Interactive camera viewpoint and adjustment sharing system

A first plurality of traffic data transmitted by a first client device associated with a first vehicle may be received. The received first plurality of traffic data may be stored in a database according to a license plate of the first vehicle. A second plurality of traffic data transmitted by a second client device associated with a second vehicle may be received. The license plate of the first vehicle may be identified within the received second plurality of traffic data using at least one image recognition technique. The identified license plate may be determined to be stored in the database. The first plurality of traffic data may be transmitted to the second client device based on determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The transmitted first plurality of traffic data may be displayed within a user interface associated with the second client device.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of electrical communication, and more specifically, to video generation and processing.

A camera is an optical instrument for recording images, which may be stored locally, transmitted to another location, or both. The images may be individual still photographs or sequences of images constituting videos or movies. A camera may work with light within the visible spectrum or with other portions within the electromagnetic spectrum. A stationary camera is an optical device which creates a single image of an object or scene, and records the single image on an electronic sensor or photographic film. Cameras can be attached to objects (e.g., vehicles). A viewpoint of a camera can be displayed within an interactive user interface.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a processor-implemented method is provided. The method may include receiving a first plurality of traffic data transmitted by a first client device associated with a first vehicle. The method may further include storing the received first plurality of traffic data in a database according to a license plate of the first vehicle. The method may further include receiving a second plurality of traffic data transmitted by a second client device associated with a second vehicle. The method may further include identifying the license plate of the first vehicle within the received second plurality of traffic data using at least one image recognition technique. The method may further include determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The method may further include transmitting the first plurality of traffic data to the second client device based on determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The method may further include displaying the transmitted first plurality of traffic data within a UI associated with the second client device.

According to another embodiment, a computer system is provided. The computer system may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable memories, one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices, and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, whereby the computer system is capable of performing a method. The method may include receiving a first plurality of traffic data transmitted by a first client device associated with a first vehicle. The method may further include storing the received first plurality of traffic data in a database according to a license plate of the first vehicle. The method may further include receiving a second plurality of traffic data transmitted by a second client device associated with a second vehicle. The method may further include identifying the license plate of the first vehicle within the received second plurality of traffic data using at least one image recognition technique. The method may further include determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The method may further include transmitting the first plurality of traffic data to the second client device based on determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The method may further include displaying the transmitted first plurality of traffic data within a UI associated with the second client device.

According to yet another embodiment, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage devices and program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more tangible storage devices, the program instructions executable by a processor. The computer program product may include program instructions to receive, by a processor, a first plurality of traffic data transmitted by a first client device associated with a first vehicle. The computer program product may include program instructions to store the received first plurality of traffic data in a database according to a license plate of the first vehicle. The computer program product may include program instructions to receive a second plurality of traffic data transmitted by a second client device associated with a second vehicle. The computer program product may include program instructions to identify the license plate of the first vehicle within the received second plurality of traffic data using at least one image recognition technique. The computer program product may include program instructions to determine the identified license plate is stored in the database. The computer program product may include program instructions to transmit the first plurality of traffic data to the second client device based on determining the identified license plate is stored in the database. The computer program product may include program instructions to display the transmitted first plurality of traffic data within a UI associated with the second client device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of electrical communication, and more specifically, to video generation and processing. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the current disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context. The following described exemplary embodiments provide a system, method, and program product to, among other things, view traffic conditions by a camera (e.g., digital camera or camera attached to a car) associated with a car proximal (e.g., a predefined distance, a user-defined distance, or thirty yards) to a geographic location of the car. Therefore, the present embodiment has the capacity to improve the technical field of video generation and processing by automatically displaying traffic conditions within a proximity of a geographic location in order for a user to make a more informed decision for choosing a route. More specifically, the present embodiment may allow for more efficient time management by a user safely avoiding traffic congestion.

