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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing automobile traffic flow through an intersection by detecting and reducing platoon interference. One method, performed in a computer product, includes steps of identifying a cluster in traffic information of a cycle of a traffic signal, determining that the cluster qualifies as an upstream platoon, calculating properties of the platoon, and generating an Enhanced Purdue Coordination Diagram (EPCD) for the cycle based on the calculated properties of the platoon. Another method includes obtaining, by a computer device, traffic information corresponding to an intersection; determining, by the computer device, platoon properties of the traffic information corresponding to each cycle of a traffic signal; and calculating, by the computer device, a timing change to make to the traffic signal to improve traffic flow through the intersection, the timing change being based on the platoon properties.

Abstract: Traffic signal timing may be altered as a function of determining occluded signal viewing. More particularly, processing units may determine that a view of a traffic signal by a person is obstructed by a vehicle located on a first ingress path to a roadway intersection with a second ingress path. The traffic signal controls the right of way of the first ingress path, and the person with the obstructed view is travelling along the first ingress path toward the intersection and is located behind the vehicle relative to a view sightline of the person to the traffic signal. In response to the occluded view determination, a transition of the traffic signal may be delayed from a current visual display of a proceed signal to a subsequent visual display of a stop signal, until an end of a delay period.

Abstract: The amount of traffic on the road is greatly affected by both an inter-vehicle distance and a vehicle speed. When the amount of traffic increases and is more than a threshold value, an ECU 20 and an ACC 30 control the inter-vehicle distance and the vehicle speed such that the amount of traffic is a predetermined value equal to or more than the threshold value. In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress traffic congestion.

Abstract: A road traffic control system is applied to an intersection to control traffic and includes a light support, three traffic lights, a bracket, a number of indicators and a light controller. The light support is installed at one side of one lane at the intersection; the traffic lights are fixed on the light support and above the lane. The bracket is installed at one side of another lane at the intersection, and a number of stop lines are formed on the lane. The indicators are fixed on the bracket and above the stop lines to control traffic. The light controller controls to synchronously turn on or off the plurality of indicators and the traffic lights, and the indicators emit the same color light as the traffic lights.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: A road side data exchange net and method thereof is provided. The road side data exchange net includes a plurality of road side data exchange devices set on neighboring roads separately. The road side data exchange device includes a positioning system for receiving satellite data regularly, a calculator for calculating a calibration value of the satellite data to generate an analyzed result data, and a database for storing the analyzed result data. Further, each of the road side data exchange devices broadcasts the analyzed result data from its database to all of neighboring road side data exchange devices to provide the analyzed result data to an electronic device.

Abstract: A street lamp for providing the safe driving information comprises: a main lighting portion for lighting a road; a vehicle reception portion for receiving an accident or malfunction occurrence signal from a vehicle in an accident or which is malfunctioning; a control portion for generating accident or malfunction recognition signals that can be distinguished, in accordance with the reception of the accident or malfunction occurrence signal; and a vehicle transmitting portion for selectively transmitting the accident or malfunction occurrence signal to vehicles in front and behind the location of the accident or the malfunction.

Abstract: A transponder communication system and method for communicating with a transponder in an electronic toll collection system. A roadside reader attempts to program the transponder in a normal mode in which a programming signal is transmitted to a first coverage area. If the programming attempt in the normal mode is unsuccessful, the reader attempts to program the transponder in an enhanced mode in which a programming signal is transmitted to a second coverage area. The coverage area is adjusted after the programming attempt in the normal mode by using an adjacent antenna to the antenna used to transmit in the normal mode or by increasing the power of the programming signal to a level that is greater than the level used to transmit the programming signal in the normal mode.

Abstract: Device and method of controlling a traffic light on the basis of an analysis result of a broadcast signal transmitted via a broadcast network are provided. The traffic light control device controlling signal light change of a traffic light, includes: a broadcast signal receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal emitted from a traffic control center via a broadcast network; and a traffic light control unit that determines an offset time from a reference traffic light on the basis of an analysis result of the broadcast signal and that outputs a control signal for controlling the light change of a control target traffic light so that a time point which lags by the determined offset time from a signal light display start time point of the reference traffic light is matched with a signal light display start time point of the control target traffic light.

Abstract: Reinforcement devices and systems for holding a traffic control assembly in compression are provided. The traffic control assembly includes a traffic signal disconnect hanger and/or a traffic signal and a first span wire positioned above the traffic control assembly. In some embodiments, the reinforcement device includes an upper support device connected to the first span wire where the upper support device has a length that is greater than a width of the traffic control assembly and the upper support device is configured to spread the load of the traffic signal assembly to the first span wire. The reinforcement device includes a lower support device operably connected to the traffic signal, a first vertical support member, and a second vertical support member where the first and second vertical members are tensioned when the upper support device, the lower support device and the first and second vertical support members are connected together.

Abstract: A vehicle support system for supporting a man in safely crossing a road without crosswalks installed is provided.

Abstract: A voice recognition method that is used for finding a street uses a database including information about a plurality of streets. The streets are characterized by respective street names and street types. A user provides a voice input for the street that the user tries to find. The voice input includes a street name and a street type. The street type is recognized by processing the voice input. Streets having the recognized street type are then selected from the database and a street name of at least one of the streets selected from the database is recognized by processing the voice input.