EP2188798A1

EP2188798A1 - Traffic guidance system

Info

Publication number: EP2188798A1
Application number: EP08803070A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ulrich STÄHLIN
Original assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Current assignee: Continental Teves AG and Co OHG
Priority date: 2007-08-30
Filing date: 2008-08-15
Publication date: 2010-05-26
Also published as: US8330622B2; WO2009027253A1; DE102008037883A1; US20110187560A1

Abstract

Traffic light installations for generating metainformation on the basis of input information about the surroundings of the traffic light installation. The traffic light installation acts as a data pool and can use the information measured by it or obtained from adjacent vehicles to independently simulate a road section. From the input information, the traffic light installation can also generate metainformation which is communicated to other vehicles and thus results in a constant flow of traffic.

Description

traffic Management System

Field of the invention

The invention relates to traffic control and assistance technology for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a traffic light system, a security system for a vehicle, a method for generating meta-information, a program element and a computer-readable medium.

Technological background

In traffic, there are often situations where the driver has to react to avoid an accident. For example, it may happen that there is a broken-down vehicle behind a confusing curve. It can also be z. B. happen that an emergency vehicle drives over an intersection, although the traffic light system is switched to red. Also, the case may occur that leaves, grit, oil, ice, or the like, can critically change a particular area of a roadway without any driver foreseeing it.

In these or similar situations, the driver must respond quickly and appropriately to avoid an accident.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide increased road safety.

There are provided a traffic light system, a security system for a vehicle, a method for generating metainformation for increasing road safety, a program element, and a computer-readable medium according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The described embodiments equally relate to the security system, the traffic light system, the method, the program element and the computer-readable medium. According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a traffic light system for generating meta information on the basis of input information is specified, the input information relating to the surroundings of the traffic light system. The traffic light system is particularly suitable for increasing road safety and for providing a constant flow of traffic. The traffic light system has a control unit for generating the meta information on the basis of the input information and a communication unit for transmitting the meta information to adjacent vehicles or adjacent traffic light installations, wherein the meta information for generating a constant traffic flow is executed.

In other words, the traffic light system is designed in such a way that it can use the meta information generated by it to ensure that the vehicles traveling in the area of the traffic light system always have information about the optimum speed. In this way, congestion can be avoided and it can be saved gasoline.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the input information to information that has been sent from a vehicle to the traffic light system.

In other words, neighboring vehicles can monitor the vehicle environment and send appropriate information to the traffic light system. This information is then analyzed and processed in the traffic light system. The result of the further processing is then broadcast (broadcast) to all neighboring vehicles, so that they can set their speeds accordingly optimal.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input information is transmitted to the traffic light system via short-range communication. For example, the wireless transmission from the vehicles to the traffic light system (and back) via WiMax, Bluetooth or Digital Short Range Communication (DSRC), or via GSM, UMTS, LTE or WLAN (eg 802.11 p).

The vehicles are, for example, a motor vehicle, such as a car, bus or truck, or even a rail vehicle, a bicycle or a motorcycle. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input information contains information that the vehicle is an emergency vehicle (such as ambulance, police car, fire engine).

In this case, the traffic light system, for example, perform a Freiwegschaltung for the emergency vehicle at a traffic light crossing.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the input information to monitoring data of the environment of the traffic light system, which receives the traffic light system via its own sensors.

For this purpose, the traffic light system is equipped, for example, with one or more cameras, with which the traffic light system can determine the traffic flow density and the speed of the individual vehicles. Also, other sensors may be provided, such as photocells, with the aid of the traffic flow can be measured.

In this way, it is possible that the traffic light system performs a traffic flow control, without relying on data from neighboring vehicles. Rather, the traffic light system makes all the measurements itself. Of course, the traffic light system can also evaluate both data sets and include them in their calculation (on the one hand the self-measured data set and on the other hand the data transmitted by the neighboring vehicles).

