Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining travel time through intersections by assigning an initial position for a virtual probe in the intersection and updating the position and velocity for the virtual probe such that the position and velocity of the virtual probe are determined multiple times from a time when the virtual probe is at an initial position until the time when the updated position of the virtual probe is past a stop line at the intersection. Updating the position and velocity of the virtual probe involves retrieving vehicle detection data and traffic control signal data to determine a distance from the virtual probe to the closer of a stop line and a vehicle in a queue in front of the virtual probe. The length of the queue is determined using the intersection of two shockwaves.

Abstract: 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.

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: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting targets in roadway intersections. Transmit antennas transmit signals into a roadway intersection. Receive antennas receive corresponding signal reflections off objects in the roadway. The reflections correspond to two dimensional image data for the roadway intersection. The reflections are conditioned for compatibility with a processor. The processor processes the condition reflections into a two dimensional image of targets in the roadway intersection.

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

Abstract: A traditional pedestrian signal housing with a video display screen mounted to a pedestrian side of the traditional pedestrian signal housing is disclosed. The video display screen is mounted to the pedestrian side of the pedestrian signal housing by way of a face plate. Tunnel visors may be attached to the traditional pedestrian signal housing to prevent cross traffic from being distracted by the visual images displayed on the video display screen. The information displayed on the video display screen may be advertisements, information, directions, etc. Local or national entities may pay for advertisements to generate revenues for the cities or governmental entities.

Abstract: A method of controlling traffic signals at a road intersection, which has a plurality of signal groups, each of which controls at least one direction of traffic within the intersection. The method comprises the steps of obtaining and utilizing traffic data to calculate a current traffic state and the rate of change in the traffic state. The method further comprises formulating at least one action and the duration of the action in response to these calculations. Each action comprises switching at least one traffic signal. One or more policies based on the calculations and the action are resolved. A continuous decision making process is applied to evaluate a reward for the policies resolved and a policy that maximizes the reward is selected.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture for communicating with a traffic light system is shown and described. The outdoor lighting fixture includes a ballast for providing current to at least one lamp and a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the at least one lamp. The outdoor lighting fixture further includes a mount configured to hold the fixture housing to a pole and a control circuit wired to the ballast. A sensor and a radio frequency transceiver are wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to process inputs from the sensor to determine whether to send a light change instruction to the traffic system via the radio frequency transceiver.

Abstract: A method for coordination of concurrent processes or for control of the transport of mobile units within a network, wherein a) the control of the network occurs in a decentralized and self-organizing manner in the controllers of node points or local defined sub-networks, whereby the control units of adjacent node points or sub-networks are connected to each other for data exchange of, b1) data from prediction models for local process sequences at each node and/or data from prediction models for the local process sequences of adjacent nodes and/or b2) data from data recording elements of each node or the boundaries associated therewith and/or data from data recording elements of adjacent nodes or the boundaries associated therewith, c) local simulation and optimization of switching the controller to establish the performance of the nodes or sub-networks with regard to the buffer capacity of the boundaries based on models for short-term predictions with fixed switch states for adjacent nodes, are applied.

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

Abstract: A vehicle sensor and a human sensor are comprised to a traffic sign and the road surface indicator, and warning is displayed in mark, indicate lamp where a driver is easy to make viewing. With intersection safety driving system 100, the control unit can detect vehicle V1, V2 which are going to come in the intersection by vehicle sensor 112 comprised on the traffic sign which there is. When vehicle sensor 112 did vehicle V1, V2, indication to rouse (in indicating lamp 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D), the attention to the vehicle in traffic sign 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D installed in the road which the vehicle drives and the intersecting road is performed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A traffic system that helps a driver to save fuel by avoiding red light or by minimized fuel supply before stopping a red light. It predicts the colors of a traffic light and automatically control the speed of the vehicle. The system comprising three kinds of moving sections representing three future colors: green, yellow, and red. The moving sections are moving towards the traffic light. There is a microprocessor in each vehicle to receive messages from the traffic light in front and to calculate an optimal speed to the cruise control in the vehicle.

Abstract: A street lamp system includes an illumination device, a display unit and a control module. The display unit is configured for displaying oncoming traffic information. The control module is communicatively coupled to the illumination device and the display unit, for sending a first signal to the display unit for displaying the traffic information, and sending a second signal to the illumination device to increase illumination brightness of the illumination device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated stop sign for allowing pedestrians to control traffic. The system comprises a fixed support assembly; a pedestrian activated mechanism; a timer set for a predetermined period of time when the pedestrian activated mechanism is activated; and an octagonal display nonremovably mounted to the fixed support assembly comprising a backlight within the display and a display surface comprising a word “STOP” visible when the backlight is illuminated and substantially not visible when the backlight is not illuminated, the backlight being illuminated until the predetermined period of time is expired.

