Patent ID: 8140251
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: G08G

Abstract:
1. A computer controlled system for managing traffic signals at the intersection of at least two traffic lanes to avoid collisions between motor vehicles in intersecting lanes comprising: a processor; and a computer memory holding computer program instructions which when executed by the processor perform the method comprising: controlling traffic signals at the intersection to permit vehicles in each of the intersecting traffic lanes a predetermined time period to pass through the intersection; detecting, with sensors external to vehicles, the presence of a vehicle in the intersection beyond the predetermined time period by detecting the presence of said vehicle for such an additional predetermined time beyond said predetermined time period so as to indicate a stalled vehicle; controlling said traffic signals to indicate stop wherein other vehicles are stopped from passing through said intersection in response to a detection of the presence of said vehicle in said intersection; dynamically predicting, based upon data sensed by sensors external to the vehicle, the potential presence of an approaching vehicle in said intersection beyond said predetermined time period including the step of determining the speed of the vehicle and correlating the speed with the distance from the intersection; and responsive to said prediction of the presence of said vehicle, controlling said traffic signals to indicate stop wherein other vehicles are stopped from passing through said intersection.