Pedestrian crossing traffic system

Abstract

To provide a traffic system for a crosswalk that can enhance safety in a cross walk at low installation costs.SOLUTION: A traffic system for a crosswalk that can communicate an intention of a pedestrian who is about to cross a crosswalk to a driver of a vehicle, includes: message display means which is disposed at a side of a roadway near the cross walk and supported at a height of 1 to 3 m from a road surface and which can display a predetermined message to the driver of the vehicle; operation means to be operated when the pedestrian is about to cross the crosswalk or detection means for detecting a pedestrian present near the crosswalk; and control means for controlling the message display means so as to display the predetermined message on the message display means when the operation means has been operated or the detection means has detected a pedestrian.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic system for a crosswalk that can convey the intention of a pedestrian trying to cross the crosswalk to a vehicle driver.

Background Art

[0002] There are many crosswalks without traffic lights in Japan. For example, it is said that there are more than 9,000 such crosswalks only within Okayama Prefecture. At crosswalks without traffic lights, contact accidents between vehicles and pedestrians are likely to occur. Therefore, it is desired to promote the installation of traffic lights at such crosswalks and reduce the number of crosswalks without traffic lights. However, the high cost of installing traffic lights is a major factor hindering such promotion.

[0003] In addition, as a means for pedestrians to safely cross the road, there are pedestrian bridges (overpasses). However, due to reasons such as a decrease in users due to the declining birthrate and aging population, and concerns about the financial burden caused by pedestrian bridge-related expenses such as maintenance and management costs, it is expected that pedestrian bridges will be gradually removed and replaced with crosswalks in the future. Even in such cases, if the cost of installing traffic lights is high, there is a risk of hesitating to install traffic lights together with the construction of new crosswalks.

[0004] In view of such circumstances, several traffic lights that can be manufactured at low cost have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a traffic light that can perform various displays (red signal, blue signal, yellow signal, arrow symbol, etc.) with one signal display unit. While conventional traffic lights have at least three signal display units (red signal unit, blue signal unit, and yellow signal unit), it is stated that by making the signal display unit one, the cost of manufacturing the traffic light can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, even if the traffic signal described in Patent Document 1 is adopted, its installation may still be costly. This is because traffic signals are usually supported by a pole erected beside the roadway and an arm member extending from the pole towards the roadway, and the construction of such poles and arm members also incurs costs. Specifically, in order to install the traffic signal and its support members, it is necessary to prepare heavy machinery such as cranes and aerial work platforms (lift trucks), and to allow such heavy machinery to be used on the roadway, the roadway must be closed to traffic, and these arrangements also incur costs. In addition, such traffic signals have the following problem: Since traffic signals are usually located at a height of about 5m above the road surface, drivers of vehicles need to look upwards to see the traffic signal. In doing so, pedestrians on crosswalks may be out of the driver's line of sight.

[0007] This invention was made in response to concerns about the many traffic accidents that occur on pedestrian crossings. Specifically, this invention was made to solve the above problems and provides a pedestrian crossing traffic system that can reduce installation costs and improve safety at pedestrian crossings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above issues are, A traffic system for pedestrian crossings that can communicate the intention of a pedestrian to cross the pedestrian crossing to the driver of a vehicle, A message display means is positioned along the roadside near a pedestrian crossing, supported at a height of 1 to 3 meters above the road surface, and capable of displaying a predetermined message to the driver of a vehicle. An operating means for pedestrians to operate when attempting to cross a crosswalk, or a detection means capable of detecting pedestrians near a crosswalk, A control means controls a message display means so that when an operating means is operated or a detection means detects a pedestrian, a predetermined message (including not only strings of characters such as "crossing," but also images, etc.) is displayed on the message display means. A traffic system for pedestrian crossings characterized by having the following features This is solved by providing [a solution].

