Patent US3792431A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3792431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Traffic control system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-07-27
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1991-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A traffic control system in which a plurality of local controllers are connected to a central controller by means of a single communication channel. Each local controller can include a non-volatile memory which stores the desired cycle for that local controller. When it is desired to alter the cycle of a particular local controller, the central controller applies to the communication channel a code signal uniquely associated with that local controller. This enables the selected local controller to respond to subsequent coded signals altering the cycle, while the remaining local controllers do not respond to such commands. By way of illustration, the coded signals may be coded pulses of unique tones.
Inventors
- 👤 J Matysek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:24
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/28; H03K17/292; G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/07; G08G1/081; G08G1/085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
549 words
A traffic controller responsive to receipt from a central traffic control signal source of relative initiation-time signals and of function indication signals for generating a plurality of right-of-way function signals for steering to right-of-way indicators at street intersections to control right-of-way indications of the indicators, said traffic controller comprising: a. clock means for cyclically generating timing signals including a local time zero signal indicative of a local time zero and local clock time signals indicative of time with respect to the local time zero; b. input means adapted for connection to a central traffic control signal source for receipt of coded signals therefrom, said input means including: 1. first switching means including (i) a first terminal adapted for connection to a source of power and (ii) a second terminal, the first switching means responsive to a first received coded signal of a first characteristic, for applying power from the source through the first terminal to the second terminal; 2. second switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a second received coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals; 3. third switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a third received coded signal of a third characteristic for generating a function initiation time signal indicated by the third received coded signal and denoting the time relative to local time zero at which a right-of-way function signal is to be initiated; and 4. fourth switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a fourth received coded signal of a fourth characteristic for removing source power from the first switching means second terminal; c. function time selector means including a selection circuit uniquely associated with each of the plurality of right-of-way function signals to be generated by the traffic controller, each selection circuit including: 1. function time memory means connected to the second switching means for receipt therefrom of a function number signal uniquely corresponding with the associated right-of-way function signal, the function time memory means further connected to the third switching means for receipt of a function initiation time signal therefrom, the function time memory means responsive to receipt of the associated function number signal for storing as a function initiation time the time represented by the function initiation time signal; and 2. function initiation means connected to the clock means and to the associated function time memory means and responsive to receipt from said clock means of a timing signal corresponding with the function initiation time stored in the associated function time memory means for generatiNg a function initiation signal; and d. function memory means connected to the function timing selector means for receipt of function initiation signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function initiation signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other preexisting right-of-way function signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
549 words
A traffic controller responsive to receipt from a central traffic control signal source of relative initiation-time signals and of function indication signals for generating a plurality of right-of-way function signals for steering to right-of-way indicators at street intersections to control right-of-way indications of the indicators, said traffic controller comprising: a. clock means for cyclically generating timing signals including a local time zero signal indicative of a local time zero and local clock time signals indicative of time with respect to the local time zero; b. input means adapted for connection to a central traffic control signal source for receipt of coded signals therefrom, said input means including: 1. first switching means including (i) a first terminal adapted for connection to a source of power and (ii) a second terminal, the first switching means responsive to a first received coded signal of a first characteristic, for applying power from the source through the first terminal to the second terminal; 2. second switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a second received coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals; 3. third switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a third received coded signal of a third characteristic for generating a function initiation time signal indicated by the third received coded signal and denoting the time relative to local time zero at which a right-of-way function signal is to be initiated; and 4. fourth switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a fourth received coded signal of a fourth characteristic for removing source power from the first switching means second terminal; c. function time selector means including a selection circuit uniquely associated with each of the plurality of right-of-way function signals to be generated by the traffic controller, each selection circuit including: 1. function time memory means connected to the second switching means for receipt therefrom of a function number signal uniquely corresponding with the associated right-of-way function signal, the function time memory means further connected to the third switching means for receipt of a function initiation time signal therefrom, the function time memory means responsive to receipt of the associated function number signal for storing as a function initiation time the time represented by the function initiation time signal; and 2. function initiation means connected to the clock means and to the associated function time memory means and responsive to receipt from said clock means of a timing signal corresponding with the function initiation time stored in the associated function time memory means for generatiNg a function initiation signal; and d. function memory means connected to the function timing selector means for receipt of function initiation signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function initiation signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other preexisting right-of-way function signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
second switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a second received coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
second switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a second received coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
102 words
function initiation means connected to the clock means and to the associated function time memory means and responsive to receipt from said clock means of a timing signal corresponding with the function initiation time stored in the associated function time memory means for generatiNg a function initiation signal; and d. function memory means connected to the function timing selector means for receipt of function initiation signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function initiation signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other pre-existing right-of-way function signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
function initiation means connected to the clock means and to the associated function time memory means and responsive to receipt from said clock means of a timing signal corresponding with the function initiation time stored in the associated function time memory means for generatiNg a function initiation signal; and d. function memory means connected to the function timing selector means for receipt of function initiation signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function initiation signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other pre-existing right-of-way function signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which the second switching means includes receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pulses of the second coded signal and counting means connected to the receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second coded signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which the third switching means includes first receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pulses of the third coded signal and first counting means connected to the first receiving means for providing as an output a function initiation time signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the third coded signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
third switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a third received coded signal of a third characteristic for generating a function initiation time signal indicated by the third received coded signal and denoting the time relative to local time zero at which a right-of-way function signal is to be initiated; and
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
third switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a third received coded signal of a third characteristic for generating a function initiation time signal indicated by the third received coded signal and denoting the time relative to local time zero at which a right-of-way function signal is to be initiated; and
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
77 words
fourth switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a fourth received coded signal of a fourth characteristic for removing source power from the first switching means second terminal; c. function time selector means including a selection circuit uniquely associated with each of the plurality of right-of-way function signals to be generated by the traffic controller, each selection circuit including:
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
fourth switching means connected to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a fourth received coded signal of a fourth characteristic for removing source power from the first switching means second terminal; c. function time selector means including a selection circuit uniquely associated with each of the plurality of right-of-way function signals to be generated by the traffic controller, each selection circuit including:
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
64 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 3 in which the second switching means includes second receiving means for receiving from the central traffic control signal source pulses of the second coded signal and second counting means connected to the second receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second coded signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
286 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 4 in which: a. the first counting means includes a first plurality of output lines, the first counting means providing each distinct function initiation time signal on an uniquely associated combination of the output lines; b. the clock means includes pulse generating means for generating one-pulse-per-second timing pulses and third counting means having a first plurality of output lines for counting the timing pulses and providing an indication thereof, with each distinct indication provided on an uniquely associated combination of third counting means output lines; c. each function time memory means comprises a non-volatile memory having a first plurality of memory storage locations, each memory storage location coupled to an unique one of the first counting means output lines, each memory storage location in response to receipt of a function initiation time signal on the associated first counting means output line assuming a first memory state and in response to receipt of a function initiation time signal on a non-associated first counting means output line assuming a second memory state; and d. each function initiation means comprising a first plurality of signal switching means, one of said signal switching means uniquely associated with each memory storage location, each signal switching means connected to a uniquely associated third counting means output line, each signal switching means in response to the associated memory storage location being in the first memory state assuming a first switching state providing a function initiation signal path from the associated third counting means output line to the function memory means and in response to the associated memory storage location being in the second memory state assuming a second switching state interrupting the function initiation signal path.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
156 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 5 in which at least some of the function initiation means further comprise: e. bistable switching means connected to the associated first plurality of signal switching means to assume a first stable state in response to a function initiation signal from the associated function initiation means; f. gated pulse counting means connected to the clock means pulse generating means and to the bistable switching means for counting timing pulses when the Bistable switching means is in its first stable state and for applying to the function memory means a further function initiation signal in response to counting by the gated pulse counting means of a preset number of timing pulses; and g. connecting means connected the gated pulse generating means to the bistable switching means for causing the bistable switching means to assume a second stable state in response to the generation of an associated further function initiation signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 5 in which the pulse counting means comprises a plurality of cascaded decade counters.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
95 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which: the first switching means includes a first frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a first tone signal of a first frequency; the second switching means includes a second frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a second tone signal of a second frequency; the third switching means includes a third frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a third tone signal of a third frequency; and the fourth switching means includes a fourth frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a fourth tone signal of a fourth frequency.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 8 in which the second frequency sensitive switching means includes receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pulses of the second tone signal and counting means connected to the receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second tone signal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
67 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 8 in which the third frequency sensitive switching means includes first receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pulses of the third tone signal and first counting means connected to the first receiving means for providing as an output a function initiation time signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the third tone signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
66 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 10 in which the second frequency sensitive switching means includes second receiving means for receiving from the central traffic control signal source pulses of the second tone signal and second counting means connected to the second receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second tone signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which the clock means includes pulse generating means for generating timing pulses and pulse counting means for counting the timing pulses.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 12 in which the pulse counting means comprises a plurality of cascaded decade counters.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 13 in which each function time memory means comprises non-volatile memory means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 further comprising function steering means connected to the function memory means and adapted for connection to right-of-way indicators for applying energizing signals to right-of-way indicators in response to right-of-way function signals.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 15 further comprising power switching means connected to the function steering means and adapted for connection to right-of-way indicators for switching power to right-of-way indicators in response to energizing signals from the function steering means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 16 further comprising right-of-way indicators connected to the power switching means for providing right-of-way indications in response to power from the power switching means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a central traffic control signal source connected to the input means for application of coded signals thereto.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
