Monica/Rob's Group

Hi Lauren,

As we are approaching the end I think it is important that we clarify
the interaction between our two projects. I remember your group
having a "pedestrian finder" sensor for the pedestrians. How does
this work? Were you planning to embed existing structures with this
technology? Is it supposed to be in the signal?
-What types of symbols are you using, if any at all?

And anything else you can think of that would interact with our signal
lighting. If you can't explain in email then me you and Rob can talk
about it at school this week before Friday.

-Hope your break was good

Skype Conclusions

We concluded that zebra stripes are not in every intersection in Europe and therefore is more of a device that gives the pedestrian a permanent-right-of-way where ever they are placed.  Therefore, after discussion, we think they should only appear when the Pedestrian is crossing on a green light, and are triggered by the pedestrian.  No pedestrian, no crosswalk.

The zebra stripes will function as a sudden visual warning to the driver as they will appear only the moment a pedestrian is about to cross.

We decided to keep the tracking sensors from about 100-150ft of the intersection.

There are some ethical issues with our current Phase 3 solution of red zebra stripes facilitating the pedestrian across. We are thinking of ways that will prevent the pedestrian from crossing the street when it is no his right of way.

For this Sundays meeting, proposals of :

1.  how the Phase 1 works, ie. sensor placement, how fast they blink...

2. Phase 3 solutions that discourage the pedestrian from crossing when it is not his/her right

3. Phase 2 details of how the overhead lights are fixed.  Directional lights, spotlights, lights that follow pedestrians... etc.

Next Skype Meeting

Sunday Nov 30 at 4:00 pm (22:00)

Scenario of Phase Three

School Zone LED/Pedestrian Safety/Disappearing

School Zone is a concept crosswalk designed specifically for school zones but has amazing potential for other uses. The system changes several key elements to existing crosswalks promising safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

School Zone comes in a series of elevated slabs to fit any length road. The raised level ensures drivers see children as they cross and also acts as a speed bump forcing them to slow down or risk damaging their vehicles. The elevation also has an added benefit since it meets the exact height of the curb - wheelchairs can cross with ease.

Each slab has a set of illuminated LEDs that work in tandem to direct foot traffic. They time themselves to pre-existing crosswalk signals and turn off one by one indicating time is running out. The system can also run independently if no crosswalk exists.

The prefabricated nature of the system means it can be manufactured to the highest of standards and installed anywhere. You can take it a step further and create temporary crosswalks for special events like concerts and outdoor festivals.

Designer: Seungkyun Woo

LED Tiles

Conclusions - Meeting on Friday with Lyn & the Class

We presented two concepts today to the class. The first idea was the animation we agreed on and looked at during Monday's Skype meeting. The second concept was created as an addition to the first concept. I have posted the to the blog in in three parts listed as Phase A, B, and C of Phase 3. The class and Lyn agreed that this strengthened our concept as a whole.

Lyn further recommended that we shorten the first phase, and replace the third phase with concept 2.

We propose as a finial concept…

• Combining idea one and two
• Blinking street lights – cutting down on length
• Replacing the third phase with concept 2
• Linking cars turn signal to intelligent intersection
• Energy – solar power Lights - LED Tiles
• Detection – blob detection

What next…

• Look back grab necessary information for presentation
• Refine our problem and such, terminology Phases, etc
• Refine our program – figure out method to defend our idea
• Create new diagram to explain tiles
• Final Animation that includes traffic signals and more pedestrians, cars, etc

Idea Two: Phase C of Phase Three

#4 : When the pedestrians time is up, the crosswalk will begin to disappear again , starting from the inside to the outside at pedestrian walking speed. This will serve as an indicator to the pedestrian how much time they have left to cross the street.

Idea Two: Phase B of Phase Three

#3 : when a car is making a turn they will trigger the intelligent intersection (turn signal/GPS). The turn signal will activate the crosswalk red where they intend to cross. Warning the pedestrian of the drivers intentions and also warning the driver that they a crossing a "pedestrian zone" and to cross with caution.

Idea Two: Phase A of Phase Three

# 1: when the pedestrian has the right-of-way a white zebra-strip crosswalk will appear. Materials: the crosswalk will be LED/fiber-optic tiles (solar-powered)
The tiles will not only give the pedestrian the right-of-way, it will also light-up the pedestrian at night.

#2: When the pedestrian does not have the right of way and walks into the intersection three red lines will guide him to the other side. They act as a buffer and a visual representation to drivers. But also, by only having three lines it does not encourage others to act with him.