Intelligent intersections

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The aforementioned problems are overcome through the use of the traffic intersection control system of the present invention, that optimizes the number of turn lanes (and their length) and through lanes at congested intersections.
The traffic intersection control system has the ability to, in real time, add or do away with exclusive turn lanes, change the length of exclusive turn lanes, and change the traffic direction of lanes.
The ability to monitor and analyze traffic volumes at intersections in real time allows the control system to determine the volume to capacity (v/c) ratios and average vehicle delays on all lanes approaching the intersection.
Traffic engineers, through traffic management centers, will have the ability to respond effectively to variations of traffic flow in real time.
The traffic intersection control system (intelligent intersection) of the present invention includes three main components: intelligent pavement markers (IPMs); lane usage signs; and detection, communication, and control equipment.
The intelligent pavement markers (IPMs) replace conventional, painted, pavement markings with markers that can be illuminated with a yellow light (for dividing two-way traffic), illuminated with a white light (for dividing traffic in lanes going the same direction) or turned off.
Overhead, electronic, lane usage signs alert drivers as to which lanes are through lanes, which lanes are for on-coming traffic, and which lanes are turn lanes.
These lanes usage signs are already in use on major roads.
The detection, communication, and control equipment of the present invention uses historical data concerning traffic flow, to assist in determining an ideal lane configuration (or geometry) for the intersection.
In addition to the historical data, real time existing traffic flow at the intersection is sensed in each lane, to determine a present average delay for the present traffic and intersection configuration.
Many existing intersections already include the traffic sensors (usually a magnetic loop device)