Abstract:
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for dynamically routing traffic routs based on traffic reports. Utilizing current in-car navigation systems, a new implementation of that system can be developed where alternate routes can be plotted around varying traffic events. By receiving radio or Radio Frequency (RF) communications regarding current traffic conditions, the in-car navigation system can be modified to plot alternate routes. Also, the in-car navigation systems could utilize computer memory to develop histories of events so that reoccurring traffic events such as rush hour conditions can be avoided.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to the real-time acquisition of traffic data and, more particularly, to acquisition of traffic data based on the use of Global Positioning System (GPS).  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0002]     In automobiles and other vehicles, GPS units have become commonplace. The GPS system utilizes 24 satellites in varying orbits to transmit signals to GPS receivers. A GPS receiver receives a minimum of signals from 4 satellites to triangulate the relative position of the receiver in relation to the satellites. Then comparing that relative position to a map, the receiver can calculate the position on Earth.  
         [0003]     GPS devices installed in automobiles and other vehicles, typically, do not simply calculate a longitude and latitude of the automobile or vehicle. The GPS device, with a GPS receiver included, usually have a number of other features. Further incorporated in the GPS receivers are varying programs, equipment, and databases to allow for real-time usage of the GPS data. For example, a route can be plotted to a destination. In fact, GPS devices have become so sophisticated as to provide turn-by-turn directions that will immediately warn a driver when a wrong turn is made.  
         [0004]     With GPS devices that have plotting systems, a variety of different directions can be plotted. Paths based on the shortest routes, paths without using highways, paths only using highways, and so forth can be plotted. However, these directions do not take into account current accidents, construction events, weather delays, or other environmental conditions that can affect driving times.  
         [0005]     Therefore, there is a need for a GPS system that accounts for environmental conditions in real-time that affect driving route that addresses at least some of the problems associated with conventional methods and apparatuses for plotting directions using the GPS system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention provides a processing method and apparatus for navigation of a vehicle in which alternate routes are calculated utilizing GPS coordinates of traffic or environmental conditions. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting a conventional GPS system for vehicles;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting a GPS system that accounts for environmental conditions; and  
         [0010]      FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  are flow charts depicting the operation of a GPS system that accounts for environmental conditions. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0011]     In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning network communications, electro-magnetic signaling techniques, and the like, have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the understanding of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
         [0012]     It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein may be performed in either hardware or software, or some combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, however, the functions are performed by a processor such as a computer or an electronic data processor in accordance with code such as computer program code, software, and/or integrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions, unless indicated otherwise.  
         [0013]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates a conventional GPS system for vehicles. The system  100  comprises the GPS satellite network  102 , a GPS antenna  104 , a processing unit  106 , an input device  110 , and a display  108 .  
         [0014]     The system  100  functions through triangulating a relative position utilizing timing signals, relative displacement vectors, and relative velocity vectors. The GPS satellite network  102  transmits a number of signals to the GPS antenna  104  through a first communication channel  112 . The GPS antenna  104  then provides the signals to the processing unit  106  through a second communication channel  114 . The user or some other device can input a variety of other datum via an input device  110  to the processing unit  106  through a third communication channel  118 . For example, a user can request that the processing unit plot directions to a location. The processing unit  106  then provides refined data to the display  108  through a fourth communication channel  116 .  
         [0015]     Referring to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the reference numeral  200  generally designates a GPS system that accounts for environmental conditions. The system  200  comprises the GPS satellite network  202 , a GPS antenna  204 , a processing unit  206 , an input device  210 , a transmitter  212 , an RF receiver  214 , and a display  208 .  
         [0016]     The system  200  functions through triangulating a relative position utilizing timing signals, relative displacement vectors, and relative velocity vectors. The GPS satellite network  202  transmits a number of signals to the GPS antenna  204  through a first communication channel  216 . The GPS antenna  204  then provides the signals to the processing unit  206  through a second communication channel  218 . The user or some other device can input a variety of other datum via an input device  210  to the processing unit  206  through a third communication channel  220 . For example, a user may request that the processing unit plot directions to a location.  
