What are signals? These are codes, symbols or signs created by someone or something and transmitted into space by one system via a communication channel. Signals can also occur during the interaction of two or more systems. The meaning and significance of this type of information transfer are manifested during its registration by the receiving party.
Basic concept
What is the meaning of the word signal? From Latin it is translated as a “sign”. What are signals? This is a physical phenomenon or process that carries information (message) about the state of objects, any event, or transmits instructions, control commands, alerts, and so on. An example of this is the traffic light. This concept includes a call for help from people in distress at sea (SOS).
Answering the question “What are signals?”, It is worth looking at Ozhegov’s dictionary. It states that this type of information is not necessarily a conditional sign for the transmission of any messages and information at a certain distance. The word “signal” is often used in a figurative sense. This may be an impetus to the beginning of any action. For example, an article published in a newspaper can serve as a signal to start a discussion. This word has one more figurative meaning. What are signals? This is a message or warning of any adverse events. Such signs, for example, may be reported by the public.
Use in technology
What is the significance of the signal in the exact sciences? In technical industries, this term is used in a wide semantic range. Under the signal understand a variety of phenomena. So, it can be expressed as a technical information carrier, which serves for the transfer, use and circulation of data. Also, a signal is understood to mean a magnetic, electrical, physical process that finds its material embodiment in changes in certain parameters (power and frequency, voltage and electromagnetic oscillations, light flux intensity, etc.). Moreover, all these phenomena are observed in space and in time. They occur when the values of independent arguments change and carry the semantic content of a process or physical state. An example of this is warning sound signals.
How to briefly describe the concept of this term? Signals are messages, information and information about a particular process, physical quantities or states of objects in the material world. Moreover, such signs are expressed in a form that is convenient for processing, transfer and further storage, as well as the use of the information received.
Often the term “signal” is identified with the concept of “data”. A parallel is drawn with the word "information". Of course, all these terms belong to different categories, but they cannot exist without each other.
Special signals
We are all road users. And at least once in their life they saw a special transport. These are vehicles included in the emergency services fleet (fire and ambulance, police and military vehicles). The government motorcade can also be included here.
The main values of the signals supplied by these machines are concluded in the possibility of their unhindered passage through sometimes huge city traffic jams. After all, firefighters are in a hurry to save people from fire, and doctors of the ambulance crew rush to the patient. For unhindered passage through city streets, such cars use special signals (SSU). With their help, drivers are already being warned from afar about the need to give way, huddling to the nearest roadside.
Another sign possessed by special vehicles are emergency lights. These devices can have various modifications and methods of application. Blinkers serve to give a visual signal to all road users who must clear the road for the unhindered passage of special vehicles. Signals for such vehicles are sold by special services. Further, such signs are registered. This is necessary so that the signals can be used only for their intended purpose.
Emergency lights become especially relevant at night and in the evening. During this period, special. transport should be more visible to other drivers.
Traffic signals
In 1868, an unusual lantern was suspended from a tall iron pole in central London. On one side, his light was covered with green, and on the other with red glass. The lantern with the handle was turned in one, and then in the other direction. So the first traffic light appeared. It was necessary to prevent accidents with an ever-increasing flow of vehicles.
The first traffic lights gave only two colors - green and red. When changing them, the device emitted a sound signal. However, over the years there has been an increase in traffic flow. At the same time, the noise emitted by passing cars increased significantly. In this regard, traffic lights were limited only to warning lights. Moreover, yellow was added to green and red. It is designed to warn drivers about switching signals.
Traffic lights
Currently, there are two varieties of such devices. Traffic lights are divided into transport and pedestrian. The first of them have round signals and consist of three sections. They give drivers green, yellow and red signs. In addition, they adjust the movement in directions straight and to the right, to the left, as well as a turn that is performed in the opposite direction.
An additional section may be provided in the construction of traffic lights. It is placed at the level of a green round signal. The main values of the signals supplied by traffic lights in this case indicate the ability to drive in a direction other than the main one. Most often, this is a turn to the right or left.
