Density Patents (Class 340/934)
  • Patent number: 11935404
    Abstract: A method of operating a traffic management system may comprise identifying a vehicle queue in a first lane of a road based on sensor data from one or more connected vehicles traveling along the road, determining driving instructions for a connected vehicle within a queue management region in a second lane, adjacent to the first lane, to create a gap in front of the connected vehicle for a vehicle in the vehicle queue to change lanes into the gap, and transmitting the driving instructions to the connected vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignees: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Baik Hoh, Hao Yang, Seyhan Ucar, Kentaro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 11816986
    Abstract: A method for increasing the traffic flow density at a traffic light intersection is disclosed in which vehicles driving straight ahead and vehicles turning left may pass the traffic light intersection simultaneously, wherein the vehicles driving straight ahead are partly equipped vehicles having a Car2X communication, an automatic longitudinal control and a control unit. To increase the traffic flow density, the number of waiting vehicles turning left is transmitted to the equipped vehicles driving straight ahead. Time gaps between the vehicles driving straight ahead is set in dependence upon the number of vehicles turning left by the control unit and the automatic longitudinal control, such that a first share of the time gaps are safety time gaps, which respectively correspond to the required safety distance, and the second share of the time gaps are critical time gaps, which permit at least one vehicle turning left to turn collision-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hannes Rewald, Stephan Sorgatz, Florian Kranke
  • Patent number: 11646594
    Abstract: An example device comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) comprising first and second transistors coupled to a first amplifier, the second transistor coupled to a first output of the DAC and to an output of the first amplifier, and third and fourth transistors coupled to the first amplifier and to a second output of the DAC, the third and fourth transistors switchably coupled to a voltage supply and to the first transistor. The device also comprises a first node coupled to the first output of the DAC and to a resistor. The device further includes a second node coupled to the second output of the DAC, and a second amplifier coupled to the second node and to the first transistor and switchably coupled to the third and fourth transistors. The device also comprises a comparator coupled to the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mustapha El Markhi, Erhan Ozalevli, Tuli Dake, Rohit Bhan
  • Patent number: 11450202
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining a geographical area occupied by an intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Geotab Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jacob Lewis, Robert Bradley
  • Patent number: 11423775
    Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting congestion duration are described. A processor can detect an occurrence of an incident in an area. The processor can receive context data associated with the area from at least one data source. The processor can execute a prediction engine using the received context data to predict a clearance time indicating a predicted completion time of post-incident activities related to the incident in the area. The processor can determine a congestion duration based on the clearance time. The congestion duration can be an estimated duration of congestion in the area in response to the occurrence of the incident. The processor can compare the congestion duration with a threshold. The processor can select, based on the comparison, at least one operation to optimize an amount of congestion in the area. The processor can execute the selected operations to optimize the amount of congestion in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Komminist Weldemariam, Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski, Shikhar Kwatra
  • Patent number: 11265393
    Abstract: Data valuation techniques in a sensor data environment are provided. For example, a method obtains at least one sensor data element generated by at least one sensor associated with a set of one or more sensors operatively coupled to a gateway. At least one data valuation algorithm is applied to the at least one sensor data element to compute at least one value. The computed value is distributed for assignment to one or more of the gateway, the at least one sensor, and the at least one sensor data element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. Todd
  • Patent number: 11004334
    Abstract: An approach is provided for automatically verifying a road closure report. The approach, for example, involves determining one or more features of probe data collected from a plurality of vehicles traveling on a connected set of road links of a closure link graph. The closure link graph, for instance, comprises a road link indicated by the road closure report, one or more upstream links from the road link, one or more downstream links from the road link, or a combination thereof. The approach also involves evaluating a closure probability of the road link indicated by the road closure report based on the one or more features. The road closure report is then automatically verified based on the closure probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Omer Mubarek
  • Patent number: 10674912
    Abstract: An embodiment of a mind-view communication apparatus includes a first portable unit and a second portable unit. The first portable unit includes an eyeglass frame, at least one first optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one scene image corresponding to a field of view of a user, and at least one second optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one eye image corresponding to at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The second portable unit is in communication with the first portable unit and includes at least one processor configured for receiving the at least one scene image and the at least one eye image, determining a direction within the field of view to which the at least one eye is directed based upon the at least one eye image, and generating a subset of the at least one scene image based on the determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Masoud Vaziri
  • Patent number: 10358057
    Abstract: System and method for displaying data to a vehicular occupant about road signs includes a display system arranged to be visible to the occupant and a processor coupled to the display system for receiving data about signs along roads on which the vehicle travels and displaying the received data to the occupant. The data may be provided by a map database containing data about signs along roads on which the vehicle travels, with the processor being coupled to the map database and receiving data about signs along the roads from the map database. A communications unit may be arranged in the vehicle and receives data about signs along the roads on which the vehicle travels from a transmission unit coupled to each sign. The processor may be coupled to or integrated with the communications unit and receives data about signs along the roads from the signs via the communications unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN VEHICULAR SCIENCES LLC
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 10356114
    Abstract: A method and a system of distinguishing between a human and a machine are disclosed. The method includes: when a request for accessing a designated network service is received, recording information of the request which include a time of receiving the request and information of an access object that sends the request; computing a statistical value of requests sent by the access object in real time based on a record; and determining the access object to be abnormal when the statistical value of the requests sent by the access object falls outside a predetermined normal range. The disclosed system of distinguishing between a human and a machine includes a recording module, a computation module and a determination module. Identification between humans and machines using the disclosed scheme is difficult to be cracked down and can improve an accuracy rate of human-machine identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Yingfang Fu, Yudong Zhang, Zhenyuan Zhang, Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 10325490
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a driving condition alert to vehicle drivers and others are disclosed. The alert is provided based on road location and attribute data; real-time, historic, and forecast traffic data; real-time, historic, and forecast weather data; and/or scheduled and unscheduled event data. The alert may include information indicating the reason for the alert provided. In addition, the alert may include a relative scale of hazard (e.g., a scale of 1-10 with 1 representing no hazard and 10 representing the highest hazardous condition). As a result of receiving the alert, the driver may adjust their route or driving behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Timothy A. McGrath, Matthew G. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 10293714
    Abstract: System and method for displaying data to a vehicular occupant about road signs includes a display system arranged to be visible to the occupant and a processor coupled to the display system for receiving data about signs along roads on which the vehicle travels and displaying the received data to the occupant. The data may be provided by a map database containing data about signs along roads on which the vehicle travels, with the processor being coupled to the map database and receiving data about signs along the roads from the map database. A communications unit may be arranged in the vehicle and receives data about signs along the roads on which the vehicle travels from a transmission unit coupled to each sign. The processor may be coupled to or integrated with the communications unit and receives data about signs along the roads from the signs via the communications unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN VEHICULAR SCIENCES LLC
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 10204276
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a first imaging section, a second imaging section and an image data acquiring section. The first imaging section includes a first lens. The second imaging section includes a second lens. The second lens has an angle of view wider than the first lens. The image data acquiring section acquires first image data of a subject captured by the first imaging section, second image data of the subject captured by the second imaging section, and a pair of image data having parallax based on the first image data and the second image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Atsumi
  • Patent number: 10064552
    Abstract: An embodiment of a mind-view communication apparatus includes a first portable unit and a second portable unit. The first portable unit includes an eyeglass frame, at least one first optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one scene image corresponding to a field of view of a user, and at least one second optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one eye image corresponding to at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The second portable unit is in communication with the first portable unit and includes at least one processor configured for receiving the at least one scene image and the at least one eye image, determining a direction within the field of view to which the at least one eye is directed based upon the at least one eye image, and generating a subset of the at least one scene image based on the determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Masoud Vaziri
  • Patent number: 9786175
