DE102016212759B4 - Method and device for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system (1) at a traffic junction (4) with at least two tributaries (5) of vehicles (50), comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles (50) respectively during a release phase (104) by means of a detector field (3-1) at the inlets (5) of the traffic node (4), determining a time gap (107) between two consecutively detected vehicles (50) by means of an evaluation and control device (7), comparing the determined time gap (107) with a predetermined time gap limit value (108) by means of the evaluation and control device (7), adjusting a duration of the release phase (104) as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device (7), characterized in that a respective one during the release phases (104) Speed of the vehicles (50) is determined at the respective inflow (5) and being based on the determined speed a selection is made between the detector array (3-1) and at least one further detector array (3-2 to 3-n) at the corresponding inflow (5) by means of the evaluation and control device (7), so that the time gap (107) in each case is detected and determined by the detector field (3-1 to 3-n) selected for the inflow (5).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system.

Traffic lights (LSA) are often used to control tributaries to a road traffic node. These have in addition to the secure handling of traffic the task of keeping waiting and loss times for road users by a skillful release time distribution low.

In general, the control can be described by a traffic signal system as a sequence of several phases (phase sequence model). Each phase represents a state in which a signal state at the traffic signal system does not change. As part of the phase sequence model, the phases dissolve over phase transitions. These phase transitions include, for example, split times for transferring one phase to another phase. These split times also take into account safety aspects, for example, that an intersection after switching from a release phase ("green") to a lock phase ("red") of a driveway must first be cleared of the remaining on the intersection vehicles until a release of other approach to the intersection can be done.

In Germany, established control methods such as classic fixed-time control or traffic-dependent rule-based procedures are often used on the basis of vehicle time gaps, requirements or occupancy levels. Here, for example, a single criterion (e.g., a time gap between two consecutive vehicles) at a fixed measurement point (fixed detector distance to the stop line) is used for traffic situation assessment. Other traffic parameters, on the other hand, are constantly assumed for traffic-dependent rule-based control procedures.

Different scenarios can be distinguished with LSA controllers. Fixed-time tax procedures are distinguished from traffic-dependent tax procedures.

In so-called fixed-time control methods, a previously defined signal program is processed with fixed signal times. All signal groups are released here within a predetermined cyclic cycle time at least once in a specified time range. The signal program elements (round trip time, phase order, release time duration) repeat themselves periodically in the same way in each round. Detectors for detecting a current traffic situation are not provided in this case, so that impact possibilities by road users are not possible. The signal program is designed on the basis of historical data (for example from traffic surveys) in such a way that the peak loads occurring in the individual access roads can be covered within the validity period. Fixed-time control procedures are still used and, moreover, almost always serve as fallback situations in the event of the failure of traffic-dependent LSA controllers.

In traffic-dependent control methods, a number of traffic parameters are first of all ascertained as the basis for control decisions at a traffic junction with fixed detection systems. These stationary detection systems are predominantly recessed in the roadway induction loops for detecting time gaps between vehicles, vehicle requirements or vehicle occupancy levels. In addition, infrared sensors and occasionally also cameras are used which raise the same parameters and thus act as virtual induction loops. With request, in the traffic signal control, the request for release time (green) is designated. Detectors detect the presence of vehicles (vehicle requirement) or persons (pedestrian requirement). Vehicles are detected near the stop line (2 to 4 m). For pedestrians via buttons. In the case of "non-presence" of pedestrians or vehicles, the associated traffic light phases can be skipped or fail because the associated phase then brings no benefit. The saved time benefits other traffic light phases. To release certain phases only after request, is mainly used for temporarily relatively weakly loaded vehicle driveways or pedestrian trains.

A common method for traffic-dependent control of an LSA is the detection and evaluation of a time gap. Here, the time intervals between successively detected vehicles of a vehicle flow via a detector at an inflow of a traffic node are measured. The duration of the release phase (green), ie the release time, is then extended so long until the time interval between two vehicles is at least as large as a predetermined fixed time limit value or until the longest set release time is reached. The release time is limited downwards by a minimum release time.

Fixed time gaps between 2 s and 5 s can be specified as time gaps for canceling the release phase. For heavily loaded nodes, this value should preferably be between 2 s and 3 s, so that a sufficient measurement accuracy is reached. Values over 3 s are only selected in exceptional cases (eg in the case of unfavorable traffic hub geometry, uphill gradients or high proportion of lorries).

