Traffic Patents (Class 342/454)
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Publication number: 20090228172Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle position awareness system that utilizes wireless communication techniques is provided. An embodiment of the system includes a detection and ranging system located on a host vehicle, where the detection and ranging system is configured to sense a neighboring vehicle proximate to the host vehicle. In response to the detection of the neighboring vehicle, the detection and ranging system generates neighboring vehicle data that indicates a position of the neighboring vehicle relative to the host vehicle. The position awareness system also includes a traffic modeler that is configured to process the neighboring vehicle data and, in response thereto, generate a virtual traffic model for the host vehicle. The position awareness system also employs a wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits host vehicle model data that conveys the virtual traffic model.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: CRAIG R. MARKYVECH, ANTHONY G. LOBAZA
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Publication number: 20090189814Abstract: A target position is estimated in such a manner to maintain target position continuity, with high accuracy, even when the X coordinate displacement of the target is large. On a scan in which the target position is not detected, when a trajectory of the target in the past is within a predetermined region in the vicinity of the Y-axis, a position for estimate is a position having an X coordinate resulting from shifting, by a first displacement, the X coordinate estimated according to the trajectory, on a basis of the X coordinate of a previous position, while when the trajectory is not within the predetermined region, the position for estimate is a position having an X coordinate resulting from shifting, by a second displacement that is larger than the first displacement, the X coordinate estimated according to the trajectory, on a basis of the X coordinate of a previous position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventors: Takumi Moriuchi, Masahiro Sakaguchi, Hisateru Asanuma, Tomoya Kawasaki, Jun Tsunekawa, Motomi Iyoda
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Publication number: 20090140925Abstract: Multilateration techniques are used to provide accurate aircraft tracking data for aircraft on the ground and in the vicinity of an airport. From this data, aircraft noise and operations management may be enhanced. Aircraft noise may be calculated virtually using track data in real-time and provided to a user to determine noise violations. Tracking data may be used to control noise monitoring stations to gate out ambient noise. Aircraft emissions, both on the ground and in the air may be determined using tracking data. This and other data may be displayed in real time or generated in reports, and/or may be displayed on a website for viewing by airport operators and/or members of the public. The system may be readily installed in a compact package using a plurality of receivers and sensor packages located at shared wireless communication towers near an airport, and a central processing station located in or near the airport.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Alexander E. Smith, Thomas J. Breen
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Publication number: 20090135065Abstract: An object detection apparatus includes a radar means that detects the position of an object; an imaging means that detects the position and size of an object; a fusion processing means that fuses the object detected by the radar means and the object detected by the imaging means as the same object, when the detection results of the radar means and the imaging means satisfy a prescribed fusion condition, to generate a fusion object having position information and size information. A provisional fusion object is generated if the detection result from the imaging means does not satisfy the fusion condition with respect to the detection result from the radar.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jun Tsuchida, Setsuo Tokoro
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Patent number: 7519472Abstract: Aggregated navigation system data can be used by an artifact repository to infer the presence of a static traffic artifact. Static traffic artifact can include traffic lights, traffic signs, special traffic zones, railroad crossings, and the like. Metric data collected from multiple global positioning systems (GPS) devices can provide sampling data for inferring a static traffic artifact on a road. Metrics can include driving behavior, travel direction, velocity, timestamps, delay, and the like. For example, if thirty percent of the data collected about an intersection indicates drivers come to a stop at an intersection, the system can infer a traffic light exists at the intersection. Each traffic artifact can have an associated confidence factor which can indicate the degree of accuracy of the inferred artifact. Confidence factor can be increased or decreased based on the re-evaluation of sample data for the artifact.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Travis M. Grigsby, Steven M. Miller, Daniel E. Morris, Lisa A. Seacat
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Patent number: 7509217Abstract: A vehicle detector includes a detecting apparatus and a determining apparatus. If a plurality of detection points detected by the detecting apparatus forms a group of detection points, the determining apparatus sets a determining virtual window encompassing the group of detection points and determines whether the group of detection points is likely to represent the one vehicle based on a state of movement of the group of detection points with respect to the determining virtual window.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Kenjiro Endoh
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Patent number: 7427930Abstract: A vehicle traffic sensor for detecting and monitoring vehicular targets is presented. The sensor employs a planar design resulting in a reduced profile sensor. The sensor includes a multi-layer radio frequency board with RF components on one of the sides and both isolation and planar array antennas on the opposing side. The antennas are preferably tapered planar array antennas which include one transmit antenna and one receive antenna. The sensor also includes at least one logic or signal processing board populated with components on a first side and a ground plane on a second side positioned toward the RF componentry of the RF board to form an RF shield. The boards are housed within a housing that is permeable, at least on the side through which the antenna structures propagate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Wavetronix LLCInventors: David V. Arnold, Logan Harris, Michael Jensen, Thomas William Karlinsey, Ryan Smith, Jonathan L. Waite, John B. Dougall, Jr.
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Patent number: 7400246Abstract: The INERTIAL SENSOR TRACKING SYSTEM is an overall system installation consisting of wireless body pack transmitters, broadband telemetry transceivers, computer and monitoring equipment, and emergency power generation for tracking personnel in an underground mine environment. The system is designed to function with normal primary power and on battery operation in the event of an emergency. In the past inertial sensors have been large spinning mass gyroscopes and large mass-based accelerometers. These inertial sensors have required high voltage three phase electrical supplies. The “wearable” body pack must be battery operated and the sensors must be small and lightweight. Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) sensors fulfill both the requirements of low weight and low power consumption. The accuracy of the MEM sensor has been developed sufficiently to incorporate, with de-noising algorithms, an accurate position-sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Russell Mark Breeding
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Patent number: 7328101Abstract: Navigation apparatus, methods, and programs merge and correct a plurality of types of past traffic information. The apparatus, methods, and programs may store a plurality of types of past traffic information, each type of past traffic information having a priority and may merge the stored past traffic information in accordance the priorities. The apparatus, methods, and programs may detect adjacency relationships among the plurality of links; and, if a detected link number indicates that the corresponding link is not adjacent to adjacent links, replaces the detected link number for the link, the replaced link number indicating that the link is adjacent to the adjacent links.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Ishikawa, Tomoyuki Zaitsu
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Patent number: 7151995Abstract: In a method for the prediction of air-traffic events, with sending means being distributed on the sites of the air-traffic actors, and with data-processing means communicating with these sending means through at least one communications network, an event is predicted by the processing means as a function of information distributed to the different sites and sent out by the sending means. The method can be applied especially to the optimizing of the management of air traffic, especially during the approach phase and in airports.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: ThalesInventor: Philippe Jasselin
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Patent number: 7132982Abstract: A direct multilateration target tracking system is provided with the TOA time stamp as an input. A technique of tracking targets with varying receiver combinations is provided. Methods of correlating and combining Mode A, Mode C, and Mode S messages to enhance target tracking in a passive surveillance system are provided. A direct multilateration target tracking system is provided by TOA tracking and smoothing. A technique for selecting best receiver combination and/or solution of multilateration equations from a multitude of combinations and/or solutions is provided. A technique for correcting pseudorange values with atmospheric conditions is provided. A technique for improving height determination for regions of poor VDOP in a 3D multilateration system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Rannock CorporationInventors: Alexander E. Smith, Carl Evers, Jonathan C. Baldwin
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Patent number: 7127272Abstract: A design system designs a first antenna system in a communication system. The design system retrieves demographic information of customers from a first database system. The design system determines communication traffic based on the demographic information. The design system retrieves parameters of a second antenna system from a second database system. The design system determines an antenna system configuration for the first antenna system based on the communication traffic and the parameters of the second antenna system. The design system then determines a performance of the first antenna system in response to determining the antenna system configuration for the first antenna system.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.Inventors: Lawrence J Almaleh, Douglas L Machamer, Nichole D Rowland, Todd A Rowley
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Patent number: 7107144Abstract: A traffic monitoring system including a non-intrusive lane monitor is provided. The lane monitor comprises one or more laser channels, a user interface, and a programmable controller in communication with the laser channels and the user interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of laser channels are provided. The first laser axis is substantially parallel to the second laser axis and the first and second laser axes lie substantially in a common horizontal plane. The programmable controller is configured to generate reflected laser pulse count corresponding to reflection of a pulsed laser signal from a target positioned along one of the laser axes and identify the reflected signal as a valid or invalid target by comparing the pulse count to a predetermined valid target count.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Spectra Research, Inc.Inventors: Jerry V. Capozzi, Michael R. Johnson, Gordon R. Little, Paul D. Zidek
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Patent number: 6992626Abstract: AirScene™, through a unique fusion process, is the only NOMS system to provide such data, digitally, and in a form that is integrated with flight tracks, noise events, complaint, and operations data. Other systems provide only the flight track, noise event, and complaint, and a manual recording of various ATC frequencies. Therefore other approaches do not offer any type of automated correlation of operational information with noise and flight track data. AirScene™ offers users the ability to record, search and query vast numbers of records using all of the above parameters, where available.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Rannoch CorporationInventor: Alexander E. Smith
