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(11) | EP 0 981 122 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 158(3) EPC |
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| (54) | ACTIVE MARKER |
| (57) The active marker or beacon of the invention is preferably used in marking systems
for motorways and the like. It is comprised of the functional association of a signalling
module (1) based on LED diodes, an infrared receiver module (2), an infrared emitter
module (3), a controller (4) governed by a microprocessor (5) which incorporates the
electronic elements and the required connection means both for the proper operation
of the beacon or marker and the relation of the latter with the rest of the system
of which it is a part; it also comprises a supply module (6) in the form of a photovoltaic
panel or a cable when using a conventional supply source. |
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] As indicated in the title of this specification, the present invention refers to an active marker or beacon especially designed to be used in beaconing or marking systems for motorways and the like, incorporating features additional to conventional beaconing, which endow the system with specific signalling at the time of an accident, developing the assistance or warning actions foreseen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, two basic types of marking systems exist, the first one uses beacons based on catadioptrics which reflect the light directly received from any lamp, and the second one, in which the beacons can produce their own light, generally based on luminescent diodes supplied by a solar panel and a small battery incorporated into the beacon itself.
[0003] Anyway, both systems give permanent signalling which, in the second type, and combined with a photocell is reduced to nocturnal hours, exclusively marking the boundaries of the motorways, to help drivers travel along the latter.
[0004] In Spanish patent of invention number 9702525, a beaconing system for motorways and the like is described, so that in the case of an accident and a vehicle crossing the beaconing line, the system immediately transmit information to a motorway or road surveillance unit and to the drivers approaching the accident area warning them to drive carefully due to possible obstacles on the road.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The active marker proposed by the invention permits the development of systems like that described, satisfying the requirements necessary for the former to effectively maintain aid and safety functions on highways.
[0006] For the latter and more specifically, the marker consists of a combination of a signalling module based on LED diodes, infrared receiver and emitter modules, also based on diodes with these characteristics, a controller module ruled by a microprocessor incorporating the electronic components and connection means necessary for both operation of the marker itself and its relation with the rest of the system; and an energy supply module by means of a photovoltaic panel or by a cable connected to a conventional energy source.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] To complement the description being made and to better understand the features of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of drawings which intend to illustrate without limiting the invention and are as follows:
Figure 1 shows a diagram in which the different modules comprising the marker are shown, for the case in which the supply is carried out by means of a photovoltaic panel.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the different circuit sections and components comprising the marker.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the marker supply when this is made from a photovoltaic panel.
Figure 4, shows a block diagram of the marker supply when this is carried out by means of a power supply, whose electronic diagram is shown in Figure 5.
Figure 6 shows the electronic diagram corresponding to the block diagram of figure 2.
Figure 7 shows a plan view of the marker with a photovoltaic panel.
Figure 8 shows a side section of the marker with a photovoltaic panel.
Figure 9 shows a plan view of the marker supplied by a cable.
Figure 10 shows a side section of the marker supplied by a cable.
Figure 11 shows a side section of the marker supplied by a cable in which the internal wiring is shown in detail.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Regarding the figures, it may be observed that the active marker being described consists of the functional relation of a signalling module (1) based on LED diodes, infrared receiver (2) and emitter (3) modules, also based on diodes with these features, a controller module (4) ruled by a microprocessor (5) incorporating the necessary electronic components and connection means, both for the operation of the marker itself and its relation with the rest of the system of which it is part; and a supply module (6) by means of a photovoltaic panel or cable by means of a conventional power supply.
[0009] More specifically, and considering the operation of the marker, a signal received in the infrared block detector (7), block used for the infrared detection of communications and from the volumetric detection reflection signal, is amplified in a double amplification stage (8), such that through a detector/demodulator (9), a circuit with rectification and filtration for signal demodulation of the amplification stage, the signal passes to the microprocessor (5), configuring a jumper.
[0010] The microprocessor (5), processes the information received in the communications, both infrared and by cable and by means of LED drivers (10), handles the signalling LEDs (11), a set of four high luminosity amber LEDs for signalling, volumetric detection LEDs (12), infrared LEDs that will send a signal for event detection, a signal which when reflected is that received by the infrared detectors (7); and communications LEDs (13), infrared LEDs for communication between markers which is carried out in a single direction.
[0011] A driver 485 for cable (14) for the communication to two wires between markers and the rest of the system.
[0012] If the supply is carried out by a photovoltaic panel (15) permitting charging of the battery when illumination is sufficient, this is configured as indicated in figure 3. From the voltage generated in the panel (15), a battery charge chopper (16) transforms said voltage in a continuous battery charge signal (17) for power supply (18) at 5 VCC for the set of beacon components. On the contrary, if the supply is made by cable, the supply (18) is carried out by means of a power supply (19), 48 VAC/5 VCC source, supplying all the beacon circuits when said beacon does not have a photovoltaic panel (15) and whose electronic diagram is shown in figure 5.
[0013] In figures 7 and 8 showing the marker configuration, the position foreseen for a supply switch (20), the photovoltaic panel (15) and the arrangement of the components (21) inside and the battery (17) are highlighted.
[0014] In figures 9, 10 and 11 the marker configuration difference for the two supply systems foreseen is shown.
[0015] It is not considered necessary to extend this specficaton more for any expert in the matter to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived thereof.
1. An active marker, preferably for its use in beaconing systems for motorways and the
like, characterized in that it is made by means of the functional association of a
signalling module (1) based on LED diodes, infrared receiver (2) and emitter (3) modules,
also based on diodes with these characteristics, a controller module (4) ruled by
a microprocessor (5) incorporating the electronic components and necessary connection
means, both for operation of the marker itself and its relation with the rest of the
system of which it is part; and a supply module (6) by means of a photovoltaic panel
or by cable by means of a conventional power supply.
2. An active marker, according to the first claim, characterized in that the microprocessor
(5), by means of a LED driver (12) controls the different diode groups, according
to the information received from an infrared detector (7), through an amplifier (8)
and a detector/demodulator (9), besides being able to establish communication with
the rest of the system by means of a driver 485 for cable (14).
3. An active marker, according to the first claim, characterized in that the supply of
all the circuits comprising it may be indistinctively carried out either by means
of a photovoltaic panel (15) or conventional power supply source (19).