The distance of the detector from the stop line depends on the selected static time gap value, a duration of the transition phase (yellow) and the underlying static vehicle speed V.

From the DE 27 39 863 C2 a method is known for green time measurement in traffic dependent controllable traffic signal systems using time gaps detected during a green signal at the associated driveway with the aid of vehicle detectors, wherein the time gap between two consecutive vehicles with a time limit setpoint compared and upon reaching this time limit setpoint the green signal is switched off, whereby at least two consecutive time gaps (actual values) are compared with a respective further time limit set value and that the green signal is switched off by both actual values when this further time limit set value is exceeded.

However, such a simplified description of the traffic situation at road traffic nodes often leads to a misjudgment of the actual traffic situation and can lead to unnecessarily long waiting and loss times to the formation of backwater.

From the EP 2 824 648 A2 a method is known in which, for controlling a traffic signal system, occupancies of detectors of a traffic lane are measured. In particular, speeds of successively moving vehicles are measured there and the time gaps between these vehicles. By comparing with a reference time gap, the traffic condition is analyzed and the traffic signal system is controlled accordingly.

The EP 0 821 334 A1 discloses a method which creates traffic models based on detected vehicles and controls a traffic control signal with them. This is done via multiple detectors, with the individual detectors are used sequentially.

The invention is based on the technical problem of providing a method and a device for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system, in which a release time measurement is improved.

The technical problem is solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 7, and a method of claim 8 and an apparatus of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

In the following, a detector field is to denote a sensor which is able to detect the presence of a vehicle at the location of the detector field. Such a detector field can be both physically formed and only defined virtually. In principle, all sensor systems for forming or defining a detector field can be used, for example induction loops, ultrasound sensors, radar sensors, laser sensors, cameras, etc.

In a first aspect, a method is provided for enabling time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic light system at a traffic node having at least two inflows of vehicles, comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles each during a release phase by means of a respective detector field at the inflows of the traffic node, determining a time gap between two consecutively detected vehicles by means of an evaluation and control device, comparing the specific time gap with a predetermined time gap limit by means of the evaluation and control device, adjusting a duration of the release phase as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device, in each case during the release phases a Speed of the vehicles is determined at the respective inflow and wherein on the basis of the determined speed by means of the evaluation and control means a selection between the detector array and at least one further detector array is taken at the corresponding inflow, so that the time gap respectively by means of the selected for the inflow Detector field is detected and determined.

In addition, a device is provided for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic light system at a traffic junction with at least two inflows of vehicles, comprising in each case a detector array at the inlets for detecting vehicles during a release phase, an evaluation and control device for determining a time gap between two consecutively detected vehicles and for comparing the determined time gap with a predetermined time limit value and for adjusting a duration of the release phase as a function of the comparison result, wherein the device has at least one further detector array at the inflows, wherein the evaluation and control device is designed such during each the release phases to determine a speed of the vehicles at the respective inflow, and wherein the evaluation and control device is further designed such based on the besti In each case, the speed must be selected between the detector field and the at least one further detector field of the inflow, so that the time gap is detected and determined in each case by means of the detector field selected for the inflow.

In a second aspect, a method is provided for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic light system at a traffic node having at least two inflows of vehicles, comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles each during a release phase by means of a respective detector field at the inflows of the traffic node, determining a time gap between two consecutively detected vehicles by means of an evaluation and control device, comparing the specific time gap with a predetermined time gap limit by means of the evaluation and control device, adjusting a duration of the release phase as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device, in each case during the release phases determining a speed of the vehicles at the respective inflow, and wherein the time-out threshold based on the determined speed by the evaluation and control device is adjusted.

Furthermore, a device for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic light system at a traffic junction with at least two inflows of vehicles, comprising in each case a detector array at the inlets for detecting vehicles during a release phase, an evaluation and control device for determining a time gap between two consecutive detected vehicles and for comparing the determined time gap with a predetermined time limit value and for adjusting a duration of the release phase as a function of the comparison result, wherein the evaluation and control device is designed such, respectively during the release phases to determine a speed of the vehicles at the respective inflow, and wherein the evaluation and control device is further configured to adjust the time-out threshold based on the determined speed.

