Abstract: The invention includes cohort analysis as an element of an in-vehicle navigation system. As an operator makes trips from an origin to a destination, the navigation system records various route segments chosen. These choices are compared to route segments comprising a minimal time route calculated for the trip. Segments not part of the prescribed route are collected and periodically sent along with the origin and destination to a centralized server, wherein they are stored in a database. The central server also has an extensive map database that lists many attributes for each segment not generally included in an in-vehicle database. The attributes include variables pertaining to traffic flow, e.g. speed, number of lanes, lane width; topology, e.g. possible turns at endpoints; geometry, e.g. horizontal shape, vertical curvature, and super-elevation; usage, e.g. freeway, arterial, local, residential, business; and topography, e.g. buildings, trees, open-space, facilities, and stores.

Abstract: A system and method for combining sequential map segments to aggregate, analyze, and display traffic data collected from one or more probe vehicles located on one or more of the map segments.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and communicating a traffic anomaly at a point to at least one receiving vehicle includes a traffic information center and at least one probe device. Each probe device is configured to determine and store within an on-board database a current value of a condition at the point during each of a plurality of trips, so as to build a history of condition values. The probe device is further configured to compare the current value to the historic values during each trip, and selectively transmit notification of an anomalous value to the center.

Abstract: The invention includes cohort analysis as an element of an in-vehicle navigation system. As an operator makes trips from an origin to a destination, the navigation system records various route segments chosen. These choices are compared to route segments comprising a minimal time route calculated for the trip. Segments not part of the prescribed route are collected and periodically sent along with the origin and destination to a centralized server, wherein they are stored in a database. The central server also has an extensive map database that lists many attributes for each segment not generally included in an in-vehicle database. The attributes include variables pertaining to traffic flow, e.g. speed, number of lanes, lane width; topology, e.g. possible turns at endpoints; geometry, e.g. horizontal shape, vertical curvature, and super-elevation; usage, e.g. freeway, arterial, local, residential, business; and topography, e.g. buildings, trees, open-space, facilities, and stores.

Abstract: A vehicle traffic monitoring apparatus includes an imaging device; an image processing device; a global positioning device; and, a wireless communications system. The image processing device includes a computer program to process a data stream from the imaging device, to recognize individual vehicles substantially in view of the vehicle; and, quantify motion of the recognized individual vehicles. A second data stream is a signal output from the image processing device and includes code representing the recognized individual vehicles in view of the vehicle, quantified motion of the recognized vehicles; and vehicle position data from the global positioning system receiver. The wireless communications device receives the second data stream and communicates it a remote device. Localized traffic is monitored in metrics of traffic density, congestion, and, turbulence.

Abstract: An on-vehicle system for identifying and reporting external conditions is presented. The system has an operator-selectable user interface to identify occurrence of an external condition, a global positioning system receiver; and, a wireless communications system. The unit may be used to assist in discovering localized roadway conditions that adversely affect safety and travel. The unit is placeable into a vehicle of a volunteer, is manually operated whenever a hazard is detected. Reportable hazards include potholes, obstacles or debris in the highway, snow or ice patches, fog, unusual traffic or pedestrian activity, and localized incidences, such as presence of disabled or emergency vehicles. Nature of the hazard is indicatable by manual activation of additional push buttons or other suitable devices. A GPS receiver is incorporated to estimate position, speed, and heading of the hazard. The information is encoded as a message sent to a central server.

Abstract: A method for continuously predicting the type of traffic in which a vehicle is traveling. The traffic pattern can be used in other vehicle control systems as an input to determine how to adjust system parameters, such as control loop proportional and integral gain calibrations. Vehicle speed is sampled over a variable number of sampling intervals, defining a prediction period. The prediction period varies as a function of distance traveled, and is limited for conditions where the distance interval is not reached within a particular time interval. When the prediction period is reached, average vehicle speed and speed variation over the period are determined. A lookup table incorporating average speed and speed variation is used to determine the traffic pattern. The prediction period can be shortened to quickly recognize transitions from city or highway traffic pattern.

Abstract: A method for continuously predicting the type of traffic in which a vehicle is traveling. The traffic pattern can be used in other vehicle control systems as an input to determine how to adjust system parameters, such as control loop proportional and integral gain calibrations. Vehicle speed is sampled over a variable number of sampling intervals, defining a prediction period. The prediction period varies as a function of distance traveled, and is limited for conditions where the distance interval is not reached within a particular time interval. When the prediction period is reached, average vehicle speed and speed variation over the period are determined. A lookup table incorporating average speed and speed variation is used to determine the traffic pattern. The prediction period can be shortened to quickly recognize transitions from city or highway traffic pattern.