Pedestrian Guidance Patents (Class 340/944)
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Patent number: 8775069Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for calculating a course for avoiding user identified criteria. A navigation device with route calculation capabilities includes a processor connected to an input and a memory that includes cartographic data and user identified criteria. A route calculation algorithm can be used to calculate a course between two or more waypoints based on the predefined user criteria of the cartographic data. Performing the route calculation algorithm includes analyzing the cartographic data with a preference for providing the course that identifies and avoids the user identified criteria. A display is connected to the processor and is capable of displaying the calculated route and cartographic data. The device is also adapted to dynamically analyze an area surrounding a present location for user identified criteria to avoid and display the results of the analysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbHInventors: Darrin W. Kabel, Steven J. Myers, Devon A. Rolf
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Publication number: 20140152474Abstract: Provided is a safety directional indicator to improve highway safety. Embodiments of the invention include devices for guiding a driver of a vehicle in a desired direction, typically away from highway workers, pedestrians, curbs, and opposing lanes of traffic. Specifically included is a safety directional indicator system comprising a flexible belt with a plurality of light transmitting bars disposed along the belt and having a plurality of LEDs disposed at one elongated end of each light transmitting bar and in operable communication with a control system for illuminating the LEDs in a manner to indicate a direction for traffic. Safety devices according to the invention can be stand-alone devices, devices capable of being attached to objects or structures at a highway scene, or configured to be worn on a person's body. An object of the safety devices according to embodiments of the invention is to increase driver awareness of highway situations especially during conditions of restricted visibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Paul Haynes, David Eric Collins
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Patent number: 8730060Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Patent number: 8723691Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a pedestrian safety system. One example pedestrian safety system may include a sound collector configured to collect an audio signal in an environment of a pedestrian; a processor configured to analyze the collected audio signal to determine whether the audio signal is associated with a vehicle and a distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian; and a notification device configured to notify the pedestrian when the processor determines that the audio signal is associated with the vehicle and the distance is less than a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventors: Mengyang Li, Di Zhang
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Patent number: 8674848Abstract: A queue control system for guiding persons waiting for service by a plurality of service desks, such as check-in desks at an airport, the system comprising computer control means for controlling the system, wherein system further comprises: stripe-like or band-like lighting means arranged for each desk (Desk 1-Desk 3) provided with point-like light sources, like LEDs, coupled to a circuit board, the circuit board being adapted to provide variable lighting operations, wherein each lighting means have at least a stripe-like or band-like part (101-103) arranged in the direction of the queue; and wherein the control computer means are adapted to variably control the lighting of the stripe-like or band-like lighting means in order to guide the persons in the queues and/or entering and/or leaving the queues.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: ELSI Technologies OyInventors: Richard Eggleton, Göran Sundholm
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Patent number: 8674849Abstract: An information display terminal allows a user to grasp rapidly and surely the direction to a destination, and can guide the user to the destination without placing a burden on the user. The information display terminal is provided at a passage, and its display screen displays a route guidance screen that guides a route to the destination. The route guidance screen displays a pseudo-action image that shows the walking motion, and a destination display information image indicating a destination name such as “Subway Ticket Gate”. The action image shows the motion of walking toward the destination, but the display position does not change. The destination display information image is displayed in front of the action image in the advancing direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Hoshino, Youichi Horii, Tadaaki Ishikawa, Yukiko Ichige, Hiroki Sato
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Patent number: 8675909Abstract: A digital electronic display connected to a traffic signal and a method of controlling the digital electronic display are provided. The digital electronic display includes a communication unit configured to receive content including content segments and metadata, a display screen, and a processor. The processor is configured to monitor the traffic signal to determine when, and the duration during which, a red light and a green light of the traffic signal is illuminated, present a content segment on the display screen corresponding to the red light based on the metadata and substantially for the entire duration when the red light is illuminated, and control the display screen to operate in a low-power state substantially for the entire duration when the green light is illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.Inventor: Clas Sivertsen
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Patent number: 8648735Abstract: Provided is a safety directional indicator to improve highway safety. Embodiments of the invention include devices for guiding a driver of a vehicle in a desired direction, typically away from highway workers, pedestrians, curbs, and opposing lanes of traffic. Specifically included is a safety directional indicator system comprising a flexible belt with a plurality of light transmitting bars disposed along the belt and having a plurality of LEDs disposed at one elongated end of each light transmitting bar and in operable communication with a control system for illuminating the LEDs in a manner to indicate a direction for traffic. Safety devices according to the invention can be stand-alone devices, devices capable of being attached to objects or structures at a highway scene, or configured to be worn on a person's body. An object of the safety devices according to embodiments of the invention is to increase driver awareness of highway situations especially during conditions of restricted visibility.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventors: Paul Haynes, Eric Collins