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring parking areas and/or recommending a parking spot or a parking area to a driver are provided. The methods and systems can operate using incomplete camera or sensor coverage and minimal additional overhead. A method for assigning parking locations can include providing a first parking area and a second parking area, providing a means for determining a first parking area density and a means for determining a second parking area density, calculating a first parking index for the first parking area and a second parking index for the second parking area, providing a user interface suitable for assigning parking areas to drivers, and providing an assigned parking area based on the means for determining the first parking area density, the means for determining the second parking area density, the first parking index, and the second parking index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Oliver Ullrich, Naphtali Rishe
  • Patent number: 9650042
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining a recommended route reference for a vehicle based on simulations of a model of the vehicle including load information, route information, and a cost strategy, and providing commands to an output device based on the recommended route reference to provide an operator of the vehicle with feedback on the recommended route reference and/or to control the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Carlos Alcides Lana, J. Steven Kolhouse, Phani Vajapeyazula, Thomas M. Yonushonis, J. Stephen Wills
  • Patent number: 9650055
    Abstract: A drive assist system that includes circuitry that obtains information including at least one of acceleration/deceleration information and direction-of-travel information from a database that stores at least one of the acceleration/deceleration information provided in relation to each of a plurality of sections of a road and the direction-of-travel information provided in relation to each of the plurality of sections of the road; obtains current location information of a vehicle; and performs at least one of a acceleration/deceleration drive assist with regard to acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle based on the current location information and the acceleration/deceleration information, and a direction drive assist with regard to a direction of travel of the vehicle based on the current location information and the direction-of-travel information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ZENRIN Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ohara, Takanori Masuoka, Nobusuke Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9645865
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a discrete time method for detection of oscillations in continuous data. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a discrete time system for detection of oscillations in continuous data. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a discrete time software program for detection of oscillations in continuous data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BAE Systems Controls Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Blain
  • Patent number: 9622286
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reduction of radio connectivity of a bearer service. Upon detection of low data transfer activity within a bearer service, radio connectivity of the bearer service is reduced so as to reduce signaling overhead in an air interface. However, a core network connection of the bearer service is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Tapio Häkkinen, Hannu Pekka Matias Vaitovirta
  • Patent number: 9529999
    Abstract: A method and a system of distinguishing between a human and a machine are disclosed. The method includes: when a request for accessing a designated network service is received, recording information of the request which include a time of receiving the request and information of an access object that sends the request; computing a statistical value of requests sent by the access object in real time based on a record; and determining the access object to be abnormal when the statistical value of the requests sent by the access object falls outside a predetermined normal range. The disclosed system of distinguishing between a human and a machine includes a recording module, a computation module and a determination module. Identification between humans and machines using the disclosed scheme is difficult to be cracked down and can improve an accuracy rate of human-machine identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
    Inventors: Yingfang Fu, Yudong Zhang, Zhenyuan Zhang, Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 9478127
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of estimating a waiting time at an energy refilling facility for each of drive types. A center-side system includes a center-side receiver that receives, from a vehicle-side system, probe vehicle position information and drive type information that is information regarding a drive type of a probe vehicle. Then, the center-side system includes: a traffic condition estimation unit that estimates a traffic condition, which includes a drive type-classified number of vehicles, based on the probe vehicle position information and the drive type information, which are received by the center-side receiver; and a center-side transmitter that transmits, to an outside, the traffic condition estimated by the traffic condition estimation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Shimotani, Hidehiko Ohki, Makoto Mikuriya
  • Patent number: 9460619
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicular traffic flow in a transport system are provided. The method includes defining a plurality of queues through the transport system, assigning each of a plurality of vehicles into one of the plurality of queues, determining a number of vehicles in each queue and a period of time each vehicle remains in the queue, and permitting traffic flow in at least one queue that facilitates reducing the congestion of the plurality of queues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Gregory Mikituk Kowalski
  • Patent number: 9360342
    Abstract: A system for navigation along a desired route on a desired future date may include a map interface operable to display a traffic condition and a travel time received via a communication network, and an automobile navigation network communicatively coupled to the communication network. The automobile navigation network may estimate the traffic condition and the travel time for travel along the desired route on the desired future date based on historical travel information, current traffic information and current weather information. Information regarding the estimated travel conditions may be automatically communicated to the map interface. The traffic condition may include geographic location information and/or route information. The historical travel information may include historical traffic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Ignatin
