Override Of Traffic Control Indicator By Command Transmitter Patents (Class 340/906)
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Patent number: 8773282Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: STC, Inc.Inventor: Brad Cross
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Patent number: 8760315Abstract: A system for controlling traffic for allowing passage of an emergency vehicle through an intersection controlled by traffic signals includes an intersection module for transmitting signals for preempting the traffic signals and one or more circuit cards coupled to the intersection module. Each expansion card includes a plurality of contact closures for outputting one or more of the signals for preempting the traffic signals. The intersection module selects an expansion card based on a type of output desired, and further selects one or more contact closures of the selected card for the desired output. The expansion cards allow preempt or vehicle outputs beyond the output that a single card can provide. According to another embodiment, the output expansion is achieved by emulating the communication interface between the intersection module and the traffic signal controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: E-Views Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jarrid Michael Gross, Jonathan Youngman, William Thomas Williamson
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Patent number: 8742945Abstract: A method for controlling traffic signals to give signal priority to a vehicle travelling along a planned route, which is divided into sections. The method comprises the steps of receiving a report from the vehicle which comprises at least the next few sections along the planned route, determining whether the reports contain at least one section on both sides of an intersection, and, if this is the case, controlling the traffic light at the intersection to give priority to the route through the intersection, for the vehicle to enjoy signal priority treatment. According to the invention, a signal priority method is provided which allows the planned route of the vehicle to be predicted well in advance. The possibility of advance planning is obtained by describing the planned route of the vehicle in terms of predefined sections of the route.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: AB TryggitInventor: Thore Brynielsson
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Patent number: 8742946Abstract: A traffic preemption system comprising an intersection control module, an intersection preemption unit comprising a signal detector configured to receive a signal transmitted by a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle and a remotely located electronic device comprising a controller configured to detect a variation in voltage. The system further comprises a cable coupling the intersection controller, the intersection preemption unit, and the remotely located electronic device, the cable comprising a power wire configured to carry a modulated voltage level and share power among the intersection preemption unit and the remotely located electronic device, a ground wire, and a communications wire configured to transmit a communications signal between the intersection preemption unit and the intersection controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.Inventors: David G. Worthy, Timothy A. Geiger
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Patent number: 8736461Abstract: The present invention provides a control method of traffic sign by utilizing vehicular network which can be applied to an intersection. The method comprises: a passing rate calculating step, calculating a passing rate according to a driving parameter; a vehicular movement type determining step, determining a vehicular movement type of a lane at the intersection according to the driving parameter; and a signal determining step, determining next signal according to the passing rate and the vehicular movement type.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Pranay Sharma, Lien-Wu Chen, Yu-Chee Tseng
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Patent number: 8730060Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Publication number: 20140125498Abstract: A “smart” transit signal priority and control system includes a universal interface that enables incoming signals transmitted from approaching mass transit vehicles to request priority treatment at any traffic signal. The universal interface also enables a wireless communication link between traffic signal controller equipment and approaching mass transit vehicles and supports both electrical and data interfaces to initiate transit signal priority for any type of traffic signal controller, so that any messaging protocol used by an approaching mass transit vehicle is capable of communicating with any type of controller firmware.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: JAMES P. CURRY, GABRIEL A. MURRILLO, CUONG K. LA
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Patent number: 8698650Abstract: A method of optimizing the traffic control at a traffic signal-controlled intersection in a road traffic network. The vehicle traffic in entrances to the intersection are controlled by signal groups of a traffic signal system according to associated signal times. For vehicles approaching the signal group, traffic parameters are determined from traffic data using a traffic model according to the signal times, and in order to determine optimal signal times, the traffic parameters are weighted and added up and the target function formed in such a way is optimized by varying the signal times. By individually determining the traffic parameters for each vehicle and individually weighting the traffic parameters according to the strategic relevance thereof for the implementation of a specified traffic strategy, an improved implementation of the specified traffic strategy is made possible.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Bunz, Jürgen Mück, Andreas Poschinger, Reinhold Tannert
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Patent number: 8674804Abstract: A wireless deadman system for controlling operation of equipment from a portable device includes a base station with an equipment control system, the base station wirelessly transmitting operational parameters for the equipment. A portable display unit has a housing, an electronic display, an electronic circuit, and a data receiver. A portable authorization device includes a liveness sensor and transmits an authorization signal when the sensor detects a liveness input. The display unit receives an authorization status for operation of the equipment from the portable authorization device and receives the operational parameters from the base station, the display displaying the authorization status and the operational parameters of the equipment on the electronic display. The equipment control system allows the equipment to operate when the authorization signal is provided and prevents the equipment from operating after the authorization signal is no longer provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Deadman Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian Scott Miller, Jack Vaughan, Oscar Allen LaDriere, Gino DiSimone
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Patent number: 8665115Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conflict monitoring and error detection in accessible pedestrian signal systems. A primary conflict monitor and error detector is configured to control output of audible and vibrotactile pedestrian signal indications. The primary conflict monitor and error detector monitors the current traffic state, and verifies audio and vibrotactile control signals against the current traffic state and user settings to determine whether to enable output of audible and vibrotactile pedestrian signal indications. The primary conflict monitor and error detector may transmit information about the audio and vibrotactile control signals to a secondary conflict monitor and error detector, which verifies the information received against the current traffic state and user settings, and inhibits output of audible and vibrotactile pedestrian signal indications in the event of a detected conflict or error.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Novax Industries CorporationInventors: Douglas Gubbe, David Philip Atnikov
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Patent number: 8643506Abstract: In a driving assisting device in which a receiver acquires the time-series traffic signal information regarding a lighting state of the traffic signal and a display and a speaker provide the lighting time information regarding a time remaining until a red signal of the traffic signal changes, the display and the speaker provide the lighting time information regarding the time remaining until the red signal of the traffic signal changes only when it is confirmed from the traffic signal information that a signal after change of the red signal permits traveling of the host vehicle. Accordingly, for example, for a light color change or the like in which an arrow lamp other than the traveling direction lights up after a red signal, a red signal waiting time is not displayed. This makes it possible to suppress factors inducing a careless driver to start driving.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Yamada
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Publication number: 20130335238Abstract: A method of traffic control at road intersections includes use of traffic lights, as well as detection and identification of vehicles approaching an intersection. To detect and identify a vehicle crossing the pre-set boundaries, we suggest mounting vehicle detection nodes probing the surrounding area using radio-frequency signals. In their turn, vehicles should be equipped with nodes, or tags, allowing their identification. When a vehicle equipped with an identification tag enters the monitored area, the tag generates a response containing the codeword with identification data of the vehicle, which is received and decoded by detection nodes. The duration of the green light signal is determined according to the time the vehicles, that have crossed the remote boundary during the last signal switching sequence, spent to cross the proximate pre-set boundary, and should not be shorter than that period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Parallels IP Holdings GmbH
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Patent number: 8610596Abstract: Management of traffic signal preemption control equipment. In one approach, logged preemption data is periodically read from each of a plurality of intersections having respective preemption controllers for preempting traffic signals at the intersections. The logged preemption data at an intersection describes operational states of the preemption controller and each vehicle control unit that submitted a preemption request at the intersection and data describing each individual preemption request. The logged preemption data read from the plurality of intersections are stored in a database. The database is monitored for data indicative of changes in operational status of the traffic signal preemption control equipment. In response to the data indicating a change in operational status, data descriptive of the change are output.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLCInventor: David Randal Johnson
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Patent number: 8599041Abstract: A traffic light control apparatus and method is provided. The traffic light control apparatus for controlling an emergency vehicle in a traffic network includes: a traffic network control unit configured to determine overall traffic network control and traffic light control for supporting movement of the emergency vehicle during an emergency and transmit a control signal; a traffic light control unit configured to receive the control signal to control a traffic light; and an emergency vehicle control unit configured to transmits a traffic light control mode cancellation request signal to the controlled traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hyoungsoo Lim, So-Ra Park, Heung-Mook Kim, Soo-In Lee
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Patent number: 8587419Abstract: A detector arrangement for detecting the presence of objects to the rear or the front of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventor: Jose R. Venegas, Jr.
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Patent number: 8564455Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Triangle Software LLCInventor: Andre Gueziec
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Patent number: 8537033Abstract: A system for predicting a travel time for a traffic route is disclosed. The traffic route comprises one or more road segments. A predicted travel time for each of those segments is calculated based, in part, on traffic speed data for each of the one or more road segments. A total travel time is then calculated for the route, the total travel time including a predicted travel time for each of the one or more road segments.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Triangle Software LLCInventor: Andre Gueziec
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Patent number: 8531312Abstract: A system for identifying a fastest possible travel route is disclosed. A traveler data processor collects traffic speed data and associates the traffic speed data with road segments. The road segments collectively represent one or more possible travel routes from a start point to an end point. A forecast engine determines a predicted travel time for each of the road segments based on, for example, the traffic speed data for each of the road segments. A routing engine determines the fastest possible travel route from the start point to the end point. The fastest possible travel route is the possible travel route from the one or more possible travel routes with the shortest predicted travel time.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Triangle Software LLCInventor: Andre Gueziec
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Patent number: 8487780Abstract: Methods and systems for creating an approach map for a traffic signal preemption controller. A road map is displayed, and in response to user input for instantiating a first segment of an approach map, a first instance of a graphical object overlaying one of the plurality of roads is displayed. The one road represents an approach road to an intersection having the preemption controller. First segment location data that describes a first geographical area bounded by the first segment are determined from size and placement of the first instance of the graphical object on the road map and from location data associated with the one road. The first segment location data are stored in association with the approach map for the preemption controller. The preemption controller, once configured with the first segment location data, initiates traffic signal preemption in response to a preemption request transmitted from within the first geographical area described by the first segment location data.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David John Edwardson
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Patent number: 8462017Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Patent number: 8417443Abstract: Vehicle speed identification information for identifying vehicle speed of a vehicle on a road is obtained for a plurality of vehicles. Based on a distribution of the vehicle speed identification information, the vehicle speed identification information is classified into groups corresponding to motions of the vehicle. An occurrence probability of a motion of the vehicle is obtained based on the classification.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8395530Abstract: A traffic control system for converting an intersection into a roundabout during periods of heavy traffic includes a mechanism for monitoring traffic flow through the intersection and about the roundabout. The system also includes a concave opening in and around the intersection and a concrete disc disposed in the cavity, a hydraulic lift is constructed and arranged to elevate the concrete disc above the level of the road and lights provided to alert motor vehicles to enter a roundabout defined by the elevated disc. The system also includes traffic lights for alerting a motor vehicle operator to drive onto the disc or around the disc to use the intersection and/or roundabout.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
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Patent number: 8386161Abstract: Route planning methods and systems are provided. First, an input corresponding to a specific region is received via an input unit of a personal navigation device. Then, a first predefined location located in the specific region is determined. A first route from a first current position of the device to the first predefined location is planned.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: MiTAC International Corp.Inventor: Mei-Ling Chen
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Patent number: 8384562Abstract: A mobile traffic controller to aid pedestrians includes a wireless transmitter and receiver that are configured to communicate with a traffic signal or a traffic control system. In response to a user request, the transmitter sends a traffic control request to a traffic signal or a traffic system controller. The request is acknowledged, and when appropriate, the mobile traffic controller receives a message indicating that a crossing is authorized. The mobile controller can include a vibro-tactile or audio output device for communication with the user. In addition, position and orientation systems can be included so that the user can be directed along a preferred path or alerted that a predetermined or legally established passage zone has been exited or is about to be exited.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: University of IdahoInventors: Richard W. Wall, Gabriel DeRuwe
