Wireless Pedestrian Signal Activation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedestrian crosswalk systems lack a method for visually and hearing impaired pedestrians to activate pedestrian signals from a distance, and there is a need for a system that provides signal information in multiple formats without requiring a remote push button.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pedestrian access system that includes pole-mounted and wireless push button assemblies, capable of receiving requests and providing visual, audible, and tactile signal information, communicating with traffic controllers to avoid conflicts and malfunctions, and allowing registration of pedestrian signal requests both locally and remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pole-mounted pedestrian push button system is used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but visually and hearing impaired pedestrians cannot activate the signal from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pole-mounted push button assemblies and wireless push button assemblies into a single integrated accessible pedestrian system. The pole-mounted assembly includes a receiver that can detect both local button presses and remote wireless signals, merging the functionality of both systems into one unified infrastructure that provides both near and far activation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole-mounted receiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple input modes: it can receive signals from both the local push button and wireless remote devices. This universal receiver architecture allows the system to serve both visually impaired pedestrians using tactile buttons and those needing remote activation, eliminating the need for separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple push button assemblies (pole-mounted and wireless) are integrated, then accessibility is improved for visually and hearing impaired pedestrians, but signal conflicts and malfunctions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the pole-mounted receiver provides status information back to wireless push button users through audible and tactile signals. This feedback loop allows users to confirm whether their signal request was successfully received and processed, preventing confusion from conflicting signals and improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole-mounted receiver acts as an intermediary between wireless push button assemblies and the traffic controller. It receives and validates signals from wireless devices, coordinates with the traffic control system, and provides feedback to users, thereby mediating potential conflicts and ensuring reliable operation of the integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal information is provided only in visual format, then the system is simple, but visually and hearing impaired pedestrians cannot access the information
Solution Approach 1:
The signal output system dynamically adapts its format based on user needs. The pole-mounted receiver can provide visual signals for general users and switch to audible/tactile formats for visually impaired pedestrians. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to serve diverse user groups without requiring completely separate infrastructure for each user type.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated pedestrian access system comprising of wireless push buttons adapted to transmit and receive wireless signals and receivers connected to pedestrian crosswalk signal systems, wherein said one or more receivers are configured to communicate with the wireless push buttons through wireless signals, communicate among the receivers, determine whether source device from which a request for registering a pedestrian signal is received through the said communication is the wireless push button or the receivers, determine status of pedestrian signal based on signals received from the pedestrian signal system, register request for pedestrian crosswalk signal if walk signal of the pedestrian signal is not on in the desired direction as per the status of pedestrian signal and provide acknowledgement corresponding to the status of pedestrian signal through the said source device.