US3916374A

US3916374A - Traffic signaling system

Info

Publication number: US3916374A
Application number: US502492A
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Drebinger; Peter Wenter
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 1973-09-27
Filing date: 1974-09-03
Publication date: 1975-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 1992-10-28
Also published as: FI262574A; SE399977B; SE7412144L; DE2348666B2; ATA646774A; DE2348666A1; DE2348666C3; FR2246916A1; NL7412314A; AT344551B

Abstract

A traffic signaling system having a plurality of independent signal groups which can be actuated by means of control orders, in which incompatible signal groups are coupled with each other, taking into account desired protective periods, with the independent signal groups being responsive to control orders supplied thereto, each signal group being so coupled with incompatible signal groups that upon supplying an order signal to a signal group, actuation of such signal group will take place only when protective time periods have been completed at each incompatible signal group.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Drebinger et a].

[ 1 Oct. 28, 1975 TRAFFIC SIGNALING SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Peter Drebinger; Peter Wenter, both of Munich, Germany [73]. Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Berlin & Munich, Germany 22 Filed: Sept. 3, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 502,492

4/1970 Arler 340/40 Primary Examiner-Thomas B. Habecker Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hill, Gross, Simpson, Van Santen, Steadman, Chiara & Simpson [57] ABSTRACT A'traffic signaling system having a plurality of independent signal groups which can be actuated by means of control orders, in which incompatible signal groups are coupled with each other, taking into account desired protective periods, with the independent signal groups being responsive to control orders supplied thereto, each signal group being so coupled with incompatible signal groups that upon supplying an order signal to a signal group, actuation of such signal group will take place only when protective time periods have been completed at each incompatible signal group.

'15 Claims, 6 DrawingFigures U.S. Patant Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 1 of4 3,916,374

Fi .1 FM

P-FAZ FAL- Sgt. -ASg 3 m4 Fig. 2 g m m GNB1 R 1 GNBZ FA1/Sg1 2 FRS21 FRS12 FRSH. FAZ/SgZ FRS23 3 RTB3 FRS32 FA3/Sg'3 RTBL FRSM FRSLB FRSZH. GNBL FAL/Sg 28 sec IIIIIII'IIIIIIIIIIIIIII U.S. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,916,374

L 2 0 2 5 U 5 ll SBrZ US. Patent 'Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,916,374

Fig.4a

US. Patent Oct. 28, 1975 Sheet4 of 4 3,916,374

Fig.4b

TRAFFIC SIGNALING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to a traffic signaling system having a plurality of independent signal groups which can be actuated by means of control orders, in which incompatible signal groups are coupled with each other, taking into consideration adequate protective timeperiods.

It has proven desirable in traffic signal systems to effect a traffic-dependent control in the individual actuation of the signal groups at an intersection by control signals originating from a master control device or directly from a central control arrangement. However, it is possible that in the operation of such a system, as a result of interference in the central control or in the transmission path, respective individual control orders may arrive which are timewise incorrect, as a result of which it is possible that the clearance or protection periods between incompatible traffic flows are not maintained or even that two incompatible traffic flows receive a go signal simultaneously.

In an effort to eliminate this type of danger, a light signal system is known from German Letters Patent 1,139,409 in which the incompatible traffic flows are blocked with respect to each other by supervisory switches in which the switches themselves incorporate delays which are adjusted with respect to the duration of the desired delay time, in particular the clearing time of the intersection.

This type of blocking, however, is particularly cumbersome for large intersections, since for each interim time period, an individual delay member, with its own specific delay time, must be provided. Such a blocking, however, does assure that in any event the simultaneous activation of the go signals of incompatible traffic flows is eliminated. Even so, there are also traffic junctions at which, as a result of geographical conditions, it may be possible that incompatible traffic flows might briefly receive overlapping go signals.

In addition, it is known from German publication 1,81 1,892, published for opposition purposes, to control dependent traffic flows indirectly over logical couplings by means of several main traffic flows. In addition, the possibility of a blocking act in between individual traffic flows, as well as a green delay for the pedestrian signals, are mentioned, but without indicating a solution for achieving the same.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to the production of a traffic signaling system in which the respective interim time periods may be readily provided, and at the same time without an interlocking with the corresponding signal safety of incompatible signal groups. Such a system makes possible a flexible and simple coupling of the signal groups with respect to one another as well as enables an adjustment of the system to the respective geographic and traffic-technical conditions of an intersection without a great deal of effort or a great expenditure.

In accordance with the invention this problem is solved in a traffic signaling system of the type above referred to, in that the control order for each signal group is utilized, together with releasing/blocking signals which are released individually to provide the respective protective time periods required by imcompatible signal groups over an AND coupling for the control of a bistable storer, which in each case at a change in a storage condition activates a timer which is operative over a programming field to provide desiredv time signals whereby, at fixed time intervals, signals are released to the signal generator belonging to the associated signal group as well as protection time signals which are supplied to following go signal storers for the formation of individually different release/blocking signals for each individual incompatible signal group.

By the AND coupling of all input signals, i.e. are order signals and release signals of incompatible signal groups, it is determined that for the respective signal group involved, the programming for a go order can become effective only, if in addition to the order signal, release signals are present from all incompatible traffic flows. The bistable storer thus always changes its condition if either the last of the input signals supplies a release order, or if, vice versa, the first of the input signals brings a blocking order. The storage condition of the bistable storer is always determined for the go/stop programming of the respective signal groups, but is not, however, determinative of the time of actuation of the respective go-ahead or stop signals, respectively.

The time of actuation of the various signals of such signal groups as well as the release signals or blocking signals respectively for the incompatible signal groups, are in each case determined individually over the timer and the associated programming field. The timer is reset during each change in the condition of the bistable storer and always newly starts to register. If, for example, the bistable storer is changed into the condition green the subsequently switched timer begins to count with the second 0. However, the actual order for a change in such signal group to green will take place only at the programmed switching time for green. It thus also becomes possible by means of the programming, to form blocking signals at incompatible signal groups at any time after the counting, independent of the fact as to whether in the signal group involved, the change to the go-ahead signal has been previously or subsequently initiated or completed. Depending upon the geographical conditions, overlappings of the green times of the incompatible signal groups can thus be programmed. Thus, the signal groups while not rigidly blocking in respect to each other, nevertheless are secure from incorrect signals, since each of the two incompatible signal groups initially requires a programmed release signal from the other in order to be in a position to supply a go-ahead signal. The beginning and end of the transition phases (yellow or red-yellow respectively) can also be determined by means of the programming field. It may be further provided, in an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the invention, that the bistable storer after each switching thereof is protected, by means of a blocking circuit, for a predetermined period of time with respect to a new switching. This can be readily accomplished by providing that when the bistable storer is set during a change into a predetermined condition, a blocking storer blocks the input of the bistable storer and again opens the same by a timing signal, as determined by the programming field. As a result, a minimum time may be determined in the programming field whereby a signal group once having its go signals activated will not be switched to stop until a minimum time has elapsed.

The release signal storers, preferably designed as bistable flip-flops, release in dependence on their switching condition a release signal or a blocking signal to the incompatible signal group associated therewith. The inputs of such signal storers are always connected with the bistable storer and, over two outputs of the pro? gramming field, with the timer. Depending upon the position of the bistable switch, one of such two time outputs is switched through to the release signal storer involved. Thus, the slipping of the release signal storer into the blocking condition can take place only after a green-decision of the bistable storer, at a different time than that at which it flipped into the go condition following a red-decision thereof.

