Abstract: A computer-implemented method of creating a virtual traffic network includes inputting map data representing a road system, inputting flow data related to traffic flow on the road system and integrating the map data and the flow data to produce a virtual traffic network representing traffic conditions on the road system.

Abstract: A method of regulating traffic in a transport system in which vehicles travel on a line provided with a plurality of stations at which passengers can board and alight, wherein the running of the vehicles is regulated as a function of the passenger load on said vehicles, said load being determined by measuring the weight of passengers present in the vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and method for a portable handheld device for displaying information. An embodiment of the invention provides a portable handheld device for displaying information, including traffic information. The portable device includes a wireless receiver arranged for receiving an information-data packet having at least one payload element, a translation table arranged for decoding a payload element, and a microcontroller including a memory and a processor, and which is operable to decode the at least one payload element.

Abstract: A method of presuming traffic conditions for implementing a forecast and a presumption of traffic jam situation in an area where probe cars are not traveling currently, in which the probe cars send floating car data that is times and positions of traveled areas to center facilities, and the center accumulates the floating car data in a floating car data database by traffic conditions presumption means and also presumes forecast traffic jam information in the forward areas of the probe cars and presumed traffic jam information in the backward areas thereof by using the current floating car data and the floating car data database accumulated from the past to the present.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for processing traffic information. Traffic related conditions at a plurality of vehicles are detected. A set of traffic data packets using the traffic related conditions detected at the plurality of vehicles is produced in which a time stamp and a location stamp are assigned to each of the set of traffic data packets. Data traffic packets are passed between vehicles in which packets within the set of traffic data packets having an expired time stamp are no longer passed between the vehicles.

Abstract: A traffic characterization system and method of use for executing a traffic characterization protocol over an ad hoc communications network. Conventional in-vehicle computers and conventional wireless local area network (LAN) transceivers host the traffic characterization system and the messages generated by the system. As a traffic jam occurs, the mobile units send out traffic characterization data in a sequence activated by the content of the messages and traffic characterization protocol of the present invention. All vehicles participating in the traffic characterization system and approaching the traffic jammed area receive the characterization data and have the opportunity to route around the jam.

Abstract: It is possible to control a car group having a probe car at the head thereof or a whole traffic flow including the car group, with due regard to the efficiency, safety and environment. A probe car system includes a device for inputting a control strategy and/or a car group strategy, based on a road map database or traffic data; a device for evaluating propriety of the strategy and determining a proper strategy; and a device for transmitting the proper strategy to the probe car.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic management system (TMSYS) including a layered structure of management layers. The system comprises a physical layer (PL) on which the actual traffic takes place. A traffic signalling layer (TSL) controls the traffic on the physical layer (PL) and collects traffic information (TSI) about the vehicle traffic. A traffic control layer (TCL) comprises a packet switched control network (PSCN) for routing packets to correspond or simulate the vehicle traffic. A service application layer (SAL) provides special services to the traffic control layer (TCL) and/or the traffic signalling layer (TSL). A communication layer (CL) is used for communicating the information. Each layer comprises an exchange interface for receiving/transmitting information to one or more of the other layers. The layered structure of the traffic management system allows in particular a flexible adaptation, exchange or extension of functionalities provided in each layer.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic setting of a variable speed limits permits changing road conditions provides for variable speed limits at respective portions of a road based on weather conditions reported by sensor. A plurality of variable speed limit indicators are arranged at predetermined intervals along a road. Sensing report local road conditions regarding humidity, precipitation, temperature, fog, ice, snow, hail, sleet, wind, etc. A regulating unit correlates the sensed weather conditions with a predetermined speed limit for each given condition at each respective portion of the road. A matrix of a database may contain historical accident information regarding the specific location or zone of any accidents, time of day, date, temperature, precipitation, estimated speed and severity of injuries for each accident.

Abstract: A hierarchical traffic control system is disclosed. The traffic control system comprises a primary controller. The primary controller receives information about traffic in an area. The system further includes a plurality of subsidiary controllers. The subsidiary controllers provide information to and receive information from the primary controller. Each of the plurality of subsidiary controllers is associated with a cell within the area. Each of the subsidiary controllers receives and provides information to at least one vehicle concerning traffic conditions within its associated cell. The primary controller and each of the subsidiary controllers are capable of negotiating a change in the flow of traffic based upon traffic conditions. In the present invention, at least one vehicle includes roles and permission sets. The traffic control system can then determine the appropriate route for the vehicle based upon the roles and permission sets.

Abstract: A method for interrupting a speed control or vehicle to vehicle ranging of a motor vehicle's control system, in which the system passes over into the standby mode with the aid of a predefined algorithm after the switching-off of the active control. A linear function for the acceleration in the case of propulsion as well as the braking case is provided as the algorithm. In an alternative embodiment using a step function having appropriately designed steps is provided. This achieves in an advantageous manner a soft transition from active control operation to the standby mode.

Abstract: A wireless, in-road traffic sensor system using sensors that are small, low-cost, and rugged. The sensors may be capable of measuring the speed of passing vehicles, identifying the type of passing vehicle and measuring information about roadway conditions, e.g., wet or icy. The sensor includes a wireless transmitter and may be configured for installation beneath a roadway surface. The sensors may be configured as a traffic sensor system including distributed sensors across a roadway system, concentrators for receiving the sensor broadcasts and a central computer for accumulating and organizing the sensed information. The sensed information may also be made available responsive to user requests via the Web through such reports as traffic delays, alternate route planning and travel time estimates. Alternatively, the sensed information may also be used to control traffic through a traffic control means, such as a traffic signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dynamically obtaining relevant traffic information and/or for dynamically optimizing a route followed by a first vehicle which belongs to a self-organizing traffic information and/or traffic guidance system to which other vehicles belong as well. Said method consists of the following steps: generating own data by means of vehicle-mounted sensors and/or other information sources in the first vehicle; transmitting data relevant to the first vehicle or other vehicles; receiving data transmitted by other vehicles; storing data obtained from received and/or own data; generating and transmitting requests regarding data which can possibly be provided by other vehicles; and potential relaying received data by retransmitting said data in processed or unprocessed form.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information, comprising: (a) transforming a spatial representation of a road network into a network of spatially interdependent and interrelated oriented road sections, for forming an oriented road section network; (b) acquiring a variety of the vehicular traffic data and information associated with the oriented road section network, from a variety of sources; (c) prioritizing, filtering, and controlling, the vehicular traffic data and information acquired from each of the variety of sources; (d) calculating a mean normalized travel time (NTT) value for each oriented road section of said oriented road section network using the prioritized, filtered, and controlled, vehicular traffic data and information associated with each source, for forming a partial current vehicular traffic situation picture associated with each source; (e) fusing the partial current traffic situation picture associated with each source, for generating a single co

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring vehicular traffic flow in a road network 1 in an area served by a mobile telecommunications device network 7 having a call management system 10 provided with a mobile telecommunications device positioning system 11 providing positional data for active mobile telecommunications devices 12. The method comprises capturing geographical positioning data for individual active devices carried aboard vehicles 12 and converting these into probability vectors representing the likelihood of the vehicle having arrived at any of the possible road components 16 of the road network 7 compatible with the geographical positional data. As the vehicle 12 travels along, this process is repeated and new probability vectors constructed based on the probability of any of the available routes between the new probability vector road component position and the immediately preceding probability vector road component position.

Abstract: A digital card of a highway network is provided in the form of a traffic file in a traffic data control center and in a terminal. Sections of streets or lanes or groups of streets or lanes are each represented as a segment in the digital card. Data pertaining to a chain of segments which follow each other in a numerical sequence in the highway network are combined in the control center into traffic data packets. Each traffic data packet contains (a) an identifier symbol representing the identity of the segment at one end of the chain, (b) a numerical chain segment symbol representing the total number of segments in numerical sequence in the chain, and (c) at least one condition symbol representing the condition of at least one of the segments in the chain The traffic data packets are transmitted to the terminal, where they are decoded and route information is output to a terminal user.

