Traffic signal devices and methods of using the same
First Claim
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1. A traffic signal system, comprising:
- a first traffic signal device, including a first communications device and a first plurality of lights;
a second traffic signal device, including a second communications device and a second plurality of lights;
said first traffic signal device running a first program for controlling said first plurality of lights in a particular sequence;
said second traffic signal device running a second program for controlling said second plurality of lights in a particular sequence;
said first traffic signal device and at least said second traffic device being part of a network;
each of said first traffic signal device and said second traffic signal device being assigned a unique network address; and
said first traffic signal device periodically querying said second traffic signal device using said second traffic signal device'"'"'s unique network address; and
the traffic signal system entering a cautionary state if at least one of;
a) at least one traffic signal device on the network fails to respond to a query; and
b) fails to query another traffic signal device on the network after a predetermined time period.
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Abstract
A traffic control system and device is provided. The traffic control system of the instant invention permits two-way communication between a plurality of traffic signal devices and/or other devices or locations. Each traffic signal device locally controls the state of the traffic signals, while communication between the traffic signal devices is used to synchronize the internal timers or clocks of the plurality of traffic control devices.
38 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A traffic signal system, comprising:
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a first traffic signal device, including a first communications device and a first plurality of lights; a second traffic signal device, including a second communications device and a second plurality of lights; said first traffic signal device running a first program for controlling said first plurality of lights in a particular sequence; said second traffic signal device running a second program for controlling said second plurality of lights in a particular sequence; said first traffic signal device and at least said second traffic device being part of a network; each of said first traffic signal device and said second traffic signal device being assigned a unique network address; and said first traffic signal device periodically querying said second traffic signal device using said second traffic signal device'"'"'s unique network address; and the traffic signal system entering a cautionary state if at least one of; a) at least one traffic signal device on the network fails to respond to a query; and b) fails to query another traffic signal device on the network after a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of synchronizing a traffic signal system, comprising:
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providing a first traffic signal device running a first program of operation according to a first clock in the first traffic signal device; providing at least a second traffic signal device in communication with the first traffic signal device, the at least a second traffic signal device running a second program of operation according to a second clock in the second traffic signal device; with the first traffic signal device, periodically synchronizing the first clock with the second clock; with at least one of the first and second traffic signal devices, wirelessly communicating control signals to a vehicle in an intersection containing the at least one of the first and second traffic signal devices, to control the automatic operation of the vehicle through the intersection; periodically querying the at least a second traffic signal device with the first traffic signal device; and setting the system to a cautionary state if the first traffic signal device fails to query the at least a second traffic signal device after a predetermined time period. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification