Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus to broadcast traffic information in a multi-media wireless communication system. The present invention provides alerts to users within a predetermined distance from the event and who are moving toward the event. The alerts of the present invention comprise audio, real-time video, maps, and the capability to be transferred to an operator for more detailed instructions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to the field of wireless communication systems, and more particularly to the broadcast of information from wireless networks to wireless terminals.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Existing traffic information systems provide real-time information to drivers in a specific area. This is typically accomplished utilizing a series of low-power transmitters located along a roadway. When an event that might impact traffic occurs, the traffic information system broadcasts information via the low power transmitters near the event (e.g. accident or construction). The broadcast consists only of audio and is received by a car&#39;s radio.  
           [0003]    This information can be confusing to someone not familiar with the area. The audio announcement of the event as well as alternative routes is distracting to drivers as they attempt to discern if the event will impact their travel and what would be the best alternative. In addition, the information is sent to all cars within the transmission pattern of the low-power transmitters. Unfortunately, this means that cars moving away from the event are notified as well as cars moving toward the event.  
           [0004]    Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus that allows easily understood traffic information to be transmitted to drivers who have the potential to be impacted by the event.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention provides a method and apparatus to allow traffic information to be sent in a multi-media format only to mobile stations within a predetermined distance of a traffic impacting event and that are moving toward the event. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a remote network traffic sensing node determines the average normal traffic flow in a particular location. When the remote network traffic sensing node detects abnormal traffic flow, it institutes a multi-media session with a broadcast traffic control node and sends live video of the traffic impacting event to the broadcast traffic control node.  
           [0006]    In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast traffic control nodes first determines which mobile units subscribe to a broadcast traffic information service. The broadcast traffic control nodes also determines which of the subscribing mobile units are within a predetermined distance from the traffic impacting event and are moving toward the event. The broadcast traffic control node bridges a multi-media session to appropriate subscribing mobile stations. This session preferably comprises live video of the event, suggested alternative routes, and an audio explanation of the traffic impacting event. In addition, responsive to instructions from the mobile station, the broadcast traffic control node can redirect the multi-media session to another endpoint. For example, the user of a mobile station may request to be redirected to an operator for detailed alternate directions.  
           [0007]    Advantageously, such an arrangement gives drivers real-time multimedia information concerning traffic-impacting events. In addition, this arrangement does not require the driver to be familiar with the area in which the event occurred. Further, the driver can select the form and format of the assistance they wish to receive. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 depicts a wireless communication system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 depicts a remote network traffic sensing node apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 depicts a broadcast traffic control node apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a remote network sensing node in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a broadcast traffic control node in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a mobile station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 depicts a wireless communication system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wireless communication system  100  includes mobile stations  110  and  120 , wireless communication network  130 , broadcast traffic control node  140 , remote traffic sensing node  150 , and sensors  170  and  180 . Wireless communication network  130  comprises functions necessary to operate and maintain wireless communications. Wireless communication network  130  can be based on any well-known technology, such as analog or digital.  
         [0015]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  are coupled to a radio network interface (not shown) in wireless communication network  130  via links  111  and  121 . Mobile stations  110  and  120  as well as links  111  and  121  can be based on any well-known technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Only a single block of communications network elements  130 , radio network interface  150 , two mobile stations  110  and  120 , a single broadcast traffic control node  140 , a single remote network traffic sensing node  150 , and two sensors  170  and  180  are depicted in FIG. 1 for clarity. It should be understood that there may be a plurality of each of these elements in a typical communication system.  
         [0016]    Mobile station  110  and mobile station  120  are coupled to and communicating with communication network  130 . It should be understood that in an actual network a plurality of mobile stations are coupled to the communication network. As depicted in FIG. 1, mobile station  110  is communicating with communication network  130  via link  111 . Mobile station  120  is communicating with communication network  130  via link  121 . Links  111  and  121  can either be the same or different.  
         [0017]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  is coupled to and communicating with communication network  130  via link  141 . Link  141  can be based on any communication technology, such as digital, analog, wireless, or wireline. It should be understood that in an actual network a plurality of broadcast traffic control nodes are coupled to wireless communication network  130 .  
