Abstract: A geographical region is divided into a number of areas according to a pre-defined standard. The apparatus filters received traffic messages and only those that relate to a particular one of the defined areas are passed on for processing. According to the invention, an area of interest is specified by expanding the particular defined area in at least one direction.

Abstract: A computer system that can be embodied in a vending machine or accessed through a personal computer. When embodied as a vending machines, the vending machine has a payment interface for receiving payment of a predetermined fee by a customer. The vending machine also has a display monitor, a printer, a data input device and a telecommunications modem. The computer processor within the vending machine reads a point of destination entered by a customer. The computer processor plots the quickest route from the location of that vending machine to the desired destination. Prior to calculating the quickest route, the computer processor accesses a database of traffic information via a telecommunications link. The route selected between the vending machine and the desired destination takes into account current traffic information.

Abstract: A permanent in-pavement roadway traffic sensor for sensing roadway traffic comprising an extruded conductive elastomeric housing having an elongated cavity in the lower side thereof, said elongated cavity having an upper wall and a pair of spaced lower walls, a flat multiconductor ribbon Teflon™ cable having at least some of the conductors thereof spacedly mounted in the cavity from the upper wall. The flat multiconductor ribbon cable has a flat up side which is more effective for generating signals using residual charge-effect principles and the up side is positioned in the cavity facing the upper wall. The flat multiconductor ribbon cable has at least one lateral insulated conductor at the lateral sides thereof and the lateral insulated conductors abut the spaced lower walls, respectively. The elastomeric extrusion has sides which taper upwardly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for outputting traffic information in a motor vehicle. In order to present the driver with traffic information in such a way that he can adapt his driving behaviour and/or his selection of a route for his journey to the respective current traffic situation in time, there is a provision that traffic messages are stored together with the respective position of the route section to which they relate. The positions of the traffic messages are then compared with the respective position of a motor vehicle in which the traffic information is to be output in order to detect the distances between the respective position of the traffic messages and the position of this motor vehicle. The traffic messages are then output sorted according to distances, starting with the smallest distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic management system (TMSYS), which comprises a road network (RDN) on a physical layer (PL) and at least a packet switched control network (PSCN) on a traffic control layer (TCL). The vehicle traffic formed on the physical layer (PL) by a plurality of vehicles (C1-Cx) travelling along a plurality of road sections (RDS1-RDSm) of the road network is mapped into a packet traffic constituted by a plurality of packets (CP1-CPx) routed along a plurality of packet routing links. Packet control units (PCU1-PCUn) of the packet switched control network (PSCN) are adapted to control the packets (CP1-CPx) on a respective packet routing link (PRL1-PRLm) in the traffic control layer (TCL) to correspond to or simulate a respective vehicle (C1-Cx) on a corresponding road section on the physical layer (PL).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for signalling local traffic disturbances wherein a decentralised communication between vehicles is performed by exchanging their respective vehicle data. Through repeated evaluation of these individual vehicle data, each reference vehicle may determine a group of vehicles having relevance for itself from within a maximum group of vehicles and compare the group behavior of the relevant group with its own behavior. The results of this comparison are indicated in the reference vehicle, whereby a homogeneous flow of traffic may be generated, and the occurrence of accidents is reduced.

Abstract: A computer system for determining traffic patterns and congestion and using the determined traffic patterns and congestion to determine an appropriate route using a global positioning system and related route map calculator. A vehicle is provided with an onboard computer system adapted to determine travel time of a vehicle in a road segment and calculate a route based on this information. In addition, this information can be distributed to or otherwise shared with other vehicles and similar information can be received from other vehicles to provide a distributed network for generating and sharing experienced traffic patterns. The information can also be used to predict traffic patterns as well.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting address data for a geographic database are disclosed. Data are collected using a plurality of end users navigation systems. The data indicate a location at which a trip by a vehicle in which a navigation system is located ended and a desired destination entered into the navigation system by an end user prior thereto. These data are received in a data collection facility that statistically analyzes the data and uses the data to update a geographic database.