44 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 18 in which the central traffic control signal Source includes a digital computer. 20 A traffic controller as claimed in claim 18 in which the central traffic control signal source includes a tape recording of coded signals.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
136 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which at least some of the function initiation means include: bistable switching means responsive to generation by the associated function initiation means of a function initiation signal for assuming a first stable state; gated time monitoring means connected to the clock means and to the bistable switching means for monitoring local clock time signals when the bistable switching means is in its first stable state and responsive to the monitoring of a preset local clock time signal for applying to the function memory means a further function initiation signal; and connecting means connecting the gated time monitoring means to the bistable switching means and responsive to the generation of an associated further function initiation signal for causing the bistable switching means to assume a second stable state.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
61 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 1 in which the input means further includes fifth switching means connected to said clock means and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to a fifth received coded signal of a fifth characteristic for applying a synchronizing signal to said clock means to reset said clock means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
311 words
A traffic controller responsive to receipt from a central traffic control signal source of real time signals commanding initiation of right-of-way functions for generating a plurality of right-of-way function signals for steering to right-of-way indicators at street intersections to control right-of-way indications of the indicators, said traffic controller comprising: a. input means adapted for connecting to a central traffic control signal source for receipt of coded signals therefrom; b. first switching means connected to the input means and including (i) a first terminal adapted for connection to a source of power and (ii) a second terminal, said first switching means responsive to receipt by the input means of a first coded signal of a first characteristic for applying power from the source through the first terminal to the second terminal; c. second switching means connected to the input means and to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to receipt by the input means of a second coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals; d. third switching means connected to the input means and to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to receipt by the input means of a third coded signal of a third characteristic for removing source power from the first switch means second terminal; and e. function memory means connected to the second switching means for receipt of function number signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function number signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other pre-existing right-of-way function signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
311 words
A traffic controller responsive to receipt from a central traffic control signal source of real time signals commanding initiation of right-of-way functions for generating a plurality of right-of-way function signals for steering to right-of-way indicators at street intersections to control right-of-way indications of the indicators, said traffic controller comprising: a. input means adapted for connecting to a central traffic control signal source for receipt of coded signals therefrom; b. first switching means connected to the input means and including (i) a first terminal adapted for connection to a source of power and (ii) a second terminal, said first switching means responsive to receipt by the input means of a first coded signal of a first characteristic for applying power from the source through the first terminal to the second terminal; c. second switching means connected to the input means and to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to receipt by the input means of a second coded signal of a second characteristic for generating a function number signal indicated by the second received coded signal and denoting a particular one of the plurality of right-of-way function signals; d. third switching means connected to the input means and to the first switching means second terminal and, while source power is applied to the first switching means second terminal, responsive to receipt by the input means of a third coded signal of a third characteristic for removing source power from the first switch means second terminal; and e. function memory means connected to the second switching means for receipt of function number signals therefrom and adapted for connection to function steering circuitry, the function memory means responsive to receipt of each function number signal for generating an associated right-of-way function signal and terminating any other pre-existing right-of-way function signals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
61 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 23 in which the second switching means includes receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pusles of the second coded signal and counting means connected to the receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second coded signal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
74 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 23 in which: the first switching means comprises a first frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a first tone signal of a first frequency; the second switching means comprises a second frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a second tone signal of a second frequency; and the third switching means comprises a third frequency sensitive switching means responsive to a third tone signal of a third frequency.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
63 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 25 in which the second frequency sensitive switching means includes receiving means for receiving from a central traffic control signal source pulses of the second tone signal and counting means connected to the receiving means for providing as an output a function number signal indicative of the number of received pulses of the second tone signal.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
39 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 23 further comprising function steering means connected to the function memory means and adapted for connection to right-of-way indicators for applying energizing signals to right-of-way indicators in response to right-of-way function signals.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
42 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 27 further comprising power switching means connected to the function steering means and adapted for connection to right-of-way indicators for switching power to right-of-way indicators in response to energizing signals from the function steering means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 28 further comprising right-of-way indicators connected to the power switching means for providing right-of-way indications in response to power from the power switching means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 23 further comprising a central traffic control signal source connected to the input means for application of coded signals thereto.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 30 in which the central traffic control signal source includes a digital computer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
23 words
A traffic controller as claimed in claim 30 in which the central traffic control signal source includes a tape recording of coded signals.
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |