Delineator

Abstract

A delineator (1) comprises a columnar region-separating column (2), and an information-providing part (3) which is attached to the region-separating column (2) and which provides information.

Description

line of sight guide

[0001] The present invention relates to a delineator.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lane dividing marker used to warn vehicles and guide them, for example. The lane dividing marker is made of a material that can be restored to its original shape even if it is deformed by contact, in order to prevent damage to the vehicle when it comes into contact with the lane dividing marker.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-332596

[0004] Many lane dividing signs are installed in various places, such as roadways, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. A vehicle driver looks at the lane dividing signs while driving the vehicle, but hardly looks at the lane dividing signs when, for example, walking after getting out of the vehicle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a delineator that can provide new uses.

[0006] A delineator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a columnar area separation pole and an information providing unit attached to the area separation pole to provide information.

[0007] The region separating posts are formed from a material that is deformable and recoverable even when subjected to an external force.

[0008] The information providing unit is configured to provide information to a person who is not in a vehicle.

[0009] The zone separation posts are configured to alert vehicle occupants.

[0010] The zone separation posts are configured to alert people who are not occupants of the vehicle.

[0011] The information providing unit displays information relating to advertising and promotion.

[0012] The information providing unit displays information relating to evacuation.

[0013] The information providing unit displays information about a particular contact.

[0014] The information providing unit displays information regarding guidance to a specific location.

[0015] The information providing unit displays information about a specific service.

[0016] The information providing unit displays information about parking of the vehicle.

[0017] The region separation posts have a mirror layer covering at least a portion of their surfaces.

[0018] The region separation posts have a reflective layer covering at least a portion of their surface.

[0019] According to the present invention, a delineator that can provide new uses can be provided.

[0020] 1 is a front view schematically illustrating the structure of a delineator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the main body 20 in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to one specific example. FIG. 4 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to another specific example. FIG. 5 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. FIG. 6 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. FIG. 7 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. FIG. 8 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. FIG. 9 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. Fig. 10 is a front view of a surface 35a of a main body 35 of an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a main body 20A of a delineator 1 according to a modified example.

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view schematically showing the structure of a delineator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the delineator 1 comprises an area separation pole 2 that stands upright in the vertical direction, and an information providing unit 3 attached to the area separation pole 2. In this example, the information providing unit 3 is attached to the area separation pole 2 in a position that stands upright upward from the top end of the area separation pole 2. Thus, the delineator 1 has a shape that stands upright in the vertical direction as a whole.

[0022] The area separation pillar 2 has a configuration similar to that of a lane separation marker such as Post Cone (registered trademark). That is, the area separation pillar 2 is a pillar for separating a certain area from another area, thereby separating a predetermined area. For example, the area separation pillar 2 is installed at a position that separates an area where vehicles travel, such as a road or a parking lot, from other areas, or at a position that separates an area where pedestrians walk from other areas inside a facility, etc. The information providing unit 3 is configured to provide information to, for example, a person not riding in a vehicle, specifically, a person walking. The information to be provided will be described later.

[0023] The area separation column 2 includes a base 10 and a columnar main body 20 attached to the base 10. The main body 20 extends vertically upward from the base 10. The base 10 includes a base 11 that extends in a generally disk-like shape in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a support portion 13 formed on an upper surface 12 of the base 11. The base 11 includes a lower surface 14 that is supported on an installation surface on which the delineator 1 is installed. In this example, the lower surface 14 extends along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface 12 of the base 11 is formed, for example, by a tapered surface that approaches the lower surface 14 as it extends horizontally outward from the support portion 13. The base 11 includes a flat cylindrical portion extending upward from the lower surface 14 and a tapered portion having a diameter that narrows from the upper end of the cylindrical portion toward the support portion 13. Note that the cylindrical portion may be omitted.

[0024] The support portion 13 is a cylindrical portion extending upright from the upper surface 12 of the base 11. The support portion 13 has a cylindrical recess 15, for example, recessed from the upper end of the support portion 13 toward the lower surface 14 of the base 11 (see FIG. 2 ). The main body 20 is inserted into the recess 15, whereby the main body 20 is supported by the pedestal 10. In this example, the base 11 is fixed to the installation surface by being attached to the installation surface with, for example, an adhesive. Alternatively, the base 11 may be fixed to the installation surface using a fixing member (not shown), such as an anchor bolt. In this case, the base 11 has a through-hole (not shown) extending vertically to allow the fixing member to pass through. A weight (not shown), for example, may be disposed within the base 11. This weight helps the delineator 1 to be installed on the installation surface without using a fixing member, adhesive, or the like.

[0025] The main body 20 has a cylindrical outer shape around a central axis defined in the vertical direction. In this example, the main body 20 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. That is, the main body 20 has a circular outline in a cross section perpendicular to its central axis. In this example, the lower end 21 of the main body 20 is open, but the lower end 21 may also be closed. The main body 20 is supported at the open cylindrical lower end 21 in a recess 15 of the support portion 13 of the base 11. As shown in FIG. 1 , the support portion 13 of the pedestal 10 and the main body 20 are fixed to each other by two fixing members 16, such as a bolt and a nut. The fixing members 16 extend, for example, through through-holes (not shown) that penetrate the support portion 13 and the main body 20 of the pedestal 10. In this manner, the fixing members 16 fix the main body 20 to the support portion 13. However, the main body 20 may also be fixed to the support portion 13 using, for example, an adhesive.

[0026] The upper end 22 of the main body 20 is closed. A cylindrical mounting portion 23, for example, is formed at the upper end 22 of the main body 20 (see FIG. 2). The cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 23 is threaded, for example, with a male thread (not shown). The information providing unit 3 is attached to this mounting portion 23. Meanwhile, the main body 20 has a cylindrical side surface 24. One or more reflective layers 25 are provided on this side surface 24 (see FIG. 1). In this example, three reflective layers 25, each extending annularly in the circumferential direction, are arranged vertically adjacent to the upper end 22 of the main body 20. The reflective layer 25 is formed, for example, from a high-intensity prism-type reflective sheet. Note that the main body 20 may have a contour that is not circular but is, for example, a triangular or quadrangular polygonal shape in a cross section perpendicular to its central axis.

[0027] The area separation column 2, i.e., the base 10 and the main body 20, are both made of a material that is deformable and can recover its original shape even when subjected to an external force. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the area separation column 2, for example, by contact with a vehicle or the like, the area separation column 2 can elastically deform without breaking. Furthermore, when the external force is released, the area separation column 2 has the restoring ability to recover its original shape. The area separation column 2 is made of an elastic material, such as polyurethane elastomer. However, the area separation column 2 may also be made of other resin materials or the like that have similar flexibility. Furthermore, the base 10 may be made of a material different from that of the main body 20.

[0028] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the main body 20 in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the main body 20 includes a first layer 26 colored, for example, a predetermined color, a transparent second layer 27 formed on the surface of the first layer 26, the aforementioned reflective layer 25 formed on the surface of the second layer 27, and a protective layer 28 formed on the surfaces of the second layer 27 and the reflective layer 25. Both the first layer 26 and the second layer 27 are formed of an elastic material such as polyurethane. The first layer 26 may be colored, for example, orange or green. The protective layer 28 can cover and protect the reflective layer 25. The protective layer 28 is formed, for example, of a transparent resin material. Note that the protective layer 28 may be omitted. That is, the side surface 24 of the main body 20 may be defined by the surfaces of the second layer 27 and the reflective layer 25.

