Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an independent monitoring circuit in an LED traffic signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: a proof test circuit embedded within the traffic signal; and a proof test device embedded within the traffic signal. The method comprises: via the proof test circuit, simulating a faulty traffic signal state; activating the independent monitoring circuit without switching the traffic signal into a high impedance state; energizing the proof test device; and via the proof test device, communicating externally the current state of the independent monitoring circuit.

Abstract: An adjusting system for traffic lights includes a number of image capture units, a processing unit, and a storage system. The number image capture units capture a number of car images. The storage system examines the number of car images to find license plates in each car image, counts the number of the cars, obtains the status of the traffic lights according to the number of the cars, and manages status of the traffic lights correspondingly.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sealed, automatic sign that displays a traffic sign (such as a stop or yield sign) visible when the power to the sign is interrupted. The sign has a shade, which covers the stop sign within the frame work while the power is on. When the power is interrupted, the shade lowers, revealing the traffic sign. When power is returned the shade is then drawn up to its original state, concealing the traffic sign.

Abstract: A siren sensor for detecting siren sounds emitted from emergency vehicles and electronic processing circuits for detecting and identifying the siren sounds electronically to control the traffic signal lights at an intersection to permit only the emergency vehicle to travel through an intersection with the right of way. The method and apparatus utilizes an acoustic horn in combination with a microphone for receiving the siren sounds and converting them to corresponding electrical signals. A conventional horn is modified to function as an acoustic lens to filter and amplify the siren sounds applied to the microphone. The modified acoustic horn and microphone combination comprise a tuned and directional audio sensor sensitive in the frequency range of an emergency vehicle siren. The electronic signal processing circuitry amplifies the resulting microphone signals to obtain the maximum sensitivity to the frequency spectrum of siren sounds.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus suitable for recording a traffic signal violation at an intersection controlled by a traffic light is described. The image recording apparatus includes a first camera focused on the intersection, and a second camera focused on a first lane of a street leading to the intersection. A first control circuit is coupled to the first camera causes the first camera to capture a first image at substantially an instant of time that the traffic light indicates a change of traffic control status. The apparatus also includes a detection circuit to detect when a portion of a vehicle crosses a trigger location in the first lane after the change in traffic control status. A second control circuit coupled to the second camera causes the second camera to capture a close-up image of the vehicle in the event that the detection circuit detects the portion of the vehicle at the trigger location after a change in traffic control status.

Abstract: An automatic vehicular traffic flow control technique defines a controlled area, wherein vehicles belonging to different traffic streams contend for occupancy of a conflict zone. A traversal order is computed for the vehicles in the controlled area, wherein the ordered vehicles are assigned to traverse the conflict zone sequentially in accordance with their respective positions in the traversal order. Tracking and tracked vehicles are designated, wherein a respective tracked vehicle immediately precedes each of the tracking vehicles in the traversal order. The tracking vehicles maintain a specified physical relationship with their respective tracked vehicles until the tracked vehicle has traversed the conflict zone. The speed of the traffic streams is increased as necessary so as to achieve a desired throughput through the conflict zone.

Abstract: A method and system for determining right of way for a plurality of mobile units at an intersection. The method and system include collecting position and movement information about the plurality of mobile units approaching the intersection; storing a plurality of rules about right of way at the intersection; accessing information about geometry of the intersection; calculating which one or more of the plurality of the mobile units have right of way to enter the intersection, responsive to the position and movement information, the stored rules and the information about geometry of the intersection; and wirelessly transmitting right of way indication signals to one or more of the plurality of the mobile units.

Abstract: In order to precisely specify a lighting pattern of an actual traffic signal, traveling direction information indicating a traveling direction of a vehicle at a signalized intersection is acquired from a plurality of vehicles, and the information on the lighting pattern of the traffic signal at the signalized intersection is acquired based on the traveling direction information of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: A stop sign system that promotes safer, more orderly and more efficient vehicular and pedestrian traffic at intersections, which are barely or not eligible for traffic signal lights, by integrating a simple and easy-to-understand new lighting system into the familiar stop sign with automatic and manual controls. This system also promotes safer school crossings, as well as intersections with emergency situations and construction activity.

Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. The traffic control preemption system has a receiver with a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse. A threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. Control circuitry is coupled to a light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and the control circuitry controls the frequency of light pulses in each burst and the frequency of the bursts to cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic guide apparatus for traffic facilities capable of automatically recognizing the circumstances around the traffic facilities for motor vehicles or the like which change momentarily to automatically guide the operating route of the road or the like. In the automatic guide apparatus for traffic facilities 1, image data, voice data or the like in connection with the circumstances around the traffic facilities to be operated obtained by the input device 2 are compared with image data, voice data or the like stored in advance in a database by the comparison device 4. Where the results obtained by comparing the image data, voice data or the like are coincided, the contents of the data are recognized by the recognition device 5, and the recognized results are informed to an operator or the like in a letter or character, an image, a voice or the like by the output device 6.

Abstract: Vehicular traffic data is obtained using a traffic sensor having an antenna/transceiver module, a DSP and a microcomputer. This involves (a) transmitting radiation at a vehicles on a roadway; (b) receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (c) producing a stream of electrical signals based on the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (d) processing the stream of electrical signals using the DSP to determine if a vehicle detection threshold is met, and, if the vehicle detection threshold is met, to determine an initial vehicle position; (e) when the vehicle detection threshold is met, generating a first signal representing the initial vehicle position using the DSP; (f) transmitting the first signal to the microcomputer; (g) deriving a first traffic information signal from the first signal using the microcomputer; (h) transmitting the first traffic information signal to an external traffic management system.

Abstract: A traffic regulation system (100) includes a first traffic light (110) for controlling traffic in a first direction, a second traffic light (120) for controlling traffic in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an infrared light detector (130) for receiving an infrared light signal transmitted from a pedestrian proceeding in the second direction on a pedestrian crossing and producing a corresponding feedback signal associated with the infrared light signal, and a control unit (160) for receiving the feedback signal from the infrared light detector and instructing the first traffic light and the second traffic light to signal the pedestrian to proceed in the second direction.

Abstract: A smart traffic control device transmits information to approaching vehicles regarding its current and future state enabling vehicles to control their speed to avoid arriving at the traffic control device until it permits the passage of traffic, thus avoiding stopping, idling and reaccelerating when reaching the traffic control device. In other embodiments the traffic control device or systems receives information from vehicles, transmitting it to other vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relation to traffic control systems. In one embodiment, a traffic condition is identified by capturing a traffic image, masking the traffic image to obtain an image portion including a traffic image object, and generating the traffic condition based on the traffic image object and the traffic image portion.

Abstract: A method and system for determining right of way for a plurality of mobile units at an intersection. The method and system include collecting position and movement information about the plurality of mobile units approaching the intersection; storing a plurality of rules about right of way at the intersection; accessing information about geometry of the intersection; calculating which one or more of the plurality of the mobile units have right of way to enter the intersection, responsive to the position and movement information, the stored rules and the information about geometry of the intersection; and wirelessly transmitting right of way indication signals to one or more of the plurality of the mobile units.

Abstract: The Invention is a center-of-intersection portable traffic light for emergency use. The portable traffic light features a cart with wheels, a telescoping light standard and one or more light assemblies. A preemption signal detector and traffic detector detect emergency vehicles and traffic, respectively. A control system controls the operation of the portable traffic light. A radio transceiver allows the portable traffic light to communicate with the other portable traffic lights. One of the portable traffic lights in a group acts as a master and controls operation of slave portable traffic lights. Any of the portable traffic lights in a group may act as master and any may act as slave.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling transportation traffic signal beacons including powering a signal, encoding a signal state, and decoding the signal state at the beacon is presented. Furthermore, traffic signal beacons may be placed along the length of a bridge to warn of a bridge collapse. The metallic cable that powers the beacons may also function as a bridge collapse detection sensor.

Abstract: A traffic control system and device is provided. The traffic control system of the instant invention permits two-way communication between a plurality of traffic signal devices. Each traffic signal device locally controls the state of the traffic signals, while communication between the traffic signal devices is used to synchronize the internal timers or clocks of the plurality of traffic control devices.

Abstract: The present invention extends to configuring detection zones in a traffic monitoring system and to association of detection zones with corresponding traffic signal phases. One or more sensors detect targets within a roadway intersection. The sensors integrate acquired sensor data for the targets into track files. The track files are subsequently used to identify common target paths. A histogram is used to identify common target positions for stationary targets. From the common target positions and the common target paths detection zones are configured. Detection zones are associated with traffic signal phases so that specific detections can be created. Lane boundaries within the roadway intersection are inferred from the common target paths. Permanent stationary target locations are identified from the common target positions.

Abstract: Disclosed are alert systems and methods for a roadway. According to one exemplary method, there is a step of receiving an identification signal from a device carried by a human having a medical condition. Subsequently, circuitry acts to conditionally cause a changeable road sign to display the medical condition, and conditionally transmit a radio warning signal to a vehicle, the radio warning signal indicating the medical condition.

Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.

Abstract: A process to interchange the “stop and go” driving behaviour of the traffic with a “stop and wait, then go later without stopping” driving behaviour, consisting on a partitioning of the congested route in segments through pre-installed stop and go signals marking the limit of segments to give a stop to the vehicles of the first part and later another stop to the vehicles of the second part of the divided congestion and so on, to permit the liberation of the front conflict part of the way, turning the first signal to go at the appropriate moment and then turning the second signal to go and so forth until the vehicles of every segment after waiting in standstill go without stopping re-stabilizing the normal traffic flow. The waiting time will be announced simultaneously to avoid the uncertainty of waiting time.

Abstract: A traffic detection and signal system for pathways within an industrial work environment and method therefor includes at least one sensor positioned to detect objects approaching a pathway intersection and at least one visual indicator electronically linked to the at least one sensor to visually indicate that an object is approaching. The system further includes a controller electronically coupled to the at least one sensor and visual indicator to receive a signal that an object is approaching a pathway intersection and transmit a signal to energize the at least one visual indicator.

Abstract: A wireless traffic control system and method for wirelessly communicating information using traffic control signs are provided. The method includes wirelessly transmitting at least one of traffic control information and vehicle information from a traffic control sign and wirelessly receiving the information transmitted from the traffic control sign by at least one other traffic control sign.

Abstract: A traffic signal with integrated sensors. The present invention provides an apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A signal case has a housing and a light source placed within the housing. A door attached to the housing is configured such that photons generated by the light may be sensed outside the housing. A tab is attached to the door. A sensor is attached to the tab. The housing or the door is adapted to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

Abstract: A smart traffic control device transmits information to approaching vehicles regarding its current and future state enabling vehicles to control their speed to avoid arriving at the traffic control device until it permits the passage of traffic, thus avoiding stopping, idling and reaccelerating when reaching the traffic control device. In other embodiments the traffic control device or systems receives information from vehicles, transmitting it to other vehicles.

Abstract: A traffic preemption system is described that includes onboard equipment located on a vehicle and a fleet management center in communication with the onboard equipment. The fleet management center is also in communication with a traffic management center that is in communication with at least one intersection controller, which controls the signals displayed at a traffic intersection. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vehicle equipped with an onboard computer system capable of capturing diagnostic information, estimating the location of the emergency vehicle using information provided by a GPS receiver connected to the onboard computer system and transmitting the captured diagnostic information and estimated location using a wireless transmitter connected to the onboard computer system via a first wireless network.

Abstract: An LED traffic signal having a single switching power supply placed inside the load switch to supply power to each of the aspect signals. The traffic signal has several aspects, such as red, yellow and green. The load switch comprises a switching power supply to supply power to the signals, an output selection circuit to select the desired aspect, and a conflict monitor interface circuit to mimic an incandescent circuit.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a system of multiple traffic signals for regulating the traffic of vehicles is described. Traffic data is transmitted by wireless transmission to traffic data processing units assigned individually to a locally limited group of traffic signals, and each traffic data processing unit performs an analysis of the local traffic situation for the environment of the locally limited group of traffic signals up to, at the maximum, the neighboring locally limited groups of traffic signals.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a communications controller for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a Code 3 situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles.

Abstract: In traffic signal control for setting a green light time to a value between the lower limit time and the upper limit time in real time depending on a traffic volume sensed by vehicle sensors Sa, Sb, and so forth, the upper limit time Gmax is set longer with an increase of a traffic volume on an access road corresponding to a phase in question (Steps T8 and T9). This arrangement is effective for use at an intersection where a traffic volume in one direction is far heavier than in any other direction, and thereby makes it possible to forestall the occurrence of traffic jam (FIG. 6).

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is disclosed for recording traffic signal violations such as a traffic light signal changing to a red light. The apparatus includes a capturing unit for capturing a first image substantially at an instant of time that a control signal changes its status and a storing unit for storing the first image at least temporarily. The apparatus includes a detecting unit for detecting presence of a vehicle or object beyond a location at which the vehicle or object is required to stop in response to the change in status and a device responsive to the detecting unit for recording a first image in the event that the detecting unit detects presence of the vehicle or object beyond the location. The apparatus may include a deleting unit for deleting the first image in the event that the detecting unit does not detect presence of the vehicle or object beyond the location.

Abstract: A reusable mechanical fastening means for a vehicle monitoring system facilitates maintenance and repair of the system. A plurality of carrier sections are connected together by clips. The clips have release tabs to move prongs against a spring force, thereby making the clips manually detachable. Vehicle sensing probes have interference ridges which mate with probe openings in the carrier sections. The carrier sections have open bottoms, and the worker can overcome the locking force of the interference ridge by turning the carrier section over and pressing on the probe through the open bottom. The clips can be attached on multiple planes relative to the carrier sections, minimizing torsional play within the extended support train. The clips and carrier sections are also easily manufacturable.

Abstract: A traffic light control and information transmission device compromising a microprocessor on the cross road, the microprocessor further connects to a traffic light controller, an electronic display board, a video camera, a compression circuitry, an I/O interface, a traffic flow detector and connected to the central traffic control computer through the DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop). The control signals, traffic, public information or news of the central traffic control computer can go through the DLS to the microprocessor; the microprocessor can control the traffic light and display all the information on the electronic display board. The traffic flow data of the cross roads can be accessed by the traffic flow detector and the video camera and transmitted back to the central traffic control computer.

Abstract: A sightseeing guide system has IS (Informed Source) terminals respectively mounted in an IS vehicle, which includes a sub-storage unit stored with local information consisting of sightseeing information and shop information, a radio communication device for performing IVC-based communications with a PT (Personal Terminal) vehicle, and a processing unit. A personal terminal (PT) mounted in the PT vehicle includes a radio communication device for performing the IVC-based communications with the IS terminal, a processing unit, and an I/O unit for displaying the information received via the radio communication device. The processing unit of the IS terminal transmits segments about a periphery of a present position of the IS vehicle, of the local information stored in the sub-storage unit, to the PT via the radio communication device at a predetermined timing or in response to a request give from the PT.

Abstract: A traffic light backup system for use with a traffic light is described. The traffic light backup system includes an auxiliary light associated with at least one of the enclosure housing the traffic lights and rechargeable batteries associated with the auxiliary light. A power failure is detected by monitoring the voltage across the bulbs of the traffic lights and also preferably by monitoring the current in the common, neutral lead. When a power failure has been detected, the traffic light backup system engages and the auxiliary light is powered by the rechargeable batteries, preferably in a flashing fashion. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light consists of a plurality of LEDs arranged in an octagonal manner. The LEDs have a high luminosity and lower power consumption, which makes them well suited for use even in broad daylight.

Abstract: An improved traffic management process and apparatus. After a camera gathers information, the system automatically extracts important information by image processing and analysis techniques. The system identifies all types of movement including pedestrians and two-wheel vehicles. The process and the apparatus first simulate and validate the strategy prior to its on-site implementation.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system and method for a traffic intersection having a traffic light, which selectively extends the duration of a red light cycle to prevent traffic from entering the intersection during a red light violation. Output from one or more violation prediction image capturing devices is used to provide images showing one or more vehicles approaching the intersection. A violation prediction unit, which is also coupled to a signal reflecting a current light phase of the first traffic signal, receives and processes vehicle location information derived from the images to generate violation predictions for the vehicles approaching the intersection. The violation prediction indicates a likelihood that an associated vehicle will violate an upcoming red light phase of the traffic signal. In response to the violation prediction, a violation predicted signal is provided to a traffic signal controlling traffic intersecting with the predicted violator.

Abstract: A roadway warning system includes a visual traffic directing device that is at a first status for a first status time period and that is at a second status for a second status time period. A transmitter transmits a signal for a first signal time period, and a receiver mounted on the vehicle receives the signal. An indicator connected to the receiver indicates that the visual traffic directing device is either at the first status or is about to change to the first status so that a driver of the vehicle is warned of the present or future status of the visual traffic directing device.

Abstract: The LED traffic light electronic controller stabilizes the total output light intensity of the traffic light in order to ensure a constant light intensity of each traffic light color throughout the entire traffic light lifetime. The controller detects the output light intensity of a color, and then automatically adjusts the power input for the LEDs in order to increase the light intensity when needed. The controller works in a closed loop cycle in order to perform real-time control of the light intensity output. Thus, at each moment of the traffic light lifetime, the output light intensity is constant and equivalent to a predetermined standard. This insures traffic safety for the entire traffic light lifetime and also make it last longer. The controller also provides a ballast load when off, and is able to provide an open circuit when the LEDs have exhausted their useful lifespan. The intensity is further controlled by detecting ambient light conditions.