Abstract: Simple and multipurpose traffic information is made possible by a method for selecting traffic information which is to be sent to a mobile wireless terminal from a traffic information center and which pertains to a geographic area of a road traffic network selected on the mobile wireless terminal side and/or selected based on the position of the mobile wireless terminal. On the basis of selection information representing the selection of a geographic area, map information pertaining to the selected area is selected in the traffic information center from a digital map of a traffic network, which digital map is available in the traffic information center. On the basis of the selection information, traffic status information pertaining to the geographic area of the road traffic network and representing the traffic status on road sections of the road traffic network are selected from the traffic status information available in the traffic information center.

Abstract: Real time vehicle guidance by central traffic unit is provided by a system which includes a central traffic unit, a plurality of vehicles equipped with mobile guidance units, and communication system based on GSM/GPS technology. The central traffic unit maintains the perpetually updated database of travel times for all sections of roads, while mobile guidance units include mobile cell phone handset units communicatively linked to the central traffic unit computer server. Mobile guidance units also comprise smart card capable to detect when a mobile cell phone unit is located in the mounting receptacle. To detect a bottleneck situation when it arises and to estimate a current travel time for a corresponding section of road, the central traffic unit maintains a list of probe vehicles that have recently exited that section.

Abstract: Optimized, universal transmission of traffic information and the coding thereof by different terminals is permitted in a simple, inexpensive and efficient manner by apparatuses and a method for transmitting traffic information relating to a road traffic network from a traffic information control center to at least one terminal. In the control center, the segments of the road traffic network which are affected by the traffic information are either coded using a location coordinate table, available in the control center, in a form which represents the location of the segments, or are coded using a segment table, available in the control center, in a form which represents the identity of the segments without their location. The control center transmits to the terminal a selection information item which indicates which of the two above codings is used in the transmitted information.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining and disseminating current traffic information is presented. A traffic data compilation computer linked to a data network collects location data from mobile units, each of which is associated with an identification number. The computer compiles the location data, calculates the velocity of each mobile unit, compares the velocity of each mobile unit against speed limit data stored in a memory, and stores the difference. The traffic data compilation computer determines the traffic condition based on the difference between the velocity of each mobile unit and the speed limit. In addition, traffic data compilation computer may determine the fastest route between point A and point B under the current traffic conditions. Traffic data compilation computer determines the possible routes between point A and point B, retrieves the velocity data from a database, and derives the estimated travel time for each of the possible routes.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring and controlling traffic states in a road traffic system current or predicted traffic states are determined for one or more points and a distinction is made between the three types of traffic states: free-flowing traffic, slow-moving traffic and stationary traffic. Vehicle inflow into the traffic system is then controlled as a function of the detected traffic states. The state monitoring method is configured to detect phase transitions between free-flowing and slow-moving traffic and/or stationary traffic states, which can be detected or predicted by means of specified criteria. Furthermore, according to the invention the vehicle inflow into the monitored traffic system section is controlled as a function of detected phase transitions between free-flowing and slow-moving traffic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rule-based method for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks, and an apparatus using the method. Queue estimates and sets of rules are used to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The queue estimation uses real-time data from detectors upstream from an intersection to estimate the number of vehicles approaching the intersection and the vehicles in queue. Each detected vehicle is treated as a group of “partial” vehicles corresponding to approved movements that the vehicle might make. The queue estimation and control logic that determine the signal state can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control logic consists of a set of rules for uncongested control and a process that creates a fixed time plan for congested control.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information, comprising: (a) transforming a spatial representation of a road network into a network of spatially interdependent and interrelated oriented road sections, for forming an oriented road section network; (b) acquiring a variety of the vehicular traffic data and information associated with the oriented road section network, from a variety of sources; (c) prioritizing, filtering, and controlling, the vehicular traffic data and information acquired from each of the variety of sources; (d) calculating a mean normalized travel time (NTT) value for each oriented road section of said oriented road section network using the prioritized, filtered, and controlled, vehicular traffic data and information associated with each source, for forming a partial current vehicular traffic situation picture associated with each source; (e) fusing the partial current traffic situation picture associated with each source, for generating a single co

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically gathering data on paths taken by a number of commuters and then analyzed to provide recommendations for improving the commute experience. Data may be gathered by recording time and position data from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver the commuter carries, recording time and position data from a mobile phone the commuter carries, departure or arrival indications, or a commute log. Commute data may be augmented with a likely route generated based on a start point, an end point, and a map. Commute data may be analyzed by determining a subset of the commuters whose paths are similar. For example, they have a similar start point, a similar end point, a similar start point and a similar end point, a start point similar to a particular point, an end point similar to a particular point, or similar start and end points.

Abstract: An automatic cruise control system and method for a host vehicle that includes a vehicle follow mode when the host vehicle detects an in-path vehicle and an auto-resume mode for accelerating to a driver set speed upon elimination of the in-path vehicle from the host vehicle path. The auto-resume mode includes a determination of the traffic density around the host vehicle and reduces the rate of acceleration for higher traffic densities.

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

Abstract: A system for providing traffic information to a plurality of mobile users connected to a network. The system comprises a plurality of traffic monitors, each comprising at least a traffic detector and a transmitter, the traffic detector generating a signal in response to vehicular traffic and the transmitter transmitting the signal. A receiver receives the signals from the traffic monitors. A computer system is connected to the receiver and is further connected to the network. The computer system in response to a request signal received from one of the users transmits in response thereto information representative of the signals transmitted by the traffic monitoring units. Alternative systems for gathering traffic information are disclosed.

Abstract: A hierarchical traffic control system is disclosed. The traffic control system comprises a primary controller. The primary controller receives information about traffic in an area. The system further includes a plurality of subsidiary controllers. The subsidiary controllers provide information to and receive information from the primary controller. Each of the plurality of subsidiary controllers is associated with a cell within the area. Each of the subsidiary controllers receives and provides information to at least one vehicle concerning traffic conditions within its associated cell. The primary controller and each of the subsidiary controllers are capable of negotiating a change in the flow of traffic based upon traffic conditions. In this system, at least one vehicle within the traffic includes a third-party permission for operation.

Abstract: A vehicle wireless transmitter system includes a collision avoidance sensor in a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter generates a wireless signal, such as a garage door opener signal, based upon information from the collision avoidance sensor. The wireless transmitter generates a garage door opener signal when the collision avoidance sensor determines that the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of the garage. The wireless transmitter generates a garage door opener signal when the collision avoidance sensor determines that the vehicle is in the garage, the engine is no longer running and no motion is detected around the vehicle for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of presuming traffic conditions for implementing a forecast and a presumption of traffic jam situation in an area where probe cars are not traveling currently, in which the probe cars send floating car data that is times and positions of traveled areas to center facilities, and the center accumulates the floating car data in a floating car data database by traffic conditions presumption means and also presumes forecast traffic jam information in the forward areas of the probe cars and presumed traffic jam information in the backward areas thereof by using the current floating car data and the floating car data database accumulated from the past to the present.

Abstract: System and method for mapping parameters of a queue of a road congestion. Length of the road congestion, motion rate and average arrival rate to the road congestion may be used to determine an expected delay in traveling as well as trends, using special radio systems and also existing radio networks such as Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN) and Private/Public Data Networks (PDN). The mapping is performed relative to a front end of a queue of a road congestion. The mapping system may construct snapshots of mapping samples received from a small percentage of pre-designated probes. The mapping samples are received in response to predefined broadcast control messages. The determination of the length of a road congestion may be based on a direct approach, in dynamic conditions that include variations in the arrival rate of vehicles to the road congestion and the departure rate of vehicles from the congestion over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer implemented method and apparatus for providing a display of points of interest in conjunction with a vehicle navigation system. According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle navigation system is provided and includes a processor configured to identify and display a plurality of points of interest with reference to a vehicle's location, and to repeat the display to reflect changes in the vehicle's location. In another embodiment, the vehicle navigation system includes a processor configured so that the plurality of points of interest identified is within a radius of the current position when the current location is within a densely digitized area. When the vehicle is not within a densely digitized area, the plurality of points of interest lie ahead along the current road within a second distance.

Abstract: A method for dynamically defining traffic lanes in a traffic monitoring system is presented. A traffic system sensor detects vehicles passing within the field of view and process the data into an estimation of the position of each of the detected vehicles. The positions are defined and recorded for use in a probability density function estimation. The traffic lane positions are defined such that further detection of vehicles may be assigned to a particular traffic lane without requiring manual set-up and definition of the traffic lane boundaries. The traffic lane boundaries may change or migrate based upon modification of traffic paths due to construction, weather, lane re-assignments and the like.

