WO2006028414A1

WO2006028414A1 - Traffic signal system

Info

Publication number: WO2006028414A1
Application number: PCT/SG2004/000287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kim San Lim
Original assignee: Kim San Lim
Priority date: 2004-09-08
Filing date: 2004-09-08
Publication date: 2006-03-16

Abstract

A traffic signal system comprising a traffic signal display for controlling traffic flow is disclosed. The traffic signal system comprises a traffic signal display and a controller. The traffic signal display comprises first and second display portions, with one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion. The controller coupled to the traffic signal display is capable of independently switching the display portions.

Description

Traffic Signal System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a traffic signal system.

BACKGROUND

Traffic lights have provided an automated means to regulate the flow of traffic since the first automated traffic light was proposed in 1920 by Garrett Morgan and first used in Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America.

Generally, traffic lights rely on timers to control the operation cycle of the traffic light from a green traffic signal display indicating that traffic may flow through a traffic flow path, an amber traffic signal display indicating that traffic flow is about to stop along the traffic path and to a red traffic signal display indicating that traffic flow has stopped along the traffic path. However, automotive vehicle operators have no way of knowing when the traffic signal display will change, for example, from a green traffic signal display to an amber traffic signal display.

There are traffic lights that display a time quantity indicating an amount of time remaining before a change in the traffic signal display occurs. For instance, certain traffic lights have a separate panel that shows the number of seconds before a change will occur in a symbol indicating to pedestrians that they may cross a road. There also exists traffic lights with a separate panel that indicates an amount of time remaining before a red traffic signal display changes to a green traffic signal display.

A disadvantage of known traffic lights ^"with a separate panel indicating the amount of time remaining is that automotive vehicle operators have to draw their attention away from the traffic signal display to the separate panel in order to know how much time remains before the traffic signal display changes. This is generally inconvenient and may possibly distract the automotive vehicle operator and thus increase the risk of accidents.

There is a need to have a traffic signal display that can indicate how much time remains before a change in the traffic signal display occurs within the traffic signal display itself.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a traffic signal system, comprising: a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion; and a controller coupled to the traffic signal display capable of independently switching the display portions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the controller may switch the first display portion to display the traffic condition and the second display portion may be switched to display a dynamic traffic signal.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a traffic signal system comprising: a traffic signal display comprising an inner static display portion and a plurality of outer dynamic display portions; and a controller electrically coupled to the traffic signal display, the controller being capable of independently switching the display portions, the controller switches the inner static display portion and the plurality of outer dynamic display portions to display a traffic condition, wherein prior to the end of the traffic condition, the plurality of outer dynamic display portions are independently and sequentially switched off while the inner static display portion remains on until the end of the traffic condition to display a dynamic traffic signal.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a program capable of residing on a memory, the memory being accessible by a data processor, the program capable of operating a traffic signal system, wherein the traffic signal system comprises: a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion, wherein the data processor is capable of independently switching the display portions.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for operating a program residing on a memory, the program controlling a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, the method comprising: accessing the memory through a data processor; independently switching the display portions through the data processor; and displaying one of the display portions at least partly within the other display portion.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for executing a program capable of operating a traffic signal system, the system comprising: first and second traffic signal display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion; a memory for storing the program; and a data processor for accessing the memory. In one embodiment, the static display portion may be displayed as completely within or overlapping, the outer display portion or the dynamic display portion may be completely within or overlapping, the inner display portion.

In another embodiment, a plurality of outer dynamic display portions may extend around the static inner display portion. The plurality of outer dynamic display portions may be adjacent to each other. The controller, at a first time interval, may switch the inner static display portion on and a first set of one or more of the plurality of outer dynamic display portions off, to indicate the traffic condition. At a second time interval, after the first time interval, the controller may switch the inner static display portion off while a second set of one or more of the plurality of outer dynamic display portions is switched off to indicate the traffic condition.

The traffic signal system may comprise three traffic signal displays. In one embodiment, the three traffic signal displays show the colors red, amber and green respectively when they are switched on. To a vehicle operator or pedestrian, the traffic signal display indicates how the traffic should flow along a traffic flow path. The light may be green to indicate to automotive vehicle operators that they may proceed with their journey. The light may be amber to indicate to automotive vehicle operators that they should prepare to stop. The light may be red to indicate to automotive vehicle operators that they should not move.

The display may be a light emitting device or it may be a light bulb. In one embodiment, the light emitting device may illuminate one or more of the colors red, amber or green. In another embodiment, the light bulbs may be colored red, amber or green.

The traffic signal system may also comprise just one traffic signal display, wherein the traffic signal display is capable of displaying the colors red, amber and green through the use of multi-colored light emitting diodes (LED). A housing may be provided to house the traffic signal display. The housing may be connected to a support member for elevating the housing. The support member may be an erect pole, mounted to a base provided on the ground at one end and at another, supports the housing. Alternatively, the support member may be a pole extending horizontally, and at an elevation, across a traffic flow path, the pole being elevated at each end by two erect legs.

The traffic may be automotive vehicles or pedestrians.

The traffic condition is represented by the static display portion and the dynamic display portion. In one embodiment, there are twelve dynamic display portions extending around the periphery of a static display portion. In another embodiment, the at least one static display portion forms a centre, of which the twelve dynamic display portions surrounds.