The control order given to the AND gate which, in the existence of all release signals of the incompatible signal groups, effects the setting of the bistable storer, can, for example, be in the form of an order signal from a central traffic calculator or computer, or an order from the signal program storer of the control device. Such control order, for dependent control, also can comprise a release signal from a leading signal group.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the programming field may be designed as a matrix of programming tracks and a time raster. Preferably, the programming tracks are arranged on one side of a conductor plate and the time raster tracks on the other side thereof, whereby the intersecting points may, in each case, be provided with a bore whereby the progamming may be readily achieved in a very simple manner by the utilization of connecting screws or plugs inserted at the intersecting points.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an activation input is provided over which an activation signal can be supplied to the bistable storer, to the signal control means and to the release signal storer, whereby it is possible, in the activation of the system to simultaneously place all signal groups in the stop-signal" condition and at the same time to create a blocking condition at all release signal storers. Thus, initially, all signal generators will display a stop or yellow transitionsignal respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts,

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a road intersection with four traffic flows;

FIG. 2 illustrates a signal plan or program for the go traffic flows at the intersection illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram in block form, of a signal control circuit according to the invention with interim time period formation for a signal group;

FIG. 4, (comprising two sections designated 4a and 4b illustrate a circuit arrangement of a component group illustrated in block form in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a conductor plate by means of which programming of the interim times in a signal group may be effected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1 there is represented a simple road intersection with four meeting traffic flows FAl and FA4 which are controlled by the respective signal generators Sgl to Sg4.

The respective generators, in this example, are adapted to be controlled in accordance with the signal plan illustrated in FIG. 2, in which there will be taken, as a basis, the signal condition in which the signal generators Sgl and S33 display a stop signal (red) and the signal generators Sg2 and S34 display a go signal (green). Upon receipt from the control station of the red signals RTB2 and RTB4, the signal generator SG2 will, at 0 seconds, change thru yellow to the red signal, while the signal generator Sg4 will effect such a change at 2 seconds. Incompatible traffic flows FAl and FA3, however, can receive a green signal only after expiration of the protective times for FA2 and FA4 necessary for clearing the intersection of traffic. Thus, the signal group FA2, after the duration of 2 seconds of red, supplies a release signal FRS23 for the traffic flow FA3 (at the 5th second) and after a red period of 4 seconds (at 7th second) a release signal FRS21 for the traffic flow FAl. In addition, the traffic flow FA4, at the 8th second, supplies a release signal FRS41 for the traffic flow FA] and at the 9th second a release signal FRS43 for the traffic flow FA3. Consequently, the respective signal groups can change over red-yellow to green only if the release signals of both incompatible traffic flows, for instance, FRS21 and FRS41, and additionally, a green order (for example GNBl) from the control station, are present. The traffic flows FAl or FA3 respectively receive from their signal generators $31 or Sg3, the respective green signals only as long as both release signals of the incompatible traffic flows are applied. If, for example, due to a disturbance, the signal group for the traffic flow FA4 should receive a green" order while the signal generators Sgl and Sg3 still present a green signal, the release signal from Fa4 will disappear at the latter signal groups so that these two signal groups are switched over yellow signals to red.

If, on the other hand a green order arrives prematurely from the control station while the release signals have not yet been supplied from the incompatible signal groups, then such green order cannot initially become effective. If, for example, the release signal FRS12 for the signal generator Sg2 arrives at the 21st second and the green order GNB2 arrives from the control station at the 22nd second, this signal group cannot as yet initiate the change to the green signal. Only if the release signal FRS32 from the incompatible signal group FA3 additionally arrives (at 23rd second) can the change over the red-yellow to the green" signal commence at the signal generator Sg2. The release signals thus are formed individually by each signal group for each other imcompatible signal group and only if all release signals are present can a signal change to go" (green signal) be achieved. It is important, in this respect, that the formation of the release signals can be determined time-wise entirely independent from the red and green" order signals of the individual signal groups. In special cases it also may be possible to initially supply a release signal to an incompatible signal group if the signal group involved is still in the go condition.

FIG. 3 discloses a circuit diagram, in block form, for one signal group component, which effects a signal control of its own signal group as well as formation of release signals for incompatible signal groups. The figure illustrates the general construction of the circuit or the signal group SGrl, with all of the other signal groups, for example SGr2 and SGr3 being similarily constructed.

