Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for delivering a certificate to a vehicle comprising transmitting the certificate to the vehicle via near field coupling is provided. The near field coupling can be accomplished by transmitting data using a near field coupled antenna to a receiver. The near field coupled antenna can also be used for content delivery such as for example, a streaming video signal, a streaming webcast signal, non-streaming transfer of information, etc. The method can be used for location validation of land vehicles, marine vehicles, and pedestrians as well as content delivery, and payment mechanisms. In accordance with another embodiment a traffic control system is configured to control vehicles and pedestrians in an intelligent transportation system.

Abstract: A method and circuit for protecting circuit elements in a traffic control system from an overcurrent condition. In accordance with an embodiment, the circuit includes a current sensing element, a switching element, and a microcontroller. The circuit monitors first and second operating parameters and compares the first operating parameter with a first reference parameter and the second operating parameter with a second reference parameter. In response to the first operating parameter exceeding the first reference parameter and the second operating parameter exceeding the second reference parameter, the microcontroller generates a control signal to open the switching element.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for processing information associated with vehicular traffic includes monitoring two signals that include information associated with vehicular traffic. A comparison signal is generated by comparing the two signals. The two signals may be wireless signals, or one of the two signals may be a hardwired signal.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for controlling traffic in response to information associated with vehicular traffic includes receiving a signal at an input of a data aggregator and transmitting the signal to a server. A control signal is generated in response to signal transmitted by the data aggregator. The control signal is used to control traffic.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for controlling a traffic signal includes providing a malfunction management unit configured to generate a control signal and generating the control signal in response to a first signal from a first light source. The control signal is used to disable the first light source. In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic control system includes a malfunction management unit coupled to a first signal head. The traffic control system further includes a means to inhibit a signal that causes a first light source associated with the first signal head to flash.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for processing information associated with vehicular traffic includes generating an input signal that contains information associated with vehicular traffic and transmitting the information to a cloud-based server system. A control signal is generated in response to the information. In accordance with another embodiment, a traffic monitoring system has a data aggregator coupled to a malfunction management unit and to a traffic signal controller coupled to the data aggravator.

Abstract: A malfunction management unit includes an input/output module communicatively coupled to a controller. The input/output module is configured to monitor a sequence of intersection phases determined by the controller. A yellow trap detection module communicatively coupled to the input/output module is configured to determine whether a yellow trap sequence has occurred within the sequence of intersection phases. The yellow trap sequence may comprise a first state followed by a second state, the first state corresponding to permissive left turns in both a first direction and a second, opposing direction, and the second state corresponding to a protected left turn in the first direction.

Abstract: A malfunction management unit includes an input/output module communicatively coupled to a controller. The input/output module is configured to monitor a sequence of intersection phases determined by the controller. A yellow trap detection module communicatively coupled to the input/output module is configured to determine whether a yellow trap sequence has occurred within the sequence of intersection phases. The yellow trap sequence may comprise a first state followed by a second state, the first state corresponding to permissive left turns in both a first direction and a second, opposing direction, and the second state corresponding to a protected left turn in the first direction.

Abstract: In general, an improved handle assembly in accordance with the present invention is configured to be removably attached to a printed circuit board (PCB), such as a vehicle detector PCB. The handle assembly includes a faceplate, a handle extending outward from the front surface of the faceplate, and an enclosure extending from the back surface of the faceplate, wherein the enclosure has an open side configured to interface with the printed circuit board, and an external surface configured to accept printed indicia (e.g., operating instructions relating to functionality of the printed circuit board). In a preferred embodiment, the handle assembly is an integral, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) structure, and is configured to cover one or more temperature-sensitive components attached to the board.

Abstract: A signal monitor includes an alarm function module configured to compare a plurality of input signals associated with traffic control to a set of programmable criteria associated with predetermined events, and to produce a non-critical alarm signal when at least one of the set of programmable criteria is satisfied. This non-critical alarm signal—which is associated with programmable alarm conditions that do not require that the intersection enter the “flash” mode—is communicated to the controller, which may then log and/or transmit the non-critical alarm condition to a central station or maintenance point.

Abstract: A signal monitor includes an alarm function module configured to compare a plurality of input signals associated with traffic control to a set of programmable criteria associated with predetermined events, and to produce a non-critical alarm signal when at least one of the set of programmable criteria is satisfied. This non-critical alarm signal—which is associated with programmable alarm conditions that do not require that the intersection enter the “flash” mode—is communicated to the controller, which may then log and/or transmit the non-critical alarm condition to a central station or maintenance point.

Abstract: A malfunction management unit (MMU) includes advanced diagnostic and set-up capabilities accessed through a display-based user interface. In general, the MMU is capable of displaying (1) monitor status information, wherein the monitor status information includes information relating to the status of at least a portion of the input signals; and (2) diagnostic information, wherein the diagnostic information includes an indication of fault type, and indication of faulty signals, and troubleshooting information associated with said fault type and relevant faulty signals. The diagnostic information includes a textual interpretation of the results of a field check analysis.