[0029] 1 and 2 , the information providing unit 3 has a support portion 31 and a display portion 32 supported by the support portion 31. The support portion 31 has a cylindrical base portion 33 and a columnar pillar portion 34 extending vertically from the base 33. An internal thread (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 33. When attaching the information providing unit 3 to the area separating pillar 2, the internal thread on the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 33 is threadedly engaged with an external thread on the outer peripheral surface of the attachment portion 23 of the main body 20. In this manner, the base 33 is fixed to the attachment portion 23. Note that instead of this attachment by screwing, the information providing unit 3 may be attached to the main body 20 by inserting only the support portion 31, i.e., the pillar portion 34, without forming the base 33, into a recess formed in the main body 20.

[0030] The display unit 32 has a plate-shaped main body 35 and an edge portion 36 extending along the outer edge of the main body 35. The main body 35 is formed, for example, from a rectangular flat plate. The main body 35 defines a front surface 35a and a back surface 35b facing away from each other. In this example, the front surface 35a and the back surface 35b are defined parallel to each other. The front surface 35a and / or the back surface 35b function as an information display unit for guiding the line of sight of a person walking, for example. The information written on the front surface 35a and the back surface 35b of the main body 35 will be described later. In this example, the size of the display unit 32 in the horizontal direction is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the main body 20 of the area separating column 2.

[0031] The information providing unit 3, i.e., the support unit 31 and the display unit 32, may be formed from the same material as the area separating column 2, i.e., the base 10 and the main body 20. For example, the support unit 31 and the display unit 32 are formed from a material that is deformable and can be restored to its original shape even when subjected to an external force. The information providing unit 3 is formed from an elastic material such as polyurethane elastomer. With this configuration, when an external force is applied to the information providing unit 3, for example, by contact with a vehicle, the information providing unit 3 can be elastically deformed without being damaged. However, the information providing unit 3 may also be formed from, for example, a resin material that has a higher hardness than the area separating column 2.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to one specific example. FIG. 5 is a front view of the back surface 35b of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to one specific example. As shown in FIG. 4, information 40 related to advertising and promotion is displayed on the surface 35a of the information providing unit 3. This information 40 includes, for example, the name of the advertiser 41 ("circle △ square"), which may include a company name, brand name, etc., an IC tag 42 for touching the smartphone, and a "touch smartphone" statement 43 encouraging the smartphone to be touched to the IC tag 42. The IC tag 42 is positioned, for example, within an image of the smartphone. Predetermined information is read from the IC tag 42 by an electronic device such as a smartphone.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5 , advertising information 40 is also displayed on the back surface 35b of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3. Like the front surface 35a, this information 40 includes an advertiser's name 41, such as a company name or brand name, and a two-dimensional code 44, such as a QR code, to be read by a smartphone. Note that a description encouraging the reader to read the two-dimensional code may be added to the back surface 35b. Predetermined information is read from the two-dimensional code 44 by an electronic device such as a smartphone. Such delineators 1 are installed in parking lots of commercial complexes such as shopping malls and department stores. Specifically, the delineators 1 are installed in parking lots in places that indicate boundaries between driving and non-driving areas for vehicles, etc., or beside each parking space.

[0034] The information read from the IC tag 42 or the two-dimensional code 44 includes information about preferential treatment available at the advertiser's store, for example, in a shopping mall or department store. The preferential treatment includes, for example, preferential sales of products or provision of services, preferential provision of limited / special products or services, preferential provision of discounts or reservations, etc. By providing information about such preferential treatment, the advertiser can improve its ability to attract customers and sales, and ultimately improve its corporate and brand image. Note that the information read from the IC tag 42 or the two-dimensional code 44 may also include other information.

[0035] Such a delineator 1 serves to draw the attention of people in vehicles and guide the vehicle by means of the reflective layer 25 on the main body 20 of the area separating post 2, and also serves to advertise to people who are not in the vehicle, for example, after they have disembarked, by presenting information about advertising via the information providing unit 3. Until now, people who were walking, for example, rarely looked at lane dividing signs, but with this delineator 1, advertising information 40 is presented on the information providing unit 3, so that people who are not in the vehicle can stop in front of the delineator 1 and look at the information providing unit 3. In this way, the delineator 1 can provide new uses.