In another embodiment, the traffic condition may be a symbol to represent a state of movement of a pedestrian. The symbol may be a standing red figurine to represent that the pedestrian should not move. The symbol may be a standing green figurine to represent that the pedestrian should move. For the pedestrian signal display, the standing red figurine or the standing green figurine, or both may be an inner static display portion. In yet another embodiment, the standing red figurine or the standing green figurine, or both may be an inner dynamic display portion, wherein the controller may switch the inner dynamic display portion on after a first time interval and the controller may switch the inner dynamic display portion off at a second time interval after the first time interval.

Further, by observing the number of dynamic display portions that are switched on during an instant, the vehicle operator or pedestrian will know when the next change in traffic condition is to be expected. As the dynamic display portions may be independently and sequentially turned off during a traffic condition, the display provides a dynamic traffic signal. The static display portion or the dynamic display portion may be retractable panels, wherein one of the panels may at least partly overlap the other panel in use to display a traffic condition.

In an embodiment having a dynamic inner display portion, the dynamic inner display portion may be an indicator arrow that signifies to vehicle operators that they may move in the direction of the indicator arrow when the indicator arrow is switched on. The dynamic inner display portion may also be a symbol of a figurine that is in motion

At least one of the static display portion and the dynamic display portion may be selected from the group of shapes consisting of: annular, rectangular, oval, square, hexagonal and octagonal. In one embodiment, the dynamic display portion is shaped to have one side that matches an adjacent side of the static display portion and another side that matches an adjacent side of another dynamic display portion.

The controller may be a processor or a microprocessor that is placed in the same rectangular housing that contains the traffic signal system. The controller may also be placed in a separate housing a distance away from the rectangular housing containing the traffic signal system. Additionally, the controller may interface with an existing traffic signal system controller. In one embodiment, the controller functions together with the existing traffic signal system controller. In another embodiment, the controller may function independently of the existing traffic signal system controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated into and constitute apart of the description of a disclosed embodiment of a traffic signal system, along with its traffic signal display and mechanism to work the invention, illustrate disclosed embodiments and serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for purposes of illustration only, and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Fig. 1A illustrates a front view of a traffic signal display according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 1B illustrates a front view of a pedestrian signal display according to a second embodiment;

Fig 1C illustrates a front view of an indicator traffic signal display according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 2A illustrates a plurality of traffic signal displays of Fig. 1A in a traffic signal system;

Fig. 2B illustrates an algorithm used by the controller of Fig. 2A to control the traffic signal system of Fig. 1A.

Figs. 3A to 3L each illustrate a front view of a green traffic signal display for the traffic signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 4A to 4L each illustrate a front view of an amber traffic signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 5A to 5L each illustrate a front view of a red traffic signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 6A to 6L each illustrate a front view of a red indicator traffic signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 6M to 6X each illustrate a front view of a green indicator traffic signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 7A to 7L each illustrate a front view of a green pedestrian signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

Figs. 8A to 8L each illustrate a front view of a red pedestrian signal display in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiment discloses a traffic signal system comprising a traffic signal display for controlling traffic flow. The traffic signal display comprises first and second display portions, one of the display portions being capable of being displayed as at least partly within the other display portion. A controller is coupled to the traffic signal display. The controller is capable of independently switching the display portions. During a traffic condition, the controller switches the first display portion to display the traffic condition and the second display portion is switched to display a dynamic traffic signal.

Fig. 1A shows a front view of a novel traffic signal display 10 according to a first embodiment. The traffic signal display 10 comprises a rectangular housing 14 with a green traffic signal display 11 , an amber traffic signal display 12 and a red traffic signal display 13.

The green traffic signal display 11 , the amber traffic signal display 12 and the red traffic signal display 13 each has a green inner static display portion 112, an amber inner static display portion 122 and a red inner static display portion 132 respectively. The green inner static display portion 112, the amber inner static display portion 122 and the red inner static display portion 132 are surrounded by twelve green outer dynamic display portions 111 , amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and red outer dynamic display portions 131 respectively. Taking the green traffic signal display 11 as an illustration, the green outer dynamic display portions 111 are arranged in an annular manner around the green inner dynamic display portion 112. One side of the green outer dynamic display portion 111 is adjacent to a portion of the green inner static display portion 112, while each of another two sides of the same green outer dynamic display portion 111 is adjacent to a corresponding side of two other green outer dynamic display portions 111. The arrangement of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and the red outer dynamic display portions 13i in the amber traffic signal display 12 and the red traffic signal display 13 respectively, follow a similar arrangement to the green outer dynamic display portions 111 in the green traffic signal display 11.

In this first embodiment, each traffic signal display 11 , 12 and 13 has twelve outer dynamic display portions 111 , 121 and 131 and an inner static display portion 112, 122 and 132 respectively. In another embodiment, each traffic signal display 11 , 12 or 13 may have a different number of inner static display portions and outer dynamic display portions. In this first embodiment, the diameter of each of the traffic signal displays (11 , 12 and 13) may be 280mm and the diameter of each of the inner static display portions (112, 122 and 132) may be 160mm. In another embodiment, these diameter dimensions may be a different size. The plurality of green outer dynamic display portions 111 , amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and red outer dynamic display portions 131 can also be placed around each of an existing green, amber and red traffic signal display respectively.

A second embodiment of a traffic signal system is illustrated with reference to Fig 1 B, which shows a green pedestrian signal display 70 and a red pedestrian signal display 80 placed in a housing 15. The green pedestrian signal display 70 has an inner dynamic display portion 71 , while the red pedestrian signal display 80 has an inner static display portion 81. The inner dynamic display portion 71 is surrounded by a plurality of outer dynamic display portions 72, while the inner static display portion 81 is surrounded by a plurality of outer dynamic display portions 82.