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Patent number: 6917876Abstract: A route guidance system for vehicles comprises central computing apparatus (6), transmitting apparatus (1) by way of which the central computing apparatus (6) is informed of the positions of respective vehicles on a road network and by way of which the vehicles are supplied with route guidance data calculated by the central computing apparatus as to the best routes for the respective vehicles to take to respective desired destinations, the transmitting apparatus (1) including transmitting devices (4) for carrying by the respective vehicles and by way of which the central computing apparatus (6) is informed as to the desired destinations, computing apparatus (8) serving to inform the central computing apparatus (6) as to traffic congestion on the network, and speech synthesisers (4) for carrying by the respective vehicles and arranged to speak instructions to the drivers of respective vehicles as to the routes to be taken to their respective desired destinations.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Trafficmaster plcInventors: David Kenneth Martell, Jeffrey Solomon
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Publication number: 20040246178Abstract: AirScene™, through a unique fusion process, is the only NOMS system to provide such data, digitally, and in a form that is integrated with flight tracks, noise events, complaint, and operations data. Other systems provide only the flight track, noise event, and complaint, and a manual recording of various ATC frequencies. Therefore other approaches do not offer any type of automated correlation of operational information with noise and flight track data. AirScene™ offers users the ability to record, search and query vast numbers of records using all of the above parameters, where available.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Alexander E. Smith
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Patent number: 6812890Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for generating landing fee and other airport service bills automatically. The system automatically detects aircraft N-number from air traffic control voice data using a voice recognition system and determines aircraft landing and departure events from one or more remote sensor units which determine aircraft vicinity or actual aircraft track. From the landing and departure data and the voice-recognized registration number, the system automatically bills aircraft owners for landing fees based upon this voice recognition as well as upon aircraft position detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Rannoch CorporationInventors: Alexander E. Smith, Robert Bradley
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Patent number: 6804524Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for the acquisition of automobile traffic information through wireless data networks. In one embodiment, the method determines traffic conditions on roadways using a plurality of mobile communication devices. Traffic data is obtained from the mobile communication devices. The traffic data is provided to the server. The traffic data is analyzed to determine the traffic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Openwave Systems Inc.Inventor: Tom R. Vandermeijden
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Publication number: 20040073361Abstract: An enhanced mobile communication device communicates directly with other enhanced mobile communication devices in an ad-hoc mode over a wireless medium. The device transmits and receives packets of digital data. The packets of digital data are such that when transmitted, the probability that they will be received by the other mobile communication devices is increased. The probability is further increased by transmitting the packets a multiple and variable number of times according activity in the wireless medium. Attempts to transmit are made periodically and the period of transmission is adjusted according to activity in the wireless medium. In a transportation application, the packets comprise vehicle traffic congestion update information. The device maintains a traffic database and a map database. Traffic congestion update information is exchanged with other devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Assimakis Tzamaloukas, P. Michael Farmwald
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Patent number: 6693557Abstract: A vehicle traffic sensor for detecting and monitoring vehicular targets is presented. The sensor employs a planar design resulting in a reduced profile sensor. The sensor includes a multi-layer radio frequency board with RF components on one of the sides and both isolation and planar array antennas on the opposing side. The antennas are preferably tapered planar array antennas which include one transmit antenna and one receive antenna. The sensor also includes at least one logic or signal processing board populated with components on a first side and a ground plane on a second side positioned toward the RF componentry of the RF board to form an RF shield. The boards are housed within a housing that is permeable, at least on the side through which the antenna structures propagate.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Wavetronix LLCInventors: David V. Arnold, Logan Harris, Michael Jensen, Thomas William Karlinsey, Ryan Smith, Jonathan L. Waite, John B. Dougall, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030125866Abstract: A traffic information distribution system includes a distribution device for synthesizing pieces of traffic information supplied from a traffic information center, an output device for outputting pieces of traffic information distributed from the distribution device, and a data communicator that is connected to the output device and that can communicate with the distribution device in a bidirectional manner. The distribution device responds to a request signal transmitted from the output device via the data communicator, effectively synthesizes the pieces of traffic information in consideration not only of a request made by a user, recognizability at the time of output, a state of a map on a display screen and a range of the map, but also of various factors in which actual road conditions are reflected. The pieces of the traffic information that have been synthesized are distributed via the data communicator to the output device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Mori, Masayuki Yurimoto
