Traffic control signal with displayed time-elapse

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention relates to control devices generally used to facilitate the orderly movement of pedestrians and vehicles, most often at points where non-parallel streets intersect.
This invention relates to a unique and novel device and method that allows for a "real-time" elapse or countdown--most probably a "numerical" countdown--of each successive operating signal, indicating vehicular "stop", vehicular "go" and pedestrian "walk" to provide information for complete safe passage.
Each street and/or intersection can be uniquely programmed to coordinate with each other in unison or set in appropriate patterns to deal with special traffic situations.
Housed in or about the lighted surface, the instant invention provides for a method and device for controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic, eliminating guesswork relative to time in the control of pedestrian and vehicular movement.
The invention provides for an environment that informs all pedestrians and/or vehicle operators with the "real-time" elapse or countdown, better informing the participant so as to adhere to lawful traffic regulations.
As stated earlier, historically, a person or vehicle has not been advised of the length of time to remain in a stopped position.
Only an angled view of the opposing signal or a time-tested familiarity with the specific intersection mechanism could provide information to the vehicle operator or the pedestrian.
The instant invention informs a clear and fool-proof mechanism, and method of same, that advises, in "real-time", the time remaining of the predominant signal.
For example, as soon as a red light is activated, an intrinsic part of the red light begins a countdown in "real-time.
" When the red light countdown is completed and ceases to be illuminated, the green signal is illuminated with the intrinsic display advising "real-time" elapse.