Traffic Control Indicator Patents (Class 340/907)
  • Patent number: 9025026
    Abstract: Provided is a monitoring camera apparatus that can pick up, when an image of a signal lamp of a traffic signal is picked up by a monitoring camera at night, an image of an image pickup region other than the signal lamp bright without saturating a red signal lamp. The monitoring camera apparatus includes signal controlling means including RGB ratio detecting means for detecting lighting, lighting/extinguishing times, the shape and the number, or signal lamp control signals of signal lamps of a traffic signal in the image pickup region and detecting ratios of RGB signals of the signal lamps, gain controlling means for controlling a gain of the RGB signals, and color mixture controlling means for controlling color mixtures of respective signal lamp colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Jai Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Kenji Kakinoki, Takami Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9025865
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing the required footprint of SNoW-based classifiers via optimization of classifier features. A compression technique involves two training cycles. The first cycle proceeds normally and the classifier weights from this cycle are used to rank the Successive Mean Quantization Transform (SMQT) features using several criteria. The top N (out of 512 features) are then chosen and the training cycle is repeated using only the top N features. It has been found that OCR accuracy is maintained using only 60 out of 512 features leading to an 88% reduction in RAM utilization at runtime. This coupled with a packing of the weights from doubles to single byte integers added a further 8× reduction in RAM footprint or a reduction of 68× over the baseline SNoW method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Kozitsky, Aaron Michael Burry, Peter Paul
  • Publication number: 20150109147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adapting the driving-off behavior of a vehicle to a traffic signal installation, in which method the traffic signal installation permits passing in a first state and forbids passing in a second state. By means of vehicle-to-X communication means, state information and time information of the traffic signal installation are received by the vehicle and forwarded by the vehicle to a traffic light phase assistance system. Furthermore, the vehicle receives presence information comprising at least position indications from surrounding vehicles that are capable of vehicle-to-X communication. In addition, the position of the vehicle is determined by means of position-determining means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Ulrich Stählin
  • Patent number: 9013325
    Abstract: A roadside equipment (RSE) system that can be used for controlling traffic signals and other equipment and corresponding method. A method includes maintaining a traffic signal in a GREEN phase in a first direction, including displaying a GREEN indicator in the first direction. The method includes detecting an event indicating that the phase of the traffic signal in the first direction should be changed and changing the phase of the traffic signal to a pre-YELLOW phase in response to the detected event, including continuing to display the GREEN indicator in the first direction. The method includes wirelessly transmitting a message indicating the pre-YELLOW phase and a phase time, the phase time indicating a next change of phase of the traffic signal, and changing the phase of the traffic signal to a YELLOW phase when the phase time has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dodd Miller, Mark Allen Clark
  • Patent number: 9007235
    Abstract: A corner sensor assembly includes a housing having at least one magnet attached thereto, wherein the magnets allow the corner sensor assembly to be readily attached and relocated to corner structures within a building. The assembly includes at least one motion sensor for detecting motion within two opposing fields of monitoring. At least one visual indicator is activated when the motion sensors detect motion within both fields of monitoring and are deactivated when no motion is sensed in at least one of the fields of monitoring. The assembly includes an integrated power supply located within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sentry Protection LLC
    Inventors: James P. Ryan, Jeffrey P. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9000948
    Abstract: A traffic lamp includes a white light source, three color adjusting units, a panel, a light absorbing unit and a light diffusion unit. Each color adjusting unit includes a reflector and a color filter. The three color adjusting units are rotatable relative to the light source such that a part of white light emitted from the light source is filtered to be blue and then reflected to project on the panel by one color adjusting unit, and another part of white light is filtered to be green and yellow and then reflected to project on the light absorbing unit by the other two color adjusting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Lun Huang
  • Patent number: 9000946
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting traffic objects. A detector configured to capture radiated energy and to generate data associated with the radiated energy, wherein the radiated energy is radiated from traffic objects. A communicator configured to transmit the data associated with the radiated energy. A power source configured to provide power to the detector and the communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Speed Information
    Inventor: Doug Finlay
  • Patent number: 8994559
    Abstract: A pylon is provided for providing visual signals to race participants. The pylon includes a base. A shell is carried on the base. The shell is formed having an outer wall surrounding an internal chamber. The internal chamber includes a wedge-shaped portion which carries a wedge-shaped luminaire. An upwardly-extending tube is carried by the base. The tube is nested within the internal chamber and carries the shell. A power source is provided which provides electricity to the luminaire. A wireless transmitter is provided which is used by a user to turn the luminaire on and off, which luminaire provides visual signals to the race participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A LaRocco