Inner static display portion 81 and inner dynamic display portion 71 , when switched on, are used to signal to pedestrians when the pedestrians are not allowed to cross a road and when the pedestrians are allowed to cross the road respectively.

In this second embodiment, there are twelve outer dynamic display portions 82 completely surrounding the inner static display portion 81 and twelve outer dynamic display portions 72 completely surrounding the inner dynamic display portion 71. In another embodiment, there may be a different number of outer dynamic display portions 82 and inner static display portions 81 and a different number of outer dynamic display portions 72 and inner dynamic display portions 71. In this second embodiment, inner static display portion 81 and inner dynamic display portion 71 each are each shown as a figurine. In another embodiment, the inner static display portion 81 and inner dynamic display portion 71 may be the words "Don't walk" or the word "Walk" respectively. In this embodiment, the diameter of each of the pedestrian signal displays 80 and 81 is 280mm and the diameter of each of the inner static display portion 81 and the inner dynamic display portion 71 is 160mm. In another embodiment, these diameter dimensions may be a different size. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of outer dynamic display portions 72 and the plurality of outer dynamic display portions 82 can each be placed around each of a corresponding existing pedestrian signal display.

A third embodiment of a traffic signal system is illustrated with reference to Fig 1C, which shows an indicator traffic signal display comprising a red indicator traffic signal display 90 and a green indicator traffic signal display 60 placed in a housing 16. The green indicator traffic signal display 60 has an inner dynamic display portion 61 , while the red indicator traffic signal display 90 has an inner static display portion 91. The inner dynamic display portion 61 and the inner static display portion 91 are each respectively surrounded by a plurality of outer dynamic display portions 62 and 92. In this embodiment, the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 60 informs automotive vehicle operators that they may move in the indicated direction, while the operation of the green indicator traffic signal display 90 informs automotive vehicle operators that they may not move in the indicated direction.

In this third embodiment, there are twelve outer dynamic display portions 62 and 92 , one inner dynamic portion 61 and one inner static display portion 91. In another embodiment, there may be a different number of outer dynamic display portions 62 and 92, a plurality of inner dynamic display portions 61 and a plurality of inner static display portions 91. In this third embodiment, the inner dynamic display portion 61 and the inner static display portion 91 are respectively arrows.

In this third embodiment, the indicator traffic signal displays 60 and 90 have diameters of 280mm each, while the. inner dynamic display portion 61 and the inner static display portion 91 have diameters of 160mm each. In another embodiment, these diameter dimensions may be of a different size. In another embodiment, the plurality of outer dynamic display portions 62 and 92 can also be placed around an existing indicator traffic signal display.

In the various embodiments that have been described thus far, the outer dynamic display portions, the inner dynamic display portion and the inner static display portion may comprise red model no. DR4-RTFB-51C, green model no. DR4-GTFB-51 C and yellow model no. DR6-RTFB-48C light emitting diodes manufactured by GELcore, a joint venture between GE Lighting of Oak Brook, Illinois, Chicago, United States of America and EMCORE Corporation of Belmont Drive, Somerset, New Jersey, United States of America. One of the distributors for such LEDs can be found in Whitney Avenue, Port St. John, Florida, United States of America. Each of the signal displays 11 , 12, 13, 60, 70, 80 and 90 may be covered by a waterproof clear plastic panel attached to their respective housing 14, 15 and 16. The clear plastic panel can be made from lexan® PC resin, available from GE Plastics of Pleasanton, California, United States of America. The housing 14, 15 and 16 may be made from commercially available aluminum. The components listed serve to illustrate the materials that may be used to achieve an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the embodiment of the invention. Other materials, as realised by those skilled in the art, may be substituted.

Fig. 2A illustrates a plurality of traffic signal displays of Fig. 1A in a traffic signal system 25. This traffic signal system 25 shows a form of connecting a plurality of traffic signal displays 10, represented as 10a, 10b ... 10n with other electronic devices to work the embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 2A, a plurality of traffic signal displays 1Oa₁ 10b ... 10n is connected to a controller 20. The controller 20 is connected to a memory unit 21 and a timer 22.

The function of each device shown in fig 2A is described in the following paragraphs.

The controller 20 determines which traffic signal display(s) (10a, 10b ... 10n) operates at any instance. An embodiment of an algorithm of a control program 201 (not shown) followed by the controller 20 is disclosed with reference to Fig. 2B. The control program 201 can be modified through a software compiler running on an external device like a computer (not shown).

The memory unit 21 stores the total operation time for each of the plurality of traffic signal displays (10a, 10b ... 10n) as data variables ti_Oa, t-iob ■■• t-ion respectively. Each of these data variables t_1Oa, ti_Ob -•■ tion further comprises a set of three data variables, namely (t_1Oa)G, (tioa)A and (tioata (t-iotOc (t-ιob)A and (WR; ... (WG, (WA and (WR respectively. (WG, (WA and (WR each represents the operation time of the green traffic signal display, the amber traffic signal display and the red traffic signal display respectively for the traffic signal display 10a. (t-iotOc (tiob)A and (tio_a)R each represents the operation time of the green traffic signal display, the amber traffic signal display and the red traffic signal display respectively for the traffic signal display 10b. Similarly, (tion)G, (tion)A and (t-ιon)R each represents the operation time of the green traffic signal display, the amber traffic signal display and the red traffic signal display respectively for the traffic signal display 10n. These data variables may be changed during the operation of the system 25 through an appropriate signal from the controller 20.

