Abstract: A method detects false positives of an image-processing device of a camera located on-board a vehicle and that delivers data for modelling a marking line. The method includes: determining a first distance from the vehicle to the marking line at a first instant in time, determining a second distance from the vehicle to the marking line at a second instant, computing an initial discontinuity, in which an initial discontinuity equal to the absolute value of the difference between the first distance and the second distance is computed, and detecting a false initial-discontinuity positive, in which the initial discontinuity is compared to a predefined initial low threshold.

Abstract: An alert system and method comprising at least one alert beacon having one or more sensors (e.g., LiDAR sensor). The alert beacon further including a processor operable to poll the LiDAR sensor for a predefined number of beta readings in response to receiving an initial reading from the LiDAR sensor indicating a vehicle is within a predefined distance away from the alert beacon. The processor further being operable to calculate an average distance and an average velocity for the vehicle in response to receiving the predefined number of beta readings when the vehicle is within the predefined distance from the alert beacon. The processor also being operable to activate an audible alert and a visual alert when the average distance is below a distance threshold and the average velocity exceeds a velocity threshold in response to calculating the average distance and the average velocity.

Abstract: Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.

Abstract: A drive assist device and method capable of preventing the confusion of a driver at a traffic signal with an arrow lamp are provided. An ECU has a section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal, which determines whether or not a vehicle can pass a signal, and a signal waiting time notification control section, which determines a signal waiting time of the vehicle and displays it on a display unit when the section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal determines that the vehicle cannot pass a signal. The section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal determines not only a lighting time of only a red signal but also a lighting time of a red signal and an arrow lamp and a lighting time of a yellow signal subsequent thereto are determined as a no-pass time.

Abstract: A traffic control system for converting an intersection into a roundabout during periods of heavy traffic includes a mechanism for monitoring traffic flow through the intersection and about the roundabout. The system also includes a concave opening in and around the intersection and a concrete disc disposed in the cavity, a hydraulic lift is constructed and arranged to elevate the concrete disc above the level of the road and lights provided to alert motor vehicles to enter a roundabout defined by the elevated disc. The system also includes traffic lights for alerting a motor vehicle operator to drive onto the disc or around the disc to use the intersection and/or roundabout.

Abstract: A road shape recognition device includes: distance and height detecting means for detecting distance data having a distance and height in real space regarding a road surface where a vehicle is traveling at multiple mutually different points; approximation line calculating means for dividing the plurality of distance data into near and far groups as viewed from the vehicle to calculate an approximation line of the distance data for each group each time the distance data of the boundary portion between the two groups is transferred from one of the groups to the other; statistics calculating means for calculating statistics from the corresponding approximation line for each group where the distance data is transferred; and road shape model generating means for selecting one out of combinations of the approximation lines to generate a road shape model using the selected combination.

Abstract: In an intersection information provision system, multiple cameras are installed oriented towards the direction where each road extends from the intersection. Each camera captures as an image or video the state ranging from the intersection to each road. Therefore, the area of the captured image by each camera is narrowed down. When this captured image is displayed in a display unit of a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle can perform safety check easily. Furthermore, according to the traveling direction of the vehicle at the intersection, a display pattern of several captured images to be displayed is determined. According to the determined display pattern, multiple captured images are displayed in order. Therefore, image information required to pass through the intersection safely can be offered without shortage to the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inters-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.

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 smart traffic control device transmits information to approaching vehicles regarding its current and future state enabling vehicles to control their speed to avoid arriving at the traffic control device until it permits the passage of traffic, thus avoiding stopping, idling and reaccelerating when reaching the traffic control device. In other embodiments the traffic control device or systems receives information from vehicles, transmitting it to other vehicles.

Abstract: A driver of a vehicle that is going to enter a loop intersection is allowed to perceive vehicles traveling on a loop road and vehicles that are going to enter the loop intersection from separate roads. Infrared ray sensors for detecting vehicles in the loop intersection, and infrared ray sensors for detecting vehicles that are going to enter the loop intersection from the roads. Billboards equipped with display units at places that can be seen from the roads to display the vehicles that are detected by the infrared ray sensors. Transmitters transmit, to a unit mounted on the vehicle, information related to the detected vehicles, so that the vehicles are displayed on a display unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: The temperature of an operator circuit is measured. A relationship between the temperature of the operator circuit and characteristics of the operator circuit is determined. The relationship is applied to the measured temperature of the operator circuit to create an adjustment action. The detection threshold is adjusted by the adjustment action.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle intersection preemption beacon/heading system and method that relies on the use of highly localized, low-power communication system. The system can be implemented in a “car-active” mode or a “car-passive” mode. In the “car-active” mode, the system includes a low-power transmitter providing a beacon channel for all emergency vehicles that allow them to separately communicate with each intersection for a very short period of time and within very close proximity. The localized low-power transmitter continuously transmits the emergency vehicle ID and heading every second. When within range, receivers at each intersection are able to lock the signal and begin receiving ID and heading data. In the “car-passive” system, each intersection will have a low-power, highly localized transmitter. In this embodiment, the intersection constantly sends out pulses of data.

Abstract: A vehicle detector system having a number of individual vehicle detectors each capable of sampling a plurality of vehicle loops in mutual synchronization. One detector operates as a master detector for synchronization purposes; the other detectors are operated as slave detectors. The system can be configured for series or parallel synchronous operation. The system is particularly advantageous in installations requiring a large number of closely spaced vehicle loops each operated by a detector set to high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to complement the existing transportation infrastructure in order to alleviate ever-worsening traffic congestion in problematic areas by minimizing the impact of driver “bunching” habits and/or external events that lead to congestion problems. Events alleviated by the present invention may happen at naturally occurring roadway infrastructures such as merges, lane shifts, and exits, and under conditions like rush hour, accidents, stand-stills, and HOV lane activation times. Further, vehicles allowing their speed and spacing to be controlled should have access to high-flow lanes. This invention will best and most safely be implemented at low speeds when congestion is most problematic and bunching habits prevent the dissipation of gridlock. In particular embodiments, the invention will regulate multiple vehicle accelerations (non-negative acceleration) once a low threshold speed has been reached through the transmission of signals to receivers in properly equipped vehicles.

Abstract: In the case where variations in ground objects in one and the same area are detected between a line drawing map describing profile lines of the ground objects or a reference line drawing/image obtained by picking up the ground objects from above, and a target image obtained by picking up the ground objects in the same area from above later on, a variation detecting apparatus collates the reference line drawing/image with the target image so as to obtain variation indexes indicating whether there are variations or not in the ground objects respectively, and displays ground objects which can be judged to have variations or ground objects which cannot be judged as to whether there are variations or not on the basis of the variation indexes, in a display mode in which an area of the reference line drawing/image including the ground objects and an area of the target image including the ground objects can be compared with each other.

Abstract: A method and system for providing travel guidance for transportation vehicles traveling on a highway system that comprises highway transceivers (HTs) with limited range placed at selected intervals along the highway. Each transportation vehicle has an automobile transceiver (AT) for receiving and transmitting information using a communication protocol. The HTs have a limited transmission range. The AT may be programmed to selectively present information received from the HTs to a passenger in an automobile. The ATs may also receive information from other transportation vehicles equipped with an AT. The HTs may receive information from all of the transceivers or other transmitters, for example, a GPS satellite transmitter. The HTs may also transmit information to traffic signal units about numbers of vehicles in its transmission pattern.

Abstract: In traffic signal control for setting a green light time to a value between the lower limit time and the upper limit time in real time depending on a traffic volume sensed by vehicle sensors Sa, Sb, and so forth, the upper limit time Gmax is set longer with an increase of a traffic volume on an access road corresponding to a phase in question (Steps T8 and T9). This arrangement is effective for use at an intersection where a traffic volume in one direction is far heavier than in any other direction, and thereby makes it possible to forestall the occurrence of traffic jam (FIG. 6).

Abstract: A method for determining a vehicle trip on a roadway includes providing a plurality of vehicle detections from a plurality of gateways, determining a maximum travel time between corresponding pairs of the plurality of gateways, correlating corresponding pairs of the plurality of vehicle detections by determining that a travel time between each of the gateways of each of the corresponding pairs of detections is less than a corresponding maximum travel time, determining a plurality of chainable detections, and determining the boundaries of the trip.

Abstract: A reusable mechanical fastening means for a vehicle monitoring system facilitates maintenance and repair of the system. A plurality of carrier sections are connected together by clips. The clips have release tabs to move prongs against a spring force, thereby making the clips manually detachable. Vehicle sensing probes have interference ridges which mate with probe openings in the carrier sections. The carrier sections have open bottoms, and the worker can overcome the locking force of the interference ridge by turning the carrier section over and pressing on the probe through the open bottom. The clips can be attached on multiple planes relative to the carrier sections, minimizing torsional play within the extended support train. The clips and carrier sections are also easily manufacturable.

Abstract: A lane recognition apparatus for recognizing lane markers on a road surface based on a pair of stereo images of a scene in front of an own vehicle obtained from a stereoscopic camera, includes a stereo image processing means for calculating distance information of an image based on the pair of the images, a lane detecting means for detecting a lane marker of a lane in the image based on brightness information of the image and distance information calculated by the stereo image processing means and a lane position recognition means for recognizing a position of the lane marker in real space based on a position of the lane marker detected by the lane detecting means and distance information calculated by the stereo image processing means.

Abstract: Loop sensing apparatus for detecting vehicles traveling along a lane of a roadway comprises an outer loop producing a region of magnetic field with the same polarity and an inner loop sized to fit within this region of constant polarity. The inner loop provides two regions of opposite polarity, so that field produced by the outer loop has a null effect on the inner loop. Detection circuitry energizes both the outer and inner loops individually for separate detection of vehicles passing over the loops.

Abstract: An inductive loop sensor for detecting vehicles travelling along a lane of a roadway comprises a figure-of-eight conducting loop. The loop is arranged with its three segments transversely across the roadway to detect the wheels of vehicles travelling along the roadway. The length of the loop in the direction of travel along the roadway is less than 60 cms. Traffic monitoring apparatus energises the loops and detects the passage of vehicle wheels over the loops to provide for the classification of vehicles by axle count.