[0036] Furthermore, in this example of the delineator 1, contact with the area separation pole 2 by a vehicle or the like is anticipated, but the information provision unit 3 is deliberately attached to the area separation pole 2. Normally, it is thought that one would not think of providing an information provision unit 3 for providing information to people who are not in a vehicle on an area separation pole 2 that is expected to be contacted by a vehicle or the like. In other words, it is thought that one would not think of attaching an information provision unit 3 that could cause distraction to an area separation pole 2 that is intended to alert people in a vehicle. In this sense, it can be said that the combination of the area separation pole 2 and the information provision unit 3 in the delineator 1 is unique.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a front view of the surface 35 a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to another specific example. In this example, the surface 35 a of the information providing unit 3 displays information 45 related to evacuation or guidance to a specific location. The information 45 includes, for example, a display 46 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is related to an evacuation site in the event of a disaster, a pictogram 47 representing a state in which a person is evacuating, and a two-dimensional code 48 such as a QR code for reading with a smartphone or the like. The information read from the two-dimensional code 48 includes information such as the location of the nearest evacuation site and an evacuation route to the nearest evacuation site. The delineator 1 in this example is installed in locations including, for example, parking lots in parks and facilities, the side of public roads, and the like. Specifically, the delineator 1 is installed in locations indicating the boundaries of specific areas in parking lots or on public roads, or next to each parking space.

[0038] The delineator 1 in this example is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pole 2, while providing information to people not in vehicles using the information providing unit 3. Signs and other devices displaying information such as evacuation routes are generally made of metal materials to prevent damage in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or fire. Therefore, the combination of the area separation pole 2, which is made of a material that can be deformed to restore its original shape even when subjected to an external force, and the information providing unit 3 is unique. Furthermore, even if a panicked person fleeing during a disaster comes into contact with the delineator 1, they will not be injured.

[0039] 7 is a front view of the surface 35a of the main body 35 of the information providing unit 3 according to yet another example. In this example, information 50 relating to a specific contact is displayed on the surface 35a of the information providing unit 3. The information 50 includes, for example, a display 51 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is related to an emergency call, an IC tag 52 for touching a smartphone, and a "touch smartphone" statement 53 encouraging the user to touch the IC tag 52 with a smartphone. The information read from the IC tag 52 includes information such as a specific emergency contact to notify of the occurrence of an abnormal situation and the location where the delineator 1 is installed. This delineator 1 is installed in a location including, for example, the grounds of a large factory or a parking lot.

[0040] The delineator 1 in this example is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pole 2. Meanwhile, people who discover an abnormality on the aforementioned premises, parking lot, etc. can contact an emergency contact number read from the IC tag 52 displayed on the information providing unit 3. When information is read from the IC tag 52, the location information of the delineator 1 may be set to be automatically transmitted from a smartphone to a management center for the delineator 1. Typically, lane separation signs are installed in various locations in facilities such as factories and parking lots, but the delineator 1 in this example also transmits the location information of the delineator 1, so that when an abnormality occurs, the location of the abnormality can be identified at the same time.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of a delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another example. This example is a variation of the example shown in FIG. 7 , and information 55 related to a specific contact is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 55 includes, for example, a display 56 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is related to a crime prevention enhanced area, an IC tag 57 for touching a smartphone, and a "Smartphone Touch" inscription 58 encouraging the user to touch the IC tag 57 with a smartphone. Information read from the IC tag 57 includes information such as a specific emergency contact for reporting an emergency situation and the location where the delineator 1 is installed. The delineator 1 is installed in locations such as roadsides on roads that could be used as commuter or school routes in urban areas. For example, the delineator 1 is preferably installed on the side of roads with streetlights or little pedestrian traffic, in particular.