Abstract: A traffic information detecting and distributing system including receiving means for receiving current position information transmitted from a traffic information transmitting system for detecting and transmitting the current position information of a moving object, traffic information forming means for forming traffic information based on the current position information received by the receiving means, traffic information distributing means for distributing the formed traffic information to a traffic information user, user identifying means for identifying the traffic information user based on traffic information user identifying information, and charging means for charging money to the traffic information user based on the traffic information user identifying information.

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 vehicle detector comprising a loop sensor, phase lock loop (PLL), frequency change detector, and a micro-processor including a logic circuit. Output of the PLL and the frequency change detector is inputted to the logic circuit, and the logic circuit performs logical OR operation of the output of the PLL and the output of the frequency change detector. The output of the logic circuit is used as a vehicle detection signal. The vehicle detector can detect vehicles at a low speed as well as vehicle at high speed accurately.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring soil pH at a relatively large number of places in a field, and automatically creating a soil pH map by simultaneously measuring the position of the apparatus and storing the pH data in association with the location from which the corresponding soil sample was taken. The apparatus includes a wheeled chassis, a shank for exposing soil at a controlled depth, a sampling tray for collecting soil, a probe for measuring the pH of the soil, a water supply for cleaning the probe between measurements, a devise for measuring the location of the apparatus, and a computer for controlling the measurement cycle and recording the data.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

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 method for collecting traffic information is described. The method includes a position information transmitting step of installing a position transmitting device at a starting point and an ending point of a link of entire road and transmitting position information of the link to probe vehicles. There is an information receiving/classifying/searching step of receiving a transmission signal of a corresponding position while traveling on a road, and continuously classifying and searching the intensity of the signal and the position information of the link. The method also includes a travel information transmitting step of detecting the position of the probe vehicles and the starting point and the ending point of the link according to the result of searching, computing a time, a distance and a speed required for traveling the link on the basis of the detected information, and transmitting the same.

Abstract: A system of mobile units are installed in multiple vehicles in traffic, the vehicles with mobile units being a sample of all vehicles in traffic. These mobile units include both wireless communications devices and apparatus that determines the location of each vehicle. Monitoring a vehicle's position as a function of time also reveals the velocity of the vehicle. Position and speed information is periodically broadcast by the vehicles to a central monitoring station and to neighboring vehicles. At the central monitoring station, the collective input from the sample set of vehicles is processed using statistical analysis methods to provide an instant chart of traffic conditions in the area, the accuracy of said chart being within a range determined by the size of the sample. Warnings of delays or updates on traffic conditions on the road ahead are then automatically returned to subscribers of the information or are used as part of an Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS).

Abstract: A program and method are disclosed that provide for determining a position of a vehicle relative to a road network represented by a geographic database. An intermediate position density is determined along a plurality of road segments in the road network by shifting a prior position density which had been determined along the plurality of road segments by a distance traveled by the vehicle since the prior position density had been determined. Then, the intermediate position density is modified to take into account sensor-derived data received since the prior position density had been determined to form a new position density. The sensor-derived data include data indicating three metrics, namely (1) a position of the vehicle, (2) a heading of the vehicle, and (3) a curvature history. The curvature history represents a change of heading of the vehicle as a function of distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting data on traffic conditions from a distributed automotive computing system having a plurality of automotive computing systems. Data regarding traffic conditions is collected from each of the plurality of distributed automotive computing systems, wherein each of the plurality of automotive computing systems is located in a plurality of automobiles, wherein the data is collected data. The collected data is compared with current data regarding traffic conditions. Changes present between the collected data regarding traffic conditions with the current data regarding traffic conditions is identified. The changes are sent to selected automotive computing systems within the plurality of automotive computing systems.

Abstract: A traffic management systems, combining different monitoring capabilities, beginning with standard WIM (Weigh in Motion) systems for axle weight measurements, combined with tire pressure monitoring in motion and suspension monitoring in motion, whereby for all three specialties, novel road embedded force measuring sensors are used, partly for force measurement and partly for switching operation upon touching the edge of the sensors by the onrolling tire, whereby all possible combinations of the three specialties are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: A computer system for determining traffic patterns and congestion and using the determined traffic patterns and congestion to determine an appropriate route using a global positioning system and related route map calculator. A vehicle is provided with an onboard computer system adapted to determine travel time of a vehicle in a road segment and calculate a route based on this information. In addition, this information can be distributed to or otherwise shared with other vehicles and similar information can be received from other vehicles to provide a distributed network for generating and sharing experienced traffic patterns. The information can also be used to predict traffic patterns as well.

