Coordinated traffic signal system for roads

Abstract

A method for coordinating traffic signals on a roadway network, preferably of the Multiple Loop System type. The method is also suitable for superimposing on existing grid-like systems of avenues and crossing streets. Two phase traffic-signals, red and green, of equal duration are employed at the roadway intersections. The duration of each phase of the signal cycle is determined as the estimated time for a vehicle to travel from one crossing avenue to the next adjacent crossing avenue. Where the method of signalization is employed on an MLS system, the phase duration is the "estimated time" of a vehicle to travel, first along an endless loop segment, starting at a first intersecting roadway so as to cross the next interconnecting roadways, (ta) times two, and, then, along an interconnecting roadway, from a first endless loop segment to the adjacent endless loop segment (tb). A band width is determinable from the calculation of the duration of the phases and corresponds to the integral number of roadway intersections crossed by a vehicle, travelling only on an endless loop segment, for the duration of a single phase of the two phase signal cycle. Adjacent band widths of a single endless loop segment are in the reciprocal phase from one another. Parallel band widths, on adjacent endless loop segments, are also in the reciprocal phases from one another and, interfacing band ends are also in a reciprocal phasing sequence relation to one another, so as to produce a checkerboard pattern of alternating red and green phases of the traffic signals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.