[0042] The delineator 1 in this example is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pillar 2. Meanwhile, people who notice an abnormality near the road as described above can contact an emergency contact number read from the IC tag 57 displayed on the information providing unit 3. When information is read from the IC tag 57, the smartphone may be configured to automatically transmit the location information of the delineator 1 to a management center for the delineator 1. Normally, lane separation signs are installed in various places throughout a city, but in this example, the location information of the delineator 1 is also transmitted, so that when an abnormality occurs, the location of the abnormality can be identified at the same time.

[0043] 9 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of the delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. This example is also a modification of the example shown in FIG. 7, and information 60 relating to a specific contact is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 60 includes, for example, a display 61 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is related to emergency contact for SOS, an IC tag 62 for touching a smartphone, and an explanation 63 encouraging a call by touching the IC tag 62 with the smartphone. The information read from the IC tag 62 includes information such as a specific emergency contact to notify of the occurrence of an abnormal situation such as an accident, and the location where the delineator 1 is installed.

[0044] The delineators 1 are installed at predetermined intervals along the roadside of a highway, for example. For example, it is preferable that the delineators 1 are installed at predetermined intervals on the outside of the roadway, particularly in a shoulder strip where emergency vehicles and the like can travel. For example, the intervals are set to 100 m. For example, a driver of a vehicle stopped on a highway due to a vehicle accident or breakdown can reach the delineator 1 by walking along the shoulder strip or an area even further outside the shoulder strip. The driver can contact an emergency contact number read from the IC tag 62 displayed on the information providing unit 3. Note that the smartphone may be configured to automatically transmit the location information of the delineator 1 to a management center for the delineator 1 when the information from the IC tag 62 is read.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of a delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another example. This example is also a modification of the example shown in FIG. 7 , and information 65 relating to a specific contact or a specific service is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 65 includes a pictogram 66 representing the wheelchair user and an IC tag 67 for touching a smartphone. Information read from the IC tag 67 includes information such as a specific contact to notify the wheelchair user that they would like to request support, and the location where the delineator 1 is installed. The delineator 1 in this example is installed in a location indicating the boundary of a specific area or next to each parking space in a parking lot of a shopping mall, hospital, accommodation facility, etc.

[0046] The delineator 1 in this example is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pillar 2. On the other hand, if a wheelchair user in a parking lot wants to request support, the user can contact a support provider by calling the contact information read from the IC tag 67 displayed on the information providing unit 3. Note that when information is read from the IC tag 67, the smartphone may be configured to automatically send the location information of the delineator 1 to the support provider. In this way, the support provider can easily reach the wheelchair user.

[0047] Fig. 11 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of the delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. This example is also a modification of the example shown in Fig. 7, and information 70 relating to a specific contact is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 70 includes, for example, a statement 71 requesting contact when necessary, a two-dimensional code 72 such as a QR code to be read by a smartphone or the like, and a statement 73 indicating that the contact information will be displayed when the two-dimensional code 72 is read. The information read from the two-dimensional code 72 includes, for example, information relating to the contact, such as a phone number.

[0048] The delineator 1 in this example is installed indoors, including in facilities such as companies and showrooms. In this case, the area separation pole 2 is installed, for example, in a position to indicate the boundary between a pedestrian-accessible area and a no-passage area, or in a position to indicate the boundary between an area where people line up and the area outside of it. In this way, the delineator 1 is configured to alert people walking within the facility (people not in vehicles) by the area separation pole 2, while also providing information to people not in vehicles by the information providing unit 3.

[0049] 12 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of the delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. This example is also a modification of the example shown in FIG. 7, and information 75 regarding a specific contact is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 75 includes a description 76 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is for contacting a lost child, a two-dimensional code 77 such as a QR code that can be read by a smartphone or the like, and an image 78 representing the lost child. The information read from the two-dimensional code 77 includes information regarding the contact to be contacted in the event that the child becomes lost.

[0050] The delineator 1 in this example is installed in a large facility such as a shopping mall, event venue, or amusement park, at a position to indicate the boundary between a pedestrian-accessible area and a no-passage area, or between an area where people line up and the surrounding area. Information read from the two-dimensional code 77 includes, for example, contact information for reporting the discovery of a lost child, a list of lost children, and the like. The delineator 1 is thus configured to alert people walking within the facility (people not in vehicles) using the area separation pillar 2, while also providing information to people not in vehicles using the information providing unit 3.