When driving on the road during times of high traffic congestion (e.g. rush hour traffic), seeing multiple cars ahead of one's own car can be difficult, especially when a large vehicle (e.g., a bus or truck) is ahead. This obstruction can impair a driver's judgment to safely bypass the large vehicle. For example, the obstruction can affect a driver's decision to switch lanes when there are additional factors causing the obstruction, such as a road block/work activity (e.g., tree pruning, road construction, or vehicle breakdown). Bypassing an obstruction can be accomplished by switching lanes; although, bypassing can be dangerous when multiple drivers decide to switch lanes at once, especially when bypassing drivers are in a blind spot of another bypassing driver. Such traffic situations on expressways can be common, thereby increasing the likelihood of causing an accident. Therefore, it may be advantageous to, among other things, utilize an adjustable camera attached to a vehicle as a solution to decrease the likelihood of causing accidents.

According to at least one embodiment, a camera attached to a vehicle can be communicatively coupled to a cellular phone, laptop, or desktop. A driver, or user, can communicate with their vehicle's attached camera via a mobile application. This mobile application can connect to the camera via a wireless connection, then send commands to adjust (e.g., extend or retract) the camera as well as transmit a view of that camera for display within a user interface (UI), such as transmitting to the user's mobile phone so that the user can view road conditions.

The mobile application can also be configured to transmit and store the camera's viewpoint in a database (e.g. the cloud) to be used for multiple purposes, such as recording a particular scenic route or sharing a current driving view on a social media platform. A camera can also transmit and receive a current view from vehicles adjacent to or within a certain proximity of the user's vehicle. Being capable of observing a second vehicle's camera feed can be useful when a user's field of view is obstructed. For example, approaching road conditions can be observed by making use of the camera feed of an advanced vehicle on a roadway.

According to at least one embodiment, each camera can be attached with a signal transmitter device (e.g., WIFI/4G) capable of continuously broadcasting a signal. The power used to operate the camera can be obtained through a direct power connection to the vehicle on which the camera is attached. This signal can be directly transmitted to a database, which can then keep the current recorded view. Additionally, the system can erase old records when the recording satisfies a threshold.

When another vehicle comes within a certain distance behind the user's vehicle, the approaching vehicle's camera can automatically identify and recognize the user's vehicle license plate by using known image detection methods. The camera can then send a request signal to the database in order to retrieve the current recorded view of the user's attached camera. This recording can be indexed according to the vehicle license plate. This may also be used when a large vehicle is obstructing a view and adjusting the approaching vehicle's camera might not be enough to overcome the height of the large vehicle.

The following described exemplary embodiments provide a system, method, and program product for viewing traffic conditions within a proximity of a vehicle. The automated system may collect traffic data from a field of view of an associated vehicle in the form of a digital recording. The digital recording can be displayed within an UI.

Referring toFIG. 1, an exemplary networked computer environment100is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. The networked computer environment100may include a client computing device110A-C and a server120interconnected via a communication network130. According to at least one implementation, the networked computer environment100may include a plurality of client computing devices110A-C and servers120, only one of each being shown for illustrative brevity.

The client computing devices110A-C may include processors104A-C and data storage devices106A-C that are enabled to host software programs108A-C, camera sharing program112A-C, and may communicate with the server120via the communication network130, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The client computing devices110A-C may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly, by WIFI, by 4G, or electrically connected) to cameras118A-C. The cameras118A-C may be digital cameras capable of being remotely controlled by the client devices110A-C. The client computing devices110A-C may be, for example, a mobile device, a telephone, a personal digital assistant, a netbook, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a camera attached to a vehicle, a camera, or any type of computing device capable of running a program and accessing a network. Hereinafter, a client device110A-C can be referred to as a camera, a digital camera, and a camera attached to a vehicle. As will be discussed with reference toFIG. 7, the client computing devices110A-C may include internal components702aand external components704a, respectively.

The server computer120may be a laptop computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of hosting a camera sharing program112D, database114, and communicating with the client computing device110A-C via the communication network130, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The server120may also operate in a cloud computing service model, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The server120may also be located in a cloud computing deployment model, such as a private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, or hybrid cloud.

