Abstract: A system and method for controlling traffic flow is disclosed. Location information is obtained and continuously updated from vehicular-based cellular phones. This information is processed and used as an input to Intelligent Transportation Systems, in particular to Real Time Urban Traffic Guidance for Vehicular Congestion and Intelligent Traffic Control Systems. Position information records of vehicle based phone coordinates, timing, etc, are collected from the cellular networks, updated and stored in a database. Those records together with digital maps are fed into mathematical models and algorithms to construct lists of vehicles traveling on various road sections, traffic loads at particular road sections, real time travel times along all road sections resulting from traffic congestion in particular areas, turning loads for signal intersections, for ral time functioning of Intelligent Transportation System, in particular of Intelligent Traffic Control Systems, and Route Guidance Systems.

Abstract: A method for the system wide control of signals in a traffic network in real time to provide an overall reduction in congestion is described. In the method, signals obtained from vehicular-based cellular phones provide location information on moving vehicles and are input into an Intelligent Traffic Control System to provide position information that is stored in the form of records. Mathematical models use those records together with detailed digital maps and algorithms to compute actual travel times consumed by traveling along road sections, by queuing near signalized intersections, and by making various allowed turns and go-throughs in the vicinity of signalized intersection areas. The actual travel times measured for a fixed control time period are compared to the corresponding theoretical travel times and form a basis for a mathematical optimization model.

Abstract: A system and method for real time vehicle guidance by Central Traffic Unit are presented. The proposed vehicle Guidance System includes a plurality of vehicles equipped with Individual Mobile Units including GPS units (position determining systems adapted to determine their present position) and communicatively linked to the Central Traffic Unit computer server. The Central Traffic Unit broadcasts the updated traffic patterns in real time thereby enabling the Individual Mobile Units to dynamically calculate the desired optimal travel paths. In response to a request from a driver for a route update from his present position to a desired destination, the Individual Mobile Unit searches for an optimal (usually fastest) route and shows it to the driver. In route searching by the minimal time criterion, the Individual Mobile Unit relies on estimated travel times stored in its database, and may also use current real time information on bottleneck situations received from Central Traffic Unit.