MANAGING A VEHICLE

Technical field

The disclosure herein generally relates to a portable vehicle management system and a method for managing a vehicle.

Background

In certain circumstances vehicles need to be managed. For example, road works or other activity may require traffic management. In another example, access to a property may need to be controlled. Temporary traffic control, site access control and event management may all require management of vehicles. Currently, traffic control personnel may be found on the road manipulating stop and go signs or providing hand signals to control traffic. Placing traffic controllers in live lanes is a significant health and safety issue and may result in the collision of a vehicle with a traffic controller. The collision may result in serious injury or fatality.

Summary

Disclosed herein is a portable vehicle management system. The portable vehicle management system comprises a body comprising a motive system configured to be coupled to a boom for moving the boom when so coupled.

The boom may be conveniently removed for transportation of an embodiment of the portable vehicle management system.

In an embodiment, the portable vehicle management system comprises electrical energy storage. The electrical energy storage may be configured to power the motive system. The electrical energy storage may be in electrical communication with the motive system for providing power thereto. The electrical energy storage may comprise a battery. The electrical storage system may comprise at least one of a capacitor and a fuel cell.

There may be no need for access to mains power during operation of an embodiment, which may enable use at remote or otherwise inconvenient locations. In an embodiment, the portable vehicle management system may comprise a control system configured to wirelessly receive an instruction to operate the motive system. The control system may be configured to control the motive system when the instruction is so received. The control system may comprise a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive the instruction to operate the motive system. The wireless receiver may be configured to generate a trigger signal when the instruction to operate the motive system is so received. The control system may comprise a control unit configured to receive the trigger signal and when the trigger signal is so received operate the motive system.

The operator of the boom may not need to endanger themselves by being on a road at an embodiment, for example.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal receiver may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver. RFID tags may be issued to many people. RFID tags may be activated and deactivated as required.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal receiver comprises a short message service (SMS) receiver. As SMS may be sent by anyone who may require the boom to be raised. Different SMS messages may be assigned to different people and the different SMS messages may be independently activated and deactivated.

An embodiment is configured for attachment thereto of at least one stabiliser. The body may be configured for attachment thereto of at least one extended stabiliser. The body may comprise a fastener for attachment of the at least one extended stabiliser thereto. The at least one stabiliser may comprise at least one stabilising leg. The body may be configured for attachment of a plurality of stabilising legs to a plurality of body corners.

A stabiliser may allow an embodiment to operate on an uneven or sloping surface.

An embodiment comprises wheels. The wheels may be attached to an end of the body. Wheels may make transport and positioning of an embodiment easier.

An embodiment comprises brakes. The brakes may be attached at the end of the body. Brakes may secure an embodiment, which may otherwise easily be misaligned and cause confusion or damage.

In an embodiment, the control system comprises a human-machine interface configured for a user to generate an instruction to operate the motive system. The human-machine interface may comprise at least one user operable control. If it is not convenient to send a wireless instruction ot the boom then the boom may be raised using the human-machine interface.

An embodiment comprises an advisory light. The advisory light may be for a vehicle driver. The advisory light may be orientated perpendicular to the boom. The advisory light may comprise a Light Emitting Diode. The advisory light may increase the vehicle driver's awareness of the boom state.

An embodiment comprises a traffic light. The traffic light may comprise the advisory light. A traffic light may provide a familiar signal to a vehicle driver.

An embodiment comprises a remote control configured to wirelessly transmit the instruction to operate the motive system. The remote control may comprise a radio transmitter and a user control that when operated causes the radio transmitter to transmit the instruction to operate the motive system. A remote control may enable a user to operate the portable boom removed from danger.

In an embodiment, the boom comprises resilient material disposed on a boom edge. The boom edge may lead during lowering of the boom. The resilient material may lessen impact damage.

In an embodiment, the control system is configured to detect a boom impact during lowering of the boom and in response control the motive system to raise the boom. The control system may be configured to detect an increase in a motive system current during the boom impact. The control system may have a current meter electronically disposed to detect the increase in the motive system current. Raising the boom may reduce impact damage and/or remove an interference between a vehicle and a boom.

An embodiment comprises a lifting point. The lifting point may comprise any of a ring, a hook or generally any suitable lifting point. Lifting may assist transportation and/or positioning of an embodiment.

An embodiment comprises a stop sign fixed to the boom. The boom length may be adjusted according to need.

In an embodiment, the boom is retractable. The boom may comprise a telescopic boom.

In an embodiment, the motive system comprises a boom shaft configured for attachment of the boom thereto. The boom shaft may comprise a hooked passageway for receiving a key of the boom. The key may be attached to a billet at a proximal end of the boom. The billet may have a socket configured to receive the boom shaft.

In an embodiment, the boom is coupled to the motive system.

In an embodiment, the control system comprises an inclinometer arranged to generate inclination information. The control system may be configured to use the inclination information to stop operation of the motive system when the boom is either one of horizontally positioned and vertically positioned.

In an embodiment, the inclination information may be indicative of the inclination of the boom. The control system is configured to stop operation of the motive system when the inclination information when so generated indicates that the boom is either one of horizontally positioned and vertically positioned. The boom may be automatically positioned in a horizontal or vertical position even on sloping or uneven ground.

Disclosed herein is a method for managing a vehicle. The method comprises the step of placing a portable vehicle management system in accordance with the above disclosure. The method comprises the step of generating a wireless signal indicative of an instruction to operate the motive system, the wireless signal being subsequently received by the portable vehicle management system. The method comprises the step of controlling the motive system in accordance with the received instruction.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal comprises one of a radio frequency identification wireless signal and a cellular network signal carrying a short message having a short message service protocol.

An embodiment comprises the step of coupling the boom to the motive system.

An embodiment comprises the step of delivering power to at least one of the motive system and the control system from the electrical storage system.

An embodiment comprises the step of attaching the at least one stabiliser to the body. The at least one stabiliser may comprise at least one extended stabiliser.

In an embodiment, the step of placing the portable vehicle management system comprises the step of wheeling the body to a particular position. An embodiment comprises the step of applying a brake. The brake may be subsequently released.

An embodiment comprises the step of operating a control panel to generate an instruction to operate the motive system. The control panel may be in the form of a human-machine interface.

An embodiment comprises the step of detecting a boom impact while lowering the boom and in response raising the boom. The step of detecting the boom impact may comprise detecting an increase in a motive system current during the boom impact.

An embodiment comprises at least one of the steps of retracting the boom and extending the boom.

In an embodiment, the step of generating the wireless signal comprises the step of operating a remote control.

An embodiment comprises the step of generating inclination information. The position of the boom may be determined using the inclination information. Operation of the motive system may be stopped when the boom is determined to be either one of horizontally positioned and vertically positioned.

In an embodiment, the inclination information may be indicative of the inclination of the boom. Operation of the motive system may be stopped when the generated inclination information indicates that the boom is either one of horizontally positioned and vertically positioned.

Any of the various features of each of the above disclosures, and of the various features of the embodiments described below, can be combined as suitable and desired.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the

accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable vehicle management system.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the portable vehicle management system of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a detail of an electrical connection of figure 1. Figure 4 shows a front view of an example of a motive system. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the motive system of figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an example of a battery, an example of a control circuit board and an example of a battery charger.

Figure 7 shows an example of a plurality of limit switches.

Figures 8 to 10 show storage and extension of example stabalisers.

Figure 11 shows an example of a control panel.

Figure 12 shows an example of a remote control.

Figures 13 to 15 show the attachment of an example boom.

Figure 16 shows another embodiment of a portable vehicle management system.

Figure 17 shows a block diagram of an example circuit that may be used in the portable vehicle management system of figure 16.

Figure 18 shows a circuit diagram of an inclinometer of the circuit of figure 17. Figures 19 and 20 show embodiments of brackets.