[0009] In the pedestrian crossing traffic system of the present invention, a message display means capable of displaying a predetermined message to the driver of a vehicle is placed on the side of the road near the pedestrian crossing and supported at a height of 1 to 3 meters above the road surface (the height from the road surface to the center of the message display means is within the range of 1 to 3 meters). By placing the message display means on the side of the road, rather than directly above the road like a normal traffic light, and at a relatively low position, the installation of the message display means can be made easier. This reduces the installation cost of the message display means. In addition, because the message display means is placed at a relatively low position, even if the driver sees the message display means, pedestrians near the pedestrian crossing are less likely to be out of the driver's line of sight. This enhances the safety of pedestrians crossing the pedestrian crossing. The message display means 10 may emit infrared rays in addition to visible light. This is because, in recent years, the development of vehicles equipped with autonomous driving functions has progressed, and some of these vehicles can detect infrared rays. Therefore, for example, by displaying a stop mark using infrared light on the message display means 10, it becomes possible to have a vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving function recognize the mark and stop automatically.

[0010] In the pedestrian crossing traffic system of the present invention, it is preferable to embed the auxiliary light-emitting means for attracting the driver's attention in the road surface on the side of the road before the pedestrian crossing, as seen from the driver's perspective. This is because, even if the driver notices the message display means, they may not be able to read the message due to the distance. By providing the auxiliary light-emitting means, the driver's attention can be attracted, causing the vehicle to slow down. This makes it easier for the driver to notice the presence of the message display means and gives the driver time and psychological leeway to read the message when approaching the message display means.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that the light from the auxiliary light-emitting means is not visible to pedestrians attempting to cross the crosswalk. This is because if pedestrians mistake the light from the auxiliary light-emitting means for a warning directed at them, they may hesitate to cross the crosswalk even though it is actually safe to do so. For this reason, in the crosswalk traffic system of the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary light-emitting means is equipped with a light-shielding member to prevent its emitted light from illuminating the crosswalk. This allows pedestrians to cross the crosswalk without being misled by the light from the auxiliary light-emitting means.

[0012] In the pedestrian crossing traffic system of the present invention, it is preferable to place a pedestrian light-emitting means for informing pedestrians whether or not it is permissible to cross the pedestrian crossing on the side of the road near the pedestrian crossing. This prevents pedestrians from being confused about whether or not it is permissible to cross the pedestrian crossing.

[0013] In the pedestrian crossing traffic system of the present invention, it is preferable that the control means control not only the message display means but also the auxiliary light-emitting means and the pedestrian light-emitting means. This allows, for example, When the operating means is operated, or when the detection means detects a pedestrian, the message display means displays a crossing warning message, the auxiliary light-emitting means is controlled to emit yellow light, and the pedestrian light-emitting means is controlled to emit red light. Next, the message display means displays a message indicating that the pedestrian is crossing, the auxiliary light-emitting means is controlled to emit red light, and the pedestrian light-emitting means is controlled to emit blue light. Subsequently, the message display means displays a message indicating the end of the crossing, and the auxiliary light-emitting means and the pedestrian light-emitting means are controlled to turn off. This makes such things possible.

[0014] Incidentally, if the message display means 10 were to be positioned to protrude onto the roadway like a normal traffic light, it would often be necessary to close the roadway during construction. Furthermore, in this case, the members supporting the message display means 10 tend to have a complex structure, such as an arm member attached to a support column. For this reason, in the pedestrian crossing traffic system of the present invention, it is preferable to attach the message display means to the side of a support column member that is erected straight upward (vertically). This allows the message display means 10 to be positioned without protruding onto the roadway. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to close the roadway during construction. In addition, the members supporting the message display means 10 can be made into support column members with a simple structure, making it possible to reduce the costs associated with their manufacture and construction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a traffic system for pedestrian crossings that can reduce installation costs while improving safety at pedestrian crossings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of the traffic system for pedestrian crossings according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows (a) a front view and (b) a rear view of the message display means. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the buried auxiliary light-emitting means. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the timing chart for various controls performed by the control means.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The traffic system for crosswalks of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described below are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the traffic system for crosswalks of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described below. Appropriate modifications can be made to the traffic system for crosswalks of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0018] 1. Outline of the Traffic System for Crosswalks FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the traffic system for crosswalks of the present invention. The traffic system for crosswalks 1 of the present invention is for notifying the driver of the vehicle 300 of the presence of the pedestrian 400 who intends to cross the crosswalk 100. This traffic system for crosswalks 1 mainly includes a message display means 10, an operation means 20, and a control means 30. In the traffic system for crosswalks 1, when the pedestrian 400 operates the operation means 20, a message for transmitting to the driver of the vehicle 300 is displayed on the message display means 10. Such an operation is realized by the control means 30 controlling the message display means 10. The message display means 10 can directly transmit a message to the driver of the vehicle 300. Therefore, an accurate warning can be given to the driver.

[0019] However, if the message display means 10 is to be installed in a location that extends onto the roadway 200 or at an extremely high position, construction costs may increase. This is because, for example, it is necessary to prepare heavy machinery such as cranes, or to close the roadway 200 to allow the heavy machinery to be used on the roadway 200, and these arrangements incur costs. In this regard, the pedestrian crossing traffic system 1 of the present invention places the message display means 10 at a location 1 to 3 m above the road surface (for example, at a height of 1.5 m) next to the roadway 200 near the pedestrian crossing 100. Therefore, the construction of the message display means 10 can be easily carried out without using heavy machinery. Consequently, it is possible to keep the construction costs of the message display means 10 low.

[0020] In this embodiment, in addition to the message display means 10, an auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and a pedestrian light-emitting means 50 are provided. The on / off switching (lighting and extinguishing) of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is controlled by the control device 30. The auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is embedded in the road surface on the side before the crosswalk 100 from the driver's perspective, prioritizing visibility from the driver of the vehicle 300. On the other hand, the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is integrated with the message display means 10 to eliminate the need for on-site construction work, and is provided on the end face (side) of the message display means 10 from the viewpoint of visibility from pedestrians 400. As shown in Figure 4 below, by illuminating the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 in various colors in accordance with the message on the message display means 10, more accurate warnings can be given to both the vehicle driver and the pedestrian 400.

[0021] 2. Configuration of the traffic system for pedestrian crossings The following describes in detail each component of the pedestrian crossing traffic system 1.

[0022] 2.1 Message Display Means Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are a front view and a rear view of the message display means 10, respectively. The message display means 10 is for displaying a predetermined message to the driver of the vehicle 300. The message to be displayed on the message display means 10 can, for example, indicate the crossing status of a pedestrian 400 at a crosswalk 100. In this embodiment, the message display means 10 is configured to switch between displaying a crossing warning message (for example, the string "Crossing") indicating that the pedestrian 400 is about to cross the crosswalk 100, a crossing in progress message (for example, the string "Crossing") indicating that the pedestrian 400 is in the process of crossing the crosswalk 100, and a crossing completion message (for example, the string "Thank you") indicating that the pedestrian 400 has finished crossing the crosswalk 100. To emphasize the various messages, a frame may be displayed around the message and the frame may be made to flash.

[0023] For example, a high-brightness LED (semiconductor light-emitting element) display panel can be used as the message display means 10. This makes the message displayed on the message display means 10 easily visible even during the daytime.

[0024] The light emitted from the message display means 10 is usually visible light so that it can be seen by the driver of the vehicle 300. However, the message display means 10 may emit infrared light in addition to visible light, or a separate display device that emits infrared light may be provided in addition to the message display means 10. This is because some vehicles 300 equipped with autonomous driving functions, which have attracted attention in recent years, use image recognition technology (technology that takes pictures of the area around the vehicle with a camera and automatically identifies obstacles, road signs, etc. from the obtained images) to perform autonomous driving, and cameras used to take pictures of the area around the vehicle are usually capable of detecting infrared light as well. For this reason, for example, if a road sign is displayed in infrared light, it is possible to make the vehicle 300 recognize the road sign and drive autonomously according to that road sign. In this embodiment, the message display means 10 includes a portion 10a composed of visible light LEDs and a portion 10b arranged above portion 10a and composed of infrared LEDs.

[0025] The dimensions of the message display means 10 are determined appropriately according to the conditions of the roadway 200 (for example, road width and visibility). However, if the dimensions are too small, the message may be difficult to read, and if they are too large, the cost may increase. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the message display means 10 (especially its message display area 10a) be about 10 to 100 cm and the height be about 80 to 200 cm. In this embodiment, the width of the message display means 10 is about 20 cm and the height is about 100 cm.

[0026] As already mentioned, the message display means 10 is supported at a height of 1 to 3 m above the road surface, but the method of support is not particularly limited. For example, the message display means 10 may be suspended or supported. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of ease of construction and reduction of construction costs, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), a straight support member 11 is erected upward (vertically) on the road surface, and the message display means 10 is band-fixed to its side. This allows the message display means 10 to be positioned without protruding above the roadway 200. Therefore, the message display means 10 can be installed without closing the roadway 200 to traffic.

