CONTROL OF A TRAFFIC SIGNALING SYSTEM
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.
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.