Figure 21 shows an example of a motive system for the portable vehicle management system of figure 16.

Figures 22 to 24 show further embodiments of a portable vehicle management system. Description of embodiments

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable vehicle management system generally indicated by the numeral 10. Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the portable vehicle management system 10 of figure 1.

The portable vehicle management system 10 has a body 12. The body 12 has in this but not all embodiments an outer housing comprising sheet metal that is, in this embodiment, powder coated. The sheet metal is 1.5 mm thick, in this but not in all embodiments, and is folded to form the housing. The sheet metal may have any suitable thickness, for example 1 mm or 2 mm, and the sheet may comprise any suitable material, for example a polymer. Figure 4 shows a front view of the motive system 16 and figure 5 shows a rear view of the motive system 16 of figure 4. The motive system 16 is housed within the body 12. The motive system is configured for a boom 14 to be coupled thereto for moving the boom 14. In figure 1, the boom 14 is so coupled to the motive system 16. The motive system 16 is one example of many possible motive systems that may be used for the portable vehicle management system 10. Also housed in the body 12 is electrical energy storage in the form of at least one battery 18, as shown in figure 6. In this embodiment the electrical energy storage comprises a lead acid battery 18 providing 12V DC, and a maximum of 90 W and 7.5 A. Alternative embodiments may have at least one lithium ion battery, or metal hydride battery, fuel cell, capacitive energy storage system, or generally any form of suitable electrical energy storage. Shown in figure 5 is a internal and/or external battery charger 20 that is electrically connected to the secondary battery 18. The control system is configured to monitor the battery voltage and operate an audible and/or visual low-battery alert, in this example, when the battery capacity reaches 10.9V and 10.4V respectively. The portable system 10 also has at least one electrical connector 120, 122 shown in figure 2 (which is a detail of figure 1). Each of the electrical connectors 120, 122 are in the form of a plug or socket and are each configured for receiving a connector terminating an electrical power cable. The electrical connectors are in electrical communication with the battery charger 20. Connector 122 is for connecting to mains power, and connector 120 is an Anderson plug for connecting to a 12V supply, a solar electrical power supply, or an auxiliary power connection. The electrical connectors 120, 122 are shown without cover plates protecting the electrical connectors. The cover plates when attached to the body 12 protect the electrical connectors 120, 122 from water and/or dust, and are fitted with a rubber base for protection from any possible exposed electrical wire. Power delivered by the electrical cable to the electrical connector 120 or 122 may charge the battery 18.

Housed in the body 12 is a control system comprising a circuit board 22 shown in figure 6. The control system is in communication with the motive system 16 and is configured to wirelessly receive instructions and control the motive system 16 in accordance with the instructions when so received. Circuit board 22 has connectors for connection to the motor 15 of the motive system 16 and the battery 18 and/or electrical connectors 120, 122. Circuit board 22 also has connectors for connection to limit switches 50 (shown in figure 4 and 7), an advisory light 51 in the form of a LED Red Advisory Light, and another advisory light 53 in the form of LED Green Advisory Light respectively. In figure 1, the Green advisory LED 53 illuminates when boom 14 is in the vertical position, and red advisory LED 51 illuminates when boom 14 is in motion or in the horizontal position. The limit switches 50 may, but not necessarily, take the form of optical limit switches as in this embodiment. A shutter 51 is attached to the boom shaft 106 and is arranged to interfere with an optic limit switch light path when the shutter is at the optical limit switch. Generally any suitable limit switch may be used. The limit switches 50 are adjustable and when so adjusted the control system adjusts the extreme positions of the boom 14. In this way, the boom 14 can be accurately positioned in a horizontal or vertical position, which may be necessary when the portable vehicle management system 10 is placed on slopping or uneven ground. The control system is configured to stabilise the boom speed and/or stability. The control system has a boom speed stabiliser.

The system 10 has waterproofing for protecting internal electrical components from moisture.