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Publication number: 20030090420Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically alerting a flight crew of an airplane when takeoff is attempted on a wrong runway. Identification data for an origin runway from which takeoff of an airplane is desired is entered via an operator interface. Stored position data for the origin runway is retrieved. Sensed position data for the airplane is input from a plurality of sensors. The stored position data for the origin runway is compared with the sensed position data for the airplane. A determination is made whether the sensed position of the airplane is within a predetermined position difference from the stored position of the origin runway, and a determination is made whether takeoff is attempted. An indication of wrong runway is provided when takeoff is attempted and the sensed position of the airplane is greater than the predetermined position difference away from the stored position of the origin runway.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Charles A. Pullen, Henry V. VonJouanne, Andrew W. Houck
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Patent number: 6553283Abstract: A transmission wave is applied to a predetermined angular range in a width-wise direction of a vehicle. Object-unit data pieces containing at least data pieces representing distances to objects in correspondence with vehicle-width-wise direction angles are generated on the basis of a reflected wave. A determination is made as to whether each object is moving or stationary on the basis of a speed of the vehicle and a relative speed of the object. From the object-unit data pieces, ones are extracted which are effective for road shape recognition on the basis of a result of determining whether each object is moving or stationary. Ones of the extracted object-unit data pieces which represent monotonically increasing distances as viewed along one of clockwise and counterclockwise angle directions are grouped to generate data representing a road-side-object group. A road edge is recognized on the basis of the data representing the road-side-object group.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Noriaki Shirai, Katsuhiro Morikawa
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Patent number: 6498986Abstract: A computer method suitable for use with a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of using a Global Positioning System (GPS) as a first order mechanism for guiding the vehicle pursuant to a current destination and in accordance with a statically determined vehicle trajectory; monitoring real time dynamic factors relating to the current vehicle trajectory; creating a branching condition for determining if the GPS first order mechanism must be modified responsive to the real time dynamic factors; and activating an instantaneous vehicle replacement trajectory depending on the branching condition such that the replacement trajectory accommodates the effects of the real time dynamic factors by providing a second order GPS mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jerome M. Kurtzberg, Menachem Levanoni
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Patent number: 6483452Abstract: The present invention provides a radar detecting apparatus that is able to entirely prevent the generation of false alarms due to jamming waves. The radar detecting apparatus comprises a radar sensing portion and a GPS receiver displaying the current position of the automobile. While traveling, the radar detecting apparatus stores the locations, intensities, and so forth, of jamming waves, forms a jamming wave map, and creates a database of this information. The radar detecting apparatus refers to this database and suppresses the detection sensitivity of the radar sensing portion according to the intensity of the jamming waves when the automobile passes near jamming waves; this reduces false detection of radar waves. Also, the radar detecting apparatus calculates speed from the change in the position of the vehicle and prevents the output of an alarm by the radar detecting apparatus when the speed is at or below the speed limit of the currently traveled roadway.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Uniden CorporationInventor: Mikio Iwakini
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Patent number: 6466863Abstract: An object in front of a vehicle is detected. At least one of a steering angle of the vehicle and a yaw rate thereof is detected. First curvature data are generated on the basis of at least one of the detected steering angle and the detected yaw rate. The first curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected object is a stationary object. In cases where the detected object is a stationary object, second curvature data are generated on the basis of the stationary object. The second curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. The first curvature data and the second curvature data are averaged. Third curvature data are generated in response to a result of the averaging. The third curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Noriaki Shirai, Katsuhiro Morikawa
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Patent number: 6430486Abstract: A communication system architecture (SA) for a vehicle which may be integrated into the vehicle's multiplexed electronic component communication system, and a process for communicating with the vehicle to provide information for and about the vehicle's operational status and coordinating the vehicle's activities. The communication system will include a multi-functional antenna system for the vehicle that will have the capability to receive AM/FM radio and television signals, and transmit and receive citizens band (CB) radio signals, satellite and microwave and cellular phone communications. The antenna may be installed as original equipment or as a back-fit part in the after-market. In either case the multi-functional antenna will be integrated with the vehicle's multiplexed electronic component communication system.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.Inventors: R. Gary Diaz, John J. Gemender, Steven J. Dager, Ronald L. Baughman
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Patent number: 6360162Abstract: The invention describes an efficient transmission of data for making possible an accurate reconstruction of a path driven by a vehicle in a traffic network, a terminal unit, a central bureau and a process for informing (13) a central bureau (107) about a path, in particular for informing a central traffic bureau about a path traveled by a vehicle (101) with a terminal unit in a traffic network, wherein location data representing the respective location of the terminal unit (102) is repeatedly detected by a terminal unit (102) with a location detection device (20), wherein reference points (108 to 112) are defined at a plurality of locations by the terminal unit on the traveled path based on criteria present in the terminal unit, wherein reference point information relating to these reference points (108 to 112) is transmitted (13) from the terminal unit (102) to the central bureau (107).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann AGInventors: Josef Meis, Jens Oppler, Oliver Michael
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Patent number: 6311123Abstract: In order to occur a collision warning to prevent the collision in accurate by detecting the preceding vehicle or target, a vehicle lane position estimation device comprising a means for measuring a distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or a oncoming vehicle, a direction angle from said host vehicle, an angular velocity and a velocity of said host vehicle, a means for calculating lateral and longitudinal distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or said oncoming vehicle, a means for capturing a front stationary object, a means for obtaining movement of the preceding vehicle or position of the oncoming vehicle, and a means to estimate a lane position of said front stationary object from a relationship of the stationary object being captured and the preceding vehicle being obtained and a positional relationship with the oncoming vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Nakamura, Jie Bai
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Publication number: 20010014849Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes an update module that provides travel advisory information on a real time basis. The update module receives traffic advisory signals such as intelligent highway system signals, safety warning system signals and specially encoded traffic reports from radio stations. The travel advisory signals are utilized by the navigation system to provide a route guidance strategy to a driver that is not limited by the information from a prestored map database. While travelling, the update module continues to provide information that is utilized to generate an updated route as appropriate. Additionally, the vehicle navigation system preferably includes the ability to generate a beacon signal indicating that the vehicle is in a position or condition that presents a potential traffic hazard to other drivers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 1998Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: JOSEPH D. KING, STEPHEN J. LEARMAN, STEVEN R. KEYES
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Patent number: 6266608Abstract: When a motor vehicle (1) is being driven, traffic information (5) which relates exclusively to its individual route of travel can be transmitted to the vehicle driver. Traffic information which does not apply to this area is suppressed. The traffic information is selected automatically and as a function of a time-dependent movement profile of the motor vehicle. The respective areas for which traffic information is desired thus no longer need be predetermined manually, so that no time-consuming setting processes are involved, and safety while driving is increased.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones LimitedInventor: Uwe Pertz
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Patent number: 6088468Abstract: An apparatus for sensing an object within an imaging field of an image pickup device includes a memory for storing data of a reference background picture of the imaging field, a device for inputting picture data from the image pickup device, a device for comparing the inputted picture data with the stored reference background picture data to detect a difference value between the inputted picture data and the stored reference background picture data, and to detect a polarity of the difference value, a converter for converting the difference value into binarization data based on a difference threshold value which is changed in response to the polarity of the difference value so that an object within the imaging field can be distinguished from an area of increased brightness within the imaging field and an area of increased darkness within the imaging field, a calculator for calculating a similarity between the inputted picture data and the stored reference background picture data, and a detector for sensing wheType: GrantFiled: May 7, 1996Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Hitachi Denshi Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Wataru Ito, Hirotada Ueda