Abstract: An adaptive control system controls a traffic signal at a critical intersection that has a most conflicting volume of traffic among volumes of traffic at intersections in a traffic network. The adaptive control system determines a plan identifying a guaranteed green light time and a minimum green duration and a period for the plan. The adaptive control system determines, based on the plan, a non-linear schedule with one or more states corresponding to one or more individual phases with each state having a state start time and a state duration. Queues for individual traffic movements at the critical intersection also may be used to determine the non-linear schedule. The adaptive control system controls the traffic signal according to the non-linear schedule. The adaptive control system transmits its plan to one or more other adaptive control systems for other intersections.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the flow of traffic at a roadway intersection having one or more traffic signals by positioning a processor in the vicinity of the intersection to store cycle times of the traffic flow directions, mounting an RFID reader in the vicinity of each traffic signal in communication with the processor, interrogating with the RFID reader an RFID tag on each RFID-tagged vehicle at the roadway intersection to count the number of RFID-tagged vehicles present in each traffic flow direction at the roadway intersection, calculating an unused time slice of the cycle time for a first traffic flow direction at the intersection; reducing the cycle time for the first traffic flow direction in accordance with the unused time slice; and, increasing the cycle time for a second traffic flow direction at the intersection in accordance with the unused time slice.

Abstract: Traffic information, including flow information and 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 used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times.

Abstract: A traffic management system is disclosed that tells motorist how fast to go in order to make it through a traffic signal while it is in green phase. A Fast Lane On Warning (FLOW) sequencer is in synchronization with traffic phases sequencer (sequencing Red, Green, Yellow, Left Turn and the like) with both sequencers having service cycle period ‘Pi’ . The start times of both sequences are appropriately offset from one another. Sensors up road from the signal provide data on approaching vehicles number per time to a processor that synthesizes the data for one or more “fast” lanes in one or more directions.

Abstract: A modular intelligent transportation system, comprising an environmentally protected enclosure, a system communications bus, a processor module, communicating with said bus, having a image data input and an audio input, the processor module analyzing the image data and/or audio input for data patterns represented therein, having at least one available option slot, a power supply, and a communication link for external communications, in which at least one available option slot can be occupied by a wireless local area network access point, having a communications path between said communications link and said wireless access point, or other modular components.

Abstract: A method, medium and implementing processing system are provided in which the presence of workers in a long highway construction zone is monitored and the electronically-controlled posted speed limit is adjusted in accordance with the detected presence of workers in the immediate area. In an example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanners or readers are strategically placed in a construction or working area. Such RFID reading devices may be embedded, for example, in construction speed limit signs. The displayed speed limit is controlled by the detected proximity of construction workers wearing RFID-embedded clothing, for example, such as safety vests or helmets. The speed limit sign includes logic to display one of many possible speed limit displays based on the nearest, and/or the number of RFID signals detected in a given area.

Abstract: A system and method for activating vehicle sensors which are based on inductive loops. A transformer is used to couple the vehicle frame to activation circuitry. Within the activation circuitry, a voltage controlled oscillator which drives the transformer is scanned throughout the required frequency range while a balanced mixer, low-pass filter, and detector are arranged to show the presence of a signal from an inductive loop by the amplitude of the resultant signal at a difference frequency. The voltage controlled oscillator is then made to dwell at or near the frequency of the sensor loop by adjusting so as to keep the amplitude of that low-frequency difference as high as possible.

Abstract: A traffic control system comprises at least one signal unit, at least one detector, control means for controlling the timings of signals displayed by the at least one signal unit in dependence upon output from the at least one detector, and means for determining the position of the or each detector.

Abstract: A system for displaying safety information—particularly for pedestrian crosswalks and vehicle brake lights—that permits an operator located at a hub to upload and transmit at least one image to select traffic signals or brake light display screen connected within the network. The at least one image depicts a display of regional, local or even neighborhood significance. The operator, or user, can pinpoint which traffic signals will ultimately display these images. The images are locally significant, informative and whimsical.