[0027] The material of the support member 11 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a sturdy material that does not easily bend or break. This is because if the support member 11 is sturdy, it can also function as a bollard to prevent collisions when a vehicle 300 is about to hit pedestrians 400 near the crosswalk 100. Suitable materials for the support member 11 include, for example, metals such as stainless steel that are resistant to corrosion, and stone materials such as concrete. In this embodiment, the support member 11 is made by filling the inside (air portion) of the lower end (for example, the part up to 1m above the ground) of a stainless steel pipe (specifically SUS304sch40) with concrete.

[0028] The thickness of the support member 11 is not particularly limited, but if it is too thin, it will bend easily, and if it is too thick, it will be difficult to handle during construction, etc. For this reason, the thickness (diameter) of the support member 11 is preferably about 10 to 50 cm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the support member 11 is about 20 cm.

[0029] As previously mentioned, the message display means 10 is positioned beside the roadway 200 near the pedestrian crossing 100, and can be positioned on the side before the pedestrian crossing 100 from the perspective of the driver of the vehicle 300. This prevents the message display means 10 from being obscured by pedestrians 400, making it easier for drivers to see. In this case, from the viewpoint of visibility for drivers, it is preferable to position the message display means 10 at a relatively low position, and it is preferable that the height from the road surface to the center of the message display means 10 be within the range of 1 to 2 meters.

[0030] The number of message display devices 10 to be placed is determined appropriately according to the conditions of the roadway 200 (for example, road width and number of lanes). For example, if installed on a one-way roadway, one message display device 10 is sufficient. If installed on a roadway with two-way traffic, it is usually preferable to install two message display devices 10 on each side of the roadway 200, as shown in Figure 1.

[0031] 2.2 Operating means (or detection means) The operating means 20 is for pedestrians 400 to operate when crossing the crosswalk 100. Typically, a push button or touch sensor is used for the operating means 20. In this embodiment, a relatively inexpensive waterproof push button is used as the operating means 20.

[0032] The operating means 20 is usually positioned near both ends (entrances) of the pedestrian crossing 100 in a location easily accessible to pedestrians. In this embodiment, the operating means 20 is installed inside the support member 11, as shown in Figure 2(b). This makes it less likely for the operating means 20 to get wet in the rain.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating means 20 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. In this embodiment, the child's operating means 20a is positioned at a relatively low position on the support member 11, and the adult's operating means 20b is positioned at a relatively high position. This makes it easy for both children and adults to use. In this case, it is also possible to make the message displayed on the message display means 10 different when the child's operating means 20a is operated and when the adult's operating means 20b is operated.

[0034] Furthermore, this operating means 20 can be replaced with a detection means capable of detecting pedestrians 400 near the crosswalk 100. Various types of motion sensors, such as infrared sensors and image sensors (cameras), can be used as the detection means. If a detection means is used instead of the operating means 20, a predetermined message will be displayed on the message display means 10 when the detection means detects a pedestrian. However, there is a risk of malfunction or misrecognition occurring with the detection means (failure to detect pedestrians 400 that should be detected, or detection of people or objects that should not be detected). For this reason, in this embodiment, a mechanical contact type operating means 20, which has a lower risk of malfunction or misrecognition, is used instead of a detection means. The mechanical contact type operating means 20 also has the advantage of being less prone to failure.

[0035] 2.3 Auxiliary light-emitting means The auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is intended to attract the attention of drivers. As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is embedded in the road surface on the side before the pedestrian crossing 100 as seen from the driver of the vehicle 300 (see Figure 1). The left-right position of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 be installed near the center of the roadway 200 (each lane) with a left-right width narrower than the distance between the left and right wheels of a four-wheeled vehicle. This is because the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is less likely to be run over by a four-wheeled vehicle. In this embodiment, the left-right width of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is set to approximately 1 m, so that even when the smallest light four-wheeled vehicle is traveling on the roadway 200, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 will not be run over by that light four-wheeled vehicle.

[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the buried auxiliary light-emitting means 40. In this embodiment, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 mainly consists of a light-emitting member 41, a light-shielding member 42 equipped with a light-emitting port 42a, a water-guiding member 43, a drain pipe 44, and a support member 45. The auxiliary light-emitting means 40 can be buried in the roadway 200, for example, as follows: A hole 201 is formed in the roadway 200, and crushed stone is laid at the bottom of the hole 201. Then, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is placed on top of the crushed stone, and a filling material (such as asphalt) 202 is filled into the space outside the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 inside the hole 201. In this way, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is buried in the roadway 200.

