Abstract: A method is provided for controlling access by a series of users to a space and/or particular service. The method includes the following steps for each of the users: requesting access to the space and/or service by the user, issuing an access authorization or denial; opening of an access to the space or the service, if an access authorization was issued; estimating a waiting period prior to accessing the space and/or service when the opening is delayed; and issuing to the user at least one piece of information representative of the waiting period. The estimation step takes account of a number of users having already passed through the access and still waiting in the space and/or the service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road gantry comprising a horizontal beam (2), the upper surface (21) of which constitutes a passageway for service personnel to cross, the gantry being characterized in that it comprises arms (25) for bearing apparatuses (30) for monitoring road traffic, electronic toll collection, or signaling, wherein said arms are pivotably attached to the horizontal beam so as to be able to move from a first position, in which the arms extend towards the road, into a second position for stowage on said passageway, and vice versa. The passageway may comprise protection guardrails (22, 23) in which openings (24) are formed, said openings being shut by door panels (24) arranged so as to enable the passage of said arms (25) from said first position to said second position and vice versa. The invention also relates to a barrier-free electronic toll collection station including at least one such gantry.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus, includes: a state information unit obtaining state information that indicates a state of driving operation of the vehicle; an image storage storing a two-dimensional image data obtained from imaging devices whose viewing fields partly overlap; a specifying unit compositing the data into a shape of a three-dimensional projection plane, and then specifying, in correspondence to the state information, a compositing method overlapping portions of viewing fields to be used for transformation from a three-dimensional image into a projection image viewed from a viewpoint along a line-of-sight; and an image transformation unit transforming the data into projection image data viewed from the viewpoint along the line-of-sight direction using the compositing method.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sealed, automatic sign that displays a traffic sign (such as a stop or yield sign) visible when the power to the sign is interrupted. The sign has a shade, which covers the stop sign within the frame work while the power is on. When the power is interrupted, the shade lowers, revealing the traffic sign. When power is returned the shade is then drawn up to its original state, concealing the traffic sign.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timely and efficient notification of vehicle parking space availability and locations of vehicle parking spaces to motorists or other network users. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of a vehicle in a particular parking space and communicate space identification and status information to a computer network. The parking space status information is integrated with electronic street maps of the area where the relevant spaces are located. Integrated maps containing space status identifiers are communicated to any number of networks.

Abstract: A signage system for a traffic area, the traffic area comprising visually-identifiable boundary markers, the signage system having sign means at the boundary markers, the sign means visually viewable by an occupant of a vehicle adjacent the boundary markers. The signage system further having interaction apparatus at the parking lot for providing communication between a vehicle occupant and an entity remote from the traffic area. The signage system wherein the sign means has at least one electronic display apparatus for presenting information to a person at the traffic area.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering parking information is disclosed. Embodiments of the present claimed invention utilize video imaging to analyze the availability of parking spaces. More specifically, a computer is used to process video images of a parking location to determine if a parking space is available.

Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a video image sensing system wherein each space in the facility is monitored by a camera to determine whether or not it is occupied. A single camera may be used to determine the status of a plurality of spaces. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. Revenues generated by the sale of advertising can be used by the facility operator to defray the purchase and/or maintenance cost of the guidance and management system. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization.

Abstract: The system includes a high-intensity light source, a fiber optic conduit for transmitting a light-beam, and colored lenses, which emit red, yellow, and green light on fiber optic lines. Each traffic light has a shutter and control means for opening and closing the shutters in the proper sequence for preset time periods to control red, yellow, and green lights.

Abstract: A traffic control system 10 is provided having an illuminating member 42 and a rotating drum 48. The drum 48 is provided with a red reflector 50, a green reflector 52 and a yellow reflector 54 formed on different portions thereof. A control channel 14 is provided for selectively rotating the drum 48 so that each reflector 50, 52 and 54 can be illuminated by the illuminating member 42 thus providing an indication whether a vehicle should stop, go or exercise caution. The traffic control system 10 is also provided with a monitoring channel 16 which monitors the control channel 14 to insure the circuit is operating properly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timely and efficient notification of vehicle parking space availability and locations of vehicle parking spaces to motorists or other network users. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of a vehicle in a particular parking space and communicate space identification and status information to a computer network. The parking space status information is integrated with electronic street maps of the area where the relevant spaces are located. Integrated maps containing space status identifiers are communicated to any number of networks.