Traffic signal system and method
US5777564A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G1/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
System and method for the improved operation of a traffic signal system which reduces delays to vehicular traffic at one or more signalized intersections by detecting vehicular demand for movement through each intersection. The present invention uses detectors for detecting vehicles entering an intersection, at a distance sufficiently great from the intersection, and for detecting vehicles leaving an intersection, at a distance sufficiently near to the intersection, to permit, when possible, one or more vehicles to proceed completely through the intersection prior to coming to a near, or complete stop. The system and method further facilitates accident reduction by monitoring portions of traffic lanes entering an intersection for vehicles, determining the probability of a vehicle being able to timely stop for a halt signal, and, if it is determined that the vehicle cannot timely stop for a halt signal, attempting to clear the intersection of other vehicles by setting all signals to halt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.