EP1288883B1 - Method and apparatus for controlling a system of several traffic signals - Google Patents

Abstract

A traffic light (1) control system processes (3) traffic data from cars (4) to determine the local traffic situation within the receiver (2) range and controls a local group of traffic lights with priority for emergency services if present.

Description

The present invention includes a method of control a system of multiple traffic signals to control the Traffic of vehicles, whereby a detection by the vehicles of traffic data. The traffic data will at least partially by radio to traffic data processing devices transmitted in each of the traffic data processing facilities there is an analysis of the traffic situation, and on the basis of the result of the analysis, control of the Traffic signals carried out. The invention further comprises an arrangement for controlling a system of several traffic signals based on traffic data generated by vehicles be captured with traffic data processing equipment. The system includes transceivers that connected to the traffic data processing devices are as well as facilities for analyzing the traffic situation in the traffic data processing facilities and facilities to control traffic signals based on the result of analysis.

Such a method is, for example, from DE 196 01 024 for controlling traffic lights as a special type of traffic signal known. It describes that traffic data, in particular Position data determined by GPS, by mobile radio transmitted from vehicles to a central traffic control computer be local traffic control computers for data acquisition can be interposed. The central traffic control computer conducts a central analysis of global Traffic situation for the entire system of traffic lights through and Coordination takes place based on the result of the analysis the local traffic control computer, which in turn is the individual Control traffic lights. It can also through the traffic control calculator Information on assistance to vehicle occupants be transferred to the vehicle.

The disadvantage of this system, however, is that it is a relatively complex one Network of different hierarchies of traffic data processing must be provided, in particular the central traffic control computer has a high volume of data has to deal with and is therefore correspondingly expensive, fast data processing and data forwarding guaranteed must be and in the event of an error a total failure of the entire Systems threatens.

From US 5,014,052 a method is known in which bidirectional communication between special vehicles (Police, fire brigade etc.) and a traffic light these special vehicles the traffic light sends a radio instruction to release the Can give passage and the traffic light a confirmation of Send instructions back to the special vehicle. It can too other special vehicles are considered. Another one However, the general traffic situation is analyzed Not.

A method is known from US Pat. No. 5,926,113 in which a Vehicle GPS measurements to determine a current position carries out and by radio to a computer of an intersection sends. The received measurements of the Corrected vehicle based on own GPS measurements and an optimal time to switch the traffic light control in a so-called preference mode.

The object of the present invention is therefore one possibility to control a system of multiple traffic signals provide that in the simplest possible way can be realized and still as comprehensive as possible Recording of the traffic situation and adaptation of the control allowed to the traffic situation. This task is solved by the features of claims 1 and 9. Advantageous Further developments can be found in the dependent claims.

The invention comprises a method for controlling a system of multiple traffic signals to regulate traffic of vehicles, whereby a detection of Traffic data is done. The traffic data at least partly by radio at traffic data processing facilities transfer. In the traffic data processing equipment there is an analysis of the traffic situation, and on the basis The result of the analysis is a control of the traffic signals carried out. According to the present invention the traffic data via radio to each individually assigned to a locally limited group of traffic signals Traffic data processing equipment transmitted, and takes place in every traffic data processing device an analysis of the local traffic situation for the area the assigned locally limited group of traffic signals up to a maximum of neighboring locally limited groups of traffic signals.

A locally limited group of traffic signals can pass through one or more traffic signals are formed. Will the Group is formed only by a single traffic signal the local limitation is already caused by the traffic signal itself given. However, the group is characterized by multiple traffic signals the local limitation of the group is formed by the mutual functional dependency of the traffic signals defined. For example, at an intersection in usually more than one traffic light installed. Usually is at least one traffic light per direction of travel is provided. This However, traffic lights cannot be switched independently rather, they show a mutual functional Dependence on. So only certain directions of travel can one intersection must be released at the same time, others must be locked during this time. All traffic lights of one Intersection therefore form a locally limited unit of Traffic signals, their switching cycles in mutual functional dependency. The like can e.g. For successive speed limits or no overtaking apply along or along a section of road Signaling devices on railway lines or waterways, where the signal state of a traffic signal is mandatory the signal state of another traffic signal and such a comparable mutual functional dependency the traffic signals arise.

In contrast to the prior art, this hierarchical structure with complex central traffic data processing facilities avoided. The processing the traffic data is rather as far as possible decentralized and individual for the environment of everyone locally limited group of traffic signals. The pro local limited group of traffic signals area to be considered the surrounding area is maximally local by neighboring limited groups of traffic signals limited as this again own local traffic data processing and Carry out an analysis of the traffic situation. Such a decentralized one Process can be done through simpler, decentralized processing facilities will be realized. Also the susceptibility to errors of such a decentralized system is less because if one processing device fails, only a local one System failure results, in contrast to the risk of Failure of the overall system, as in the prior art can occur.

In particular, it can be provided that an analysis of the local Traffic situation only within the reception area of one Transceiver of the traffic data processing devices he follows. So only those Traffic data taken into account by the traffic data processing device by the associated transceiver can receive immediately.

Alternatively, an analysis can also be provided the local traffic situation within an area takes place, which is over the reception area of a transmission / Receiving device for traffic data processing devices extends beyond. The necessary for the analysis Traffic data from the sending vehicles via further transmission / reception devices to the transmission / reception devices of the traffic data processing equipment forwarded.

In this case in particular, it can be implemented with With the help of an ad hoc network, in which all Transmitting / receiving devices of the network as network nodes Forwarding of information to be transmitted used can be. Every transceiver can therefore also act as an intermediary. Such networks can ideally through suitable design of the transmitting / receiving devices self-organizing. The one for forwarding serving transceivers can either be installed in vehicles or stationary. On in this way traffic data e.g. over several network nodes (Multi-Hop) to a traffic data processing device be forwarded by vehicles outside the reception area the transceiver of the traffic data processing devices come. It can be on this Way even a data exchange between several locally limited Groups of traffic signals can be realized by the for controlling traffic signals or for local analysis the traffic situation can be helpful.

According to the invention it is provided that a detection and / or a transmission of certain or all relevant Traffic data of a vehicle to a traffic data processing device is triggered when the vehicle is a defined position, i.e. a kind of virtual position sensor, reached. This defined position is indicated by the corresponding one Traffic data processing device set and the corresponding information is radioed to at least to transfer a vehicle. The vehicle can then be carried on board Positioning devices such as wheel sensors, GPS or similar determine whether it reaches the defined position has and if there is agreement between the defined Position and the current position with the capture and / or the transmission of traffic data begin. The defined one Position can be dynamically dependent in particular be determined by the current traffic situation.

Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned method can be provided by all vehicles at all times a transmission of certain or all relevant traffic data takes place and in the traffic data processing facilities a processing of all traffic data received for Analysis of the local traffic situation is carried out. So it can e.g. only part of the traffic data depending on the Position of the vehicle is recorded and / or transmitted, other traffic data, however, can constantly and independently from defined vehicle positions. It can but also basically based on position-dependent detection and / or transmission can be dispensed with.

To especially the special needs of special vehicles such as the police, emergency services, etc. to meet can be provided that in the traffic data processing devices prioritization of vehicle types based on the traffic data received and a control of locally limited groups of traffic signals Taking into account the priority of those in the local area limited group of vehicles located traffic signals he follows. So the control can take place in such a way that on the The passage of the emergency vehicles immediately released the passage the passage is blocked for the other vehicles becomes. But it can also be in the area where rescue vehicles are staying the passage is blocked for all vehicles be where this is more advantageous, so that normal traffic comes to a standstill and none disturbing the ambulance Traffic movements occur more.

Finally, it can be provided that the traffic data processing devices a generation and transmission driver assistance information and / or vehicle control information to the vehicles on the Analysis of the local traffic situation and / or on the status control of the localized group of traffic signals based. As driver assistance information is included understand such information that the driver additional Information for the management of his vehicle and / or the Give an assessment of the traffic situation. With the help of vehicle control information can, however, go directly to the operating state and the control of a vehicle intervened such as by automatically reducing the Vehicle speed when approaching a red traffic light or to an ambulance.

Another object of the present invention is a Arrangement for controlling a system of several traffic signals based on traffic data captured by vehicles become. The arrangement comprises traffic data processing devices as well as transmitting / receiving devices, connected to the traffic data processing equipment are. The arrangement also includes devices for Analysis of the traffic situation in the traffic data processing facilities and finally control devices the traffic signals based on the result of the analysis. According to the present invention, it is now provided that that individually a locally limited group of Traffic signals a traffic data processing device is assigned, and each traffic data processing device to analyze the local traffic situation for the area the assigned locally limited group of traffic signals up to a maximum of neighboring locally limited groups is trained by traffic signals. So it's going to be like this system organized as far as possible with closed systems Units per local limited group of traffic signals for processing and analyzing traffic data defined by the local traffic analysis in the immediate vicinity a locally limited group of traffic signals. The benefits that come from such a decentralized System result correspond to those already in the context of the The method described above have been explained.

A locally limited group of traffic signals can also are formed here by one or more traffic signals. If the group is formed by only one traffic signal, So the local limitation is already due to the traffic signal given yourself. However, if the group is made up of several Traffic signals formed, so the local limitation of the Group also for this subject of the invention by the mutual functional dependency of the traffic signals defined. Again, reference is made to the fact that usually at least one traffic light at each intersection per direction of travel is provided, which is not independent of each other can be switched. Rather, they have one mutual functional dependency on, as already above executed. All traffic lights of such an intersection form a locally limited unit of traffic signals whose Circuit cycles in mutual functional dependency stand. The same can be said for this subject of the invention e.g. for successive speed limits or overtaking bans along a section of road apply or for signaling devices on rail routes or Waterways where the signal state of a traffic signal imperative the signal state of another traffic signal conditional and so a comparable mutual functional Dependence of the traffic signals arises.

Depends on an acquisition and / or transmission of traffic data Carrying out vehicle positions is according to the invention provided that the traffic data processing device Facilities for defining defined Vehicle positions as triggers for detection and / or a transmission of traffic data of a vehicle to a Traffic data processing device. So you can instead of stationary sensors in the area of traffic routes (such as for example induction loops), as they are from a standing start are known in the art, dynamically adaptable "virtual position sensors" defined as triggers.

If the special needs of special vehicles like e.g. police, fire brigade or similar Be taken into account should, it can be provided that the traffic data processing devices a facility for prioritization the vehicle types based on received traffic data as well a device for controlling the locally limited Group of traffic signals taking into account the priority those in the vicinity of the local limited group of Show traffic signals located vehicles. It can then indications of the traffic data received Type of traffic signal in the vicinity of the localized group located vehicles are removed, and a prioritization of the vehicles based on this information respectively. In particular, it can control the traffic signals in such a way that one for special vehicles if possible unhindered passage is guaranteed.

Finally, any traffic data processing device a device for generating driver assistance information and / or vehicle control information for the Vehicles. On the one hand, this enables the occupant, particularly helpful information for the drivers of the vehicles can be provided, but on the other hand, a direct intervention in the vehicle control can be provided, for example an externally controlled regulation of Vehicle speed when approaching a traffic signal or in an emergency.

In principle, all of the above-mentioned devices can through separate, appropriately adapted physical technical Units can be realized. But it can also be a physical Unit can replace multiple tasks and therefore logically combine several of the aforementioned facilities. In any case, the decentralized interpretation of the Systems based on the principle of local traffic data processing and analysis per locally limited group of traffic signals receive.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

Fig. 1:

Schematische Darstellung der lokalen Verkehrsdaten-Erfassung gemäß der Erfindung

Fig. 2:

Darstellung einer Verkehrsdatenerfassung nach Fig. 1 für mehrere Fahrzeuge, insbesondere in Abhängigkeit von der Fahrzeugposition

Fig. 3:

Darstellung einer Verkehrsdatenübertragung über mehrere Knoten eines Ad-hoc-Funksystems

Fig. 4:

Darstellung einer Übertragung von Fahrerassistenzund Fahrzeugsteuerungs-Informationen an ein Fahrzeug

Fig. 5:

Darstellung einer Verkehrssignal-Steuerung aufgrund einer Priorisierung von Fahrzeugen

Show it:

Fig. 1:

Schematic representation of the local traffic data acquisition according to the invention

Fig. 2:

Representation of a traffic data acquisition according to FIG. 1 for several vehicles, in particular depending on the vehicle position

Fig. 3:

Representation of a traffic data transmission over several nodes of an ad hoc radio system

Fig. 4:

Representation of a transmission of driver assistance and vehicle control information to a vehicle

Fig. 5:

Representation of a traffic signal controller based on a prioritization of vehicles

In Fig. 1 is the principle of the principle of the invention Control of traffic signals 1 on the basis of traffic data acquisition and an analysis of the traffic situation of a special example. The traffic signals 1 are designed as traffic lights, which are at a crossroads are located. At such an intersection is common not only provided a single traffic light 1, but it there is at least one traffic light 1 for each direction of travel. The switching phases of these traffic lights 1 must be on top of each other be matched so that the traffic lights 1 this intersection a locally limited group of mutually functional dependent traffic signals 1 forms. In the event that a only traffic light 1 is sufficient, the following applies accordingly, whereby instead of to a locally limited group of traffic lights 1 each would only refer to a single traffic light 1.

The traffic lights 1 of this group is a transceiver 2 (ad-hoc gateway) individually assigned, which in turn individually with a traffic data processing device 3 is connected (Control Unit Interface), which is an analysis of traffic data (Analyze Traffic Data) and on the result the analysis a control unit of the traffic lights 1 of the local group. So it's pro local limited group exactly one traffic data processing device 3 and exactly one transceiver 2 is provided. With these components, a local analysis of the Traffic situation for the area around traffic lights 1. The Traffic data processing device 3 can also additionally designed as a gateway to a data network (backbone network) be from which data for value-added services such as general traffic information can be received and via the traffic data processing device 3 and the associated Transmitting / receiving device 2 forwarded to vehicles 4 can be.

For local analysis of the traffic situation and possibly for data transmission on vehicles 4 a radio connection (ad hoc Mobile Link) to the vehicles 4 in the vicinity of the transceiver built to exchange data with to enable these vehicles 4. The vehicles 4 point also send / receive devices (ad hoc node) on. Furthermore, the vehicles 4 with devices for determining the position, in the example of FIG. 4 with a GPS receiver (GPS receiver). In vehicle 4, the GPS receiver information analyzed (Analyze Information GPS) and by radio to the traffic data processing facility 3 transferred. It can contain additional information transmitted to the traffic data processing device 3 be like the type of vehicle, the operating condition of the vehicle, speed information and also environmental information, e.g. from vehicle sensors or the Status obtained from certain in-vehicle equipment can (light on = visual impairment, windshield wiper on = rain). Provided that the vehicle 4 receives additional information by radio received from the traffic data processing device 3 , they are also analyzed in vehicle 4 (Analyze Information ad hoc mobile link).

The from the vehicles 4 to the traffic data processing device 3 transmitted traffic data are in the traffic data processing device 3 analyzed to an image about the local traffic situation for the environment of the traffic data processing device 3 or for the environment to get the assigned traffic lights 1. It can then through the Traffic data processing device 3 a targeted control of traffic lights 1 based on the result of the analysis of the local traffic situation, such as a Optimized activation of certain directions of travel through suitably adapted green phases of the traffic lights 1. The current ones or upcoming switching phases of the traffic lights 1 are in turn transmitted to vehicles 4 as information, so that in the vehicles 4 knowledge of these signal phases is improved.

This system has the advantage of being easy is installable and not complex hierarchical Structures required and also slightly dynamic to current ones Is customizable. In particular, be elaborate and repair-prone roadway sensors like in the roadway recessed induction loops avoided. To an installation rather, it will enable such a system only needs a power supply, but at electrically operated traffic signals are present anyway.

2 to 5, the individual, the traffic lights 1, 11th individually assigned facilities for simplicity no longer shown separately, but will be only the traffic lights 1 are shown. However, it is also intended for these figures and the associated versions of each of the operating principle shown in Fig. 1 are assumed, each traffic light 1 or each local group traffic lights a traffic data processing device not explicitly shown 3 with associated transmitter / receiver device be individually assigned, as shown in FIG. 1 explained.

The acquisition and / or transmission of traffic data through the vehicles 4, 5 takes place depending on the position by the traffic data processing device 3 certain positions, for example as relative distances d1, d2 determined by traffic lights 1 or in absolute coordinates become, so as a kind of "virtual contact loop". This is shown schematically in Fig. 2. The vehicles 4, 5 use the GPS receiver to determine whether and when they have reached the position by the traffic data processing device 3 was defined. So can e.g. the vehicle 4 when reaching the first position is defined by the distance d2, and which the vehicle per Radio (broadcast) was communicated, first traffic data (response) transmitted to the traffic data processing device 3. These can e.g. as preliminary information for the traffic data processing device 3 for long-term planning serve to control the traffic lights 1. The vehicle 5 has already reached a second position by the distance d1 is defined. This position was previously the vehicle 5 also communicated by radio. The vehicle 5 further traffic information to the traffic data processing device 3 which e.g. for the immediate Control of traffic lights 1 can be used.

The definition of the number and location of these positions can thereby dynamically by the traffic data processing device 3 can be adapted to the respective traffic situation. For example, the distances when there is little traffic d1, d2 enlarged and reduced with high traffic become. But it can also e.g. the distance d2 to each last vehicle 4 to be adapted to a queue, the End of the queue through to the traffic data processing device 3 transmitted traffic data can be determined can, if in this also speed information of vehicles 4, 5 are included.

In the event that no traffic data from vehicles 4, 5 can be received, e.g. if there are no vehicles 4, 5 in the area of traffic lights 1 or interference with Radio connection between the transceiver 2 and vehicles 4, 5 can either be based on other data can be used to control traffic lights 1, e.g. accessed via the ad hoc gateway and a backbone data network can be, or it is through the traffic data processing device 3 a standard control method of Traffic lights 1 carried out, for example, periodic switching phases provides for the same period of time for all associated traffic lights 1. As soon as traffic data from vehicles is received again then the traffic data processing device 3 again to control traffic lights 1 based on the analysis switch this traffic data.

In principle, it could be provided that only traffic data are taken into account that are sent by vehicles which are within the direct reception area of the Transceiver 2 are located. This could go through realizes any suitable type of radio communication system become. But if an ad hoc as a radio communication system System is selected, so can easily Traffic data are taken into account by vehicles or also from other facilities outside the direct reception area the transceiver 2 originate. This is in Fig. 3 shown. In an ad hoc system, every ad hoc Node (ad hoc node) as a switching facility for forwarding of received data. Thus data about Multiple ad hoc connections using multiple ad hoc nodes be forwarded (multi-hop). An ad hoc radio communication system is therefore a self-organizing system that without central network infrastructure of conventional radio communication systems can get by.

Such an ad hoc radio communication system can therefore do this are used, the traffic data processing device 3 beyond the reception area of the transceiver Make information accessible. As mentioned, these can come from other vehicles 4, but also e.g. of stationary facilities such as other traffic signals 11 or other information gateways of service providers or the like, which are designed as ad hoc nodes. It can thus also exchange traffic lights 1 with further traffic lights 11 and thus into a larger, more global network of traffic signals to get integrated.

A development of the invention is shown schematically in FIG shown, which gives the driver additional guidance of his vehicle 5. There will be driver assistance information (Driver Assistance) and / or vehicle control information (Vehicle Control) from the traffic data processing device 3 of the traffic light 1 by radio (broadcast) transmitted to the vehicle 5. The vehicle 5 again determines always its current position via GPS.

The driver assistance information contains such data, the driver of the vehicle 5 or, if necessary, also others Occupants only additional guidance information of the vehicle 5, such as information about the status of traffic light 1, e.g. Location, currently released Direction of travel, duration until the next phase change the signaling phases of traffic light 1, duration of the current one or imminent signaling phases etc. It may also continue to provide information about the outcome of the Analysis of the local traffic situation around the traffic lights 1 can be transmitted as e.g. Indications of a queue, Images of the associated intersection and / or the Cross streets or approaching special vehicles. One with one Ad-hoc radio nodes (ad-hoc nodes) equipped vehicles can so by evaluating the driver assistance information as well through the data of a GPS receiver or similar Position sensors and possibly other data Sensors such as Speed sensors the driver for example before crossing an intersection at red Warn traffic lights or give the driver a target speed, avoiding a constant flow of traffic guaranteed by red phases of traffic lights 1 and thus a delay or accelerate the vehicle 5 to a minimum reduced. In principle, other data such as Information from other service providers, value-added services, Entertainment and multimedia data transmitted to the vehicle 5 become.

The vehicle control information is for an active one Intervening in the function and operating status of the vehicle, especially in dangerous or emergency situations. For example, when the vehicle approaches 5 to a red traffic light 1 or when special vehicles are approaching through such vehicle control information for reasons safety automatically the speed of the vehicle 5 can be reduced.

5 shows a further development of the invention, the the special needs of special vehicles 7 such as the police, Fire brigade, ambulance or similar Takes into account. Such Vehicles transmit data (request) to traffic light 1 or to the traffic data processing device 3, which a special Identification of vehicle 7 as a special vehicle included. If necessary, the transmitted data can also an explicit request to activate the corresponding Direction of travel included. To ensure that the Traffic data processing device 3 to control the Traffic light 1 actually at the request of the special vehicle 7 will coordinate, can in particular be provided that an acknowledgment of receipt of the data is transmitted by radio to the special vehicle 7.