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the meta-information contains a speed recommendation for the neighboring vehicles. These

Speed recommendation can be individualized, for example. For example, for the vehicles on a first road, a different speed recommendation may be communicated as for vehicles that are on a different road. This is also true for different lanes.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the meta-information is executed for the automatic activation of a driver assistance system or for setting a speed control (ACC, Adaptive Cruise Control) of a receiving vehicle. This ensures that every vehicle always drives at the optimum speed without the driver having to intervene.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the traffic light system is a mobile traffic light system. For example, these are traffic lights that are temporarily placed on construction sites or danger spots.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the traffic light system has one or more data memories for storing and collecting the input information, the control unit of the traffic light system being designed to create a digital map via the surroundings of the traffic light system on the basis of the input information.

In other words, the (mobile) traffic light system can create its own digital map and emulate the road train or intersection on which it is installed itself. This is particularly advantageous for mobile traffic lights that have no or obsolete digital maps.

In particular, the traffic light system is capable of learning by simulating the road network of its environment with the aid of its own measurements and / or with the aid of information that it receives from neighboring vehicles.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control unit is designed to analyze the input information and, on the basis of this analysis, to determine whether the vehicle is moving towards the traffic light or not.

In other words, the control unit may determine whether the vehicle will pass the traffic light in the near future or, for example, move on a parallel road.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the communication unit of the traffic light system is designed to interconnect a plurality of traffic light installations with one another. The networking takes place for example via the Internet using the Internet Protocol.

In this way, it is possible that a rescue operation or a selected vehicle is tracked from traffic light to traffic light and it is ensured that the respective traffic lights always on Are switched to green. In particular, important information can be passed from traffic light system to traffic light system.

It can thus be formed a self-regulating network of traffic lights, which is capable of automatically setting an optimal traffic flow.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a safety system for a vehicle is specified, which is designed for communication with a traffic light system described above. The security system has a communication unit for automatically transmitting information to the traffic light system and for receiving metainformation from the traffic light system and a control unit for automatically evaluating the meta information sent by the traffic light system. The control unit further serves to generate a control signal to assist the driver of the vehicle based on the received meta-information.

For example, the security system can receive warning information from the traffic light system. This warning information may also contain, for example, position information of the danger point. For example, in this way the security system can decide whether or at what time the warning should be communicated to the driver or a driver assistance system of the vehicle. Here is also the direction of movement of the other vehicle of

Importance. For example, if the other vehicle is an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, a police car, or a fire truck) that does not move toward the vehicle, but moves away from it, or is on an adjacent road that does not Vehicle leads, the warning signal from the safety system may indeed be noted. Under certain circumstances, however, the security system decides that no further action is required.

The control signal which the control unit generates to assist the driver may be, for example, an acoustic signal, a visual signal for the driver's display, an entry in a digital map, general information or else a control signal for a driver assistance system (or a combination of the above options). For example, changes in the ABS or ESP settings in the vehicle can be made using the control signal. For example, the standard friction coefficients for ABS and ESP can be changed. It is also possible with the aid of the control signal to set the set cruise control speed or the minimum tolerance for the ACC (Automatic Cruise Control) to preceding vehicles.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the warning information sent by the traffic light system contains information that a vehicle is stationary or below a specified minimum speed.

In order to decide that warning information should be sent, the traffic light system has a corresponding sensor that u. a. measures the speed of the vehicles and compares them with an average measured speed. If the currently measured speed of the vehicle drops below a certain minimum value (which can vary from road to road), or if the vehicle is even on the road, an appropriate speed will be detected

Warning information issued together with the vehicle position. This signal can be received by the neighboring vehicles, whereupon the drivers (visually or acoustically) are warned and if necessary control signals are generated to the driver assistance units in order to avoid an accident.

The warning for the individual drivers can be made optically (via a corresponding display, acoustically and / or also haptically (for example in the form of a vibration of seat or steering wheel) or an entry in a digital map of the vehicle on which the information and the location of the danger spot are recorded.

The term "digital map" is also understood to mean maps for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) without navigation.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the context of the present invention GPS is representative of all global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such. GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (Russia), Compass (China), IRNSS (India) ... According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for generating metainformation based on input information about the surroundings of a traffic light system is provided, in which input information is generated, meta information is generated on the basis of the input information by the traffic light system and the meta information is transmitted to neighboring vehicles. This meta information serves to generate a constant traffic flow in the surroundings of the traffic light system.

In this way, road safety can be increased. Furthermore, gas can be saved as the vehicles travel at optimum speed.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a program element is specified which, when executed on a processor of a traffic light system, instructs the processor to perform the steps described above.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium is specified on which a program element is stored, which, when executed on a processor of a traffic light system, instructs the processor to carry out the above-mentioned method steps.

In this case, the program element z. B. part of a software that is stored on a processor of the traffic light system. The processor can also be the subject of the invention. Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention comprises a program element, which already uses the invention from the beginning, as well as a program element, which causes an existing program for use of the invention by an update.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a security system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a representation of a traffic light system and of vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows two vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a traffic light system with two vehicles according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows two vehicles according to another embodiment of the invention.

6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

7 shows a representation of components of a traffic light system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements.

1 shows an illustration of components of a security system 100 that is installed in a vehicle, for example. The security system 100 has a control unit 140, a communication unit 122 with an antenna 123 and a position determination unit 106.

The data to be transmitted, which is transmitted to the communication unit 122 by the control unit 140, which is embodied, for example, in the form of a CPU, can be encrypted via an encryption device 121. Likewise, the received data transmitted from the communication unit 122 to the control unit 140 may be decrypted by the encryption unit 121. In this way, the risk of abuse can be reduced. In particular, it can be ensured in this way that only information from vehicles are used, which have actually installed a corresponding security system.

An input unit 126 is connected to the control unit 140. By means of the input unit 126, various settings of the security system 100 and possibly on a navigation unit 120 associated therewith can be made.

Furthermore, an optical output unit in the form of a monitor 128 is provided, on which, for example, route guidance information can be output. In addition, the route guidance information may also be output via the acoustic output unit 127. In addition to the route guidance information, warnings can also be output to the driver. The output via the acoustic output unit 127 has the advantage that the driver is less distracted from the current traffic situation.

In a memory element 124, which is connected to the control unit 140 or integrated in the control unit 140, the digital map data (eg as navigation map data) are stored in the form of data records and, for example, additional information about traffic restrictions in the memory element 124, Infrastructures (traffic lights, etc.) and the like stored and assigned to the records.

Furthermore, a driver assistance system 120 is provided, which is supplied with the digital map data and, for example, also with the meta information sent by the traffic light system (for example warning information and position information and a recommended directing speed) as well as sensor information measured by the own vehicle.

To determine the current vehicle position, the security system 100 has a navigation unit 120 with a satellite navigation receiver 106, which is designed to receive positioning signals from, for example, Galileo satellites or GPS satellites. Of course, the satellite navigation receiver 126 may also be implemented for other satellite navigation systems.

The satellite navigation receiver 106 is connected to the control unit 140. Also, the navigation unit 120 is connected to the control unit 140. Furthermore, there is a direct Connection between the navigation unit 120 and the satellite navigation receiver 106. Thus, the GPS signals can be transmitted directly to the CPU 140.

Since the positioning signals are not always receivable, for example in the inner city area, the sensor 119 of the communication device 100 for performing a dead reckoning also a direction sensor 107, a Wegstreckensensor 108, a steering wheel angle sensor 109, a spring travel sensor 102, an ESP sensor 103 and possibly an optical Detector 104, for example in the form of a camera on. A beam sensor 105 (radar or lidar sensor) may also be provided. Furthermore, the sensor system 1 19 has a speedometer 101.

The signals of the GPS receiver 106 and the remaining sensors are processed in the control unit 140. The vehicle position determined from these signals is compared to the road maps via map matching. The route guidance information thus obtained is finally output via the monitor 128.

