Intelligent traffic signal control system
By introducing a radar-visual integrated machine and IoT functionality into the traffic signal control system, various types of traffic data are collected in real time and faults are proactively reported, solving the problems of insufficient data collection and low equipment management efficiency, and achieving efficient traffic signal control and operation and maintenance management.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing traffic signal control systems suffer from insufficient data acquisition dimensions and are susceptible to interference. Equipment management lacks IoT functionality, resulting in poor timing scheme accuracy, high operation and maintenance costs, and low efficiency in equipment fault detection and repair.
The system uses a radar-visual integrated machine to collect various types of traffic data in real time and upload them to an optimization server. The traffic lights integrate microcontrollers and wireless communication modules to actively report faults. The road traffic signal controller adopts an industrial control modular design, supports hot-swappable replacement, and realizes Internet of Things communication.
It improved the dimensionality and accuracy of traffic data, enabled proactive reporting and rapid repair of faults, reduced operation and maintenance costs and equipment downtime, and improved operation and maintenance efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN223993102U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent transportation technology, specifically to an intelligent traffic signal control system. Background Technology
[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information relating to this disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.
[0003] The main function of a traffic signal control system is to coordinate and control the timing scheme of traffic lights, balance traffic flow within the road network, and achieve signal control over all networked intersections.
[0004] However, existing control systems still have shortcomings in several aspects, affecting the comprehensive control of traffic signals. Firstly, in terms of data acquisition: existing systems rely heavily on single technologies such as geomagnetic coils and video detection to collect traffic data, resulting in insufficient data dimensions and susceptibility to interference from hardware aging, rain, fog, and other factors, leading to poor data acquisition stability and affecting the accuracy of timing schemes. Induction coils are also susceptible to environmental interference and have high maintenance costs, while video detection technology fails in inclement weather. Secondly, in terms of equipment management: traditional traffic lights, countdown timers, and other equipment lack IoT functionality, making it difficult to promptly and effectively understand the equipment's operating status when problems occur. Equipment fault detection is passive, requiring manual inspection and troubleshooting, which is time-consuming and seriously disrupts traffic order. Traditional signal controllers use a fixed structure, requiring shutdown and replacement of the entire unit for repairs, increasing maintenance costs. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an intelligent traffic signal control system, which sets up a radar-visual integrated machine at road intersections to collect multiple types of traffic data in real time and upload them to an optimization server, thereby improving the dimensionality and accuracy of traffic data.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] This utility model provides an intelligent traffic signal control system, including a central server, a GIS server, an optimization server, a core switch, an industrial switch, a road traffic signal controller, and a radar-visual integrated machine. The central server, GIS server, and optimization server are interconnected and connected to the core switch. The core switch is connected to multiple industrial switches, and the industrial switches are connected to the road traffic signal controller and the radar-visual integrated machine. The road traffic signal controller is connected to traffic lights.
[0008] The traffic light integrates a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and a monitoring module. The microcontroller is connected to both the wireless communication module and the monitoring module, and the monitoring module is also connected to the road traffic signal controller.
[0009] In a further technical solution, the radar-visual integrated machine is connected to the industrial switch via a network cable.
[0010] In a further technical solution, the industrial switch is connected to the core switch via optical fiber.
[0011] In a further technical solution, the core switch is connected to the central server, GIS server, and optimization server via network cables.
[0012] In a further technical solution, the central server and the client communicate bidirectionally.
[0013] In a further technical solution, the road traffic signal controller includes a control unit, a lamp phase output unit, and a flashing unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the lamp phase output unit and the flashing unit respectively.
[0014] In a further technical solution, the control unit includes a central processing unit module, a display control panel module, and a power supply module, wherein the central processing unit module is connected to the display control panel module and the power supply module, respectively.
[0015] In a further technical solution, the central processing unit module adopts an ARM processor.
[0016] In a further technical solution, the flashing unit includes a flashing light and a power indicator light, which are respectively connected to the control unit.