According to the present embodiment, the camera sharing program112A-D may be a program capable of receiving a first set of traffic data and a second set of traffic data collected by a first client device110A (e.g., a first camera) and a second client device110B (e.g., a second camera) from the processors104A,104B of the first client device110A and the second client device110B, respectively, and identifying a license plate within the second set of traffic data. Furthermore, the camera sharing program112A-D may determine that the identified license plate is associated with the first set of traffic data, which is stored in a server in database114and the software program108A-C. Moreover, the camera sharing program112A-D may transmit the first set of traffic data to client device110B for display within a UI. Additionally, the camera sharing program112A-D is explained in further detail below with respect toFIGS. 2-6.

Referring now toFIG. 2, an example scenario200of a client device110B (FIG. 1) receiving a first set of traffic data transmitted by a database114is illustrated, according to various embodiments. A camera118A can be attached to a first vehicle201. The camera118A can be mounted, strapped down, bolted, welded, or attached in another way to the first vehicle201. According to at least one embodiment, the camera118A may be integrated into the client device110A-C (FIG. 1). A camera118B can be attached to a second vehicle205in a substantially similar way as the camera118A is attached to the first vehicle201. A viewpoint215of the camera118A and the camera118B can be manually or automatically adjusted. For example, the cameras118A,118B can be electronically gyrated, rotated, extended, or retracted and repositioned to change the viewpoint215. The cameras118A,118B can be adjusted manually by a user interacting with an interactive UI and selecting a new direction for the viewpoint215of the cameras118A,118B. Furthermore, the cameras118A,118B can be readjusted automatically by known image recognition methods. For example, the cameras118A,118B might be continuously readjusted until the camera118A,118B recognizes a license plate220(i.e., RJX213). Known image recognition methods can include object recognition, image segmentation, motion detection, and automatic number plate recognition, etc., or a combination of the known image recognition methods.

According to at least one embodiment, the first vehicle201can include an array of cameras118A-C (e.g., more than two cameras) that are attached together. The first vehicle201including an array of cameras118A-C can improve the likelihood of a user being able to identify obstructions that are causing a traffic congestion. For example, the user can check the user's blind spot when the first vehicle201includes at least one camera (e.g.,118A) directed to the user's blind spot. An additional use of this array of cameras118A-C may be to serve as a backup in case the camera (e.g.,118A) malfunctions, such that the array of cameras118A-C can be repositioned, and another camera (e.g.,118B) can then serve as a replacement for the camera (e.g.,118A).

According to at least another embodiment, the camera118A may collect a first set of traffic data within a proximity of the first vehicle201. The first set of traffic data can be in the form of digital images (e.g., video recording) that can include sound. The first vehicle201can be communicatively coupled to a database114by a communication link209A, whereby the communication link209A may be a network130(FIG. 1). The first set of traffic data can be electronically transmitted to the database114. Then the database114can store the first set of traffic data according to the text (i.e. RJX213) of a license plate220of the first vehicle201for extended periods of time. The database114can also erase the oldest portions of the first set of traffic data. Furthermore, the database114may erase portions of the first set of traffic data in response to a timestamp exceeding a time threshold (e.g., five seconds, a minute, or an hour). The value of the timestamp can be set when the first set of traffic data is initially stored in the database114. Similarly, the time threshold can be adjusted to account for an increasingly high amount of incoming sets of traffic data.

The database114can store one or more sets of traffic data transmitted by one or more client devices110A-C (FIG. 1). The cameras118A-C may collect traffic data and then transmit the collected traffic data to the client devices110A-C (FIG. 1). A database manager of the database114may organize the sets of traffic data within the database114according to a particular vehicle's (e.g.,201) license plate (e.g.,220). Furthermore, the database114may be communicatively coupled to the client device110B (FIG. 1) by a communication link209B, whereby the communication link209B may be a network130(FIG. 1). The camera118B may collect a second set of traffic data within a viewpoint215, whereby the second set of traffic data may also be transmitted to the database114. The database114can then perform known image recognition methods on the second set of traffic data in order to recognize the license plate220of the first vehicle201. Thereafter, the database114can transmit the first set of traffic data to the client device110B (FIG. 1) for display within a UI associated with the second vehicle205. The viewpoint215of the camera118A can be viewed within the UI. According to yet another embodiment, a user of the second vehicle205might utilize embodiments of the present disclosure to bypass the first vehicle201.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an example scenario300of a first vehicle201bypassing a second vehicle205and a third vehicle305on a road306is depicted, according to various embodiments. The first vehicle201, second vehicle205, and third vehicle305can include a client device110A (FIG. 1), client device110B (FIG. 1), and a client device110C (FIG. 1), respectively. Each of the cameras118A-C may collect a set of traffic data within a proximity of each of the vehicles201,205, and305. The cameras118A,118B may collect traffic data within their camera's118A,118B viewpoint313,315. According to at least one embodiment, a user within the first vehicle201may view a viewpoint (not shown) of the camera118C within a UI displayed by client device110A (FIG. 1) located in the first vehicle201.

