Abstract: A display indicates speed in GREEN when the approaching vehicle is traveling below or equal to the user set compliance speed. The primary display flashes RED when the approaching vehicle is exceeding the preset compliance speed. A rear mounted control panel and LCD display is provided for easy entry of compliance speed, operational settings and data recovery. The rear control panel is used for the following: set compliance speed; set max speed cutoff; retrieve traffic count; retrieve average speed; retrieve number of violations; retrieve maximum speed recorded; display battery status. Automatic dimming of the primary display is provided during night use.

Abstract: A 2-wire control system which communicates with a plurality of pole mounted push button stations of the kind that are found at a traffic light controlled intersection via existing pairs of underground wires over which power and data signals are transmitted so as to enable a visually impaired pedestrian to receive both audible and tactile signals regarding the flow of vehicular traffic through the intersection. The 2-wire control system includes a central control unit that is located at a traffic light control cabinet and is connected to a standard traffic signal light controller. The control unit includes a plurality of 2-wire output ports that are connected to respective pairs of the plurality of push button stations.

Abstract: A portable terminal comprising a transmission part that transmits to information provision equipment or a server, a signal indicating presence at a prescribed location, presence of a communications counterparty at a prescribed location, a reception part that receives from the information provision equipment or the server, a signal indicating the position of a moving body, a moving body is approaching or is present at the prescribed location, an alarm part that issues an alarm using the moving body in position signal received at the reception part, indicating the moving body is approaching or is present at the prescribed location, a light detection part detecting the degree of brightness, a part deciding whether or not to transmit a present in prescribed location signal that decides, using the brightness as detected by the light detection part, whether or not to send a present in prescribed location signal from the transmission part.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically opening a swinging restroom door is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator, a control unit, and a power assisted drive mechanism that can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism. The actuator comprises a proximity sensor and further comprises a series of iconic symbols corresponding to predetermined proximity zones. The control unit is in electronic communication with the actuator with which signals are exchanged. The power assisted drive mechanism is in electronic communication with the control unit and can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism wherein the actions of the door closing mechanism are reversed and the door is opened.

Abstract: A pedestrian trail signaling device for warning users of the trail or path when an emergency vehicle is approaching the intersection. Emergency vehicles 14 have an actuatable transceiver that transmits a signal to the trail posted signaling device causing warning lights to flash and generation of a response signal informing the emergency vehicle operator that the trail posted signaling device has received the emergency vehicle transmission. A user transmitter having an on/off switch that broadcasts a signal to the trail signaling device causing the signaling device blinking yellow LED displays to blink A passive detector is provided whereby an emergency vehicle strobe light can trigger both flashing warning signals when the passive detector(s) is triggered. A motion detector 44 located on the trail user 16 warning light whereby either or both systems will flash their respective predetermined warning signals when the motion detector(s) is triggered.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products for radio frequency identification aiding the visually impaired, storing a recording of a sound representing at least one attribute of an object having associated with the object a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag; activating the RFID tag with an electronic travel aid (“ETA”) for the visually impaired; retrieving the recording from storage; and playing the recording through an audio interface of the ETA. Storage of sound recording may be local or remote, and sound recordings may be sorted or indexed and retrieved from storage according to an RFID tag identification code, a classification code for the object, and a type code (a sound skin identifier) for the recording.

Abstract: A vibrating push button station to be associated with a standard traffic signal of the kind used to control vehicular traffic at an intersection so that visually impaired pedestrians will be alerted when the pedestrian WALK signal is illuminated after first pressing a push button. The push button station includes an electromagnetic assembly that is adapted to generate a changing magnetic field following the depression of the push button. A magnet coupled to the push button by way of a flexible diaphragm is either pulled towards and repelled or simply released by the electromagnetic assembly as the magnetic field changes. The opposite movements of the magnet relative to the electromagnetic assembly is transmitted to the push button as a vibration so that the hand of a user will receive a tactile indication at the push button when vehicular traffic has been halted.