Pedestrian traffic lights
This type of device is also necessary for road safety. Only they regulate not transport, but pedestrian traffic. There are devices that give signals to cyclists.
The lenses of such traffic lights have their own peculiarity. They cause the image of a silhouette of a pedestrian or cyclist. A similar traffic light consists of two sections. The upper one has a red light that prohibits movement. Bottom gives a green sign. He permits movement.
There are also X-shaped traffic lights. With their help, traffic is regulated along the lane of the carriageway, where the flow of transport can move in one direction or another.
Traffic Signals
Today, a large number of traffic lights are installed on the roads. But sometimes they cannot work due to a particular malfunction, and traffic controllers go outside. When meeting with them, drivers often panic. They do not understand the meaning of the signals they provide and are trying in every possible way to avoid contact with this traffic police officer. But in reality, everything is not so complicated. The signals given by regulators are quite simple and should be understood by everyone.
Traditionally, the traffic controller stands at the intersection with a rod in his hands, which can sometimes be replaced with a disk equipped with a red signal or a reflector. This toolkit is necessary to ensure that the signs emanating from a TPA employee are as visible as possible to drivers. Do not ignore the signals that a person in a form gives simply with his hands. They are also required.
The traffic controller has an advantage over traffic lights and all nearby traffic signs. His gestures cancel their meaning.
The regulator's hand raised up is nothing but a red light. In this case, the traffic police officer gives a stop signal. Neither cars nor pedestrians have the right to cross the intersection. This signal is necessary for the smooth movement of special vehicles.
What do the signals mean with hands lowered down or spread apart to the side when the traffic controller is facing the participants of the movement? This body position is similar to a red signal. And if a traffic police officer stands sideways to the car? Then the driver is allowed to move right or straight. If the right hand of the traffic controller is stretched forward and he is facing the movement, then such a gesture means that the car can move to the right. Those who are to the left of the traffic police officer are allowed to move in any direction.
What is the meaning of the signal by the whistle of the traffic controller? Sound helps to attract the attention of drivers, without any additional semantic load.
Signals in distress
Unfortunately, it happens that a person gets into a situation in which he urgently needs help. In this case, his chances of survival will increase many times if he can send distress signals to rescuers. So, the pilot is able to see signs of help. If he understands the situation, he will swing the wing or respond with green lights.
Hand signals are clearly visible from helicopters and low-flying aircraft. They are visible from nearby ships.
In order for signs of help to be clearly visible from the air, it is desirable that they be large. To do this, you can draw them in the sand, put on the ground cut bright pieces of fabric, using a parachute for this, etc.
The supply of rescue signals is a kindled fire with smoke, lights and flares, a mirror that reflects light, whistles. International standards establish a distress sign that everyone knows. These are three bonfires that are lit in the shape of a triangle. There is another option for such a signal. Bonfires can be built at a distance of about twenty-five meters from each other in a straight line.
What is the meaning of the light signals to help those in distress hurry? Flashes should be made at a frequency of at least six times per minute. After 60 seconds of waiting should pass. Then the signals should be repeated again.
Facial expressions
Often people give each other non-verbal signals. These are nothing but signs bearing a warning or other character. Such a non-verbal signal may include facial expressions. It includes signs observed on the face of a person.
This can be a smile or a blink, a grin or raising eyebrows, squinting, etc. All these gestures are included in the huge list of facial expressions given by the body. The psychosomatic processes occurring in the human body can be attributed to the same type of signs. This is a blush on the face, as well as pallor or redness.
Gesticulation
It is also referred to as non-verbal signals given by a person. Gesticulation includes:
- various hand manipulations;
- clenching fists;
- gesture dynamics;
- showing fingers, etc.
For ease of understanding, gestures include various hand movements that are not related to sorting out small objects, holding things, etc.
Body movements
These are non-verbal signals associated with the movement of any parts of the body except the face and hands. Body movements include shrugging, stomping, protruding chest, etc.
Pose
The non-verbal signal can also include the position that a person has taken, as well as the change in this position in time and space. The pose can include a turn of the body during a conversation, a very lowered head, etc.