Patent Grant
6885935
The present invention relates generally to traffic flow control and specifically to a system and method for providing for vehicle permissions to control vehicle operation by a third party.
Today, vehicle drivers generally use paper maps, or in some cases electronic maps, to guide them to their destinations. In other cases a driver may be shown the route either by one giving them directions or driving the route. Once a driver no longer needs directional guidance than he/she may follow the route based upon routine or habit. Thus, drivers select their routes based on habit or routine, generally resulting in non-optimal use of the road network under actual conditions. This is because congestion information is typically not known to drivers and as a result they are not able to navigate so as to avoid the congestion. Anecdotal traffic and road condition information is occasionally available from radio broadcasts, and in rare instances by variable message signs that have been installed in the infrastructure. Such information sources, however, are sparse in the information that they convey and difficult for many drivers to act upon. In addition, road condition information is most often delivered too late to help in preventing major congestion; mostly the conditions that will cause congestion are not noted early enough.
For example, for a driver unfamiliar with an area, information such as “congestion ahead” from a variable message sign will not provide sufficient information to allow the driver to alter his original route. Non-recurring congestion (e.g., traffic accidents) can cause immense traffic tie-ups and delays. If drivers upstream from these events had adequate information about the congestion and about alternative routes, however, the resulting congestion could be reduced. In addition, if a plurality of alternative routes are available, and if the drivers could be guided in such a way as to optimally use the alternative routes, then the congestion resulting from an incident, as well as from normal traffic patterns, could be greatly minimized.
There is also a type of recurrent congestion (due either to poorly designed roads, or overloading of roads, poorly timed traffic control devices, misuse of lanes, etc.). An example is a multi lane road with a turn lane where the turn lane is used by drivers to pass slower traffic and then merge back into non-turning traffic. These points are analogous to ice crystals forming in supercooled water—drivers that are slower to respond (i.e., traffic works on a lowest common denominator—thus one slow reacting driver creates rippling/magnifying delays for all of the other drivers).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,321 teaches a method by which dynamic traffic information is communicated to vehicles over a wireless modality so that route selection algorithms in the vehicle can select an optimum route. This is an improvement, but can itself result in unstable traffic flow. Each vehicle receives the same information, and drivers have no knowledge of the route selections of other drivers, allowing the likely possibility of subsequent traffic instability (e.g., traffic jams) if many vehicles choose the same alternate route based on the same information. This system requires a high bandwidth to communicate all dynamic traffic data to all vehicles in areas with a dense road infrastructure. As a result, to be practical, the system must limit its information broadcast to traffic conditions of the most heavily traveled routes.
As can be seen, a need has arisen for a system for determining optimal traffic flow based upon current and projected traffic and road information, and for communicating that information to vehicles.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,821 entitled “Optimal and Stable Planning System” addresses this problem by providing a system for determining optimal vehicle routes using current traffic flow information received from individual vehicles. The system comprises one or more fixed computers connected via a wide area network, the computers storing a model of a road network specifying the geometry of road segments and traffic characteristics of the road segments; communication means allowing fixed and wireless communication between the fixed computers and mobile in-vehicle computer units, and also fixed communication among the fixed computers; means in the fixed computers for computing an optimal route for each vehicle based upon data supplied by the in-vehicle units; and means for communicating optimal route information to the in-vehicle units.
Although the system works effectively for its stated purpose, as is noted it computes the optimal route based upon in-vehicle information, but does not necessarily take into account other issues that may arise, apart from information by the vehicles. For example, an emergency may occur that is not generally known, such as an impending storm, hurricane or other naturally occurring disaster. In addition, there may be some other type of emergency, such as a fire or the like, that may require a change in traffic flow or the like.