The core idea of the invention is to expand the traffic-dependent control method, in which a time gap between successive vehicles is used to adjust a release time, and to adapt it to a current traffic situation. For this purpose, it is provided to determine and evaluate a speed of the vehicles flowing in at each of the tributaries of a traffic node. On the basis of the determined speed, either an optimum detection location or area for the specific speed at which subsequently the detection of the time gaps occurs is selected and / or the time-slot limit value is adjusted as a function of the determined speed.

The advantage of the invention is that an improved adaptation of the duration of the individual phases of the traffic signal system to the current traffic situation can take place. This allows an improvement in the average waiting and loss times, that is, the average waiting and driving times of the vehicles are reduced.

It can be provided both that the speed of the vehicles is in each case the speed of a vehicle currently passing the detector field (s), and that the speed is averaged over a number of vehicles passing through the detector field (s). This allows changing the sensitivity in response to a speed change.

In particular, it is provided in one embodiment that the detector fields detect regions at different distances to a stop line of the respective inflow of the traffic node. The detector fields then have predetermined distances to the stop line. The choice of distances may be based, for example, on the guidelines for traffic signals (RiLSA) issued by the Road and Transport Research Society. In this case, depending on the speed of the vehicles, different detector distances are provided for constant time-gap limits. The distances are according to the directive: V Detector distance at ZL = 2 s ZL = 3 s 30 km / h 15 m 25 m 40 km / h 20 m 35 m 50 km / h 30 m 40 m 60 km / h 35 m 50 m 70 km / h 40 m 60 m

In particular, it can be provided that, in addition to the detector field and the at least one further detector field, further detector fields are provided for detecting the current traffic situation. For example, at each of the tributaries 4 or 8 detector fields at different distances to the respective stop line of the Inflow be present. This has the advantage that the accuracy and reliability when detecting the vehicles can be increased.

In an embodiment it is provided that induction loops in the roadway or the roadways are used to provide the detector fields. This has the advantage that it can be used on existing infrastructure in the lanes. This saves costs and effort.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the speed of the vehicles is determined from a time difference between the times of a detection on at least two different detector fields. For this purpose, a time difference between the crossing of two detector fields adjacent to one another on a roadway is determined by a vehicle. From the time difference and a known distance of the detector fields can then be calculated a speed.

This can be done for example by means of the induction loops.

In a further embodiment it is provided that video detectors are used to provide the detector fields. Such a video detector may, for example, be a camera which detects a region of an inflow to a traffic node. For example, it can be provided that one or more virtual detector fields are assigned to a detection area of the camera. In the images captured by the camera, these virtual detector fields are then represented by specific areas in the images. These areas can then be evaluated, for example, by means of pattern recognition methods in chronological successive images in such a way that vehicles entering these areas can be identified and a time gap between successively detected vehicles can be determined.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that a speed of the vehicles is also determined by means of such a video detector. For this purpose, the time difference between the passing of two virtual detector fields adjacent to a roadway is determined by a vehicle from temporally successive recorded images.

In principle, however, other detectors for forming detector fields can also be used. By way of example, ultrasound sensors and / or radar sensors may alternatively or additionally be used.

In particular, it is provided in one embodiment that the first aspect of the invention and the second aspect of the invention are combined with each other, so that a combined method is created, in which both the choice of the detector field at which the time gap is determined and the adaptation of the Time lapse limit as a function of the speed determined for the vehicles takes place. Thus, a combined method for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic light system is provided at a traffic node with at least two inflows of vehicles, comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles each during a release phase by means of a respective detector array at the tributaries of the traffic node, determining a time gap between two successive detected vehicles by means of an evaluation and control device, comparing the determined time gap with a predetermined time limit value by means of the evaluation and control device, adjusting a duration of the release phase as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device, wherein in each case during the release phases, a speed the vehicles is determined at the respective inflow and wherein based on the determined speed by means of the evaluation and control means a selection z between the detector field and at least one further detector field at the corresponding inflow, so that the time gap is detected and determined in each case by means of the detector field selected for the inflow, and wherein additionally the time gap limit is adjusted on the basis of the determined speed by the evaluation and control device ,

In particular, in one embodiment of the single or combined method, it is contemplated that the predetermined timeout threshold will be reduced as the particular speed increases. This reduction can be made, for example, according to the formula ZL _limit = l _d / V (Fz), where ZL _limit the time-gap _limit , l _d the distance of the detector used for the particular of the time gap from the stop line and V (Fz) the determined speed for or the vehicle (s) is.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung eines Steuerverfahrens einer Lichtsignalanlage mit verkehrssituationsabhängiger Freigabezeitbemessung aus dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung des Zusammenhanges zwischen dem Detektorfeldabstand und der bemessenen Zeitlücke;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung der Bemessung der minimalen Freigabezeit;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Freigabezeitbemessung bei einer verkehrsabhängig steuerbaren Lichtsignalanlage an einem Verkehrsknoten mit zwei Zuflüssen von Fahrzeugen;
• 5 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm einer Ausführungsform des Verfahrens gemäß des ersten Aspektes der Erfindung;
• 6 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm einer Ausführungsform des Verfahrens gemäß des zweiten Aspektes der Erfindung;
• 7 ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm einer Ausführungsform des Verfahrens gemäß einer Kombination des ersten und zweiten Aspektes der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Hereby show:

• 1 a schematic representation for explaining a control method of a traffic signal system with traffic situation-dependent release time measurement from the prior art;
• 2 a schematic representation for explaining the relationship between the detector array distance and the measured time gap;
• 3 a schematic representation for explaining the design of the minimum release time;
• 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal at a traffic junction with two tributaries of vehicles;
• 5 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention;
• 6 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the invention;
• 7 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method according to a combination of the first and second aspects of the invention.

1 shows a schematic representation for explaining a control method of a traffic signal system with traffic situation-dependent release time measurement from the prior art. On the X axis 100 For example, the path traveled by a vehicle ahead of a stop line of an inflow of a traffic node is shown as the Y axis 101 represents the time. Also shown are the trajectories F1 to F11 of successive vehicles that travel over the inflow to the traffic junction. At the beginning of the trajectories F1 to F11 run over the vehicles at the point 102 a detector field at which the time gap of consecutively detected vehicles is detected and determined. At the point 103 of the inflow the vehicles then run over the stop line of the inflow. Above the point 103 are schematically shown the individual phases of the traffic signal system at the inlet. For example, three phases are shown here: one release phase 104 (green), a transitional phase 105 (yellow) and a blocking phase 106 (red). During the release phase 104 and the transitional phase 105 The vehicles may pass the stop line. The at the point 102 the detector field certain time gap 107 between consecutively detected vehicles is timed out 108 compared. Is the specific time gap 107 less than the time-slot limit 108 , so the release phase is extended. Is the specific time gap 107 however, equal to or greater than the time-out threshold 108 , so will be in the transitional phase 105 changed. At the end of the transitional phase 105 will be in the lock phase 106 changed. Now another inflow to the interchange receives a release phase.

The vehicle, which is before exceeding the time limit value 108 the point 102 has run over the point 103 and thus still pass the stop line (see trajectory F9 ). The vehicle, what happens after exceeding the time limit value 108 the point 102 and thus overflows the detector field, the stop line at the point 103 however, no longer happen (see trajectory F10 ), because at the time Tx on the transition phase 105 has been switched and this has already expired, so the lock phase 106 is activated.

Furthermore, a minimum duration of the release phase 104 (minimum release time T1 ) and a maximum duration of the release phase (maximum release time T2 ) intended.

By means of in 1 illustrated control method of the traffic signal system can thus the release time of an inflow, so the duration of the release phase 104 be adapted to the traffic situation. However, this control method has the disadvantage that a detector distance 109 between the location of the detector field at the point 102 and the stop line of the tributary at the point 103 is constant. In addition, in this control method, the time-out threshold 108 constant. A flexible adaptation based on the current traffic situation is therefore not possible.

In 2 is a schematic representation for explaining the relationship between the detector array distance 109 and the measured time gap. The same reference numerals designate the same terms or features. The detector field distance 109 is chosen so that a vehicle containing the detector field 3 at the point 102 overrun, within the time-out threshold 108 until the stop line 2 at the point 103 arrives and thus the stop line 2 during a release phase 104 can happen. Unless the maximum release time T2 has not been exceeded, thus a vehicle whose time gap to the leading vehicle the time-out threshold 108 does not reach or exceed the stop line 2 always happen.

For the detector field distances 109 arise in the design with given time gaps 107 for example, depending on the velocity on the inflow, the following values. V Detector distance at ZL = 2 s ZL = 3 s 30 km / h 15 m 25 m 40 km / h 20 m 35 m 50 km / h 30 m 40 m 60 km / h 35 m 50 m 70 km / h 40 m 60 m

Is the detector field distance 109 constant, this is the dimensioning of the minimum release time T1 to note that all between the detector field 3 at the point 102 and the stop line 2 at the point 103 jammed vehicles 50 during this minimum release time T1 can drain away. This is schematically in the 3 shown. The same reference numerals designate the same terms and characteristics.

In 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 10 for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system 1 at a traffic junction 4 with two tributaries 5 and a drain 6 shown. The device 10 includes at each of the tributaries 5 two detector fields each 3 - 1 and 3 - 2 and an evaluation and control device 7 , The device 10 can additionally additional detector fields 3-n include. The detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n are via signal lines 8th with the evaluation and control device 7 connected. The traffic signal system 1 is for example via previously provided control lines 9 controlled.

The detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n may be, for example, embedded in the roadway induction loops. It is also possible that alternatively or additionally video detectors for defining the detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n be used.

Such a video detector may, for example, be a camera which covers an area of an inflow 5 to the transport node 4 detected. For example, it can be provided that one detection area of the camera has one or more virtual detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n be assigned. In the images captured by the camera then these virtual detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n represented by certain areas in the figures. These areas can then be evaluated, for example, by means of pattern recognition methods in chronological successive images such that vehicles entering these areas 50 detected and a time gap between consecutively detected vehicles 50 can be determined.

The evaluation and control device 7 controls a phase sequence of the traffic signal system 1 , This phase sequence includes, for example, per inflow 5 a release phase (green), a transition phase (yellow) and a blocking phase (red), which in each case by corresponding light signals at the respective inflow 5 are displayed.

This is a simplified phase sequence, which is used here for purposes of illustration. Depending on the traffic node 4 and number of inflows 5 and drains 6 can also be provided more complex phase sequences with multiple transition phases.

The individual detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n are each located in different detector array distance to the corresponding stop lines 2 ,

vehicles 50 which are the traffic junction 4 approach, thus run over the detector fields in succession 3-n to 3 - 1 , It is now envisaged that the evaluation and control device 7 is formed in each case during the release phases, a speed of the vehicles 50 at the respective inflow 5 to determine.

The speed of the vehicles 50 may for example consist of a time difference between the times of a detection on at least two different detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n is determined. For this purpose, a time difference between the crossing of two adjacent on a roadway detector fields 3 - 1 to 3 - 2 through a vehicle 50 certainly. From the time difference and a known distance of the detector fields 3 - 1 to 3 - 2 can then calculate a speed.

Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the speed of the vehicles 50 is determined by means of a video detector. For this purpose, the time difference between the crossing of two adjacent on a roadway virtual detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n through a vehicle 50 determined from chronologically sequential recorded images.

Furthermore, the evaluation and control device 7 formed based on the determined speed of one of the detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n to select a time gap between consecutively detected vehicles by means of the detector field selected for the corresponding inflow 3 - 1 to 3-n is detected and determined.

In particular, it is provided that for different specific speeds in each case another of the detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n is selected. For example, are two detector fields 3 - 1 and 3 - 2 provided, these detector fields corresponding vehicle speeds, such as 30 km / h and 40 km / h, can be assigned. If a speed of 30 km / h is then measured for a passing vehicle, then the time gap will be at the detector 3 - 1 certainly. Will, however, a speed of the vehicle 50 determined from 40 km / h, the time gap will henceforth on the detector field 3 - 2 certainly. Accordingly, with more than two detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n method. It may for example be provided that four or eight detector fields 3 - 1 to 3-n per inflow 5 of the traffic node 4 are provided.

wobei ZL_Grenzwert der Zeitlückengrenzwert, l_D der Detektorfeldabstand und V(Fz) die Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs ist. Erhöht sich somit die bestimmte Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs, so wird der Zeitlückengrenzwert verringert.Furthermore, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the evaluation and control device 7 is adapted to adapt a time gap limit value used for the release time measurement based on the determined speed. Such an adaptation can be calculated, for example, according to the following formula: $$Z{L}_{Grenzwert}=\frac{l_D}{V\left(Fz\right)}.$$

where ZL _{limit is} the time-out _limit , I _{D is} the detector field distance and V (Fz) is the speed of the vehicle. Thus increases the specific speed of the vehicle, the time-out threshold is reduced.

