 is visible from inside the vehicle 1 by the user U wishing to access the traffic lane V by passing the bollard 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Thus, the user U can directly and visually determine the position of the bollard 2 through the feedback from the screen 6. The position of the bollard 2 is then known unambiguously by the user U, with a high degree of confidence. The user U can also better locate their vehicle 1 in space and judge the distance between the front of their vehicle 1 and the bollard 2.

[0032] The signaling device 4 may include two screens 6. Each screen 6 is respectively visible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 from each side of the bollard 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. In this embodiment, each screen 6 is adapted to the direction of travel of the user U who wishes to cross the bollard 2, i.e., to enter or exit the traffic lane V, or if several users U in several vehicles 1 in opposite directions of travel wish to cross the bollard 2, for example simultaneously.

[0033] In addition, the screen 6 can be curved, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In such a configuration, the screen is visible from more viewing angles from which the user's gaze observes the signaling device 4, for example, if the vehicle 1 is positioned at the edge of the road or in the center of the road, or if the user's driver's seat is to the right or left of the vehicle 1, the user U can see the screen 6. When the signaling device comprises two screens 6, the two screens 6 can alternatively be curved.

[0034] The embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 4] differs from the embodiment described in [Fig. 3], particularly in that in [Fig. 4], the traffic lights 10, 12 are displayed on the screen 6 of the signaling device 4. In such a configuration, the user can deduce the meaning of the traffic light signals from the position of the terminal, which they view directly through the screen, thus ensuring their correct understanding of the applicable regulatory system in their current geographical location. Advantageously, when the screen 6 is fixed to the control totem 3, user U simultaneously sees in his field of vision the traffic lights 10,12 as well as terminal 2 through the feedback broadcast on the information screen.

[0035] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiment described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0036] For example, the signaling device 4 may include a sensor (not shown) configured to detect the presence of user U's vehicle 1 wishing to cross the traffic lane V. Such a sensor can then trigger real-time image capture by the camera only when a vehicle is present. In such a configuration, user U can concentrate on maneuvering vehicle 1 as it approaches the marker 2 without taking any additional action to obtain feedback on the position of marker 2 via the screen 6.

[0037] For example, the signaling device 4 may include two cameras 8, each camera being configured to capture a real-time image of the position of the post 2 on each side of the post 2. The two cameras 8 can then each film a different angle, adapted to the direction of travel of a user who wishes to cross the post 2, i.e. to enter or exit the traffic lane V.

[0038] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted as including all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. An assembly comprising a control totem (3) including a signaling device (4) and at least one retractable bollard (2) between a deployed position in which the bollard (2) blocks access to a traffic lane (V) and a retracted position in which the bollard (2) permits access to said traffic lane (V), the device (4) comprising: • at least one camera (8) configured to capture a real-time image of the bollard (2); • at least one information screen (6) configured to transmit the image captured by the camera (8) in real time; the device (4) being characterized in that the screen (6) is configured to be fixed to a support, so as to be visible from the passenger compartment of a vehicle (1), by a user (U) in the vehicle (1) wishing to access the traffic lane (V) so that the user (U) can directly and visually determine the position of the bollard (2).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling device (4) comprises two screens (6), each screen (6) being respectively visible from the passenger compartment of a vehicle (1) from each side of the terminal (2).

3. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (6) is a curved screen.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device (4) comprises two cameras (8), each camera (8) being configured to capture a real-time image of the position of the terminal (2) on each side of the terminal (2).

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device (4) comprises at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of a vehicle (1) wishing to cross the traffic lane (V), the sensor controlling the real-time image capture by the camera (8) in the event of the presence of a vehicle (1).

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screen (6) is fixed to the totem (3).

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control totem (3) comprises a wireless transmission element configured to control the passage of the terminal (2) between the deployed position and the retracted position by a remote user (U), the wireless transmission element being further connected to the signaling device (4) so ​​as to activate the device (4) upon a command instruction to the terminal (2).

8. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the totem comprises a first signal light (10) and a second signal light (12), the first signal light (10) being lit at least intermittently and the second light (12) being off in the case where the post (2) is in the retracted position, and the first light (10) being off and the second light (12) being lit at least intermittently in the case where the post (2) is in the deployed position or in an intermediate position between the retracted and deployed positions.

9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the first signal light (10) and the second signal light (12) are displayed on the screen (6) of the signaling device (4).

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (6) of the signaling device (4) displays information about the environment of the vehicle (1) to the user (U).

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