[0051] 13 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of the delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. Information 80 about vehicle parking is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 80 includes a two-dimensional code 81 such as a QR code that can be read by a smartphone or the like, a description 82 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is exclusively for the person making the reservation, and a description 83 encouraging the user to scan the two-dimensional code 81.

[0052] The delineator 1 in this example is installed next to a designated parking space in a parking lot of, for example, a hotel, a company, or a public facility. The information read from the two-dimensional code 81 includes a screen notifying the user that parking has been completed in the parking space. The manager of the parking lot can confirm that the person who made the reservation has arrived at the parking space. In this way, the delineator 1 is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pillar 2, while also providing information to people not in vehicles using the information providing unit 3.

[0053] Fig. 14 is a partial front view of the surface 35a of the delineator 1 showing an information providing unit 3 according to yet another specific example. This example is a modification of the example shown in Fig. 13, and information 85 relating to vehicle parking is displayed on the surface 35a of the main body 35. The information 85 includes a description 86 indicating that the information providing unit 3 is for parking position scanning, a two-dimensional code 87 such as a QR code to be read by a smartphone or the like, and a character image 88.

[0054] The delineator 1 in this example is installed in the parking lot of a facility such as a shopping mall or an amusement park. Information read from the two-dimensional code 87 includes, for example, a screen for registering the parking space where the vehicle is parked and event information for the facility. The facility manager may provide users with a screen guiding the route to the parking space. In this way, the delineator 1 is configured to alert people in vehicles using the area separation pillar 2, while also providing information to people not in vehicles using the information providing unit 3.

[0055] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the main body 20A of a delineator 1 according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 15, the main body 20A according to one specific example includes a first layer 26 and a mirror layer 29 formed on the surface of the first layer 26. The first layer 26 is configured in the same manner as described above. The mirror layer 29 covers, for example, at least a portion of the surface of the base 10 (including the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 14) of the region separation column 2 and the surface of the main body 20 (including the side surface 24). In this example, the mirror layer 29 covers the entire surfaces of the base 10 and the main body 20. The mirror layer 29 may be formed, for example, by mirror-finishing or mirror-polishing a member formed on the surface 26a of the first layer 26. Alternatively, the mirror layer 29 may be formed by applying a predetermined fluid to the surface 26a of the first layer 26. Note that mirror layers may also be formed on the support unit 31 of the information providing unit 3 and the edge portion 36 of the main body 35 of the display unit 32.

[0056] The light reflectance of the surface 29a of the mirror layer 29 is set to be higher than the light reflectance of the surface 26a of the first layer 26. Specifically, the light reflectance of the surface 29a of the mirror layer 29 is, for example, 50% or more, or, for example, 70% or more. The light reflectance of the surface 29a of the mirror layer 29 is set to be equal to the reflectance of light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 800 nm or less, i.e., visible light. Specifically, the surface 29a of the mirror layer 29 is formed into a mirror surface such as an aluminum or silver surface. Note that in this example, the surface 29a of the mirror layer 29 coincides with the side surface 24 of the main body 20.

[0057] Furthermore, the reflectance of the surface 29 a of the mirror layer 29 for light of wavelengths in a specific range (color) may be increased and the reflectance of the surface 29 a of the mirror layer 29 for light of wavelengths in other ranges (colors) may be decreased, so that the surface 29 a of the mirror layer 29 has a gloss that emits a specific color. Specifically, for example, the surface 29 a of the mirror layer 29 has a gloss that emits a specific color such as blue, green, yellow, red, or purple.

