Traffic Signal Alert System for Smartphone Users at Intersection Crossing

We propose a Smartphone based system that can integrate information commonly available on a mobile phone and real time traffic signal phasing data to provide assistance to pedestrians and cyclists for safer intersection crossing. GPS accelerometer and digital compass information from a smart phone together with digital maps will be integrated to determine the location and orientation of a user. Real time traffic signal phasing data can be obtained through wireless communication with either a local signal controller or a central traffic management system. The information together can then inform pedestrians and cyclists particularly those with vision or hearing or walking impairment as to when to cross through audible or haptic feedback.An automated ‘pedestrian call’ request can also be sent to the traffic controller wirelessly from the smart phone of registered users after confirming the direction and orientation that the pedestrian is intending to cross. The proposed system will eliminate the need of physically locating and pressing a pushbutton at the intersection crossing and provide supportive information to the pedestrians and cyclists while traveling along the crosswalk.