Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads that is capable of forming a barrier on the road for restricting the flow of traffic on the road, significantly enhancing road safety and traffic flow, creating a more efficient and user-friendly environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traffic refers to the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists on roads and pathways. It encompasses all forms of transport, including cars, buses, trucks, bicycles, and foot traffic. Traffic restrictions help reduce accidents by controlling speed and minimizing congestion, which lowers the risk of collision. Traffic management helps in developing more pedestrian-friendly and livable urban spaces, enhancing community interactions.

[0003] Traditionally, motor vehicles, traffic control relied on policemen directing traffic at intersections. This method was labor-intensive and inconsistent, leading to confusion and delays. The advent of electric traffic lights automated traffic flow but required careful timing to manage congestion. Traffic lights lead to stop-and-go traffic, increased delays, and potential accidents if drivers misinterpret signals. Adoption of modern roundabouts improved traffic flow by reducing conflict points. They require less space than traffic signals and decreases accident rates. These device and methods sometimes confuse drivers unfamiliar with their operation, leading to accidents and inefficiencies in certain traffic volumes.

[0004] CN115953753A discloses a device of a road traffic restriction reminding system for a motorcycle. The device comprises the following modules: a front camera data acquisition module, which is used for acquiring an image through a foresight camera; the perception and recognition module is used for inputting a front vehicle camera image collected by the foresight camera into the perception and recognition module for recognition; the traffic restriction judgment module is used for analyzing the recognition result of the perception recognition module and outputting a road traffic restriction judgment result; and the traffic restriction reminding device outputs the road traffic restriction reminding result in the traffic restriction judgment module to an HMI and carries out traffic restriction reminding on a driver. By recognizing the image collected by the front view of the motorcycle, the specific information and scene information of the traffic sign can be distinguished, the road traffic restriction reminding is provided for the driver, and the driving safety of the motorcycle is improved. Though, CN’753 is capable of providing a road traffic restriction reminding system for a motorcycle. However, the above cites system is incapable of detecting the presence of emergency vehicles approaching the barrier, in view of allowing the emergency vehicles to pass through intersections without delay or difficulty.

[0005] CN110718072A discloses a traffic restriction system for a vehicle with a yellow license plate. The system comprises a file management subsystem, a pass management subsystem, a traffic restriction rule entry subsystem and an identification and control subsystem, wherein the file management subsystem is used for managing a vehicle file, a file for an affiliated unit of a vehicle and a driver file; the pass management subsystem is used for managing a vehicle pass; the traffic restriction rule entry subsystem is used for managing a traffic restriction rule, wherein the traffic restriction rule comprises one or a combination of a traffic restriction road section, a traffic restriction time period, a traffic restriction vehicle model and a traffic restriction period; and the identification and control subsystem is used for identifying, recording and tracking the vehicle with the yellow license plate, which passes through the road section corresponding to the traffic restriction rule, according to the traffic restriction rule and the vehicle pass. Through application of the embodiment of the invention, a management mode is more flexible. Although, CN’072 is capable of restricting the movement of vehicular traffic on road. However, the above system is incapable of detecting presence of snow on the road surface, in view of eliminating the snow from the road, and eliminating chances of vehicular accidents and mishaps.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices for traffic control devices have advanced significantly, each has its disadvantages that must be considered in the ongoing pursuit of effective traffic management. Balancing efficiency, safety, and user experience remains a critical challenge for urban planners and traffic engineers.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that enhances road safety and traffic flow, and creates a more efficient and user-friendly device. In addition, the proposed device is capable of forming a barrier on the road for restricting the flow of traffic on the road.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of forming a barrier on the road for restricting the flow of traffic on the road, significantly enhancing road safety and traffic flow, creating a more efficient and user-friendly environment.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of emergency vehicles approaching the barrier and allow emergency vehicles to pass through intersections without delay.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of the snow on the road surface, and automatically adjust in real-time for eliminating the snow from the road, thereby eliminating chances of vehicular accidents.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads that is capable of allowing traffic personnel’s for creating a barrier on the road in view of managing the traffic flow and eliminating drivers of the vehicle from accessing the road.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads, comprise of plurality of elongated bodies installed on a road that is capable of being bent due to impact of vehicles passing on the road, in view of allowing passage of vehicle on the road, a computing unit installed with a user-interface for enabling a concerned authority to select time duration for which traffic is to be restriction on road, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module integrated within the microcontroller for keeping an accurate track on real-time, plurality of hollow members installed on each of the bodies and connected with a chamber stored with magnetorheological fluid, via plurality of conduits for increasing hardness of the members, to prevent bending of the bodies due to impact of the vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on body for detecting any emergency vehicle approaching the bodies, a suction unit configured with the chamber to generate vacuum pressure for withdrawing the fluid from members, thus allowing bending of the bodies to allow passage of the emergency vehicle, a DC (Direct Current) motor coupled with a conical unit installed at top portion of each of the bodies for rotating the units to scatter the snow.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads that is capable of managing the flow of vehicular traffic on the road. Additionally, the proposed device is s capable of detecting the presence of the snow on the road surface, and automatically adjust in real-time for eliminating the snow from the road, thereby eliminating chances of vehicular accidents.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a vehicular traffic restriction device for roads is illustrated, comprising plurality of elongated bodies 101 installed on a road, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module integrated within the microcontroller for keeping an accurate track on real-time, plurality of hollow members 102 installed on each of the bodies 101 and connected with a chamber 103 stored with magnetorheological fluid, via plurality of conduits 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted on body, a suction unit configured with the chamber 103 to generate vacuum pressure for withdrawing the fluid from members 102, multiple LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 arranged on the body, and a conical unit 106 installed at top portion of each of the bodies 101