  • Patent number: 8985893
    Abstract: A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Bright Limited
    Inventors: Patrick John Martin, Paul Senior
  • Patent number: 8981964
    Abstract: In this driving supporting device, the light color change cycle of a prediction object traffic signal is acquired on the basis of the light color change cycle of a prediction basis traffic signal installed before the prediction object traffic signal, and the light color state of the prediction object traffic signal when the vehicle arrives at the prediction object traffic signal is predicted on the basis of the light color state of the prediction basis traffic signal and the light color change cycle of the prediction object traffic signal. Thus, since the light color change cycle of the prediction object traffic signal is acquired on the basis of the light color change cycle of the prediction basis traffic signal, it becomes possible to predict a light color state even in the case of a traffic signal which cannot transmit information indicating its light color change cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8977479
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle processor configured to detect one or more brake presses. The processor is also configured to detect one or more accelerator presses. Further, the processor is configured to add values related to the brake presses and accelerator presses to aggregate an index value based on detected brake and acceleration presses. The processor is additionally configured to enact a safety and convenience related measure based on the index value passing at least a first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hsin-Hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Fling Tseng, Gary Steven Strumolo
  • Patent number: 8971578
    Abstract: There is provided a driving support apparatus. A recognition controller determines whether an object detected by processing a captured image by an object detection unit is a smoke-like object or not in a smoke-like object determination unit. When the detected object is determined to be the smoke-like object, the recognition controller checks a range distribution in a region of the smoke-like object, adds the result as attribute information of “density”, and transmits the resultant to a controller. The controller decides in a support operation level decision unit whether a pre-crash brake control can be executed or not and an intensity of an operation based on the attribute information of the smoke-like object. Thus, even if the smoke-like object is detected, an appropriate driving support process according to the condition can be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sekiguchi, Seisuke Kasaoki
  • Patent number: 8972076
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus that assists driving of a vehicle, includes: a vehicle speed sensor; a communication unit that obtains traffic light information relating to a change in a display condition of a traffic light disposed in an advancement direction of the vehicle; a position calculation unit that calculates relative position information between the vehicle and a traffic light location where the traffic light is disposed; and a passage assistance control unit. The passage assistance control unit detects an operating condition of the vehicle at an intersection location before the traffic light, calculates a corrected vehicle speed on the basis of the operating condition and a current vehicle speed, and determines whether or not the vehicle is permitted to pass through the traffic light location on the basis of the corrected vehicle speed, the relative position information between the vehicle and the traffic light location, and the traffic light information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8965142
    Abstract: A method for classifying a light object located ahead of a vehicle, the method including a determination of a brightness curve assigned to the light object via at least two images which depict the light object at different times and a combination of the brightness curve with a characteristic brightness curve, in order to classify the light object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Gregor Schwarzenberg
  • Patent number: 8963739
    Abstract: A barricade light includes a light member, a receiver, a transmitter and a controller. The receiver is configured to receive an incoming signal from an adjacent barricade light and deliver the incoming signal to the controller. The incoming signal includes information about a position of the adjacent barricade light in a row of barricade lights. The controller is configured to determine a position of the barricade light in the row of barricade lights based on the information, synchronize operation of the light member to the adjacent barricade light, and transmit an outgoing signal via the transmitter. The outgoing signal includes information about a position of the barricade light in the row of barricade lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Checkers Industrial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Clifford, Steven N. D. Brundula
  • Patent number: 8965676
    Abstract: A back-propagating intersection collision avoidance system is provided. The system can include a first vehicle and a second vehicle, the first and second vehicles each operable to approach an intersection at a definable velocity and acceleration. In addition, the intersection can have a collision zone in which the first and second vehicles will collide if they are present there at the same time. The first vehicle can have a processing unit with a controller and a microprocessor, the microprocessor having an algorithm with a disturbance model. The processing unit is operable to back-propagate from the collision zone a capture set as a function of a disturbance for the first and second vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Michael Robert Hafner, Drew Cunningham, Lorenzo Caminiti, Domitilla Del Vecchio
  • Patent number: 8957789