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Patent number: 8645062Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a step detection. An accelerometer measurement in the form of a multi-dimensional acceleration vector is obtained. The magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is filtered using a low pass filter. A threshold for a down-crossing is provided as is a threshold for an up-crossing. A step detection is triggered if the magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is greater than or equal to the threshold for an up-crossing.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: June Chul Roh, Deric Wayne Waters, Srinath Hosur, Goutam Dutta
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Publication number: 20130321175Abstract: An acoustic guiding system of this invention comprises: an n-phase signal wiring which contains n wire lines and a common ground where n is an integer larger than or equals to three; a sound source which generates an electric current for a signal sound; a distributer which distributes the electric current from the sound source to each line of the n-phase signal wiring repeatedly; a controller which controls the signal sound in accordance with signal information required for traffic control or the like; and speakers connected to each line of the n phase signal wiring in the order of the phase number.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Mamoru Kondo
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Patent number: 8593303Abstract: The invention relates to a Reflector pole (1), which is used as a road marker, a road boundary, a sign pole or for similar applications related to road or pedestrian traffic, comprising a main body (2), featuring at least one light active field (3). According to the invention the light active field (3) comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Joseph Hendrik Anna Maria Jacobs, Dirk Hente
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Patent number: 8588464Abstract: An object-enabled navigation system assists a vision-impaired user in navigating an environment. The system captures 3D movement of a moving object within the environment, wherein the three-dimensional movement is determined using at least one image capture device aimed at the moving object. The system predicts a mobile path of the visually-impaired user. The system determines whether the movement of the moving object will intersect with the mobile path of the vision-impaired user and informs the vision-impaired user whether the movement of the moving object will intersect the mobile path of the vision-impaired user.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jacob C. Albertson, Kenneth C. Arnold, Steven D. Goldman, Michael A. Paolini, Anthony J. Sessa
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Patent number: 8581747Abstract: Disclosed is a pedestrian support system that supports the movement of a pedestrian through the use of tags. This pedestrian support system comprises: a plurality of tags having an information storage unit and that are placed on a cable that extends over a traveled path; a guide device that is held by a pedestrian that is traveling along a sidewalk and that is capable of non-contact communication with the tags, and a central control device, comprising a database in which tag map information is recorded, that uses that tag map information to creates path information having tag IDs that are in the order of tags that are located along a path from a starting location to a destination location and directly or indirectly sets that path information in the guide device.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Kazuo Shirakawa
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Patent number: 8564423Abstract: A method and a system on a vehicle for activating a pedestrian protection device that has one or more sensors coupled to a fascia of the vehicle and activates the pedestrian protection device if the signal from a sensor is greater than a minimum threshold and less than a maximum threshold. Coupling the one or more sensors to the fascia improves sensitivity for detecting a collision with a pedestrian when compared to systems that do not couple the sensors to the fascia. Comparing the sensor signal to a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold helps avoid inappropriate or ineffective deployment of the pedestrian protection device. When multiple sensors are used, the location of the pedestrian collision on the fascia may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David J. Nichols, Russell L. Simpson
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Patent number: 8564455Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Triangle Software LLCInventor: Andre Gueziec
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Patent number: 8560091Abstract: The invention describes a method of guiding a user (1) from an initial position (S) to a destination (T), chosen from among a plurality of possible destinations (T), in a public area (2) over which is distributed a plurality of lighting arrangements (Li, L2, . . . , Ln) each of which can be driven to render one or more light patterns from a plurality of light patterns. The method comprises the steps of determining the chosen destination (T) by obtaining a destination descriptor (13) from the user (1), allocating a specific light pattern from the plurality of light patterns to the chosen destination (T), providing the user (1) with a depiction (VT) of the specific light pattern allocated to the chosen destination (T), selecting a number of lighting arrangements (L1, L2, . . . , Ln) between a starting point (S) of the user (1) and the chosen destination (T), and driving the selected lighting arrangements (L1, L2, . . . , Ln) such that the selected lighting arrangements (L1, L2, . . .Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Hans-juergen Reumerman, Andrew Alexander Tokmakoff, Adrianus Sempel, Matthias Wendt