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Patent number: 8373578Abstract: A wireless head for a traffic preemption system. Implementations may include one or more optical receivers adapted to identify an optical signal transmitted by an optical transmitter included in a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle and one or more head radio transceivers adapted to identify a radio signal transmitted by a vehicle radio transceiver included in the vehicle preemption unit. A head radio frequency (RF) modem may also be included adapted to transmit one or more radio signals to an intersection RF modem. The head may be mounted to a traffic support fixture. The one or more optical receivers, one or more head radio transceivers, and the head RF modem may all be operably coupled together within the wireless head. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, David Gerard Worthy, Timothy A. Geiger
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Patent number: 8358222Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Triangle Software, LLCInventor: Andre Gueziec
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Patent number: 8344908Abstract: Managing traffic signal preemption data accumulated at a plurality of intersections. In one approach a method includes reading the preemption data stored at each of the intersections. The preemption data includes for each preemption request an emitter code, and a date and a time the preemption request was submitted. The preemption data read from the intersections are stored in a database, and each emitter code is associated with a vehicle name in the database. Selected preemption data and associated vehicle names are read from the database in response to user input, and the selected preemption data and associated vehicle names are displayed. The database further stores data identifying the intersection from which the preemption data was read.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLCInventor: David Randal Johnson
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Publication number: 20120326890Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Brad Cross
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Publication number: 20120326891Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: Brad Cross
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Patent number: 8339280Abstract: A traffic preemption system and related methods. Implementations may include a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle including an optical transmitter adapted to identify to an intersection preemption unit coupled with an intersection system controller the presence of the vehicle. The vehicle preemption unit may include a vehicle radio transceiver and the optical transmitter and the vehicle radio transceiver may be coupled with a vehicle controller. The intersection preemption unit may include an optical receiver and an intersection radio transceiver. The optical receiver and the intersection radio transceiver may each be coupled with an intersection controller. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted in response to an optical signal, a radio signal, or a combination of optical and radio signals from the vehicle preemption unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, David Gerard Worthy, Timothy A. Geiger
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Patent number: 8340896Abstract: A road shape recognition device includes: distance and height detecting means for detecting distance data having a distance and height in real space regarding a road surface where a vehicle is traveling at multiple mutually different points; approximation line calculating means for dividing the plurality of distance data into near and far groups as viewed from the vehicle to calculate an approximation line of the distance data for each group each time the distance data of the boundary portion between the two groups is transferred from one of the groups to the other; statistics calculating means for calculating statistics from the corresponding approximation line for each group where the distance data is transferred; and road shape model generating means for selecting one out of combinations of the approximation lines to generate a road shape model using the selected combination.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Saito
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Patent number: 8325062Abstract: Managing traffic signal preemption at a plurality of intersections. In one approach a security level code that specifies one of a plurality of security levels for at least one jurisdiction is input. The security level controls which emitter codes are allowed to preempt traffic signals at the intersections in the jurisdiction. A set of emitter codes for the plurality of intersections in the jurisdiction is determined in response to the security level code. The set of emitter codes is downloaded to a plurality of preemption controllers at the plurality of intersections in the jurisdiction. Each preemption controller accepts a preemption request only if the preemption request contains an emitter code indicated by the downloaded set of emitter codes as being allowed to preempt traffic signals at the intersections in the jurisdiction.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLCInventor: David Randal Johnson
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Patent number: 8274404Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Sennett, Brian Daly
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Patent number: 8269654Abstract: A flashing beacon may include a signal unit, a control unit associated with the signal unit, a solar panel or collector, and an activation device that may all be mounted or otherwise positioned on a post of a roadway sign. Light units associated with the signal unit may be programmed to flash on and off in a unique wig-wag pattern. Further, a light bar may also be used with the beacon to generate an intense flash of light soon after activation of the beacon as an additional means of grabbing the attention of the operator of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Inventor: Richard D. Jones
