Patent Publication Number: US-6909963-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for adding commercial value to traffic control systems

Description:
This application is a continuation of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/077,741, filed Feb. 14, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,554. This application also claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/269,209, filed Feb. 15, 2001. Each of the above-identified applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to adding commercial value to traffic control systems, and, in particular, to traffic control systems that incorporate the use of computer technology and computer networks. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   Keeping the ever-increasing traffic flowing is one of the biggest challenges in our modern world—especially in highly populated, urban regions. Stop-and-go traffic significantly increases e.g. air pollution, energy consumption, and is prone to increase the number of accidents. 
   A common method to solve this problem is to build more and wider streets that can handle more volume. But since land is limited and the number of cars keeps growing, this can only be a temporary solution. In addition, each new street produces new intersections that slow down traffic, which is especially true for medium and smaller streets in city areas. A well-known method to help keeping the traffic flowing in these areas is the synchronization of traffic lights. Decreasing or eliminating the need for stops while traveling on main roads can significantly decrease overall travel times, air pollution, energy consumption, etc. This method is applied and has proven to be effective all over the world—even using the common proprietary technology in relatively small areas. 
   2. Prior Art 
   Several prior art patents address different aspects of optimizing the flow of traffic by applying a variety of methods and various technologies. For example, it is known to make use of fuzzy logic or expert systems to determine the distribution of traffic or danger warning information. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,058. 
   It is also known to control traffic and traffic signals via neural networks. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,459,665; 5,668,717. 
   It is also known to control traffic and traffic signals on a local level in conjunction with an area-wide traffic control system. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,194. 
   It is also known to use cameras to monitor traffic violations and record traffic statistics. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,432,547; 5,041,828; 5,734,337. 
   However, even if such technology can successfully be applied, the added technology generally increases the cost of traffic control systems. This poses a challenge to the mostly public owners of traffic control systems that rely on limited budgets and non-profit business models. 
   None of the prior art inventions address the aspect of adding commercial value to traffic control systems e.g. in order to generate the funds needed to provide and maintain them. In particular, none of the prior art inventions address the aspect of using traffic related data to trigger the display of commercials to motorists. 
   OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
   The present invention introduces technology and methods to allow current and upcoming traffic control systems to generate revenue. Investing this revenue into traffic optimization technologies could help to solve the above-described problems caused by slow traffic. The generated revenue could also be used for further research into traffic optimization technologies and the like that helped to increase the quality of live of virtually all citizens. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention introduces an apparatus and methods suited to add commercial value to traffic control systems. A computer device is provided that allows connections with a computer network, external sensors or external devices, and a traffic control system. Combinations of the features of the connected components result in a variety of commercially valuable implementations. For example, one embodiment of the present invention is to connect an electronic display to the computer device and display commercials to motorists whereby the traffic control system is used to input traffic status data. Another embodiment is to in addition connect a digital camera to the computer device and run image recognition software on the computer device to distinguish between different types of motorists. This allows performing sophisticated advertisement strategies tailored to specific target groups that further the commercial potential of the described implementations. 

   
     DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts the invented computer device with a connection to a network, an external sensor, an external device, and a traffic control system. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one implementation of the invention showing the computer device with connections to a network, an electronic display, and a traffic control system. The traffic control system controls a traffic light. The traffic light and the electronic display are deployed in close proximity so that both are visible to a motorist passing by the traffic light. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the computer device based on traffic context data as referred to in FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another implementation of the invention showing the computer device with a connection to a network, an electronic display, a digital camera, and a traffic control system. The traffic control system controls a traffic light. The traffic light and the electronic display are deployed in close proximity so that both are visible to a motorist passing by the traffic light. The digital camera records and sends digital images of the motorist to the computer device. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the computer device based on traffic context data as referred to in FIG.  4 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates yet another implementation of the invention showing the computer device with a connection to a network, three electronic displays, and a traffic control system. The traffic control system controls three traffic lights. Each of the traffic lights is deployed in close proximity to one of the electronic displays so that both are visible to a motorist passing by each of the traffic lights. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the computer device based on traffic context data. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Preferred Embodiment 
   The present invention can be applied in a variety of ways to add commercial value to traffic control systems. In this specification, the term traffic control system will be used to refer to systems that control traffic by means of traffic lights, electronic displays, and the like. The term commercial value will be used to refer to tangible and intangible value that is generated as a result of a profit oriented method or application. 
