Abstract: A method for monitoring and managing transportation infrastructure and locations of vehicles therein includes: receiving signals transmitted from a vehicle equipped with a transmitter that generates the signals, the signals including information relating to one or more of the vehicle, an owner, a driver, a custodian, or a passenger of the vehicle, a person, an animal, or an object within, secured to, or transported by the vehicle, and a person, an entity, an object, a status, a condition, an event, an indication, or an interrupt associated with the vehicle; and processing the signals and/or the information to identify in association with the vehicle a circumstance that satisfies criteria for facilitating, controlling, or initiating an action or a process involving one or more of providing information, providing a notification, transferring funds, and issuing a ticket, a citation, a warning, or other communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for checking a parking position that enables a parking lot user to conveniently check a position of a vehicle that he/she has parked using his/her mobile communication terminal. When a customer with a mobile communication terminal having a built-in Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) reader chip moves his/her vehicle close to an RFID tag for checking a parking position installed at a parking stall, the position information regarding the parking stall stored in the RFID tag is transmitted to a parking management server, and the parking management server transmits it again to the mobile communication terminal in text or graphic format.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing, in a centralized train control system, the portion of a centralized server application that is considered vital while not reducing the overall vitality of the system.

Abstract: A remote meterless parking monitoring system including a plurality of individual parking spaces, a plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units for monitoring the status of the individual parking spaces; at least one Gateway device responsive to the plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units; a Command and Control Server for employing numerous security provisions at least including encryption of data, Virtual Privacy Networks, firewalls and authenticated connections and responsive to data from said Cellular gateway via the internet; and the Command and Control Server uses the status of each space and the ID from the motorist's RFID tag to cross reference data according to a Policy database and identifying the motorist through a Motorist Database including information about the motorist's mailing address, vehicle payment account balance or other information.

Abstract: A system and method for recording data associated with a parking space. The data may be received a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone. The data may be received from a computer readable medium associated with the parking space, such as a bar code. The data may also be received from a wireless signal associated with the parking space, such as a Bluetooth wireless signal. The data may contain such information as the location of the parking space within the parking area. Other information may be included in the data, such as parking rate information for the parking space. A feature may included wherein the data may be transmitted to a server wherein the data may be stored in a storage device. The system and method may also allow payment for the parking space using the personal electronic device and the server.

Abstract: A system for determining the location of at least one vehicle, the at least on vehicle emitting a detectable signal. The system comprising at least one mobile or stationary detection device that detects the signal emitted by the at least one vehicle. A server with operational software for tracking and locating the at least one vehicle emitting a detectable signal, and a user interface device for interfacing with the network for providing location information on the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular sensor node, circuit apparatus and their operations. Power from power source is controlled for delivery to radio transceiver and magnetic sensor, based upon a task trigger and task identifier. The radio transceiver and the magnetic sensor are operated based upon the task identifier, when the task trigger is active. The power source, radio transceiver, magnetic sensor, and circuit apparatus are enclosed in vehicular sensor node, placed upon pavement and operating for at least five years without replacing the power source components. Magnetic sensor preferably uses the magnetic resistive effect to create magnetic sensor state. Radio transceiver preferably implements version of a wireless communications protocol. The circuit apparatus may further include light emitting structure to visibly communicate during installation and/or testing, and second light emitting structure used to visibly communicate with vehicle operators. Making filled shell and vehicular sensor node from circuit apparatus.

Abstract: The system contains a programmable device. At least one camera is in communication with the programmable device. The camera is directed towards at least one road. The camera provides a camera signal to the programmable device. A map of an area, which includes the road, is stored in a memory of the programmable device. A plurality of traffic influences is defined in the map. A first program on the programmable device tracks vehicles on the road utilizing the camera signal. The first program recognizes at least one obstruction and communicates with the map to identify at least one of the traffic influences behind the obstruction.

Abstract: A computer-assisted inspection system provides computer architectures and software controlled algorithms to automatically provide vehicle inspections and repair recommendations including estimated repair time and cost of depression type damage such as dents. Features provided by a handheld wireless touchscreen based inspection device include flat car part picking, auto grading including seller grading, and automatic calculation of body and bumper dent repair parameters and directions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining context of a mobile device are provided. In an example, provided is a method for identifying an environment of a mobile device. The method includes receiving a motion sensor signal. The motion sensor signal can be received from an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. If a frequency characteristic of an engine is detected in the motion sensor signal, a control signal is output identifying that the mobile device is located in a motor vehicle. The control signal can enable a vehicle navigation mode. The control signal can also be used to alert a user to the identified environment and/or change a feature of the mobile device. The method can also include receiving an audio signal from a microphone, detecting the engine vibration from the audio signal, and using the audio signal to confirm the detecting the engine vibration from the motion sensor signal.