[0017] In a further technical solution, the industrial switch is also connected to the guidance screen via a network cable.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] This invention involves installing a radar-visual integrated machine at road intersections to collect various types of traffic data in real time and upload them to an optimization server, thereby improving the dimensionality and accuracy of the traffic data.
[0020] This utility model traffic light integrates a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and a monitoring module. It monitors various data in real time, such as current, voltage, and light intensity, and transmits this data to the control unit of the road traffic signal controller to determine if the traffic light is malfunctioning. If a malfunction is detected, the fault data is uploaded to the central server, enabling proactive fault reporting. This shortens maintenance time for staff, reduces equipment downtime, and improves operational efficiency. Simultaneously, the traffic light also has IoT communication capabilities, allowing it to directly connect to the central server and send fault data directly there, achieving proactive fault reporting.
[0021] The road traffic signal controller of this invention adopts an industrial control modular design, which supports hot-swappable replacement of faulty modules, thereby improving the lifespan and stability of the equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the architecture of the intelligent traffic signal control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cantilevered traffic light according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0026] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment provides an intelligent traffic signal control system, including a central server, a GIS server, an optimization server, a core switch, an industrial switch, a road traffic signal controller, and a radar-visual integrated machine. The central server, GIS server, and optimization server are interconnected and respectively connected to the core switch. The core switch is connected to multiple industrial switches, and the industrial switches are respectively connected to the road traffic signal controller and the radar-visual integrated machine. The road traffic signal controller is connected to traffic lights.
[0027] The central server, GIS server, and optimization server are interconnected via network cables. There is bidirectional wired communication between the GIS server and the central server, as well as between the optimization server and the central server, and between the central server and the client. The GIS server collects map data, processes it, and then transmits it to the central server. The optimization server collects traffic data, processes it, and then transmits it to the central server. Data exchange occurs between the central server and the client.
[0028] In this embodiment, the radar-visual integrated machine is used to collect traffic data such as traffic flow, average lane speed, headway, headway distance, lane time occupancy, lane space occupancy, queue length, traffic status (congested, stuck, smooth), and vehicle type (large, medium, small). It supports statistical analysis of data such as traffic flow, average speed, vehicle type, time occupancy, space occupancy, average headway, and average queue length by lane, vehicle direction of travel (left turn, straight, right turn), and time period, and can generate reports.
[0029] The radar-visual integrated unit connects to an industrial switch via a network cable. The industrial switch connects to a core switch via fiber optic cable. The core switch then connects to the GIS server, optimization server, central server, and client terminals via network cables. The radar-visual integrated unit collects real-time and accurate traffic data such as traffic flow, average speed, occupancy rate, and traffic status. This collected traffic data is then sequentially uploaded to the optimization server via the industrial switch and core switch, and finally processed by the optimization server before being transmitted to the central server. In addition to connecting to the industrial switch at the intersection, the traffic data collected by the radar-visual integrated unit can also be directly transmitted to the traffic signal controllers at the intersection via the RS-485 protocol.
[0030] The radar-video integrated machine is a high-precision traffic sensing device integrating multiple sensors. Its core components include a sensor module, a data processing unit, and a communication and power supply module. The sensor module integrates millimeter-wave radar, a high-definition camera, and lidar, simultaneously collecting data from multiple sources. The radar-video integrated machine can utilize existing equipment, such as the Zhejiang Dahua radar-video integrated machine, or it can employ the radar-video integrated machine for holographic intersection traffic management described in patent CN115691154B.
[0031] In this embodiment, the road traffic signal controller, also known as a traffic signal control unit, includes a control unit, a lamp phase output unit, a flashing unit, a power supply unit, and an input / output interface. The control unit is connected to the lamp phase output unit, the flashing unit, the power supply unit, and the input / output interface. A road traffic signal controller is a device capable of changing the sequence of road traffic signals, adjusting timing, and controlling the operation of road traffic lights according to a timing scheme.
[0032] The control unit receives preset timing schemes or optimized timing schemes from the central server and outputs control commands to the light phase output unit and flashing unit according to the timing scheme. The control unit is the core component, including a central processing unit (CPU) module, a display control panel module, and a power management module. The CPU module is connected to both the display control panel module and the power management module. The CPU of the CPU module includes a microprocessor, memory card, etc. It is a 32-bit industrial-grade high-frequency ARM processor, characterized by low power consumption, high performance, and high reliability. The ARM processor implements signal control and uses an embedded real-time multi-tasking operating system (such as FreeRTOS) to ensure parallel multi-tasking (such as data acquisition, communication, and light control). The display control panel module includes a keyboard and a monitor, used to manually adjust the phase sequence or forcibly switch the signal light status. In special circumstances, the control panel can directly control the traffic signal controller for traffic management. The power management module can be implemented using a power management chip.
[0033] The lamp phase output unit includes several sets of controllable red, yellow, and green components for controlling the on / off state of the light bulbs. Each lamp phase output unit can provide controllable red, yellow, and green components for motor vehicles and red and green components for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles to control the on / off state of the light bulbs. The lamp phase output unit receives control commands from the control unit to control the on / off state of the red, yellow, and green lights and to display the countdown timer.
[0034] The flashing unit is located to the left of the lamp phase output unit and has two controllable components: a flashing lamp and a power indicator. It can not only control the flashing according to the control unit's instructions, but also force flashing via hardware in the event of a significant fault. It can provide fault warnings; the indicator light flashes when a fault occurs.
[0035] The power supply unit provides power to the road traffic signal controller, converting the external input 220V into internal DC 24V, 12V, and 5V.
[0036] The input / output interface provides internal and external transmission of traffic signal control information and connection of control power supply, including countdown timer and peripheral device interface, vehicle detector interface, various imported power output connector interfaces (output circuit drive, i.e. voltage switching drive signal display), external communication connectors (serial port, FSK modem, USB interface, fiber optic transceiver, wireless transceiver, Ethernet switch, etc., a signal controller may not include all communication types).
[0037] A radar-visual integrated unit is installed at key intersections (e.g., deployed on exit lane signal poles, covering three lanes of both entrance and exit lanes) and connected to the traffic signal controllers in the area. The radar-visual integrated unit also transmits the traffic data it collects to the control unit of the traffic signal controller. The control unit of the traffic signal controller has built-in algorithms, such as simplified versions of the SCOOT or SCATS algorithms, to directly analyze the traffic data collected by the radar-visual integrated unit and generate timing schemes in real time. Through direct RS-485 connection, the radar-visual integrated unit and the traffic signal controller construct a highly real-time and robust local control closed loop, ensuring basic traffic control functions while providing "last-mile" reliability assurance for intelligent transportation systems in complex network environments. This design balances cost, efficiency, and safety, and is one of the core technology links of intelligent intersections, achieving low-latency, high-reliability localized real-time control while ensuring stable communication in complex environments.
[0038] Furthermore, the road traffic signal controllers are connected to traffic lights and countdown timers via signal cables. Industrial switches are connected to the guidance screens via network cables. The guidance screens are controlled via network signals, and can be manually updated via client software to display traffic congestion guidance plans, traffic accident guidance plans, traffic control guidance plans, weather event guidance plans, traffic announcements, and other information. Alternatively, these plans can be automatically updated via a central server.
[0039] The road traffic signal controller adopts an industrial control modular design and is installed in a floor-standing cabinet. Its location should be close to other cabinet-type equipment at the intersection for easy access to power and network. To prevent water accumulation, the signal controller's position is raised by increasing the height of its foundation. The protective grounding wire and surge arrester working grounding wire introduced into the signal controller should use yellow and green bicolor conductors or copper braided wires with a cross-sectional area of not less than 10mm². The floor-standing cabinet protects the internal structure of the road traffic signal controller; the inner and outer surfaces of the cabinet and the control panel should be smooth and flat, free from dents, scratches, cracks, deformation, or other defects.
