Patent ID: 6617981
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: G08G

Abstract:
A method for controlling a plurality of traffic intersections, each traffic intersection being defined by the intersection of at least two streets and each traffic intersection comprising (i) an alternating traffic control signal for controlling the flow of traffic through the intersection, (ii) at least one traffic flow sensor and one clock for sensing the flow of traffic on at least one of the two streets as a function of time and for generating time-related traffic flow data derived therefrom, (iii) a data storage unit for storing the time-related traffic flow data and (iv) a traffic signal controller for controlling the traffic control signal pursuant to a set of one or more time-related operating parameters, neither the traffic flow sensor, the clock, the data storage unit or the controller at any of the individual intersections being networked with that of any other intersection, the method comprising:(a) continuously gathering and storing the time-related traffic flow data at each intersection; (b) downloading the time-related traffic flow data from the data storage device at each intersection to a computer; (c) using the computer to generate a new set of time-related operating parameters for each of the traffic controllers, the new set of operating parameters being derived from the time-related traffic flow data; (d) installing the new set of time-related operating parameters into each of the traffic controllers; (e) controlling the plurality of traffic intersections with the traffic controllers after the new sets of operating parameters have been installed in the traffic controllers in step (d); and (f) repeating steps (b)-(e) at least as often as every 180 days.