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Patent number: 6069585Abstract: A personal direction finding apparatus for determining the direction to be followed in order to reach a predetermined spot which includes a headset provided with two earphones and a circuit for generating a track error signal. The circuit includes a compass supported on the headset for outputting a heading signal corresponding to the heading of the direction of travel, a receiver for a position location and navigation system outputting a signal for the heading to be followed via one output, and a track error computing circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Rockwell-Collins FranceInventor: Jacques Lanciaux
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Patent number: 6061625Abstract: A process for obtaining traffic situation data in a compressed form, while largely maintaining the reliability of the data, whereby a speed profile for a vehicle that moves in traffic and belongs to a sampling vehicle fleet ("floating car") is found and transmitted wirelessly to a traffic center from time to time. The has the following features:a) The current speed of the vehicle is found continually in the vehicle.b) In the vehicle, characterizing numbers that characterize discrete segments of the vehicle speed profile are found from the current speed values, which characterizing numbers are characteristic of the curve of the speed actually travelled in the given segment.c) The discrete segments of the speed profile are formed continuously during the vehicle trip, in that the end of a current segment, and thus the beginning of a new segment, is defined on the basis of the results of a comparison between the speed profile of the vehicle and the speed profile of at least one virtual reference vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann AGInventor: Ulrich Fastenrath
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Patent number: 6011515Abstract: A vehicular traffic sensor capable of measuring traffic speed and volume in all weather conditions and at a low installed cost. The sensor makes use of multi-path interference of ambient radio frequency (RF) signals. The ambient RF signals can be, for example, control signals constantly transmitted by cellular telephone base stations. As vehicles travel along the roadway, they reflect RF signals in all directions. An antenna mounted near the side of the road will detect signals from the transmitter and signals reflected off the vehicle. Variations in the amplitude of the combination of the two signals can be processed using a method that allows the sensor to determine traffic speed and volume. This information can then be sent directly to a traffic management center. This provides an inexpensive sensor for wide-area traffic monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Scott T. Radcliffe, Eric D. Holm
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Patent number: 5949350Abstract: A system for training an animal to remain in a specified area of containment. The perimeter of containment being easily tailored to fit a specific geometry. The system includes apparatus for determining the location of the animal, apparatus for specifying boundary coordinates, apparatus for determining if the location of the animal is within the containment perimeter, and apparatus for administering stimulus to the animal if warranted.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Mobius Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Girard, Ryan A. Jurgenson, Roger R. Livermore, David R. Swift, Joseph P. Tracy
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Patent number: 5911773Abstract: The vehicle navigation system suggests route to a destination and repeats searching for a new optimal route in response to changes in traffic conditions near the present position of the vehicle. The system includes a present position calculator 4A for calculating the present position of the vehicle, an information storage unit 3 for storing road data 3B for searching, a traffic information receiver 4F for acquiring traffic information 5, a route searcher 4B for searching for the optimal route from the present position to the destination based on a navigation program 3A, the road data, and the acquired traffic information, and an area setter 4C for setting a given range near the present position of the vehicle, whereby the route searcher selects and acquires traffic information corresponding to the road data within the set area, and searches for the optimal route by first changing road data based on the acquired traffic information.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Mutsuga, Shinichi Kato
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Patent number: 5745870Abstract: A vehicle traveling-path prediction apparatus that detects a stationary object in front of the vehicle by utilizing an obstacle detection device instead of a yaw rate sensor, and predicts a traveling path based on the detected stationary object.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Yasunori Yamamoto, Ayumu Doi, Tohru Yoshioka
