| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 340906000 | OVERRIDE OF TRAFFIC CONTROL INDICATOR BY COMMAND TRANSMITTER | 23 |
| 20110193722 | Monitoring and Diagnostics of Traffic Signal Preemption Controllers - Management of traffic signal preemption control equipment. In one approach, logged preemption data is periodically read from each of a plurality of intersections having respective preemption controllers for preempting traffic signals at the intersections. The logged preemption data at an intersection describes operational states of the preemption controller and each vehicle control unit that submitted a preemption request at the intersection and data describing each individual preemption request. The logged preemption data read from the plurality of intersections are stored in a database. The database is monitored for data indicative of changes in operational status of the traffic signal preemption control equipment. In response to the data indicating a change in operational status, data descriptive of the change are output. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20100045484 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO GIVE SIGNAL PRIORITY TO A VEHICLE - A method for controlling traffic signals to give signal priority to a vehicle ( | 02-25-2010 |
| 20120218126 | Systems and Method for Controlling Preemption of a Traffic Signal - 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. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20090189782 | CELLULAR-BASED PREEMPTION SYSTEM - A cellular-based preemption system that uses existing cellular infrastructure to transmit preemption related data to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles through one or more intersections. A cellular unit in an emergency vehicle is used to generate position reports that are transmitted to the one or more intersections during an emergency response. Based on this position data, the one or more intersections calculate an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the emergency vehicle, and transmit preemption commands to traffic signals at the intersections based on the calculated ETA. Additional techniques may be used for refining the position reports, ETA calculations, and the like. Such techniques include, without limitation, statistical preemption, map-matching, dead-reckoning, augmented navigation, and/or preemption optimization techniques, all of which are described in further detail in the above-referenced patent applications. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20080316055 | Emergency Vehicle Traffic Signal Preemption System - An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code- | 12-25-2008 |
| 20110169661 | Prioritization of Traffic Signal Preemption Requests Received from Multiple Sources Over Different Communication Mediums - Approaches for prioritizing multiple candidates for preemption of a traffic signal phase at an intersection are disclosed. Light signals transmitted from light-signaling vehicles approaching an intersection encode priority codes using a first set of values. Radio signals from radio-signaling vehicles approaching the intersection encode priority codes using a second set of values. A set of preemption candidates is determined from the light and radio signals, as well as from network-based requests, and a respective relative priority of each preemption candidate based on the priority code of each preemption candidate is determined. A request output for preemption of the traffic signal phase for a preemption candidate having a highest priority. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110234423 | Defining Approach Maps for Traffic Signal Preemption Controllers - Methods and systems for creating an approach map for a traffic signal preemption controller. A road map is displayed, and in response to user input for instantiating a first segment of an approach map, a first instance of a graphical object overlaying one of the plurality of roads is displayed. The one road represents an approach road to an intersection having the preemption controller. First segment location data that describes a first geographical area bounded by the first segment are determined from size and placement of the first instance of the graphical object on the road map and from location data associated with the one road. The first segment location data are stored in association with the approach map for the preemption controller. The preemption controller, once configured with the first segment location data, initiates traffic signal preemption in response to a preemption request transmitted from within the first geographic area described by the first segment location data. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110109478 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANDING PREEMPTION AND BUS PRIORITY SIGNALS - A system for controlling traffic for allowing passage of an emergency vehicle through an intersection controlled by traffic signals includes an intersection module for transmitting signals for preempting the traffic signals and one or more circuit cards coupled to the intersection module. Each expansion card includes a plurality of contact closures for outputting one or more of the signals for preempting the traffic signals. The intersection module selects an expansion card based on a type of output desired, and further selects one or more contact closures of the selected card for the desired output. The expansion cards allow preempt or vehicle outputs beyond the output that a single card can provide. According to another embodiment, the output expansion is achieved by emulating the communication interface between the intersection module and the traffic signal controller. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20100141477 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRAFFIC LIGHT - A traffic light control apparatus and method is provided. The traffic light control apparatus for controlling an emergency vehicle in a traffic network includes: a traffic network control unit configured to determine overall traffic network control and traffic light control for supporting movement of the emergency vehicle during an emergency and transmit a control signal; a traffic light control unit configured to receive the control signal to control a traffic light; and an emergency vehicle control unit configured to transmits a traffic light control mode cancellation request signal to the controlled traffic light. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20110084853 | Centralized Management of Preemption Control of Traffic Signals - 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. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110148660 | ADVANCED ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM FOR SIGNALIZED TRAFFIC INTERSECTIONS - Pedestrian call systems with bidirectional communication between pedestrian call stations and traffic controllers are arranged so as to detect system errors. Communications can be provided over power conductors, and systems can be configured and monitored using a web browser. In one example, traffic systems are provided with Ethernet interfaces that can be used for bidirectional communication over power lines. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20080266136 | Emergency traffic signal system and apparatus - The present invention provides an attachment installed unobstructively on a visor about a lens of a traffic signal and configured to receive a preemptive signal from an emergency or other authoritative source and transmit a correlating message visually or audibly to a surrounding citizenry via a display and optionally a speaker. The attachment can include one of a variety of display means to animatedly or statically communicate a directive to the citizenry. An optional series of LEDs can be included to draw attention to the directive as displayed. The directive can communicate an action to be taken by the citizenry, the type of vehicle approaching, or a route to be followed. Optionally, the frame or display may be shaped at least in part similarly to a standard street sign. The attachment provides a way to quickly and clearly direct people in a manner that clears a path for authorities. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20100321207 | System and Method for Communicating with Traffic Signals and Toll Stations - A method for communicating with traffic signals may be implemented in a system in which a processor detects via transceiver mobile nodes approaching an intersection or toll station, the method providing steps for receiving device identifiers over a public network from the mobile nodes, accessing a database of authorized device identifiers corresponding to known mobile nodes, establishing, when a received device identifier matches an authorized device identifier, a secure private network tunneling across a segment of the public network, receiving node location data for the mobile nodes including distance and velocity data, assigning traffic priorities to each of the mobile nodes based on the node location data, and controlling timing of a traffic signal at the intersection or toll station according to the traffic priorities. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110304476 | Control of Traffic Signal Phases - Controlling a traffic signal phase at one or more intersections. A control system at an intersection is configured to operate in one of a first mode or a second mode. While operating the controller in the first mode, in response to a transit priority signal received by the control system from a vehicle assigned transit priority, a green phase of the traffic signal is extended in favor of the vehicle assigned transit priority. While operating the control system in the second mode, in response to a transit priority signal received by the control system from the vehicle assigned transit priority, a current non-green phase of the traffic signal is preempted to a green phase in favor of the vehicle assigned transit priority. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110109477 | MONITORING TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREEMPTION - Approaches for monitoring traffic signal preemption at one or more intersections. According to one embodiment, a road map that includes a plurality of roads and intersections is displayed with a computer system. Preemption data periodically received by the computer system from at least one preemption controller at a respective intersection is used to update the road map. In response to the preemption data, the road map is updated to include a traffic signal icon at the respective intersection and a vehicle icon at a location on the map corresponding to a location of a vehicle transmitting a preemption request as indicated by the preemption data. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20120112927 | TRAFFIC LIGHT PREEMPTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20110068951 | OPTICAL TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM WITH BURST MODE LIGHT EMITTER - 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. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20120161981 | TRAFFIC LIGHT PREEMPTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for managing a set of traffic lights at an intersection, measuring the Doppler Effect of a signal emitted by a vehicle, where such Doppler Effect being a function of the vehicle movement with respect to said intersection, and deciding as a function of such measure a new state for each traffic light at the intersection so as to facilitate passage of the approaching vehicle. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120188099 | TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREEMPTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A traffic signal preemption system includes a positioning unit, a storage unit, a processing unit, and a control unit. The positioning unit detects a location, a direction, and speed of a vehicle, and outputs a location signal correspondingly. The storage unit stores geographic information. The processing unit gets the geographic information corresponding to the location of the vehicle from the storage unit, thereby estimating a traffic signal location, which the vehicle approaches and a corresponding approach time according to the direction and the speed of the vehicle, respectively. The control unit manipulates the traffic signal according to the approach time of the vehicle through a traffic control system. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120229303 | Method, Evaluating Computer, And On-Board Computer For Influencing A Traffic Light Signal System - The invention relates to a method for influencing a traffic light system provided with an evaluating computer by a vehicle, in particular in public transportation, the vehicle sending a data telegram to the evaluating computer at a sending position in order to request a green phase and the data telegram and/or the sending position depending on predefined reporting points, characterized in that the data telegram is transmitted to the evaluating computer by means of a packet-oriented, in particular IP-based (Internet-Protocol-based) radio network and in that the sending position is moved forward according to the current speed of the vehicle and a maximum assumed data telegram propagation time as the vehicle approaches a reporting point. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20110012757 | WIRELESS TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLLER - A one-person remote control system for overriding pre-established control sequences of a traffic light, which control system is compatible with plug-in communications connectors conventionally provided with traffic light controllers. The remote control system comprises a stationary signal transfer unit which has a signal receiver and a plug-in connector for communicating with the traffic light controller, and a mobile control unit disposed to receive manual commands from the person providing overriding control, and a transmitter for transmitting manual overriding command signals to the stationary signal transfer unit. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20120326891 | Signal Light Priority System Utilizing Estimated Time of Arrival - Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120326890 | Signal Light Priority System Utilizing Estimated Time of Arrival - Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic. | 12-27-2012 |