Abstract: A visual warning assembly for disposal at an intersection of a plurality of roadways is disclosed herein. The visual warning assembly includes a housing with first and second openings facing first and second directions. The first and second directions are transverse to one another. The visual warning assembly also includes a first light assembly positioned in the first opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a second light assembly positioned in the second opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a signal receiver physically supported by the housings or one or both of the first and second light assemblies. The signal receiver or sensor is operable to receive and communicate a signal emitted by a signal emitter associated with an emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A system, program product and method for automatically adjusting the traffic light of a traffic light controlled intersection. Personal data relative to a pedestrian cross walking the intersection, including walking speed, and the current speed of a vehicle approaching the intersection are simultaneously acquired. Both the personal data and the vehicle current speed are processed to generate cross walk control signals, such as indicators of risk of collision between vehicle and pedestrian. Where the risk warrants action, the “stop” condition of the traffic light is enable to warn the vehicle to stop. Traffic control signals are also generated to control the duration of the “walk” condition for slow moving pedestrians.

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

Abstract: A virtual road loop detector has a traffic control system that sends out a signal identifying location and intersection. The traffic control system, used for efficiently switching a traffic control switch, includes an intersection control module that communicates with a vehicle control module in order to determine if the traffic switch changes. The intersection control module is designed to send information regarding the intersection, which provides a virtual loop detector that assists in identify incoming vehicles and relevant switch requests from those vehicles. The virtual loop detector is a theoretical loop and defined by a pre-determined dimension from the intersection. The vehicle control module is provided to identify location and analyze information received from the intersection control system, such as proximity to or within the virtual loop detector.

Abstract: An HOV enforcement system comprises roadside imaging units connected over a network to a central processing center. The roadside imaging units include Ethernet cameras with integrated vehicle detectors, night-time lighting, and image servers. The central processing center includes a central server with license plate reading and vehicle matching software, storage and databases, and review staff to issue bills and citations.

Abstract: Traffic induction loop simulator (LOOPSIM) software, and a system and method designed for traffic research and education. The system is able to generate output signals in response to previously recorded real traffic events or simulated traffic. If directly connected to a controller cabinet or a traffic event data collection system, LOOPSIM can be used to simulate output signals from loop detectors and to test algorithms executable in the controller, or to test the performance of a traffic data collection/monitoring system. LOOPSIM can simulate different predefined patterns of traffic distributions and replay loop event data recorded by a detector event data collection (DEDAC) system or an advanced loop event data analyzer (ALEDA) at a pace responsive to controller feedback. Using LOOPSIM, many traffic system tests can be conducted for multi-purpose traffic control applications, and traffic arrival patterns can be generated for researchers and educators to test theoretical models.

Abstract: The present lighting system adds detection capabilities to perceive the presence and measure the velocity of objects such as automobiles, trucks, pedestrian and other users, to lighting modules for transportation applications like traffic signal, pedestrian control, rails signal, street light, message board and speed monitoring board. For example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has the capability to be used as lighting source for illumination as a first function and also be pulsed or modulated as a source for the detection sub-system as a second function.

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

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

Abstract: Provided are a method for running a network for vehicle detection and a system thereof. Each vehicle detecting device is classified into a plurality of groups based on information provided from the vehicle detecting devices and control information that activates or deactivates components of the corresponding vehicle detecting devices is set for each group based on the information. Power of a signal transmitting the information is set for each vehicle detecting device.

Abstract: At least one waveform characteristic of a vehicular sensor waveform is reported in a wireless vehicular sensor network. The vehicular sensor waveform results a vehicle's presence near a wireless vehicular sensor node. The waveform characteristic may be rising edge, falling edge, waveform duration and/or waveform midpoint of vehicular sensor waveform. Report transmission uses at least one wireless physical transport. Transmitting the report may initiate a response across the wireless physical transport, preferably from an access point, an acknowledgement of receiving the report. The transmitted report may be received by an access point in the wireless vehicular sensor network. The wireless vehicular sensor network may create any of a vehicular traffic report, a vehicular parking report, and/or a vehicular speeding report, based upon the received vehicular sensor waveform report.

Abstract: A system and method for transceiving vehicle data is provided. The system and method provide for transceiving situation data to or from a vehicle. The system includes a situation data generator for generating the situation data and a transceiver for transmitting the situation data. The system also includes a database for storing the transmitted situation data and a display for displaying the transmitted situation data. Further, a system for storing situation and/or vehicle identification data for real time or later analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traffic signal including a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, and a door operably attached to the housing. The door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the housing. The traffic signal also includes a sensor attached to one of the door and the housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The system and method for traffic surveillance, control, and traffic related information display uses display units each having display element sensors and cameras where the operation is controlled by a processor. Anticipatory sensor systems continuously measure speed and deceleration of approaching vehicles, sends signals to the processor which in turn analyzes the incoming signals. A rapid sequence camera continuously records audio-video images. When the rate of deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, which may be indicative of an imminent accident, the processor activates a store regime of the audio visual images on-site or transmitted to an off-site location for further actions. The information on the traffic flow condition which may affect the vehicle travel is displayed on the display unit. The system provides for the detection of pedestrians about to cross an intersection and controls the traffic light pattern accordingly.

