Self-configuring traffic signal controller
First Claim
1. A self-configuring traffic signal controller apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of inputs that receive sensor signals from a plurality of trajectory sensors at an intersection, each trajectory sensor comprising one or more of the following;
an ultrasound sensor, a radar, or a video camera;
a plurality of outputs that transmit first control signals to traffic signal heads at the intersection to cause the traffic signal heads to selectively turn on and off traffic signals;
a storage device having stored thereon geometric intersection data representing a geometry of the intersection and cycle data representing a signal timing configuration for different phases of a signal cycle of the intersection;
electronic hardware that;
generates trajectory data from the plurality of inputs and the geometric intersection data, the trajectory data comprising information representing at least current and predicted future vehicle speeds and positions with respect to the geometric intersection data;
automatically reconfigures the signal timing configuration multiple times per day by analyzing the trajectory data according to a balancing of different user-defined factors; and
adjusts the plurality of outputs based on the reconfigured signal timing configuration to transmit second control signals to the traffic signal heads to cause the traffic signal heads to selectively turn on and off the traffic signals according to the reconfigured signal timing configuration;
wherein the electronic hardware generates the trajectory data multiple times within a single traffic signal cycle until a calculated time to remain in a current phase has been reached.
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Abstract
Embodiments describe new mechanisms for signalized intersection control. Embodiments expand inputs beyond traditional traffic control methods to include awareness of agency policies for signalized control, industry standardized calculations for traffic control parameters, geometric awareness of the roadway and/or intersection, and/or input of vehicle trajectory data relative to this intersection geometry. In certain embodiments, these new inputs facilitate a real-time, future-state trajectory modeling of the phase timing and sequencing options for signalized intersection control. Phase selection and timing can be improved or otherwise optimized based upon modeling the signal'"'"'s future state impact on arriving vehicle trajectories. This improvement or optimization can be performed to reduce or minimize the cost basis of a user definable objective function.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A self-configuring traffic signal controller apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of inputs that receive sensor signals from a plurality of trajectory sensors at an intersection, each trajectory sensor comprising one or more of the following;
an ultrasound sensor, a radar, or a video camera;a plurality of outputs that transmit first control signals to traffic signal heads at the intersection to cause the traffic signal heads to selectively turn on and off traffic signals; a storage device having stored thereon geometric intersection data representing a geometry of the intersection and cycle data representing a signal timing configuration for different phases of a signal cycle of the intersection; electronic hardware that; generates trajectory data from the plurality of inputs and the geometric intersection data, the trajectory data comprising information representing at least current and predicted future vehicle speeds and positions with respect to the geometric intersection data; automatically reconfigures the signal timing configuration multiple times per day by analyzing the trajectory data according to a balancing of different user-defined factors; and adjusts the plurality of outputs based on the reconfigured signal timing configuration to transmit second control signals to the traffic signal heads to cause the traffic signal heads to selectively turn on and off the traffic signals according to the reconfigured signal timing configuration; wherein the electronic hardware generates the trajectory data multiple times within a single traffic signal cycle until a calculated time to remain in a current phase has been reached. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification