초록 ▼

A system of mobile units are installed in multiple vehicles in traffic, the vehicles with mobile units being a sample of all vehicles in traffic. These mobile units include both wireless communications devices and apparatus that determines the location of each vehicle. Monitoring a vehicle's positio

A system of mobile units are installed in multiple vehicles in traffic, the vehicles with mobile units being a sample of all vehicles in traffic. These mobile units include both wireless communications devices and apparatus that determines the location of each vehicle. Monitoring a vehicle's position as a function of time also reveals the velocity of the vehicle. Position and speed information is periodically broadcast by the vehicles to a central monitoring station and to neighboring vehicles. At the central monitoring station, the collective input from the sample set of vehicles is processed using statistical analysis methods to provide an instant chart of traffic conditions in the area, the accuracy of said chart being within a range determined by the size of the sample. Warnings of delays or updates on traffic conditions on the road ahead are then automatically returned to subscribers of the information or are used as part of an Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS). Neighboring vehicles within a region communicating with one another form a network in which the broadcast information is processed locally on the respective vehicles to estimate possible problems ahead and consider computing an alternate road and/or checking with the central monitoring station for more information. If out of range of the central monitoring station, the vehicles in the network form a local area network for the exchange and update of information, and when any vehicle in the network is within range of the central monitoring station, the local area network data is uploaded to help update the overall traffic information.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:] [1.]1. An automated traffic mapping system comprising:a plurality of mobile units installed in vehicles in traffic, each said mobile unit having both a wireless communications device an

[ Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:] [1.]1. An automated traffic mapping system comprising:a plurality of mobile units installed in vehicles in traffic, each said mobile unit having both a wireless communications device and apparatus that determines location of a vehicle on which it is installed;a central monitoring station receiving data from the plurality of mobile units and generating a map of traffic conditions; anda plurality of receivers installed in vehicles, each said receiver receiving transmissions from the central monitoring station and displaying traffic information,wherein said plurality of mobile units comprises a sampling of all vehicles in traffic, and wherein mathematical analysis of data from said plurality of mobile units is used to generate said map of traffic conditions, the results of said mathematical analysis being dependent upon data from each of said plurality of mobile units.