[0058] A delineator 1 having such a mirror layer 29 gives a person who sees the delineator 1 the impression that the area separation pole 2 is made of, for example, a metal material that is harder than a resin material. Therefore, compared to a delineator 1 without the mirror layer 29, it gives a stronger impression to people in vehicles that they should not come into contact with the delineator 1 with the mirror layer 29. In other words, it improves the effect of calling attention with the area separation pole 2. On the other hand, it improves the appearance of the delineator 1 to people not in vehicles. Therefore, a delineator 1 with the mirror layer 29 does not detract from the luxury and appearance of facilities such as hotels and showrooms.

[0059] In the above embodiments, for example, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 14, the back surface 35b of the main body 35 of the display unit 35 may display one of the two-dimensional codes, such as an IC tag or a QR code, displayed on the front surface 35a. Furthermore, the information displayed on the front surface 35a and back surface 35b of the display unit 35 is merely an example, and other information may be displayed. Furthermore, while the outline of the display unit 35 in a front view is rectangular, it may be formed into a non-rectangular shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon, such as a triangle. Furthermore, while the display unit 35 is formed from a plate-shaped member, the display unit 35 may have various three-dimensional shapes. For example, the display unit 35 may have the shape of a sphere or the head of a specified character.

[0060] 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 will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0061] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention may include any and all applications. The components of the above-described embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like, are not limited to those exemplified and may be modified as appropriate.

[0062] For example, the present invention includes differences that occur during implementation, such as manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, within the scope of technical inconsistency, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined. Furthermore, each configuration can be appropriately and selectively combined to achieve at least some of the above-described problems and effects.

[0063] 1 Delineator, 2 Area Separation Pillar, 3 Information Providing Section, 10 Base, 11 Base, 12 Upper Surface, 13 Support Section, 14 Lower Surface, 15 Recess, 16 Fixing Member, 20, 20A Main Body, 21 Lower End, 22 Upper End, 23 Mounting Section, 24 Side, 25 Reflective Layer, 26 First Layer, 26a Surface, 27 Second Layer, 28 Protective Layer, 29 Mirror Layer, 29a Surface, 31 Support Section, 32 Display Section, 33 Base, 34 Pillar Section, 35 Main Body, 35a Surface, 35b Back Side, 36 Edge, 40 Information, 41 Name, 42 IC Tag, 43 Writing, 44 Two-dimensional Code, 45 Information, 46 Display, 47 Pictogram, 48 Two-dimensional Code, 50 Information, 51 Display, 52 Tag, 53, Description, 55, Information, 56, Display, 57, Tag, 58, Description, 60, Information, 61, Display, 62, Tag, 63, Description, 65, Information, 66, Pictogram, 67, Tag, 70, Information, 71, Description, 72, Two-dimensional code, 73, Description, 75, Information, 76, Description, 77, Two-dimensional code, 78, Image, 80, Information, 81, Two-dimensional code, 82, Description, 83, Description, 85, Information, 86, Description, 87, Two-dimensional code, 88, Image

Claims

1. A delineator comprising: a columnar area separation pole; and an information providing unit attached to the area separation pole to provide information.

2. The delineator according to claim 1, wherein the area separating column is formed from a material that is deformable and can be restored even when subjected to an external force.

3. The delineator according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit is configured to provide information to a person who is not in a vehicle.

4. The delineator according to claim 3, wherein the area separating pillar is configured to alert people in a vehicle.

5. The delineator according to claim 3, wherein the area separation pillar is configured to alert people who are not in a vehicle.

6. A delineator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing unit displays information relating to advertising and promotion.

7. A delineator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing unit displays information regarding evacuation.

8. The delineator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing unit displays information about a specific contact.

9. A delineator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing unit displays information regarding guidance to a specific location.

10. A delineator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information providing unit displays information about a specific service.

11. A delineator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information providing unit displays information relating to vehicle parking.

12. The delineator according to claim 1, wherein the area separating post has a mirror layer covering at least a portion of its surface.

13. The delineator of claim 1, wherein the area separating post has a reflective layer covering at least a portion of its surface.

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