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Publication number: 20130265176Abstract: Provided is a safety directional indicator to improve highway safety. Embodiments of the invention include devices for guiding a driver of a vehicle in a desired direction, typically away from highway workers, pedestrians, curbs, and opposing lanes of traffic. Specifically included is a safety directional indicator system comprising a flexible belt with a plurality of light transmitting bars disposed along the belt and having a plurality of LEDs disposed at one elongated end of each light transmitting bar and in operable communication with a control system for illuminating the LEDs in a manner to indicate a direction for traffic. Safety devices according to the invention can be stand-alone devices, devices capable of being attached to objects or structures at a highway scene, or configured to be worn on a person's body. An object of the safety devices according to embodiments of the invention is to increase driver awareness of highway situations especially during conditions of restricted visibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Paul Haynes, Eric Collins
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Patent number: 8547249Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding a collision between a vehicle and another traffic participant. According to the inventive method, a cell phone carried by the traffic participant sends a signal including a position of the traffic participant. A processing unit processes the signal including the position of the traffic participant for a position or evaluation history. The processing unit determines an estimation of a future position of the traffic participant on the basis of the position or evaluation history. The processing unit evaluates a likelihood of a collision between the vehicle and the traffic participant on the basis of the estimated future position of the traffic participant and an estimation of a future position of the vehicle. An acceleration of the traffic participant is sensed by an acceleration sensor of the cell phone.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Universitaet KasselInventors: Klaus David, Alexander Flach
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Patent number: 8537030Abstract: A pedestrian warning or alert system and method are disclosed. The warning system is mounted on an electric vehicle. The warning system includes a front speaker system, a rear speaker system, a front pedestrian detector, a rear pedestrian detector, and an electronic control unit (ECU) electronically coupled to the front speaker system, the rear speaker system, the front pedestrian detector, and the rear pedestrian detector. The ECU commands the front speaker system to emit a warning sound based on the front pedestrian detector detecting a pedestrian-shaped object and commands the rear speaker system to emit a warning sound based on the rear pedestrian detector detecting a pedestrian-shaped object. The ECU is coupled to a microphone, the signal of which is used to estimate an ambient noise level. The intensity and frequency of the warning sound commanded from the front and/or rear speaker system is based on the ambient noise level.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: William Paul Perkins
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Publication number: 20130234865Abstract: A streetlight system includes a plurality of streetlights, disaster warning systems positioned at each of the streetlights and a control center electrically connected with the disaster warning systems. The streetlights are positioned at roadways. Each of the disaster warning systems includes a control system and a broadcasting system. When the control center receives a disaster alert signal, the control center transmits information of disaster shelters and evacuating routes to control system, and the broadcasting system broadcasts information of the disaster shelters and the evacuating routes to people for leading people to escape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., GDS SOFTWARE (SHENZHEN) CO.,LTDInventors: CHI-CHIH WANG, TZU-TE WANG, BO MING
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Publication number: 20130201036Abstract: A road safety communication device for protecting pedestrians in road traffic, which includes a transponder which is integrated into a shoe, wherein the supply of electrical power to the device is activated only in selected situations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHGInventors: Ulrich Stählin, Sighard Schräbler, Alfred Eckert, Peter Rieth
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Patent number: 8468771Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Interface, Inc.Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
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Patent number: 8462017Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Patent number: 8462010Abstract: The present application discloses methods and systems for augmenting a field of view of a user. In one embodiment, a device may include a detector, a processor, and an array of visual indicators. According to an embodiment of the method, the detector may image an environment. The processor may identify within the environment imaged by the detector an object of interest. The processor may also determine a relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. Further, the array of visual indicators may be used to indicate the determined relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. In particular, a set of one or more visual indicators may be selected that has a relative spatial location in the array of visual indicators that is indicative of the relative spatial location of the identified object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Liang-Yu (Tom) Chi, Robert Allen Ryskamp, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez
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Patent number: 8401781Abstract: Apparatus for orientating a user in a space wherein the space comprises a plurality of zones of which only certain zones constitute functional zones wherein each functional zone includes a first type device containing information relating to the position of the zone in the space and wherein the first type device is reactive to the presence of a second type device associated with the user to provide the user with the information to determine the orientation of the user in the space. A method of orientating the user within the space and guiding the user toward one or more features in the space is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Fernando Pedrazzoli Pazos, Jacques C. Van Belle
