US 2014/0197969 A1 · Signal Timing Coordination System For Crosswalk Beacons

Abstract

A signal or lighting system synchronizes the flashing of multiple signal or lighting assemblies. When one of the assemblies is triggered, it broadcasts a temporally staggered sequence of signals, each signal instructing the receiving assemblies to initiate flashing of their beacons a given countdown time after that particular signal is transmitted. The countdown times of the various signals all count down to the same flashing start time so that the originating and receiving beacons all being flashing at the same time. The temporal diversity of the signals enhances the ability to overcome potential interference as at least one of the signals in the sequence is likely to be received by the destination assemblies.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of synchronizing a plurality of signal or lighting assemblies, the method comprising the steps of:

in response to a triggering event at an originating one of said signal or lighting assemblies, said originating assembly broadcasting a temporal succession of radio signals on the same radio channel, each of said signals comprising a unique flashing initiation timing instruction that is a function of how long in advance of a desired flashing initiation time said signal is broadcast;
at least one other of said assemblies receiving at least one of said signals and determining said desired flashing initiation time;
and
said originating assembly and said at least one other assembly causing beacons on their respective assemblies to flash in a synchronized manner in response to receiving said at least one of said signals.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Signal Timing Coordination System For Crosswalk Beacons

Life of this patent

Signal Timing Coordination System For Crosswalk Beacons

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20