Based on the received data, the traffic data processing device can 3 prioritization of vehicles in the Carry out surroundings of traffic light 1, special vehicles 7 receive the highest priority and therefore for these vehicles the corresponding direction of travel is preferably released. In addition, it can be provided that information about the result of the analysis of the local traffic situation in the Environment of the traffic light 1 to be transferred to the special vehicle 7 such as. Notes on a queue, pictures of the associated intersection and / or the cross streets. This can the accident risk for the special vehicles 7, which are due to the given emergency situation usually with a relatively high Must move at speed when approaching traffic signals and significantly reduced especially at intersections and the greatest possible freedom of movement for these vehicles be guaranteed.

To prevent unauthorized persons from interfering with the control of traffic lights 1 to avoid according to the method shown in Fig. 5 appropriate security mechanisms are provided, which ensure that such a wide-ranging intervention only Special vehicles 7 or similar high priority vehicles is allowed. For this purpose, for example, within the Ad-hoc radio systems security mechanisms such as encryption or access codes are provided that only match those prioritized vehicles are made accessible.

Claims (11)

1. Method for controlling a system by two or more traffic signals (1, 11) for controlling the traffic of vehicles (4, 5, 7), in which
   traffic data is detected by the vehicles (4, 5, 7),
   at least part of the traffic data is transmitted by radio to traffic data processing devices (3) which are each individually associated with a locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11),
   analysis of the traffic situation for the vicinity of the associated locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11) is carried out in each of the traffic data processing devices (3) up to a maximum number of adjacent locally limited groups of traffic signals (1, 11), and
   the traffic signals (1, 11) are controlled on the basis of the result of the analysis,
   characterized in that the detection and/or transmission of traffic data for one of the vehicles (4, 5, 7) to one of the traffic data processing devices (3) is initiated when the vehicle (4, 5, 7) reaches a position which is defined by the traffic data processing device (3) and is transmitted by radio to the vehicle (4, 5, 7).
2. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the analysis of the local traffic situation is carried out only within the reception area of a transmitting/receiving device (2) for the traffic data processing devices (3).
3. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the analysis of the local traffic situation is carried out within an area which extends beyond the reception area of a transmitting/receiving device (2) for the traffic data processing devices (3), with the traffic data which is required for analysis being passed on from the transmitting vehicles (4, 5, 7) via further transmitting/receiving devices (4, 5, 7) to the transmitting/receiving devices (2) for the traffic data processing devices (3).
4. Method according to Claim 3,
   characterized in that the traffic data is passed on by transmitting/receiving devices for further vehicles (4, 5, 7).
5. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the defined position is defined dynamically as a function of the actual traffic situation.
6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that all of the vehicles (4, 5, 7) continuously transmit traffic data, and all of the received traffic data is processed in the traffic data processing devices (3) in order to analyse the local traffic situation.
7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that the vehicle types (4, 5, 7) are prioritized on the basis of the received traffic data in the traffic data processing devices (3), and the locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11) is controlled taking into account the priority of the vehicles (4, 5, 7) which are located in the vicinity of the locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11).
8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that the traffic data processing devices (3) produce and transmit driver assistance information and/or vehicle control information to the vehicles (4, 5, 7), which information is based on the analysis of the local traffic situation and/or on the status of the control of the locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11).
9. Arrangement for controlling a system by two or more traffic signals (1, 11) on the basis of traffic data which is detected by vehicles (4, 5, 7) and at least part of which traffic data is transmitted by radio to traffic data processing devices (3),
   having traffic data processing devices (3) which are each individually associated with a local group of traffic signals (1, 11), with each of the traffic data processing devices (3) being designed to analyse the local traffic situation for the vicinity of the associated locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11) up to a maximum number of adjacent locally limited groups of traffic signals (1, 11),
   having transmitting/receiving devices (2) which are connected to the traffic data processing devices (3),
   having devices for analysis of the traffic situation in the traffic data processing devices (3), and
   having devices (3) for controlling the traffic signals on the basis of the result of the analysis,
   characterized by
   devices in the traffic data processing devices (3) for definition of defined vehicle positions as a trigger for the detection and/or transmission of traffic data for a vehicle (4, 5, 7) to a traffic data processing device (3), with the positions being transmitted to the vehicles by radio.
10. Arrangement according to Claim 9,
    characterized in that the traffic data processing devices (3) have a device for prioritization of the vehicle types (4, 5, 7) on the basis of the received traffic data, and have a device for controlling the locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11) taking into account the priority of the vehicles (4, 5, 7) which are located in the vicinity of the locally limited group of traffic signals (1, 11).
11. Arrangement according to Claim 9 or 10,
    characterized in that the traffic data processing devices (3) have a device for production of driver assistance information and/or vehicle control information for the vehicles (4, 5, 7).

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