The system 10 has at least one fuse, in this embodiment a fuse (15 AMP) in series with the charger 20 and another fuse (30 AMP) is series with the secondary battery 18. The fuses protect the electrical power system from short circuiting or overheating. Any suitable fuses may be used.

The body 12 is configured for attachment thereto of at least one stabiliser in the form of a stability leg 62. The plurality of stability legs 62 are adjustable to provide stability when the body is placed on uneven ground. Each of the four vertically orientated edges 64 of the body have a stability leg coupling comprising a threaded connector for passage through an aperture formed in the stability leg 62. Alternative embodiments may have, for example, a clamp or clip for attachment of the stability leg 62. Other alternative embodiments may have stability legs that may be retractable towards the body 12. In the present embodiment, the distal end of the stability leg 62 has a stopper 66 that is connected to the stability leg 62 by an adjustable screw for adjusting the overall length of the stability leg 62 which may be useful on uneven ground. Figure 8 shows a detail of a vertically orientated edge 64 received within the stability leg 62 and in intimate contact therewith, for convenient storage of the stability leg 62. The leg 62 is held in place by a fastener in the form of a butterfly screw 70 passing through an aperture disposed between the ends of the leg 62. In preparation for use, the leg 62 is unfastened and then reattached with one end extended and the other end fastened to the body 12 with the fastener passing through another aperture formed in the leg 62, as shown in figures 9 and 10.

A water drainage hole is located at the bottom of each stability leg 62. This prevents water pooling at the bottom of each of the stability legs, which may cause corrosion.

The body 12 has at least one wheel in the form of a skateboard wheel 68 attached thereto— in this embodiment a plurality of wheels 68 - for rolling the portable vehicle management system 10 to a particular position. The body 12 also has at least one brake 71 attached thereto for locking the at least one wheel 68. The brakes 71 are engaged and disengaged by operation of brake pedals.

The top surface 98 of the body 12 has a panel 72, which is shown in figure 11, which comprises a human-machine interface of the portable vehicle management system 10. The panel 72 has at least one and in this embodiment a plurality of user operable controls, for example power switch 78, and boom operation switch 74. LED 79 illuminates when power is on, LED 81 illuminates when the battery 18 is charging, LED 83 illuminates solid red (with an audible beep) when the battery reaches a capacity level of 10.9V (40%), flashes red (with audible beep) as capacity continues to decline to 10.4V (10%). The power shuts down to protect the battery and circuit board when the capacity falls below 10.4V (10%). The operator operating the switch 74 causes the control system to control the motive system 16 to lower the boom 14. The operator pressing button 74 again causes the control system to control the motive system 16 to raise the boom 14. The operator pressing the button 74 during boom 14 movement causes the control system to control the motive system to stop. Pressing button 74 after it has been stopped during a motion causes the control system to control the motive system to move the boom 14 in the opposite direction to the motion. The human-machine interface enables operation of the motive system without a remote control 84, for example when misplaced or out of power.

The portable vehicle management system 10 comprises the remote control 84 having operator control 90 in the form of an electrical button switch, as shown in figure 12. The remote control is water resistant, and has a water resistant housing. The operator working the control 90 causes the remote control 84 to wirelessly transmit instructions for operation of the motive system 16. The remote control comprises a radio transmitter and a user control that when operated causes the radio transmitter to transmit the instruction to operate the motive system. For example, the operator pressing button 90 when the boom is lowered will cause the boom 14 to rise. The operator pressing button 90 when the boom is raised will cause the boom to be lowered. The operator pressing button 90 while the boom is moving will cause the boom 14 to stop moving. Pressing button 90 after it has been stopped during a motion will cause the boom 14 to move in the opposite direction to the motion. The remote control 84 is a secure remote control having billions of combinations which makes tampering or blocking unlikely. The control system is configured to control the motive system 16 when the instruction is so received. The control system comprises a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive the instruction to operate the motive system. The wireless receiver is configured to generate a trigger signal when the instruction to operate the motive system is so received. The control system comprises a control unit configured to receive the trigger signal and when the trigger signal is so received operate the motive system 16.