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Patent number: 8384562Abstract: A mobile traffic controller to aid pedestrians includes a wireless transmitter and receiver that are configured to communicate with a traffic signal or a traffic control system. In response to a user request, the transmitter sends a traffic control request to a traffic signal or a traffic system controller. The request is acknowledged, and when appropriate, the mobile traffic controller receives a message indicating that a crossing is authorized. The mobile controller can include a vibro-tactile or audio output device for communication with the user. In addition, position and orientation systems can be included so that the user can be directed along a preferred path or alerted that a predetermined or legally established passage zone has been exited or is about to be exited.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: University of IdahoInventors: Richard W. Wall, Gabriel DeRuwe
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Publication number: 20130002452Abstract: A light-weight, portable, and wireless navigator for determining when a user who is visually-impaired and/or poorly-oriented can safely cross a street, with or without a traffic light, and know his/her exact location at any given time, and given correct and detailed guidance for translocation. The navigator includes a first microcomputer, a transmitter, a receiver, a second microcomputer, and an alerting device. The first microcomputer is disposed at the traffic light and determines light status of the traffic light. The transmitter is operatively connected to the first microcomputer, and generates a signal indicative of the light status of the traffic light. The receiver is hand-held/portable disposed with the user, and wirelessly receives the signal generated by the transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: David Lauren
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Patent number: 8344878Abstract: A manner of creating an electronic device directory containing the identity of electronic devices that registered in an area associated with a plurality of events, which events are similar in certain respects. The directory is useful, for example, investigating criminal cases. When such an event occurs, an application server is notified and generates one or more device registration capture requests to determine which electronic devices are registered in the area and at approximately the same time at which the event occurs. The device registration capture associated with this event is compared with other device registration captures associated with other, similar events to create the electronic device directory. The electronic device directory entries are preferable filtered to select the devices most likely to be associated with the actual events in question.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Stuart O. Goldman, Karl F. Rauscher, Bernard Louis Malone, III
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Publication number: 20120319868Abstract: A pedestrian crossing signal system utilizes two signaling stations, one to be positioned at each end of a crosswalk on a roadway. Each station utilizes a tower of appropriate height, e.g. eight feet, having a high powered signal strobe light mounted at the top of the tower. A push button actuator turns on the strobe light. Electricity for powering the light is derived from a battery mounted within a compartment in the base of the tower. A solar panel provides energy to continually charge the battery. When the actuating button is pushed by a pedestrian, the strobe light is turned on providing immediate and clear notice to oncoming vehicular traffic of the presence of a pedestrian at the end of the crosswalk.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Andrew S. Kupczyn
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Patent number: 8274404Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Publication number: 20120223843Abstract: A mobile traffic controller to aid pedestrians includes a wireless transmitter and receiver that are configured to communicate with a traffic signal or a traffic control system. In response to a user request, the transmitter sends a traffic control request to a traffic signal or a traffic system controller. The request is acknowledged, and when appropriate, the mobile traffic controller receives a message indicating that a crossing is authorized. The mobile controller can include a vibro-tactile or audio output device for communication with the user. In addition, position and orientation systems can be included so that the user can be directed along a preferred path or alerted that a predetermined or legally established passage zone has been exited or is about to be exited.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventors: Richard W. Wall, Gabriel DeRuwe
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Patent number: 8232896Abstract: A traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. The video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. Tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. The information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Gary Keller
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Patent number: 8228210Abstract: An alert system for generating, in the vicinity of a crossing such as an intersection or a railcar station warning line, a wide-area image indicative of an actual or impending traffic safety problem, comprising at least one safety indication component for indicating a state of an actual or impending safety problem; at least one wide-area image generating device mounted in the vicinity of the crossing for generating a corresponding vertically appearing wide-area image appearing at an injury preventable distance from the crossing; fog generating apparatus mounted in the vicinity of the crossing for discharging vaporized fluid by which light of a corresponding generated wide-area image is refracted or reflected, so that the wide-area images will be visible during daytime light; and a controller in communication with the at least one safety indication component for synchronizing operation of the at least one wide-area image generating device and the fog generating apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Red Wall Ltd.Inventor: David E. Sitbon
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Patent number: 8220221Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Interface, Inc.Inventors: Keith N. Gray, Connie D. Hensler, Chung-Hsien Zah, Susan F. Fezer, Horace Eddie Bradley, Jr.
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Patent number: 8213684Abstract: A motion estimating device first detects mobile objects Oi and Oi? in continuous image frames T and T?, and acquires image areas Ri and Ri? corresponding to the mobile objects Oi and Oi?. Then, the motion estimating device removes the image areas Ri and Ri? corresponding to the mobile objects Oi and Oi? in the image frames T and T?, extracts corresponding point pairs Pj of feature points between the image frames T and T? from the image areas having removed the image areas Ri and Ri?, and carries out the motion estimation of the autonomous mobile machine between the image frames T and T? on the basis of the positional relationship of the corresponding point pairs Pj of feature points.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignees: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Andreas Ess, Bastian Leibe, Konrad Schindler, Luc Van Gool, Kenichi Kitahama, Ryuji Funayama
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Patent number: 8212656Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus generates a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. During proceeding in mid air, the modulated ultrasonic wave is self-demodulating to become an audible sound. The audible sound posterior to the self-demodulation has a significant directionality like the ultrasonic wave. The notice sound is thus conveyed mainly to a pedestrian who is present in a dangerous area range where a danger needs to be taught. In addition, the vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a sensor-use ultrasonic transducer device having a transducers. The transducer device serves as a vehicle velocity sensor by transmitting an ultrasonic wave towards a road surface based on an ultrasonic wave signal or modulated ultrasonic wave, thereby enabling the vehicle presence notification apparatus to acquire vehicle velocity information by itself.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Toshiaki Nakayama, Toshio Hayashi
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Patent number: 8188880Abstract: The present application discloses methods and systems for augmenting a field of view of a user. In one embodiment, a device may include a detector, a processor, and an array of visual indicators. According to an embodiment of the method, the detector may image an environment. The processor may identify within the environment imaged by the detector an object of interest. The processor may also determine a relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. Further, the array of visual indicators may be used to indicate the determined relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. In particular, a set of one or more visual indicators may be selected that has a relative spatial location in the array of visual indicators that is indicative of the relative spatial location of the identified object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Liang-Yu Chi, Robert Allen Ryskamp, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez
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Patent number: 8160300Abstract: A first pedestrian judging unit judges, on the basis of the size and motion state of a target three-dimensional object, whether the object is a pedestrian. A second pedestrian judging unit judges, on the basis of shape data on the object, whether the object is a pedestrian. A pedestrian judging unit finally determines that the object is a pedestrian when both the first and second pedestrian judging units judge the object as a pedestrian, when the second pedestrian judging unit judges the object as a pedestrian, when the first pedestrian judging unit judges the object as a pedestrian and a result of this judgment is held for a preset period, or when the first pedestrian judging unit judges the object as a pedestrian in a current judgment operation and the second pedestrian judging unit judged the object as a pedestrian in the previous judging operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toyokazu Ogasawara
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Publication number: 20120081549Abstract: A structure for a crosswalk providing both an advertising effect and pedestrian safety. A first support is erected vertically from a center of an entrance of a crosswalk. A second support is disposed parallel to and at a predetermined interval from the first support. The first and second supports have the same shape. A respective inner end of first steel members is fixed to an upper end of the first support, and outer ends of the first steel members extend perpendicularly to the direction of the crosswalk. Second steel members are disposed parallel to and at a predetermined interval from the first steel members. The first and second steel members have the same shape. A laser curtain beam radiating device is disposed on an underside of an outer end of one of the first and second steel members, and radiates a laser curtain beam in the direction of the crosswalk.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Yun Ho Kim, Jae Cheol Heo
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Publication number: 20110316719Abstract: A vehicle sensor and a human sensor are comprised to a traffic sign and the road surface indicator, and warning is displayed in mark, indicate lamp where a driver is easy to make viewing. With intersection safety driving system 100, the control unit can detect vehicle V1, V2 which are going to come in the intersection by vehicle sensor 112 comprised on the traffic sign which there is. When vehicle sensor 112 did vehicle V1, V2, indication to rouse (in indicating lamp 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D), the attention to the vehicle in traffic sign 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D installed in the road which the vehicle drives and the intersecting road is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: COSMO RESEARCH CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukio Obuchi, Yoshiaki Mayuzumi
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Patent number: 8068037Abstract: Advertisement systems and methods are provided for use in connection with notification services or systems. One such method, among others that are disclosed, can be practiced by performing at least the following steps: (a) monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; (b) contacting a party based upon the travel data; (c) providing an advertisement to the party during the contact; and (d) charging a fee for or otherwise monetarily benefiting from providing the advertisement.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Eclipse IP, LLCInventor: Scott A. Horstemeyer