[0037] The light-emitting member 41 of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is positioned on the side of the pedestrian crossing 100 (left side in Figure 3) within the hole 201. Various types of light-emitting materials can be used as the light-emitting member 41, but it is preferable to use a high-brightness LED from the viewpoint of long lifespan, low power consumption, and brightness. In this embodiment, the light-emitting member 41 is an LED tube light capable of emitting red and yellow light (a transparent, waterproof tube in which multiple LEDs are arranged at predetermined intervals). The auxiliary light-emitting means 40 may also include an infrared LED so that it can be detected by the vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned autonomous driving function.

[0038] The light-shielding member 42 of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is a plate-shaped member with a light-emitting opening 42a, and is positioned above the light-emitting member 41. The light L1 from the light-emitting member 41 is emitted through the light-emitting opening 42a of the light-shielding member 42 to the side opposite the pedestrian crossing 100 (right side in Figure 3), while being blocked by the light-shielding member 42 and not emitted to the side of the pedestrian crossing 100 (left side in Figure 3).

[0039] The light L1 emitted from the light emitter 42a spreads and travels away from the pedestrian crossing 100. It is preferable that the lower limit angle θ1 of the light L1 be as small as possible, because this allows the light L1 to reach the vehicle 300 at a greater distance. For this reason, the lower limit angle θ1 is preferably 45° or less, and more preferably 30° or less. In this embodiment, the lower limit angle θ1 of the light L1 is set to approximately 20°. On the other hand, the upper limit angle θ2 of the light L1 is set to a larger angle than the lower limit angle θ1. However, if it is 90° or more, there is a risk that the light L1 will be visible to pedestrians on the pedestrian crossing 100 side. For this reason, the upper limit angle θ2 is preferably less than 90°, more preferably 60° or less, and even more preferably 45° or less. In this embodiment, the upper limit angle θ2 of the light L1 is set to approximately 30°. The lower limit angle θ1 and upper limit angle θ2 of the light L1 can be adjusted by changing the relative position of the light output opening 42a with respect to the light-emitting member 41, the size of the light output opening 42a, etc.

[0040] In this embodiment, a water-sealing member is not provided at the light-emitting opening 42a of the light-shielding member 42 to prevent rainwater or the like from entering. This is because providing a water-sealing member at the light-emitting opening 42a would normally dim the light L1 emitted from it. However, if waterproofing of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 is important, it is possible to provide a water-sealing member at the light-emitting opening 42a.

[0041] The material of the light-shielding member 42 is not particularly limited as long as it blocks light, but it is preferable that it has a certain degree of strength so that it does not break even when run over by the vehicle 300. Examples of such materials include metal plates such as stainless steel and stone slabs such as concrete.

[0042] The water guide member 43 is for guiding rainwater and the like that entering from the light emitter 42a to the drain pipe 44. In this embodiment, the water guide member 43 is provided in a sloping manner below the light emitter 42a (the inlet for rainwater and the like).

[0043] The material of the water guide member 43 is preferably one that is resistant to damage even when exposed to rain and wind. In addition, it is preferable that the water guide member 43 has light reflectivity, because it can make the light L1 emitted from the light emission port 42a even brighter. Examples of such materials include metals such as stainless steel. However, the water guide member 43 may also have light absorbing properties. In this case, highly directional light L1 can be emitted from the light emission port 42a.

[0044] The support member 45 is for supporting the light-shielding member 42, the water-guiding member 43, etc., to prevent them from sinking into the ground. In this embodiment, the support member 45 is made up of a plate-shaped base plate 45a on which a plurality of gusset plates 45b (shown by dashed lines in Figure 3, with the ones positioned towards the back) are arranged. The gusset plates 45b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 (depth direction in Figure 3), and the filling member 202 is fitted between the plurality of gusset plates 45b. The gusset plates 45b are in contact with the outer circumference of the light-shielding member 42, the water-guiding member 43, the drain pipe 44, etc., and firmly support them.