The timer 22 counts the operation time ti that has lapsed when any one of the traffic signal display(s) (10a, 10b ... 10n) commences operation. An embodiment of the operation of the traffic signal system 25 is now described in the following paragraphs with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 2B.

An operation cycle for the traffic signal system 25 may begin with the controller 20 deciding which traffic signal system(s) (10a, 10b ... 10n) is to operate at a particular instant, as initialised by step 2011..

In step 2012, the controller 20 selects which traffic signal display(s) (10a, 10b ...10n) is or are to be switched on. The switching on of the traffic signal displays 10a, 10b ... 10n is achieved through the controller sending signals 20a, 20b ... 2On to these traffic signal systems respectively.

In step 2013, the controller 20 simultaneously sends a signal (20a, 20b ... 2On) to switch on the selected traffic signal display (10a, 10b ...10n), a signal 212 to the memory unit 21 and a signal 222 to initialise the timer 22.

The signal 212 to the memory unit requests the required display time of the selected traffic signal display. The signal 212 instructs the memory unit 21 to retrieve the required data variable (tio_a, tio_b ■■■ tion) corresponding to the selected traffic signal display (10a, 10b ... 10 n) that is supposed to operate. The memory unit 21 responds to signal 212 by sending this required data variable (ti_Oa> tiob ■•■ t-ion) to the controller 20 through a signal 211. In step 2014, the controller 20 retrieves the required data variable (t-ioa, tio_b ■■ ■ t-ion)-

The signal 222 initialises the timer 22 to commence counting the lapsed operation time ti of the selected traffic signal display (10a, 10b ... 10n) that is supposed to operate. The timer 22 sends a signal 221 at regular time intervals to update the controller 20 regarding the duration of the lapsed operation time U- The controller 20 obtains this lapsed operation time t| in step 2015.

For this embodiment, the controller 20 first switches on the green traffic signal display 11 of the traffic signal display 10a. Thus, in step 2016, the controller 20 compares the lapsed operation time ti against the respective data variable (tioa)_G of the traffic signal display 10a The controller 20 updates the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 according to the results of this comparison.

This embodiment of the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 for traffic signal display 10a is now further elaborated.

When the green traffic signal display 11 is first switched on, its static display portion 112 and all of its dynamic display portions 111 are switched on, as illustrated in Fig. 3A. The switching on of the green traffic signal display 11 occurs in step 2013.

As explained earlier, the controller 20 compares ti (the amount of time that has lapsed since the green traffic signal display was switched on) against the data variable (ti_Oa)_G (the total operation time of the green traffic signal display of traffic signal display 10a). If ti is less than (tio_a)e and ti reaches or exceeds a certain fraction of (tio_a)_G, the controller 20 switches off a single dynamic display portion 111 a of the green traffic signal display 11 , as illustrated in fig 3B, through signal 20a. This switching off of dynamic display portion 111a occurs in step 2017.

The algorithm of Fig. 2B loops back to step 2015 where the controller 20 receives the next lapsed operation time ti from the timer. In step 2016, the controller 20 compares the lapsed operation time ti against the data variable (tioa)c. If the lapsed operation time ti is less than the data variable (ti_Oa)G, step 2017 is carried out, in which the controller 20 further switches off a second dynamic display portion 111 b, as illustrated in fig 3C. As ti increases further and is still less than the data variable (t_1Oa)_G, the controller 20 switches off more of the dynamic display portions 111 of the green traffic signal display 11. In this manner, the green traffic signal display is operated as illustrated in Figs. 3A to 3L. Once ti is equal to or greater than (t-ιo_a)_G, step 2018 is carried out. In step 2018, the controller 20 switches off the green traffic signal display 11 of the traffic signal display 10a by switching off the static display portion 112 and all of dynamic display portions 111 , if any of the dynamic display portions are still on.

In step 2019, the controller 20 checks if the other traffic signal displays of traffic signal display 10a have finished operating. In this embodiment, since the green traffic signal display 11 is switched on first, the amber traffic signal display 12 and the red traffic signal display 13 have not operated yet.

Therefore, the algorithm of Fig. 2B loops back to step 2013, where the controller 20 switches on the amber traffic signal display 12 of traffic signal display 10a through signal 20a. The controller 20 also resets the timer 22 through signal 222, thus re-initialising t|. Again, the timer 22 updates the controller 20 about the duration of ti (the lapsed operation time of the amber traffic signal display 12) in step 2015. In step 2016, the controller 20 now compares ti against the data variable (tio_a)_A (the total operation time of the amber traffic signal display 12 of traffic signal display 10a). If ti is less than (t-io_a)A and ti reaches or exceeds a certain fraction of (tio_a)_A, the controller 20 switches off one of the dynamic display portion 121 of the amber traffic signal display 12 through signal 20a, as illustrated in Fig. 4B. The subsequent operation of the amber traffic signal display 12 is similar to the operation of the green traffic light signal display 11 that was described earlier. Thus, the switching of the static display portions and the dynamic display portions of the amber traffic signal display 12 is operated as illustrated in Figs. 4A to 4L.

Once ti is equal to (ti_Oa)_A, the controller 20 switches off the amber traffic signal display 12 in step 2018. The algorithm of Fig. 2B loops back from step 2019 to step 2013. In step 2013, the controller 20 switches on the red traffic signal display 13 through the signal 20a. The controller 20 also resets the timer 22 through signal 222, thus re-initialising t|. The switching of the static display portion and the dynamic display portions of the red traffic signal display 13 is similar to the switching of the static display portion and the dynamic display portions of the green traffic signal display 11. In this manner, the red traffic signal display 13 is operated as illustrated in Figs. 5A to 5L.

Once ti is equal to or greater than (t_1Oa)_R, the controller 20 switches off the red traffic signal display 13 in step 2018. Step 2020 is carried out as the three traffic signal displays 11, 12 and 13 have completed their operation, thus marking the end of one operation cycle of the traffic signal display 10a in the traffic signal system 25.

After the operation cycle of the traffic signal display 10a, the controller 20 may then decide which traffic signal display (10a, 10b ... 10 n) operates next, as determined by the controller program 201. As such, the operation cycle for the next traffic signal display (10a, 10b ... 10 n) begins, which is similar to the operation cycle of traffic signal display 10a detailed above.

An exemplary controller 20 used in the disclosed embodiment may be a 170E traffic light controller from Lingo Industrial Electronics of West Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, California, United States of America. Another controller 20 that can be used is Model 2070 ATC Microcomputer from Safetran Traffic Systems, Inc. of Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America. The components listed serve to illustrate the materials that may be used to achieve an embodiment of the invention and not to limit the embodiment of the invention. Other materials, as realised by those skilled in the art, may be substituted.

In this embodiment, the memory unit 21 may be selected from memory devices like ROM, WROM and RAM.

In this embodiment, each of the traffic signal displays (1 Oa, 10b ... 10n) has sensors (not shown) to detect the level of traffic at any time. The sensors used include pressure plates, cameras and lasers. The sensors can generate a signal back to the controller 20 to update the controller 20 about the traffic situation. The controller 20 can then modify the total operation time tio_a. tio_b • • ■ tion of the respective traffic signal displays (10a, 10b ... 10n) stored in the memory unit through signal 212. In doing so, the data variables, namely (tioa)c (t_1Oa)A and (tioa)R; (tiobta (tiob)A and (WR! . ■ . (WG, (tion)A and (t_1On)R are modified. In this manner, a dynamic integrated traffic system 25 can be achieved.

Figs. 3A to 3L each illustrate a front view of the green traffic signal display 11 for the traffic signal display 10 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 and the green inner static display portion 112 are switched on when the green traffic signal display 11 commences operation. As the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 progresses, at least one of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 is switched off in a clockwise or anti¬ clockwise sequential manner, while the green inner static display portion 112 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 , all of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 and the green inner static display portion 112 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 are switched off, while the green inner static display portion 112 is switched on, when the green traffic signal display 11 commences operation. As the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 progresses, at least one of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 is switched on in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the green inner static display portion 112 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 , all of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 and the green inner static display portion 112 are switched off. Fig 3A shows the green traffic signal display 11 during a first operation time interval, i.e. when the green traffic signal display 11 has commenced operation. When the green traffic signal display 11 has just commenced operation, all of the green outer dynamic display portions 111 and the green inner static display portion 112 are switched on. Fig. 3B illustrates the green traffic signal display 11 during a second operation time interval which occurs after the first operation time interval. In the second operation time interval of the green traffic signal display 11 , the green outer dynamic display portion 111a, is switched off. Fig. 3C shows the green traffic signal display 11 during a third operation time interval which occurs after the second operation time interval. In Fig. 3C, the green outer dynamic display portion 111 b, which is adjacent to the green outer dynamic display portion 111a, is switched off. Fig 3D shows the green traffic signal display 11 during a fourth operation time interval which occurs after the third operation time interval. In Fig 3D, the green outer dynamic display portion 111c, which is adjacent to the green outer dynamic display portion 111 b, is switched off.

Thus, in Figs. 3A to 3D, each of the green outer dynamic display portions 111a, 111 b and 111 c is switched off in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Similarly, the green outer dynamic display portions 111 that are still switched on are switched off, as illustrated in Figs. 3E to Fig 3L, in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Each of the operation time intervals for the green traffic signal display 11 is determined by a controller (not shown) working in conjunction with a timer (not shown). Figs 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3I, 3J, 3K and 3L each respectively illustrate a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval of the green traffic signal display 11. In this embodiment, a clockwise operation sequence has been described. In another embodiment, an anti- clockwise operation sequence may be used. Figs. 4A to 4L each illustrate a front view of the amber traffic signal display 12 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and the amber inner static display portion 122 are switched on when the amber traffic signal display 12 commences operation. As the operation of the amber traffic signal display 12 progresses, at least one of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 is switched off in a clockwise or anti¬ clockwise sequential manner, while the amber inner static display portion 122 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the amber traffic signal display 12, all of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and the amber inner static display portion 122 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 are switched off, while the amber inner static display portion 122 is switched on, when the amber traffic signal display 12 commences operation. As the operation of the amber traffic signal display 12 progresses, at least one of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 is switched on in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the amber inner static display portion 122 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the amber traffic signal display 12, all of the amber outer dynamic display portions 121 and the amber inner static display portion 112 are switched off.

In Figs. 4A to 4L, the operation of the amber traffic signal display 12 is similar to the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 detailed in the previous paragraphs. As such, Figs 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4I, 4J, 4K and 4L each respectively illustrate a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval for the amber traffic signal display 12. In this embodiment, a clockwise operation sequence has been described. However, in another embodiment, an anti-clockwise operation sequence may be used.