There are other issues with traffic control which are not addressed by the above-cited references. Accordingly, it would be desirable to allow an owner of a vehicle to control the use of a vehicle by another. For example, it would be desirable for a parent to automatically control the use of an automobile by his/her child. In another example, it would be desirable for a rental car to automatically control the use of their cars by the people who lease the cars. Finally, in a third example it would be desirable to allow a governmental authority, such as the court, to automatically control the time and distance that an individual can drive a vehicle if the individual has been convicted of a crime such as drunk driving. None of the above-identified systems address these problems.
What is needed is a system to overcome the above-identified problems. The present invention addresses such a need.
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.
A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides for the use of individual operator sign-on to vehicle or default permissions without sign-on to control the parameters of operation. For example, parents can set teenager parameters, rental car owners can set driver parameters, commercial fleet managers can set parameters, permissions can be set for valet drivers. These parameters can include allowable areas to operate the vehicle, e.g., can't drive to Mexico or to the liquor store, and providing for speeds and weight loads. These permissions can cover a wide range of vehicle operation as opposed to mechanical speed governors or valet keys.
The present invention relates generally to traffic flow control and specifically to a system and method for controlling traffic routing and flow. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
In this embodiment there may be one regional controller 102 which is a primary controller and may be, for example, to control and monitor vehicles within a region of several cities. In addition, in this embodiment, there is a plurality of subsidiary controllers. For example, borough or city controllers 104 and 123 are utilized to control and monitor vehicles within their respective areas. In a preferred embodiment, an autonomous entity controller 125, for example, a campus controller for a college, is utilized to control and monitor vehicles within this area. Also, as is seen, there is a controller 108 for a smaller area, such as a parking lot. The parking controller 108 controls and monitors vehicles within the parking lot. Finally, there may be a controller that is ephemeral, such as controller 110, for a particular event, such as sports or other type of event. The ephemeral controller 110 would control and monitor vehicles within such an event.
As above mentioned, each of the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 monitors the vehicle position and make suggestions for adjustments to the vehicle's path and speed based on up to the minute traffic data. In addition, the traffic controller system 100 could manage the lanes and lights or could interface with a system that manages the same.
Typically, the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 are in communication with the regional controller 102 and can be in communication with each other. A vehicle 106a-106d, as before mentioned, has the capability of interacting with each of the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 while in the cell 105, 107, 109, 111, 113 or 115 associated with its respective controller. The subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 could be automated or an individual could be located therewithin.
Each of the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 typically includes a server system 121a-121e that is tracking each vehicle within its cell. Each server system 121a-121e includes a predictive system which can calculate where a vehicle is moving and how quickly it will reach its destination. Within each of the server systems 121a-121e is a database which is object oriented. That is, each of the databases includes a plurality of participant objects. These participant objects are utilized by the controllers to manage the operation of vehicles within the system.
Vehicle Object 202
A vehicle object 202 typically includes the make, model and capabilities and limitations of the vehicle. For example, it would include the height, weight, maximum speed and the like.
Operator Object 204
An operator object 204 typically includes information about the operator. It would typically include height, weight, and age information. The operator object would also include the class of drivers license (i.e., learner's permit, limousine permit, etc.) and any capabilities, features or limitations of the operator.
Trip Object 206
A trip object 206 indicates the trip plan of the vehicle. The trip object 206 could come from a preplanned trip information, such as a trip to work or a vacation. The trip object 206 could be related to historical information, once again, repeated trips to work, for groceries or to a relative.
Segment Object 208
A segment object indicates information about a segment of the road within a controller domain.
The controllers within the traffic controller system are computationally intensive due to the large number of objects and the large amount of information within each object. For example, on a typical super highway, there may be several lanes which are represented by segment objects, turn offs, shoulders, all of which are represented by segment objects, several vehicles of various sizes and classes, further represented by various participant objects. Accordingly, the controllers could be implemented by supercomputers, by distributed processors or other compiling architectures to represent the participant objects in an effective and efficient manner.
Referring back to
All of the controllers 102, 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125, via the various participant objects, in cooperation, provide for the most efficient route for a vehicle. The regional controller 102 has control over and monitors all of the other controllers. Each of the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 can provide information to the vehicle within its particular cell via the participant objects and to other controllers either directly or through the regional controller 102. Also, as is seen, some cells can have overlapping responsibilities and those overlapping responsibilities can be controlled by each of the controllers within that particular cell. The most efficient route is determined by the location of the vehicle. For example, if a vehicle is traveling within a cell, the controller responsible for that cell would make suggestions via the participant objects to the vehicle concerning the most efficient route. On the other hand, if a vehicle is traveling between cells (i.e., traveling between cities), a higher level controller would make suggestions to the vehicle concerning the most efficient route.
A vehicle can communicate information about start and stop positions via the participant objects, in addition to optional information like driver patterns and preferences to the regional controller 102 via a trip plan which as before mentioned can be supplied via a trip object. The regional controller 102 will then plot the best path based on the trip plan and also from input from the current and projected traffic loads and provide that information back to the vehicle. Through the use of this system, a hierarchical traffic control system is provided in which each of the subsidiary controllers 104, 108, 110, 123 and 125 monitors and controls the traffic within its cell and the regional controller 102 provides an overall control plan based on the flow of traffic in the entire system.
As is seen, a plurality of vehicles 106a-106d can travel in and between different cells via the various segments. Although only four vehicles are shown for the sake of simplicity, one of ordinary skill in the art readily recognizes that typically a plurality of vehicles are travelling within the cells being monitored and there can be several segments representing routes, highways, and roads, etc. monitored by each of the controllers.
The vehicle 106 also includes wireless communications systems 207 and a global positioning system (GPS) locating apparatus 209 therewithin. The wireless communications allow for two-way communication between the vehicle and the controllers.
Accordingly, the occupants of the vehicles can communicate with the traffic controllers directly to ensure that specific issues are addressed via voice communication. In addition, the location of the vehicle in a particular environment can be tracked using a GPS location system 209. The GPS location system 209 could be used in a variety of fashions. For example, the GPS location system 209 can be within a vehicle, or triangulation on a cell phone or some other wireless scheme.
One of the features of the present invention is that a vehicle can provide feedback to the traffic controller. A vehicle may automatically provide information about its condition by sending vehicle operation information. This vehicle information is added to the vehicle object within the controller. For example, the database within the controller system that receives location information for a defined segment of a road can analyze the data to determine where and how the vehicle can move to avoid the road hazard. In addition, a GPS monitoring system could include input from the driver as to the nature of the problem. The controller can then add this information to the vehicle object. The controller can then warn other drivers of the hazard.
Information about the vehicles and segments is utilized by the controllers to effectively route vehicles to appropriate destinations. To more specifically describe their interaction, refer now to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. These interactions will be described from different viewpoints utilizing three figures.
To further describe the operation of the vehicle within the controller domain and its interaction with the controller and the segment objects, refer now to the following discussion. Referring now to
To describe the use of the segment object when vehicles are traveling through a segment associated with that segment object, refer now to the following. Referring now to
Accordingly, utilizing data from the vehicle area network can be utilized by traffic control system 100 to provide information concerning road conditions. To describe this feature in more detail, refer now to the following discussion in conjunction with the accompanying figure.
In a first embodiment, an anti-lock braking system passes skid data to a controller in the vehicle. The vehicle area network within the vehicle passes the data along with GPS location data to a subsidiary controller within that cell. The subsidiary controller analyzes the skid data for a plurality of vehicles, which are at that location to determine if there is a problem at the particular location and adds that information to the vehicle object. Further information can then be provided to the vehicle object of the primary controller. The primary controller, in turn, can warn other vehicles through the respective subsidiary controllers if there is a problem, through the wireless communication.
In a second embodiment, a suspension system of the vehicle can be monitored by the vehicle. The data from the suspension system can be forwarded to the vehicle area network within the vehicle. The vehicle area network passes the suspension information along with the GPS location data to the subsidiary controller within that cell. The subsidiary controller then adds that information to the vehicle object. The subsidiary controller analyzes the suspension data from a plurality of vehicles passing through that GPS location and determines how rough the route is.
In a method and system in accordance with the present invention, each of the subsidiary controllers monitors a finite portion of the route and can be in direct contact with the vehicles. A regional or primary controller receives and transmits information to and from the subsidiary controller, and allows for an overall view of the route to be understood. Accordingly, through the use of the hierarchical traffic control system, traffic is controlled from cell to cell more accurately and can be controlled over a wide traffic span.
Traffic Control Based Upon Roles and Permissions
The roles and permissions of a vehicle can be used by the traffic control system 100 to control traffic.
Vehicles may have different roles and permissions based upon a specific circumstance, their use or other factors. Hence, for example, a police car will have a different role and permissions status which can be communicated when a crime is in progress. The controller would then communicate to other vehicles through various participant objects that the police car has the right of way well in advance of the vehicles encountering the police car. Likewise, a fire truck or emergency vehicle may have the right of way in case of an emergency. The traffic control system (i.e., the primary controller as well as the subsidiary controller for the particular cell) would determine the most efficient route via their various participant objects. In addition, the permissions within the permission objects could be upgraded en route based upon the vehicle operator information, GPS information and the wireless communication.
With GPS, two-way communications and car instrumentation for salient characteristics such as size and weight, a particular vehicle can negotiate a permission set for a particular traffic cell. To describe this feature in more detail refer now to the following in conjunction with the accompanying Figure.
The subsidiary controller for the particular cell can then tell the driver the immediate particulars of the route via information from the segment objects therewithin, via step 1006.
In addition, each of the controllers could receive information about weather conditions, hazards, disasters and other items that may affect the road conditions on each segment. This information may be obtained manually by a manager at the controller or automatically through some communication mechanism within the controller area. For example, if an emergency vehicle plots a route with the equivalent of “lights-flashing” status, then the subsidiary controller can receive that information in its participant object and then plot an emergency route through the segment object and make sure that the routes of the other vehicles in the traffic system are appropriately rerouted to stay out of the way via information from the segment object.
Accordingly, through the use of the roles and permissions for each vehicle a traffic control system can be efficiently controlled. Through this control other vehicles can be efficiently routed through obstructions, hazards or other problems. These roles and permissions are upgradable, changeable and removable by the appropriate controller by changing the appropriate participant objects therewithin.
Third Party Use of Permissions to Control Vehicle Use
These permissions can be granted in a preferred embodiment by identification information of the user be transmitted to the traffic control system via a trip plan to the primary controller. The trip plan is then provided to a trip object within the controller. If the permission is violated the vehicle could be rendered inoperative by the controller sending the appropriate signal to the vehicle area network of the vehicle to safely stop the vehicle. Also, if the permission is violated a governmental authority or a parent could be notified. For example, the appropriate controller could call the parent's home when it receives a violation based upon a participant object related to that permission being updated. Similarly, a police station or the like could be called by the appropriate controller when a violation occurs. Accordingly, the vehicle can be effectively managed via third party permission by the traffic control system.
A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides for the use of individual operator sign-on to vehicle or default permissions without sign-on to control the parameters of operation. For example, parents can set teenager parameters, rental car owners can set driver parameters, commercial fleet managers can set parameters, permissions can be set for valet drivers. These parameters are sent to the appropriate controllers and if the vehicle violates the parameters action can be taken. These parameters can include allowable areas to operate the vehicle, e.g., can't drive to Mexico or to the liquor store, and providing for speeds and weight loads. These permissions can cover a wide range of vehicle operation as opposed to mechanical speed governors or valet keys.
Accordingly, third-party permissions can be effectively monitored through a method and system in accordance with the present invention. In addition, third party permissions can be effectively provided and monitored through such a system. Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application is a division of Ser. No. 09/964,932 filed Sep. 27, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,547.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 09964932 | Sep 2001 | US |
| Child | 10351168 | US |