  • Patent number: 9129529
    Abstract: A traffic management system provides traffic information and allows controlling and influencing traffic in a traffic network, such as a street network in a city. The system includes a traffic management center with a generator for the central creation of an information message for road users. The traffic management system includes terminals to be carried along by the road users for receiving and outputting the information message. Data transmitters transfer the information message from the traffic management center to the terminal. The generators are configured to localize the information message by assigning a location code for destination-oriented transmission and/or output of the located information message. The location code represents a location or section of the traffic network relating to the information message. The road user on the move within the traffic network can be provided directly and explicitly with up-to-date information messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Astrid Kellermann, Roland Wunder
  • Patent number: 8989920
    Abstract: Driving condition monitoring system for a vehicle on a travel surface includes stationary mounting structures arranged proximate the travel surface, and sensors located in the mounting structures in a vicinity of the travel surface and apart from the travel surface. The sensors generate information about the travel surface or an environment around the travel surface. An arrangement on the vehicle or associated with the sensors initiates a transmission of the information generated by each sensor to the vehicle when the vehicle is proximate the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S Breed
  • Patent number: 8976041
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring roadway traffic. A method includes transmitting wireless signals from at least one roadside equipment (RSE) device and receiving responses by the RSE device from a wireless device, the responses including a unique identifier corresponding to the wireless device. The method includes determining a signal strength of each of the responses by the RSE device and transmitting response data from the RSE device to a control system, the response data including the unique identifier, the signal strength of each of the responses, and times that the responses were received. The method includes detecting at least one vehicle by the control system using a vehicle detection device and associating the response data with the detected vehicle. The method includes determining traffic information associated with the wireless device based on the received response data and the associated detected vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Erich Buckel
  • Patent number: 8947263
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for assessing traffic status with sensors is provided. The method includes receiving sensor readings from a plurality of mobile sensors for detecting a traffic parameter and obtaining traffic information associated with the received sensor readings. The method also includes identifying a change in traffic based on the obtained traffic information and the received sensor reading, and determining whether a traffic incident has occurred based on the identified change. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Csaba Zoltán Garay, Douglas Antony Rinckes
  • Publication number: 20150029043
    Abstract: Provided are a server and a system that are capable of generating road traffic information on traffic congestion in a more appropriate manner, considering actual road traffic conditions. If a vehicle speed V falls below a first reference speed V1 and then exceeds a second reference speed V2 (>V1), then a traffic congestion situation is estimated based on an inference that the vehicle is highly likely to have escaped from traffic congestion. To estimate a traffic congestion situation, it is required that a situation in which the vehicle speed V exceeds the second reference speed V2 continue for a second specified distance or more or for a second specified time T2 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi Imai, Yoshiaki Hirai
  • Publication number: 20150029042
    Abstract: A traffic flow measuring apparatus includes a processor configured to judge a size of a vehicle, depending on a detection frequency or a non-detection frequency of a reflected wave from the vehicle with respect to a transmission wave transmitted from a radar apparatus, within a detection time of the reflected wave from the vehicle, set according to the detection of the reflected wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Tomonori Ikeya, Kazuhiko SHITE, Junko Kajiki, Mitsuru OCHI
  • Patent number: 8930059
    Abstract: Each respective vehicle of a plurality of vehicles transports a vehicle navigation system. A position determining system determines a position and a velocity of the respective vehicle and an information acquisition system is operable to determine a displacement and velocity between the respective vehicle and a vehicle adjacent to the respective vehicle. An information communication system of a respective vehicle is operable to transmit first information (that vehicle's velocity and position) to other vehicles and to receive information from other vehicles regarding their velocities and positions. A vehicle routing system can determine a target routing and target velocity for moving the respective vehicle over a path including the roadway. Based on the received or determined information, the velocity of the respective vehicle can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan A. Neff
  • Patent number: 8872674
    Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Balu Subramanya
  • Patent number: 8866638