Abstract: A unit for pedestrian control of traffic lights operated by a traffic light controller, comprises a casing adapted to be mounted to a traffic light post, the casing having a bottom face carrying a window, and a photocell mounted in the casing for directing a beam through the window in a downward direction generally parallel to the post to which the casing is mounted. The photocell is responsive to the presence of a pedestrian's hand placed beneath the window in the beam. The photocell is adapted to be operatively connected to the traffic light controller to send a signal thereto when the presence of a pedestrian has been detected.

Abstract: A vehicle vision system that identifies pedestrians located proximate a vehicle. The system comprises a sensor array that produces imagery that is processed to generate disparity images. A depth map can be produced from the disparity images. Either the depth map or the disparity images are processed and compared to pedestrian templates. A pedestrian list is produced from the results of that comparison. The pedestrian list is processed to eliminate false pedestrians as determined by inverse eccentricity. The pedestrians are then tracked, and if a collision is possible, that information is provided to the driver and/or to an automated collision avoidance or damage or injury mitigation system.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates fixed radio beacons (TX-F), mobile and portable radio beacons (TX-M), together with vehicle receiver units (RX-M) and/or receiver units (RX-P) carried by pedestrians for all types of warning and assistance messages, or both or either with mobile transceivers (TX/RX-M) for motor cars and other transceivers (TX/RX-P) for pedestrians, the latter for transmitting and receiving similar warning and assistance messages, all being controlled by an operations center (CO) and which has a services network, with elements which are fixed, mobile or portable (SM).

Abstract: An LED traffic signal with a display indicating the remaining interval for the current display mode. A switching power supply provides cost of manufacturing and operational efficiencies. Interference with logic circuitry normally associated with switching power supplies is prevented by noise filtering circuitry and isolated ground planes on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An impaired person is provided with a personalized accessibility device, which communicates an identification of a disability or impairment to an assistance device, which provides assistance. Also provided is a method and apparatus for providing feedback to a person with impairment. The feedback may be configured based on the type and extent of impairment, as well as personal preferences, such as a preferred language. The assistance device may also request a response from the disabled or impaired person, thus solving the person's Special Needs in a conversational manner without calling attention to the impairment.

Abstract: A displacement of a pedestrian is determined from his or her accelerations by detecting accelerations which is substantially non vertical, determining a characteristic feature in the detected accelerations correlated with a step frequency, determining the displacement on the basis of said determined characteristic. The acceleration data can be submitted to waveform analysis to determine an actualized time interval of an occurring feature, such a maximum values, from which it is determined whether the actualized time period falls within determined limit values. The currently detected characteristic feature is then determined as corresponding to a displacement step if the actualized time period falls within said determined limit value. By using non-vertical acceleration measurements, the invention can make it possible to distinguish between forward, backward, left and right stepping movements and take these into account for the navigation.

Abstract: A method of controlling unruly persons comprising identifying an area containing unruly persons refusing to respond to rule of law, filling the area with a non-toxic, non-injurious fogging material which interferes with the visual sense of persons in the area so as to prevent the persons from orienting themselves within the area and prevents the persons from seeing other persons within the area and providing for at least one authorized person within the area a thermal imaging camera operable to thermally detect persons within the area and to generate an image representing the persons detected. At least one authorized person within the area a viewing device for viewing the image of the detected persons and causing said at least one authorized person to subdue the unruly persons while viewing the images of the unruly persons and while the unruly persons are prevented from seeing the at least one authorized person.

Abstract: A traffic signal includes a micro-controller in communication with a switching system. The micro-controller executes a process for controlling a signal indicator according to a selected signal cycle. First and second actuators communicate with the corresponding first and second input terminals of the micro-controller. The first actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a first signal cycle. The second actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a second signal cycle.

Abstract: A unit for pedestrian control of traffic lights operated by a traffic light controller, comprises a casing adapted to be mounted to a traffic light post, the casing having a bottom face carrying a window, and a photocell mounted in the casing for directing a beam through the window in a downward direction generally parallel to the post to which the casing is mounted. The photocell is responsive to the presence of a pedestrian's hand placed beneath the window in the beam. The photocell is adapted to be operatively connected to the traffic light controller to send a signal thereto when the presence of a pedestrian has been detected.