The input information for a signal group generally comprises an order signal BEF and a number of release signals FR21 to FR71. All of these input signals are connected to an AND coupling ANl whose output is connected to the bistable storer BS, which is thereby controlled by the signals appearing at the output of the coupling ANI. The AND coupling ANl can also be designed as an AND gate or, where negative control is involved, as a NOR gate. The release signals FR21 etc. originate in each case from an incompatible signal group where they were formed taking into consideration the protective time periods with respect to the signal group SGrl. For example, the release signal FR2l may be derived from the signal group SGr2, the release signal FR31 from the signal group SGr3 etc. If

a respective release signal is not present, it will have the effect of a blocking signal due to the AND coupling.

The bistable storer BS thus assumes a condition in dependence on the output signal of the AND coupling ANl, with the further control operation of the respective signal group thus depending upon such condition. A change in the condition of the storer BS consequently can be referred to as the red/green decision. During each flipping of the storer BS the timer Z is reset, so that from the instant the flip-flop is actuated, an internal timing course or program course will be initiated. Switching orders are released at fixed times at the outputs of the timer Z and supplied over a programming field PF. All of such orders thus are referenced to the time of change in the state of the bistable storer BS as the zero point. Thus by suitable programming, for example over line GN, RT the number of seconds after the red-green decision of the bistable switchBS, may be determined before the actual change of the signal group involved to the go signal (green) or the stop signal (red) should be initiated. Corresponding signals are released at the respective fixed times to the vehicle control FZA, from which the respective signal generator Sg is controlled. The duration of the transition phases thus likewise is determined in the programming field PF by respective outputs RTGE or GE respectively.

At the flipping of the bistable storer BS into the green" or go" condition, there is additionally set a blocking storer SP which blocks the input of the bistable storer BS and thus prevents a return to its original condition even if a new signal is delivered by the AND coupling ANI. The blocking storer SP is reset over the output GN MIN only at a time as determined in the programming field PF and consequently only after the duration of such time will the bistable storer BS be released for receipt of new orders. Thus, following the initiation ofa green phase for a respective signal generator, a minimum green period is assured.

In addition, certain interim time periods are programmed in the programming field PF individual to each incompatible signal group, which become active in correspondence to the timing pulses of the timer Z. The respective outputs of the programming field PF are conducted to the release signal storers FGS12 to FRS17, which storers are designed as bistable flip-flop members and in dependence on their switching condition supply either a release signal or a blocking signal to the input of the respective incompatible signal group. Consequently, each release signal storer FRS13 etc. is coupled with a programming track SpS and a programming track FrS in addition to its coupling with the bistable storer BS.

If, for example, the bistable storer BS assumes the condition green the programming blocking after green signal becomes effective at the release storers 6 FRS, and each release signal storer FRS12, FRS13 etc.

'receives at individually fixed times a blocking signal SpS. The respective storer, for example FRS12 thus changes intothe blocking position and applies a blocking signal to the respective signal group, in this case SGr2. i

If, however, the bistable storer BS assumes the condition red, the programming clear after red signal becomes effective over corresponding couplings and at respectively fixed times signals FRS from the programming field PF are received at the respective release signal storers FRSlZ to FRS17 and change such storers into the clear condition. The corresponding incompatible signal groups then receive the clear signals FR12, FR13 etc.

In addition, each signal group has a further input E] for effecting activation of the entire arrangement. Over this input all bistable storers BS of all signal groups are first set to the condition stop, and at the same time all clear signal storers FRS are placed into a blocking condition. At the same time all of the timers Z are brought into their initial condition and start to count from 0 whereby at the programmed times the clear signals appear and the respective signal groups switch each eventually clear. I

FIGS. 4a and 4 illustrate a more detailed circuit of the block diagram of FIG. 3. In this arrangement the entire circuit is controlled, for technical reasons, by means of negative signals so that instead of the AND coupling illustrated in FIG. 3 a NOR coupling exists which comprises negation members NEl to NE7. If the order signal BEF and all clear signals FRI to FR 6 are negative, the input 1 of the flip-flop member K1 becomes positive. The flip-flop member K1 is set with the signal group pulse SGT (output 3 positive) and thus the internal control course for the condition green of the signal group begins.

'The signal group pulse SGT is a (negative) second pulse, while the sequence pulse FT is a 10 msec pulse 7 and is applied after the signal group pulse SGT and with a pulse sequence of 20 msec. During each switching of the flip-flop K1 a difference pulse is derived over the The decoders DCl and Dcz 10 with the designation SN 74 I53N) are freely switched by the flip-flop member [(3 to the outputs of the 4-bit timer Z so that a 5 bit counting is possible. The decoders DCl and DC2 thus provide an output signal in the second raster up'to 24 seconds.

As a result the first signal group pulse SGT after the difference pulse, i.e. after the red/green'decision of the bistable switch Kl, a binary coded signal for the 1st second appears at the timer output. Between the timer resetting and start of the 1st second, a period of 1 second elapses (second 0). With the difference pulse appearing at the output of the NAND gate ND4, the output 4 of the storer Kl changes from positive to negative (red to green), the flip-flop member K4, which can also be referred to as the minimum green storer, is set and its output 4 becomes negative, whereby the output of the NAND gate NDl in any event becomes positive. This blocking action prevents the storer Kl from being reset by a change in input information. Consequently, only if the programmed minimum green time has been 7 achieved, i.e. if a timing signal is released by the programming field PF to the programming track GN MIN, is the storer K4 reset and the input of the storer K1 is again released.

In addition, in the programming field PF, the programming blocking after green order GNB becomes effective. EAch clear signal storer FRS is thereby programmed to a point SpS of the second raster at the outputs of the decoders DCl and DC2. When the particular programmed second after the red/green decision is reached, the respective clear signal store FRS is reset with the sequence pulse FT, since the storer K1 is negative at its output 4 and such negative signal is applied to an input of the NOR gate NR2. Thus by means of the negative signal at the specific programmed second the AND condition is fulfilled at the inputs of the NOR gate NR2. The clear signals FRA to FRSF become positive, whereby they now act as blocking signals.

In like manner the programming GN (green) becomes effective over the programming field PF. With the programmed second, the storer for the vehicle control K5 is set and its output 3 thus becomes positive. As a result, with the red/yellow signal the change of this signal group to green begins. The storer K6 is set (output 3 positive) and thus the signal output red order RTB is negative. If the output 3 of K5 is positive the AND condition for the NAND gate NDS is fulfilled and the signal output yellow order GEB also becomes negative. The output transistors T1 and T2 supply the controls signals for red and yellow signals to the light switch (GET and RTT negative).

After expiration of the red-ellow time programmed in the programming field PF, a signal on the programming track RTGE (over NAND gates ND6 and ND7) resets the flip-flop member K6 whereby the output 4 becomes positive. The inputs of the NAND gate ND8 thus become positive and the signal outputs green order GNB" as well as green pulse GNT become negative simultaneously, over other couplings (not specifically designated) the signal outputs red order RTB", red pulse RTT", yellow order GEB" as well as yellow pulse GET" become positive. Red and yellow are thus switched off and the green signal appears. (if now the change to red signals is to be consummated, the input information is altered in that a clear signal FR or the order signal BEF changes to positive. If the programmed minimum green" time has elapsed and the flip-flop member K4 therefore reset, the flip-flop stage K1 is reset whereby its output 4 becomes positive which again implies a red/green decision". As a result, over the stage K2 and gate ND3, a difference pulse is created whereby the timer Z is reset so that it again starts to count from 0.