    Abstract: Data acquisition from a sampling of vehicle sensors includes identifying a vehicle population density for a defined region, calculating a proportional representation ratio from the vehicle population density, and transmitting a request for data over a network. The request includes the response criteria configured with the proportional representation ratio. The data acquisition also includes receiving the data from vehicles that are located in the defined region and that fall within the proportional representation ratio, and which meet the response criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. Weigert, Vyacheslav Berezin, Kier M. Mathieson
  • Patent number: 8862372
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically creating stopping rates of vehicles at signal-equipped intersections. A signal-equipped intersection to be subjected to specifying of stopping rates at signal-equipped intersections is selected from a signal-equipped-intersection information storage unit as a target intersection, a pass-through-intersection extraction that extracts a signal-equipped intersection that was passed-through just before reaching the target intersection as a pass-through intersection is conducted according to a prescribed rule, driving-history data of a probe car is classified for each of the routes that start from the pass-through intersection and pass through the target intersection, and the rate at which the probe car stopped at the target intersection is specified as a stopping rate, for each of the classified routes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Mapmaster Incorporated, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng Li, Masahisa Nogawa, Masahiro Miyoshi, Kiyotaka Taguchi, Masayuki Narita, Makoto Yano, Hiroki Ukai
  • Patent number: 8825353
    Abstract: Parking support systems, methods, and programs store road information and obtain information regarding a vacant space on a road. The systems, methods, and programs calculate parking availability in a predetermined area specified by the stored road information based on the obtained information; and provide notification of the calculated parking availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mori, Tomoki Kubota, Yuuichi Ooshita
  • Publication number: 20140232565
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring traffic, such as vehicle traffic on a roadway, using identification information acquired using a Bluetooth protocol. A sensor is configured to scan for discoverable Bluetooth devices within a flow of vehicle traffic and to create a log of identified Bluetooth devices. A system includes multiple sensors at known locations along a route and is operable to identify a Bluetooth device identified at multiple sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Stanley E. Young, Philip J. Tarnoff, Nicholas J. Ganig
  • Publication number: 20140232564
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for assessing traffic status with sensors is provided. The method includes receiving sensor readings from a plurality of mobile sensors for detecting a traffic parameter and obtaining traffic information associated with the received sensor readings. The method also includes identifying a change in traffic based on the obtained traffic information and the received sensor reading, and determining whether a traffic incident has occurred based on the identified change. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Csaba Zoltán GARAY, Douglas Antony Rinckes
  • Patent number: 8797187
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating street parking availability for a user is disclosed. The system comprises a communication module and a parking probability generator. The communication module receives data describing a set of traces for a group of vehicles associated with a group of users. The parking probability generator assigns the set of traces to one or more street segments based at least in part on street segment data describing the one or more street segments. The parking probability generator generates one or more parking probabilities for the one or more street segments based at least in part on one or more user densities in the one or more street segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Dustin Harber, Matthew Kresse, Vinuth Rai
  • Patent number: 8781715
    Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located in the roadway or in the vicinity of the roadway and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle by a wireless radio frequency mechanism. Power to operate a particular sensor is supplied by the interrogator or the sensor is independently connected to either a battery, generator, vehicle power source or some source of power external to the vehicle. The sensors can provide information about the exterior environment, about the roadway, ambient atmosphere, travel conditions and/or external objects. The sensors arranged on the roadway or ancillary structures include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, moisture content or humidity sensors, and friction sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S Breed
  • Patent number: 8781707
    Abstract: The amount of traffic on the road is greatly affected by both an inter-vehicle distance and a vehicle speed. When the amount of traffic increases and is more than a threshold value, an ECU 20 and an ACC 30 control the inter-vehicle distance and the vehicle speed such that the amount of traffic is a predetermined value equal to or more than the threshold value. In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress traffic congestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Kagawa, Masayoshi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8775061
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a road-to-vehicle communication device which acquires information regarding the volume of traffic in a predetermined section on a road where a vehicle travels and which transmits the traffic volume information to a determination section; a deceleration acquisition section which acquires deceleration of a vehicle in front in the predetermined section and transmits information regarding the deceleration to the determination section; the determination section which determines whether or not a lane change is necessary on the basis of the traffic volume information acquired by the road-to-vehicle communication device and the deceleration acquired by the deceleration acquisition section; and an instruction section which instructs at least either the host vehicle or a vehicle behind to change lane when the determination section determines that a lane change is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihito Sato