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Patent number: 5731788Abstract: A system and method for positioning control and management of racing sailboat positions and velocities includes the strategic placement of global positioning receivers and transmitters at a buoy and committee boat marking the sail race start line, as well as radio and global positioning receivers on the sailboat. Global positioning system (GPS) and radio transmitter units are mounted on a race start buoy and committee boat and another GPS and radio transceiver unit receives GPS signals from positioning satellites and radio signals from the race start buoy and committee boat. The information received by the racing sailboat is processed to determine relative and absolute positions and velocities, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the intercept between current sailboat course and the race start line for display in user-friendly race management.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Trimble NavigationInventor: Kevin McKenzie Reeds
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Patent number: 5701127Abstract: A method of identifying an object and determining in which of at least two areas the object is located is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: focusing a first directional antenna (18) on a first area (28a), focusing a second directional antenna on a second area (28b), transmitting a first field strength pulse (44) from said first directional antenna (18), transmitting a second field strength pulse (46) from said second directional antenna (18), and comparing in a transponder (14) the first field strength pulse (44) to the second field strength pulse (46) to determine in which of the two areas (28a,28b) the transponder (14) is located. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1993Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Claude Andrew Sharpe
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Patent number: 5604504Abstract: In an air traffic advisory system for determining the bearing of an intruder aircraft relative to a protected aircraft, the preferred apparatus determines a corrected bearing to compensate for bearing errors caused by intruder signal reflections. More particularly, the preferred apparatus uses a hybrid combiner to produce a sum, delta one and delta two signals, and determines the phase relationship between the sum signal and each of the delta signals, the two phase relationships being subject to at least partially offsetting errors due to intruder signal reflections. The apparatus determines an uncorrected intruder bearing from each phase relationship and then averages the uncorrected bearings to produce a corrected intruder bearing.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventor: David L. Nail
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Patent number: 5506587Abstract: A plurality of movable objects, such as aircraft, are provided with GPS receivers, enabling the individual determination of longitude and latitude. Further, the receiver also receives a very precise time base from the GPS satellites. This very precise time base is used to enable all of the plurality of movable objects to transmit in a predetermined radio frequency their identities and positions in precisely determined time blocks. By limiting the range of the frequencies used by the movable objects to transmit, the range of receivability is limited, such that the system may be implemented as a worldwide overlapping mosaic. The transmissions of each movable object may be received by all of the plurality of movable objects, as well as by air traffic monitoring centers on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1993Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: GP & C Systems International ABInventor: Hakan Lans
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Patent number: 5430455Abstract: A microwave system for locating a mobile element comprises a hollow tube forming a waveguide fed with microwave signals. A location beacon radiates into free space an electromagnetic wave derived from the microwave signals propagating in the waveguide. A location antenna attached to the mobile element receives the electromagnetic wave radiated by the beacon. The location beacon transmits to the antenna a single electric field signal enabling transmission of a location message.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1992Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: GFC Alsthom S AInventors: Marc Heddebaut, Marion Berbineau, Stephane Lassalle, Pierre Degauque
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Patent number: 5420883Abstract: Communication devices and communication network techniques are employed to meet safety-critical, operational requirements for train location and control in railroad and public transit applications. On-board and trackside communication radios participate in a synchronous, time-slotted communication network, providing contentionless and highly responsive access to all participants. Encrypted, validated, and error protected communication links provide reliable and redundant transfer of information among the train, trackside, and control station radios. Spread spectrum communication techniques enable range measurements between all participants. These wireless communication links relay train range measurements to control or processing stations and relay control information (principally speed commands) from the processing stations to the trains. High resolution position location is determined along elevated, at-grade, and in-tunnel tracks using wireless methods and sparse device placement.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventors: Marvin D. Swensen, Gregory L. Mayhew, John G. Himes, David S. Long, James A. Kivett
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Patent number: 5402346Abstract: This invention comprises a system for calculating at least one vehicular traffic check parameter. The system according to the invention includes a pulse modulated radar placed at a high point at the side of the lanes to be monitored. The radar emits pulses having a frequency f.sub.o and width .tau. according to a radiation diagram. The radiation diagram is narrow in plan and sufficiently wide in elevation to cover all lanes to be monitored, and inclined in elevation and plan such that at least one range bin of the radar is included in a lane. Echo signals received by the radar are then processed by a signal processing module and a parameter extraction module. The invention is particularly useful in automobile traffic, for calculation of the number of vehicles travelling in lanes, the vehicles speed and length, etc. The advantage of the this inventive system compared with previous systems is that it enables simultaneous checking of several traffic lanes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Thomson CSFInventors: Didier Lion, Eric de Poulpiquet