The programming clear after red order RTB now becomes effective in section FrS of the programming field PF, and each clear signal storer FRS is programmed with respect to a point FrS of the second raster. When the respective programmed second is reached after the flipping of the store Kl into the red condition, the respective clear signal storer FRS is set with the sequence pulse FT, as the output 3 of the flipflop member K1 is now negative. Thus the AND condition at the respective NOR gate NR1 is fulfilled and the clear signals FRA to FRF become negative.

In the same manner as previously described with respect to the programming GN, the programming RT now becomes effective. The store for the vehicle control K5 is reset with the programmed second (RT in the programming field PF) and its output 4 becomes positive. In addition the storer K6 is reset with its output 4 also becomes positive, whereby both inputs of the NAND gate ND9 become positive, resulting (over the gate NDl0), in the signaling condition yellow (outputs GEB and GET negative). If desired the terminals GN-GE may be shunted, for example by a soldered connection, whereby if the

storers

5 and 6 are in a condition with the output 4 of each positive, the signals condition green will be maintained over the NAND gate NDll, in which the case at the respective output the output signals for the signal condition green/yellow will appear.

After expiration of the yellow period which is programmed on the line GE (or in case of a soldered shunt connection, a green/yellow period) the flip-flop member K6 is set (output 3 positive) over gates ND12 and ND13. Red appears over the respective couplings of the signaling condition, i.e. the signal outputs RTB and RTT become negative. It is assumed in all signaling conditions that the normal programming pulse NPT is involved and a positive signal exists at the input for the out-of-order AUS.

A further input GBT enables the application of a pulse signal or effecting the operation of a yellowblinking signal, assuming that a solder shunt is effected between terminals GE-BL. A signal at the input AGT (all yellow pulse) results in a yellow signal. Where the signal groups involve merely two signaling conditions, (without yellow signal) in case of the signal all yellow" at the input AGT the signal condition red can be created at the input AGT by effecting a solder shunt across the terminals RT-AG.

In the activation of the control device with the signaling condition all yellow at the same time with the signal AGT, the signal all yellow AGS is also supplied as a negative signal at the respective input. With such signal AGS (negative) all storers are set according to the position red and the timer to position 0. After termination of the signal AGS the individual signal group switches clear one after the other, from condition red", since after elimination of the enforced timer resetting, the clear signals from the incompatible signal groups appear after the programmed periods. If after the all yellow time the activation all red follows due to a negative signal at the input RTE, the stores are mantained during the all red time in the red" position. Clear switching subsequently takes place in the same manner as after expiration of the all yellow time signal. It is believed that any of the coupling members not specifically referenced in FIG. 4 will be readily identifiable as to their function from the above description.

It should be particularly noted that the entire signal group is controlled by negative signals so that negative clear signals and order signals create at the inputs the signal condition green (go ahead), and that negative signals at the outputs GET, GEB, etc. cause an activation of the respective light switches.

FIG. 5 illustrates a conductor plate which contains the programming field PF, which has been previously described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. Such programming field PF is in the form ofa matrix comprising programming tracks and a time or second raster on respective sides of the plate. Thus the side, visible in FIG. 5, carries verticle tracks for the seconds 1 to 25 as well as a 0 track, while on the opposite side, not shown, are carried the programming tracks for the individual signal outputs, which tracks extend horizontally. Programming of the board may be readily achieved by means of programming screws or the like which are inserted at the intersection points of the verticle and horizontal lines in the bores B0. The conductor plate may be readily connected to external circuits by means of respective contact strips SL.

More particularly, the conductor plate carries the programming tracks RT for red, RTGEfor red-yellow, GN for green, GB for yellow and GN MIN for green minimum time. In addition, six tracks FRS are provided for clear signals A to F, which become effective after a red order, as well as 6 tracks SpS for blocking signals A to F which become effective after a green order in the signal group involved.

The programming of the tracks RT, RTGE, GN and GE is effected in second rasters to 24' seconds. Due to the pulse control'signal processing, the signals'would haye a delayed effect as to the clear signals storers and the minimum green time storers would be effectively delayed by one second. In order to counteract this effect, the time raster and conductor paths of the time raster for the programming of the tracks GN MIN, FRS and SpS are displaced by one second higher on the conductor plate LP so that the numbers designating the seconds are correct for these lines. Programming thus is possible from 1 to seconds. The significance of the individual programming tracks has already been described with respect to FIG. 4 but will hereinafter be reviewed:

The programming line RT is operative to determine the time at which the signal change to a red signal commences with the yellow signal. correspondingly the programming line GN is operative to fix the time at which a signal change to green signal commences with the red-yellow signal. The program lines GB or RTGE respectively are operative to determine the yellow"or red-yellow" time respectively. A result there is programmed the particular second at which the yellow or red-yellow time respectively terminate, i.e. the time at which the signal respectively changes following red or green.

The programming line GN MIN is operative to determine the minimum green time. The times at which the clear signals of the individual clear signal storers appear is determined by the program line FrS, i.e. the outputs change to negative. correspondingly the program line SpS determines the times, while the signal condition green exists, at which the clear signals of the clear signal storers change to positive.

Having thus described our invention it will be obvious that although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent granted hereon all such modifications as reasonably, and properly come within the scope of our contribution to the art.

We claim as our invention:

1. A traffic signaling system having a plurality of independent signal groups which can be actuated by means of control orders, in which incompatible signal groups are coupled with each other, taking into account desired protective periods, comprising a plurality of independent signal groups responsive to control orders supplied thereto, each signal group including means for controlling the signal lights of the group, and means, including a timer, responsive to an order signal for producing protective time signals, in the form of .10 release/blocking signalsand control signals, in predetermined time relation to the received order signal, said control signals being supplied to the light-controlling means of such' signal group, storer means for the respective release/blocking signals, adapted to supply release/blocking signals to respective incompatible signal groups of the system,'and an AND coupling operatively. disposed ahead of said order-responsive means, to'one input of which the order signals are supplied, and to' other inputs of which respective storers of incompatible signal groups are operatively connected for supplying corresponding release/blocking signals thereto, whereby an order signal is supplied to said order-responsive means only when release signals are simultaneously present therewithat saidAND coupling.

2. A signaling system'according to claim 1, wherein said order-responsive means includes a bistable storer which is responsive to orders present at the output of said AND coupling, which bistable storer is connected to said timer for activating the latter at each change in its storage condition, said timer being operative to supply signals at fixed time intervals following activation thereof, to a programming field forming a part of said signal producing means, the outputs of which supply said release/blocking and control signals.

3. A signaling system according to claim 2, wherein said programming field includes a programming of the red-green signals, whereby the time of change of a signal group to another signal condition, after flipping of the bistable storer into the particular position can be freely determined by corresponding programming thereof in the programming field.

4. A signaling system according to claim 2, wherein said programming field includes a programming of the transitional phases, taking place during the change of a signal condition, whereby the duration of such transitional phases can be determined by corresponding programming thereof in the programming field.

5. A signaling system according to claim 2, comprising in further combination, a second bistable storer operatively connected to said first bistable storer and, responsive to a condition change in the latter, to block the input of the same for a predetermined period of time as determined by a signal supplied by the programming field.

6. A signaling system according to claim 2, wherein the release signal storers respectively comprise bistable flip-flop members, the inputs of each of which are connected with said bistable storer, as well as with outputs of the timer, over respective program tracks of the programming field.

7. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein the control order for the setting of said bistable storer comprises an order from a central traffic computer, from the signal plan storer of a control device, or from a traffic-dependent control.

8. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein the control order for the setting of the bistable storer comprises a release signal of another light signal group.

9. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein the programming field is in the form of a matrix on a conductor plate.

10. A signaling system according to claim 9, wherein the matrix is provided with conductor paths forming a time raster on one side of said conductor plate and programming tracks, in the form of conductor paths, are provided on the other side of the conductor plate, with the conductor paths on one side extending transversely gramming thereof in the programming field.

12. A signaling system according to claim 11, comprising in further combination, a second bistable storer operatively connected to said first bistable storer and, responsive to a condition change in the latter, to block the input of the same for a predetermined period of time as determined by a signal supplied by the programming field.

13. A signaling system according to claim 12, wherein the release signal storers respectively comprise 12 bistable flip-flop members, the inputs of each of which are connected with said first bistable storer, as well as with outputs of the timer, over respective program tracks of the programming field.

14. A signaling system according to claim 13, wherein the programming field is in the form ofa matrix on a conductor plate.

15. A signaling system according to claim 14, wherein the matrix is provided with conductor paths forming a time raster on one side of said conductor plate and programming tracks, in the form of conductor paths, are provided on the other side of the conductor plate, with the conductor paths on one side extending transversely to the conductor paths on the other side, whereby the programming can be effected by connecting conductor paths on opposite sides at selected intersection points therebetween, by means of members which .can be inserted through openings in the plate at such intersection points.

Claims

1. A traffic signaling system having a plurality of independent signal groups which can be actuated by means of control orders, in which incompatible signal groups are coupled with each other, taking into account desired protective periods, comprising a plurality of independent signal groups responsive to control orders supplied thereto, each signal group including means for controlling the signal lights of the group, and means, including a timer, responsive to an order signal for producing protective time signals, in the form of release/blocking signals and control signals, in predetermined time relation to the received order signal, said control signals being supplied to the lightcontrolling means of such signal group, storer means for the respective release/blocking signals, adapted to supply release/blocking signals to respective incompatible signal groups of the system, and an AND coupling operatively disposed ahead of said order-responsive means, to one input of which the order signals are supplied, and to other inputs of which respective storers of incompatible signal groups are operatively connected for supplying corresponding release/blocking signals thereto, whereby an order signal is supplied to said order-responsive means only when release signals are simultaneously present therewith at said AND coupling.

2. A signaling system according to claim 1, wherein said order-responsive means includes a bistable storer which is responsive to orders present at the output of said AND coupling, which bistable storer is connected to said timer for activating the latter at each change in its storage condition, said timer being operative to supply signals at fixed time intervals following activation thereof, to a programming field forming a part of said signal producing means, the outputs of which supply said release/blocking and control signals.

3. A signaling system according to claim 2, wherein said programming field includes a programming of the ''''red-green'''' signals, whereby the time of change of a signal group to another signal condition, after flipping of the bistable storer into the particular position can be freely determined by corresponding programming thereof in the programming field.

10. A signaling system according to claim 9, wherein the matrix is provided with conductor paths forming a time raster on one side of said conductor plate and programming tracks, in the form of conductor paths, are provided on the other side of the conductor plate, with the conductor paths on one side extending transversely to the conductor paths on the other side, whereby the programming can be effected by connecting conductor paths on opposite sides at selected intersection points therebetween, by means of members which can be inserted through openings in the plate at such intersection points.

11. A signaling system according to claim 3, wherein said programming field includes a programming of the transitional phases, taking place during the change of a signal condition, whereby the duration of such transitional phases can be determined by corresponding programming thereof in the programming field.

13. A signaling system according to claim 12, wherein the release signal storers respectively comprise bistable flip-flop members, the inputs of each of which are connected with said first bistable storer, as well as with outputs of the timer, over respective program tracks of the programming field.

14. A signaling system according to claim 13, wherein the programming field is in the form of a matrix on a conductor plate.

15. A signaling system according to claim 14, wherein the matrix is provided with conductor paths forming a time raster on one side of said conductor plate and programming tracks, in the form of conductor paths, are provided on the other side of the conductor plate, with the conductor paths on one side extending transversely to the conductor paths on the other side, whereby the programming can be effected by connecting conductor paths on opposite sides at selected intersection points therebetween, by means of members which can be inserted through openings in the plate at such intersection points.