Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a road crossing safety system for assisting school students that is capable of ensuring safe and organized road crossing for school students by automatically detecting student activity and regulating vehicle and pedestrian movement in real time to prevent accidents and enhance safety near school zones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Young students often lack the awareness, judgment, and reflexes necessary to navigate busy roads safely, making them susceptible to accidents and injuries. Implementing road crossing safety measures, such as pedestrian signals, crossing guards, speed control zones, and clearly marked crosswalks, ensures that students move between home and school securely. These measures not only protect students from potential traffic hazards but also instill habits of responsible road use from an early age. Additionally, road crossing safety contributes to reducing parental anxiety, encourages independent mobility for children, and promotes overall community awareness regarding pedestrian safety. By prioritizing structured and monitored crossing points near schools, authorities create a safer environment, prevent accidents, and foster a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and safety consciousness among both students and drivers.

[0003] Traditional methods for ensuring road crossing safety for school students primarily include manually operated pedestrian crossings, school crossing guards, speed breakers, and basic traffic signage near schools. While these methods provide a level of protection, they have significant drawbacks. Manual supervision by crossing guards depends heavily on human attention and presence, which is inconsistent, especially during busy traffic hours or adverse weather conditions. Speed breakers and static signage often fail to adapt to varying traffic speeds and is ignored by inattentive drivers, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, these conventional methods do not offer real-time monitoring or automated alerts, leaving gaps in safety during unexpected situations. Reliance on children’s vigilance alone is also risky, as students misjudge traffic conditions or act impulsively.

[0004] CN201473904U relates to a safety protection facility for a zebra crossing at the traffic crossing on a road, particularly to a facility mounted in front of the zebra crossing to restrain vehicles from speeding up and cutting in while crossing the zebra crossing at the road junction, and belongs to the field of traffic safety. The utility model is designed and made from a strip-shaped speed restriction plate to solve the problem of traffic accidents occurred since certain vehicles do not decelerate and even cut the passersby off presently. The safety protection facility is characterized in that the protection facility adopts a strip-shaped speed restriction plate with a bulged middle part, is fixed in front of the zebra crossing on the right side of the road on the pavement close to the direction of approaching vehicles, and lies on the road vertically, so that the vehicles have to decelerate while approaching the zebra crossing. Therefore, vehicles driving at low speed across the zebra crossing are safe to the passersby, and the passersby can also stand aside to make way for the low-speed vehicles. The utility model has the benefits of unnecessary supervision, automatic deceleration of drivers and good protection effect, as well as simple manufacture and installation and low cost.

[0005] CN203256557U relates to a zebra crossing road pedestrian passing safety system. The system is formed by pedestrian safety protection mark stand columns and pedestrian temporary waiting strip-shaped regions, and is characterized in that the pedestrian temporary waiting strip-shaped regions are mounted on overlapped road surfaces of zebra crossing roads and lane lines; the pedestrian safety protection mark stand columns are fixedly mounted at left and right sides of the pedestrian temporary waiting strip-shaped regions; the pedestrian safety protection mark stand columns and the pedestrian temporary waiting strip-shaped regions are mounted on the lane lines at the two sides of isolation columns on upper and lower driving lane isolation belts. Pedestrians can pass through the pedestrian temporary waiting strip-shaped regions on the lane lines one by one at intervals according to car conditions; no matter how wide the road is and how long the zebra crossing roads are, the pedestrians can smoothly pass through; a traffic light does not need to be used for commanding the pedestrians on the zebra crossing roads to pass through and the normal driving of motor vehicles is not influenced; meanwhile, the problem of Chinese type road crossing is solved and unnecessary accidental injuries caused by that the pedestrians rapidly pass through a plurality of lanes for one time can be avoided.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems are available in the market. However, these existing systems mentioned in the prior arts lack in detecting student activity in real time and fails to regulate traffic flow to prevent accidents and enhance safety during school hours. In addition, these existing systems are also incapable of operating automatically based on school timings and traffic conditions, minimizing need for manual supervision.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of detecting student activity in real time and regulates traffic flow to prevent accidents and enhance safety during school hours. In addition, the developed system also needs to be capable of operating automatically based on school timings and traffic conditions, minimizing need for manual supervision.