Abstract: An illuminatable traffic sign including a traffic sign secured to a support post. The traffic sign has indicia disposed thereon. The traffic sign has an outer periphery. A plurality of lights are positioned on the traffic sign along the outer periphery and outlining the indicia thereof.

Abstract: An interface device between a computer running a traffic simulation program and any number of traffic signal controllers. The traffic simulation program simulates traffic in a road network including signal-controlled intersections. There are many signal manufacturers and they do not release the details of the control algorithms used in their controllers, hence it is impractical if not impossible to merely insert the control algorithm for a given controller into the program. The interface of the present invention allows any controller from any manufacturer to be used with the simulation program so that traffic flow in any network including signal-controlled intersections can be simulated. An assumed traffic network and demand traffic is input into the program; the program sends detector actuations to the signal controllers via the interface device and the controllers's phase indication states are sent back into the program also via the controller.

Abstract: An accident sound detection circuit includes an accident sound detection block that detects an accident sound from a sound signal inputted from an environmental sound detection unit and outputs an accident sound detection signal a power spectrum calculator for obtaining a power spectrum in regard to a sound signal when acquiring the accident sound detection signal outputted from the accident sound detection block as a trigger signal, a spectrum pattern calculator for forming a pattern of the power spectrum, and a pattern comparator circuit for comparing the formed spectrum pattern and a set pattern set in a pattern generating circuit beforehand and generating a final accident sound detection signal if the patterns coincide with each other.

Abstract: An intersection information supply apparatus includes a table indicating relationships between approaching directions of a vehicle to an intersection and signal forms, an approaching direction detecting unit detecting an approaching direction in which the vehicle is approaching the intersection, a transmission unit transmitting a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit, a signal obtaining unit selectively obtaining, from among signals externally arriving at the vehicle, a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to an approaching direction relevant to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit and an information output unit outputting information about presence of another vehicle when the signal obtaining unit obtains the signal.

Abstract: A traffic flow monitor apparatus which can monitor a traffic flow at high precision over a wide range from the position near a TV camera to the distant position regardless of traffic conditions. An image analysis area crossing a road of an overlooked road image received every predetermined cycle is analyzed, the characteristic portion of the front (rear) portion of the vehicle is registered as a template, the vehicle is tracked by a pattern-matching process while updating the template, and the size of the template is reduced (enlarge) depending on a change in apparent width of a lane during template updating. Since the characteristic portion of the front (rear) portion of the vehicle is registered, and the vehicle is tracked by the pattern-matching process, no reference image of a road portion on which no vehicle exists is required, and influence of approaching or overlapping of another vehicle can be reduced. A traffic flow can be monitored at high precision regardless of deserted traffic or crowded traffic.

Abstract: A traffic light remote control system comprising a plurality of traffic lights each situated at a single road intersection and having a green light, a yellow light, and a red light constituting an array of racing lights. Associated therewith is a programmable logic controller connected to each of the traffic lights of the single road intersection and adapted to flash each of the array of racing lights thereof only upon the receipt of an activation signal with an accompanying unique code associated therewith. Also included is a cellular transceiver connected to the programmable logic controller with a modem connected therebetween. The modem and cellular transceiver serve to communicate signals over a unique cellular line with a unique phone number dedicated to the plurality of traffic lights of the single intersection.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically supplying a flashing line voltage from power stored in an auxiliary battery to power red traffic signal lamps using clusters of light emitting diodes during a blackout condition. A plurality of flash block connectors are pin-to-pin compatible with the flash block jumper blocks of an already installed traffic light control system so that the existing system is retrofitted without any cabinet or field rewiring or any cutting or crimping of the wires.

Abstract: An autonomous controller includes a microprocessor, a programmable memory for storing a plurality of cycle structures, a clock/calendar circuit accurate to within a few seconds per month, a lamp driver including a plurality of isolated outputs for operating traffic signals, a display driver for providing a indication of optimum speed through the controlled intersection, and an I/O device coupled between the microprocessor and an external connector for downloading the cycle structures to the programmable memory. The microprocessor reads data from the programmable memory, selects a cycle structure suitable for the time of day, and causes the lamp driver to control the traffic signals in an intersection in accordance with the selected cycle structure.