Intelligent pedestrian traffic lights: New system by TU Graz automatically recognises pedestrians’ intent to cross the road

By Christoph Pelzl - The innovative camera system recognises pedestrians' intention to cross the road and changes automatically to green. This reduces unpleasant waiting times and allows better flow of motorised urban traffic. In Vienna there are some 200 push-button pedestrian lights (signalised pedestrian crossings). They allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. But only after a waiting time, which is annoying for many people. This often results in pedestrians not waiting for the green phase, but instead walking in a different direction or crossing the street when the lights are red. For some people, push-button lights are an invitation to trigger off the green phase as they go past - just for fun.