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

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the flow of traffic at a roadway intersection having one or more traffic signals by positioning a processor in the vicinity of the intersection to store cycle times of the traffic flow directions, mounting an RFID reader in the vicinity of each traffic signal in communication with the processor, interrogating with the RFID reader an RFID tag on each RFID-tagged vehicle at the roadway intersection to count the number of RFID-tagged vehicles present in each traffic flow direction at the roadway intersection, calculating an unused time slice of the cycle time for a first traffic flow direction at the intersection; reducing the cycle time for the first traffic flow direction in accordance with the unused time slice; and, increasing the cycle time for a second traffic flow direction at the intersection in accordance with the unused time slice.

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

Abstract: An arrangement for requesting preemption from a vehicle is used in a traffic control system. The arrangement for requesting preemption includes a protocol circuit, a signal control generation circuit, and an optical source. The protocol circuit is adapted to provide a plurality of communication protocols, wherein a plurality of the communication protocols communicate encoded data. The signal control generation circuit is adapted to generate an output signal in accordance with at least one of the plurality of communication protocols. The optical source is adapted to transmit light pulses from the vehicle, wherein the light pulses are generated from the output signal and include the encoded data for said at least one of the plurality of communication protocols.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the flow of traffic at a roadway intersection having one or more traffic signals by positioning a processor in the vicinity of the intersection to store cycle times of the traffic flow directions, mounting an RFID reader in the vicinity of each traffic signal in communication with the processor, mounting a plurality of RFID tags in the vicinity of a license plate so as to be within the communication range of an RFID reader at the intersection and so that the RFID readers interrogate the RFID tags of the vehicles, calculating an unused time slice of the cycle time for at least one of the traffic flow directions at the intersection; and, reducing the cycle time for the traffic flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traffic light control system for a high flow intersection comprising a CCU (Central Control Unit) and a plurality of surveillance cameras for monitoring the traffic condition in the intersection and on the lanes going out of the intersection, wherein the surveillance cameras capture traffic flow images in the intersection and on the outgoing lanes, which are converted by an interface circuit and sent to the CCU for processing, wherein the CCU determines whether an outgoing lane is in congestion according to the processed images, switches and keeps on red lights for corresponding directions when the outgoing lane is determined to be in congestion, and resumes the former lighting mode after the congestion is dissipated.

Abstract: Methods and systems use a programmable sign display located in proximity to a traffic light to provide information to motorists upon the motorists directing their attention toward the traffic light. The programmable sign display may receive programming for content to be displayed in various ways, such as through an interface to a telephone network accessible by a cell phone that sends programming information to the sign. The programmable sign may be used to inform motorists of a radio frequency upon which relevant information such as advertising or traffic reports is being broadcast. The programmable sign may be used to provide textual or graphical information, such as an instruction to motorists that relates to avoiding an approaching emergency vehicle. Additionally, management of the sign is provided to coordinate programming and control of the content being displayed.

Abstract: Aggregated navigation system data can be used by an artifact repository to infer the presence of a static traffic artifact. Static traffic artifact can include traffic lights, traffic signs, special traffic zones, railroad crossings, and the like. Metric data collected from multiple global positioning systems (GPS) devices can provide sampling data for inferring a static traffic artifact on a road. Metrics can include driving behavior, travel direction, velocity, timestamps, delay, and the like. For example, if thirty percent of the data collected about an intersection indicates drivers come to a stop at an intersection, the system can infer a traffic light exists at the intersection. Each traffic artifact can have an associated confidence factor which can indicate the degree of accuracy of the inferred artifact. Confidence factor can be increased or decreased based on the re-evaluation of sample data for the artifact.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and delivering to users combined personalized traffic and weather report and alerts including forecast traffic and weather conditions. A user defines a travel route of interest and alert conditions. Based on current weather information, weather forecast information, current traffic information, and forecast traffic conditions a combined traffic and weather report for the user specified route is generated and delivered to the user via the internet and/or a wireless communications channel. The combined report may include a graphic display on a map background showing traffic conditions with a graphic representation of weather conditions overlaid thereon along with a tabular representation of traffic and weather conditions including forecast traffic and weather conditions for a plurality of future time periods. Alerts are generated and delivered when the traffic and weather alert conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A method for displaying dynamically determined priority lanes for customers returning vehicles to a vehicle rental company. The method includes identifying a vehicle being returned by a customer to a vehicle rental company by an identification device and dynamically determining directions for the customer based on at least one of vehicle and customer specific parameters. The dynamically determined priority lanes are displayed to the customer in real time using a sign board, a display panel, etc.