U.S. patent application number 14/985341 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for control of a traffic signaling system.
The applicant listed for this patent is GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Justin Langlais, Morne Neser, Truong-Khoa Nguyen, Shahzil Rana, Jean-Francois Richard.
Application Number | 20160247401 14/985341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56690514 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160247401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Truong-Khoa ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
CONTROL OF A TRAFFIC SIGNALING SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided is a traffic communication network that includes a
signaling system having a plurality of light signaling devices, a
controller disposed at at least one traffic intersection, and
configured to wirelessly control the plurality of light signaling
devices, and a video camera configured to obtain status information
of the plurality of light signaling devices. A remote control
system is also provided to wirelessly transmit commands to the
controller and the video camera, for controlling the plurality of
light signaling devices.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Truong-Khoa;
(Montreal, CA) ; Richard; Jean-Francois;
(Montreal, CA) ; Neser; Morne; (Montreal, CA)
; Langlais; Justin; (Montreal, CA) ; Rana;
Shahzil; (Montreal, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC |
East Cleveland |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56690514 |
Appl. No.: |
14/985341 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62119785 |
Feb 23, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G 1/095 20130101;
G08G 1/07 20130101; H04W 84/00 20130101; G08G 1/081 20130101; G08B
5/006 20130101; H04L 67/125 20130101; G08G 1/097 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08G 1/095 20060101
G08G001/095; G08G 1/07 20060101 G08G001/07; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A traffic communication network comprising: a signaling system
comprising: a plurality of light signaling devices, a controller
disposed at at least one traffic intersection, and configured to
wirelessly control the plurality of light signaling devices, and a
video camera configured to obtain status information of the
plurality of light signaling devices; and a remote control system
configured to wirelessly transmit commands to the controller and
the video camera, for controlling the plurality of light signaling
devices.
2. The traffic communication network of claim 1, wherein the remote
control system is configured to wirelessly receive the status
information from the video camera and to wirelessly transmit
commands to the controller for controlling the light signaling
devices, based on the status information received.
3. The traffic communication network of claim 2, wherein the remote
control system is further configured to synchronize the video
camera and the controller using at least one of global positioning,
network time and computer system time and the controller is
configured to synchronize the light signaling devices.
4. The traffic communication network of claim 2, wherein the status
information comprises current environmental conditions and
historical traffic patterns regarding the light signaling devices,
and the remote control system is configured to perform real-time
modifications of the signaling system based on the status
information.
5. The traffic communication network of claim 1, wherein the remote
control system comprises: a transmitter/receiver configured to
transmit and receive signals to and from the controller and the
video camera; a graphical user interface configured to receive
input data; a display configured to display real-time parameters of
the signaling system; a processor configured to perform real-time
diagnostics and modifications of the signaling system via the
controller.
6. The traffic communication network of claim 3, wherein the remote
control system further comprises a memory configured to store the
status information, historical data and identification information
for the light signaling devices, the video camera, and the
controller of the signaling system.
7. The traffic communication network of claim 3, wherein each light
signaling device comprises: a wireless node comprising a
transmitter/receiver for transmitting and receiving signals from
the video camera and the controller; a processor configured to
process the signals received; a plurality of light emitting devices
configured to emit light; and a light engine for driving the light
emitting devices.
8. The traffic communication network of claim 6, wherein the light
signaling device is in wireless communication with the video
camera, and is configured to: (i) transmit status information to
the video camera; and (ii) provide location information using
global positioning.