[0022] The device disclosed herein comprises of plurality of elongated bodies 101 installed on a road that is capable of being bent due to impact of vehicles passing on the road, in view of allowing passage of vehicle on the road. The bodies 101 are constructed from sturdy and robust material which includes, but is not limited to high-grade engineered plastics like polycarbonate or reinforced nylon. These materials offer strength and rigidity to the bodies 101 making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0023] The surface of the bodies 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction. A concerned traffic authority through a user-interface installed in a computing unit associated with the device provides input commands regarding a time duration for which traffic is to be restricted on the road.

[0024] The computing unit is linked wirelessly with the microcontroller via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The user interface serves as a bridge between the concerned authority and the microcontroller, allowing for a user-friendly way to input commands regarding the time duration.

[0025] The user interface presents information and options to the user through options, sliders, or other visual images, where the user interacts by typing commands or selecting options from the user-interface. An inbuilt microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands and activates an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module integrated within the microcontroller for keeping an accurate track on real-time.

[0026] The RTC (real time clock) comprises of a controller, oscillator and an embedded quartz crystal resonator. The function of RTC (real time clock) is to keep accurate track of time even when a power supply is turned off or the device is placed in low power mode. At user-selected time duration, the microcontroller actuates an electric pump embedded within a chamber 103 to pump the fluid towards plurality of hollow members 102 installed on each of the bodies 101 and connected with a chamber 103 stored with magnetorheological fluid, for increasing hardness of the members 102, to prevent bending of the bodies 101 due to impact of the vehicle.

[0027] The pump works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow magnetorheological fluid in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to the conduits 104 and eventually towards the members 102. Upon actuation of pump by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming magnetorheological fluid, increasing its pressure significantly.

[0028] The members 102 are cylindrical or tubular structures installed in road barriers or surfaces. They are designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces. In its normal state, the MR fluid is a viscous liquid. When the fluid is pressurized by the pump, the fluid forms a semi-solid state, increasing the effective hardness of the hollow members 102. The conduits 104 connect the storage chamber 103 filled with MR fluid to the hollow members 102. They allow for the controlled flow of the fluid based on user requirements.

[0029] When activated, the conduits 104 direct the MR fluid into the hollow members 102 to adjust their stiffness. The embedded electric pump within the chamber 103 facilitates the movement of MR fluid from the storage chamber 103 through the conduits 104 into the hollow members 102. As the MR fluid fills the hollow members 102, it undergoes a change in viscosity due to the magnetic field generated by coils or permanent magnets in proximity to the hollow members 102. With enhanced hardness, the hollow members 102 provide greater resistance to bending or deformation when impacted by vehicles, thereby preventing them from passing through or causing damage to the road structure.

[0030] At time when traffic is allowed on the road, the microcontroller activates a green LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 arranged on the body to glow for notifying drivers of the vehicles regarding non-restriction of traffic on the road. The LED light mentioned herein works on the phenomenon of electroluminescence, where the emission of light 107 occurs when electrons recombine with electron holes within a semiconductor material. The LED light are made from semiconductor materials like gallium arsenide. These materials have a specific band gap energy, which determines the color of the emitted light 107.

[0031] When a voltage is applied to the LED light 107 in the forward bias direction, it allows current to flow across the P-N junction. As the electrons from the n-side flow into the p-side, they recombine with the holes in the p-side. During this recombination, energy is released in the form of photons (light). The LEDs are designed with an optical cavity or reflector to direct the emitted light in a desired direction. This helps in creating a focused and usable light output and notifies drivers of the vehicles regarding non-restriction of traffic on the road.

[0032] And at time when traffic is restricted on the road, the microcontroller activates a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 installed on the body to glow for notifying drivers of the vehicles regarding restriction of traffic on the road. An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 paired with a processor mounted on the body for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings. The imaging unit 105 consists of multiple high-resolution cameras for capturing multiple images from different angles and perspectives and providing comprehensive coverage of the surroundings.

[0033] The imaging unit 105 captures multiple images of the surroundings from various angles simultaneously. Before analysis, the captured image goes through pre-processing steps to enhance image quality which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortions. The processed images are then sent to the processor linked with the imaging unit 105. The processor processes the captured images of the surroundings by means of an artificial intelligence protocol encrypted within the microcontroller for detecting the presence of any emergency vehicle approaching the bodies 101.

[0034] The microcontroller uses artificial intelligence protocol like Convolution Neural Network (CNN) for detecting distinctive patterns or characteristics in the image like the length, breadth, and thickness of the emergency vehicle. Once potential features are detected, the microcontroller localizes them by identifying their positions within the image.

[0035] This involves finding their coordinates or regions of interest where these features are located. The microcontroller also uses techniques like object recognition, edge detection, and shape analysis to accurately detect the position and presence of emergency vehicle approaching the bodies 101. Upon detection of the emergency vehicle approaching the bodies 101, the microcontroller activates a suction unit configured with the chamber 103 to generate vacuum pressure for withdrawing the fluid from the members 102.

[0036] The suction unit works by atmospheric pressure; when the piston is raised, creating a partial vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces water into the cylinder, whence it is permitted to escape by an outlet valve. The suction unit mentioned above comprises of a bowl-shaped cup alike entity having two openings in which one side of the opening has a larger diameter and another side has a smaller diameter wherein the smaller diameter of the cup is attached with a suction pump via tube that is interlinked with the microcontroller.

[0037] On actuation, the suction pump creates a negative pressure which in turn a vacuum that is created for withdrawing the fluid from the members 102, thus allowing bending of the bodies 101 to allow passage of the emergency vehicle. For instance, in case the imaging unit 105 detects snow fall in surroundings, the microcontroller actuates a DC (Direct Current) motor coupled with a conical unit 106 installed at top portion of each of the bodies 101, for rotating the units to scatter the snow and prevent accumulation of the snow on the bodies 101.

[0038] The DC motor on the principle of electromagnetic induction: the stator and the rotor. The stator generates a magnetic field which usually consists of a permanent magnet or as set of coils through which direct current flows. The rotor is the moving part of the motor. The armature is connected to a commutator which is a rotary switch that reverses the direction of the current in the coil every half-turn. As the armature rotates, the brushes ensure a continuous flow of current by reversing its direction at the right moments.

[0039] When the DC is applied to the armature, a magnetic field is created around the coil due to the current flowing through the coil. As the DC electric motor rotates, the rotational force rotates the conical unit 106s in a circular path. As the motor rotates the conical unit 106s scatter the snow and prevent accumulation of the snow on the bodies 101, thus preventing any chances of damage to the bodies 101.

[0040] A weight sensor is embedded within the chamber 103 for detecting weight of the fluid. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of fluid in the chamber 103, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of the fluid and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing. When the detected weight recedes a pre-set value, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the concerned authorities regarding leakage of the fluid from the chamber 103.

[0041] In the device discussed above, there is a battery that is connected to the device that supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The device is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function. Hence the presence of the battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., the user is able to place as well as move the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the bodies 101 as disclosed in the invention are installed on the road surface. The concerned traffic authority through the user-interface installed provides input commands regarding a time duration for which traffic is to be restricted on the road. At user-selected time duration, the microcontroller actuates the electric pump to pump the fluid towards the members 102, for increasing hardness of the members 102, to prevent bending of the bodies 101 due to impact of the vehicle, thus prevent vehicles to pass through the road. Upon detection of the emergency vehicle approaching the bodies 101, the microcontroller activates the suction unit generate vacuum pressure for withdrawing the fluid from the members 102, thus allowing bending of the bodies 101 to allow passage of the emergency vehicle. For instance, in case the imaging unit 105 detects snow fall in surroundings, the microcontroller actuates the DC (Direct Current) motor coupled with the conical unit 106 installed at top portion of each of the bodies 101, for rotating the units to scatter the snow and prevent accumulation of the snow on the bodies 101. At time when traffic is allowed on the road, the microcontroller activates a green LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 arranged on the body to glow for notifying drivers of the vehicles regarding non-restriction of traffic on the road. And at time when traffic is restricted on the road, the microcontroller activates a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 installed on the body to glow for notifying drivers of the vehicles regarding restriction of traffic on the road.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A vehicular traffic restriction device for roads, comprising:

i) plurality of elongated bodies 101 installed on a road that is capable of being bent due to impact of vehicles passing on said road, in view of allowing passage of vehicle on said road, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a concerned authority to select time duration for which traffic is to be restriction on said road;

ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module integrated within said microcontroller for keeping an accurate track on real-time;

iii) plurality of hollow members 102 installed on each of said bodies 101 and connected with a chamber 103 stored with magnetorheological fluid, via plurality of conduits 104, wherein at said user-selected time duration, said microcontroller activates an electric pump embedded within said chamber 103 to pump said fluid towards said members 102, for increasing hardness of said members 102, to prevent bending of said bodies 101 due to impact of said vehicle, thus prevent vehicles to pass through said road;

iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 paired with a processor mounted on said body for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for detecting any emergency vehicle approaching said bodies 101, wherein upon detection of said emergency vehicle, said microcontroller activates a suction unit configured with said chamber 103 to generate vacuum pressure for withdrawing said fluid from said members 102, thus allowing bending of said bodies 101 to allow passage of said emergency vehicle; and

v) a conical unit 106 installed at top portion of each of said bodies 101, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit 105 detects snow fall in surroundings, said microcontroller actuates a DC (Direct Current) motor coupled with each of said units for rotating said units to scatter said snow and prevent accumulation of said snow on said bodies 101, thus preventing any chances of damage to said bodies 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at time when traffic is allowed on said road, said microcontroller activates a green LED (Light Emitting Diode) light arranged on said body to glow for notifying drivers of said vehicles regarding non-restriction of traffic on said road.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at time when traffic is restricted on said road, said microcontroller activates a red LED (Light Emitting Diode) light 107 installed on said body to glow for notifying drivers of said vehicles regarding restriction of traffic on said road.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded within said chamber 103 for detecting weight of said fluid, and in case said detected weight recedes a pre-set value, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said concerned authorities regarding leakage of said fluid from said chamber 103.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.