Abstract: An object classification method in which a vehicle moves toward an object includes: (a) ascertaining a first characteristic quantity from the variation of a first signal received by a distance-measuring sensor; (b) ascertaining an additional characteristic quantity from the variation of a second signal received by the distance-measuring sensor; (c) ascertaining a distance traveled by the vehicle between step (a) and step (b); (d) ascertaining a predictive quantity associated with the distance ascertained in step (c); (e) comparing the predictive quantity with the additional characteristic quantity; and (f) generating an object classification signal.

Abstract: A customer-based electronic device (such as a cell phone or an embedded RFID chip in a vehicle's electronics) is combined with a facility-dispensed ticket to control vehicle entrance and exit to a controlled property. In one embodiment, a cell phone is used to provide a unique RFID number utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) or similar technology for establishing entry and exit times, parking space control and automatic billing technology for each vehicle. In such an embodiment, a backup paper ticket is dispensed to each vehicle upon entry to the controlled property. The paper ticket contains a broadcast electronic signal (for example, an RFID signal) which is matched to the unique cell phone RFID number of the cell phone. The electronic system then controls all aspects of the vehicle's movement while on the property. This movement, in one embodiment, includes access to parking areas, access to special parking spots, such as reserved spaces, premium VIP, and handicapped areas.

Abstract: Provided is directed to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption due to unnecessary rapid acceleration when a vehicle drives between intersections, and it is an object to allow for economical driving by reducing the fuel cost, and minimize environmental pollution by minimizing the exhaust gas of vehicle, by providing an economical speed for drivers such that vehicles that have passed through an intersection in accordance with the present traffic light economically drives to the next intersection.

Abstract: Provided are an adaptive communication method and a sensor node for performing the same. The sensor node adaptively selects transmitted signal output strength and a wakeup zone of transmitted data based on a received signal strength indication of a control packet received from a sink node and existence of an obstacle acquired through a sensor, and transmits data based on the adaptive selection. Also, during an operation as a receive mode, the sensor node wakes up and determines whether to receive the data from the transmit node based on wakeup zone configuration information per sensor node received from the sink node and a wakeup zone selected by a sensor node currently operable as a transmit node.

Abstract: The system described is an integrated parking management system which makes use of patented vehicle detectors to collect and transmit data, essentially in near real time, as to all events happening as to single or multiple parking spaces (e.g. current and historic use, length of time of occupancy of current occupant) to a central clearing device for which patent application has been made which serves as a logic core and repository, making use of proprietary software, analyzing, displaying and distributing the data so developed as to a parking plant and all of its components to allow all parties (including prospective users) who are concerned with the various aspects of a parking plant and its components (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling use of handset communication device for communication by driver. A system in accordance with an embodiment includes: an obtaining component for obtaining driving state information of the vehicle; a directional antenna for capturing a wireless communication signal of the handset communication device around the driver; a judging component for judging whether a driving state of the vehicle is in an unstable state based on predefined criteria and the driving state information of the vehicle; and a control component for transmitting a remote control signal, based on a judging result of the judging component, to intervene in a communication of the handset communication device during a call.

Abstract: A flashing beacon may include a signal unit, a control unit associated with the signal unit, a solar panel or collector, and an activation device that may all be mounted or otherwise positioned on a post of a roadway sign. Light units associated with the signal unit may be programmed to flash on and off in a unique wig-wag pattern. Further, a light bar may also be used with the beacon to generate an intense flash of light soon after activation of the beacon as an additional means of grabbing the attention of the operator of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method, information processing system, and computer program storage product annotate video images associated with an environmental situation based on detected actions of a human interacting with the environmental situation. A set of real-time video images are received that are captured by at least one video camera associated with an environment presenting one or more environmental situations to a human. One or more user actions made by the human that is associated with the set of real-time video images with respect to the environmental situation are monitored. A determination is made, based on the monitoring, that the human driver has one of performed and failed to perform at least one action associated with one or more images of the set of real-time video images. The one or more images of the set of real-time video images are annotated with a set of annotations.

Abstract: A communications system for use in transmitting data in a railroad system is provided. The communications system includes a track circuit having a plurality of rails configured to transmit an electrical signal thereon, a first processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit via a first locomotive on said track circuit, and a trackside communications station operable to output cab signaling data, wherein the trackside communications station includes a second processor communicatively coupled to the track circuit. The first processor is programmed to compare a received data signal to a pre-stored database, and generate a response based on the comparison. The second processor is programmed to generate a corrected signal using the generated response.

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 segments of road are provided. Vehicle travel data generation and storage are provided by a data processing center, partitioning a road into a plurality of connected segments, and calculating an estimate of the time required for a probe vehicle to traverse a particular segment. The calculations are performed by a processor that may be on-board the probe vehicle, and the resulting data are transmitted to the processing center, at which they are aggregated and optionally transmitted to one or more subscriber vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to traffic flow monitoring devices. The system includes stationary traffic monitoring points that includes reading devices to receive data from electronic tag located on a vehicle, and is connected to a remote server that includes a database of vehicles and associated electronic tags, and their owners. The stationary traffic monitoring points are in the form of autonomous small-sized computer devices with a cellular communication module, and includes automatic devices for photo-video-radar recording and for processing information about vehicles and traffic situation, and with automatic software tools for determining the parameters of the vehicles, traffic laws and for comparing them with the permissible parameters for the particular road section.

Abstract: Safe driving evaluation systems, methods, and programs acquire traffic signal information that indicates the display status of a traffic signal present ahead in the traveling direction of a vehicle, determine the vehicle is within a prescribed stop supplement zone set up in front of the traffic signal installation point, and determine a red light encounter, which is a state where the vehicle is within the stop supplement zone and the traffic signal information indicates that the traffic signal is red. The systems, methods, and programs perform a stop supplementary operation with respect to a driver in order to stop the vehicle at the traffic signal installation point based on a driving operation of the vehicle during the red light encounter, and calculate a stop supplement percentage.

Abstract: In a method and system of service management, a radiative sensor is positioned to observe an area of interest. At least one frame of data of the area of interest is electronically acquired from the radiative sensor. The acquired frame of data is electronically processing to determine the presence or absence of at least one object in the area of interest. Based on the presence or absence of the object in the area of interest, (1) an alert is electronically caused to be generated in response to also electronically detecting another object in another area of interest, and/or (2) a timer is electronically caused to initiate or terminate counting a period of time.

Abstract: The described embodiments contemplate a system, method and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for accident notification. The novel system includes subsystems for testing an automobile, or a part of an automobile, and comparing the result of the test with a baseline result. The test may use various detectors, including radio frequency identification tags embedded in the paint of an automobile, magnetic variances caused by metal deformation, or electrical changes in a circuit. The test may be used for various purposes, including determining that an accident has occurred, verifying the authenticity of a repair part, or for processing an insurance claim.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting targets in roadway intersections. Transmit antennas transmit signals into a roadway intersection. Receive antennas receive corresponding signal reflections off objects in the roadway. The reflections correspond to two dimensional image data for the roadway intersection. The reflections are conditioned for compatibility with a processor. The processor processes the condition reflections into a two dimensional image of targets in the roadway intersection.

Abstract: A vehicle presence alert apparatus for alerting a target object to a presence of the vehicle via an alert sound with a frequency in an audible range is disclosed. The vehicle presence alert apparatus includes: a sound emitter configured to (i) cause a carrier wave with a frequency in an ultrasonic range to carry the alert sound, and (ii) emit the carrier wave carrying the alert sound as a radiation wave toward the target object; a sound receiver configured to receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave being generated due to reflection of the radiation wave by the target object; and relative velocity calculation means for calculating a relative velocity of the target object with respect to the vehicle based on a frequency of the radiation wave and a frequency of the reflected wave.

Abstract: A light control system identifies in the processing that discriminates light sources in the acquired image as either luminous objects or reflective objects, each pixel obtained that constitutes the acquired image being classified into a plurality of groups according to the brightness of each pixel, and generates a histogram showing the relation of the brightness and the number of pixels of each group that are matched with each group. Then, when the number of pixels corresponding to the brightest group is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the luminous object in the acquired image is determined, and when the number of pixels corresponding to the brighter group is more than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the reflective object in the acquired image is determined.