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

Abstract: In a method and systems for selecting traffic information services that are receivable by at least one mobile receiver and are relevant for a route previously determined by a navigational device linked to at least one receiver, service information, which identifies the services having traffic messages relevant for the route, is read out from a stored list for the determined route. In the case of a plurality of services, a table is created that includes the read-out service information, which is sorted according to a valuation and is able to be modified as the route is followed. A receiver is set, in each case, to the highest-rated service.

Abstract: A method for providing an image based time-variant geographical information such as traffic information is disclosed. A method and a user device for processing this image based time-variant geographical information are also disclosed. A traffic state information composed of a map identifier and a plurality of traffic state data in section-wise is transmitted to a user device, and is to be incorporated with corresponding traffic section map(or TSM(=traffic state map)) including a plurality of sections. The traffic section map is preferably stored in a user device. Each section of traffic section map(or TSM) includes at least one vector entity which includes a shape designating statement (e.g. ‘LINE’) and a position designating statement. The traffic section map(or TSM) also includes a plurality of section discriminating code which is preferably an attribute designating command. The traffic state data for respective section is used to update or designate the attribute value (e.g.

Abstract: System and method for mapping parameters of traffic congestion, for example, a road congestion, relative to a focus is disclosed. Mapping of the road congestion may include determination of an average length of the road congestion over a time interval, motion rate in the road congestion and arrival rate to the road congestion. These parameters, in turn, may be used to determine an expected delay in traveling throughout the road congestion as well as trends, i.e., changes with time, in the road congestion. The mapping is performed relative to the mapping focus, typically the front end of a road congestion. The mapping system may construct snapshots of mapping samples received from a small percentage of predestinated probes, e.g., a small percentage of vehicles equipped with an appropriate receiver and transmitter. The mapping samples are preferably received in response to predefined broadcast queries sent from the mapping system.

Abstract: A robot provides a communicating means to move based on the transmission and reception of information to/from the outside, thereby making it possible to realize a robot with high usability. In addition, it recognizes the user's condition based on sensors provided around a user and outputs a response message according to the recognition. Thus, an information processing system which is very helpful can be realized.

Abstract: A method of evaluating traffic information transmitted by a traffic information service, in which data on the traffic situation on a route to be traveled in the present direction of travel is received and, from the data on the traffic situation, an anticipated delay in journey time on the route to be travelled is calculated. In order to avoid unnecessary waiting in traffic hold-ups it is provided that the size of the calculated anticipated delay in journey time together with a recommendation to interrupt the journey is displayed if the anticipated delay in journey time in the present direction is greater than a given value.

Abstract: A method for determining the traffic state in a traffic network with effective bottlenecks with a classification at least into the “freely flowing traffic”, “synchronized traffic” and “moving widespread congestion” state phases and into patterns of dense traffic upstream of effective bottlenecks. FCD traffic data which includes information relating to the location and the speed of the vehicle is recorded at time intervals for a respective route section, and by reference to the information it is determined whether an effective bottleneck is present. If this is the case, from the current FCD traffic data, a pattern of dense traffic, which fits it, is continuously determined as a currently present pattern of dense traffic.

Abstract: A road traffic information output apparatus includes: a road traffic information obtaining device that obtains road traffic information; a decision-making device that determines in advance a specific area for which road traffic information will need to be output; and a control device that implements control to output road traffic information that has been obtained by the road traffic information obtaining device for the specific area determined in advance, when the road traffic information for the specific area determined in advance by the decision-making device is required.

Abstract: Traffic control system for timely signalling an obstruction in the roadway as a result of accidents, traffic jams etc., in order to signal the presence of the obstruction to the arriving vehicles. The control system consists of a plurality of autonomous cooperating detecting units distributed along the road, wherein each detecting unit includes a control plant formed by a sensor of the presence of motor-vehicles, a timer unit receiving the signals provided by the sensor when the vehicles are passing and letting only a signal longer than a pre-established time to pass, in the case in which a vehicle column has been formed, and a central control unit receiving the signals from the sensor and the timer unit and adapted to control an alarm when the column is formed, and radio-transmitter units and radio-receiver units. The system is housed inside an envelope shaped preferably as a curbstone.