9. A method for controlling a signaling system including a
plurality of light signaling devices, a video camera and a
controller of a traffic communication network, the method
comprising: wirelessly transmitting commands from a remote control
system to the video camera, to receive status information of the
plurality of light signaling devices; wirelessly obtaining, at the
remote control system, the status information from the plurality of
light signaling devices; and wirelessly transmitting commands to
the controller, for controlling the light signaling devices in
real-time based on the status information
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: synchronizing, via
the remote control system, the video camera, based on global
positioning; and synchronizing, via the controller, the plurality
of light signaling devices, simultaneously.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the status information comprises
current environmental conditions and historical traffic patterns
regarding the light signaling devices, and the remote control
system is configured to perform real-time modifications of the
signaling system based on the status information.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: storing, at the
remote control system, the status information and identification
information for the video camera, the light signaling devices, and
the controller of the signaling system.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: wirelessly
transmitting location information of the light signaling devices to
the video camera using global positioning.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: modifying an
operational status of the light signaling devices based on the
status information received.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein modifying the operational
status comprises: adjusting the output current or input voltage of
the plurality of light signaling devices; and modifying
intersection phasing of the plurality of light signaling devices.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/119,785 which was filed on
Feb. 23, 2015, and the content of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a traffic
communication network. In particular, the present invention relates
to a traffic communication network capable of controlling lighting
signaling devices through remote communication.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In an existing traffic communication network, traffic lights
of a traffic intersection are typically controlled manually by a
technician at the traffic light controller located at the traffic
intersection.
[0004] The traffic controller is connected to the traffic lights at
the traffic intersection by a grid system whereby the traffic
controller and the traffic lights are coupled together (e.g.,
hard-wired). The traffic controllers are used to manually
synchronize the traffic lights at each traffic intersection. Given
a time delay in manual setting of the traffic lights, it can be
difficult to successfully synchronize the traffic lights at
multiple traffic intersections. Further, it can be difficult to
make modifications to the traffic lights, globally or specifically,
at multiple traffic intersections, manually and in real-time.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0005] Given the aforementioned deficiencies, a need exists for a
more adaptable and more automated traffic control network.
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide traffic
communication network that includes a signaling system including a
controller and a plurality of light signaling devices, and a remote
control system, whereby communication between the signaling system
and the remote control system is performed wirelessly.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a traffic communication network
is provided. The traffic communication network includes a signaling
system including a plurality of light signaling devices, and a
controller disposed at at least one traffic intersection, and
configured to wirelessly control the light signaling devices; and a
remote control system in wireless communication with the
controller, and configured to transmit commands to the controller
for controlling the light signaling devices.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a traffic communication
network is provided. The traffic communication network includes a
signaling system that includes a plurality of light signaling
devices, a controller disposed at at least one traffic
intersection, and configured to wirelessly control the plurality of
light signaling devices, and a video camera configured to obtain
status information of the plurality of light signaling devices; and
a remote control system configured to wirelessly transmit commands
to the controller and the video camera, for controlling the
plurality of light signaling devices.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a traffic communication
network is provided. The traffic communication network includes a
signaling system that includes a plurality of light signaling
devices, a controller disposed at at least one traffic
intersection, and configured to wirelessly control the plurality of
light signaling devices; and a remote control system configured to
wirelessly transmit commands to the controller and directly to the
plurality of light signaling devices.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a traffic communication
network is provided. The traffic communication network includes a
signaling system including a plurality of light signaling devices
configured to selectively emit light, a controller configured to
wirelessly control the plurality of light signaling devices; and a
remote control system configured to wirelessly control the
controller and the plurality of light signaling devices.
[0011] Methods for controlling the plurality of light signaling
devices within the above-mentioned traffic communication network
are also provided.
[0012] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and
features of various embodiments, which should be construed to be
merely illustrative of various potential applications of the
disclosure. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying
the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining
various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other
aspects and a more comprehensive understanding may be obtained by
referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to
the scope defined by the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a traffic communication
network that can be implemented within one or more embodiments of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating various communication
operations of the remote control system, the controller, and a
light signaling device shown in FIG. 1 that can be implemented
within one or more embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the remote
control system of FIG. 1 that can be implemented within one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the
controller of FIG. 1 that can be implemented within one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a light
signaling device of FIG. 1 that can be implemented within one or
more embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling
the light signaling devices of FIG. 1 that can be implemented
within one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred
embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.