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Patent number: 8065080Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the detection, location stamping, and logging of electronic events and subsequent generation of habitat information. According to implementations, electronic events are detected and location stamped. Associated descriptions and other data corresponding to the electronic events is retrieved and stored along with the geographic locations of the electronic events in an activity log. The information in the activity log is used to generate visual representations of one or more geographic areas in which electronic events that meet user-defined or default criteria occurred within a predetermined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Robert Koch
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Patent number: 8063795Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated stop sign for allowing pedestrians to control traffic. The system comprises a fixed support assembly; a pedestrian activated mechanism; a timer set for a predetermined period of time when the pedestrian activated mechanism is activated; and an octagonal display nonremovably mounted to the fixed support assembly comprising a backlight within the display and a display surface comprising a word “STOP” visible when the backlight is illuminated and substantially not visible when the backlight is not illuminated, the backlight being illuminated until the predetermined period of time is expired.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventors: David Ross, William Lloyd
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Patent number: 8060297Abstract: A user can intend to travel between different locations and employ different traveling manners to reach an intended travel destination. At different points, different devices can be employed for disclosing a route. For instance, as a user walks, a route can be integrated into a personal electronic device, such as a cellular telephone. An evaluation can take place that due to specific route details, for example detailed text, a particular device would be superior for presentment over another.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jeffrey D. Couckuyt, Neil W. Black, John C. Krumm, Ruston Panabaker, Ivan J. Tashev, Michael Lewis Seltzer
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Publication number: 20110273312Abstract: A queue control system for guiding persons waiting for service by a plurality of service desks, such as check-in desks at an airport, the system comprising computer control means for controlling the system, wherein system further comprises: stripe-like or band-like lighting means arranged for each desk (Desk 1-Desk 3) provided with point-like light sources, like LEDs, coupled to a circuit board, the circuit board being adapted to provide variable lighting operations, wherein each lighting means have at least a stripe-like or band-like part (101-103) arranged in the direction of the queue; and wherein the control computer means are adapted to variably control the lighting of the stripe-like or band-like lighting means in order to guide the persons in the queues and/or entering and/or leaving the queues.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: MARIMILS OYInventors: Richard Eggleton, Göran Sundholm
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Publication number: 20110254703Abstract: Techniques are generally described related to a pedestrian safety system. One example pedestrian safety system may include a sound collector configured to collect an audio signal in an environment of a pedestrian; a processor configured to analyze the collected audio signal to determine whether the audio signal is associated with a vehicle and a distance between the vehicle and the pedestrian; and a notification device configured to notify the pedestrian when the processor determines that the audio signal is associated with the vehicle and the distance is less than a predetermined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Mengyang LI, Di ZHANG
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Patent number: 8013721Abstract: A display apparatus displaying an image of surroundings of a vehicle includes a camera capturing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and a display monitor provided inside the vehicle for superimposingly displaying the image of the surroundings of the vehicle captured by the camera, and a first distance indicator line and a second distance indicator line, wherein the first distance indicator line indicates a first predetermined distance from the vehicle and the second distance indicator line indicates a second predetermined distance from the vehicle, the second distance indicator line is positioned farther away from the vehicle than the first distance indicator line, and the first distance indicator line is wider than the second distance indicator line.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Yamanaka, Shoichi Hashiba
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Publication number: 20110148661Abstract: A guiding device includes: a laser light source that emits a laser beam; and a linear guiding portion that propagates the laser beam and is extended in the guiding direction on a road surface on which a mobile body moves. The linear guiding portion is provided with a function of radiating the laser beam in the guiding direction from the surface where linear guiding portion extends, while propagating the laser beam, and guiding the mobile body by light.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Shinichi Shikii, Shinichi Kodawaki, Kazuhisa Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Furuya, Tatsuo Itoh
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Publication number: 20110140924Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Publication number: 20110140923Abstract: A traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. The video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. Tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. The information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Gary Keller