Abstract: There are provided a vehicle detection apparatus and a vehicle detection method which are capable of detecting a sound source even when a plurality of vehicles are traveling simultaneously or when there are noises produced from something other than the desired vehicle and calculating the location in the vehicle traveling direction and the lane direction of the sound source and the number of passing vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection and prediction of incidents and traffic queues formed by overloading. This is done in real time with use of sensors in a road network. Predictions are used also to reach a faster and more reliable detection. Sensor measurements are also used in the process, where the comparison with expected values are used for successively updating stored parameter values for the involved algorithms. By this, the system can succeedingly adapt itself for changed situations. The strong traffic variations, that are naturally occurring at short time intervals are treated with the use of noise-based methods. By this, there are formed distribution related measures as e.g. the standard deviation, which can be estimated from measurements, and submit a base for estimating probabilities for deviations of a certain size, e.g. related to the standard deviation. Automatic incident detection (AID) is based on determination of the desired false-alarm rate, and the related threshold level.

Abstract: In lane keeping assistance system and method for an automotive vehicle, a control current (Iout) to be outputted to a motor during an automatic steering mode is detected, a filter is provided for the detected control current to pass only signal components of the detected control current whose frequencies are lower than a predetermined cut-off frequency value (fstr, fstr_low, fstr_mid, fstr_hi) to derive a filtered control current (Iout_lpf), a determination of whether a manual steering intervention to the automatic steering occurs is made according to a magnitude of the filtered control current, and the control current outputted to the motor is reduced toward zero when the manual steering intervention is determined to occur according to a result of determination that the magnitude of the filtered control current (Iout_lpf) is in excess of a predetermined threshold current value (Iout_lpf_th).

Abstract: From a body located at a distance above the surface of the earth, an image is recorded of a region that is located underneath the body on or above the surface of the earth and that has a diameter of at least one kilometer. The recorded image is fully geocoded and comprises a grid dimension small enough that vehicle densities located in the region can be recognized. The recorded image is evaluated with respect to these vehicle densities and the spatial allocation thereof to the associated roadways. The method is used for acquisition of the state of street traffic over a large area.

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

Abstract: A method for determining the traffic situation is based on traffic data which are obtained from reporting vehicles moving in the traffic, for a traffic network with traffic-controlled network nodes and roadway sections connecting them. Traffic data indicative of travel times on the roadway sections are obtained by reporting vehicles moving in the traffic, and are used to determine travel times on a roadway-section-specific basis. The mean number of vehicles in the queue, the mean number of vehicles, the mean vehicle speed outside the queue, the mean waiting time in the queue and/or the mean vehicle density outside the queue are determined from these travel times for the respective roadway section.

Abstract: A system for providing traffic information to a plurality of mobile users connected to a network. The system comprises a plurality of traffic monitors, each comprising at least a traffic detector and a transmitter, the traffic detector generating a signal in response to vehicular traffic and the transmitter transmitting the signal. A receiver receives the signals from the traffic monitors. A computer system is connected to the receiver and is further connected to the network. The computer system in response to a request signal received from one of the users transmits in response thereto information representative of the signals transmitted by the traffic monitoring units. Alternative systems for gathering traffic information are disclosed.

Abstract: Roadside wireless devices (1) are installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes entering an intersection. Roadside wireless devices (1) are also installed at roadside positions corresponding to the traffic lanes exiting an intersection. The roadside wireless devices (1) on the entrance side receive an identification number from vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices (3) of vehicles entering the intersection and transmit them to a roadside traffic monitoring device (2). Thereafter, the roadside wireless devices (1) on the exit side receive an identification number from the vehicle-mounted wireless ID devices (3) of vehicles exiting the intersection and transmit them to the roadside traffic monitoring device (2). From the identification numbers received, the roadside traffic monitoring device (2) is able to determine the entrance from which a vehicle judged to be the same one had entered and the exit from which it exited, along with the type of vehicle.