FIG. 2 shows a traffic light system 700 with three traffic lights 204, 205, 206. The three traffic lights each have their own transmitting and receiving device with a corresponding arithmetic unit 207, 208, 209. The traffic lights or even several traffic lights can be connected to a central processing unit, which also has a central transmitting and

Receiving unit has. A corresponding electronics is shown in more detail in Fig. 7.

Each of the three illustrated vehicles 201, 202, 203 has its own safety system 100 that is integrated in the vehicle.

The vehicles communicate with each other and with the traffic light system via a wireless communication link 210.

The vehicle 203 is, for example, a stalled accident vehicle. The vehicle 202 is, for example, an emergency vehicle, which is on the way to the scene of the accident. The vehicle 201 is, for example, a normal road user, but can not see the accident site and also does not notice the approaching rescue vehicle. The neighboring vehicles are informed by the safety system 100 of the vehicle 203 that this vehicle had a rear-end collision and has come to a halt in the middle of the roadway. This informs the driver of the vehicle 201 as well as the driver of the rescue vehicle 202. Also, the corresponding driver assistance systems of the two adjacent vehicles 201, 202 are informed accordingly so that they can intervene if the drivers do not do so.

The emergency vehicle 202 approaches the traffic light system 204, 205, 206 and transmits a corresponding signal to the traffic light system, whereupon the traffic light 205 is switched to green and the traffic lights 204 and 206 to red, so that the vehicle 202 can pass the intersection unhindered. The traffic light circuit alerts the safety system of the vehicle 201 in time so that it can optimally set the speed of the vehicle 201 (for example, so that the driver of the vehicle 201 does not have to stop or decelerate the car because it is approaching the traffic light slowly enough) to maintain traffic flow).

FIG. 3 shows two vehicles 201, 203, which are each equipped with a safety system 100. The stationary vehicle 203 transmits its position with a corresponding warning 302 to the vehicle 201 traveling thereon. The vehicle 201 moving in the direction 301 receives the warning signal and issues a corresponding warning to the driver (for example in the form of an optical character and an entry in the digital map). Also, at the same time, the driver assistance unit is informed accordingly so that it can intervene in the driving event.

Fig. 4 shows two vehicles 201, 202 approaching an intersection. The vehicle 202, which is an ambulance vehicle, transmits via its safety system 100 the signal that it is an emergency vehicle.

Since the two vehicles 201, 202 in the direction of 401 or 402 move perpendicular to each other, the vehicle 201 must reduce its speed to avoid an accident.

This can be done fully automatically, on the one hand, the rescue vehicle 202, the traffic light system 204, 205 controls accordingly and on the other hand, the vehicle 201 from both Emergency vehicle 202 as well as the traffic light system receives information on the basis of which it can adjust its speed optimally.

The vehicle 201 may then display an alarm and information about which direction the emergency vehicle is coming from and insert that information into the digital map. The traffic lights transmit their status to both vehicles. The two vehicles can react accordingly to the traffic light status and display it in the digital map.

5 shows two vehicles 201, 202, each with a safety system 100. Both vehicles move at different speeds in the same direction 501 or 503.

The preceding vehicle 202 is located in a region 502 with a low coefficient of friction. This is detected by the vehicle sensor system and a corresponding warning signal with a position indication 504 is transmitted to the vehicle 201 traveling behind it. In particular, information about the road condition is transmitted.

The condition of the road surface is detected, for example, by an ABS braking maneuver. If the detected information is classified as critical (ie, an analysis of the detected data can take place in the vehicle 202 traveling in front), a corresponding warning signal with position information is emitted and received by the vehicle 201 traveling behind it.

Thereafter, the vehicle 201 traveling behind reacts, for example, by triggering an alarm in the form of an optical signal or by the gas pedal being pushed up by the vehicle electronics. Additionally or alternatively, an acoustic signal can be emitted. Furthermore, the standard friction coefficients for ABS or ESP can be changed. Also, the set speed or / and the set distance for ACC can be changed. Of course, the position of the danger spot 502 can also be entered in the digital map.

