GPS-based traffic control preemption system

A traffic control preemption system, comprising:

• a vehicle module associated with a vehicle having a corresponding vehicle path, the vehicle module comprising:
• means for receiving signals from a Global Positioning System and for generating therefrom vehicle data, wherein the vehicle data is generated at periodic interval positions along the vehicle path;
• and
• means for transmitting the vehicle data;
• and
• an intersection module associated with an intersection and adapted to track the vehicle path, the intersection module comprising:
• a programmed map of allowed approaches to the intersection;
• and
• a processor adapted to receive and compare the vehicle data to the programmed map to determine whether the vehicle path is within an allowed approach;
• such that if the vehicle is within an allowed approach to the intersection the vehicle is allowed to preempt traffic signals associated with the intersection.

A traffic control preemption method which uses data received from a global positioning system (GPS) to determine whether a vehicle, having an associated vehicle path, is allowed to preempt traffic signals at an intersection, comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving GPS signals;
• (b) processing the GPS signals on-board the vehicle so as to generate vehicle data;
• (c) transmitting the vehicle data;
• (d) providing a map of allowed approaches, wherein the map of allowed approaches comprises a plurality of preprogrammed allowed positions proximate to the intersection;
• (e) comparing the vehicle data with the map of allowed approaches;
• (f) determining, based on comparing step (e), whether the vehicle is within one of the allowed approaches;
• and
• (g) allowing the vehicle to preempt the traffic signals associated with the intersection if the vehicle is within one of the allowed approaches.

A method of determining whether a vehicle is allowed to preempt a traffic signal, comprising the steps of:

• (a) receiving a first position signal indicative of a first location of the vehicle;
• (b) determining whether the received position signal is within a mapped approach to the traffic signal;
• (c) recording the received position signal as a match if the received position signal is within an allowed approach;
• (d) receiving a next position signal indicative of a next location of the vehicle;
• (e) determining whether the received position signal is within a mapped approach;
• (f) recording the received position signal as a match if the received position signal is within a mapped approach;
• (g) repeating steps (d)-(f) until a match threshold is reached;
• (h) issuing a preemption request if the match threshold is reached;
• (i) repeating steps (d)-(h) as long as next position signals are received.