Abstract: A traveling support device includes: a road-vehicle communication portion that receives first current-signal information relating to a signal displayed by a traffic signal at a first clock time, from a road side transmitter installed on a road; an inter-vehicle communication portion that receives second current-signal information relating to a signal displayed by the traffic signal at a second clock time, from another vehicle that receives the second current-signal information from the road side transmitter; and a signal cycle estimating portion that estimates signal cycle information relating to transition of the signal on the traffic signal on the basis of the first current-signal information received by the road-vehicle communication portion and the second current-signal information received by the inter-vehicle communication portion.

Abstract: A traffic signal control method comprises confirming the shortest green light interval; confirming the conflict area of the different traffic flow and the key conflict point position according to the engineering design for road canalization; confirming the longest clear distance si(m) of the traffic tail unit of green light i and the shortest entry distance sj(m) of the traffic head unit of green light j in conflict with green light i; calculating the longest clear time Max{ti} of the traffic tail unit of green light i and the shortest entry time Min{tj} of the traffic head unit of green light j; calculating the shortest green light interval Iij=A+Max{ti}?Min{tj}; confirming the control scheme for the crossing according to the shortest green light interval and sending the control instruction to the traffic signal display device for displaying in real time according to the control scheme. A traffic signal control system and special equipment are also provided.

Abstract: An on-board unit (OBU) with a driving-assistance function to be installed on a vehicle includes at least one wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The processing unit receives information of at least one first traffic signal and at least one second traffic signal respectively from their RSUs through the at least one wireless communication unit. The first traffic signal is installed at a first intersection, the at least one second traffic signal is installed at a second intersection, and the vehicle is closer to the first intersection than to the second intersection. The processing unit generates a suggested speed range, within which the vehicle may travel to allow the same to pass through the first intersection and the second intersection without stopping, according to the information of at least one first traffic signal and the at least one second traffic and vehicle position information of the vehicle.

Abstract: A variable speed limit sign including a controller and a display operatively coupled to the controller is provided. A traffic control system including a variable speed limit sign and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A system of signal emitting modules is disclosed. The modules emit light or other signals to warn oncoming traffic that a road or other pathway has changed or is traversing a tortuous pathway. The modules are interconnected in a sequence so that they flash on and off in a pattern that leads the driver or observer along a path with less confusion than with randomly flashing or steady lights or reflectors. The modules are self-powered and can be arrayed first and programmed following deployment. The programming can be done with “mesh” technology, an external controller, or by dialing a specific number in each of a plurality of distributed controllers. The modules can improve highway safety by reducing driver confusion. The modules are arrayed to prevent a driver from seeing them from an oncoming direction. The driver coming from the opposite direction will have his or her own guiding system.

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: Disclosed are embodiments of a vehicle-to-vehicle traffic queue information communication system, a traffic queue information communication device, and method. The system and method embodiments incorporate the use of multiple vehicles. Each vehicle is equipped with a traffic queue information communication device. Each traffic queue information communication device can be used to determine if its corresponding vehicle has entered or exited a queue in a single lane of traffic. When the vehicle is in a queue, the device can communicate with the immediately adjacent vehicles in front and behind. Specifically, it can receive data from the preceding vehicle in the queue and use the received data to determine its position in the queue as well as the estimated time it will take to travel through the queue. Revised data can then be transmitted by the device to the next vehicle in the queue for making the same determinations.

Abstract: A traffic management system and method are provided that determine and present a target speed for a vehicle to travel from a first position to a second position when a signaling device at the second position is in a desired phase. The target average speed can be presented via a variety of output devices, such as a display and/or speaker. The output device could, for example, be stationary, at a fixed distance from the signaling device, such as a roadside display. The output device could be a mobile device, carried in a vehicle or by a user, e.g., a cell phone, GPS navigation system, or personal digital assistant. The system can include a signal timing processor that determines a target average speed of travel between the first and second positions, which can be based on, or calculated from, timing information of the signals and a distance between the two positions.