The device 10 has the advantage that it can respond flexibly to an up-to-date traffic situation, depending on the traffic situation, a detector field 3 - 1 to 3-n at the corresponding inflow 5 is selected and / or the time-out threshold is adjusted depending on the traffic situation.

In 5 Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of the method of the first aspect of the invention. After the start 200 of the process is during the release phases (green) in a first process step 201 checks if a vehicle is detected. If no vehicle is detected, then the first process step 201 repeated. If, however, a vehicle is detected, then the process step 202 executed. In this process step 202 a determination is made of the speed of the vehicle. The determination of the speed of the vehicle takes place at one or more of the detector fields or alternatively by means of another detector device. If the speed of the vehicle is determined, then the speed in the next step 203 at speeds associated with each of the individual detector arrays. In the process step 203 For example, the determined speed will be in the process step 204 at the speed x and in the process step 206 compared with the speed y. If the determined speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the speed x, the time gap is measured in the method step 205 with the detector field associated with this velocity x. Is in the process step 204 on the other hand, if it has been found that the speed of the vehicle is greater than the speed x, then the determined speed will be in the process step 206 compared with the speed y. If the determined speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to y, the time gap value in the method step becomes 207 determined at the speed y associated detector array. If further detector fields are present, then the method, if necessary, continues correspondingly for further velocities assigned to these detector fields. If the time gap has been determined, this is done in the method step 208 a comparison of the time gap with a time-gap limit. If the specific time gap does not exceed the time limit value, then the current release phase is in the method step 209 extended and the process is from process step 201 go through again.

On the other hand, if the specific time gap exceeds the time limit, an abort of the current release phase is initiated (see also FIG 1 ). Then the process is finished ( 211 ).

In 6 Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of the method according to the second aspect of the invention. After the start 300 of the process is during the release phases (green) in a first process step 301 determined whether a vehicle is present. If there is no vehicle, then the process step 301 repeated. If, however, a vehicle is present, then in the process step 302 determines a speed of the vehicle. Subsequently, in the process step 303 a calculation of the time-slot limit as a function of the determined speed. For example, the time-out threshold may be chosen inversely proportional to the particular speed. In the process step 304 then takes a measurement of the time gap. In the subsequent process step 305 the specific time gap is compared with the speed dependent calculated time gap limit. If the specific time gap does not exceed the time limit value, then the process step is carried out 306 an extension of the current release phase. Subsequently, the method is from the process step 301 go through again. On the other hand, if the time gap exceeds the time-limit threshold, then in the method step 307 the termination of the current release phase is initiated (see also 1 ). Thereafter, the process is completed 308.

In 7 Figure 3 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of the method according to a combination of the first and second aspects of the invention. After the start 400 of the process is during the release phases (green) in one process step 401 checks if a vehicle is present. If there is no vehicle, then the process step 401 cyclically repeated. If a vehicle is detected, then in the process step 402 determines a speed of the vehicle. Analogous to the process step 203 of the 5 takes place in the process step 403 a comparison of the determined speed with speeds associated with different detector fields of an inflow. In the process steps 404 to 407 It is thus decided to which of the existing detector fields the time gap between successive vehicles should be determined. In addition, in the process step 408 a time gap limit depending on the method step 402 determined speed of the vehicle. For example, the time-out threshold may be chosen inversely proportional to the particular speed. In the process step 409 a comparison is made between the time gap and the time gap limit. If the specific time gap does not exceed the time limit value, then the current release phase is in the method step 410 extended. Subsequently, the method is from the process step 401 carried out again. On the other hand, if the specific time gap exceeds the time gap limit value, then the current release phase is in the method step 411 canceled. Then the process is finished 412 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Traffic signal

2

stop line

3-1 to 3-n

detector array

4

transportation hub

5

inflow

6

outflow

7

Evaluation and control device

8th

signal line

9

control line

10

contraption

50

vehicle

100

X axis

101

y-axis

102

Point (detector field)