According to an exemplary scenario, an obstruction (e.g. an accident) may have occurred in front of the third vehicle305, thereby causing a congestion on the road306. The third vehicle305and the second vehicle205may be obstructing the view of the accident from a user of the first vehicle201. In order to learn of the congestion source, the driver of the first vehicle201might want to bypass the congestion by overtaking the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305. The camera118C may collect a third set of traffic data including video footage of the obstruction. The client device110C (FIG. 1) may transmit the third set of traffic data to a data repository, such as database114(FIG. 1). The database114(FIG. 1) may store the third set of traffic data according to the text (i.e., SD123) of the third vehicle's305license plate320. The camera118B may collect a second set of traffic data within the viewpoint315. The client device110B (FIG. 1) may transmit the second set of traffic data to the database114(FIG. 1). The database114(FIG. 1) may store the transmitted second set of traffic data according to the text (i.e., XY321) of the second vehicle's205license plate322. The database114(FIG. 1) may then recognize the license plate320of the third vehicle305within the second set of traffic data. Furthermore, the database114(FIG. 1) may determine the position of the second vehicle205relative to the third vehicle305. Moreover, the camera118A may collect a first set of traffic data within the viewpoint313and then transmit the first set of traffic data to the database114(FIG. 1) as discussed inFIG. 2. Additionally, the database114(FIG. 1) may store the first set of traffic data according to the first vehicle's201license plate (not shown). Furthermore, the database114(FIG. 1) may determine the position of the first vehicle201relative to the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305.

According to another embodiment, an option for a user of the first vehicle201to retrieve the second set of traffic data and the third set of traffic data can be displayed within a UI. The user of the first vehicle201can then choose to view the third set of traffic data within the UI. Moreover, the user can determine what is causing the congestion and, in response to viewing the third set of traffic data, make an informed decision as to whether or not to bypass the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305. The user of the first vehicle201can also control the camera118C by remotely adjusting the position and the direction of the viewpoint (not shown) of the camera118C. According to yet another embodiment, an option may be presented to the user to display the second set of traffic data simultaneously with the third set of traffic data within the UI. The user can view both the second set of traffic data and the third set of traffic data to make a more informed decision as to whether bypassing the vehicle (e.g.,205) is safe. The user can also control the camera118B of the second vehicle205. The user can determine a safe route317in which to bypass the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305. Additionally, the UI can display one or more alternate route options in order to bypass the congestion. The one or more alternate route options can be determined by analyzing traffic data received by the database114(FIG. 1) by one or more cameras118A-C attached to vehicles (e.g., vehicles205and305) utilizing the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) within a proximity of the first vehicle201.

According to yet another embodiment, there may not be any congestion present on the road306and the third vehicle305may be travelling at a speed far lower than the speed limit. The user of the first vehicle201might want to bypass the third vehicle305by entering a lane specified for oncoming traffic. Since the user's view may be obstructed, the user might be unable to estimate a needed space available for overtaking the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305. In this situation, the user can view the third set of traffic data within the UI in order to determine a safe opportunity in which to enter the lane specified for oncoming traffic. The user can then return to the initial lane of traffic quickly and safely when the user attempts to overtake the second vehicle205and the third vehicle305without endangering the either vehicle205,305and/or any oncoming traffic.