         [0017]     In the system  200 , though, incorporates some other features. A transmitter  212  transmits advisory information to the Radio Frequency (RF) receiver through a fourth communication channel  228 . The transmitter  212  can be a variety of types of transmitters including, but not limited to, cellular transmitters, Amplitude Modulation (AM) transmitters, Frequency Modulation (FM) transmitters, and satellite transmitters. Conversely, the RF receiver can be a variety of types receivers including, but not limited to, cellular receivers, AM receivers, FM receivers, and satellite receivers. The advisory information can include varying types of information including, but not limited to, audio information, textual information, and GPS information. Moreover, the advisory information is capable of providing data on current environmental conditions, such as traffic accidents, road conditions, weather, construction, and other delays. For example, if advisory information is transmitted through an AM transmitter, a driver can tune an AM radio receiver to the transmission frequency to receive the advisory data.  
         [0018]     Once the advisory information has been received, the information can then be processed. The RF receiver  214  transmits the advisory data to the processing unit  206  through a fifth communication channel  224 . The processing unit  206  can then decode the advisory information into its constituent information components, such as audio information, textual information, and GPS information. Based on the information received, the processing unit  206  can then compute alternate routes to a destination taking into account the current position calculated from the GPS data received from the GPS network  202  and the transmitter  212 . Moreover, the processing unit can store and/or compile historical data regarding environmental conditions, for example traffic density at a specific time of day. The processing unit  206  then provides refined data to the display  208  through a sixth communication channel  222 . The display can be a variety of types of displays including, but not limited to, a radio and a visual display. The refined data can include, but not limited to, audio, such as a radio broadcast, and visual data, such as graphical maps and textual information.  
         [0019]     Also, there are several ways to employ such a system. The system can either operate passively or actively. For example a driver can actively tune a radio to a radio station that provides traffic information. Hence, once the radio is tuned to the proper station, then the process can begin receiving traffic data. Also, a specialized receiver can be employed. If a specialized receiver is employed, the system  200  would automatically receive traffic data.  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  of the drawings, the reference numeral  300  generally designates a flow chart depicting the operation of a GPS system that accounts for environmental conditions with accompanying audio information.  
         [0021]     In steps  302 ,  304 , and  306 , the advisory information is encoded. Audio advisory  302 , GPS data of advisory information  304 , textual representations of advisory information  306 , or any combination thereof can be encoded into a signal  308 . Typically, these signals can be encoded for transmission over standard AM or FM radio frequencies, but there are a variety of other manners in which the signals can be encoded, such as encoded for transmission over a cellular system or satellite system.  
         [0022]     In steps  310 ,  312 , and  314 , the encoded signal is transmitted and decoded. An encoded signal is first modulated and broadcasted  310 . There are a variety of well-known manners in which to modulate RF signals. Once broadcasted, a vehicle receives and demodulates the encoded signal  312 . Also, there are a variety of well-known manners in which to demodulate RF signals. Once demodulated, the encoded signal is decoded  314  into its constituent components including but not limited to, audio information, textual information, and GPS information.  
         [0023]     In steps  316 ,  322  and  324 , some of the data can be displayed without extensive processing. Audio messages can be broadcast to the user  316 . The audio messages can use a variety of devices, for example an AM radio. Also, textual messages and GPS advisory data are forwarded to navigation system  322 . From there, textual data regarding environmental conditions can be displayed.  
         [0024]     Calculating alternate routes, though, requires more extensive processing and another set of steps. The GPS advisory data is forwarded to an advisory algorithm  318 . The processing unit  206  of  FIG. 2  then determines if there is an advisory affecting the current route  320  ( FIG. 3B ). If there is an advisory affecting the current route, then an alternate route is calculated  328  and is displayed  330 . If there is not an advisory affecting the current route, then the processing unit  206  of  FIG. 2  determines if there is a historical trend of problems or delays associated with the current route  332 . If there is not a historical trend, then no alternate route is calculated  326 . However, if there is a historical tend, then an alternate route is calculated  328  and is displayed  330 .  
         [0025]     It will further be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made in the preferred embodiment of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this invention should be limited only by the language of the following claims.