Signpost and sign system

Abstract

To provide a signpost and a sign system that allow contact information to be acquired easily.SOLUTION: A signpost 1 comprises a columnar post unit 20, and a display unit 30 attached to the post unit 20. The display unit 30 includes at least one information storage unit 33 that allows contact information to be read. The signpost 1 is mounted on a roadside of a highway. A sign system comprises such signposts 1 arranged along a roadside at predetermined intervals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signpost. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, emergency telephones are installed on the side of roads such as expressways. In the event of an emergency such as an accident or breakdown, this emergency telephone connects you to the road administrator or the like simply by picking up the receiver. Emergency telephones are installed on expressways, for example, at intervals of 1 km. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-125795 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an accident occurs in a place relatively far from such an emergency telephone, the caller must walk to the emergency telephone. Walking on a highway is very dangerous. In addition, when the caller calls using his / her own mobile phone, he / she may have difficulty in judging which number to call.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a sign post and a sign system that allow contact information to be easily obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A signpost according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a column-shaped pole portion and a display portion attached to the pole portion, the display portion having at least one information storage portion from which contact information can be read, and is a signpost intended to be installed on the side of a highway.

[0007] In one embodiment of the sign post, the contact information includes contact information including a contact person to contact in a particular situation.

[0008] In one aspect of the signpost, the information storage unit is a wireless communication tag.

[0009] In one aspect of the signpost, the information storage section is a two-dimensional code.

[0010] In one aspect of the signpost, the post portion has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by an external force in a restorable manner.

[0011] In one embodiment of the signpost, the post portion is made from polyurethane.

[0012] The signpost according to one embodiment further comprises a base portion supporting the post portion.

[0013] In one aspect of the signpost, the base is provided with a weight.

[0014] In one aspect of the signpost, the display portion includes a display for indicating information, and the display is formed from a phosphorescent material.

[0015] In a sign system according to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sign poles as described above are arranged at predetermined intervals along the side of a road. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a sign post and a sign system can be provided that allow contact information to be easily obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a signpost 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing components of a signpost 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]1 is a front view showing a surface of a display unit 30 of a sign pole 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a rear view showing the back surface of a display unit 30 of a sign pole 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a mode of use of a signpost 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a front view of a signpost 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of a sign pole 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing components of the sign pole 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the sign pole 1 includes a base 10, a columnar pole section 20 extending from the base 10, and a display section 30 attached to the pole section 20. The base 10 and the pole section 20 are members similar to road sign poles such as Post Cone (registered trademark). The pole section 20 has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by an external force in a restorable manner. In FIG. 2, the base 10 is shown in cross section. The configuration of the sign pole 1 will be specifically described below.

[0020] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the column 20 extends vertically in a columnar shape, and has an upper end 21, which is the upper end, and a lower end 22, which is the lower end. The upper end 21 forms, for example, a surface facing upward, and the lower end 22 forms, for example, a surface facing downward. The column 20 is columnar and has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical side surface 23. The column 20 may be hollow or solid. The column 20 is supported by the base 10 at the lower end 20a, which is a portion near the lower end 22, and extends upward from the base 10. Note that a plurality of reflective sheets (not shown) extending in the circumferential direction may be provided on the side surface 23 in the vertical direction.

[0021] As described above, the column 20 has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by an external force in a restorable manner. Specifically, for example, it has flexibility that allows it to be deformed even when it is subjected to an impact of a person touching it. In addition, the column 20 has the restorability to return to its original shape or approximately its original shape when the external force is removed after it has been deformed by the external force. The column 20 is made of an elastic material having the above-mentioned flexibility, such as polyurethane. Note that the column 20 may be made of other elastic materials such as other resins and rubbers having the above-mentioned flexibility.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the base 10 is a portion that functions as a base for the sign pole 1, and extends radially outward from the pole portion 20. The radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction in which the sign pole 1 extends. The base 10 has, for example, a disk-like shape, and has a bottom surface 11 as a ground contact surface, and a support portion 12 formed at a position facing away from the bottom surface 11. The support portion 12 is a portion to which a lower end portion 20a of the pole portion 20 is attached, and which supports the pole portion 20. The support portion 12 is also configured so that the pole portion 20 can be removed from the support portion 12.