Abstract: A navigation system and method in which geographic data are transmitted in portions, as needed, to end users' computing platforms from a central geographic database and used by the end users' computing platforms to provide navigation-related features to end users as the end users travel along roads in a geographic region.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention monitors and communicates travel data transmitted from vehicles being monitored by the system to users requesting travel information on a particular vehicle. A travel data storage unit receives and stores the travel data. When a user desires to view some or all of this travel data, the user submits a request to a data manager. In response, the data manager retrieves the appropriate information from the travel data stored in the travel data storage unit and transmits this information to the user. The data manager may communicate the information in a variety of mediums and preferably contact information is predefined that enables the data manager to determine which medium is preferable and how to establish communication once the medium is determined.

Abstract: A passive garage door opener system includes a sensor for determining the position of the vehicle relative to the receiver. When the vehicle is within a predetermined area near the receiver, the transmitter sends the signal to open the garage door. Other conditions of the vehicle, such as speed and heading, may also be monitored to determine when and whether to send the signal.

Abstract: A server platform in the PSTN performs the service of calling the subscriber if the subscriber's customary commuting route is congested. The service makes an initial call when the fastest commute route is congested. It also makes additional calls each time it finds a better alternate route. The server can accommodate any subscriber commuting pattern. If a street on the subscriber's customary route is found to be congested, then the server sequentially tests additional streets having geographic coordinates nearby, dynamically searching for an alternate route that has an acceptable level of congestion. The server has a voice response unit (VRU) in the platform, to announce to the subscriber that the subscriber's customary commuting route is congested. Following an initial call to the subscriber, the server continues to search for better alternate routes having the least congestion and it calls the subscriber again if it finds a better alternate route.

Abstract: An area corresponding to a zone 15 on a road 14 is divided to area A and area B, and an information traffic volume in each area is monitored. When overflow is about to occur, time slots for other areas are temporally allocated to the area to evade the overflow, so that shortage of communication channels due to a traffic jam or for some other reasons can be prevented in a system for providing automated driving controls for vehicles by means of communication systems based on a zone system.

Abstract: Traffic status reports and traffic forecasts of a central traffic station are optimized by a central traffic station by a process for the completion and/or verification of data concerning the status of a traffic network in a central traffic station data of the following types are used for this purpose: measurement data measured up to the present time; status data that are calculated for at least a point in time prior to the current time concerning the status of the traffic network at this point in time; and forecast data calculated for a time in the past and concerning a future time with respect to this time in the past.

Abstract: A system for instantaneously monitoring traffic congestion including a plurality of monitoring electronic devices located in motor vehicles traveling on roadways in a selected region. Each monitoring electronic device is coupled to a GPS receiver that provides physical location to a wireless modem capable of connecting to a wireless communication network. The system also includes a central computer connected to a wide area network that is able of continuously downloading physical location information from a plurality of monitoring electronic devices also connected to the wide area network. The central computer uses a traffic monitoring software program and a mapping database containing roadway information for a region and the movement information from the monitoring electronic devices to create a continuously updated traffic congestion database. Authorized users of the system are able to log onto the central computer to a portion of the database that contains specific traffic flow and congestion information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an image-based traffic information are disclosed. A plurality of time-variant real entities are converted into time-variant image vector entities and the attribute-designating statement of the time-variant image vector entity is determined based on a traffic information. Also, a plurality of time-invariant real entities are converted into a plurality of time-invariant image vector entities which constitutes a basic map. A traffic information map including at least said traffic state map is transmitted to a user device via a communication network. At user device, a basic image in accordance with the basic map is displayed on a screen of the user device and a traffic state image in accordance with the traffic state map is cumulatively displayed on the basic image.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for detecting vehicles which are moving through a predetermined zone. The apparatus includes a plurality of acousto-electric transducers trained on the zone. A bandpass filter is provided for processing electrical signals from the plurality of acousto-electric transducers. A correlator having at least two inputs and an output is provided for correlating filtered versions of the electrical signals originating from at least two of the plurality of acousto-electric transducers. An integrator is provided for integrating the output of the correlator means over time. Finally, a comparator is provided for indicating detection of a vehicle when the integrated output exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A program and method are disclosed that provide for determining a position of an object, such as a vehicle, relative to a road network represented by a geographic database. An intermediate position density is determined along a plurality of road segments in the road network by shifting a prior position density which had been determined along the plurality of road segments by a distance traveled by the object since the prior position density had been determined. Then, the intermediate position density is modified to take into account sensor-derived data received since the prior position density had been determined to form a new position density. The position of the object is determined to be that location along the plurality of road segments at which the new position density is greatest. Also disclosed is a way to determine whether the object, such as the vehicle, is on or off the road network. A certainty measure of the new position density is computed.