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Publication number: 20120229303Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing a traffic light system provided with an evaluating computer by a vehicle, in particular in public transportation, the vehicle sending a data telegram to the evaluating computer at a sending position in order to request a green phase and the data telegram and/or the sending position depending on predefined reporting points, characterized in that the data telegram is transmitted to the evaluating computer by means of a packet-oriented, in particular IP-based (Internet-Protocol-based) radio network and in that the sending position is moved forward according to the current speed of the vehicle and a maximum assumed data telegram propagation time as the vehicle approaches a reporting point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Karlheinz Loffl, Andreas Mörder, Matthias Kühn
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Patent number: 8258982Abstract: Safe driving evaluation systems, methods, and programs acquire traffic signal information that indicates the display status of a traffic signal present ahead in the traveling direction of a vehicle, determine the vehicle is within a prescribed stop supplement zone set up in front of the traffic signal installation point, and determine a red light encounter, which is a state where the vehicle is within the stop supplement zone and the traffic signal information indicates that the traffic signal is red. The systems, methods, and programs perform a stop supplementary operation with respect to a driver in order to stop the vehicle at the traffic signal installation point based on a driving operation of the vehicle during the red light encounter, and calculate a stop supplement percentage.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Miura
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Publication number: 20120218126Abstract: A priority control unit is provided for use with light-based and GPS-based traffic control priority systems. The priority control unit includes a light emitter subsystem that is configured to emit pulses of light. The pulses of light encode a priority request for activating preemption of a traffic signal by a light-based traffic control priority system. The priority control unit also includes a GPS-based subsystem that is configured to transmit a priority request by radio waves. The priority request from the GPS-based subsystem is for activating preemption of a traffic signal by a GPS-based traffic control priority system. A switch is coupled to the light emitter subsystem and to the GPS-based subsystem. The switch simultaneously activates both the light emitter subsystem and the GPS-based subsystem for transmitting priority requests in response to user control. In another embodiment, the priority control unit further includes a broadcast based subsystem for transmitting priority requests.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Douglas Gordon Roberts, Jerry Lee Johnson
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Patent number: 8242933Abstract: A one-person remote control system for overriding pre-established control sequences of a traffic light, which control system is compatible with plug-in communications connectors conventionally provided with traffic light controllers. The remote control system comprises a stationary signal transfer unit which has a signal receiver and a plug-in connector for communicating with the traffic light controller, and a mobile control unit disposed to receive manual commands from the person providing overriding control, and a transmitter for transmitting manual overriding command signals to the stationary signal transfer unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLCInventor: Nicholas Pashel
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Publication number: 20120188099Abstract: A traffic signal preemption system includes a positioning unit, a storage unit, a processing unit, and a control unit. The positioning unit detects a location, a direction, and speed of a vehicle, and outputs a location signal correspondingly. The storage unit stores geographic information. The processing unit gets the geographic information corresponding to the location of the vehicle from the storage unit, thereby estimating a traffic signal location, which the vehicle approaches and a corresponding approach time according to the direction and the speed of the vehicle, respectively. The control unit manipulates the traffic signal according to the approach time of the vehicle through a traffic control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: HOU-HSIEN LEE, CHANG-JUNG LEE, CHIH-PING LO
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Publication number: 20120161981Abstract: A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: GIOVANNI GRIECO, BENEDETTA GUIDI, MICHELANGELO LA PLACA, RICCARDO PIZZUTILO
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Patent number: 8204688Abstract: Traffic information, including traffic flow information and traffic incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be presented to a user on a user display in the vehicle. The traffic information may be presented to the user in several circumstances, either as cued by the user, or automatically presented by the traffic management system. The user display may also automatically display traffic flow and traffic incident information for the direction that the user is traveling or along a route calculated by the navigation device. Further, a window displaying information about an upcoming traffic incident such as distance to the incident and incident details may automatically appear in the user display. Alternately, the user may select a roadway, freeway, or area for which traffic information is desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cesar Cabral, Maja Kurciska, Eric Shigeru Ohki, Kazuya Tamura, Robert Uyeki, Hiromitsu Yuhara
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Publication number: 20120140075Abstract: Traffic signals include displays and controllers for displaying information relating to the general condition of the traffic signal. The information can include a time remaining in seconds until the next change in the general condition. Traffic signal systems are adaptable to facilitate passage of emergency vehicles through intersections, including traffic signal systems with flat panel screens. The displays can be flat panel screens displaying information in multiple information formats.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Thomas W. Cunningham
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Publication number: 20120112927Abstract: A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: GIOVANNI GRIECO, BENEDETTA GUIDI, MICHELANGELO LA PLACA, RICCARDO PIZZUTILO
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Patent number: 8171290Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, William H. Conley, III
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Patent number: 8116969Abstract: A method is disclosed in which traffic flows are equalized. In at least one embodiment, this is achieved by virtue of road users receiving individual route recommendations from a traffic control computer in such a manner that the traffic control computer uses reports from road users and route segment parameters to determine, for each route branch point, a new respective distribution ration for the statistical frequency of the respective route recommendations at a respective route branch point at particular intervals of time, a route being allocated a higher frequency in the case of more favourable traffic conditions, and in such a manner that a respective road user receives, before a respective route branch point, a random route recommendation from the set of alternatively possible routes in accordance with the statistical frequency of the respective route recommendations.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Dieter Kolb
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Patent number: 8099232Abstract: In a vehicle control device which performs braking control of a vehicle, a priority setting unit determines, when a possibility that a self-vehicle and another vehicle cross each other at an intersection in front of the self-vehicle is detected, a priority for each of the self-vehicle and the other vehicle with respect to access to the intersection. A braking control unit performs, when the self-vehicle has no priority over the other vehicle with respect to access to the intersection, the braking control of the self-vehicle so that the self-vehicle enters the intersection after the other vehicle passes through the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Shoji Inagaki, Wataru Ike, Naoki Okada, Tetsuji Muto
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Patent number: 8081087Abstract: A flashing beacon may include a signal unit, a control unit associated with the signal unit, a solar panel or collector, and an activation device that may all be mounted or otherwise positioned on a post of a roadway sign. Light units associated with the signal unit may be programmed to flash on and off in a unique wig-wag pattern. Further, a light bar may also be used with the beacon to generate an intense flash of light soon after activation of the beacon as an additional means of grabbing the attention of the operator of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Richard D. Jones
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Publication number: 20110304476Abstract: Controlling a traffic signal phase at one or more intersections. A control system at an intersection is configured to operate in one of a first mode or a second mode. While operating the controller in the first mode, in response to a transit priority signal received by the control system from a vehicle assigned transit priority, a green phase of the traffic signal is extended in favor of the vehicle assigned transit priority. While operating the control system in the second mode, in response to a transit priority signal received by the control system from the vehicle assigned transit priority, a current non-green phase of the traffic signal is preempted to a green phase in favor of the vehicle assigned transit priority.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: David Randal Johnson, Kevin Eichhorst
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Patent number: 8054202Abstract: A traffic preemption system and related methods. Implementations may include a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle including an optical transmitter adapted to identify to an intersection preemption unit coupled with an intersection system controller the presence of the vehicle. The vehicle preemption unit may include a vehicle radio transceiver and the optical transmitter and the vehicle radio transceiver may be coupled with a vehicle controller. The intersection preemption unit may include an optical receiver and an intersection radio transceiver. The optical receiver and the intersection radio transceiver may each be coupled with an intersection controller. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted in response to an optical signal, a radio signal, or a combination of optical and radio signals from the vehicle preemption unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, David Gerard Worthy, Timothy A. Geiger
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Patent number: 8040254Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling and adjusting traffic light timing patterns, and more particularly, to a method and system for controlling and adjusting traffic light timing patterns based on input variables related to known or predicted events, and for gradually changing traffic light intervals over time.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David J. Delia, Wayne M. Delia