Power Signal Technologies, Inc.

M & K Hutchison Investments, LP

Its Plus, Inc.

Power Signal Technology Inc.

Light Vision Systems, Inc.

Optisoft, Inc.

Michael Cole Hutchison

Staci Marlea Ingram

Mark Alan Smith

James Anthony Pautler

Tom Shinham

Frank M Sharp

A method of vehicle detection is provided. The method comprises receiving an image from a traffic camera, wherein the image contains vehicle traffic flow. A number of regions in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas are identified and masked. Contrast edges are added around the masked regions in the image. One or more vehicles are detected in the image based on the contrast edges.

Method for increasing the accuracy of traffic cameras using optical masking technology

A method of managing traffic flow. The method includes receiving, at a camera, an image containing vehicle traffic flow. The method also includes processing, using a processor, the image to mask areas in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas. The method also includes thereafter analyzing, using the processor, the image to determine a parameter related to the vehicles, whereby an analysis is performed. The method also includes managing the traffic flow based on the analysis.

An apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A camera is operably disposed within a housing. The housing is attached to an object such that the camera can observe traffic flowing past a traffic signal. A visor is attached to the housing such that an optical aperture of the camera is covered by the visor, wherein the visor comprises a roof having an angle that slopes, relative to the housing, towards the optical aperture, wherein the visor further comprises a floor connected to the roof, and wherein the floor extends outwardly from the housing.

Traffic signal with integrated sensors

A novel system and method of integrating an RF emissions device, such as a radar system (A), within a traffic control indicator () system. The system and method determines, using LFM-CW radar signals () and a multi-stage spectral processing algorithm (), if one or more object/vehicle targets will enter an intersection and comprises receiving a radar echo response () indicating the object/vehicle target () is approaching the intersection, receiving range and velocity of the object/vehicle targets (), and based on the receiving, determining if the object/vehicle target () will enter the intersection. The system and method can programmatically be configured to activate red-light-hold, green-light-extension, or left-turn-warning.

Traffic light signal system using radar-based target detection and tracking

A traffic signal including a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, and a door operably attached to the housing. The door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the housing. The traffic signal also includes a sensor attached to one of the door and the housing.

A traffic signal with integrated sensors. The present invention provides an apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A signal case has a housing and a light source placed within the housing. A door attached to the housing is configured such that photons generated by the light may be sensed outside the housing. A tab is attached to the door. A sensor is attached to the tab. The housing or the door is adapted to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light (). The system comprises a wireless device () adapted to send at least one command to change a viewing angle of the traffic signal light (), and a control unit () adapted to receive the command, the control unit () further adapted to send the command to the traffic signal light (), wherein the command adjusts a viewing angle of at least a portion of the traffic signal light ().

System and method for configuring an electronically steerable beam of a traffic signal light

A solid state light apparatus with a solar shielded heatsink ideally suited for traffic controls. The current state of the art solid state traffic signals utilize LED arrays encased in the existing plastic or metal traffic signal cases which were originally design for incandescent bulbs. Unlike LED's, incandescent bulbs are insensitive to high temperatures. As a result heat will build up on the LED die because of the limitations of the existing incandescent case design. The apparatus mounts the LED array directly to a louvered external heatsink in contact with the air outside of the traffic signal case facilitating the dissipation of heat generated from the LED die and from the sunlight shining on the case. For 25% of all signals (those facing west), during the late afternoon sunset the lensing system will focused the sunlight directly on the LED die raising the die temperature an additional 20 C. The louvered external heatsink dissipates this form of heat as well allowing the LED die to remain much cooler.

Solid state light with solar shielded heatsink

An area array of LEDs ( ) encompassed within a single reflector housing ( ) which can be selectively masked ( ) to mechanically adjust the viewing angle of the light generated therefrom. The area array of LEDs are disposed within a cavity of a housing forming a trough which is covered by a holographic diffuser. A mask is selectively positionable and attached to the top of the diffuser to mask a portion of the LEDs, and may be secured in position using Velcro&reg; material. By selectively masking the portions of LEDs, the beam angle from the lens can be selectively adjusted. Multiple colored LEDs are provided such that more than one color light beam can be generated from the single signal housing. The mask selectively adjusts both the angle and shape of the beam ultimately transmitted by the associated Fresnel lens.