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Patent number: 5375058Abstract: A surface detection system for airport facilities is described wherein a plurality of infrared (IR) scanners as well as presence/absence detectors are located with respect to taxiways and runways of an airport complex. These devices are arranged to perform in conjunction with local processors to generate data from aircraft and ground based vehicles available from a bar coding identification of both forms of vehicles. These data are utilized to compute alert conditions as well as to develop a real time map of the airport which may be provided at a tower installation for air traffic control utilization as well as at an aircraft flight deck during the course of ground maneuvering. Through the utilization of aircraft tail numbers as an index, a master host memory may be developed which includes flight numbers, aircraft characteristics and the like which may be employed for evolving alert conditions and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1991Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: University of Central FloridaInventor: Michael Bass
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Patent number: 5311195Abstract: A navigation system comprising a relative positioning system (RPS) with dead reckoning and map matching and an absolute positioning system (APS) is provided and operated in such a manner that APS position information is used for updating RPS position and contour of equal probability (CEP) information as required. The APS may comprise a Loran-C or a global positioning system (GPS). Different criteria are used for resetting the RPS depending on whether or not the navigation system comprises a Loran-C or a GPS due to the different levels of precision of the Loran-C and the GPS. When the RPS is reset or updated, it is updated to the current APS position with its offset, if any. Its contour of equal probability (CEP) may also be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1991Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Etak, Inc.Inventors: Darrell L. Mathis, Richard F. Poppen, Kenneth A. Milnes
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Patent number: 5268698Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a monitoring system that monitors and locates objects such as airplanes and other vehicles on runways, taxiways, or other preprogrammed areas. The invention utilizes a minimum of three transmitters for generating a diffusion field and two receivers which detect displacements in a diffusion field. The receivers are coupled with a computer which calculates the position of the object causing the displacement in the diffusion field. The area to be monitored is divided into grids which are programmed onto the computer, and objects moving in the monitored area cause changes in the signal received by the receivers which are conveyed to the computer and compared by the computer to the programmed grid to indicate the location of the object causing the changes.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1992Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Inventors: Louis P. Smith, Sr., Louis P. Smith, Jr., Harry D. Ritch
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Patent number: 5099245Abstract: A vehicle location system incorporating a plurality of ground enhancement stations and at least one satellite to receive encoded transmissions from a radio transmitter aboard a user vehicle. The satellite transmits the signals received directly from the user and those relayed by the ground enhancement station to a base station where a computer calculates the position of the user on the basis of the time difference between the time of arrival of the signals. The use of the ground enhancement stations, located throughout the area in which the user is to be located provides lower geometric dilution of precision than purely satellite or purely ground base systems, and in combination with the relatively simple transmitter aboard the vehicle and transponders at the ground enhancement stations and satellite, substantially reduces the cost of deployment of such a system.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1989Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Hughes Aircraft CompanyInventor: William E. Sagey
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Patent number: RE39829Abstract: A system for correlating secondary surveillance radar (SSR) data and ACARS data which results in a real time correlation of data which are unique to the separate existing systems. More specifically, a method is provided to attach flight identification data from ACARS signals to real time SSR data from Mode S transponders. Aircraft Mode S addresses are decoded and then converted to aircraft registration numbers using an algorithm or lookup table. Registration numbers are then correlated with registration numbers from decoded ACARS signals. The result is a real-time system which may provide an aircraft's registration information, including registration number, owner, make, and model, as well as its current flight identification number, and ACARS messages. As part of an aircraft multilateration system, the system provides an independent air traffic control picture complete with aircraft position and identification by flight number without the use of active radar equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Randolph CorporationInventors: Alexander E. Smith, Bennett Cohen, Carl Evers