         [0018]    Remote network traffic sensing node  150  is coupled to and communicating with communication network  130  via link  160 . Link  160  can be based on any known technology such as digital, analog, wireless, or wire line. It should be understood that in an actual network a plurality of remote traffic sensing nodes are coupled to wireless communication network  130 .  
         [0019]    Sensor  170  and sensor  180  are coupled to and communicating with remote network traffic sensing node  150 . It should be understood that in an actual network a plurality of sensors are coupled to remote network traffic sensing node  150 . As depicted in FIG. 1, sensor  170  is communicating with remote network traffic sensing node  150  via link  171 . Sensor  180  is communicating with remote network traffic sensing node  150  via link  181 . Links  171  and  181  can be based on any wireline or wireless technology. Links  171  and  181  can be the same or different.  
         [0020]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, sensors  170  and  180  each measure the volume of vehicular traffic passing a specific point. This can be done using transducers in the pavement that detect pressure or magnetic anomalies, an optical arrangement wherein a beam of light is broken by each passing vehicle, or any functionally equivalent arrangement. In the following description, sensor  170  will be used to explain the invention. Equivalently, sensor  180  could have been used.  
         [0021]    Sensor  170  determines the current traffic flow rate for its assigned roadway and sends the current traffic flow rate information to remote traffic sensing node  150  via link  171 . Sensor  170  can send an indication of the passage of each vehicle, sum the number of vehicles passing in a given time, or use any functionally equivalent method without loss of generality.  
         [0022]    Remote traffic sensing node  150  receives the current traffic flow information from sensor  170 . This flow information is then compared with historical data as to the normal traffic flow rate for this roadway based on various factors. The factors can include, but not limited to, the time of day and the day of the week. The historical data is stored in remote network traffic sensing node  150  and was generated, for example, by monitoring the input from sensor  170 . Trigger points, or thresholds, associated with the actual flow of traffic versus the historical flow of traffic can also be stored in remote traffic sensing node  150  and used to indicate when a traffic impacting event has occurred.  
         [0023]    When a traffic impacting event has occurred, remote network sensing node  150  initiates a multi-media session with broadcast traffic control node  140 . Once the multi-media session is initiated, remote traffic sensing node  150  preferably begins transmitting a live video image of the traffic impacting event to broadcast traffic control node  140 .  
         [0024]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  accepts the multimedia session and determines the location of the traffic impacting event given the sensor that has initiated the session. A sensor is preferably dedicated to each direction of traffic flow at a location. This makes it possible to determine which direction of traffic flow is impacted.  
         [0025]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  then determines which mobile stations might be impacted by the event. This can be done by determining the distance from the event of each subscribing mobile station as well as determining which of these mobile stations are moving toward the traffic impacting event. A subscribing mobile station is one that has elected to received this service from wireless communication network  130 .  
         [0026]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  then initiates a multi-media session to each of the mobile stations identified as being impacted by the event. These sessions are initiated via link  141 . Link  141  can be based on any known technology such as digital, analog, wireless, or wireline. Utilizing a conference bridging function, broadcast traffic control node  140  can transmit live video of the event, audio explanation of the event, and suggested alternate routes. If requested by a particular mobile station, broadcast traffic control node  140  can redirect the session for that particular mobile station to a different end point. This different end point could be an operator position so that more detailed, interactive information can be provided to the mobile station. The multi-media sessions comprise a plurality of conference legs, and broadcast traffic control node  140  drops the conference legs at the end of the session.  
         [0027]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  receive alerting for a traffic broadcast information multi-media session over links  111  and  121 . Mobile station  110  will be used for explanation purposes without loss of generality. If mobile station  110  is engaged in an existing session or call, mobile station  110  places the existing session or call on hold and accepts the traffic broadcast information multimedia session. Mobile station  110  can continue to receive the session, terminate the, session, or request that broadcast traffic control node  140  redirect the call. Mobile station preferably indicates the desired disposition of the session by receiving input at mobile station  110  from a user of mobile station  110 . This input can be received from the depression of a key on the keypad of mobile unit  110 , by receiving a spoken command from a user of mobile station  110 , or by any other means of receiving input from a user of mobile station  110 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 depicts remote traffic sensing apparatus  150  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Remote traffic sensing node  150  comprises input port  220 , control processor  230 , camera  245 , memory  240 , output port  250 , and links  270 ,  280 ,  290 , and  295 . Control processor  230  may comprise a plurality of processors each with identical functions or with functions distributed among them by function type. A single control processor  230  is shown in FIG. 2 for clarity. Links  270 ,  280 ,  290 , and  295  can be based on any known technology, such as an Ethernet bus.  
         [0029]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, input port  220  interfaces with sensors  170  and  180 . Output port  250  interfaces with wireless communication network  130 . Input port  220  receives measurement data from sensors  170  and  180 . Output port  250  carries both bearer and control information between control processor  230  and wireless communication network  130 . Output port  250  can be connected directly to wireless communication network  130  or to any network which can support multi-media sessions and can be connected to wireless communication network  130 , such as a cable network.  
         [0030]    Control processor  230  receives current traffic volume information from sensors  170  and  180 . Control processor  230  interacts with memory  240  to determine traffic trigger levels, or thresholds, for sensors  170  and  180 . If trigger levels have been exceeded, control processor  230  interacts with camera  245  and output port  250  to initiate a multi-media session with broadcast traffic control node  140 . This multi-media session comprises sending video from camera  245  to broadcast traffic control node  140 . When traffic levels return to levels below the trigger points, control processor  230  interacts with output port  250  to terminate the multi-media session.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 depicts broadcast traffic control node  140  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Broadcast traffic control node  140  comprises input port  320 , control processor  330 , memory  340 , output port  350  multi-media conference bridge  360  and links  370 ,  375 ,  380 ,  385 ,  390 , and  395 . Control processor  330  may comprise a plurality of processors each with identical function or with functions distributed among them by function type. A single control processor  330  is shown in FIG. 3 for clarity. Links  370 ,  375 ,  380 ,  385 ,  390 , and  395  can be based on any known technology, such as an Ethernet bus.  
         [0032]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, input port  320  and output port  350  interface with wireless communication network  130 . Input port  320  and output port  350  carry both bearer and control information between control processor  330  and wireless communication network  130 . Input port  320  and output port  350  can be connected directly to wireless communication network  130  or to any network which can support multi-media sessions and can be connected to wireless communication network  130 , such as a cable network. Input port  320  and output port  250  can be located on the same physical link.  
         [0033]    Control processor  330  receives alerting for multi-media sessions from remote sensing node  150 . Control processor  330  interacts with memory  340  to determine which mobile stations are impacted by the event. This determination comprises control processor  330  determining the location and direction of movement of the mobile stations. This determination can be accomplished by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to cell and sector and Time Delay of Arrival techniques. Multiple applications of these or similar techniques will determine the location of a mobile unit at several points in time. This location data can then be analyzed to determine location, velocity, and direction of motion of the associated mobile station. Control processor  330  interacts with multi-media conference bridge  360  and output port  350  to establish multi-media sessions with mobile stations determined to be impacted by the event. The multimedia sessions preferably comprise video, audio, and still pictures. Control processor  330  drops the individual legs of the session when instructed to do so by the remote network traffic sensing node  150  or the individual mobile stations.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart  400  of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a remote network traffic sensing node in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    Remote network traffic sensing node  150  determines ( 401 ) a normal traffic volume. This can be accomplished through the averaging of repeated measurements or by having this information pre-loaded in the remote network traffic sensing node memory. The normal traffic volume can fluctuate based upon the time of day or the day of the week. For example, during “rush hour” periods on a weekday, the normal traffic volume threshold will be higher than on a weekend or late at night.  
         [0036]    Remote network traffic sensing node  150  receives ( 405 ) current traffic volume measurements from sensors  170  and  180 . The measurements can be made by using transducers in the pavement that detect pressure or magnetic anomalies, an optical arrangement wherein a beam of light is broken by each passing vehicle, or any functionally equivalent arrangement.  