[0045] Incidentally, the water flow space 47 for draining rainwater and the like to the drain pipe 44 is in danger of being crushed by the pressure of the filling material (asphalt, etc.) 202. For this reason, in this embodiment, crush prevention plates 48 (shown by dashed lines in Figure 3 for those located at the back) are provided at predetermined intervals in the length direction within the water flow space 47. This makes it less likely for the water flow space 47 to be crushed and blocked. Furthermore, there is a risk that the feet of pedestrians 400 crossing the crosswalk 100 or the tires of bicycles may get stuck in the water flow space 47 (or the light emission port 42a), but by providing crush prevention plates 48 within the water flow space 47, it is made less likely for the feet of pedestrians 400 or the tires of bicycles to get stuck in the water flow space 47.

[0046] 2.4 Light-emitting means for pedestrians The pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is for informing pedestrians 400 whether it is permissible to cross the crosswalk. As already mentioned, in this embodiment, the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is attached to the end face (side) of the message display means 10, as shown in Figure 2(b). However, the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 may be installed in other locations, for example, it can be embedded in the road surface near the crosswalk 100.

[0047] Various types of light-emitting elements can be used as the light source 51 of the pedestrian light-emitting means 50, but it is preferable to use a high-brightness LED from the viewpoint of long lifespan, low power consumption, and brightness. In this embodiment, a high-brightness LED light capable of emitting red and blue light is used as the light source 51.

[0048] In this embodiment, the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is further equipped with a shade member 52. This shade member 52 is intended to prevent the light L2 (see Figure 1) from the light source 51 from being seen by the driver of the vehicle 300. This prevents the driver from mistakenly believing that the light L2 is directed at them.

[0049] 2.5 Control means The control means 30 can control the message display means 10 to display a predetermined message or switch the message to be displayed. Furthermore, as already mentioned, in this embodiment, an auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and a pedestrian light-emitting means 50 are provided, and the control means 30 can also control the on / off state of these light-emitting means 40 and 50.

[0050] The control means 30 can be composed of various electrical circuits, for example. Examples of electrical circuits include an input circuit that receives signals from the operating means 20, an output circuit that outputs signals to turn on and off individual light-emitting elements, auxiliary light-emitting means 40 (light-emitting member 41), and pedestrian light-emitting means 50 (light source 51) that constitute the message display means 10, and a timer circuit that measures the timing for outputting signals from the output circuit. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the control means 30 is made up of various electrical circuits housed in a casing and is arranged on the side of the support member 11. However, the control means 30 can also be integrated with the operating means 20 and arranged inside the support member 11. The control means 30 and each component such as the message display means 10 are interconnected by wired or wireless (not shown).

[0051] Figure 4 is a timing chart of the various controls performed by the control means 30. In this embodiment, the control device 30 performs the following controls on the message display means 10, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40, and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50.

[0052] Specifically, when the operating means 20 is operated (at time t0, when the signal from the operating means 20 changes from ON to OFF), a crossing warning message is displayed on the message display means 10, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 lights up yellow, and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 lights up red. At this time, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 may be made to flash to attract the attention of drivers and pedestrians. The time t0-t1 for displaying the crossing warning message is not particularly limited, and is, for example, about 5 to 10 seconds. The length (interval) of the time t0-t1 can be easily adjusted by changing the settings of the control means 30.

[0053] Subsequently (at time t1), a "crossing" message is displayed on the message display means 10, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 lights up red, and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 lights up blue. At this time, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 may also be made to flash to attract the attention of drivers and pedestrians. The time t1-t2 for displaying the "crossing" message is determined appropriately according to the length of the crosswalk (width of the roadway), etc. For a typical crosswalk 100, for example, 10 to 60 seconds is sufficient. The length (interval) of time t1-t2 can also be easily adjusted by changing the settings of the control means 30.

[0054] Furthermore, when the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 is illuminated in blue, sounds such as music box melodies or animal sounds may be played to encourage pedestrians 400 to cross the road. The sound output means (speaker) for playing the sounds can be attached to, for example, the support column member 11. The control means 30 can also control the playback of sounds from this sound output means.

[0055] Subsequently (at time t2), a crossing completion message is displayed on the message display means 10, and the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 are controlled to turn off. The time t2-t3 for displaying the crossing completion message is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 3 to 5 seconds. The length (interval) of time t2-t3 can also be easily adjusted by changing the settings of the control means 30.