   The following paragraph shall help to build some general understanding of the main vision behind the present invention: particularly in the U.S., commercials provide a significant source of revenue for a multitude of businesses. At the same time, most traffic related assets are owned and maintained by public institutions that rely on limited funds. If these public institutions could leverage the commercial value of their traffic-related assets, it allowed them to invest much more capital into the improvement of traffic-related problems that affect virtually all citizens. At the same time, businesses got access to a huge new electronic commercial media network that would allow a whole new dimension of dynamic, local advertisement opportunities. The present invention provides the following solution to make that vision reality: 
   A computer device in accordance with the invention can be connected with a traffic control system as shown in FIG.  1 : A computer device  6  comprises a central processing unit  8  that is connected with a traffic control system  20 , a computer network  2 , an external device  14  and an external sensor  16 . 
   There are various ways to deploy the computer device. For example, the computer device can be deployed attached to the traffic control system or to a component thereof. In this case it could use the traffic control system&#39;s existing real estate, electrical power infrastructure, or even an existing computer network connection that the traffic control system may feature. In another example, the computer device can also be deployed stand-alone and connected to the traffic control system wired or wirelessly. Yet in another example, the computer device could be integrated into an electronic display mounted in view of motorists traveling along a route controlled by the traffic control system. Further deployment scenarios of the computer device will be obvious to those skilled in the art. 
   The term connection or electronic connection will be used to refer to any wired or wireless means suited to allow at least one of the following:
         a. communication between two electronic devices, networks, or systems;   b. connected electronic devices may also allow being at least partly remote-controlled via the connection;   c. a connection can also be used to merely transfer electricity from one electronic device to another.       

   The term communication means will be used to refer to any hardware and/or software solution, interface, combination or application that enables the communication between at least two electronic devices. 
   The term computer network will be used to refer to the Internet, an intranet or any other kind of network that allows the communication between computers. 
   The term external devices refers e.g. to
         a. A digital camera, able to capture images, transform these images into a digital data format and provide these data to other devices;   b. An electronic display, suited to display digital content;   c. A wireless voice and data service repeater, for example, as part of a cellular network;   d. A short-range transmitter or receiver that, for example, allows approaching police or rescue vehicles to send a signal to the short-range receiver to remote-control the status of traffic lights so that the vehicles can move more quickly; or, the vehicles could receive signals from the short-range transmitter that contain data suited to calibrate their global positioning system receiver; or, motorists could receive local advertisement information with in-vehicle receivers suited to receive such data;   e. At least a component of an electronic toll collection systems, especially the sensors that allow the unique identification of vehicles;   f. An emergency phone, which can be connected with the computer device to allow e.g. voice-over-IP communication.       

   The term external sensors refers e.g. to temperature, wind, proximity, and traffic telemetry sensors, that can provide telemetry data to connected devices. 
   The term sensor device refers to a sensor that features at least a built-in central processor unit. 
   The connection between the computer device and a traffic control system (see  FIG. 1 ,  18 ) may be merely an electric connection that e.g. allows the computer device to detect the state (“RED”/“GREEN”) of a traffic light connected to the traffic control system. This is certainly true for older traffic systems that do not feature an electronic processor or electronic connections with other devices. For traffic control systems that do feature electronic connections, the computer device could for example use Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology or any other data bus or interface technology, suited to connect to such traffic systems. 
   The connections between the computer device and external sensors or external devices could for example also use Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other data bus or interface technology that allows to connect at least one external sensor or external device. 
   The combination and connection of components shown in  FIG. 1  allows a variety of new functions to both, the computer device and the traffic control system. For example, the computer device gains access to traffic related data and existing real estate and infrastructure of the traffic control system, whereas the traffic control system e.g. can be remote-controlled and maintained via the connected computer network. Also, the external sensors or external devices connected to the computer device as well as the connected traffic control system can get access to the computer network via the computer device, which would also allow for being at least partly remote-controllable via the computer network. 
   Operation 
     FIG. 2  illustrates one implementation leveraging a subset of the above mentioned functions that add commercial value to traffic control system  44 : computer device  42  is connected with computer network  40 , traffic control system  44 , and electronic display  48 . Traffic control system  44  controls traffic light  46 . Traffic control system  44  continually communicates the status of traffic light  46  to computer device  42 . In this example, the communicated status shall be either “RED” or “GREEN”. 