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 system that is capable of ensuring safe and organized road crossing for school students by automatically controlling vehicle and pedestrian movement near school zones.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting student activity in real time and regulates traffic flow to prevent accidents and enhance safety during school hours.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of operating automatically based on school timings and traffic conditions, minimizing the need for manual supervision.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that promotes driver awareness and pedestrian discipline through visible safety alerts and automated control actions.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a road crossing safety system for assisting school students that is capable of automatically operating based on school timings and traffic conditions while promoting driver awareness and pedestrian discipline through visible safety alerts and automated control actions.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, a road crossing safety system for assisting school students, comprises of at least one traffic light positioned near a school crossing zone, configured to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement, at least one horizontal barrier installed alongside the roadway to physically block vehicle passage when activated, at least one vertical barrier having multiple cavities provided on the road adapted to form controlled lanes for traffic movement, a plurality of telescopic rods housed within the vertical barrier to form a temporary physical barrier upon detecting student movement and halting incoming traffic, an artificial intelligence (AI) camera mounted on the traffic light for monitoring student and vehicle activity in real time integrated with a central control unit.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the system further comprises of a holographic unit is mounted on the traffic light and operable to project real-time visual alerts of detected violations and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are embedded beneath the student walking path to convert mechanical pressure from footsteps into electrical energy for powering low-energy components within the system.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 road crossing safety system for assisting school students.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a road crossing safety system for assisting school students that is capable of automatically detecting student activity and regulating traffic flow based on school timings and traffic conditions to enhance safety and reduce the need for manual supervision.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a road crossing safety system for assisting school students, comprises of traffic light 101 positioned near a school crossing zone, one horizontal barrier 102 installed alongside the roadway comprises a rotatable rod 102a actuated by a Scout and Russell arrangement 102b provided with the traffic light 101, one vertical barrier 103 having multiple cavities provided on the road, a plurality of telescopic rods 104 housed within the vertical barrier 103, an artificial intelligence (AI) camera 105 mounted on the traffic light 101 and a holographic unit 106 is mounted on the traffic light 101.

[0024] The system discloses herein includes at least one traffic light 101 positioned near a school crossing zone, configured to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement in a coordinated and automated manner. During student crossing periods, the traffic light 101 automatically switches to red for vehicles, halting their movement, while activating pedestrian signals to allow students to cross safely. When no pedestrian activity or student presence is detected, the light 101 transitions back to normal operation, allowing smooth vehicle flow. The signal duration is extended or shortened depending on real-time conditions, such as heavy traffic or delayed student groups.

[0025] At least one horizontal barrier 102 is installed alongside the roadway to physically block vehicle passage when activated, ensuring the safety of school students during crossing periods. The horizontal barrier 102 is mounted on both sides of the road in precise alignment with the traffic light 101 poles and is operable to extend across the roadway to restrict vehicle access when students are detected or during scheduled crossing times. The horizontal barrier 102 comprises a rotatable rod 102a actuated by a Scout and Russell arrangement 102b integrated with the traffic light 101. The scout and Russell arrangement 102b convert rotational motion from a motor into controlled linear or angular movement, enabling smooth and precise actuation of rotatable rod 102a. The arrangement consists of a motor-driven crankshaft connected to a series of pivoted links and levers that transfer motion efficiently with minimal friction and mechanical stress. When the motor receives a signal from a control unit triggered by student detection or school timing schedules the Scout and Russell arrangement 102b initiates rotation of the crankshaft, which moves the connecting arms to lower the horizontal rod smoothly into a blocking position across the roadway. Once the crossing is completed or a safe condition is detected, the motor reverses direction, and the same linkage lifts the rod back into its resting position.