Figs. 5A to 5L each illustrate a front view of a red traffic signal display 13 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 and the red inner static display portion 132 are switched on when the red traffic signal display 13 commences operation. As the operation of the red traffic signal display 13 progresses, at least one of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 is switched off in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the red inner static display portion 132 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red traffic signal display 13, all of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 and the red inner static display portion 132 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 are switched off, while the red inner static display portion 132 is switched on, when the red traffic signal display 13 commences operation. As the operation of the red traffic signal display 13 progresses, at least one of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 is switched on in a clockwise or anti¬ clockwise sequential manner, while the red inner static display portion 132 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red traffic signal display 13, all of the red outer dynamic display portions 131 and the red inner static display portion 132 are switched off.

In Figs 5A to 5L, the operation of the red traffic signal display 13 is similar to the operation of the green traffic signal display 11 detailed in the previous paragraphs. As such, Figs. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E₁ 5F, 5G, 5H, 51, 5J, 5K and 5L each respectively illustrate a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval for the red traffic signal display 13. Although a clockwise operation sequence has been described, it is possible to achieve an anti-clockwise operation sequence.

In the embodiments that have been described, the number of outer dynamic display portions 111, 121 and 131 that are still switched on during an instant indicates to vehicle operators how much time is left before a change to the next traffic signal display occurs.

Figs. 6A to 6L each illustrate a front view of a red indicator traffic signal display 90 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A. The red indicator traffic signal display 90 signals to vehicle drivers that they may not move in the indicated direction when the red indicator traffic signal display 90 operates.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 92 and the inner static display portion 91 are switched on when the red indicator traffic signal display 90 commences operation. As the operation of the indicator traffic signal display 90 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 92 is switched off in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the inner static display portion 91 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 90, all of the outer dynamic display portions 92, and the inner static display portion 91 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 92 are switched off, while the inner static display portion 91 is switched on, when the red indicator traffic signal display 90 commences operation. As the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 90 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 92 is switched on in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the inner static display portion 91 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 90, all of the outer dynamic display portions 92, and the inner static display portion 91 are switched off.

Fig. 6A shows the red indicator traffic signal display 90 during a first operation time interval, i.e. when the red indicator traffic signal display 90 has commenced operation. When the red indicator traffic signal display 90 commences operation, all of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 92 and the inner static display portion 91 are switched on. Fig. 6B illustrates the red indicator traffic signal display 90 during a second operation time interval which occurs after the first operation time interval. In the second operation time interval of the red indicator traffic signal display 90, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 92a is switched off. Fig. 6C shows the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 90 during a third time interval, which occurs after the second operation time interval. In Fig. 6C, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 92b, which is adjacent to the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 92a, is switched off. Fig. 6D shows the operation of the red indicator traffic signal display 90 during a fourth time interval which occurs after the third operation time interval. In Fig. 6D, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 92c, which is adjacent to the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 92b, is switched off.

Thus, in Figs. 6A to 6D, each of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 92a, 92b and 92c is switched off in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Similarly, the subsequent displaying surrounding outer dynamic display portions 92 are switched off, as illustrated in Figs. 6E to 6L, in a clockwise sequence according to a time interval. Each of the operation time intervals for the red indicator traffic signal display 90 is determined by a controller (not shown) working in conjunction with a timer (not shown). Figs. 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, 61, 6J, 6K and 6L each respectively illustrate a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval of the red indicator traffic signal display 90. In this embodiment, a clockwise operation sequence has been described. In another embodiment, an anti-clockwise operation sequence may be used.

The operation of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 62, illustrated from Figs. 6M to 6X, of the green indicator traffic signal display 60 is similar to the operation of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 92 of the red indicator traffic signal display 90. During a first operation time interval, i.e. when the green indicator traffic signal display 60 has commenced operation, all of the outer dynamic display portions 62 are switched on. In the second, third and fourth operation time intervals, the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 62a, 62b and 62c are respectively switched off in a consecutive clockwise manner. Similarly, the remaining surrounding outer dynamic display portions 62 are switched off, as illustrated in Fig 6Q to 6X, in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Each of the operation time intervals for the green indicator traffic signal display 60 is determined by a controller (not shown) working in conjunction with a timer (not shown). Figs. 6Q, 6R, 6S, 6T, 6U, 6V, 6W and 6X each respectively illustrate a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval of the green indicator traffic signal display 60 operation. Although a clockwise operation sequence has been described, an anti-clockwise operation sequence may also be used.

The operation of the inner dynamic display portion 61 differs from the operation of the inner static display portion 91 in that the inner dynamic display portion 61 starts to blink from the third operation time interval. The inner dynamic display portion 61 is switched off, as illustrated in Fig. 60, in the third operation time interval. The inner dynamic display portion 61 is then switched on again in the fourth operation time interval as shown in Fig. 6P. This alternate switching off and switching on of the inner dynamic display portion 61 repeats itself for the remaining fifth to twelfth operation time intervals, as illustrated in Figs. 6Q to 6X. In the above embodiment, the blinking of the inner dynamic display portion 61 begins at the third operation time interval. In another embodiment, the blinking of the inner dynamic display portion 61 may begin at another operation time interval.

