INTELLIGENT SYSTEM FOR MANAGING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW
First Claim
1. A vehicular traffic system for use in a merge zone, wherein the merge zone comprises a secondary lane merging into a primary lane, the system comprising:
- a central controller;
a series of primary lane signaling devices connected to the central controller;
a series of secondary lane signaling devices connected to the central controller; and
the central controller performing the steps of;
(a) activating the series of primary lane signaling devices based on a primary lane trajectory such that motorists traveling in the primary lane take visual cues from the series of primary lane signaling devices causing the primary lane motorist to be positioned according to the primary lane trajectory; and
(b) activating the series of secondary lane signaling devices based on a secondary lane trajectory such that motorists traveling in the secondary lane take visual cues from the series of secondary lane signaling devices causing the secondary lane motorist to be positioned according to the secondary lane trajectory.
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Accused Products
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.
39 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A vehicular traffic system for use in a merge zone, wherein the merge zone comprises a secondary lane merging into a primary lane, the system comprising:
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a central controller; a series of primary lane signaling devices connected to the central controller; a series of secondary lane signaling devices connected to the central controller; and the central controller performing the steps of; (a) activating the series of primary lane signaling devices based on a primary lane trajectory such that motorists traveling in the primary lane take visual cues from the series of primary lane signaling devices causing the primary lane motorist to be positioned according to the primary lane trajectory; and (b) activating the series of secondary lane signaling devices based on a secondary lane trajectory such that motorists traveling in the secondary lane take visual cues from the series of secondary lane signaling devices causing the secondary lane motorist to be positioned according to the secondary lane trajectory. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for merging traffic in a merge zone wherein the merge zone comprises a positioning region and a merging region, the method comprising:
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(a) obtain variables regarding the characteristics of the traffic entering the merge zone; (b) determine based on the variables whether it is feasible to merge the traffic; (c) if it is feasible to merge the traffic, construct appropriate primary lane trajectories and secondary lane trajectories; (d) send the primary lane trajectories to a series of primary lane signaling devices; and (e) send the secondary lane trajectories to a series of secondary lane signaling devices. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification