Patent Grant
9406225
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods of providing traffic data services in an automotive mobile environment, and in particular to providing such services in such an environment that does not include (or require) a GPS-based navigation system.
Satellite digital radio broadcasters, such as, for example, Sirius XM Radio Inc. (“Sirius XM”), currently offer well over a hundred channels of content over a large geographic footprint. A portion of that content can include data services that interoperate with existing GPS-based navigation services commonly available for use in automobiles, for example. Such data services can include, for example, traffic data, such as road obstructions, congestion, hazards due to weather, and other road conditions. For example, Sirius SXM has operated real time traffic data services for premium navigation systems since 2004. These services provide a subscriber with real-time traffic information, enabling a vehicle's navigation system or Personal Navigation Device (“PND”) to display constantly refreshed and current traffic conditions. However, for the large portion of the existing and future markets that do not or will not have access to GPS-based navigation systems, these data services are useless.
In a typical satellite radio service configuration of approximately 100 channels or more, nearly 50 channels provide music with the remaining stations offering news, sports, talk and data. For example, the broadcast services provided by Sirius SXM Radio Inc. each include a satellite X-band uplink to two or more satellites which provide frequency translation to the S-band for re-transmission to radio receivers on earth within a coverage area. Radio frequency carriers from one of the satellites are also received by terrestrial repeaters. The content received at the repeaters is retransmitted at a different S-band carrier to the same radios that are within their respective coverage areas. These terrestrial repeaters facilitate reliable reception in geographic areas where geosynchronous satellite reception is obscured by tall buildings, hills or other natural obstructions, tunnels, or other obstructions. The signals transmitted by the satellites and the repeaters are received by satellite digital audio radio system (“SDARS”) receivers which can be located in automobiles, in handheld units, or in stationary units for home or office use. The SDARS receivers are designed to receive one or both of the satellite signals and the signals from the terrestrial repeaters and dynamically combine or select one of the signals to output to a user.
Each SDARS receiver generally contains a unique Hardware Identification number (HWID), which is assigned during the manufacturing process. The HWID can be used by SDARS Service Providers to enable the receiver to receive, or disable the receiver from receiving, particular subscribed services such as music and talk programming. In addition, these subscribed services can include data services, such as, for example, weather and traffic data feeds or other custom data feeds. Such custom data feeds are typically uniquely enabled by the SDARS Service Provider for select subscriber groups.
Although existing telematics systems using cellular and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, such as, for example, the General Motors On-Star system, currently track vehicles and provide services such as dispatching emergency road side assistance upon detection of certain detected events at the vehicle, no current system graphically provides enhanced data services independently of a navigation system, which typically requires additional memory and resources to operate.
Additionally, current navigation services store databases of maps and other data and rely on complicated navigational systems, routing engines, embedded map databases and other resources to provide their information to users, all of which adds complexity and cost.
What is needed in the art are systems and methods of providing traffic data services in an automotive environment without requiring, or being dependent upon, GPS-based navigation systems
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a suite of data services for non-navigation based head units can be provided that provide similar levels of functionality to GPS navigation-based systems. Such exemplary embodiments can, for example, provide traffic data services to a user without the need for navigational systems. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a system for providing traffic data services in an automotive mobile environment can include a data decoder for decoding a digital data stream from a digital audio transmission source, a location determining module for determining a current location of a mobile receiver receiving the digital data stream, a display for displaying traffic data corresponding to the current location, and a plurality of static maps wherein traffic data corresponding to the current location can be overlaid over all or a portion of the static maps. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a method of providing traffic data services in an automotive mobile environment can include decoding a digital data stream from a digital audio transmission source, determining a current location of a mobile receiver receiving the digital data stream, displaying traffic data corresponding to the current location, and overlaying the traffic data corresponding to the current location over all or a portion of static maps corresponding to the then current location.
As noted above, conventional traffic data services have been targeted at GPS navigation systems. Thus, in conventional systems, a satellite radio subscriber can be supplied with real-time traffic information which can enable a vehicle's navigation system or personal navigation device (PND) to display constantly refreshed and current traffic conditions. Moreover, a premium version of this service also allows dynamic rerouting and other functions within the navigation device. However, such data is not currently provided in the absence of a non-navigation traffic service.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an alternative method for displaying traffic information can be provided, which allows such services to be offered across an entire range of products or vehicles that have reasonably sized graphical screens, and not just those vehicles fitted with a GPS navigation system. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention such a data service can be provided to vehicles having a display capable of displaying a map image and graphical icons, but not having navigation system functionality.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, any broadcast media can be used to broadcast traffic data. Such broadcast media can include, for example, satellite radio, digital radio, standard radio, RDS, DAB, etc.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same traffic data that is used in either the current Sirius Traffic and XM NavTraffic services can be used, with (i) no over-the-air changes or additions to accommodate the new service, and (ii) with no change in bandwidth or data transmission rate to accommodate the new service.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a driver who already knows where he is going (for example on a daily commute) can see the conditions on his road ahead. This can, for example, help him to make decisions on which route to take to a destination. In alternate exemplary embodiments of the present invention the non-navigation based (hereinafter “non-nav”) service can sit alongside a telematics based turn-by-turn directions service.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such a non-nav traffic service can be considered as an “infotainment service”, i.e. information transmitted over a broadcast data channel to a receiver. Software in the receiving product (called the “HMI”) can then interpret this data and present it to the user through a user interface (“UI”).
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the graphical display of traffic information can be, for example, overlaid on a limited functionality image or picture of a city or regional road network. This allows a driver to look at a small display (such as, for example, a 4-10″ display) in their vehicle, or on their portable device, and to view traffic information at their current location. Such a simple geo-referenced road network image can be provided by a carrier such as Sirius XM as a basis for the service, where the traffic information is broadcast across the Sirius and XM networks as digitally encoded traffic data.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the data service does not rely on a road geometry database or map to be resident in the receiver, and in such exemplary embodiments nearby traffic conditions can be displayed using a simple display. Thus, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, data services can be provided that expand the range of target head units from navigation based systems to non-navigation based systems.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the following exemplary hardware and system configuration can be assumed: (i) GPS present or a cellular location determining mechanism using, for example, time distance of arrival or other technique; (ii) no on board map database or routing database; (iii) no dedicated hard keys or soft keys; and (iv) an Alert-C decoder in the head unit to decode non-navigation traffic messages.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a map can be stored as a digital picture, such as, for example, in the JPEG format, depicting a road network in a major metropolitan area. Traffic data can then, for example, be overlaid on this picture. If there are 80 different market areas being covered across North America, then 80 corresponding pictures can be stored, for example, in an exemplary head unit. While the initial set of 80 markets/images can, for example, be stored locally, a method of adding new market images over-the-air as required can also be provided.
In contrast, traditional navigation systems rely on a large, expensive, and complex database of road geometry. Thus, a navigation system supplier has to digitally draw their own map using the road geometry in the database, which often requires significant memory and processing to draw the maps on a screen.
The following Glossary contains some relevant terminology.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a non-nay traffic service can be provided, which can be, for example, an extension of an SDARS traffic service, such as, for example, the XM NavTraffic and/or Sirius Traffic services. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, using existing resources, such current traffic services can be made to simulate in a non-navigation environment the services conventionally provided in a navigation environment (to a certain extent).
Non-Navigation Traffic Information Data Service Overview
Over the next few years, it is anticipated that large (e.g., minimum 4 inch diagonal), high resolution displays will become much more prevalent on new vehicles. OEMs will want to maximize the use of these displays with minimum additional hardware cost. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, these displays can be used to show additional Sirius SXM data services, including, for example, traffic information.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a non-nav traffic service can allow the current traffic information services offered by, for example, Sirius SXM (Sirius Traffic and SXM NavTraffic) to be used with lower cost hardware than traditional navigation systems. This can, for example, allow traffic information to be offered across an entire vehicle model line, and not just on the premium models with full functionality navigation systems.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, graphic display of traffic information can be provided on a limited functionality image of a road network. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention such a simple map image can be provided by an SDARS provider. Relative to the conventional navigation system, the costs of such an exemplary overall system are reduced due to the lower hardware, graphics, memory and map requirements.
Hardware Assumptions
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, exemplary systems can include GPS position information, or alternatively, cellular location finding techniques can be used to determine the user's current position. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, no embedded map database is required, rather only static map images, which can, for example, be provided to OEMs by an SDARS provider. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention no routing database or routing engine is required. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an Alert-C decoder can be provided in a head unit to decode, for example, an SDARS traffic information data stream. Additionally, for example, custom Traffic Message Channel (TMC) location tables can be provided, where a receiver is able to handle them.
Feature Overview
The following is a summary of exemplary features in an exemplary non-nav traffic data service according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
Map Image Information
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in order to show traffic information on a map, a simple geo-referenced 2D image of a map can be utilized. Thus, a series of map images can be preloaded in a receiver and provided in a standard format by an SDARS provider, for example. Additionally, the specification for these files can also be provided to an OEM on request, if, for example, they wish to create their own images to differentiate their products.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention such images can, for example: (i) support any display several inches or larger; and (ii) support various commonly used aspect ratios. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention most markets will be covered by one image per market, and larger markets may need multiple images to support additional zoom levels. Market images can, for example, show road network and names of the highways, and can scale so that TMC location information can be overlaid accurately. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention labels can be located such that any traffic information can be overlaid, with the labels still visible. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention such images can support the 80 current traffic markets in the US and Canada, including intercity traffic coverage.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention multiple markets can be displayed on one screen, such as when, for example a user is located between closely located traffic markets, such as Baltimore and Washington D.C., for example. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the images can, for example, support day/night coloring, or an image can be selected that suits both purposes.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a base image in a large market may need to be tiled (i.e., provide multiple zoomed-in pictures). An example of such tiled imaging is shown in
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention all zoomed-in tiles can be created with the same resolution. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention tiles can, for example, have an overlap between them so that a user always has forward information before switching to the next tile. Thus, as a user drives from southeast to northwest, for example, a user should be able to see the display switching from that of
Non-Nav Traffic Images
These form the basis for the Non-Nav traffic service. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention simple geo-referenced 2D map images can be provided and preloaded in an exemplary device. Non-Nay traffic images can have the following exemplary features n exemplary embodiments of the present invention:
Day/Night Views
Ability to Support Split Screen View
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention maps can support a split screen, where audio service and traffic data may be displayed simultaneously on a screen, as depicted in
Traffic TMC Location Tables
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, traffic data can be referenced to TMC Location Codes, which have lat-long (i.e., latitude-longitude) co-ordinates. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention TMC Consortium location tables can be used to geo-reference traffic data to a map, and traffic information in the traffic data services can contain location information referenced to these Consortium TMC location codes, thus allowing the traffic data services to be used with a map.
Thus, in order for end-users to make use of the traffic information, each device must include a TMC location code lookup table to convert the TMC location code back into a Lat-Long. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an SDARS provider can supply the necessary information for TMC location tables. For example, Sirius XM can provide a customized version of a TMC database, with unused TMC locations (locations where map can become too cluttered or locations such as Alaska and Hawaii) removed to reduce memory footprint.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a custom location code database can be created and provided to use with the map images. This can ensure, for example, that standard “TMC-AlertC, Traffic information” can be used. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, traffic information can be overlaid on each image using such a custom location code database, ensuring that the traffic data follows the road geometry on the image, without the need for an underlying road geometry/map database. Such images can be geo-referenced, for example, with latitude/longitude information. This, in conjunction with the custom location code database allows it to be used to overlay the traffic information. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention maps can have individual TMC traffic location tables that can identify the road segments visible in each map image.
As noted above in connection with
Displaying Flow Speed Data on the Map as Dots or Lines
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in order to display flow data as, for example, colored lines alongside a freeway or road, the flow data can be drawn onto the map by joining the dots between TMC Location codes. If a map database is not included with the device, flow data will not match the geometry of the road exactly. Thus, in order to ensure that the dots or lines reasonably follow the roadway geometry, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention methods for following highway contours can be used for certain locations. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the base image of the road geometry can also be created, for example, using the lot/long co-ordinates of the TMC locations, which can ensure that flow data follows the roads.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention speed/flow information can be drawn on a map as, for example, red/yellow/green lines depicting speed of traffic on the roadways. Alternatively, an exemplary OEM can change these colors to suit their OEM's needs.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an OEM can include settings within their UI design, so as to allow a user to select when each color is displayed. For example, a green flow line may be used if speed is an absolute value (55 mph+), or, for example, to show a percentage of the posted speed limit (traffic is moving at 30 mph in a 30 mph speed zone).
In certain large markets, flow miles of coverage on a non-nay implementation can be, for example, a subset of the data actually transmitted by an SDARS provider. This may be necessary to prevent clutter on the image. For example, FC1 coverage would be identical for nav and non-nav services, but non-nav FC2 coverage can be a subset of nav coverage. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a filter table can be provided to automate this.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, traffic data can be shown, for example, using dots or lines to show traffic data.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention another option can be to create stylized maps using straight lines of each market. This can, for example, allow for better representation of each market's traffic flow data, although it may make it difficult to overlay latitude/longitude TMC code information.
In such exemplary stylized maps, traffic market images can be depicted using simplified road segments, the absence of speed/flow data results in free flow conditions by default, speed/flow data for road segments can be overlaid onto a traffic market image, and each road segment can utilizes existing TMC codes for location and extent.
Displaying Traffic Incident Data on the Map
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, incident data can be referenced directly to a lat-lon co-ordinate and referenced to the map. Then, touching an incident on the map, for example, can cause any additional information associated with the incident to be displayed.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention incident messages can be identified by their class so that incident data can be displayed as a list, sorted by incident type/class of message (GPS not required) or proximity to current location (GPS or location finding required). For example, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention a user can see only the accident class message and hide all construction class messages.
Traffic Accident/Incident Icon Types
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an exemplary system can support standard ISO or SAE icon sets, or custom icons. Thus, OEMs can differentiate their products from each other by offering differing icon sets.
De-Cluttering of Traffic Accident/Incident Icons and Flow Data
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is important that the traffic incident and flow data be de-cluttered at different zoom level tiles. Some of this can be achievable, for example, within the settings in an end user's device. Examples of de-cluttering are switching off construction warning information at certain zoom levels. It may also be necessary to show flow data on FC1 & FC2 roads only when a map is zoomed out, with FC3 and FC4 flow data only displayed at levels of higher zooming in. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a filter table can be provided to allow de-cluttering decisions to be made.
Additional Features
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an exemplary non-nay traffic data service can be both flexible and backwards compatible. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an exemplary service can allow for (i) expansion of traffic flow miles coverage in existing markets; (ii) addition of new traffic data markets; (iii) addition of intercity traffic coverage; and (iv) road network or road geometry changes.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention map tiles and associated tables/databases can be updated in an over the air broadcast if new traffic markets are added.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a UI can be provided that allows an exemplary device to be put into a “learning” mode, so as to learn the driver's normal routes. Incident messages may only be presented for routes that are on the drivers favorites list.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, although not necessary, additional traffic data could be gathered from each vehicle to improve the overall quality of the traffic data service using a back channel.
Non-Nav Traffic Service with No-Display or Limited Capability Display
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a non-nav traffic data service can be used with no display, using a voice recognition capability as the primary user interlace. This allows the service to be added to a much more diverse range of vehicles or devices, and recognizes that many newer vehicles include some form of voice recognition command and response structure, such as, for example, for using cellular telephones.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an exemplary system can store all data service information—including traffic information, weather information, stock price information, gas price information, sports score information into local memory. When a user asks a question about these services using the voice recognition capability, the local memory can be accessed, for example, to provide an immediate answer. TMC location code tables can also be stored locally in the device to provide a lookup table between the over-the-air broadcast format, and a human-interpretable format. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention over the air updates to phonemes can be made.
In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a non-nay traffic data service offers many advantages, such as, for example: (i) entry level service on low-tier vehicles, including motorcycles; (ii) functionality to reduce driver distraction in a vehicle; and (ii allows High-Tier vehicles to differentiate themselves from their competition.
By way of illustration, an exemplary use case for this system can have the following hardware: (i) vehicle has GPS, though it is not necessary; (ii) no onboard maps or routing database; (iii) no dedicated hard keys or soft keys; (iv) consortium traffic location tables are stored in an end-user's device; and (v) Tier-1 has included an Alert-C decoder in the end user's device.
Exemplary Use Cases
1. Which highway should I use?
Jim is headed over to a friend's house and isn't sure whether he should take the I-275 or I-96 highway to get there. He hops into his car and switches to the Traffic view. Noticing that the I-275 highway has several areas of “red” speeds, he elects to take the alternate route to get to his friend's house on time.
2. Avoiding slow speed traffic
Driving down the freeway, you notice that the speed and flow information a few miles ahead of you indicates that traffic is either at stopped or very slow speeds. You know of an alternate route that you can take if you get off at the next exit.
3. Avoiding traffic incidents
About to leave his house, Cameron wants to see if there are any incidents near him that would impact his route to his friend's house. Pressing the “Incidents around You” button, he is shown the incidents around him, sorted by proximity to his current location. Selecting any of the incidents switches the display to the map view so that he can see the traffic congestion that the incident is causing.
4. Pan Around to look for traffic problems.
Looking at a static image of Los Angeles, Jim still has the benefit of seeing the speed/flow and traffic incident data of XM NavTraffic. He can still pan around and see the traffic conditions in the area without having to spend several hundred dollars (or more) for the premium navigation system.
5. Which pre-learned route to take?
James lives about an hour or so from his office and has a number of different options to get to work. In his car, his Non-Nay system has learned 3 different routes that he regularly takes to get to work. When he turns on his car, he presses the “which route should I take” button; his system loads the traffic information for those three routes. The system can show James an overview of the speed and flow data for the three routes and allow him to select the best one. For example, the three routes might be as follows:
Feature Comparison
The following table summarily presents a feature comparison between exemplary embodiments of the present invention with and without a display screen.
The above-presented description is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way except as set forth in the following claims. For example, although embodiments are described with respect to a satellite digital audio radio, the embodiments and contemplated claim scope are equally applicable to other satellite and land based digital audio systems such as broad cast methods HD Radio, DAB, ATSC Mobile, MediaFlo and two way systems such ICO satellite/terrestrial as well as 4G LTE or WiMAX. Furthermore, the embodiments can also be applicable to broadcast as well as two way communication systems. The messaging formats herein are also not limited to TMC, but can include other formats such as TPEG or other proprietary or non-proprietary formats. The decoders used here are not limited to Alert-C decoders, but can be implemented using any other standard or proprietary decoder format. Although the described exemplary embodiments primarily entail head unit applications in vehicles, they can just as easily apply to any electronic device having a screen display (without a navigation system). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention traffic data can be overlaid on roads on a standard map or a representative road system or on custom maps like a subway map.
In other exemplary embodiments, certain TMC location codes can be removed or certain TMC location codes can be added to smooth the colored flow information. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention GPS can be used to automatically show the appropriate map or market or correct data service info.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/793,566 filed Mar. 11, 2013 which claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/799,321 entitled “TRAFFIC DATA SERVICES WITHOUT NAVIGATION SYSTEM”, and filed on May 3, 2010 (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,396,651 issued on Mar. 12, 2013), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/174,955 filed on May 1, 2009, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 13793566 | Mar 2013 | US |
| Child | 14518367 | US | |
| Parent | 12799898 | May 2010 | US |
| Child | 13793566 | US |