[0026] At least one vertical barrier 103 having multiple cavities is provided on the road adapted to form controlled lanes for traffic movement. The vertical barrier 103 is built with several cavities, and each cavity houses an electronic control unit. The control units raise, extend, or lock different internal barrier components as needed for forming multiple lanes and directing vehicle movement. The vertical barrier 103 is designed to automatically adjust lane access in response to real-time factors such as traffic density, school schedules, and pedestrian movement, helping to minimize congestion and enhance traffic management in areas around schools.

[0027] A plurality of telescopic rods 104 housed inside the vertical barrier 103, which extend outward to create a temporary physical barrier when student movement is detected, thereby stopping approaching traffic. The extension of the telescopic rods 104 is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend. The piston is attached to the rods, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the rods in order to create a temporary physical barrier.

[0028] An artificial intelligence (AI) camera 105 is installed on the traffic light 101 for monitoring student and vehicle activity in real time integrated with the central control unit. The camera 105 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surrounding, and the captured images are stored within memory of the camera 105 in form of an optical data. The camera 105 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the control unit. The central control unit is designed to receive data from the camera 105 and timing schedules stored in a linked database. This database contains important information such as school timings (start, break, and end times) and real-time data from the camera, which detects student activity. Using this data, the control unit operates the traffic lights 101 and barriers to manage vehicle movement, allowing or stopping traffic based on detected student presence or pre-scheduled school timings, ensuring safe traffic flow around the school.

[0029] A holographic display unit is installed on traffic light 101 to project real-time visual alerts whenever traffic violations or unsafe behaviour are detected. The holographic unit 106 receives live data about vehicle movements, pedestrian crossings, and student activity from the AI camera 105. When the AI camera 105 identifies a violation such as a vehicle failing to stop or pedestrians crossing unsafely the holographic unit 106 activates and projects bright, three-dimensional warning symbols or cautionary messages directly above or near the traffic light 101. These holographic projections are clearly visible from a distance, even in daylight, alerting both drivers and pedestrians. The holographic unit 106 consisting of laser or LED-based light sources directed onto a transparent display medium or through rotating mirrors to create a floating holographic image or warning symbol in mid-air. These projections can display messages like “Stop,” “Slow Down,” or “Pedestrian Crossing” in bright, high-contrast colors visible from different angles and under various lighting conditions.

[0030] A plurality of piezoelectric sensors is embedded beneath the student walking path. The piezoelectric sensors work based on the piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon in which materials, such as quartz or specialized ceramics, generate an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied to them. The multiple piezoelectric sensors are embedded beneath the student walking path, so when students walk over the surface, the pressure from their footsteps compresses the piezoelectric material inside each sensor. This compression causes a displacement of electrical charges within the material’s crystal structure, producing a small amount of voltage. The generated electrical energy is then collected and stored, typically in a capacitor or small battery, and used to power low-energy components. Over time, the repeated foot traffic continuously generates renewable micro-energy, making the system partially self-sustaining.

[0031] The electrical energy produced by the piezoelectric sensors is collected and stored in an integrated energy storage module, which then supplies power to various components as needed. The energy storage module consists of rechargeable batteries or supercapacitors connected to a power management circuit. When the piezoelectric sensors generate voltage from the pressure of footsteps, the energy storage module receives this electrical charge through a rectifier circuit that converts the irregular output into a stable form of direct current (DC). The stored energy is then regulated and distributed efficiently to low-power devices, such as control units, sensors, or display indicators within the system. The module continuously monitors the charge level and optimizes energy usage to ensure a steady power supply, even during periods of low foot traffic.

[0032] An Internet of Things (IoT) communication unit is designed to connect the traffic lights, barriers, and sensors, facilitating coordinated and automated operation to improve pedestrian safety in school zones. The Internet of Things (IoT) communication unit acts as the central network hub that links all smart components including traffic lights, adjustable barriers, AI camera 105, piezoelectric sensors, and holographic unit 106. Through this interconnected network, real-time data from each component is transmitted and shared across the system. For example, when the AI camera 105 detects students crossing, the IoT unit communicates this information to the barriers to extend telescopic rods 104, to traffic lights to change signals, and to the holographic unit 106 to project warnings.

