Improving traffic signal timing based on approaching speed and density
Mon, 04/25/2011 - 9:53am
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      15 years
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One of the complaints about cameras is the signals should be timed better. Well, here's some work being done in that area.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working on a new system that will improve the timing of traffic signals and potentially reduce wait times. Current methods of controlling traffic signals are based on fixed-point sensors that provide information about the queue length at intersections. Although this allows more information than simple timer-based traffic signals, it doesn’t provide any information about the speed or density of approaching vehicles.
Good Luck With That
I drive a few roads where I believe the municipality has intentionally made the lights annoying. You get caught at a red light and you see the lights further ahead are green. Then when you finally get a green, you start only to see the next one turn red. Get through that and get snagged by yet another one. Either they are being used to calm traffic or they just want to create road rage. There is one light near my sisters home that appears to have a broken demand sensor. It goes red without any cars around.
On a related note, there is a feature of traffic lights in Mississauga, Ontario that I like. If you pull up to an intersection on a red, the controller will start the process of giving you a green. You can tell by seeing the pedestrian crossing sign start blinking red. If the car makes a right on red, the controller senses this, the cycle stop and the pedestrian crossing sign goes white. I have never run into one of those here on Long Island. You make a right-on-red at a demand intersection and it will still change even if there are no cars waiting.
I support the right to keep and arm bears.