AU2017203721A1

AU2017203721A1 - Traffic signal controller system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2017203721A1
Application number: AU2017203721A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Keith James Aldridge
Original assignee: ALDRIDGE TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ALDRIDGE TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-25
Filing date: 2017-06-02
Publication date: 2017-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-24
Also published as: AU2017203721B2; AU2015224498A1

Abstract

Abstract A traffic signal controller system for controlling the operation of a set of traffic lights, the traffic signal controller system including: an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), interconnected to the traffic signal controller system to maintain the continued 5 operation of the set of traffic lights during any short term interruption to the power supply of the traffic signal controller system. oo ooooGGoooo o~oo LL L __o~o Fig 0 (Pio Art)0

Description

2017203721 02 Jun2017 -1 -

Traffic Signal Controller System and Method

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to the field of traffic control systems and, in particular, discloses an improved traffic signal controller able to handle emergency situations.

Background [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Traffic lights have become a vital part of any functioning city and/or society. The operation of traffic lights has become highly refined and somewhat standardised.

[0004] Traffic lights have become a vital part of functioning systems of an automobile society. Unfortunately, often emergency situations occur. One particularly significant event is when a significant power failure occurs or a major environmental calamity occurs. It is important to address the operational characteristics of traffic lights during a major calamity as they perform such a vital part in society.

[0005] The present invention is directed to a traffic signal controller operating in such an emergency situation.

Summary [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of traffic signal controller.

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic signal controller system for controlling the operation of a set of traffic lights, the traffic signal controller system including: an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -2- interconnected to the traffic signal controller system to maintain the continued operation of the set of traffic lights during any short term interruption to the power supply of the traffic signal controller system.

[0008] The traffic signal controller system can be housed within a single cabinet and the UPS can be also housed within the same cabinet.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the UPS has a capacity to operate the traffic lights substantially for approximately 4.5 hours in the absence of power.

[0010] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of increasing the security of operation of a traffic signal controller and corresponding traffic lights, the method comprising the step of: including an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in the traffic signal controller to ensure the continued operation of the traffic signal controller during external power fluctuations.

[0011] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided an emergency power supply system for a traffic signal controller for controlling the operation of a set of traffic lights wherein the emergency power supply system can be retrofitted to the traffic signal controller, the emergency power supply system including: an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), interconnected to the traffic signal controller system to maintain the continued operation of the set of traffic lights during any short term interruption to the power supply of the traffic signal controller system wherein the traffic signal controller system is housed within a single cabinet and the UPS is configured to also be housed within the cabinet.

[0012] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing the security of operation of a traffic signal controller and corresponding traffic lights, the method comprising the step of: retrofitting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to the traffic signal controller to ensure the continued operation of the traffic signal controller during 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -3- external power fluctuations wherein the traffic signal controller is housed within a single cabinet and the UPS is configured to also be housed within the same cabinet.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] Benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a front plan view of a known traffic signal controller;

Fig. 2 illustrates a corresponding front plan view of the preferred employment;

Fig. 3 illustrates a left-hand side plan view of portions of the traffic signal controller of the preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 4 illustrates a right-hand side plan view of portions of the traffic signal controller of the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description [0014] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In the embodiment, a traffic signal controller is provided which includes an uninterruptible fault-tolerant power supply within the traffic signal’s cabinet. The fault-tolerant power supply allows for a substantial continuation of service in the event of a power failure which may occur when, for example, and in environmental calamity occurs. Preferably, the UPS is provided within the same cabinet as the traffic signal controller unit. This provides for enhanced placement in that only one traffic signal controller cabinet is required for most traffic signal controller systems thereby providing for a compact installation of the traffic signal controller system. 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -4- [0016] Turning initially to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a traffic signal controller presently in use in such counties as Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The traffic signal controller is housed within a Cabinet 101 and includes a number of interacting parts so as to drive the traffic light system. The computer processing behind the system and are normally incorporated with in a logic module 100 which can provide for the overall control of the traffic lights. The logic module receives a number of sensor inputs from different senses e.g. Road sensors, pedestrian pushbuttons, etc. The logic module also outputs to control the traffic lights.

[0017] The logic module 100 interacts with various inputs and outputs. The outputs are provided by solid state TRIACs in the logic module 100 and interconnected via field terminations 102 which provide the connections to the field wiring driving such things as the traffic lights and pedestrian walk / don’t walk lights. The inputs are terminated into the traffic signal controller via 103 which receives the external inputs from external devices such as pedestrian push buttons. A main switchboard 105 is provided for providing power to the overall system. The arrangement of Fig. 1 is provided for controlling a large intersection.

[0018] There arrangement of Fig. 1 has a disadvantage in that in the event of a power failure, the system basically goes to a shutdown mode and discontinues operation. Often the power failures are of short duration or during an extremely critical time and the failure of the traffic signal controller to continue to operate during this time is of significant concern.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment, a UPS is provided within the Cabinet so as to allow for continued operation during power fluctuations.

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates schematically the arrangement of the preferred embodiments 200. In this arrangement, a number of the modules of the Cabinet 201 have been rearranged to provide for the inclusion of a UPS power supply.

[0021] In the preferred employment, a logic module 202 is provided having a smaller size and more limited capacity. The logic model 202 interacts with the field 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -5 - termination strips 204 and external input termination strip 203 for the provision of inputs and outputs. The main switchboard unit 205 can be unchanged.

[0022] Additionally, there is provided a UPS system. The UPS system can be a standardised off-the-shelf extended temperature system and includes a UPS module 238 which interacts with two long-term storage batteries 239 and 240. The UPS 238 provides standard power conditioning and backup in the event of a power failure. The UPS is designed to provide at least 4.5 hours operation for a total load of 400VA. This is likely to be sufficient for supporting 4 or 8 Signal Groups. The UPS can consist of an intergrated industrial temperature range 650VA UPS and GEL batteries. Where required, the UPS can be monitored by the logic module.

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates a plan view partially in cutaway of the preferred embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates a plan view of the left hand side of on the controller cabinet and shows a shelf 241 for mounting the UPS on in addition to two batteries 239, 240 which can also be mounted to the cabinet. Fig. 4 illustrates the right-hand side view of the controller cabinet.

[0025] It can be seen by the arrangement of the preferred embodiment provides for the mounting of a UPS with in a traffic signal controller cabinet. This has a number of advantages when a power fluctuation occurs. The traffic light system continues to operate while the UPS continues to function. Additionally, the UPS is incorporated within a single cabinet. This is a significant advantage during installing the unit in that only one cabinet is required and no separate UPS Cabinet is needed to be located on site. The preferred embodiment provides for improved continued operation, especially during the critical times when an environmental calamity occurs and power outage occurs for an extended period. The continued traffic light operation allows for the improved functioning of the automobile society. 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -6-

Interpretation [0026] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0027] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -7- [0029] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0031] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0032] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or 2017203721 02 Jun2017 -8- more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An emergency power supply system for a traffic signal controller for controlling the operation of a set of traffic lights wherein the emergency power supply system can be retrofitted to the traffic signal controller, the emergency power supply system including: an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), interconnected to the traffic signal controller system to maintain the continued operation of the set of traffic lights during any short term interruption to the power supply of the traffic signal controller system wherein the traffic signal controller system is housed within a single cabinet and the UPS is configured to also be housed within the cabinet.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the UPS has a capacity to operate the traffic lights for approximately 4.5 hours in the absence of power.
3. A method of increasing the security of operation of a traffic signal controller and corresponding traffic lights, the method comprising the step of: retrofitting an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to the traffic signal controller to ensure the continued operation of the traffic signal controller during external power fluctuations wherein the traffic signal controller is housed within a single cabinet and the UPS is configured to also be housed within the same cabinet.