Abstract: A system for protecting the safety of occupants exiting and entering a vehicle is disclosed. The system has sensors on the interior, exterior and remotely of the vehicle and one or more imaging devices that project an image onto the pavement supporting the vehicle as well as optional data input devices all communicating with a system controller. The system anticipates that the occupant will be leaving the vehicle and the time it will take for the occupant to fully exit the vehicle. The system further controls the imaging devices to warn the drivers of oncoming traffic of the occupant's egress and warn or block the egress of the occupant should a particularly dangerous condition exist.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for employing roadside acoustics sensing in ascertaining traffic density states. Traffic monitoring input is received from a road segment, the traffic monitoring input including traffic audio input. The traffic monitoring input is processed and the processed traffic monitoring input is classified with a predetermined traffic density state. The classified traffic monitoring input is combined with other classified traffic monitoring input.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for detecting and counting vehicles on a roadway are presented. The roadway need not be partitioned into directional lanes. The matrix may have a plurality of matrix elements in communication with a master matrix element. Each matrix element contains two sensors, a processor and a transceiver. Matrix elements transmit sensor data to the master matrix element, which uses the sensor data to calculate the number of vehicles traveling through the detection area of the sensor matrix, and the point of entry and the point of exit of each such vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a permit-based parking environment governed by a parking program. The permit-based parking environment includes a number of parking permits each including a unique RFID tag and tag number. One or more RFID readers are used to scan the vehicles parked in the parking environment to determine if a RFID tag is associated with the parked vehicle. The results of the scan along with information related to the parked vehicle are provided to a permit management system to determine if the vehicle is parked within the scope of privileges pre-defined for that vehicle, pursuant to the parking program governing the parking environment. The permit management system stores, manages, and monitors data related to the permits controlled under the parking program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, where the apparatus includes: a transmitting/receiving unit for receiving location information of other vehicles existing in a limited area by communicating with the other terminals via a mesh network; a controller for identifying an available parking space by analyzing the location information of the other terminals; and a display unit for displaying the available parking space.

Abstract: The present invention includes a traffic information collection unit for collecting weight information of a vehicle running on a road and vibration and noise information generated on the road; a traffic jam determination unit for determining a traffic jam and traffic jam type based on the collected weight information, the vibration and noise information; a traffic jam information transceiving unit for transmitting the traffic jam information or the received traffic jam information of a front road to a vehicle on a rear road by receiving the traffic jam information of a front road from another apparatus for providing traffic jam information installed on the front road; and a display unit for displaying the determination result of the traffic jam determination unit, or a traffic condition of the front road.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring vehicle speeds using video sensing. The system comprises a tracking camera that generates accurately time-stamped video sequences of the monitored road at high frame rates and a processing unit that analyzes the video sequences in real time to detect moving vehicles and calculate their speeds using the time-over-distance method. The system automatically detects moving vehicles in each image frame and derives vehicle positions from a projective mapping established from reference markers on the road. Time information is obtained from the date and time stamp associated with each image frame. In one example, the system also allows a user of the system to set a trigger speed, and the system automatically saves a video clip of the vehicle whose speed exceeds the trigger speed, recording the speeding vehicle passing through the monitored traffic zone defined by the reference markers.

Abstract: A passive activator, used in combination with a vehicle sensing arrangement in a roadway, includes an electrically conductive material such as a wire mesh and placed inside or within a vehicle tire. The electrically conductive material portion forms a closed loop. The electrically conductive material portion may also include a protective layer or liner to prevent damage to the tire or to an inner tube of the tire. The passive activator causes sufficient disturbance of the electro-magnetic field to activate a vehicle detection sensor located in a roadway when a tire equipped with the passive activator passes over the roadway induction loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an objective, particularly for infrared light and/or visible light, for imaging an object in an image plane, wherein the objective comprises an objective lens to be directed toward the object and an image lens directed toward the image plane, wherein the following applies with regard to imaging an object for each point within the image circle of the objective or for at least one point within the image circle of the objective: Formula (I), wherein Pmax represents the maximum light output of a point in the image plane for imaging a point on the object, and wherein Pmin represents the light output of an additional point in the image plane for imaging the point on the object, the light output of which with regard to imaging the point on the object is greater than the light output of each additional point in the image plane with regard to imaging the point on the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for detecting vehicles. The apparatus include a signal generation unit and a vehicle detection unit. The signal generation unit generates a magnetic signal indicating a magnetic field versus time using a magnetic sensor. The vehicle detection unit generates magnetic signal waveform information, including a level value of the magnetic field of the magnetic signal per unit time, using a predetermined time summary unit and a magnetic signal summary unit, and extracts vehicle detection information, indicating whether a vehicle is present, from the magnetic signal waveform information.

Abstract: A CPU specifies factors related to the month, the day of the week, and a time period including the current point in time, based on time data obtained by a timer. The CPU also specifies factors that are related to a grid ID and a road category of a given link, based on map display data, link data, and the like stored in an update map information database. The CPU then reads a sample collection number indicating the number of samples of probe information required to generate traffic information for that link and in sequence for other links. When a center traffic information DB contains stored therein, samples of probe information equal to or greater than the sample collection number for a link, the CPU generates the traffic information for that link and stores the generated traffic information as current traffic information.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) and a vehicle control system are disclosed. When a vehicle ID rewrite instruction and a malfunction information erasure instruction are inputted to the system from an external scantool, one ECU in the system erases the malfunction information stored therein and determines whether the malfunction information stored in another ECU has been erased. When it is determined that the malfunction information stored in every ECU has been erased, the vehicle ID is rewritten. According to the above system, it is possible to prevent violation of a requirement, the requirement being such that when a vehicle ID is rewritten, malfunction information should be erased at the same time.