  • Patent number: 8744735
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a traffic information generating method for generating traffic information about a road on which a vehicle travels. A vehicle speed is detected by a vehicle speed sensor at predetermined distance or time intervals. By referring to a prescribed speed, a prescribed distance, and a link determination distance, a congestion degree associated with the vehicle speed is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Inoguchi, Tomoyuki Zaitsu, Shinichi Yamada, Kazutaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8723690
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Biplav Srivastava, Vivek Tyagi
  • Patent number: 8682570
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products for implementing condition alert services are provided. A method includes receiving information elements from a source that identify a condition, aggregating the information elements from the source with information elements from other sources that identify the same condition, and creating a composite file that includes the aggregated information elements representing each of the sources. The method also includes generating a condition alert from the composite file and transmitting the condition alert to a recipient communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 8594915
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a network server and a plurality of mobile devices that communicate with the network server. Each mobile device is associated with a vehicle and is configured to provide Global Positioning System (GPS) parameters to the network server. The network server uses the GPS parameters to detect traffic congestion in a zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ketul Sakhpara
  • Patent number: 8581689
    Abstract: For synchronization between the wireless communication device of a vehicle and a synchronization device installed on a road in a vehicle network, when the passage of a vehicle is detected, the synchronization device generates and transmits a beacon signal for synchronization. That is, a synchronization signal is transmitted to the wireless communication device of the vehicle only when the vehicle is detected by the synchronization device installed at predetermined intervals on the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Jeong Ho Son
  • Patent number: 8558720
    Abstract: The information system concerning traffic in a road network (R) comprises a server (30) comprising: means (34) for obtaining at least one real duration (DEAB) of a run traveled by at least one vehicle (5) between two points (A, B) of the network, on the basis of information transmitted by a device (10) on board said vehicle (5); means (31) for statistically calculating, on the basis of said real durations (DRAB), an estimated duration (DEAB) for a run between two points (A, B) of the network; and means (34) for making the estimated duration (DEAB) available to at least one terminal (40, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Association pour la Recherche et le Developpement de Methodes et Processus Industruels “Armines”
    Inventors: Claude Laurgeau, Arnaud de la Fortelle, Bruno Steux
  • Patent number: 8532862
    Abstract: Each respective vehicle of a plurality of vehicles transports a vehicle navigation system. A position determining system determines a position and a velocity of the respective vehicle and an information acquisition system is operable to determine a displacement and velocity between the respective vehicle and a vehicle adjacent to the respective vehicle. An information communication system of a respective vehicle is operable to transmit first information (that vehicle's velocity and position) to other vehicles and to receive information from other vehicles regarding their velocities and positions. A vehicle routing system can determine a target routing and target velocity for moving the respective vehicle over a path including the roadway. Based on the received or determined information, the velocity of the respective vehicle can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan A. Neff
  • Patent number: 8487781
    Abstract: Sensor nodes are disclosed that act like inductive loops to detect the presence and/or movement of vehicles on at least one roadway. Processors are disclosed using at least one sensor node to communicate vehicle detection that is statistically compatible with the inductive loop response to the vehicles. Installation may configure at least one of the sensor nodes to implement the inductive loop compatibility. Sensor clusters of sensor nodes installed in a roadway may act as inductive loops. Computer readable memories, installation devices and/or servers may deliver a program system and/or a Finite State Machine (FSM) configuration to implement the compatibility and/or an installation package to install the program system and/or the FSM configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sensys Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Anthony Fuller, Michael T. Volling, Kenneth Brian Cox
  • Patent number: 8456294
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Aaron T. Emigh, James A. Roskind
  • Patent number: 8428856
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products for implementing condition alert services are provided. A method includes receiving information elements from a source that identify a condition, aggregating the information elements from the source with information elements from other sources that identify the same condition, and creating a composite file that includes the aggregated information elements representing each of the sources. The method also includes generating a condition alert from the composite file and transmitting the condition alert to a recipient communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven Tischer