Abstract: A system and method for moving vehicular traffic in a single lane through a control zone requires creation of a control protocol. The protocol establishes a spacing distance “s” and a speed “v” for each vehicle in the control zone. A computer then controls movement of a visible signal through the control zone in accordance with the established protocol. Electronic regulators monitor the distance “s” between the signal and the vehicle, and the system alarms when “s” becomes greater than a predetermined distance “d”.

Abstract: A device for the detection of tailgating between vehicles on a roadway. The device may emit ultrasonic signals on to a roadway and receive said reflected signals. The device has a processor adapted to use the received signals to determine the presence or absence of a vehicle. The processor also determines whether a vehicle is tailgating another vehicle by detecting if the time spacing between two sequential vehicles traveling in the same direction in the same lane is two second or less. The processor alerts a remote receiver when tailgating is detected. The device may also include a camera to take pictures of any vehicle determined to be tailgating. The device is preferably compact and easily portable.

Abstract: A system and method for consumer control over card-based transactions and associated accounts. An interface is provided between a merchant or the merchant's bank and the bank or banks at which the consumer has accounts for card-based transactions. The interface acts as an intermediary which is accessible to the consumer so that the consumer may place a variety of controls on card-based transactions. For example, multiple transaction cards may be linked to a single credit account with each card having a different credit limit. As another example, each transaction card may be restricted to a particular merchant. As yet another example, a consumer may link several credit and/or debit accounts to a single transaction card; the consumer may pre-select criteria to be utilized for directing charges for a particular transaction to be applied the different accounts. The consumer may access the interface via a web site or a telephone for making changes and receiving account information.

Abstract: A novel vehicular traffic management system that requires no special equipment in any vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, the novel system may be used when approaching a lane closure or lane reduction. The system comprises sequencing signaling devices along the roadway and a central controller. The controller commands the signaling devices to flash (or signal) according to a calculated trajectory. Vehicles traveling along side the signaling devices can pace their speed with cues from the signaling devices. Through this pacing, the system can position the vehicles such that they can merge safely and efficiently. The system can be expanded to merge more than just two lanes. Further refinements to the system include external connections that may include GPS tracking and Internet down/uploading. A feasibility condition/determination can be used with the system to make the system even more robust and efficient.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system and method for warning a driver of upcoming curves in a road including. In general, a vehicle positioning module determines the vehicle's position in a global positioning system and a map matching module determines the vehicle's position on a map based on the position in the global positioning system. A look ahead module looks ahead on the map for a curve, determines a candidate list of probable driving paths through the curve, and from this candidate list determines the most likely path of the vehicle around the curve. A warning module then assesses the threat the upcoming curve poses to the vehicle.

Abstract: An invention regarding traffic management is disclosed. A system that tells motorist how fast to go in order to make it through a traffic signal while it is green serves one or more lanes in one or more directions. 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 but with start times of both sequencers offset from one another. The FLOW sequencer outputs data, particularly status of signal or “Signal Phase And Timing: SPAT” through wireless means to a mobile receiver/calculator/readout aboard the approaching vehicle. The receiver/calculator/readout also receives data of its location or whereabouts, particularly its distance to the intersection.

Abstract: An automatic vehicular traffic flow control technique defines a controlled area, wherein vehicles belonging to different traffic streams contend for occupancy of a conflict zone. A traversal order is computed for the vehicles in the controlled area, wherein the ordered vehicles are assigned to traverse the conflict zone sequentially in accordance with their respective positions in the traversal order. Tracking and tracked vehicles are designated, wherein a respective tracked vehicle immediately precedes each of the tracking vehicles in the traversal order. The tracking vehicles maintain a specified physical relationship with their respective tracked vehicles until the tracked vehicle has traversed the conflict zone. The speed of the traffic streams is increased as necessary so as to achieve a desired throughput through the conflict zone.

Abstract: An invention regarding traffic flow management “Fast Lane On Warning” (FLOW) is disclosed whereby individual vehicles are informed and told what speed to go in order to pass through a traffic signal while the light is green. A FLOW (“fast lane on warning”) director sequencer works in conjunction with a traffic signal sequencer (commonly known in the art), both of which have the same service cycle period Pi. The (RGY) type phases and FLOW readout phases are set for each unique particular intersection. While the traffic sequencer controls repeating RGY cycles, the flow director sequencer instructs, generates, transmits repeating cycles of changeable readouts on one or more roadside unit (RSU) emplacements positioned up the road from the traffic signal for one or more lanes in one or more directions.

Abstract: A parking control surveillance system is provided for monitoring vehicles within parking spaces for providing parking enforcement personnel information concerning authorized and unauthorized vehicles within the parking space. The parking control surveillance system includes a parking stop forming a curb or having dimensions substantially the same as traditional cement parking stops located at the rear of a parking space. The parking stop includes a video recorder for recording the identity or for obtaining images of vehicles entering or exiting the designated parking space. The parking stop further includes a transmitter for transmitting images and information such as the time of parking transgression to vehicle enforcement personnel. Preferably, the vehicle identity and time of parking are transmitted to a central office for billing the vehicle owner.

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 traffic entity, such as a passenger car, is warned that a situation requiring the change of driving mode will be required. The traffic entity is alerted to the presence of a second traffic entity, such as an emergency vehicle which requires the moving traffic entity to change its movement when it is proximate to the second traffic entity. The alert is changed, such as by increasing the intensity of visible signals, as the distance between the moving traffic entity and the second traffic entity decreases or the closing speed between the two entities increases, and the mode of the alert is changed, such as from visible to audible, as the distance between the entities further decreases or the closing speed further increases. A variety of traffic entities are accommodated by the system.

Abstract: A vehicle communication device mounted to each of vehicles for sending and receiving information among plural vehicles includes a traveling lane detecting device for detecting a vehicle traveling lane on a road surface and an appropriateness of relay determining device for determining an appropriateness of relay on the basis of the vehicle traveling lane detected by the traveling lane detecting device, wherein the vehicle communication device assigns a vehicle to be requested to relay the information on the basis of the result determined by the appropriateness of relay determining device and sends the information to the assigned vehicle.

Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.

Abstract: This method of detecting the presence of a disruptive object on a stretch of road comprises: a step (66) of enumerating the vehicles simultaneously present on the stretch of road on the basis of data gleaned by a first and a second vehicle detector placed respectively at an entrance and at an exit of this stretch, and a step (74) of instructing the activation of an image processing step, triggered automatically as a function of the enumeration.

Abstract: A system and method for moving vehicular traffic in a single lane through a control zone requires creation of a control protocol. The protocol establishes a spacing distance “s” and a speed “v” for each vehicle in the control zone. A computer then controls movement of a visible signal through the control zone in accordance with the established protocol. Electronic regulators monitor the distance “s” between the signal and the vehicle, and the system alarms when “s” becomes greater than a predetermined distance “d”.

Abstract: A process to interchange the “stop and go” driving behaviour of the traffic with a “stop and wait, then go later without stopping” driving behaviour, consisting on a partitioning of the congested route in segments through pre-installed stop and go signals marking the limit of segments to give a stop to the vehicles of the first part and later another stop to the vehicles of the second part of the divided congestion and so on, to permit the liberation of the front conflict part of the way, turning the first signal to go at the appropriate moment and then turning the second signal to go and so forth until the vehicles of every segment after waiting in standstill go without stopping re-stabilizing the normal traffic flow. The waiting time will be announced simultaneously to avoid the uncertainty of waiting time.

Abstract: A traffic light warning system and method for an automotive vehicle. The system receives a signal from a traffic light representative of the geographical area, state and operation of the traffic light. The system then determines at least one time period in which the traffic light indicates a stop command. The position of the vehicle during that time period is then predicted as a function of the current traveling parameters of the vehicle and a warning signal is generated to the vehicle occupant whenever the predicted position of the vehicle is within the geographic area of the traffic light during the time period.

Abstract: A traffic system that helps a driver to save gasoline by avoiding red light or by decelerating before a red light. It predicts the colors of a traffic light and informs about the future traffic light colors that will happen to a driver. 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 driver advisor in a vehicle displaying the positions of the vehicle, the traffic light, and the moving sections.

Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.

Abstract: An information providing device installed in a leader vehicle that leads a follower vehicle, for providing the follower vehicle with guidance prepared by the leader vehicle, the information providing device that includes a state detector configured to detect a state change in the leader vehicle to output a detecting signal and a guidance generator configured to receive the detecting signal from the state detector, the guidance generator configured to prepare, in response to the detecting signal, guidance to guide the follower vehicle, the guidance including a photographed image of a view ahead of the leader vehicle.

Abstract: The road-marking system is described for influencing a flow of traffic consisting of vehicles traveling over a roadway. The road-marking system comprises a plurality of road marking units. The road marking units are provided with at least one light source for emitting light in the direction of a driver of the vehicle In operation, the road-marking system generates a guidance light which seemingly moves along with the flow of traffic and is generated by suitably switching on and off the light source in the road marking units. According to the invention spectral characteristics of the light emitted by the guidance light is dependent on the angle under which the light is emitted, wherein the speed of the guidance light is independent of the flow of the traffic.

Abstract: A vehicle parking system assists the operator of a vehicle with parking the vehicle in an enclosure having a side wall and a rear wall. First and second light sources (e.g. lasers) are mounted on a front most region of the vehicle for directing first and second light beams forward of the vehicle and onto the rear wall. The first light beam makes an angle (preferably forty-five degrees) with the second light beam such that the distance between the first and second light beams on the rear wall is substantially equal to the distance between the front most region of the vehicle and the rear wall.

Abstract: A system for effecting merging of a first vehicle traveling in a first roadway with successive vehicles traveling in a second roadway, said system including: a sensor capable of detecting the movement of the successive vehicles in the second roadway; conversion means for determining from the detected movement when the distance between the successive vehicles permits merging; and a road-marking arrangement for producing a guidance light visible to at least the first vehicle and seemingly moving with the two successive vehicles, the light indicating when said merging is permitted. The dynamic road marking system enables higher traffic intensities on roadways and improved traffic safety.

Abstract: A dynamic road marking system for influencing a flow of traffic has a plurality of road marking units (3, 3?, 3?, . . . ) provided with a light source emitting light in the direction of a driver of a vehicle (6, 6?) traveling over a roadway (10). The road marking unit includes detection apparatus (2) for detecting the intensity of the flow of traffic, and conversion apparatus for converting the detected traffic intensity to a desired traffic intensity with a desired mutual distance between the vehicles (6, 6?) and/or a desired velocity of the vehicles (6, 6?). The road marking system generates a guidance light (1, 1?, . . . ) which seemingly moves along with the flow of traffic by suitably switching on and off the light source in the road marking units (3, 3?, 3?, . . . ). The flow of traffic moves along with the moving guidance light (1, 1?, . . . ). The speed of the guidance light (1, 1?, . . .

Abstract: A parking control surveillance system is provided for monitoring vehicles within parking spaces for providing parking enforcement personnel information concerning authorized and unauthorized vehicles within the parking space. The parking control surveillance system includes a parking stop having dimensions substantially the same as traditional cement parking stops located at the rear of a parking space. The parking stop includes a video recorder for obtaining images of vehicles entering or exiting the designated parking space. The parking stop further includes a transmitter for transmitting images and information such as the time of parking transgression to vehicle enforcement personnel.

Abstract: A vehicle safety and control system provides early warning and includes a network including a plurality of remotely located modules disposed along a vehicle pathway. Each module is communicably connected to at least one of the other modules. The modules include a measurement system including at least one sensor for obtaining sensor data. The sensor data provides position and velocity data for objects proximate thereto. The modules also include an illuminated display having a plurality of observable distinct states, the observable states including states relating to the sensor data.

Abstract: In an advanced-cruise-assist highway system, an AHS center facility, which is an upper facility for on-road facilities, periodically receives diagnostic information from the on-road facilities, and when it is determined that any on-road facility is in the faulty state, communicates the information that the on-road facility is in the faulty state to on-road facilities upstream from the faulty on-road facility, and the on-road facilities having received the information on the fault in the downstream on-road facility communicates the information that the downstream on-road facility is in the faulty state via a road-to-vehicle communication facility to AHS vehicles having the possibility of entering a zone under control by the faulty on-road facility. Further the information that the downstream on-road facility is in the faulty state is displayed on information board which can be recognize by vehicles having the possibility of entering a zone under control by the faulty on-road facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile road center line indicating device by using optical transfer including: a light condensing device installed at road center line or border line for condensing light emitted from headlights of an automobile; an optical cable for transferring the light condensed by the light condensing device to a predetermined position ahead from the automobile; and a luminous device for transforming the light transferred along the optical cable into straight-advancing parallel light to notify a driver.

Abstract: A road lamp for illuminating roads, streets, and thoroughfares, to be suspended over or adjacent a road, street, or thoroughfare. The lamp is also designed to provide information relating to the direction of the road, street, or thoroughfare, and to any special traffic environments to be observed.

Abstract: A safety warning system includes a safety warning transceiver which retransmits safety warning signals received by the safety warning transmitter in order to extend the range of safety warning transmitter systems. The safety warning transceiver also functions as a trainable garage door opener and interacts with the remote keyless entry system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the safety warning transceiver can be installed and selectively removed from a docking station in the vehicle in order to prevent theft or install the safety warning transceiver into another vehicle.

Abstract: The processional travel control apparatus of the present invention allows processional travel with a leading vehicle driven by a driver and at least one succeeding vehicle automatically following the leading vehicle. Each of the vehicles comprises: a communicator for communicating with other vehicles; a condition detector for detecting the condition of an object vehicle; an abnormality determining device for determining the occurrence of an abnormality in the object vehicle, based on condition information detected by the condition detector; an abnormality signal transmitter for transmitting an abnormality signal, indicating that the abnormality has occurred in the object vehicle, via the communicator; and an abnormality stop device for stopping the processional travel of at least a part of the vehicles, which includes the vehicle which has transmitted the abnormality signal, when the abnormality signal has been transmitted by one of the vehicles.

Abstract: A speed limit control system involving road monitors and speed limit controls in the vehicle which receive signals from road transmitters installed in illuminated signs such as highway signs, traffic lights, rural signs, shopping mall signs, and residential street signs that can automatically lower and restrain the vehicle to the posted maximum MPH speed limit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle early warning system is provided for enabling a motor vehicle to receive a warning signal (e. g., a brake activation signal) from a preceding vehicle and automatically and instantaneously transmit a warning signal to a following vehicle independently of any reaction time on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle. A receiver is located at the front of each vehicle for receiving a warning signal from the vehicle ahead of it. A transmitter is located at the rear of each vehicle for transmitting a warning signal to the vehicle behind it. A control unit is located on board each vehicle for responding to the reception of a warning signal by it's receiver for automatically causing it's transmitter to transmit a warning signal to the vehicle behind it.

Abstract: A fire detection system combines a CO.sub.2 gas detector with a smoke detector. Logic circuitry combines the outputs of both detectors to minimize false alarms and provide a rapid response time. In a preferred embodiment the need for periodic cleaning is reduced. In a further preferred embodiment, two alarms indicative of two different types of fires, for example flaming fires and nonflaming fires are available. A map of flaming fire and smoke may be assembled by the system to guide the firefighters. In a yet another preferred embodiment, a tentative fire alarm indication disables a local air conditioning system thereby helping to isolate and control any existing fire.

Abstract: An autonomous controller includes a microprocessor, a programmable memory for storing a plurality of cycle structures, a clock/calendar circuit accurate to within a few seconds per month, a lamp driver including a plurality of isolated outputs for operating traffic signals, a display driver for providing a indication of optimum speed through the controlled intersection, and an I/O device coupled between the microprocessor and an external connector for downloading the cycle structures to the programmable memory. The microprocessor reads data from the programmable memory, selects a cycle structure suitable for the time of day, and causes the lamp driver to control the traffic signals in an intersection in accordance with the selected cycle structure.

Abstract: A platoon running control system which is able to recognize the position of a vehicle within a platoon and to appropriately respond to a change, for example, when another vehicle leaving the platoon. If the vehicle is not in a platoon running mode, a communication control ECU assigns an ID=1 to the vehicle, and a vehicle control ECU operates the vehicle in an auto-drive mode based on a signal such as from a magnetic sensor or a CCD camera. During platoon-running mode, a light receiver receives data including ID information from a preceding vehicle, and the controlled vehicle is assigned an ID according to a rule in which the ID of the vehicle=ID of the preceding vehicle+1. Then, the vehicle starts platoon running using data from the preceding vehicle. When the system received information that the preceding vehicle will leave the platoon, platoon-leaving data is transmitted to the vehicle, which then transmits such data to the following vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring vehicular traffic and providing information and warnings to drivers of traffic disruptions, driver error, dangerous road conditions, and severe weather. Road and traffic conditions are detected with roadside traffic sensing equipment, and the conditions are displayed over luminescent elements with signal lamps distributed at intervals along the road and combined into chains of lamps. The luminescent elements are illuminated simultaneously or in sequence for providing continuous traffic information. A processor network and a signal network are combined through a communication network to regulate the luminescent elements by processing, if necessary, under real time controlled conditions.

Abstract: An interactive method for monitoring road traffic consisting of detecting, using a short-range receiver installed on a vehicle, the presence of preceding vehicles in the same running direction and their dynamic conditions, as transmitted by the preceding vehicles, in the form of binary coded periodic message at nonoverlapped time windows for each vehicle. The method further consists of transmitting, to the following vehicles using a short-range transmitter installed on the vehicle, a binary coded message indicating the presence of the vehicle and, optionally, dynamic conditions of the preceding vehicles, at time windows non-overlapping the transmission time windows of the preceding vehicles.

Abstract: A self or internally powered electric strobe-type illumination beacon for use in connection with hazard-warning, navigation or any other activity requiring the temporary placement of an illumination device having a switch means operable by rotating the top section about the bottom section enabling the repeated pulsing of the lamp means for light emissions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic data signal in a moving, linear chain. Each unit in a chain of units has a processing unit interconnecting a directional receiving element, a directional low power transmitting element, a deceleration detector for the unit, and a deceleration detector for preceding units in the chain. In a simple form, motor vehicles are the units. If the invention detects deceleration of a preceding vehicle, deceleration of itself, or an identifiable signal from a preceding vehicle such as a blue light, it causes a rearward facing blue light to illuminate. This blue light indicates to following motorists that the perceived vehicle is decelerating or that a vehicle somewhere in front from of it is decelerating. The blue light also may be received by another vehicle equipped with the invention and consequently be transmitted rearwardly. In a general form, a data encoded high frequency signal is transmitted rearwardly from a vehicle.

Abstract: An automated highway system reduces the data processing requirements on the vehicles and distributes the processing requirements throughout the automated highway system infra-structure. In this system, a vehicle is detected by use of a vehicle on-board transponder. This transponder responds to an omni-directional radio frequency transmission from a highway control facility used by the automated highway system in the vicinity of the vehicle. The highway control facility interrogates the vehicle transponder for identification, destination, and other pertinent travel parameters or user services to route the vehicle, schedule maintenance, provide user services, and so on. Additionally, the highway control facility calculates the location of the vehicle and energizes vehicle mounted actuators to steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle as necessary. The vehicle maintains constant communications with the automated highway system facilities while on the automated highway system highway.

Abstract: A system for signalling individually to a vehicle driver in a flow of traffic that he is too close in relation to has speed to the vehicle ahead. The system comprises a succession of interconnected electronic signalling units of the "cat's eye" type positioned at intervals along the road. Each signalling unit detects and times the passage of vehicles past the unit, determines the distance to the vehicle ahead and communicates with adjacent units. Signalling to the driver may be direct by light signals emitted from units in front of his vehicle, or indirect by transmitting a local signal from each unit for detection by vehicle-borne receivers.