Offset Control Patents (Class 340/913)
  • Patent number: 10954638
    Abstract: A Flow Boulevard system of transportation for existing urban and suburban streets which optimizes vehicular capacity and flow for at grade facilities having intervening crossing streets is provided. The system may be applied to a single street right of way having two-way traffic with a median and enables packs of traffic to continuously flow in both directions concurrently. Flow Boulevards may be connected through interchanges supporting continuously flowing traffic to that connect to couplets of one-way streets to define networks of high vehicular capacity and continuous flowing traffic over large urban areas. Lane signals are provided to optimize traffic flow in each flow boulevard lane and at each interchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Phillip Jon Brown
  • Patent number: 10726725
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically designing street-parking policies for events are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes generating a parking map for each of one or more events that occurred within a specified geographic area; generating, for each of the parking maps, one or more traffic condition maps; generating, for each of the one or more events, based on (i) each parking map and (ii) its associated traffic condition map, an impact map for the corresponding event; adjusting, for a subsequent event within the specified geographic area, one or more street-parking policies based on the impact on parking suitability and street usability represented by the generated impact maps, and outputting the one or more adjusted street-parking policies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Meenal Kapoor, Vinayak Sastri, Arvind Agarwal, Kuntal Dey, Seema Nagar
  • Patent number: 10482763
    Abstract: A feature-rich, improved vehicle traffic signal control system that uses network technology is provided herein. For example, the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include a control box and light heads that include processors. The control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include fewer components and/or fewer wires extending therefrom as compared to a typical control box. In particular, the control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may not include relays, a conflict monitor, or other similar components. Rather, the improved control box may simply include a controller that is coupled to various light heads via Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables can carry electrical power, thereby providing power to the light heads. The light head processors can use network technology to control light activation, to perform conflict monitoring, to receive data from various sensors to adjust traffic flow, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Systems Analysis & Integration, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Anthony Pomatto
  • Patent number: 10115304
    Abstract: Techniques for autonomously optimizing traffic flow amongst one or more traffic junctions are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can comprise generating, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, a piece-wise sinusoidal representation of traffic arrival at a first traffic junction. The computer-implemented method can also comprise determining, by the system, an offset a parameter of one or more traffic junctions based on the piece-wise sinusoidal representation and a polynomial objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Epperlein, Jakub Marecek, Rahul Nair
  • Patent number: 10078962
    Abstract: Techniques for autonomously optimizing traffic flow amongst one or more traffic junctions are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can comprise generating, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, a piece-wise sinusoidal representation of traffic arrival at a first traffic junction. The computer-implemented method can also comprise determining, by the system, an offset a parameter of one or more traffic junctions based on the piece-wise sinusoidal representation and a polynomial objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Epperlein, Jakub Marecek, Rahul Nair
  • Patent number: 9483939
    Abstract: An approach is provided for synchronizing traffic flow and/or traffic signals in alternate travel segments. The approach involves determining traffic congestion information for at least one travel segment that is classified in at least one first functional class. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the traffic congestion information to determine at least one alternate travel segment that is classified in at least one second functional class. The approach further involves determining at least one calculated traffic flow for the at least one alternate travel segment based, at least in part, on traffic flow information associated with the at least one first functional class. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a configuration of one or more traffic signaling parameters for the at least one alternate travel segment based, at least in part, on the calculated traffic flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.
    Inventors: Leo Modica, Leon Stenneth
  • Patent number: 9064417
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for directing motorists to available parking spaces. Availability of a plurality of parking spaces is determined. A street location of a dynamic parking sign comprising identifiers is determined. A direction of each of the available parking spaces from the street location is determined and the available parking spaces are grouped by direction. Parking factors are applied to the grouped available parking spaces and at least one of the groups of parking spaces that satisfy the parking factors is selected. The direction of the selected groups of parking spaces is displayed on a dynamic street sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Sylvia Smullin, Robert T. Krivacic
  • Patent number: 8830086
    Abstract: A method and system for adjusting traffic lights. The method and system can dynamically divide a region according to the road congestion situation and adjust traffic lights in a resulting control region according to the control region, so as to solve the traffic congestion problem. The system for adjusting traffic lights includes: a congestion determining module, a control region determining module and a adjusting module, wherein the control region determining module is configured to determine a control region according to a dispersion demand of a first phase and a dispersal capability of a corresponding phase of an adjacent intersection, and the adjusting module is configured to adjust traffic lights of at least one corresponding phase of an adjacent intersection in the control region so as to relieve the traffic congestion situation at the first phase of the first intersection. Also described is a corresponding method for adjusting traffic lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rong Zeng Cao, Zhao Cao, Wei Ding, Hou Li Duan, Peng Gao, Zhen Lei
  • Patent number: 8823556
    Abstract: A method of estimating the type of intersection control for two or more roadways includes steps of classifying each roadway at an intersection and estimating the type of intersection control used for each roadway. Roadways can be classified by size, traveling speed, number of lanes as well as any other roadway characteristics. In some cases, a warning system can be operated using the estimated intersection control type for each roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: John L. Yester
  • Patent number: 8718919
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for lane recognition for a vehicle that is equipped with an adaptive distance and speed control system are provided, the adaptive distance and speed controller having conveyed to it, using an object detection system, the relative speed of detected objects, a variable for determining the lateral offset of the detected objects with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, and the speed of the host vehicle. From the relative speed of the objects and the host-vehicle speed, a determination is made as to whether an object is oncoming, stationary, or moving in the same direction as the host vehicle. In combination with the calculated lateral offset of the detected object with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, the number of lanes present and the lane currently being traveled in by the host vehicle are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo Leineweber, Werner Urban, Ruediger-Walter Henn, Goetz Braeuchle, Martin Heinebrodt
  • Patent number: 8436748
    Abstract: The present lighting system adds detection capabilities to perceive the presence and measure the velocity of objects such as automobiles, trucks, pedestrian and other users, to lighting modules for transportation applications like traffic signal, pedestrian control, rails signal, street light, message board and speed monitoring board. For example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has the capability to be used as lighting source for illumination as a first function and also be pulsed or modulated as a source for the detection sub-system as a second function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Leddartech Inc.
    Inventors: Yvan Mimeault, Daniel Cantin
  • Publication number: 20120319867
    Abstract: The system of the invention analyzes 24-hour volume and occupancy data from traffic system detectors for intervals of fifteen minutes. Alternatively ATR (automatic traffic recorder) traffic count data may be used. However, there is a lesser ability to plan for congestion conditions if ATR data is used. The system utilizes three modules, referred to as MAKETIME™, PLANEED™, and SIGCOMP™. The results of processing are three written reports, which are used to develop the most appropriate number of signal timing plans and their schedules for timing traffic signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8253592
    Abstract: An external adaptive control system and method control a traffic signal controller assembly. The external adaptive control system determines a non-linear schedule with one or more states corresponding to one or more individual phases with each state having a start time and a duration. The external adaptive control system generates presence data for reception by the controller assembly for each state and its associated duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rhythm Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Reggie J. Chandra, James W. Bley, Stephen S. Penrod, Arthur S. Parker
  • Patent number: 7801659
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for lane recognition for a vehicle that is equipped with an adaptive distance and speed control system are provided, the adaptive distance and speed controller having conveyed to it, using an object detection system, the relative speed of detected objects, a variable for determining the lateral offset of the detected objects with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, and the speed of the host vehicle. From the relative speed of the objects and the host-vehicle speed, a determination is made as to whether an object is oncoming, stationary, or moving in the same direction as the host vehicle. In combination with the calculated lateral offset of the detected object with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, the number of lanes present and the lane currently being traveled in by the host vehicle are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo Leineweber, Werber Urban, Ruediger-Walter Henn
  • Patent number: 7620394
    Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inters-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Good, Charlene J. King, Eric A. Swank, Monish Kundra, Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 6956471
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, a computer usable medium including a program, and a system for monitoring inflation in a plurality of vehicle tires. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a direct pressure in at least one primary tire and determining a rolling radius for the primary tire and at least one secondary tire. A pressure difference is determined based on the determined rolling radius for the primary and secondary tires. The determined pressure difference is adjusted based on the determined direct pressure of the primary tire. The determined pressure difference is compared to at least one threshold value. The system includes means for achieving the method steps of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Tamimi, Deron C. Littlejohn, Bryan T. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6847307
    Abstract: A traffic signal control system employing universal coordinated time of GPS as time base. The control system includes a core system for receiving Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) data of GPS and incorporating longitude and latitude data so as to convert the data to local time. This time is used as common time base for all traffic signal system. The control system further comprises a basic input/output system and a selective secondary system. The present system is a high stability disperse type traffic signal control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Chun Hao Thao, Szu Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 5821878
    Abstract: A method of controlling traffic signals on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic signals, red and green, wherein both phases are equal in duration and the amber interval is a part of the green interval. The coordinated two-dimensional progression traffic signal system requires simultaneous changes of the signal cycle at three levels of the designated grid plan. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined by the time required to traverse two contiguous lengths of the optimum grid rectangle. A band length is determinable from the calculation of the duration of the phases and corresponds to the integral number of roadway intersections to be crossed by a vehicle. Between bands, adjacent band widths are in the reciprocal phase from one another. Between avenues, parallel band widths on adjacent avenues and streets are also in reciprocal phases from one another, and between interphases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Subhash C. Raswant
  • Patent number: 5703778
    Abstract: A road traffic control method is provided which can continue to maximize the number of vehicles allowed to run on a road and shorten time required for a vehicle to reach a destination, by preventing and relieving congestion. The method controls traffic of vehicles running on each of a plurality of parallel running roads. Each road is made connected at an interval of a predetermined distance, and at least one of the plurality of roads has a plurality of lanes. The method includes the steps of: detecting traffic of vehicles running in two counter directions on each road, at a position before at least one connected point of each of the plurality of roads; and changing ratio between the numbers of lanes of at least one of the plurality of roads, in accordance with the detected traffic of vehicles running in the two counter directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Takahashi, Nobuhiro Hamada, Masao Takatoo, Tohru Nagai, Toshiko Suzuki, Souichi Furukawa
  • Patent number: 5257194
    Abstract: A highway traffic control method is shown in which the control method (80) and phasing scheme (82) are defined and recall switches are set (84) every cycle of operation. In time-of-day control methods (FIGS. 14 and 15) timing parameters (86) also are defined every cycle, and common cycle length and planned offset are computed (90) at the local master controller (16). Offset deviation is measured (94) and used along with the computed cycle length for adjustment of the local signal timing (96). Following execution of signal control, the control method, phasing scheme and timing parameters are defined and recall switches set in preparation for the next cycle of operation. In the traffic-responsive method, traffic data from local detectors are obtained and processed (100) and, using this data, signal timing parameters are computed using linear programming (102). In the traffic-adaptive method (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Sakita
  • Patent number: 4462031
    Abstract: A synchronization device for the control of an automobile traffic signal in synchronization with other traffic signals in the system. A present time clock in the device operates from the local alternating current power source. The synchronization device calculates the time difference between the present time and a daily re-synchronization time, divides that time difference by the length of the operating cycle of traffic signal, and generates a synchronization pulse whenever the residue of the division is zero. An offset or time-delay is added to the synchronization pulse and the traffic signal is operated in response to the delayed synchronization pulse so as to operate with the desired time delay in coordination with the other signals in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Econolite Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur E. Johnson