[0023] The support portion 12 has a recess 13 that accommodates the lower end portion 20a of the column portion 20, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The recess 13 is recessed downward, and has a shape such that, for example, the lower end portion 20a of the column portion 20 is press-fitted therein. Specifically, the recess 13 has, for example, a cylindrical side surface 13a and a bottom surface 13b. The side surface 13a is adapted to come into contact with a side surface 23 of the column portion 20 accommodated in the recess 13. In addition, the bottom surface 13b is adapted to come into contact with a lower end 22 of the column portion 20 accommodated in the recess 13.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 10 is provided with a weight 14. The base 10 is, for example, solid, and the weight 14 is embedded inside the base 10. The weight 14 may be exposed from the surface of the base 10. The base 10 may be provided with one weight 14 or with multiple weights 14. The base 10 is made of, for example, polyurethane. The material of the base 10 may be other materials. The weight 14 is made of, for example, metal.

[0025] The display unit 30 includes a support unit 31 attached to the upper end 21 of the column 20, and a display plate 32 supported by the support unit 31. The support unit 31 is, for example, a cylindrical solid member. The support plate 32 is, for example, a square plate-like member when viewed from the front. The support unit 31 and the display plate 32 are made of, for example, polyurethane. The support unit 31 and the support plate 32 may be integrally formed with the column 20, or may be detachably attached to the column 20. For example, a recess extending downward from the upper end 21 is formed in the upper end 20b of the column 20, which is in the vicinity of the upper end 20. For example, the support unit 31 is received in this recess. In this manner, the display unit 30 is attached to the column 20.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the front surface of the display unit 30 of the sign pole 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the display unit 30 of the sign pole 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the display unit 30 is provided with at least one information storage unit 33 capable of reading contact information including a contact to be contacted in a specific situation, and a display 34 for recognizing the information. In this example, one information storage unit 33 is incorporated in the front surface of the display board 32, and one information storage unit 33 is incorporated in the rear surface of the display board 32. The display 34 is formed, for example, from a phosphorescent material. As is well known, a phosphorescent material is a material that stores light energy, for example, from sunlight or headlights, and continues to emit the stored light energy.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the information storage unit 33 on the surface of the display board 32 is, for example, a wireless communication tag. Examples of the wireless communication tag include an NFC (near field wireless communication) tag and an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. In this example, a sticker-like wireless communication tag is embedded in the display board 32. This wireless communication tag is, for example, a passive tag. That is, when an electronic device having a data reading function, such as a smartphone, is held over the wireless communication tag, the wireless communication tag operates based on the magnetic field acting from the electronic device. As a result, predetermined information is transmitted from the wireless communication tag to the electronic device. In this way, the electronic device can read the predetermined information from the wireless communication tag.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the information storage unit 33 on the back side of the display board 32 is, for example, a two-dimensional code. Two-dimensional codes include, for example, QR Code (registered trademark) and micro QR Code. In this example, a QR code is displayed on the back side of the display board 32. As is well known, when a QR code is read by an electronic device having a QR code reader such as a smartphone, predetermined information is transmitted to the electronic device. In this way, the electronic device can read the predetermined information from the two-dimensional code. In this example, the contact information stored in the information storage unit 33 is, for example, a telephone number such as an emergency contact number. When the electronic device reads the information from the information storage unit 33, a notification display for calling the telephone number appears on the electronic device.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, various displays 34 are displayed on the front and back of the display board 32. The display 34 on the front includes guidance such as "SOS," "In an emergency, touch your smartphone to talk to the contact," "Touch your smartphone here," and a picture of a smartphone showing where to hold the electronic device. Meanwhile, the display 34 on the back includes guidance such as "SOS," "If there is no reaction when you touch your smartphone, scan the QR code and talk to the contact." These displays 34 are merely examples and may include other guidance, notices, and the like.