Abstract: An inductive loop sensor for detecting vehicles travelling along a lane of a roadway comprises a figure-of-eight conducting loop. The loop is arranged with its three segments transversely across the roadway to detect the wheels of vehicles travelling along the roadway. The length of the loop in the direction of travel along the roadway is less than 60 cms. Traffic monitoring apparatus energises the loops and detects the passage of vehicle wheels over the loops to provide for the classification of vehicles by axle count.

Abstract: The method and the means concern a system for control of motorway traffic, with focus on access control. The network characteristics of the traffic, according to the invention, is treated by traffic control functions based on the traffic as well as the access itself, as at the closest section upstream the access, and at connected parts of the road network. The invention goal is safer traffic and an effective utilization of the motorway. The system is creating possibilities for a dynamic traffic management with control of traffic flows. A smoother and better controlled weaving process is effected by preparatory actions and the functions create more margins, as well in space as in time, for the performance of the usually complicated and dangerous driving procedures on the motorway. Modern information technology is used as a means for carrying out the invented solutions.

Abstract: An illuminatable traffic sign including a traffic sign secured to a support post. The traffic sign has indicia disposed thereon. The traffic sign has an outer periphery. A plurality of lights are positioned on the traffic sign along the outer periphery and outlining the indicia thereof.

Abstract: Vehicles are prevented from colliding with each other at an intersection provided with no traffic light or having an obstructed view. A road-side apparatus is provided in the intersection and a on-board apparatus is provided on a vehicle. The on-board apparatus communicable with the road-side apparatus via a wireless packet communication. An empty wireless packet is periodically transmitted from the road-side apparatus in each of directions corresponding to roads extending from the intersection. The on-board apparatus returns a returning wireless packet to the road-side apparatus by providing a vehicle ID code to the empty wireless packet. A wireless packet including the vehicle ID code of one of the vehicle is transmitted to each of the directions corresponding to the roads when the one of the vehicle is determined to be provided with permission for entering the intersection.

Abstract: An intersection information supply apparatus includes a table indicating relationships between approaching directions of a vehicle to an intersection and signal forms, an approaching direction detecting unit detecting an approaching direction in which the vehicle is approaching the intersection, a transmission unit transmitting a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit, a signal obtaining unit selectively obtaining, from among signals externally arriving at the vehicle, a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to an approaching direction relevant to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit and an information output unit outputting information about presence of another vehicle when the signal obtaining unit obtains the signal.

Abstract: A motion detecting traffic light system is provided for use at a blind corner adjacent to which a first roadway and a second roadway intersect. Included is a motion sensor positioned on the first roadway and adapted to transmit an activation signal upon the detection of motion of a vehicle on the first roadway. Also provided is an indicator assembly positioned on the second roadway and adapted to provide an indication to a vehicle on the second roadway upon the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: In a method for automatically monitoring traffic, traffic data are recorded at several measuring points of the traffic network. The time-dependent positions of the upstream back-up flank and of the downstream back-up flank are estimated continuously according to characteristic relationships which take into account the flow and the density of the traffic in the back-up, the point in time at which the upstream back-up flank passes a respective first measuring point, the point in time at which the downstream back-up flank passes this measuring point as well as the flow and the average vehicle speed at this first as well as at a second measuring point which is situated upstream of the upstream back-up flank.

Abstract: A method of controlling traffic signals on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic signals, red and green, wherein both phases are equal in duration and the amber interval is a part of the green interval. The coordinated two-dimensional progression traffic signal system requires simultaneous changes of the signal cycle at three levels of the designated grid plan. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined by the time required to traverse two contiguous lengths of the optimum grid rectangle. A band length is determinable from the calculation of the duration of the phases and corresponds to the integral number of roadway intersections to be crossed by a vehicle. Between bands, adjacent band widths are in the reciprocal phase from one another. Between avenues, parallel band widths on adjacent avenues and streets are also in reciprocal phases from one another, and between interphases.

Abstract: A method of sensing traffic and detecting traffic situations on roads (AS), preferably freeways. With measuring points (measuring cross sections MQ1, MQ2, . . . ) set up for the purpose for vehicle detection using traffic sensors (VS) and with a traffic data processing arrangement (VDVE) for traffic control, at regular intervals traffic data (VD), such as vehicle speed (v), traffic intensity (Q) and traffic density (K), are determined and traffic parameters determined therefrom are formed in a traffic data processing system (VDA). Two adjacent measuring points. (MQi, MQ(i+1) form a measuring section (MA) of a given length (l).

Abstract: An indicating apparatus for preventing vehicles from colliding with each other as they pass an intersection of roads includes a vehicle sensing device placed on one of the roads a predetermined distance from the intersection for sensing a vehicle approaching the intersection, an alarm indicating device placed at the predetermined point on the other road, and a control device for causing the alarm indicating device to indicate alarm when the vehicle sensing device detects a vehicle approaching the intersection.