Abstract: A traffic incident detection system (10) includes both the collection and analysis of traffic data and employs a time-indexed traffic anomaly detection algorithm which partitions time into categories of “type of day,” and “time of day”. Using this partition, a fuzzy neuromorphic, unsupervised learning algorithm calibrates fuzzy sets as “normal” and “abnormal” for a plurality of traffic descriptors. Fuzzy composition techniques are used, on a per traffic lane basis, to combine multiple traffic descriptors in order to determine membership in a “normal” or “abnormal” lane status. Each lane status is then combined to determine the overall status of a road segment. Initial training of the algorithm occurs during the first few weeks after a sensor (12) is installed. On-line background training continues thereafter to continually tune and track seasonal changes affecting system performance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring traffic flow comprises reading registration plates of the vehicles of a multiplicity of series of vehicles passing respective locations on a road network, if necessary selecting samples of readings from the readings relating to the vehicles of the series, and determining whether readings of the samples are deemed to contain matching readings. The samples are used as probes or targets to measure average journey times which are compared with reference journey times. The selecting of the samples at the respective reading locations is performed according to an algorithm common to all of the locations.

Abstract: A process for the wireless transmission of data to a traffic sensor for assessing traffic in segments of a road network includes collecting data in a plurality of floating cars that travel in traffic and have sensor system for collecting the data. A current driving profile is formed in each floating car from the collected data. Actual values of characteristic driving profile properties are derived from the current driving profile and expected values of the characteristic driving profile properties are formed based on preestablished traffic situation information. A difference between the actual values and the expected values is determined and if the difference is determined to be a serious deviation from the expected values based on preestablished decision criteria, the data collected by the sensors is transmitted to a traffic center.

Abstract: An interface device between a computer running a traffic simulation program and any number of traffic signal controllers. The traffic simulation program simulates traffic in a road network including signal-controlled intersections. There are many signal manufacturers and they do not release the details of the control algorithms used in their controllers, hence it is impractical if not impossible to merely insert the control algorithm for a given controller into the program. The interface of the present invention allows any controller from any manufacturer to be used with the simulation program so that traffic flow in any network including signal-controlled intersections can be simulated. An assumed traffic network and demand traffic is input into the program; the program sends detector actuations to the signal controllers via the interface device and the controllers's phase indication states are sent back into the program also via the controller.

Abstract: Information (e.g. traffic information) is retrieved from a server. The content of the information is reviewed in order to determine which of a plurality of prestored speech files should be used to report the information. The selected speech files are concatenated to form an audio presentation. The speech files may include phrases identifying incident types, locations, severity and/or timing information, as well as other filler words that improve the audio presentation. In some embodiments, the audio presentation is accompanied by video and/or graphics that can be referenced by the audio presentation.

Abstract: A system of mobile units are installed in multiple vehicles in traffic. These mobile units include both wireless communications devices and apparatus that determines the location of each vehicle. Monitoring a vehicle's position as a function of time also reveals the velocity of the vehicle. Position and speed information is periodically broadcast by the vehicles to a central monitoring station and to neighboring vehicles. At the central monitoring station, the collective input of a set of vehicles is processed to provide an instant chart of traffic conditions in the area. Warnings of delays or updates on traffic conditions on the road ahead are then automatically returned to subscribers of the information or are used as part of an Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS).