Figs. 7A to 7I_ each illustrate a front view of a green pedestrian signal display 70 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A. The green pedestrian signal display 70 signals to pedestrians that the pedestrians may start crossing a road when the green pedestrian signal display 70 operates.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 72 and the inner dynamic display portion 71 are switched on when the green pedestrian signal display 70 commences operation. As the operation of the green pedestrian signal display 70 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 72 is switched off in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the inner dynamic display portion 71 is switched on or off. At the end of the operation of the green pedestrian signal display 70, all of the outer dynamic display portions 72 and the inner dynamic display portion 71 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 72 are switched off, while the inner dynamic display portion 71 is switched on, when the green pedestrian signal display 70 commences operation. As the operation of the green pedestrian signal display 70 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 72 is switched on in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the inner dynamic display portion 71 is switched on or off. At the end of the operation of the green pedestrian signal display 70, all of the outer dynamic display portions 72 and the inner dynamic display portion 71 are switched off. Fig. 7A shows the green pedestrian signal display 70 during a first operation time interval, i.e. when the green pedestrian signal display 70 has commenced operation. When the green pedestrian signal display 70 has just commenced operation, all of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 72 around an inner dynamic display portion 71 , as well as the inner dynamic display portion 71 , are switched on. Fig. 7B illustrates the green pedestrian signal display 70 during a second operation time interval, which occurs after the first operation time interval. In the second operation time interval of the green pedestrian signal display 70, the outer dynamic display portion 72a is switched off. Fig. 7C shows the green pedestrian signal display 70 during a third operation time interval, which occurs after the second operation time interval. In Fig. 7C, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 72b, which is adjacent to the outer dynamic display portion 72a, is switched off. The inner dynamic display portion 71 is also switched off. Fig. 7D shows the pedestrian signal display 70 during a fourth operation time interval, which occurs after the third operation time interval. In Fig. 7D, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 72c, which is adjacent to the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 72b, is switched off, while the inner dynamic display portion 71 is switched on.

Thus, in Figs. 7A to 7D, each of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 72a, 72b and 72c is switched off in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Similarly, the subsequent displaying surrounding outer dynamic display portions 72 are switched off, as illustrated in fig 7E to 7L, in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Each of the time intervals for the green pedestrian signal display 70 is determined by a controller (not shown) working in conjunction with a timer (not shown). Figs. 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I, 7J, 7K and 7L each respectively illustrate a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval of the pedestrian signal display 70. In this embodiment, a clockwise operation sequence has been described. In another embodiment, an anti-clockwise operation sequence may be used. As mentioned above, the inner dynamic display portion 71 is switched off and switched on in the third and fourth operation time intervals respectively. Similar to the operation of the inner dynamic display 61 as described earlier, the inner dynamic display portion 71 starts to blink from the third operation time interval. This alternate switching off and switching on of the inner dynamic display portion 71 repeats itself for the remaining fifth to twelfth operation time intervals, as illustrated in Figs. 7E to 7L.

In the above embodiment, the blinking of the inner dynamic display portion 71 begins at the third operation time interval. In another embodiment, the blinking of the inner dynamic display portion 71 may begin at another operation time interval.

Figs. 8A to 8L each illustrate a front view of a red pedestrian signal display 80 in a first, a second, a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval respectively, according to the system of Fig. 2A. The red pedestrian signal display 80 signals to pedestrians that the pedestrians may not cross a road when the red pedestrian signal display 80 is switched on.

In one embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 82 and the inner static display portion 81 are switched on when the red pedestrian signal display 80 commences operation. As the operation of the red pedestrian signal display 80 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 82 is switched off in a clockwise or anti-clockwise sequential manner, while the inner static display portion 81 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red pedestrian signal display 80, all of the outer dynamic display portions 82 and the inner static display portion 81 are switched off.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the outer dynamic display portions 82 are switched off, while the inner static display portion 81 is switched on, when the red pedestrian signal display 80 commences operation. As the operation of the red pedestrian signal display 80 progresses, at least one of the outer dynamic display portions 82 is switched on in a clockwise or anti¬ clockwise sequential manner, while the inner static display portion 81 remains switched on. At the end of the operation of the red pedestrian signal display 80, all of the outer dynamic display portions 82 and the inner static display portion 81 are switched off.

Fig. 8A shows the pedestrian signal display 80 during a first operation time interval, i.e. when the red pedestrian signal display 80 has commenced operation. When the pedestrian signal display 80 has just commenced operation, all of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 82 around the inner static display portion 81 , as well as the inner static display portion 81 , are switched on. Fig. 8B illustrates the pedestrian signal display 80 during a second operation time interval which occurs after the first time interval. In the second operation time interval of the red pedestrian signal display 80, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 82a is switched off. Fig. 8C shows the red pedestrian signal display 80 during a third operation time interval which occurs after the second operation time interval. In Fig. 8C, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 82b, which is adjacent to the green outer dynamic display portion 82a, is switched off. Fig. 8D shows the red pedestrian signal display 80 during a fourth operation time interval, which occurs after the third operation time interval. In Fig. 8D, the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 82c, which is adjacent to the surrounding outer dynamic display portion 82b, is switched off.

Thus, in Figs. 8A to 8D, each of the surrounding outer dynamic display portions 82a, 82b and 82c is switched off in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Similarly, the subsequent displaying surrounding outer dynamic display portions 82 is switched off, as illustrated in Fig. 8E to 8L, in a clockwise sequence according to an operation time interval. Each of the operation time intervals for the red pedestrian signal display 80 is determined by a controller (not shown) working in conjunction with a timer (not shown). Figs. 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 81, 8J, 8K and 8L each respectively illustrate a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, a tenth, an eleventh and a twelfth operation time interval of the red pedestrian signal display 80. In this embodiment, a clockwise operation sequence has been described. In another embodiment, an anti-clockwise operation sequence may be used.