         [0037]    Remote network traffic sensing node  150  decides ( 410 ) if the current traffic volume measurements indicates an abnormal traffic condition by comparing them to the normal traffic volume. This is accomplished by comparing current volume measurements to historical data stored in memory  240 . If no abnormal condition exists, the remote traffic sensing node returns to receiving ( 405 ) current traffic volume measurements.  
         [0038]    If an abnormal condition is detected at step  410 , a multi-media session is initiated ( 415 ) with a broadcast traffic control node  140 . The multi-media session initiation comprises sending an alerting indication over a control channel to the broadcast traffic control node.  
         [0039]    Remote network traffic sensing node  150  transmits ( 420 ) video of the traffic impacting event to broadcast traffic control node  140 . When measurements from sensors  170  and  180  indicate that the abnormal condition is no longer present, remote network traffic sensing node  150  ends ( 499 ) the session.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart ( 500 ) of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a broadcast traffic control node in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0041]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  receives ( 501 ) notification of an abnormal traffic volume. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, this notification comprises the initiating of a multi-media session from remote network traffic sensing node  150 .  
         [0042]    Broadcast traffic control node control processor  330  determine ( 505 ) what mobile units have subscribed to the broadcast traffic information service. This determination comprises retrieving a list of mobile units stored at the broadcast traffic control node  140 . Broadcast traffic control node  140  knows the general location of the traffic impacting event based on the remote network traffic sensing node initiating the multi-media session.  
         [0043]    Broadcast traffic control node control processor  330  determines ( 510 ) the location and direction of movement of the subscribed mobile stations. Techniques for this include but are not limited to cell and sector and Time Delay of Arrival techniques. Multiple applications of these or similar techniques can determine the location of the mobile unit at several points in time. This can then be analyzed to determine the location, velocity, and direction of motion of the mobile station.  
         [0044]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  initiates ( 515 ) a multi-media session with mobile stations which are a predetermined distance from the event and are traveling toward the event. The multi-media session initiation comprises sending an alerting indication over a control channel to the appropriate mobile stations.  
         [0045]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  bridges ( 520 ) event related information to the identified mobile stations  110  and  120 . This is accomplished by utilizing the multi-media conference bridge  360  and includes bridging information from the remote traffic sensor node and other traffic related information that may be available from the local traffic authority or news media.  
         [0046]    Broadcast traffic control node  140  may receive ( 525 ) instructions from mobile stations  110  and  120 . These instructions include but are not limited to requesting a call redirection to an operator. Broadcast traffic control node  140  acts ( 530 ) on the instructions received from the mobile stations. The sessions end ( 599 ) as instructed by either remote network traffic sensing node  150  or mobile stations  110  and  120 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart ( 600 ) of a method for providing broadcast traffic information in a mobile station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0048]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  receive ( 601 ) alerting of an incoming broadcast traffic information session. Preferably, the alerting is received over a control channel.  
         [0049]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  determine ( 615 ) if they are engaged in an existing session. If so, mobile stations  110  and  120  place ( 620 ) the existing session on hold. Preferably this is accomplished by keeping the existing session active and instituting a second session at the mobile station.  
         [0050]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  accept ( 625 ) the incoming multi-media session. If a user wishes to input instructions, mobile stations  110  and  120  accept ( 630 ) instructions from the user. This can be done a variety of ways, including but not limited to entries on a key pad or speech recognition algorithms.  
         [0051]    Mobile stations  110  and  120  send ( 635 ) instructions to wireless network  130 . Preferably, these instructions are sent network over a control channel. These instructions include but are not limited to the requests for call redirection and termination of the session ( 699 ). Upon receiving a message to terminate the session, the multi-media session ends ( 699 ).  
         [0052]    The present invention thereby provides a method and apparatus for providing selective multi-media broadcast of traffic information to selected mobile stations. By using the present invention, the network can provide useful, easily understood information concerning traffic-impacting events only to those mobile units whose direction of travel indicate that they might encounter the event.  
         [0053]    While this invention has been described in terms of certain examples thereof, it is not intended that it be limited to the above description, but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that follow.