Abstract: To obtain a traffic information providing system which can display information of a forward section of an on-road radio transmission/reception device even if there is no oncoming vehicle. The on-vehicle radio transmission/reception device has a moving time calculation device for calculating moving times of traveling sections which are arbitrarily divided, a memory for storing the moving time calculated by the moving time calculation device, and a transmission device for transmitting the moving time; and the on-road radio reception device has a reception device for receiving a moving time from the moving time calculation device, a recognition unit for recognizing a traffic situation from the moving time to form traffic situation data, a data communication device for transmitting/receiving the traffic situation data between the plurality of on-road radio transmission/reception devices, and a display device for displaying the traffic situation data obtained by the data communication device.

Abstract: A process for automated vehicle-autonomous detection of a particular traffic situation by continuously detecting an instantaneous vehicle speed onboard a vehicle. The detected vehicle speeds are classified using guidelines which may be based on rigid values or on fuzzy logic relationships, into one or more of a plurality of traffic categories by assigning a weight for that detected vehicle speed to each of the traffic categories. Thereafter, for each traffic category the weights associated with the detected speed values are integrated over time to calculate an integrated result for each traffic category. The integrated results of the traffic categories are then evaluated based on predetermined rules or criteria to generate a probabilistically-based traffic detection value indicating the traffic category representing the vehicles' current traffic situation. The traffic categories and guidelines or membership functions or relationships are defined for use with a particular type of road.

Abstract: A programmable vehicle detector with operator actuatable function selection and parameter value setting keys, and an operational display. A small cluster (four) of key switches enables an operator to select programmable vehicle detector functions, such as pulse/presence, scanning/non-scanning, end of green control; and also adjust the value of settable parameters, such as loop frequency, sensitivity, delay time, and maximum presence time. The value of certain parameters is displayed, either by manual interrogation by operation of the switches during a set mode or automatically during normal operation. During normal operation, the display also indicates dynamically the relative value of the loop inductance, using a unique bar graph, the generation of Call a signal, and the time remaining in a delay time period and a maximum presence time period. The display further indicates which of several channels has been selected for function and parameter programming, or is currently being monitored for operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for fleet control when manned and unmanned vehicles travel together, and prevents mutual interference when manned vehicles simultaneously travel with unmanned vehicles on the same traveling course. To this end, in the apparatus, the unmanned vehicle includes an unmanned vehicle position detecting device, an unmanned vehicle transmitter/receiver, and an unmanned vehicle controller. The manned vehicle includes a manned vehicle position detecting device, a manned vehicle transmitter/receiver, a manned vehicle controller), and an alarm device. The manned vehicle controller compares unmanned vehicle position data and manned vehicle position data, and outputs an alarm signal for avoiding the unmanned vehicle when the unmanned vehicle travels ahead of the manned vehicle and the distance up to the unmanned vehicle is shorter than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and system for determination of dynamic traffic information or traffic events. Relevant data from vehicle-mounted terminals are recorded automatically, by remote interrogation or manually, and transmitted directly, together with a location identifier, via a wide-coverage mobile-telephone network, for example, GSM, to other mobile-telephone subscribers and/or a higher level exchange. In the exchange, the incoming data are processed and fed to selected terminals and/or third parties. In addition, the results of interrogation, for example, braking behavior, can be pre-defined by a traffic-control center and transmitted by radio broadcast or mobile telephone system to the terminals of road users in a geographically limited area who can then "observe" the flow of traffic directly and immediately report incoming interrogation results by mobile telephone back to the exchange.

Abstract: The present invention is an infrared traffic sensor with feature curve generation to derive empirical information for determining traffic patterns. A real-time IR image camera is positioned over an automobile and truck traffic thoroughfare for collecting video image data of the traffic thoroughfare. Data in the form of a video signal taken by the infrared video camera is received by a signal processing unit for processing the data. The processed data is used to generate statistical feature curves from which the empirical traffic information such as the number of vehicles, the speed of the vehicles, and the classification of the vehicles are determined.

Abstract: A traffic intersection control system or intelligent intersection that analyzes in real time existing traffic flow at intersections to determine whether turn lanes need to be added, lengthened, or done away with, if the lane geometry needs to be modified, and if the time duration of the signals needs to be shortened or lengthened. Conventional, painted, pavement markings are replaced with intelligent pavement markers (IPMs). The IPMs display an intense white or yellow light (e.g., an LED) or can be switched off. Overhead, electronic, lane usage signs alert drivers as to which lanes are through lanes, which lanes are for on-coming traffic, and which lanes are turn lanes. The intersection controller analyzes data about current traffic flow and historical data to determine the most efficient intersection configuration and signal timing for a set time period. If necessary, the controller reconfigures the intersection by controlling the IPMs and overhead lane usage signs using communications equipment.

Abstract: When the vehicle is running in a low speed condition, a vehicle-mounted running control device performs vehicle control of a normal mode without performing of traffic jam control of the vehicle, if it is discriminated that the vehicle will change a running course thereof on the basis of road information of a scheduled vehicle running course obtained from a navigation system, and performs the traffic jam control with the vehicle being discriminated as in the traffic jam condition, if it is discriminated that the vehicle will not change the running course thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining traffic conditions using stationary data collection devices that are installed in a road network. The data collection devices collect data about traffic conditions at the respective installation sites in keeping with an established measurement and then forward the collected information to a traffic center in keeping with an established reporting procedure where the data is analyzed to determine the traffic condition. At least a portion of the results of the analyses of the traffic center is transmitted to particular data collection devices. The measurement and reporting procedures of the particular data collection devices are modified or influenced based on the results of the analyses of the traffic center and as a result the data transmissions between the traffic center and data collections devices are substantially reduced.

Abstract: Traffic is monitored in individual lanes of a roadway as to vehicle count or presence, speed and direction of movement by mounting a microphone array high above the road surface, digitizing the output signals of the microphones, filtering, beamforming and storing the digitized signals to provide separate power histories for separate locations in individual lanes. These power histories are then analyzed to provide vehicle movement data for each lane.

Abstract: Methods apparatus for storing and expanding wide instruction words in a computer system are provided. The computer system includes a memory and an instruction cache. Compressed instruction words of a program are stored in a code heap segment of the memory, and code pointers are stored in a code pointer segment of the memory. Each of the code pointers contains a pointer to one of the compressed instruction words. Part of the program is stored in the instruction cache as expanded instruction words. During execution of the program, an instruction word is accessed in the instruction cache. When the instruction word required for execution is not present in the instruction cache, thereby indicating a cache miss, a code pointer corresponding to the required instruction word is accessed in the code pointer segment of memory. The code pointer is used to access a compressed instruction word corresponding to the required instruction word in the code heap segment of memory.

Abstract: In a method for automatically monitoring traffic, traffic data are recorded at several measuring points of the traffic network. The time-dependent positions of the upstream back-up flank and of the downstream back-up flank are estimated continuously according to characteristic relationships which take into account the flow and the density of the traffic in the back-up, the point in time at which the upstream back-up flank passes a respective first measuring point, the point in time at which the downstream back-up flank passes this measuring point as well as the flow and the average vehicle speed at this first as well as at a second measuring point which is situated upstream of the upstream back-up flank.

Abstract: With a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites, instantaneous photographs of all large cities can be made available in real-time or near real-time. Those photographs can be downloaded to ground stations, and there photographically interpreted to determine traffic conditions. The use of high and low photographic resolution permit making distinctions between different causes of traffic conditions. A color-coded map may be generated showing all major roads and their current status, showing such conditions as light traffic, medium traffic, heavy traffic and traffic accidents or jams, for example. These color-coded maps or color-coded alphabetized lists of streets may be broadcast to subscribers (broadcast stations, companies or individuals). From the color-coded traffic report, the subscribers are updated about which routes to avoid and what the best detours are around the more congested areas.

Abstract: An underground vehicle sensing system extends below a vehicle travel surface to detect the presence of a vehicle. A conduit extends substantially horizontally underground from an access hole placed at the side of the vehicle travel surface. A plurality of sensors are spaced apart in the conduit to detect localized changes in the magnetic field. A plurality of sections house the probes and wiring to orient and position the probes. Sections detachably clip together to form a lightweight support structure and may be added one by one through the access hole. Lightweight extension members are utilized in some configurations between the support sections for positioning and supporting the probes.