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 priority control unit is provided for use with light-based and GPS-based traffic control priority systems. The priority control unit includes a light emitter subsystem that is configured to emit pulses of light. The pulses of light encode a priority request for activating preemption of a traffic signal by a light-based traffic control priority system. The priority control unit also includes a GPS-based subsystem that is configured to transmit a priority request by radio waves. The priority request from the GPS-based subsystem is for activating preemption of a traffic signal by a GPS-based traffic control priority system. A switch is coupled to the light emitter subsystem and to the GPS-based subsystem. The switch simultaneously activates both the light emitter subsystem and the GPS-based subsystem for transmitting priority requests in response to user control. In another embodiment, the priority control unit further includes a broadcast based subsystem for transmitting priority requests.

Abstract: A system and method for traffic information delivery may be implemented as a static network device for sharing information with network nodes. The system includes a processor in communication with a transceiver and memory, the memory containing code that when executed by the processor effects the method steps for determining an occurrence of a traffic incident within a defined distance from the device, establishing communication with a network node, receiving a device identifier over a public network from the network node, the device identifier based on a user-configurable parameter and a non-user-configurable parameter of the network node, establishing in response to the device identifier matching an authorized device identifier corresponding to a known network node, a secure private network with the network node, and sending information about the traffic incident to the network node via the secure private network.

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 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 roadside equipment (RSE) system that can be used for controlling traffic signals and other equipment and corresponding method. A method includes wirelessly receiving vehicle data from an onboard equipment (OBE) system connected to a vehicle, the vehicle data including location data, time data, and vehicle identification data related to the vehicle. The method includes determining motion data for the vehicle and determining the current state of at least one traffic device. The method includes determining a roadway lane corresponding to the vehicle, based on the motion data and the current state of the at least one traffic device, and storing the vehicle and associated roadway lane.

Abstract: A traffic control system and device is provided. The traffic control system of the instant invention permits two-way communication between a plurality of traffic signal devices and/or other devices or locations. Each traffic signal device locally controls the state of the traffic signals, while communication between the traffic signal devices is used to synchronize the internal timers or clocks of the plurality of traffic control devices.

Abstract: Managing traffic signal preemption at a plurality of intersections. In one approach a security level code that specifies one of a plurality of security levels for at least one jurisdiction is input. The security level controls which emitter codes are allowed to preempt traffic signals at the intersections in the jurisdiction. A set of emitter codes for the plurality of intersections in the jurisdiction is determined in response to the security level code. The set of emitter codes is downloaded to a plurality of preemption controllers at the plurality of intersections in the jurisdiction. Each preemption controller accepts a preemption request only if the preemption request contains an emitter code indicated by the downloaded set of emitter codes as being allowed to preempt traffic signals at the intersections in the jurisdiction.

Abstract: Various approaches for a traffic control preemption system that includes a receiver, a light emitter, and control circuitry. The receiver includes a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse, and a threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. The control circuitry is coupled to the light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and a frequency of light pulses in each burst and a frequency of the bursts cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. The traffic control preemption system has a receiver with a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse. A threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. Control circuitry is coupled to a light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and the control circuitry controls the frequency of light pulses in each burst and the frequency of the bursts to cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

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 control system and device is provided. The traffic control system of the instant invention permits two-way communication between a plurality of traffic signal devices. Each traffic signal device locally controls the state of the traffic signals, while communication between the traffic signal devices is used to synchronize the internal timers or clocks of the plurality of traffic control devices.

Abstract: A method called as a time-differential-ratio method and its apparatus used for intersection traffic control that differentially operates on the traffic so as to change pass-permit direction with traffic status in time is disclosed. The method includes the steps of starting, timing, vehicle-requesting, extra-moving, ratio-moving, and recycling. Unlike a common control method called as macro-estimate control method that forces changeable traffic to follow a given period and direction turn order to pass, which causes lots of stops and wait, a differential operations on the traffic are integrated with a common ratio control method and walker signals. It shows the operating features and the effective characteristic of both micro-time control and macro ratio control, which lets a vehicle arriving first pass first conditionally, is good for real-time arbitrary traffic pattern control, and leads to great reduction of stops and wait.

Abstract: A remotely-activated vehicle priority system includes a control center, a vehicle-priority communication device, at least one receiver, and a phase selector. The control center transmits an activation message. The vehicle-priority communication device is mounted to a vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the control center. In response to the activation message, the vehicle-priority communication device transmits a priority preemption request. Transmission of the priority preemption request in response to the activation message prevents improper activation, either intentional or unintentional, of the vehicle priority system by an operator of the vehicle. The receiver is situated at a traffic signal and receives the priority preemption request. The phase selector issues, responsive to the priority preemption request, a command to a controller of the traffic signal. The command selects a phase for the traffic signal.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled traffic-preemption system and method includes an encoder circuit, an optical source, an optical detector, and a decoder circuit. The encoder circuit is adapted to generate a set of signal pulses. At least one bit of a data word is encoded as a function of amplitude modulation of a first subset of the set of signal pulses and at least another bit of the data word is encoded as a function of frequency modulation of a second subset of the set of signal pulses. The optical source is adapted to transmit a set of light pulses having a respective light pulse for each signal pulse of the set of signal pulses. The optical detector is adapted to receive the set of light pulses. The decoder circuit is adapted to generate the data word from the set of light pulses received at the optical detector.

Abstract: A secure optical-communication traffic-preemption system and method is provided that securely communicates an identification code from an optical emitter to a traffic location. The optical emitter transmits light pulses that represent an encrypted code that is an encryption using a time-varying encryption key of at least an identification code. An optical detector situated at a traffic location receives the transmitted light pulses. Validation, including decryption using a time-varying decryption key, is attempted for the encrypted identification code represented within the received light pulses. In response to validating the included identification code, a traffic-preemption command is generated for a traffic light at the traffic location.

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: The present invention provides an LED signal light device comprising a central processing unit, a control panel, an LED signal light, an output and input interface, a battery and an adapter. The central processing unit comprises a microprocessor, a memory and an interface circuit for controlling the operation of the whole device, and outputting a signal and receiving a command through the output and input interface. The control panel is a printed circuit board recorded a circuit therein. The LED signal light consists of plural LEDs, which are three coloring LEDs or color changing LEDs. The LEDs actively show a light display in a closed circuit and show various colors accompanying with various arrangements into abstract symbols for indicating various traffic situations. The device can be connected to an AC power supply of 110 V or 220 V, and the AC power is converted to DC power by an adapter, which also stabilizes the current provided to the whole device.

Abstract: A traffic control system is described. The traffic control system comprises a primary controller. The primary controller receives information about traffic in an area. The traffic control system further includes a plurality of subsidiary controllers providing information to and receiving information from the primary controller. Each of the plurality of subsidiary controllers is associated with a cell within the area. Each of the subsidiary controllers receives and provides information to at least one vehicle concerning traffic conditions within its associated cell. The primary controller and each of the subsidiary controllers are capable of negotiating a change in the flow of traffic based upon traffic conditions. The at least one vehicle is granted a permission based upon its role.

Abstract: A traffic control system is described. The traffic control system comprises a primary controller. The primary controller receives information about traffic in an area. The traffic control system further includes a plurality of subsidiary controllers providing information to and receiving information from the primary controller. Each of the plurality of subsidiary controllers is associated with a cell within the area. Each of the subsidiary controllers receives and provides information to at least one vehicle concerning traffic conditions within its associated cell. The primary controller and each of the subsidiary controllers are capable of negotiating a change in the flow of traffic based upon traffic conditions. The at least one vehicle is granted a permission based upon its role.

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 traffic light control system which includes two-way communications between a moving emergency vehicle approaching a busy intersection with one or more traffic lights, arranged so that the traffic light control apparatus has stored therein preset patterns of response that temporarily preempt the usual operation of the traffic light and instead provides the most effective method of routing the vehicle through the intersection while redirecting general traffic. As part of the invention, the traffic light control mechanism returns acknowledgement of receipt of instructions to the emergency vehicle. The stored preset traffic patterns may in one embodiment be responsive to human intervention from a dispatching center or to time-of-day conditions. The stored traffic patterns in still another embodiment may be arranged to include a plurality of coordinated intersections.

Abstract: A traffic light control system which includes two-way communications between a moving emergency vehicle approaching a busy intersection with one or more traffic lights, arranged so that the traffic light control apparatus has stored therein preset patterns of response that temporarily preempt the usual operation of the traffic light and instead provides the most effective method of routing the vehicle through the intersection while redirecting general traffic. As part of the invention, the traffic light control mechanism returns acknowledgement of receipt of instructions to the emergency vehicle. The stored preset traffic patterns may in one embodiment be responsive to human intervention from a dispatching center or to time-of-day conditions. The stored traffic patterns in still another embodiment may be arranged to include a plurality of coordinated intersections.

Abstract: A method of establishing communication between a first device (e.g. 12) in a first one (e.g. 22) of a plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48) with a second device (e.g. 28) which is a selected one of a plurality of devices (e.g. 24, 26, and 28) and a second one (e.g. 32) of the plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48). The method is utilizable in a communications system having a plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48) and a plurality of devices (e.g. 24, 26 and 28) within at least one (e.g. 32) of the plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48), where communication between the plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48) is by a randomly addressable switching system (20), where each of the plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48) has a unique address within the randomly addressable switching system (20), where each of the plurality of devices (e.g. 24, 26 and 28) within each of the plurality of groups (22, 32, 42 and 48) has a unique identification code within the dedicated line (18, 30, 40 and 46).