[0033] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the traffic light 101 as disclosed in the invention is positioned near school crossings and regulates vehicle and pedestrian movement in a coordinated and automated manner, switching to red for vehicles and activating pedestrian signals during student crossing periods while adjusting signal duration based on real-time traffic conditions. The horizontal barrier 102 mounted on both sides of the road extend across the roadway when students are detected or during scheduled crossing times, operated through Scout and Russell arrangement 102b that converts motor-driven rotational motion into precise linear movement of rotatable rod 102a. The vertical barrier 103 with multiple cavities form controlled lanes, with electronic control units within each cavity raising, extending, or locking internal components to adjust lane access based on traffic density, school schedules, and pedestrian movement. The telescopic rods 104 housed within vertical barrier 103 extend temporarily to block incoming traffic when student movement is detected, powered by pneumatic units including air compressors, cylinders, valves, and pistons. The AI camera 105 mounted on traffic light 101 monitors student and vehicle activity in real time, processing optical data and transmitting digital signals to control units. The holographic display unit projects bright, three-dimensional visual alerts for violations or unsafe behaviour using laser or LED-based sources, visible under various lighting conditions. The piezoelectric sensors embedded beneath student walking paths generate electrical energy from footsteps, stored in integrated energy storage module with batteries or supercapacitors to power low-energy components, creating a partially self-sustaining and synchronized system for school zone safety.

[0034] 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 road crossing safety system for assisting school students, comprising:

i) at least one traffic light 101 positioned near a school crossing zone, configured to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement;
ii) at least one horizontal barrier 102 installed alongside the roadway to physically block vehicle passage when activated;
iii) at least one vertical barrier 103 having multiple cavities provided on the road adapted to form controlled lanes for traffic movement;
iv) a plurality of telescopic rods 104 housed within the vertical barrier 103, the rods being extendable to form a temporary physical barrier upon detecting student movement and halting incoming traffic;
v) an artificial intelligence (AI) camera 105 mounted on the traffic light 101 for monitoring student and vehicle activity in real time integrated with a central control unit; and
vi) an Internet of Things (IoT) communication unit configured to interconnect the traffic light 101, barriers, and sensors, thereby enabling synchronized and automated operation to enhance pedestrian safety near schools.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit is configured to receive data from camera 105, and timing schedules pre-fed in a database linked with the control unit, and accordingly operate the traffic light 101 and barriers to allow or stop vehicle movement in response to detected student activity or school timings.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal barrier 102 is mounted on both sides of the road in alignment with the traffic light poles, the barrier being operable to extend across the roadway to restrict vehicle access during student crossing periods.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal barrier 102 comprises a rotatable rod 102a actuated by a Scout and Russell arrangement 102b provided with the traffic light 101, the rod being configured to lower automatically upon detection of school closure or student crossing activity to prevent vehicle entry until a safe condition is restored.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical barrier 103 is formed with multiple cavities, each cavity containing an electronically operated control unit configured to lift, extend, or lock internal barrier elements for forming multiple lanes and directing vehicle movement.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical barrier 103 is configured to dynamically control lane access based on real-time traffic density, school timings, and pedestrian activity, thereby reducing congestion and improving traffic organization near school zones.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a holographic unit 106 is mounted on the traffic light 101 and operable to project real-time visual alerts of detected violations, providing public awareness and promoting adherence to traffic safety rules.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holographic unit 106 projects warning symbols or visual alerts in response to data received from the AI camera 105, thereby deterring unsafe crossings and enhancing driver awareness during school hours.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of piezoelectric sensors is embedded beneath the student walking path, each sensor configured to convert mechanical pressure from footsteps into electrical energy for powering low-energy components within the system.

10) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric sensors is stored in an integrated energy storage module and used to power components.