Abstract: A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the approach of a train in a crossing. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the train is approaching, and that caution should be exercised.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a heavy duty vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the heavy duty vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the heavy duty vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.

Abstract: A device for controlling a physical system, such as a flow of pedestrians, in an extended area is suggested. In comprises a plurality of identical cell units with preferably hexagonal shape. The cell units are assembled in tile-like manner to form a floor. Each cell unit is equipped with a weight sensor, lamps of different colors, and optical communication ports as well as power connectors for connecting it to its neighboring cells. The cell units can be programmed to generate signals that control the physical system, such as signs understood by the pedestrians. Due to its modularity and simple design, the device is easy to install and maintain.

Abstract: A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to an intersection stop requirement. The system includes a plurality of above-pavement, surface mounted lights, installed in a fashion similar to currently used road reflectors, and which are partially embedded in a roadway and placed across the roadway, e.g., adjacent to and parallel with the existing stripes or stop bars designating an intersection, and constructed so that they are impervious to vehicle traffic over them. Once activated, the lights flash in the direction of oncoming traffic, and emanate directly from the roadway, to warn drivers of approaching vehicles that a stop may be required at the intersection, and that caution should be exercised.

Abstract: A pedestrian head (10) having a countdown timer associated with both a walking pedestrian symbol, and also the stop hand symbol. This timer indicates the amount of time left until the associated ped head changes state, i.e. from the illuminated walk symbol to the blinking don't Walk hand symbol, and from the blinking don't Walk symbol to the solid illuminated Don't Walk Hand symbol. Preferably, the pedestrian head (10) is a solid state device including a suspended particle (52) such as an LCD, operating as a light filter to generate an illuminated count down display operating in association with the status of the Walk and Don't Walk symbols. Preferably, a diffuser (46) is disposed over the LED array (42) to provide a homogenous light to the suspended particle (52) which modulates the light to control shape i.e. generate a numerical count down display.

Abstract: A traffic control system includes a vertically and horizontally disposed pole. The vertically disposed pole has a lower end mounted to a ground surface while an upper end mounts the horizontally disposed pole at a right angle. The horizontally disposed pole extends out over a vehicular roadway and, at least a pair of signal assemblies are mounted to the horizontally disposed pole for controlling vehicular traffic which may pass by an emergency vehicle rescue station. The signal assemblies illuminate a light bulb signal sequence upon activation by a programmable central control panel and instruct vehicular traffic to stop. A receive and antenna receive a wireless signal sent from a remote location within the rescue station. A pair of verification lights mount on the traffic control system and directed towards the rescue station provide a means for indicating to emergency vehicle operators that the illumination sequence is operating properly and that all light bulbs in the signal assembly are illuminating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system enabling the blind and the partially sighted to direct themselves and find their way in unknown surroundings. Said method consists in teletraining using a portable sensor in particular touch-sensitive or audio, the blind or partially sighted person about the path he must follow to move from one point to another, avoiding obstacles. Said method enables the blind or partially sighted person, having no material landmark which he could remember and recognize by feeling his way with his walking stick, to find his way particularly in streets of a town, in the corridors of an underground railway or of a building.

Abstract: A split-phase pedestrian head traffic signal having directional light beams and a variable beamwidth. The pedestrian heads are selectively controlled such that half-way through a control cycle, a pedestrian half-way across the street may see a “walk” signal, while a pedestrian still at the far side of the street will actually see a “stop hand” signal. A pair of pedestrian heads each having a split-phase facilitate the beam steering such that the appropriate walk or stop hand signal are viewed by the pedestrian at the appropriate location. An area array of LEDs in combination with a Fresnel lens is selectively controlled such that light generated from the respective head can be directed toward different positions of the street for informing pedestrians at different locations attempting to cross the street.

Abstract: A pedestrian push button assembly for activating a signal generator to generate a signal at a street crosswalk. The pedestrian push button assembly has a rigid frame having a piezoelectric material of a solid state switch positioned across a central aperture, and an elastic sealing ring positioned in a groove surrounding the piezoelectric material. A button is secured to the rigid frame such that (1) a seal contact portion of the button sealably rests against the elastic sealing ring, (2) a very small space separates an abutment surface of the button and a stopper surface of the rigid frame, and (3) an elastic pressure portion of the button contacts the piezoelectric material. When operated, the elastic sealing ring is sufficiently biased to urge the elastic pressure portion against the piezoelectric material to generate a signal pulse.

Abstract: A bus driver signaling device wherein a user is able to push a button to activate a light source signal at a bus stop. Pushing the button creates a light signal able to be viewed by the bus driver, thereby signaling the bus driver that a passenger is awaiting the bus driver at the bus stop.

Abstract: A computer system that can be embodied in a vending machine or accessed through a personal computer. When embodied as a vending machines, the vending machine has a payment interface for receiving payment of a predetermined fee by a customer. The vending machine also has a display monitor, a printer, a data input device and a telecommunications modem. The computer processor within the vending machine reads a point of destination entered by a customer. The computer processor plots the quickest route from the location of that vending machine to the desired destination. Prior to calculating the quickest route, the computer processor accesses a database of traffic information via a telecommunications link. The route selected between the vending machine and the desired destination takes into account current traffic information.

Abstract: A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to the presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The system includes a plurality of surface mounted lights partially embedded in and placed across a roadway. The lights are activated by the pedestrian, either by manual switch or by a sensor, before he enters the crosswalk. Once activated, the flashing lights warn drivers of approaching vehicles that the pedestrian may have entered the crosswalk, and that caution should be exercised.

Abstract: An accessible pedestrian signal system to assist visually impaired persons to cross a signal controlled intersection. The signal system has a push button which is pressed by the pedestrian. Circuitry is provided to vibrate the push button when the signal system is programmed to send a signal that it is time to cross the intersection. Preferably, the push button is mounted on a flexible diaphragm and a vibrating movement is transmitted to the inner surface of the diaphragm when it is desired to vibrate the push button. Preferably, the pressing of the button flexes a piezo-electric member which has an output to the circuitry of the signal system.

Abstract: The collision with pedestrian prevention system according to the present invention comprises pedestrian detection means, road surface conditions detection means, road information accumulation means, vehicle position detection means, vehicle state detection means, processing means, information output means, and vehicle control means. Because of the configuration, the driver is alerted the presence of any pedestrian on a pedestrian's crossing and can immediately correct operations for handling the vehicle without being perplexed by the information just about to finish crossing the road. This system works only when there is the possibility of collision between a pedestrian on a pedestrian's crossing and a vehicle, and provides automatic controls for decelerating or stopping the vehicle when the driver can stop the vehicle by emergently braking over a distance from the vehicle to the pedestrian's crossing.

Abstract: A traffic control system includes a vertically and horizontally disposed pole. The vertically disposed pole has a lower end mounted to a ground surface while an upper end mounts the horizontally disposed pole at a right angle. The horizontally disposed pole extends out over a vehicular roadway and. At least a pair of signal assemblies are mounted to the horizontally disposed pole for controlling vehicular traffic which may pass by an emergency vehicle rescue station. The signal assemblies illuminate a light bulb signal sequence upon activation by a programmable central control panel and instruct vehicular traffic to stop. A receive and antenna receive a wireless signal sent from a remote location within the rescue station. A pair of verification lights mount on the traffic control system and directed towards the rescue station provide a means for indicating to emergency vehicle operators that the illumination sequence is operating properly and that all light bulbs in the signal assembly are illuminating.

Abstract: A transparent lens for motorist traffic light signals and pedestrian “Don't Walk” signs that displays, in Lcd countdown “real-time”, how much time remains before the traffic signal command will change. The lens is easily shaped to be adapted over any existing traffic control device or magnified over the existing control device and works in conjunction with existing technology for timing and control settings to provide a quick and economical installation. The covering lens is a traffic light signaling device combination manufactured as one assembly and comprised of known colored liquid crystal (LED), plasma or pixel generators or other imaging generating technology which is quickly affixed to existing signaling traffic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of traffic includes a signal assembly with a red stop light, a green passage light, and a yellow caution light. A count-down indicator includes a digital display that displays (i.e., counts down) the remaining time in seconds until the next signal change occurs. The digital display matches the color of the digits being displayed to that of the illumined light of the signal assembly. The count-down indicator includes a battery backup assembly that includes an optional backup battery that permits functioning of the traffic signal during power outages. An optional solar panel economically helps maintain the charge of the backup battery. A microprocessor in the battery backup assembly receives information from the signal assembly, processes that information, and controls the digital display parameters.

Abstract: A route computation apparatus having pedestrian-oriented map information for pedestrian route guidance, a portable route guidance apparatus, and markers located in an installation. A medium translation function is also included for translating input information of a given medium to information of another medium for output depending on current status of a pedestrian, whereby the information of interest is translated into information in a format suitable for the state in which the pedestrian is utilizing the portable apparatus.

Abstract: A push button system used to actuate pedestrian timing intervals at traffic signalized locations operating using a normally closed circuit rather than a normally open circuit, such that an open circuit resulting from the common faults of such devices and systems will result in the recognition of the failure.

Abstract: A device for presenting multiple illuminated messages and a method for making same. The device includes a uniformly thick panel of transparent material having at least one elongated and continuous passageway therein forming a message to be indicated. The passageway is filled with gas and materials that emit light.

Abstract: An audible traffic signal adding apparatus for visually impaired persons includes two speakers and a control section. The two speakers are disposed at two ends of a crosswalk. The control section navigates a visually impaired person crossing the crosswalk by alternately outputting different sounds as in "back and forth call" operation from the two speakers disposed at the two ends of the crosswalk to the visually impaired person for a period during which crossing is permitted.

Abstract: A system for providing information on a route for pedestrians. The system comprises a storage unit, which stores a data on area divided to a non-pedestrian area and a pedestrian area, a data on street, i.e. a region where pedestrians can walk in each of the areas, a data of block where pedestrians cannot walk in each of the areas, an index for searching the block or the street from an address or a name, and a table describing areas belonging to each section on a map, and a pedestrian information processing unit, which comprises an input/output control unit for receiving input from a user, a pedestrian map data searching unit for acquiring a pedestrian map data suitable for inputting from the storage unit, and a pedestrian route searching unit for searching a route for pedestrians using the acquired data. The system can quickly provide the user with pedestrian route information suitable for pedestrians and walking conditions.

Abstract: In order to minimize the risk to fire department and rescue vehicles as they enter into traffic, a traffic control system is provided. It includes a traffic signal assembly having a center light housing and a pair of outer light housings disposed on opposite sides thereof. The traffic control system includes a traffic sign assembly having warning information for vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic on one side thereof for mounting below the center housing of the traffic signal assembly. The traffic control system includes a solar panel to be mounted for maximizing solar energy collection in order to collect solar energy for delivery to and storage in a battery for illuminating bulbs in the housings. A sign light visually enhances the warning information on the sign.

Abstract: The electric traffic light, with acoustic signs and with an indication of backward counting includes lights prepared in three sectors with signaling screens that are controlled by a processor electrically linked to an optic and numeric counter. The circuit of optic formation is programmed in sequence and time to emit activation signals to certain sections of the lights to provide the brightness of the light on each screen. The circuit of the numeric formation is programmed to send signals of interruption of the power supply, simultaneously with the optic circuit, to certain sectors of the lights to provide visualization of numbers. Further, simultaneously with the optic and numeric circuit, a sound emitter emits a sound with each color.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a heavy duty vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the heavy duty vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the heavy duty vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.

Abstract: The guidance system of the invention includes at least two spaced, permanently magnetized regions that each produce a magnetic field. The two permanently magnetized regions can be provided at either side of another region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity than the permanently magnetized regions, and in one embodiment, the former region produces no magnetic field. The system may also include portable means for detecting the magnetic fields produced by the permanently magnetized regions, and that sensor may be mounted to a cane for use by a person. In another embodiment, the permanently magnetized regions contrast with either each other or the region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity, or have different surface characteristics, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a map to be carried by a pedestrian for guidance to a personally selected destination within a region of pedestrian traffic includes a memory storage unit interactive with a display unit, user-operable infeed unit, and data processor unit. The data processor unit determines an appropriate walking path to be taken to arrive at the selected destination. A printing unit prints and dispenses to the user an individualized map indicating the appropriate path determined by the data processor unit in accordance with selections entered by the user into the infeed unit.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a CD-ROM for storing operational schedule data of transportation means operating along railroad, road and air routes contained in a map to be displayed on a screen of the system, and a display for reading the operational schedule data from the CD-ROM and displaying the read operational schedule data on the screen. By the addition of a few elements to a conventional navigation system, a navigation system with new functions and improved cost performance is obtained.

Abstract: A crosswalk warning light system for warning drivers that a pedestrian has entered a crosswalk by shining a light onto the crosswalk and any pedestrians in the crosswalk. The crosswalk warning light system detects a pedestrian entering the crosswalk and activates the light so that a driver can see and avoid the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The crosswalk warning light system is timed so as to deactivate the light after a predetermined interval of time. The light source is selected from any conventional light source such as a scanning laser, a focused strobe light, or a focused incandescent light. The light source is supported above the crosswalk and aimed down toward the crosswalk so that the entire area defined by the crosswalk is illuminated. Further, by aiming the light source down on the crosswalk, the pedestrians are also illuminated.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle sound-actuated traffic controller including an intersection of at least two roads with a plurality of traffic lights for directing traffic therethrough. The traffic lights have a conventional control box for the controlling thereof. Further provided is a microphone adapted to receive audio signals and further adapted to convert the audio signals to electrical pulses. Finally, control circuitry is electrically connected to the microphone and includes a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a pair of contacts coupled to the control box. In operation, the switching mechanism has a first orientation with the contacts thereof open thereby allowing normal operation of the control box and the traffic lights and a second orientation with the contacts abutting each other thereby instructing the control box to direct all of the traffic lights to turn constant red.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for prompting pedestrians to look and listen for turning vehicles includes an animated pictorial message formed in the image of a pair of scanning eyes (46,48) and generated by a pedestrian signal control (54) connected to a pedestrian signal display (32). The image (46,48) can be activated by a traffic control (52) or a motion detector (64) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54). A voice circuit (56) and speakers (58) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54) generate an audible message at the same time the image (46,48) is being displayed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a traffic signalling system, and methods of use, for monitoring a signal zone about an intersection having at least two approach paths, detecting each target entering the signal zone, and giving warning visual display signals to traffic in approach paths outside the approach path occupied by the respective target. The traffic signalling system may direct a second visual display signal, different from the visual warning display, toward the approach path occupied by the respective target, and may indicate, in the visual warning displays, the approach path occupied by the respective target. The traffic signalling system may concurrently receive and process stimuli from first and second targets in respective first and second different approach paths, and indicate, to the targets in the respective approach paths occupied by the targets, the presence of the other target in the other approach path.

Abstract: A cross-walk warning light system for warning drivers that a pedestrian has entered a cross-walk by shining a light, preferably a laser, having a beam parallel to the cross-walk. The cross-walk warning light system detects a pedestrian entering the cross-walk and activates a light that is aimed across the intersection, thus the driver sees this beam of light, which is projected across the intersection and is warned of the presence of a pedestrian in the cross-walk. The cross-walk warning light system is timed so as to deactivate the light after a predetermined interval of time. In the preferred embodiment, a first and an adjacent laser are spaced apart a distance substantially the width of the crosswalk, provide parallel beams of light on each side of the cross-walk. Also in the preferred embodiment, a second laser, disposed at the opposite end of the crosswalk, provides a second beam of light, aimed substantially co-linearly with the first.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for prompting pedestrians to look and listen for turning vehicles includes an animated pictorial message formed in the image of a pair of scanning eyes (46,48) and generated by a pedestrian signal control (54) connected to a pedestrian signal display (32). The image (46,48) can be activated by a traffic control (52) or a motion detector (64) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54). A voice circuit (56) and speakers (58) connected to the pedestrian signal control (54) generate an audible message at the same time the image (46,48) is being displayed.