Given the following enabling description of the drawings, the novel
aspects of the present disclosure should become evident to a person
of ordinary skill in the art. This detailed description uses
numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the
drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and
description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. It
must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of various and alternative forms. As used herein, the
word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that
serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures
are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated
or minimized to show details of particular components. In other
instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods
that are known to those having ordinary skill in the art have not
been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present
disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art.
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention provide a traffic
communication network that includes a signaling system and a remote
control system, for wirelessly and remotely monitoring and
configuring a plurality of light signaling devices of the signaling
system.
[0022] Details regarding the traffic communication network of the
present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.
1-5. FIG. 1 illustrates the traffic communication network 100 in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0023] In FIG. 1, the traffic communication network 10 includes a
remote control system 50 and a signaling system 100 comprises at
least one traffic intersection 115 comprises a plurality of light
signaling devices 110 (e.g., traffic lights 110a, 110b, 110c and
110d and inductor loop 110e) and a controller 120. The remote
control system (e.g., a control center) 50 is in wireless
communication with the controller 120. The remote control system 50
is capable of configuring the signaling system 100 as
necessary.
[0024] According the embodiments, the remote control system 50 can
configure parameters of the signaling system 100 including, for
example, electrical parameters e.g., adjusting the output current
or input voltage to the light signaling devices 110, lamp failure
conditions, lamp location (e.g., by GPS), intersection phasing,
timing functions, synchronization of a clock of the controller
120.
[0025] The controller 120 controls the light signaling devices 110
in real-time based on commands received from the remote control
system 50. The controller 120 can modify the status of the light
signaling devices 110, simultaneously, including for example,
synchronizing the light signaling devices 110. The present
invention is not limited to any particular commands being
transmitted to the controller 120 and/or light signaling devices
110. According to other embodiments, a video camera 130 can also be
located at the traffic intersection 115, for monitoring the status
of the light signaling devices 110 and transmit the status
information to the remote control system 50 for further
diagnostics. The remote control system 50 wirelessly transmits
commands to the video camera 130, to request status information of
the light signaling devices 110. The commands can be transmitted
continuously, or periodically during a predetermined time
intervals, e.g., every two hours, once daily, etc. Upon receipt of
the status information, the remote control system 50 performs
diagnostics and wirelessly transmits commands to the controller 120
based on the status information, for wirelessly controlling the
light signaling devices 110 based on the status information
received. The remote control system 50 also synchronizes the video
camera 130 and the controller 120 using at least one of global
positioning, network time and computer system time and the
controller 120 synchronizes the light signaling devices 110.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, communication between the remote control
system 50, the video camera 130, the light signaling devices 110
and the controller 120 is performed wirelessly via a wireless
communication network 150 that can include Wi-Fi, 6loWPAN, mesh
network.
[0027] Details of the remote control system 50 are described in
reference to FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 3, the remote control
system 50 includes a transmitter/receiver 52, a graphical user
interface (GUI) 54, a display 56, a processor 58, and a memory 60.
The remote control system 50 is capable of wirelessly transmitting
commands to and receiving signals from the controller 120 (depicted
in FIG. 1).
[0028] A user is able to input necessary commands to the remote
control system 50 via the GUI 54 for monitoring and configuring of
the signaling system 100. Real-time parameters of the signaling
system 100 are able to be displayed at the display 56 including for
example, current status information, historical data, and
identification information of the light signaling devices 110 and
the controller 120. The identification information can include
population, state, installation date, run-time, and warranty
expiration, etc. This information can be stored in a centralized
inventory in the memory 60.
[0029] The remote control system 50 is further configured to
perform real-time diagnostics and failure determination of the
signaling system 100. The remote control system 50 can perform
real-time modifications of the signaling system 100 based on
current environmental conditions and historical traffic patterns.