Disposed on a bottom edge 94 of the boom 14 is a strip of resilient material 92 in the form of rubber, however any suitable resilient material such as a synthetic polymer may be used. The rubber may prevent or lessen any damage to a vehicle or other object that is hit by the bottom edge 94 when the boom 14 is lowered. If the boom 14 strikes any object or person when being lowered, a motive control system current, specifically an amperage through the motor 15 increases on impact. Motive system current information is communication from a current meter that measures the motive system current to the control system and which controls the motive system to raise the boom 14 when the motive system current information is indicative of a motive system current that is greater than a predetermined value.

The body has a lifting point 96 in the form of a ring projecting from the top surface 98 of the body 12. The lifting point 96 is "H" frame welded inside and underneath the top surface 98 of the body. The lifting point may alternatively take the form of a hook or generally any suitable form. This may assist in the lifting of the body into and out of a vehicle for transport, for example.

Affixed to the boom 14 is a stop sign 100 to increase the visibility of the boom 14 and provide clear instruction.

The boom 14 is collapsible and telescopic and has a full length of, in this example, 4m and can be retracted to a length of 2 m. Other embodiments may have different full and retracted lengths. Still another embodiment has a boom that is not retractable.

To protect the motor 15 and circuit board 22, the system 10 is configured to determine if a current exceeds a predetermined limit, and if so determined shuts down. The current may exceed a predetermined limit when unexpected conditions occur such as faulty motor or battery, for example.

The amateur of the motor 15 is terminated with a gear in the form of a worm gear, which meshes to another gear in the form of a worm wheel attached to a shaft 102 perpendicular to the armature. The shaft is coupled to a linkage in the form of a four bar linkage 104 comprising two cranks connected by a coupler that transmits the rotation of the shaft 102 to a boom shaft 106. The linkage is configured for a 90 degree rotation of the boom shaft 106. The motor 15, shaft 102, drive lever 105, and boom shaft 106 are mounted on a clamp plate 108. The shaft 106 has a key passageway 107 and is configured to be received by a socket of a billet 1 12 (shown in figures 13 to 15). The billet 112 has a key 1 14 that is housed within a hooked end 1 16 of the passageway 107 for transition of the rotation of the shaft 106 to the billet 112. The billet 112 is attached to one end of the boom 14. The key 1 14 is driven into the hooked end 1 16 by a nut 1 18 driven into an end face of the billet 112.

Figure 16 shows another embodiment of a portable management system 120 that has the features of system 10 and also an inclinometer 124 (shown in figure 17 and 18), where parts having similar and/or identical form and/or function are similarly numbered. The inclinometer 124 is used for automatically detecting when the boom is in one of horizontally positioned and vertically positioned and stopping the operation of the motive system 16 when so detected. This may be especially useful when the system 120 is disposed on an uneven or slopping surface 122. A 5 degree inclination of the surface 122 results in the distal end of the boom 14 being 367 mm above the proximal end of a 4.2 m long boom, which may not be acceptable. The inclinometer 124 may be mounted on the boom 14 using brackets 130, 132 shown in figures 19 and 20, adhesive, or generally any suitable fastening means. In this embodiment, however, the inclinometer 124 is mounted on the linkage 104 shown in figure 21, and may be mounted on the linkage 104 using the brackets 130, 132 or fastened with mechanical fasteners or adhesive, for example. The inclinometer may be generally mounted at any suitable location on the system 10.

Figure 17 shows a block diagram of the electrical system 127 within the portable management system 120 and also for further embodiments described below, however other embodiments may have differently configured circuitry. The electrical system comprises at least one printed circuit board and the components of the circuitry are in communication via electrical conduits in the form of electrical wires and/or traces. The control system comprises the inclinometer 124 and a control unit 126 in the form of a microcontroller, although any suitable control unit, for example a microprocessor, may be used. The inclinometer 124 is in signal communication with the control unit 126. The control unit 126 is in communication with the motive system 16, specifically the motor controller 131. The motor controller 131 receives a control signal from the control unit 126 and controls the motor 15 in accordance with the received control signal.