[0056] In this embodiment, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 are turned off after time t2. This is because it reduces power consumption and lowers electricity costs. However, if safety at the pedestrian crossing 100 is a priority, the auxiliary light-emitting means 40 may remain lit (or flashing) in blue and the pedestrian light-emitting means 50 may remain lit (or flashing) in red until the operating means 20 is operated after time t2.

[0057] 2.6 Other Configurations In this embodiment, in addition to the components described above, a power generation means 61, a power storage means 62, and a shooting means 63 are also provided (see Figures 2(a) and (b)). By providing the power generation means 61, each component such as the message display means 10 can be driven without using commercial power, or in combination with it. This not only saves on electricity costs, but also makes it possible to supply power to each component such as the message display means 10 even in locations where it is difficult to lay commercial power lines. In this embodiment, a solar panel for solar power generation is used as the power generation means 61. In addition to this, for example, a wind turbine for wind power generation can also be used as the power generation means 61. The electricity generated by the power generation means 61 can be stored in the power storage means 62 (for example, a lithium-ion battery).

[0058] Furthermore, by providing the imaging means 63, it is possible to accurately grasp the situation of vandalism (acts of destruction, etc.) to the message display means 10, etc., and contact accidents that occur at the pedestrian crossing 100. For example, a commercially available surveillance (security) camera can be used for the imaging means 63. The imaging means 63 can be placed anywhere as long as it can capture images of the vicinity of the pedestrian crossing 100. In this embodiment, the imaging means 63 is placed above the support member 11, but it may also be embedded in the support member 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1. Traffic system for pedestrian crossings 10 Message display means 10a Message display area 11 Support member 20 Operating means 20a Child-friendly operating means 20b Adult controls 30 Control means 40 Auxiliary light-emitting means 41 Light-emitting element 42 Light-shielding material 43 Water guide member 44 Drain pipe 45 Support member 45a Base Plate 45b Gusset plate (reinforcement plate) 47 Water diversion space 48 Crush prevention plate 50 Light-emitting means for pedestrians 51 Light source 52 Shade components 61 Power generation means 62 Energy storage means 63. Methods of Photography 100 Pedestrian crossing 200 Roadway 201 Hole 202 Filling material 300 vehicles 400 pedestrians Light from the L1 auxiliary light-emitting means Light from the L2 pedestrian light-emitting device.

Claims

1. A traffic system for pedestrian crossings that can communicate the intention of a pedestrian to cross the pedestrian crossing to the driver of a vehicle, A message display means is positioned along the roadside near a pedestrian crossing, supported at a height of 1 to 3 meters above the road surface, and capable of displaying a predetermined message to the driver of a vehicle. An operating means for pedestrians to operate when attempting to cross a crosswalk, or a detection means capable of detecting pedestrians near a crosswalk, An auxiliary light-emitting device embedded in the road surface on the side of the road before the pedestrian crossing, as seen from the perspective of the vehicle driver, to attract the driver's attention, A pedestrian-only illuminated device, placed on the side of the road near a crosswalk, to inform pedestrians whether it is permissible to cross the crosswalk, Control means for controlling message display means, auxiliary light-emitting means and pedestrian light-emitting means. Equipped with, The auxiliary light-emitting means is A light-emitting element placed inside a hole formed in the roadway, A light-shielding member is positioned above the light-emitting member and is used to prevent the light emitted from the light-emitting member from illuminating the pedestrian crossing. A water guide member that guides rainwater entering through a light-emitting opening provided in the light-shielding member, A drainage pipe for draining rainwater guided by a water guide member and It is said to be equipped with The control means, When the operating means is operated, or when the detection means detects a pedestrian, the message display means displays a crossing warning message, the auxiliary light-emitting means is controlled to emit yellow light, and the pedestrian light-emitting means is controlled to emit red light. Next, the message display means displays a message indicating that the pedestrian is crossing, the auxiliary light-emitting means is controlled to emit red light, and the pedestrian light-emitting means is controlled to emit blue light. Subsequently, the message display means displays a message indicating the end of the crossing, and the auxiliary light-emitting means and the pedestrian light-emitting means are controlled to turn off. A traffic system for pedestrian crossings characterized by the following features.

2. The pedestrian crossing traffic system according to claim 1, wherein the message display means is attached to the side of a support member that is erected straight upward.

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