Referring now toFIG. 4, an operational flowchart of a dynamic traffic data collection process400is depicted, according to various embodiments. At402, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) receives a first set of traffic data collected by a first camera118A (FIG. 1) attached to a first vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)). The first set of traffic data can be a digital representation of a viewpoint215(FIG. 2) of the camera118A (FIG. 1) within a proximity (e.g., thirty yards) of a first vehicle201(FIG. 2). The proximity can depend on the capabilities and specification of the first camera's118A (FIG. 1) detection. The first set of traffic data can be in the form of digital images or video recordings. Furthermore, the first set of traffic data can also include sound.

Then, at404, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) stores the first set of traffic data in a data repository (e.g., database114(FIG. 1)). The client device110A (FIG. 1) may transmit a license plate (e.g.,220(FIG. 2)) number associated with the first vehicle201(FIG. 2) to the database114(FIG. 1). Additionally, the first set of traffic data may be stored/indexed within the database114(FIG. 1) according to the license plate220(FIG. 2) of the first vehicle201(FIG. 2). The client device110A (FIG. 1) can transmit the first set of traffic data to the database114(FIG. 1). Moreover, the client device110A (FIG. 1) can be communicatively coupled (e.g. by 4G, WIFI, or Bluetooth) to the database114(FIG. 1). Furthermore, the database114(FIG. 1) can comprise one or more sets of traffic data transmitted by one or more of the client devices110A-C (FIG. 1) that are stored within the database114(FIG. 1) according to the license plate (e.g.,220(FIG. 2)) number of the vehicles (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)), as discussed with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

Next, at406, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) receives a second set of traffic data collected by a second camera118B (FIG. 1) on a second vehicle205(FIG. 2). The second camera118B (FIG. 1) can be attached to the second vehicle205(FIG. 2) in a substantially similar way as the first camera118A (FIG. 1) is attached to the first vehicle201(FIG. 2). The second set of traffic data can be stored within the database114(FIG. 1) according to the license plate (e.g.,322(FIG. 3)) of the second vehicle205(FIG. 2). The second camera118B (FIG. 1) can be adjusted manually by a user interacting with an interactive UI and by selecting a new direction for the viewpoint215(FIG. 2) of the second camera118B (FIG. 1) to face (e.g., the direction of the first vehicle's201(FIG. 2) license plate220(FIG. 2)).

Then, at408, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) identifies a license plate (e.g.,320(FIG. 3)) based on the received second set of traffic data. Identifying the license plate320(FIG. 3) can be accomplished by using known image recognition methods, such as object recognition, image segmentation, motion detection, and automatic number plate recognition. The identified license plate320(FIG. 3) can be matched with a list of one or more license plates320,322(FIG. 3) that are associated with a set of traffic data within the database114(FIG. 1).

Next, at410, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines whether the license plate320(FIG. 3) is stored in the database114(FIG. 1). According to at least one embodiment, the dynamic traffic data collection process400may continue along the operational flowchart if the identified license plate320(FIG. 3) is stored within the database114(FIG. 1). The camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) program can determine whether the license plate320(FIG. 3) is stored in the database114(FIG. 1) by searching the database114(FIG. 1) within the server120(FIG. 1) for the identified license plate320(FIG. 3). If the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines that the identified license plate320(FIG. 3) is stored within the database114(FIG. 1) (step410, “YES” branch), the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) may continue to transmit the first set of traffic data to a client device110B (FIG. 1) at step412. If the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines the identified license plate320(FIG. 3) is not stored within the database114(FIG. 1) (step410, “NO” branch), the dynamic traffic data collection process400may terminate.

Then, at412, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) transmits the first set of traffic data to a client device (e.g.,110A (FIG. 1)) for display within a UI. Furthermore, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) can transmit the second set of traffic data to another client device (e.g.,110B (FIG. 1)). The UI can be an interactive screen associated with the client device (e.g.,110A (FIG. 1)). For example, the user can adjust a viewpoint215(FIG. 2) of the camera118A (FIG. 1) within the UI. Additionally, the UI can be integrated into the second vehicle205(FIG. 2) by displaying the UI on client device110B (FIG. 1). Furthermore, the UI can be voice activated. The UI can be a screen on a client device110A,110C (FIG. 1) not within the second vehicle205(FIG. 2). Additionally, the client device110A,110C (FIG. 1) may be located away (e.g., miles) from the second vehicle205(FIG. 2). For example, a parent can monitor a child's driving habits from home by watching the video feed of a camera attached to the parent's vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)) through a smartphone or tablet.