6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In step 601, input information from an adjacent vehicle is measured and transmitted to the traffic light system. In step 602, the traffic light system is still generating additional input information through own measurements. In step 603, the traffic light system generates meta-information based on the input information and, in step 604, sends the meta-information to neighboring vehicles, wherein the meta-information for generating a constant traffic flow is executed.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of components 700 of a traffic light system. The components shown in FIG. 7 can be installed in every single traffic light of the traffic light system or in a central traffic light or an (external) central station.

The components had a control unit 701, which is embodied, for example, in the form of a CPU, a memory 704, a sensor system in the form of a camera or radar 703 and a communication unit 702 with an antenna 705 and an encoder 706.

The coding device 706 here corresponds to the coding device 121 of FIG. 1 of the vehicle safety system 100.

The remaining elements (memory, control unit 701, sensor 703 and communication unit 702) may also be designed like the corresponding components in the vehicle safety system 100 (memory 124, CPU 140, communication unit 122, camera 104).

The control unit 701 of the traffic light system on the one hand controls the signal switching of the traffic light system. On the other hand, the control unit 701 generates the meta information sent to the neighboring vehicles via the communication unit 702.

The encryption device 706 can ensure that the vehicles only take note of meta information from verified traffic light systems. Abusive data is identified and discarded.

For example, to associate an emergency vehicle or other vehicle with a particular intersection arm, a direction-based algorithm is used. In particular, the control unit 701 of the traffic light system can also carry out a learning algorithm which generates a digital environment map by communicating with civil road users. After the learning process, the assignment is based on the learned map, which allows a correct function even with very special crossing scenarios.

The traffic light system monitors the traffic in its surroundings. For observation environment sensors, such as cameras or radar are used. The information can also be used by other vehicles that are sent to the traffic light system via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (C2X).

If, for example, a certain coefficient of friction is detected in the surroundings of the traffic light system and transmitted via C2X, the traffic light system buffers this coefficient of friction and transmits it again as soon as another vehicle approaches. Similarly, other events can be handled.

Likewise, it can be concluded from the speed of the passing vehicles on possible coefficients of friction. If the vehicles drive much slower than the road class and the traffic density would permit, it can be concluded that the coefficient of friction or other bad weather conditions is lower. This information can then be forwarded by means of short-range communication (C2X) to the other vehicles or adjacent traffic lights.

Since the traffic light system observes the traffic flow over a longer period, it can determine the average traffic density. If there are deviations in the direction of a lower speed, which are not due to a higher vehicle density, it can be concluded that there is a danger zone. This information can then be transmitted via C2X.

From the information gained speed recommendations can be derived. So z. For example, the average speed in the range considered can also be passed on as a recommendation, whereby legal regulations must be observed. This means that no speeds are recommended that are not allowed. Detected danger zones can also recommend the speed other vehicles drive in this area. The recommendation can either be forwarded via C2X or displayed on an infrastructure unit via a sign. This recommendation can then z. B. directly be set in an ACC of a receiving vehicle or displayed to the driver.

By using information that z. B. be sent from parking vehicles or vehicles in a traffic jam to the traffic lights, information can be determined with the help of the traffic flow can be optimally controlled without the need for additional infrastructure units must be set up. This can reduce the density of the infrastructure units.

In the following, further embodiments of the invention will be described:

First example:

A vehicle is stuck in traffic, but with its camera and radar it can monitor oncoming traffic. With these sensors, the vehicle can the

Average speed on the opposite lane and derives this via C2X as

Recommendation to the traffic lights continue. If the measured average speed of oncoming traffic suddenly changes, the vehicle sends a warning to the traffic light system.

The traffic light system can then use this data to generate and send suitable metadata for neighboring vehicles.