[0040] In this embodiment, each traffic light is connected to its corresponding road traffic signal controller via a signal line. The road traffic signal controller receives timing schemes from the central server through the core switch and the industrial switch in sequence. The control unit of the road traffic signal controller sends control commands to the lamp phase output unit or flashing unit according to the timing scheme. The lamp phase output unit or flashing unit controls the traffic lights according to the control commands.
[0041] The traffic light features IoT communication capabilities, integrating a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, and a monitoring module. The microcontroller connects to both the wireless communication and monitoring modules, while the monitoring module connects to the control unit of the traffic signal controller. The traffic light can proactively report faults in two ways: First, via fault reporting from above the traffic signal controller: The monitoring module collects the traffic light's output status data, which is transmitted to the control unit of the traffic signal controller via RS-485 or CAN bus. The control unit compares the traffic light's output status data with a set threshold to determine if a fault has occurred. If a fault is detected, the fault data is uploaded to the central server for reporting. The central server promptly notifies maintenance personnel for repairs to avoid traffic disruption. Second, the traffic light directly connects to the central server (IoT communication function) to report faults: The monitoring module also sends the traffic light's output status data to the built-in microcontroller. The microcontroller performs a threshold comparison to directly determine if a fault has occurred. If a fault is detected, the fault data is directly sent to the central server via the wireless communication module (such as a 5G network), bypassing the traffic signal controller.
[0042] Traffic light malfunction reporting is handled centrally by the road traffic signal controller, supplemented by direct connection between the traffic light and the cloud (central server). A successful report from any channel is considered valid. When the road traffic signal controller is online, it is prioritized for reporting; when the traffic signal controller is offline, the malfunction is reported by the microcontroller built into the traffic light.
[0043] The monitoring module, also known as the fault management module or conflict monitor, monitors the output status of the traffic lights in real time through independent circuitry. It integrates current, voltage, and photosensors to monitor the current, voltage, and light intensity data of the LED driver circuit and the light group, used to determine traffic light faults and brightness status. LED light groups are typically driven by a constant current source, and the current value is positively correlated with brightness. If the current is abnormal, such as the open-circuit current dropping to zero, the light group is determined to be faulty.
[0044] Furthermore, a photosensitive sensor (such as TSL2591) monitors the light intensity data of the LED light group in real time. The control unit or microcontroller of the road traffic signal controller compares it with a set threshold. If it is less than the set threshold and continues for a period of time (such as 500ms), it is determined that the signal light is not lit, and the fault data is uploaded to the central server.
[0045] In some implementations, the wireless communication module may be a 4G / 5G module; the microcontroller may be an STM32 series chip.
[0046] Traffic lights include disc-shaped vehicle traffic lights, arrow-shaped vehicle traffic lights, pedestrian crossing traffic lights, and vehicle countdown displays. Specifically, the disc-shaped vehicle traffic lights, arrow-shaped vehicle traffic lights, and pedestrian crossing traffic lights are connected to the road traffic signal controller via signal cables, and data transmission is achieved through the signal cables. The vehicle countdown displays transmit data with the road traffic signal controller via an RS485 bus.
[0047] Furthermore, the disc-shaped vehicle traffic signal light features discrete red, yellow, and green colorless geometric units without patterns, using high-throughput traffic-specific LED beads. The signal light circuit system employs a UV-resistant, high-transmittance, colorless PC cover (without diffusers), which will not yellow or discolor during its lifespan. Lane traffic signals should be positioned directly above the lane they control.
[0048] Furthermore, the arrow-shaped motor vehicle traffic light is equipped with discrete units for the geometric positions of red, yellow, and green arrow patterns. The traffic light circuit system uses a high-transmittance, colorless PC cover (without scattering agent) that is resistant to ultraviolet rays and will not yellow or change color during its lifespan.
[0049] Furthermore, the pedestrian crossing signal lights display content and indicators, with the upper unit showing static red pedestrians and the lower unit showing dynamic green pedestrians.
[0050] Furthermore, the vehicle countdown display features an independent red, yellow, and green digital display; it requires no separate power supply, drawing power from the traffic lights, and the control board functions normally when the traffic light colors change. It communicates with the road traffic signal controller via wired connection and can receive on / off commands from the traffic signal controller.
[0051] In this embodiment, the central server is a server system that integrates multiple technologies and functions. It is mainly responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing and storing data from various traffic nodes, and providing traffic management based on this data.
[0052] In this embodiment, the GIS server is a server device based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. It integrates a GIS software platform and related hardware resources, specifically designed for data processing, analysis, and display of intelligent transportation systems. It possesses GIS functionality, allowing users to view GIS electronic road network background maps in vector and image overlay formats, and to graphically display and operate traffic signal control functions. It can also control the display status of map data layers. In other words, the GIS server collects map data, processes it, and transmits it to the central server. The central server maintains a bidirectional communication connection with the client, allowing users to interact with and process the data through the client.
[0053] A GIS server, also known as a GIS data collector, uses existing equipment, such as the Palmtest Q5, which is a typical GIS server and portable GIS collector.
[0054] In this embodiment, the optimization server is a server device that integrates advanced information technology. The optimization server receives traffic data collected by the radar-visual all-in-one machine and generates timing schemes based on the traffic data. Based on multi-dimensional traffic data, it improves traffic operation efficiency and reduces traffic delays.
[0055] The optimized server uses existing equipment, such as the Hikvision DS-TP50-12DT, which is suitable for intersection-level video surveillance and traffic statistics, and supports real-time analysis of traffic events (such as congestion and illegal parking) at the edge.
[0056] Detailed explanation of working principle:
[0057] The integrated radar-visual system collects multi-dimensional traffic data in real time and sends it to the industrial switch. The core switch then uploads the traffic data to the optimization server. The optimization server generates a timing scheme based on the multi-dimensional traffic data and sends it to the central server. The central server generates control commands based on the timing scheme and sends the control commands sequentially through the core switch and the industrial switch to the control unit of the road traffic signal controller. The control unit issues specific control commands to the light phase output unit or flashing unit based on the control commands. The light phase output unit or flashing unit controls the traffic lights according to the specific control commands to avoid traffic congestion.
[0058] Meanwhile, the radar-visual integrated machine can also send traffic data to the control unit of the road traffic signal controller. The control unit has built-in simplified algorithms to directly parse the traffic data and generate timing plans in real time.
[0059] Although the specific embodiments of the present utility model have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solution of the present utility model are still within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A smart traffic signal control system, characterized in that: The application relates to a traffic control system, which comprises a center server, a GIS server, an optimization server, a core switch, industrial switches, road traffic signal machines and thunder and lightning vision integrated machines, wherein the center server, the GIS server and the optimization server are connected with each other and with the core switch respectively, the core switch is connected with a plurality of industrial switches, the industrial switches are connected with the road traffic signal machines and the thunder and lightning vision integrated machines respectively, and the road traffic signal machines are connected with signal lamps. The signal lamps are integrated with microcontrollers, wireless communication modules and monitoring modules, the microcontrollers are connected with the wireless communication modules and the monitoring modules respectively, and the monitoring modules are further connected with the road traffic signal machines.
2. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 1, wherein: The thunder and lightning vision integrated machines are connected with the industrial switches through network cables.
3. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 2, wherein: The industrial switches are connected with the core switch through optical fibers.
4. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 3, wherein: The core switch is connected with the center server, the GIS server and the optimization server through network cables.
5. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 4, wherein: The center server communicates with a client bidirectionally.
6. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 1, wherein: The road traffic signal machines comprise control units, light phase output units and flickering units, the control units are connected with the light phase output units and the flickering units respectively.
7. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 6, wherein: The control units comprise central processor modules, display control panel modules and power modules, the central processor modules are connected with the display control panel modules and the power modules respectively.
8. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 7, wherein: The central processor modules adopt ARM processors.
9. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 6, wherein: The flickering units comprise flickering lamps and power indicator lamps and are connected with the control units respectively.
10. The intelligent traffic signal control system of claim 1, wherein: The industrial switches are further connected with guide screens through network cables.