In the embodiments that have been described, the number of outer dynamic display portions 82 and 72 that are still switched on during an instant, is meant to indicate to pedestrians how much time is left before a change to the next pedestrian signal display occurs.

In the embodiments that have been described, a single outer dynamic display portion 62, 72, 82, 92, 111 , 121 and 131 is switched off between each subsequent time interval during the operation of the traffic signal system 25. In another embodiment, more than one outer dynamic display portion 62, 72, 82, 92, 111 , 121 and 131 may be switched off between each subsequent time interval during the operation of the traffic signal system 25.

In the embodiments that have been described, the controller 20 determines the duration of each of the operation time intervals. In another embodiment, an existing traffic signal system controller may determine the duration of each of the operation time intervals. In yet another embodiment, a relevant traffic authority may regulate the duration of each of the time intervals.

Most existing traffic signal displays are circular in shape. The circular shape of the traffic signal displays 11 , 12, 13, 60, 70, 80 and 90 in accordance with the embodiments do not require a traffic signal display to be adapted with a new shape.

The integration of a visual representation of the amount of remaining display time of the operating traffic signal display 11 , 12, 13, 60, 70, 80 and 90 within the respective traffic signal display itself, as opposed to a separate panel that indicates the amount of remaining display time of an operating traffic signal display, allows the road user to concentrate on the operating traffic signal display 11 , 12, 13, 60, 70, 80 and 90 itself to perceive when the respective operating traffic signal display would change.

Accordingly, it will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A traffic signal system, comprising: a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion; and a controller coupled to the traffic signal display capable of independently switching the display portions.

2. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein during a traffic condition, the controller switches the first display portion to display the traffic condition and the second display portion is switched to display a dynamic traffic signal.

3. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first display portion is a static display portion and the second display portion is a dynamic display portion, and prior to the end of the traffic condition, the dynamic display portion is switched off while the static display portion remains on during the traffic condition.

4. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the dynamic display portion comprises at least one segment.

5. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 4, wherein all segments of the dynamic display portion are displayed at a start of the traffic condition.

6. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the number of segments that are displayed decreases during the traffic condition.

7. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the number of segments that are displayed decreases in a clockwise direction during the traffic condition.

8. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the number of segments that are displayed decreases in an anti-clockwise direction during the traffic condition.

9. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 3, wherein none of the segments of the dynamic display portion are displayed at a start of the traffic condition.

10. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 3 or 9, wherein the number of segments that are displayed increases during the traffic condition.

11. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the claims 3, 9 or 10, wherein the number of segments that are displayed increases in a clockwise direction during the traffic condition.

12. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the claims 3, 9 to 11 , wherein the number of segments that are displayed increases in an anti¬ clockwise direction during the traffic condition.

13. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second display portion surrounds the first display portion.

14. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic signal display shows a color selected from the group consisting of: red, amber and green.

15. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic signal display is a light emitting device.

16. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the traffic signal display comprises one or more light bulbs.

17. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the traffic signal display is capable of displaying the colors through the use of a plurality of multi-colored light emitting diodes.

18. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display portion is capable of being displayed as forming a centre surrounded by the second display portion.

19. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display portion is a standing figurine or an indicator arrow.

20. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traffic signal display is mounted within a housing elevated by a support member.

21. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display portion and the second display portion are retractable panels.

22. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 21 wherein one of the retractable panels at least partly overlaps another one of the retractable panels.

23. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display portion and the second display portion have a shape selected from the group consisting of: a substantially annular shape; a substantially rectangular shape; a substantially oval shape; a substantially square shape; a substantially hexagonal shape; and a substantially octagonal shape.

24. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is a microprocessor.

25. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the controller is placed in the housing.

26. The traffic signal system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the controller is placed in a cabinet detached from the housing containing the traffic signal system.

27. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller interfaces and functions together with an existing traffic signal system.

28. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller functions independently from an existing traffic signal system controller.

29. The traffic signal system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second display portions further comprise at least one display segment.

30. A traffic signal system comprising: a traffic signal display comprising an inner static display portion and a plurality of outer dynamic display portions; and a controller electrically coupled to the traffic signal display, the controller being capable of independently switching the display portions, the controller switches the inner static display portion and the plurality of outer dynamic display portions to display a traffic condition, wherein prior to the end of the traffic condition, the plurality of outer dynamic display portions are independently and sequentially switched off while the inner static display portion remains on until the end of the traffic condition to display a dynamic traffic signal.

31. A program capable of residing on a memory, the memory being accessible by a data processor, the program capable of operating a traffic signal system, wherein the traffic signal system comprises: a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion, wherein the data processor is capable of independently switching the display portions.

32. The program as claimed in claim 31 , wherein during a traffic condition, the data processor switches the first display portion to display the traffic condition and the second display portion is switched to display a dynamic traffic signal.

33. The program as claimed in claim 31 or 32, wherein the program is modified by a software compiler.

34. A method for operating a program residing on a memory, the program controlling a traffic signal display comprising first and second display portions, the method comprising: accessing the memory through a data processor; independently switching the display portions through the data processor; and displaying one of the display portions at least partly within the other display portion.

35. The method as claimed in claim 34, comprising switching the first display portion to display the traffic condition and the second display portion to display a dynamic traffic signal.

36. A system for executing a program capable of operating a traffic signal system, the system comprising: first and second traffic signal display portions, one of the display portions capable of being displayed at least partly within the other display portion; a memory for storing the program; and a data processor for accessing the memory.