[0030] Next, the use of the sign pole 1 described above will be described. In one example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of sign poles 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals, for example, on the roadside RS of a highway HW. The sign pole system according to the present invention is constructed by these plurality of sign poles 1. In this example, the interval between adjacent sign poles 1 is set to, for example, 100 m. However, this interval may be smaller than 100 m. The sign pole 1 is placed on an installation surface such as the ground of the roadside RS at the bottom surface 11 of the base 10. The roadside RS includes, for example, a road shoulder or a roadside strip. In this way, the pole part 20 stands on the installation surface, and the display part 30 is located above the installation surface. Since the base part 10 is provided with a weight 14, the sign pole 1 can stand stably on the installation surface.

[0031] When a driver of a traveling vehicle has an accident or the like on the expressway HW, the driver moves to a signpost 1 that is close to the accident site. The driver reads the contact information from the information storage unit 33 on the front or back of the display board 32 using his / her smartphone. The contact information is, for example, the telephone number of the road control center that manages the expressway HW. Note that the contact information may include telephone numbers of administrative agencies such as emergency services, fire departments, and police in addition to the road control center. As the information is read, a notification display appears on the driver's smartphone to call the telephone number. The driver can make a call by touching the notification display on the screen. The driver notifies the person in charge at the road control center of his / her situation, etc. The person in charge announces the response, such as the initial response, to the driver.

[0032] Note that individual location information can be written into the wireless communication tag or two-dimensional code, for example, for each sign post 1. That is, this individual location information can identify the location of the sign post 1. Therefore, when information is read from the information storage unit 33, for example, by setting the location information of the sign post 1 (i.e., the driver's location information) to be transmitted to the road management center, the driver's location is automatically transmitted from the smartphone to the road management center. In this way, the road management center can easily identify the driver's location.

[0033] According to the above-mentioned sign system, the driver can easily read the telephone number of the emergency contact from the display unit 30 equipped with the information storage unit 33 such as the wireless communication tag and the QR code. Since the sign pole 1 does not require a power source, a plurality of sign poles 1 can be arranged inexpensively and easily. Furthermore, a plurality of sign poles 1 can be easily arranged at shorter intervals than the conventional emergency telephones. The movement of the driver on the expressway HW can be reduced, and the occurrence of secondary accidents can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the wireless communication tag and the QR code are arranged, the QR code can function as a backup when communication with the wireless communication tag is not established. Furthermore, since the display 34 is formed from a phosphorescent material, the visibility of the display board 32 can be improved even in places with little road lighting.

[0034] Although the sign pole 1 described above is used by placing it on a ground surface such as the ground, the sign pole 1 may be fixed to the ground surface. The sign pole 1 may have, for example, a screw protruding downward from the bottom surface 11 of the base 10. The screw is screwed into a screw hole formed in the ground surface, so that the sign pole 1 is firmly fixed to the ground surface such as the ground. With this configuration, the sign pole 1 can be reliably erected even when it is subjected to wind generated by a traveling vehicle. In addition, for example, the pole part 20 may house emergency equipment such as an emergency signal light and a fire extinguishing ball. The pole part 20 has a storage space closed by, for example, a sliding door. In this case, it is preferable that the pole part 20 has a guide on how to remove the emergency equipment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a front view of a sign pole 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This sign pole 1A includes a pole portion 40, a kilometer display portion 50 attached to the pole portion 40, and a display portion 30 similarly attached to the pole portion 40. The pole portion 40 and the kilometer display portion 50 are, for example, kilometer posts installed on expressways and the like. The pole portion 40 extends in a columnar shape in the vertical direction. The pole portion 40 is made of, for example, a metal material. The lower end portion 40a near the lower end 41, which is the lower end of the pole portion 40, is fixed to an installation surface such as the ground. The kilometer display portion 50 is attached to the upper end, which is the upper end of the pole portion 40. As is well known, the kilometer display portion 50 displays a distance display 51 from the starting point of the route of the expressway.

[0036] The display unit 30 described above is attached to the upper end of the column 40. Specifically, the display unit 30 is attached to the upper end of the column 40 by the support portion 31. As described above, the display unit 30 is made of, for example, polyurethane. Therefore, the support portion 31 of the display unit 30 may have, for example, a cylindrical portion that receives the upper end of the column 40. That is, the support portion 31 is attached to the upper end of the column 40 at the upper part of the cylinder. An adhesive may be used for attachment. Otherwise, the configuration of the display plate 32 of the display unit 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0037] The sign pole 1A as described above is formed by using conventional kilometer posts. The kilometer posts are arranged at intervals of 100 m on the expressway. Therefore, the sign system according to the present invention is also constructed by these multiple sign poles 1A. Moreover, since this sign pole 1A uses conventional kilometer posts, it can be very easily applied to current expressways. This sign pole 1A may also have a storage section for storing the above-mentioned emergency equipment on the back side of the kilometer display section 50, for example. According to such a sign system, as in the first embodiment described above, the movement of drivers on the expressway can be reduced more than before. The occurrence of secondary accidents can be suppressed.

[0038] Here, another use of the above-mentioned signpost 1 will be described below. The signpost 1 may be installed, for example, on the side of a road such as a general road. In particular, the signpost 1 may be installed for crime prevention purposes on the side of a general road that is a commuter route or a school route and has few street lights and people. The information storage unit 33 may store, for example, contact information for the police or crime prevention committee of a nearby area. The signpost 1 may also be installed on a factory site or a parking lot. In this case, the information includes contact information for the factory manager or parking lot manager. For example, in a hospital parking lot, contact information for calling an assistant when assistance or care is required is included. Furthermore, the signpost 1 may be installed in a park, a beach, or the like. In this case, the information includes contact information for the park manager, the fire department, etc., and information such as an evacuation route from the location in the event of a disaster such as a tsunami, evacuation sites, etc.

[0039] In the above-described sign poles 1 and 1A, a wireless communication tag is placed on the front side of the display board 32 and a two-dimensional code is placed on the back side, but both a wireless communication tag and a two-dimensional code may be placed on the front side of the display board 32. Also, in the sign pole 1A, a kilometer post pole is used as the pole part 40, but the pole part 40 may also use, for example, a pole constituting a guardrail. In this way, the sign pole 1A uses, for example, a kilometer post or guardrail pole already installed on a highway, so that the sign pole 1 can be installed more easily.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications or improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0041] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The above-described embodiments do not limit the use of the present invention, and the present invention may include any use. The components of the above-described embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those exemplified, and may be modified as appropriate.

[0042] For example, the present invention includes differences that occur during implementation, such as manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, within the scope of the technically consistent, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined. Furthermore, each configuration can be appropriately and selectively combined so as to achieve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1, 1A sign pole, 10 base, 11 bottom, 12 support, 13 recess, 13a side, 13b bottom, 14 weight, 20 pillar, 20a lower end, 20b upper end, 21 upper end, 22 lower end, 23 side, 30 display, 31 support, 32 display board, 33 information storage unit, 34 display, 40 pillar, 40a lower end, 41 lower end, 50 km display, 51 distance display, HW expressway, RS roadside

Claims

1. A columnar column section, The display unit attached to the column portion, The column portion is equipped with a kilometer display unit, The signpost comprises a display unit which includes at least one information storage unit from which information can be read.

2. The signpost according to claim 1, wherein the signpost is installed on the side of a highway.

3. The signpost according to claim 1, wherein the column portion is formed of a metal material.

4. The signpost according to claim 2, wherein the column and the kilometer display are kilometer posts installed on a highway.

5. The signpost according to claim 4, wherein the display unit is attached to the column above the kilometer display unit.

6. The signpost according to claim 5, wherein the display section has flexibility that allows it to be deformed by an external force in a way that restores its shape.

7. A signage system comprising a plurality of signposts according to any one of claims 1 to 6, arranged at predetermined intervals.

8. The signage system according to claim 7, wherein the aforementioned information includes contact information, which includes contact information to be contacted in the event of a specific situation.

9. The sign system according to claim 8, wherein the contact information includes individual location information for identifying the location of each signpost.

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