    Abstract: A vehicle support information system mounted in a vehicle, the vehicle support system including: a man-detecting unit; a vehicle-position detecting unit; a communication unit; a man-position/waiting-score calculating unit; a stopping-vehicle determining unit determining whether or not the vehicle should be stopped, based on a man position and a waiting score of an at least one potential-crossing-man; a travelling controller for stopping the vehicle when the stopping-vehicle determining unit determines that the vehicle should be stopped; and a man-crossing-signal display unit displaying information to inform the at least one potential-crossing-man whether or not the at least one potential-crossing-man can safely cross the road, based on an instruction of the stopping-vehicle determining unit, wherein the man-position/waiting-score calculating unit outputs the man-position/waiting-score to the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hara, Takuya Naka, Saku Egawa, Masashi Koga
  • Publication number: 20150042493
    Abstract: An illuminated signage apparatus operable in high ambient light environments and in low ambient light environments comprises a first light source (30) operable in high ambient light environments and a second light source (26) operable in low ambient light environments. It includes means to detect a relevant ambient light environment threshold and means to switch between the operation of the first (30) and second light sources (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph William McClean
  • Publication number: 20150042492
    Abstract: A traffic control device is disclosed that enables users to direct traffic and signal to drivers. The traffic control device comprises an elongated component, a handle, at least one signal secured to the elongated component, a power source for powering the at least one signal, and a control panel for controlling the operation of the at least one signal. The signals are removably secured and interchangeable on the traffic control device, and can be any suitable shape or size. The signals can also be illuminated in different colors, such as red, yellow, green, or white. Additionally, the power source is typically a rechargeable battery. Further, the control panel controls the motion of the signals, such that the signals can be set to blink intermittently or remain constant. The control panel can be controlled manually by a user via push buttons, or can be controlled remotely via an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene F. Heacock
  • Publication number: 20150035686
    Abstract: Traffic light control using destination information in calendar data of a user device includes storing calendar data including destination information in a plurality of user devices in a community. A next step includes obtaining the calendar data by a community authority coordinator operable to communicate with the user devices through a community network. A next step includes controlling at least one traffic light in the community in response to the destination information. Optionally, the traffic light can be controlled in response to time, date, location, route, and number of vehicles, to alleviate future road congestion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC
    Inventors: Amiram Frish, Salomon Serfaty
  • Publication number: 20150029040
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing illumination from a support surface includes a shell releasably engageable with the support surface. An electronics system is seated within the shell and projects light up and out of the shell. A power pack releasably engages the shell and electrically engages the electronics system to provide power thereto. The electrical interface between the electronics system and power pack is fluidly sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: James Kerwin McDowell, Donald Scott Rogers, Grant Steven Cavalier
  • Publication number: 20150015420
    Abstract: Embodiments include an emergency traffic management system includes a traffic management center configured to receive traffic information, a traffic signal controller in communication with the traffic management center, and roadside equipment in communication with the traffic signal controller. The roadside equipment includes a transceiver configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices via a wireless communications channel, a memory device configured to store emergency information, a processor configured to provide the emergency information to the one or more mobile devices via the transceiver, and a power supply configured to provide power to the processor and the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: David Dodd Miller
  • Patent number: 8922392
    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: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rhythm Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Reggie J. Chandra, James W. Bley, Stephen S. Penrod, Arthur S. Parker
  • Publication number: 20140375475
    Abstract: A distributed traffic signal control method is provided for a directed network comprising a plurality of junctions, each junction having a plurality of links connected thereto, the links comprising one or more upstream links and one or more downstream links, the method comprising: activating one of a plurality of phases of the junction for a predetermined time period which maximizes the directed network throughput based on current differential traffic backlogs between said one or more upstream links and said one or more downstream links, each phase providing a unique combination of traffic signals at the junction for guiding traffic from the upstream link(s) to the downstream link(s). There is also provided a corresponding traffic signal controller, a traffic control system comprising the traffic signal controller, and a computer readable medium having stored therein computer executable codes for instructing a computer processor to execute the distributed traffic signal control method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Tichakorn Wongpiromsarn, Emilio Frazzoli, Danwei Wang, Tawit Uthaicharoenpong, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8917190