Second example:

An infrastructure unit (for example, a traffic light system) uses cameras to determine the traffic density and the average speed at one point and forwards them via C2X. This data is stored in the infrastructure unit for a longer period of time. On one day there is a clear deviation from these stored and thus typical values. The traffic light system sends a warning in this case

(Metainformation) to the neighboring vehicles because it is assumed that a danger point. Likewise, a recommended guideline speed is sent to the individual vehicles. Third example:

An infrastructure unit observes the speed of the vehicles in one place. In addition, it is known how the structurally determined maximum speed can be at this point (eg a curve). If deviations of the maximum speed occur at this point, which are not due to the traffic flow and additionally persist for a longer period of time (for example several minutes), a lower coefficient of friction can be assumed and the infrastructure unit (traffic light system) sends a warning.

Fourth example:

A vehicle is parked in a parking lot. However, the vehicle's C2X unit continues to be powered and receives the positions, speeds, etc. of the passing vehicles. From this, the C2X unit determines one

Average speed, detects deviations and thus dangers, etc. and forwards this information. If the supply voltage falls below a predetermined level, the previously determined information is sent one last time. It is also indicated that it is a last shipping. In this case, internal sizes, such as. B. for a recursive calculation with

Average speed necessary, sent. Other parked vehicles (or traffic lights) can then use this information to continue their investigation. This ensures that even with changing parking cars (or cars in a traffic jam or changing traffic lights) a quasi-stationary determination of information can be made and thus an infrastructure unit can be replaced. Instead of a parked vehicle, for example, a mobile traffic light system can be used.

In addition, it should be noted that "comprising" and "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps that are described with reference to any of the above

Embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

claims

A traffic light system for generating meta information based on input information about the surroundings of the traffic light system, the traffic light system (700) comprising: a control unit (701) for generating the meta information based on the

Input information; a communication unit (702) for broadcasting the meta information to adjacent vehicles; wherein the meta-information for generating a constant traffic flow is executed.

2. traffic light system according to claim 1, wherein the input information from a vehicle (201, 202, 203) to the traffic light system (700) transmitted information.

3. traffic light system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input information via short-range communication to the traffic light system (700) are transmitted.

4. Traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input information includes information that it is the vehicle (202) is a use vehicle.

5. Traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input information monitoring data of the environment of the traffic light system

(700), which receives the traffic light system via its own sensor (703).

6. traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the meta information includes a speed recommendation for the adjacent vehicles.

7. traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the meta information for automatically driving a driver assistance system (125) or for setting an ACC of a receiving vehicle (201, 202, 203) is executed.

8. traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is the traffic light system (700) is a mobile traffic signal.

The traffic light system of one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a data memory (704) for storing and collecting the input information; the control unit (701) for creating a digital map over the environment of

Traffic light system based on the input information is executed.

10. Traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (701) is designed to analyze the input information and based on the analysis can determine whether the vehicle (202) moves to the traffic light.

1 1. traffic light system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (702) for networking a plurality of traffic lights (700) is executed together.

12. A security system for a vehicle for communication with a traffic light system according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, the security system comprising: a communication unit (122, 123) for automatically transmitting information to the traffic light system (700) and for receiving metainformation from the traffic light system (700); a control unit (140) for automatically evaluating the meta information transmitted by the traffic light system (700); wherein the control unit (140) is further configured to generate a control signal to assist the driver of the vehicle (201, 202, 203) based on the meta-information.

13. A method of generating metainformation based on input information about the environment of a traffic light system, the method comprising the steps of:

Generating the input information; Generating the metainformation based on the input information by the traffic light system;

Sending the meta information to neighboring vehicles; wherein the meta-information for generating a constant traffic flow is executed.

A program element which, when executed on a processor of a traffic light system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, directs the processor (701) to perform the steps of: generating the input information;

Generating the metainformation based on the input information by the traffic light system;

A computer readable medium having stored thereon a program element which, when executed on a processor of a traffic light system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, instructs the processor (701) to perform the steps of: generating the input information;