Abstract: Host vehicle location information that indicates the location of a host vehicle is acquired, image information that includes the road along which the host vehicle is traveling is acquired, a host vehicle travel lane in which the host vehicle is traveling is detected based on the image information, lane information that indicates the position of the host vehicle travel lane is generated based on the host vehicle location information, and this lane information is registered on a storage medium.

Abstract: An object detection system includes a first object detection unit that detects an object in an area near the system using a radar and an object determination section that determines whether the object in the area near the system is a subject of detection, using a result of detection by the first object detection unit. The object determination section treats the object as the subject of detection if (i) an intensity of a radio wave from the object that is currently received by the first object detection unit is equal to or higher than a first threshold value or if (ii) an intensity of a radio wave from the object that was received in the past by the first object detection unit was equal to or higher than the first threshold value and the intensity of the radio wave from the object that is currently received by the first object detection unit is equal to or higher than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A locator system employs personal communicators which are carried on or worn in a holster by drivers. The communicators are employed to automatically transmit data for determining the identity of the driver, the identity of the vehicle and date and time stamps when the vehicle enters and exits various detection zones. In one embodiment the detections zones are defined by Bluetooth signals.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting traffic objects. A detector configured to capture radiated energy and to generate data associated with the radiated energy, wherein the radiated energy is radiated from traffic objects. A communicator configured to transmit the data associated with the radiated energy. A power source configured to provide power to the detector and the communicator.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle communications system that employs a challenge/response based process to ensure that information received from a vehicle is reliable. The subject vehicle transmits a challenge question to the suspect vehicle to determine whether the suspect vehicle is a reliable source of information. The process increases a number of tokens in a token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is correct, and decreases the number of tokens in the token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is incorrect. The subject vehicle accepts a message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, and discards the message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is less than a predetermined lower threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring vehicle speeds using video sensing. The system comprises a tracking camera that generates accurately time-stamped video sequences of the monitored road at high frame rates and a processing unit that analyzes the video sequences in real time to detect moving vehicles and calculate their speeds using the time-over-distance method. The system automatically detects moving vehicles in each image frame and derives vehicle positions from a projective mapping established from reference markers on the road. Time information is obtained from the date and time stamp associated with each image frame. In one example, the system also allows a user of the system to set a trigger speed, and the system automatically saves a video clip of the vehicle whose speed exceeds the trigger speed, recording the speeding vehicle passing through the monitored traffic zone defined by the reference markers.

Abstract: An image-based vehicle safety warning system is disclosed, which uses an image retrieval module for receiving an image signal and camera parameters related to the source of the image signal into a space definition module, which defines an image space and warning areas of different levels in the image space. Then, an object identification module identifies parts of a possible vehicle in the image according to the image signal and variations thereof. A warning indication module then obtains an interrelation by locating the position of the vehicle within the image space and comparing the vehicle position with the warning areas, thereby providing alarms in different levels based on the interrelation.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for automating the task of data collection and reduction for highway vehicle detector testing. To evaluate the performance of each detector under test, a set of detection data is accumulated concurrently from each of the detectors. This data consists, at a minimum, of the time of arrival of each vehicle as reported by each detector and a digitized video image of the vehicle at the position-compensated time of detection. The data reduction process allows for applying weighting coefficients to each detection result in the formation of a consensus. These coefficients may be either fixed or adaptively adjusted based upon the learned accuracy of each detector under test. A ground truth reference data set is then generated using the weighted consensus determined from the data generated by all detectors under test.

Abstract: A vehicle environment recognition apparatus includes stereo-image taking means for outputting a reference image of the surroundings of a subject vehicle, stereo matching means for correlating a parallax with each pixel block in the reference image by stereo matching, preceding-vehicle detecting means for detecting a preceding vehicle from the reference image on the basis of the parallax or the like, and smear determining means for searching a pixel column vertically extending in the reference image for brightnesses of pixels, the pixel column including a pixel block having a parallax less than or equal to a long-distance parallax threshold value corresponding to the long distance including infinity, and determining that a smear occurs when a ratio of the number of pixels having brightnesses more than or equal to a predetermined brightness to the total number of pixels in the pixel column is more than or equal to a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting and receiving information from a radio frequency (RF) transponder. A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transforms the entire metallized region of the radio frequency device (i.e., the remainder of the metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into an antenna.