As an additional example explaining embodiments of the present disclosure with reference toFIG. 4, a camera118A (FIG. 1) may be attached (e.g., mounted or built-in) to a first vehicle201(FIG. 2) capable of collecting traffic data in the form of video footage. The camera118A (FIG. 1) may also be adjusted electronically (e.g., extended/retracted) in response to a user interacting with the UI. Furthermore, the camera118A (FIG. 1) can be communicatively connected to a mobile application via a wireless connection. Then, the camera118A (FIG. 1) can collect the traffic data and then client device110A (FIG. 1) can transmit the collected traffic data to a database114(FIG. 1). A camera118B (FIG. 1) may be attached to a second vehicle205(FIG. 2) which may be located directly behind the first vehicle201(FIG. 2). The license plate220(FIG. 2) of the first vehicle201(FIG. 2) can be identified by the camera118B (FIG. 1) or the database114(FIG. 1) performing known image recognition methods on a received second set of traffic data. The traffic data collected by the camera118A (FIG. 1) can be retrieved from the database114(FIG. 1) in response to the license plate220(FIG. 2) of the first vehicle201(FIG. 2) being recognized and the retrieved traffic data can then be displayed within a UI. This traffic data can be a current view of the camera118A (FIG. 1). Furthermore, the user may control the camera118A (FIG. 1) via an interactive UI on a built-in mobile application. Additionally, the UI can display multiple views (e.g., viewpoints313,315(FIG. 3)) of cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) simultaneously. For example, four different views from an array of cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) together capturing a three hundred sixty degree view within a predefined distance of the first vehicle201(FIG. 2) may be displayed within the UI.

Referring now toFIG. 5, an operational flowchart of an interactive camera adjustment process500is depicted, according to various embodiments. At502, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) receives one or more geographic locations of one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) that have been transmitted by one or more client devices110A-C (FIG. 1). Each of the one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) can include attached cameras118A-C (FIG. 1). The geographic locations can be determined by performing known image analysis methods on a set of traffic data. For example, a geographic location can be determined by recognizing one or more street signs within the traffic data and then calculating the location of a vehicle201,205(FIG. 2) with respect to the street signs. Furthermore, the geographic location of the first vehicle201(FIG. 2) can be determined relative to a geographic location of the second vehicle205(FIG. 2).

Then, at504, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) displays the geographic locations of the one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) within a UI. The UI can be displayed by a client device110A-C (FIG. 1) of the one or more associated vehicles201,205(FIG. 2). Moreover, the displayed geographic locations can be within a proximity of the associated vehicle201,205(FIG. 2). Additionally, the proximity of the area (e.g. one block, one hundred feet, or a mile from the vehicle201,205(FIG. 2)) can be set by a user. Moreover, the one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) can be displayed as colored dots within the UI.

Next, at506, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) receives a selection for a viewpoint (e.g.,313(FIG. 3)) of a camera (e.g.,118A (FIG. 1)) for display within the UI made by the user. The selection could be made in response to a touch activated screen (e.g., the UI is a touch screen and a user presses the screen where a colored dot representing the vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)) was located within the UI). Furthermore, the vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)) can include an array of cameras118A-C (FIG. 1). The user could view each of the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) within the UI as a multiscreen view, or the user could scroll between viewpoints313,315(FIG. 3) of each of the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1).

