초록 ▼

A traffic intersection control system or intelligent intersection that analyzes in real time existing traffic flow at intersections to determine whether turn lanes need to be added, lengthened, or done away with, if the lane geometry needs to be modified, and if the time duration of the signals need

A traffic intersection control system or intelligent intersection that analyzes in real time existing traffic flow at intersections to determine whether turn lanes need to be added, lengthened, or done away with, if the lane geometry needs to be modified, and if the time duration of the signals needs to be shortened or lengthened. Conventional, painted, pavement markings are replaced with intelligent pavement markers (IPMs). The IPMs display an intense white or yellow light (e.g., an LED) or can be switched off. Overhead, electronic, lane usage signs alert drivers as to which lanes are through lanes, which lanes are for on-coming traffic, and which lanes are turn lanes. The intersection controller analyzes data about current traffic flow and historical data to determine the most efficient intersection configuration and signal timing for a set time period. If necessary, the controller reconfigures the intersection by controlling the IPMs and overhead lane usage signs using communications equipment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A traffic control system for an intersection having a number of roadways with each roadway including oncoming and outgoing traffic lanes, said system comprising:a plurality of intelligent pavement markers located between the lanes, each marker of said plurality of markers being stru

[ I claim:] [1.] A traffic control system for an intersection having a number of roadways with each roadway including oncoming and outgoing traffic lanes, said system comprising:a plurality of intelligent pavement markers located between the lanes, each marker of said plurality of markers being structured to display, selectively, one of an intense yellow light and an intense white light, markers displaying an intense yellow light indicating a division between the oncoming and outgoing lanes for each roadway, and markers displaying an intense white light indicating a division between lanes having traffic going in the same direction as each other;a plurality of lane usage signs to indicate allowed maneuvers in the intersection for each lane; andtraffic configuring means for determining an ideal configuration for the traffic lanes, the ideal configuration including a left turn lane with a specific length on one of the number of roadways and including an ideal length for the left turn lane, said traffic configuring means structured to control said plurality of intelligent pavement markers to provide the left turn lane and to change the specific length of the left turn lane to the ideal length; whereineach marker of said plurality of intelligent pavement markers is controlled by said traffic configuring means to display one of said white light, said yellow light or no light, to thereby change a configuration of the traffic lanes to the ideal configuration for the traffic lanes.