103

Point (stop line)

104

release phase

105

Transition

106

off phase

107

time gap

108

Time gap limit

109

Detector array distance

F

trajectory

F1-F11

trajectory

T1

minimum release time

T2

maximum release time

Tx

Release time demolition

200-211

steps

300-308

steps

400-412

steps

Claims (10)

A method for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system (1) at a traffic junction (4) with at least two tributaries (5) of vehicles (50), comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles (50) respectively during a release phase (104) by means of a detector field (3-1) at the inlets (5) of the traffic node (4), determining a time gap (107) between two consecutively detected vehicles (50) by means of an evaluation and control device (7), comparing the determined time gap (107) with a predetermined time gap limit value (108) by means of the evaluation and control device (7), adjusting a duration of the release phase (104) as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device (7), characterized in that in each case during the release phases (104) a speed of the vehicles (50) at the respective inflow (5) is determined and based on the determined speed indigo by means of the evaluation and control device (7) a selection between the detector array (3-1) and at least one further detector array (3-2 to 3-n) is made at the corresponding inflow (5), so that the time gap (107 ) is detected and determined in each case by means of the detector field (3-1 to 3-n) selected for the inflow (5). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the detector fields (3-1 to 3-n) regions at different distances to a stop line (2) of the respective inflow (5) of the traffic node (4) detect. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for providing the detector fields (3-1 to 3-n) induction loops are used in the roadway. Method according to one of Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that for providing the detector fields (3-1 to 3-n) video detectors are used. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the speed of the vehicles (50) from a time difference between the times of detection on at least two different detector fields (3-1 to 3-n) is determined. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition the time-gap limit value (108) is adapted on the basis of the determined speed by the evaluation and control device (7). Device (10) for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system (1) at a traffic junction (4) with at least two inlets (5) of vehicles (50), comprising: one detector array (3-1) at the inlets (5) respectively for detecting vehicles (50) during a release phase (104), an evaluation and control device (7) for determining a time gap (107) between two consecutively detected vehicles (50) and comparing the determined time gap (107) with a predetermined time limit value (108) and for adjusting a duration of the release phase (104) as a function of the comparison result, characterized in that the device (10) has at least one further detector array (3-2 to 3-n) at the inlets (5) the evaluation and control device (7) is designed such, in each case during the release phases (104) to determine a speed of the vehicles (50) at the respective inflow (5) and wherein the evaluation and control device (7) is further designed to select, based on the determined speed, in each case between the detector field (3-1) and the at least one further detector field (3-2 to 3-n) of the inflow, such that the time gap (107) is detected and determined in each case by means of the detector field (3-1 to 3-n) selected for the inflow (5). A method for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system (1) at a traffic junction (4) with at least two tributaries (5) of vehicles (50), comprising the following steps: detecting vehicles (50) respectively during a release phase (104) by means of a detector field (3-1) at the inlets (5) of the traffic node (4), determining a time gap (107) between two consecutively detected vehicles (50) by means of an evaluation and control device (7), comparing the determined time gap (107) with a predetermined time gap limit value (108) by means of the evaluation and control device (7), adjusting a duration of the release phase (104) as a function of the comparison result by means of the evaluation and control device (7), characterized in that in each case during the release phases (104) a speed of the vehicles (50) is determined at the respective inflow (5) and wherein the time-slot limit value (108) Basis of the specific speed by the evaluation and control device (7) is adjusted. Method according to Claim 8 characterized in that the predetermined time-out threshold (108) is decreased as the determined speed increases. Device (10) for release time measurement in a traffic-dependent controllable traffic signal system (1) at a traffic junction (4) with at least two inlets (5) of vehicles (50), comprising: one detector array (3-1) at the inlets (5) respectively for detecting vehicles (50) during a release phase (104), an evaluation and control device (7) for determining a time gap (107) between two consecutively detected vehicles (50) and comparing the determined time gap (107) with a predetermined time limit value (108) and for adapting a duration of the release phase (104) as a function of the comparison result, characterized in that the evaluation and control device (7) is designed such, in each case during the release phases (104), a speed of the vehicles (50) on the determine respective inflow (5), and wherein the evaluation and control device (7) is further configured such, the time-out threshold (108) au f to adjust the basis of the specific speed.

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