    Abstract: A method of restricting turns at vehicle intersections imposes a policy that is dynamic and congestion based. Vehicle turns are allowed only to the extent that such a maneuver does not cause a hindrance to other vehicles traveling the same direction that are not turning. A hindrance may be defined in a variety of ways based on whether other vehicles are substantially impeded in their progress. In this way, such a “no hinder” turn restriction is dependent on actual driving conditions and allows for more efficient movement of traffic in both heavily congested and light driving conditions. A no hinder turn restriction may be combined with or may replace other types of turn restrictions and may be utilized for both left and right turns and for streets with single or multiple lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Waller Melvin
  • Patent number: 8917189
    Abstract: Provided is a driving assistance device capable of assisting safer driving of a vehicle. A driving assistance device 1 assists the driving in a case where a subject-vehicle C is advancing in the right-turn direction at an intersection where a traffic light S is installed which has a right arrow-indicating green lamplight signal BA and a green lamplight signal B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshio Mukaiyama
  • Publication number: 20140368357
    Abstract: Carter Concepts—Police Vehicle Safety Arrows are an electrically lit, sequentially moving arrow signaling device for the interior back rear window of a police vehicle. This safety device will be used when police vehicles are parked along the roadside. The arrow signaling device reminds drivers to move over, assisting in police officer safety while on the highways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Pamela Alethia Carter
  • Patent number: 8912922
    Abstract: Approaches for issuing preemption requests. The boundaries of a geo-window are repeatedly determined based on locations and headings of a vehicle as the vehicle is traveling along a roadway. The methods and systems determine whether or not any one of a plurality of intersections is located within the boundaries of the geo-window in response to changed boundaries of the geo-window. In response to determining that one of the plurality of intersections is located within the boundaries of the geo-window, a preemption request is transmitted from the vehicle to an intersection controller at the one of the plurality of intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Clare Eichhorst
  • Patent number: 8903640
    Abstract: A system for detecting a pedestrian is provided. The system includes a base and a mast extending from the base, and a plurality of sensors mounted on the mast, the plurality of sensors for detecting objects and pedestrians within a predetermined range, and wherein the sensors include a GPS antenna, at least one camera, an alert mechanism, a radio with an integrated directional antenna, and a short range communication antenna. A path predicting circuit is in communication with a system vehicle and the pedestrian detection system. The path predicting circuit processes information from the system vehicle and pedestrian detection system to predict the path of the system vehicle and detected objects. The path predicting circuit is in communication with a path collision circuit and the predicted paths are mapped on the path collision circuit so as to determine if the system vehicle may possibly collide with a detected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Lorenzo Caminiti, Jeffrey Clark Lovell, James Joseph Richardson, Christopher Thomas Higgins
  • Publication number: 20140320316
    Abstract: A traffic light system that comprises traffic lights for directing the passage of vehicles through art intersection; a control unit with a signal controller in communication with each of the plurality of traffic lights, a signal controller transceiver with a directional antenna, and a signal controller interface processing unit (SCIPU) in communication with the signal controller and with the signal controller transceiver; and a vehicle unit provided with a vehicle processing unit and a vehicle transceiver, which comprising a forwardly mounted directional antenna. The signal controller transceiver repeatedly transmits a wireless interrogating signal to approaches of the intersection, which identifies the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Natan Peri
  • Publication number: 20140320317
    Abstract: A system for increasing awareness of a driver to traffic-signs on the road is provided herein. The system includes: a sensor attached to a vehicle and configured to determine a type of one or more traffic-signs that are present in a scene containing the vehicle, wherein at least some of the traffic-signs are time-variant traffic-signs which present time-variant visual indicators; and a controller configured to: monitor and analyze, in real time: relative metrics indicative of one or more spatial relations between the vehicle and the one or more detected traffic-signs; and temporal data associated with the time-variant visual indicators of the time-variant traffic-signs; apply one or more decision functions to at least two of: the detected one or more traffic-signs and to the monitored relative metrics, and the temporal data associated with the time-variant visual indicators, so as invoke an action selected from a predefined set of actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Yoav Grauer, Ofer David, Ya'ara David, Haim Garten, Alon Krelboim, Sharon Lifshits, Oren Sheich
  • Patent number: 8872672
    Abstract: A traffic signal system with dual light sources includes a signal displaying module, an ambient light module and a supplementary light module. The ambient light from environment is assembled by the ambient light module for generating a first light beam. A second light beam is provided by the supplementary light module disposed near the ground for easy maintaining and avoiding danger. The supplementary light module includes a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor senses the brightness of the first light beam passing through the signal displaying module and generates a photosensitive signal. The brightness of the second light beam is regulated by the control circuit according to the photosensitive signal. The brightness of the first light beam is supplied by regulating the brightness of the second light beam, so the signal displaying module has high-brightness light source and achieves the energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Allen Jong-Woei Whang, Yi-Yung Chen, Horng-Ching Hsiao, Jiun-Shi Liu, Nai-Lun Ku
  • Patent number: 8860561