Then, at508, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) adjusts the viewpoint313,315(FIG. 3) of the camera118A-C (FIG. 1) that is being displayed within the UI. The user may interact with the UI (e.g., by touch screen) to adjust the viewpoints313,315(FIG. 3) of the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1). The user could adjust one or more of the arrays of cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) viewpoints313,315(FIG. 3) when the UI is in multiscreen view. Adjusting the viewpoints313,315(FIG. 3) can include physically extending, retracting, rotating, and gyrating the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1). Furthermore, this can be used when the user wants to change lanes safely in order to bypass traffic congestion.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an operational flowchart of a dynamic route generation process600is depicted, according to various embodiments. At602, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) receives a set of traffic data that may be collected by cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) associated a vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)). Traffic data can be collected within a proximity (e.g., thirty yards) of the vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)) based on the detection capabilities and specifications of the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1). The traffic data can be in the form of digital images or video recordings. Additionally, the digital images and video recordings that compose the traffic data can include sound data. Furthermore, the cameras118A-C (FIG. 1) can be mounted, strapped down, bolted, welded, or attached in another way to the vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)).

Then, at604, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines whether the average rate of traffic satisfies a traffic rate threshold. According to one embodiment, the dynamic route generation process600may continue along the operational flowchart, if the received set of traffic data satisfies a traffic rate threshold. If the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines the received set of traffic data satisfies a traffic rate threshold (step604, “YES” branch), the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) may continue to determine at least one alternate route at step606. If the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines the received set of traffic data does not satisfy a traffic rate threshold (step604, “NO” branch), the dynamic route generation process600may terminate.

Whether the average rate of traffic satisfies the traffic rate threshold can be determined based on performing known image analysis methods, and/or known statistical analysis methods on the received set of traffic data. The known image analysis methods can include object recognition, image segmentation, motion detection, and automatic number plate recognition. The camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) can determine a rate of speed of one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) on a road306(FIG. 3) at a particular time of day by analyzing the received set of traffic data. The determined rate of the one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) can be compared to a historical record that includes a rate of the vehicle's201,205(FIG. 2) speed on the road306(FIG. 3) at the particular time of day from previously received sets of traffic data. The known statistical analysis methods can be performed on the historical records which may include factors that could be contributing to the average rate of traffic of vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) included in the set of traffic data. The factors can include weather and nearby events (e.g., marathons, parades, and block parties). When the average rate of traffic of the one or more vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) included in the set of traffic data is lower than the average historical rate of vehicles201,205(FIG. 2) on the road306(FIG. 3) at the particular time of day, then the traffic rate threshold can be satisfied.

Next, at606, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) determines at least one alternate route. The at least one alternate route can be created based on the shortest total travel time or shortest travel distance. Moreover, determining at least one alternate route can be based on the received set of traffic data. Furthermore, determining at least one alternate route can be based on analyzing the historical records of traffic as well as historical records of a user preferences. Additionally, the at least one alternate route can be determined in response to a request for an alternate route by a user wanting to bypass a traffic congestion. The determined alternate routes can start at the current location of the vehicle (e.g.,201(FIG. 2)) and end at any location entered by the user. The determined alternate routes can be based on an estimated duration to traverse the alternate route or on a confidence level of an amount of traffic along the route according to the historical records. Additionally, a user's preferred routes can be saved for future use when determining alternate routes.

Then, at608, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) displays the at least one alternate route within a UI. The displayed alternate route can be in a form of an estimated duration of a particular route (e.g., in text). Moreover, the at least one alternate route can be displayed in the form of a map. The displayed map can include streets within the alternate route as highlighted in a preconfigured color (e.g. green or blue). The UI can be displayed by a client device110A-C (FIG. 1) (e.g. a smart phone, desktop, and a laptop) and the UI can be interactive (e.g. a touchscreen device). Furthermore, the UI may be voice activated and may also respond to voice commands.

Next, at610, the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1) displays a selected-alternate route within the UI based on a selection made by a user. The selected alternate route can be displayed based on the expiration of a time-based interval. For example, if the user did not select an alternate route within a minute, then the alternate route with the shortest travel time is automatically selected. Moreover, the selected-alternate route can be selected by a user utilizing the touch screen by pressing down on an alternate route or by an oral command. For example, the user can orally command that the route including the shortest total travel time be displayed within the UI.

It may be appreciated thatFIGS. 2-6provide only an illustration of at least one embodiment but do not imply any limitations with regard to how different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted embodiment(s) may be made based on design and implementation requirements.

In some embodiments, the operations and modules described herein can be included within and performed by components of a computer (e.g., a processor), such as the computer system described inFIG. 7.

FIG. 7is a block diagram700of internal and external components of the client computing devices110A-C and the server120depicted inFIG. 1in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated thatFIG. 7provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made based on design and implementation requirements.

The client computing devices110A-C (FIG. 1) and the server120(FIG. 1) may include respective sets of internal components702a,band external components704a,billustrated inFIG. 7. Each of the sets of internal components702include one or more processors720, one or more computer-readable RAMs722and one or more computer-readable ROMs724on one or more buses726, and one or more operating systems728and one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices730. The one or more operating systems728, the camera sharing program112A-C (FIG. 1) in the client computing devices110A-C (FIG. 1), and the camera sharing program112D (FIG. 1) in the server120(FIG. 1) are stored on one or more of the respective computer-readable tangible storage devices730for execution by one or more of the respective processors720via one or more of the respective RAMs722(which typically include cache memory). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices730is a magnetic disk storage device of an internal hard drive. Alternatively, each of the computer-readable tangible storage devices730is a semiconductor storage device such as ROM724, EPROM, flash memory or any other computer-readable tangible storage device that can store a computer program and digital information.

Each set of internal components702a,balso includes a R/W drive or interface732to read from and write to one or more portable computer-readable tangible storage devices738such as a CD-ROM, DVD, memory stick, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk or semiconductor storage device. A software program, such as the camera sharing program112A-D (FIG. 1), can be stored on one or more of the respective portable computer-readable tangible storage devices738, read via the respective R/W drive or interface732and loaded into the respective hard drive730.

Each set of internal components702a,balso includes network adapters or interfaces736such as a TCP/IP adapter cards, wireless Wi-Fi interface cards, or 3G or 4G wireless interface cards or other wired or wireless communication links. The camera sharing program112A-C (FIG. 1) in the client computing device110A-C (FIG. 1) and the camera sharing program112D (FIG. 1) in the server120(FIG. 1) can be downloaded to the client computing device110A-C (FIG. 1), and the server120(FIG. 1) from an external computer via a network (for example, the Internet, a local area network or other, wide area network) and respective network adapters or interfaces736. From the network adapters or interfaces736, the camera sharing program112A-C (FIG. 1) in the client computing device110A-C (FIG. 1), and the camera sharing program112D (FIG. 1) in the server120(FIG. 1) are loaded into the respective hard drive730. The network may comprise copper wires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.

Each of the sets of external components704a,bcan include a computer display monitor744, a keyboard742, and a computer mouse734. External components704a,bcan also include touch screens, virtual keyboards, touch pads, pointing devices, and other human interface devices. Each of the sets of internal components702a,balso includes device drivers740to interface to computer display monitor744, keyboard742, and computer mouse734. The device drivers740, R/W drive or interface732and network adapter or interface736comprise hardware and software (stored in storage device730and/or ROM724).

Characteristics are as follows:

Service Models are as follows:

Deployment Models are as follows:

Referring now toFIG. 8, illustrative cloud computing environment850is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment850comprises one or more cloud computing nodes100with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone854A, desktop computer854B, laptop computer854C, and/or automobile computer system854N may communicate. Nodes100may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment850to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices854A-N shown inFIG. 8are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes100and cloud computing environment850can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now toFIG. 9a set of functional abstraction layers900provided by cloud computing environment850(FIG. 8) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown inFIG. 9are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Workloads layer90provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation91; software development and lifecycle management92; virtual classroom education delivery93; data analytics processing94; transaction processing95; and camera sharing program96. Camera sharing program96may refer to receiving a set of traffic data from a client device110A (FIG. 1). The camera118A (FIG. 1) could be collecting video footage from a viewpoint215(FIG. 2). The traffic data may be transmitted to a client device110B (FIG. 1) for display within a UI located within a second vehicle205(FIG. 2).