LED based trough designed mechanically steerable beam traffic signal

A split-phase pedestrian head traffic signal having directional light beams and a variable beamwidth. The pedestrian heads are selectively controlled such that half-way through a control cycle, a pedestrian half-way across the street may see a &ldquo;walk&rdquo; signal, while a pedestrian still at the far side of the street will actually see a &ldquo;stop hand&rdquo; signal. A pair of pedestrian heads each having a split-phase facilitate the beam steering such that the appropriate walk or stop hand signal are viewed by the pedestrian at the appropriate location. An area array of LEDs in combination with a Fresnel lens is selectively controlled such that light generated from the respective head can be directed toward different positions of the street for informing pedestrians at different locations attempting to cross the street.

Split-phase PED head signal

A solid state light apparatus generating a homogenous light beam ideally suited for use in traffic control signals. A solid state light source comprises an area array of LEDs uniformly illuminating a light diffuser to achieve the homogenous light beam. In one embodiment, a plurality of light guides direct light from each LED such that each LED illuminates the same square area of the light diffuser. In another embodiment, the LEDs are provided with lenses having a different radius of curvature such that a convex bottom surface of the light diffuser is uniformly illuminated. The LEDs proximate the center of the array have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer LEDs having flatter lenses.

Solid state traffic light apparatus having homogenous light source

A solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals having a Self Diagnostic/Predictive Failure Analysis (SD/PFA) function facilitating a real time status of the signal as well as prediction of failure years in advance of the actual failure. Unlike incandescent signals, all LED based signals degrade over time until they are no longer in DOT light output specifications. Current state of the art solid state signals must be periodically monitored to see if the light output is in specification. This is done by having DOT or contracted personnel ascend in a bucket truck and place a light meter on the signal typically on an annual basis. A signal system with SD/PFA coupled with a modem or RF link provides real time data, without the use of a bucket truck on the status of the signal. The system also provides data which allows the determination via an algorithm of when the signal will go below light output specifications in the future.

Solid state light with self diagnostics and predictive failure analysis mechanisms

A solid state traffic control signal adapted to facilitate light alignment and viewing angles during installation. The traffic control signal includes a video camera or a detachable optical sighting system with a grid representing the various viewing angles of individual LED's for quick alignment and viewing angle programming. This system greatly reduces the amount of trial-and-error and multi-man requirements for installation.

Light alignment system for electronically steerable light output in traffic signals

A solid state light apparatus suited for use in traffic control signals and having a unitary transparent cover generating a homogenous light beam. A solid state light source comprises an area array of LEDs uniformly illuminating a light diffuser to achieve the homogenous light beam. The unitary cover has a lens defined at an inner portion thereof, and an outer portion encompassing the lens adapted to sealingly secure to the apparatus housing. The lens is continuous with the outer portion such that water and other environmental elements can not penetrate into the housing electronics.

Solid state traffic light apparatus having a cover including an integral lens

A modular solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals. Current state of the art solid state signals are sealed units which fit into existing signal cases once the primary lens and incandescent bulb, and sometimes even the incandescent reflector, are removed. The modular system replaces the entire case with a custom case designed to accommodate current and future features at approximately {fraction (1/10)} the present cost of a stand alone system. These upgrade features include but are not limited to vehicle preemption, electronically steerable beam, predictive failure analysis, various power supplies, LED arrays in various colors, optical alignment tools used for installation, video camera, in car Telematics, video loop detection, red light running, various communications links, infrared sensors to sense people and vehicles under fog, rain smoke, and other adverse visual conditions, chemical 'sniffers', automobile emission monitoring, and adaptive control. The modular traffic functions are adapted to be selectively added and upgraded over the life of the signal, and permitting easy service thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Plano, TX, United States of America

Michael Cole Hutchison