The real-time modifications can include activating a heating
function via the controller 120 or a light signaling device 110 to
defrost the light emitting face 116 (as depicted in FIG. 5), locate
and mitigate failures on the signaling system 100 based on GPS
signaling of the respective light signaling devices 110.
[0030] The real-time modifications can also include the ability to
modify operational status of each light signaling device 110 via
the controller 120 or directly. By way of example, "flashing red"
might indicate stop or a dimming operation, based on the time of
day, to enhance driving visibility of drivers. The remote control
system 50 is located remotely to the signaling system 100 being
monitored.
[0031] According to the embodiments, the remote control system 50
can be a web-based or browser based interface accessible via a
remote computer system.
[0032] Details regarding the controller 120 and the plurality of
light signaling devices 120 of the signaling system 100 will now be
described with references to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 120 includes a
transmitter/receiver 122, a processor 124, and memory 126. The
controller 120 is configured to transmit and receive commands from
the remote control system 50 to further control the light signaling
devices 110 of the signaling system 100. The processor 122 is
configured to process the information received from the light
signaling devices 110 and the remote control system 50.
Instructions received from the remote control system 50 can be
stored in the memory 126.
[0034] The light signaling devices 110 can include for example,
traffic lights, rail lamps, traffic heads and housings, rail signal
head and housings, inductor loops or other vehicle detector,
obstruction lighting, airport runway lighting. The signaling system
100 can include one or more traffic intersections 115. At the
exemplary traffic intersection 115 shown in FIG. 1, the four
traffic lights 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d are provided. Each traffic
light 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d is configured to transmit and
receive signals wirelessly from the controller 120 in communication
therewith.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, each light signaling device 110 includes
a wireless node including transmitter/receiver 111, a processor
112, a light engine 114, a light emitting face or display 116 and
light emitting devices 118 (e.g., LEDs). Signals for controlling
the light signaling device 110 can be received from the controller
110 and the remote control system 50, and processed by the
processor 112. The processor 112 drives the light engine to control
the light emitting devices 118 on the light emitting face 116 of
the light signaling device 110.
[0036] Each light signaling device 110 may also include a sensor
119 for independently sensing environment changes and activating
dimming operation or defrost operation of the light emitting face
116 in accordance with some embodiments. Thus, each light signaling
device 110 is controlled by the controller 120. According to other
embodiments, each light signaling device 110 is controlled by the
controller 120 and/or directly by the remote control system 50.
[0037] In other embodiments, the traffic communication network 10
is capable of being operated on a pay-per-use basis given the
real-time usage information collectable by the remote control
system 50 via the controller 120 or directly from the light
signaling devices 110.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for controlling the light
signaling devices 110 of the signaling system 100. The method 600
begins at operation 610 where a remote control system wirelessly
communicates with a controller and/or a light signaling device of a
signaling system to receive status information of the signaling
system. The remote control system can further transmit a signal to
a video camera at the traffic intersection for obtaining status
information of the signaling system.
[0039] From operation 610, the process continues to operation 620
where the controller transmits a signal to the light signaling
device requesting status information in real-time and the light
signaling device transmits the status information back to the
controller or directly to the remote control system. Alternatively,
or in addition to, at operation 620, a video camera determines
status of the light signaling devices.
[0040] From operation 620, the process continues to operation 630
where the status information is sent to the remote control system
from the controller, the video camera, and/or directly from the
light signaling devices.
[0041] From operation 630, the process continues to operation 640
where the remote control system memory performs real-time
diagnostics and failure determination, and modifications of the
signaling system. The operations performed by the remote control
system can be based on current environmental conditions and
historical traffic patterns.
[0042] From operation 640, the process continues to operation 650
where the remote control system transmits command signals to the
controller or the light signaling device directly to activate a
heating function of the light signaling device to defrost the light
emitting face, mitigate failures on the signaling system based on
GPS signaling of the respective light signaling devices 110, modify
operational status of each light signaling device 110.
[0043] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *