Virtual traffic lights: Managing intersections in the cloud

We introduce a novel approach of real-time traffic management by a virtual traffic light controller system. Today's traffic management systems are lacking real time capabilities to efficiently control dense traffic situations. The utilization of mobile communication technologies, the power of cloud computing technology and the ability to perform real time data analysis and decision-making enable the design of a realtime virtual traffic light system. Necessary additional technologies include vehicle addressing, highly accurate positioning, the TMP messaging protocol, a cloud based controller concept and ad-hoc group negotiations. This concept aims at contributing to a more efficient traffic flow, less fuel consumption and an increase in driving safety.