The inclinometer is configured to generate an inclination signal indicative of an inclination. In this but not all embodiments, the inclinometer comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inclinometer sensing element 135. The inclination signal is in the form of at least one of an analogue inclination signal, for example a voltage proportional to an inclination, and a digital inclination signal indicative of the inclination. Figure 18 shows a diagram of an electrical circuit of the inclinometer 124. In this embodiment, the analogue inclination information is used.

A voltage proportional to the inclination ranges between 0.5V and 4.5V (full scale) is generated by the inclinometer 124, however other voltage ranges may be used as is suitable. The inclinometer 124 also has an optional digital thermometer 133 that measures the temperature of the inclinometer 124 and generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature. The temperature signal may be used to compensate for the effect of temperature on the inclination indicated by the inclination signal. The inclinometer 124 is, in this but not all embodiments, mounted on a printed circuit board and is in electrical communication with a positive voltage rail (5V) and a ground rail (0V) on the circuit board. Also mounted on the printed circuit board for supporting the inclinometer 124 is an integrated circuit 137 that provides a +5V precision voltage reference and a temperature transducer, an integrated circuit 139 that comprises a precision temperature sensor, an integrated circuit 141 that provides a 500 mA low dropout regulator, an inclinometer sensing element integrated circuit 135 that comprises the inclinometer sensing element, an integrated circuit 143 comprising a general purpose, low voltage, rail-to-rail output operational amplifier, resistors Rl, R2, R3, a header 145 in the form of a 4 pin header for electrical communication with the control unit 126, a diode Dl in the form of a zener diode, capacitors C4,C5 in the form of a TAG capacitors and other capacitors C1,C2,C3,C6,C7 in the form of ceramic chip capacitors.

An example of a suitable MEMS inclinometer is a 3D-MEMS based single axis inclinometer of the SCA6AT series manufactured by muRata, which is used in this embodiment, however any suitable inclinometer may be used, for example a liquid capacitive inclinometer or a gyroscopic inclinometer. The MEMS inclinometer may have, as in the present embodiment, a measuring range of at least 90 degrees, and preferably 180 degrees.

The control system continuously receives the inclination signal for real-time boom inclination angle information. The controller is configured to reduce the motor speed as the inclination approaches either one of horizontal or vertical as indicated by the inclination signal.

In an alternative embodiment, the inclinometer is not mounted to the linkage 104 or the boom 14. The inclinometer 124 may be mounted to generate inclination information indicative of the inclination of the body 12 of the portable vehicle management system 120. The inclinometer 124 may be, for example, mounted on an internal frame or on an inside surface of the outer housing, or on a printed circuit board within the housing. The control unit may adjust the angle of the boom 14 relative to the housing using the inclination information so that the boom 14 is either one of horizontal and vertical at rest.

Figure 22 shows another embodiment of a portable management system 140 that has the features of the portable vehicle management systems 10 and 120, and also a radio frequency

identification (RFID) reader 142, where parts having similar and/or identical form and/or function are similarly numbered. The RFID reader 142 is configured to generate an activation signal when a RFID tag 144,146 is detected by the RFID reader. The RFID reader 142 is in communication with the control unit 126. The activation signal is communicated to the control unit 126, which then causes the motor 15 to operate to raise the boom 14. The RFID tag may take the form of a proximity key-fob 144, or a proximity card 146, for example, or take generally any suitable form. In this embodiment the RFID reader 124 is in the form of a long range RFID reader that can detect the RFID tag 1.8 meters away, although other embodiments may have long range RFID readers that can detect the RFID tag 10 meters away. The RFID tag 144,146 may be detected as it approaches the portable vehicle management system 140 without a driver of a vehicle having to swipe the tag 144, 146 on the reader 142 or leave the vehicle.

Figure 23 shows another embodiment of a portable management system 148 that has the features of the portable vehicle management systems 10, 120 and also a short message service (SMS) module 150, where parts having similar and/or identical form and/or function are similarly numbered. The SMS module 150 is disposed in the body 12 and powered by the battery 18 and has an aerial 152 for communicating with a cellular network. The SMS module 150 is configured to generate an activation or trigger signal when a message comprising predetermined information is received thereby via a cellular network. The message may be generated by a person using a cellular (mobile) telephone. Generally, the predetermined information may take any suitable form, but may comprise secret information only known to those authorised to operate the system 148. The SMS module 150 is in communication with the control unit 126. The activation signal is communicated to the control unit 126, which then causes the motive system 16 to operate to raise the boom 14. An example of a suitable SMS module 150 is the XE- 8000 SMS controller manufactured by Advanced Information Networks Ltd, although any suitable SMS module may be used. The control system is configured to lower the boom 14 a predetermined time after the boom 14 is raised. A driver of a vehicle may operate the portable management system 148 without leaving the vehicle, or the portable management system 148 may be operated from anywhere that there is a suitable cellular network. Each of the embodiments of a portable management systems 10, 120, 140, 148 disclosed herein has a corresponding embodiment comprising a traffic light. Figure 24 shows an embodiment of the portable vehicle management system 160 wherein the traffic light 162 is mounted above a top surface 98 of the body 12. The traffic light 162 is fixed with mechanical fasteners to a mounting bracket fixed by a mechanical fastener to the top surface 98. The lights within the traffic light are electrically connected using the similar or identical circuits as used for the advisory lights 51,53.

The portable vehicle management system 10 may be used in a method for managing a vehicle. In a step of the method, the portable vehicle management system 10 is placed. For example, the system 10 may be transported to a site and placed on the side of a road with the boom 14 extending over the road. Generally, the system 10 is not fixed to the ground— this embodiment has the functionality for short term and long term use. The boom length may be retracted and/or extended as required. In another step, a wireless signal is generated that indicates an instruction for operation of the motive system 16 for moving the boom 14. An operator may use the remote control to generate the wireless signal. The wireless signal is subsequently received by the portable vehicle management system 10. In another step, the motive system 16 is controlled in accordance with the received instructions.

The method may comprise the step of attaching the boom 14 to the body 12. The boom 14 may have been detached to facilitate transport. The shaft 106 may be inserted into the billet 112 and the key 1 14 captured in the hooked passage 107. In another step, power may be delivered to the motive system 16 and the control system from the electrical storage system 18. In another step, a stabiliser 62 may be attached to the body 12.

The step of generating the wireless signal comprises the step of operating a remote control 84. In another step, the control panel 72 may be operated to generate instruction for operation of the motive system 16.

In another step, the control system detects a boom impact while lowering the boom and in response raises the boom.

When the system 10 is no longer required, the system 10 may be switched off by operation of the control panel, the legs 62 stowed away, and the system 10 wheeled to a vehicle for transportation off the site.

Now that embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that some embodiments have some of the following advantages: • The portable vehicle management system may be relatively easily moved and operated for temporary traffic control and access control.

^• Operators of the portable vehicle management system may be removed from live lanes and placed in safe zones outside of the path of vehicles, heavy vehicles and plant, significantly improving safety.

• Operators may be less likely to be abused or attacked because of their separation from the boom at which drivers may become aggressive.

^• Embodiments may be assembled without any tools.

• The boom may be quickly and safely released or attached, facilitating transport.

^• The remote control may have billions of combinations to make tampering unlikely.

• Drivers may be stopped from disobeying traffic controllers or running red lights in view of the physical barrier.

• The battery may enable operation at places without power.

^• The rubber strip and impact detection may reduce the effect of impact of the boom with an object.

^• The stabilisers may provide stability on uneven ground.

Variations and/or modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. For example, each of the embodiments disclosed herein have a corresponding identical embodiment with a stop sign attached. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Prior art, if any, described herein is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.