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting network according to a defined lighting reduction pattern. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to define via the pattern which lamps are involved in load shedding, and how they are controlled to shed load. In another aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for visibly signaling persons within sight of one or more lamps within the distributed lighting network. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to provide emergency or other public safety signaling to persons that might not otherwise be alerted to an existing or impending danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sensus USA Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ellis, Christopher Atkins, Bobby Cantrell
  • Patent number: 8862372
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically creating stopping rates of vehicles at signal-equipped intersections. A signal-equipped intersection to be subjected to specifying of stopping rates at signal-equipped intersections is selected from a signal-equipped-intersection information storage unit as a target intersection, a pass-through-intersection extraction that extracts a signal-equipped intersection that was passed-through just before reaching the target intersection as a pass-through intersection is conducted according to a prescribed rule, driving-history data of a probe car is classified for each of the routes that start from the pass-through intersection and pass through the target intersection, and the rate at which the probe car stopped at the target intersection is specified as a stopping rate, for each of the classified routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Mapmaster Incorporated, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng Li, Masahisa Nogawa, Masahiro Miyoshi, Kiyotaka Taguchi, Masayuki Narita, Makoto Yano, Hiroki Ukai
  • Patent number: 8854230
    Abstract: Reducing traffic signal obstruction, through reproducing the contents of traffic signals, so the driver of a small vehicle blocked by a big vehicle also can be aware of the contents of traffic signals indicated by an obstructed traffic signal indicator. The system of reproducing traffic signals on a vehicle includes: a signal receiver, configured to receive the contents of traffic signals, wherein the contents of traffic signals is indicated by at least one traffic signal indicator; a signal processor, configured to determine whether to reproduce the received contents of traffic signals; and a reproducer, configured to reproduce the contents of traffic signals if it is determined to do so by the signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ying Chen, Rong Yao Fu, Qian Ma, Hao Wang, Yue Da Xiong, Yuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 8855900
    Abstract: A system and method for self-optimizing traffic flow using shared vehicle information that utilizes multiple controllers in dynamic communication to optimize the flow of traffic. The system and method utilizes one or more traffic synchronization controllers (TSCs) (receivers) that receive information from one or more vehicle based transmitters called vehicle information agents (VIAs) and/or a network of traffic control devices (TCDs) associated with the traffic synchronization controllers to determine a variety of information related to traffic within a geographic region, including volume, speed, destination, intended route of the vehicle, as well as other vehicle related information, in order to determine the optimal flow of traffic within the region. The system and method then transmits traffic control signals to the various traffic control devices within the region or adjacent regions in order to optimally control the flow of traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Lection, Eric L. Masselle
  • Patent number: 8847789
    Abstract: An information provision system includes a terminal device, and an information provision device that can communicate with the terminal device. The information provision device includes a communicating section configured to communicate with the terminal device, a head count information managing section configured to manage current head count information for each position, and a crowd information generating section configured to determine a position for making a notification display based on the managed head count information, and generate crowd information containing information of the determined position, and a transmission control section configured to transmit the generated crowd information from the communicating section to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akane Sano, Masamichi Asukai, Taiji Ito, Akinobu Sugino, Yoshiteru Kamatani, Kazunori Hayashi, Takayasu Kon, Yasunori Kamada, Mitsuru Takehara, Yoichiro Sako
  • Patent number: 8847788
    Abstract: Methods and systems for traffic management are disclosed. Location information and a vehicle identifier for a vehicle are received. A current status of the vehicle is determined. Further, it is determined whether the vehicle is located within a defined distance from a lane intersection. A traffic indicator is generated when the vehicle is located within the pre-defined distance from the lane intersection. The traffic indicator is one of a Right of Way (ROW), Stop, Yield or Null. The generated traffic signal is transmitted back to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brad K. Borland, Brian G. Funke, Mathew Chacko
  • Patent number: 8840335
    Abstract: A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Bright Limited
    Inventors: Patrick John Martin, Paul Senior
  • Publication number: 20140266797
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EBERLE DESIGN, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Richard EVANS
  • Publication number: 20140266798
    Abstract: A method of obtaining data relating to the timing of a transition between phases of a traffic control signal. The method involves obtaining live probe data relating to the travel of vehicles in the region of the traffic control signal, and using the data to determine times at which a given transition of the signal has occurred. This is carried out by consideration of the distance from the traffic signal at which a vehicle waits when stopped at the signal, and a time of passing the signal, as determined using the probe data. Different transition time pairs are analysed to obtain time differences between the transition times. A cycle time which best fits the time difference data is determined, and used with the transition time data to predict future transition times of the traffic control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nikolaus Witte, Rene Beier
  • Publication number: 20140247160
    Abstract: Systems and methods for traffic signal warning are provided. An example system allows using a camera mounted in front of a vehicle to continuously scan a space in front of the vehicle to detect impending traffic signals and show them on a display disposed at a back of the vehicle to inform other trailing vehicles about traffic conditions in front of the vehicle. The system may allow a driver of a trailing vehicle, for example, to see which traffic light is going to turn at the present moment, or whether there is a speed limitation on the upcoming road segment. The detected traffic signals may be displayed in several different ways, such as actual or simulated images, icons, a text, or a video, which are updated at predetermined intervals. Additionally, the system may comprise speakers to audibly communicate information about traffic conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Sandra J. Glascock
  • Patent number: 8825359
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and computer-readable for verifying the traffic designations of roads of a geographic map. Location data for a geographic area is obtained and location data points are filtered based on speed. A road network for the geographic area is obtained, and location data points are associated with a road based on proximity and heading with respect to the orientation of the road. The associated location data points in each direction are counted and used to determine a traffic direction. The traffic direction is compared to the existing traffic designation for the road, and conflicts are identified, such as missing one-way designations, unlikely one-way designations, and incorrect one-way designations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Wolf
  • Patent number: 8823548
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Randal Johnson, Kevin Eichhorst
  • Patent number: 8823549
    Abstract: A motion detecting traffic cone assembly includes a cone that may be positioned on a support surface such that the cone is visible to an observer. A processor is coupled to the cone. A motion detector is coupled to the cone so the motion detector may detect the observer. The motion detector is operationally coupled to the processor so the motion detector may selectivel actuate the processor. A light emitter is coupled to the cone. The light emitter is operationally coupled to the processor so the processor may selectively actuate the light emitter. An alarm is coupled to the cone. The alarm is operationally coupled to the processor so the processor may selectively actuate the alarm. A speaker is coupled to the cone. The speaker is operationally coupled to the alarm so the alarm may selectively actuate the speaker. A control panel is coupled to the cone. The control panel is operationally coupled to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Darryl A. Moone
  • Patent number: 8803704
    Abstract: A system and method for setting operating parameters of traffic lamps. A traffic lamp including a memory operates according to one or more operating parameters on the memory. A loading device external to the traffic lamp transfers one or more operating parameters to the traffic lamp, where the traffic lamp sets the operating parameters to the transferred operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Truong-Khoa Nguyen, Benoit Essiambre, Christian Poirier
  • Patent number: 8803705
    Abstract: A traffic management system includes a data processing unit which communicates with a road leading unit and a vehicle management unit. The road leading unit comprises a plurality of grooves and isolation railings, the grooves are formed on a road, and the isolation railings are received in the grooves and can be opened to divide the road. The data processing unit can receive vehicle identification information and driving direction information from the vehicle management unit. The data processing unit comprises a data analysis module and a control module. The data analysis module is operable to estimate road condition information and count a total traffic demand index for each road according to the vehicle identification information and the driving direction information. The control module is operable to control the isolation railings to open or retract according to the total traffic demand index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jian-Hui Li
  • Patent number: 8803706
    Abstract: A system having a first motion sensor configured to sense movement of an object on a first side of a portal, the object including an RFID tag, a first RFID reader being activated by the first motion sensor when the first motion sensor senses movement of the object, the first RFID reader reading the RFID tag, a second motion sensor configured to sense movement of the object on a second side of the portal and a second RFID reader being activated by the second motion sensor when the second motion sensor senses movement of the object, the second RFID reader reading the RFID tag, wherein, when one of the first and second motion sensors sense movement of the object, the other one of the first and second motion sensors is deactivated for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond B. Morin
  • Patent number: 8797183
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an integrated signal light head. In one embodiment, the integrated signal light head includes a molded housing for holding at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source and a power supply compartment coupled to the molded housing. As a result, a power supply may be remotely located and independent of the at least one LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Burton, John H. Vines, Richard Liskoff, John Patrick Peck
  • Patent number: RE45452
    Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Max-Viz, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Richard Kerr, Gregory A. Zuro, Michael E. Fossey