   Motorist  60  travels inside of vehicle  62  on the route controlled by traffic light  46 . In this implementation, electronic display  48  is mechanically attached to traffic light  46  so that motorist  60  is able to see its content when waiting in front of traffic light  46 .  FIG. 3  illustrates how computer device  42  uses the communicated status data to only show a commercial on electronic display  48  if the status of traffic light  46  is “RED” and motorist  60  has to wait in front of traffic light  46 . 
   Businesses could, for example, rent display time from the owner of traffic control  44 , paying only for display times with audiences based on the data that traffic light  46  recorded. 
   Since computer device  42  is connected to computer network  40 , the commercial can be provided to computer device  42  in a digital format via network  40  comprising e.g. HTML, digital video, a series of digital images, or vector data. This allows for much faster and richer content changes than any poster-based advertisement. In case electronic display  48  uses real estate and existing power infrastructure of traffic control system  44 , installation costs can be minimized. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates another implementation leveraging a subset of the above mentioned functions that add commercial value to traffic control system  44 : computer device  42  is connected with computer network  40 , traffic control system  44 , electronic display  48 , and digital camera  50 . Traffic control system  44  controls traffic light  46 . Traffic control system  44  continually communicates the status of traffic light  46  to computer device  42 . In this example, the communicated status shall be either “RED” or “GREEN”. 
   Motorist  60  travels inside of vehicle  62  on the route controlled by traffic light  46 . In this implementation, electronic display  48  is mechanically attached to traffic light  46  so that motorist  60  is able to see its content when waiting in front of traffic light  46 . 
   Computer device  42  has access to different editions of a commercial, entitled “FORD”, “ROLEX”, and “STANDARD”, each of which shall be shown to a specific type of motorists identified by the type of vehicle that a motorist is traveling in. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates how computer device  42  uses the communicated status data of traffic light  46  and the input of digital camera  50  to detect when vehicle  62  is waiting in front of traffic light  46 . Digital camera  50  will record and feed digital images of vehicle  62  to computer device  42 . Computer device  42  runs an image recognition software application that is able to distinguish between the following types of vehicles: “FORD”, “BMW” and “OTHERS”, based on the images recorded by digital camera  50 . 
   This could for example be accomplished by comparing a database containing vehicle shape information with the images recorded by digital camera  50 . In a more sophisticated implementation, the image recognition software application could analyze images of the license plate of vehicle  60  to identify the license plate number of vehicle  60 . This data could be used to retrieve the type of a specific car, for example via matching the license plate number with data of a database connected via the computer network, the database holding license plate-vehicle type relations. 
   Upon recognition of a specific type of vehicle, computer device  42  will display the corresponding commercial. As soon as traffic control system  44  reports a “GREEN” status of traffic light  46 , computer device  42  will stop displaying the commercial and record the type and elapsed time of the shown commercial. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates yet another implementation leveraging a subset of the above mentioned functions that add commercial value to traffic control system  44 : computer device  42  is connected with computer network  40 , traffic control system  44 , and three electronic displays  70 ,  72 , and  74 . Traffic control system  44  controls three traffic lights  80 ,  82 , and  84 . Traffic control system  44  continually communicates the status of traffic lights  80 ,  82 , and  84  to computer device  42 . In this example, the communicated status shall be either “RED” or “GREEN”. 
   Motorist  60  travels inside of vehicle  62  on the route controlled by traffic lights  80 ,  82 , and  84 . In this implementation, electronic displays  70 ,  72 , and  74  are not mechanically attached to traffic light  46 . However, motorist  60  is able to see the contents of the electronic devices  70 ,  72 , and  74  when waiting in front of the traffic lights controlled by traffic control system  44 . 
   Computer device  42  has access to different editions of a commercial, entitled “FORD 1”, “Ford 2”, and “Ford 3”, each of which shall be shown to motorists  60  in a sequence when waiting in front of the traffic lights controlled by traffic control system  44 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates how computer device  42  uses the communicated status data of traffic lights  80 ,  82 , and  84  to detect when vehicle  62  is waiting in front of one of these traffic lights. Computer device  42  will then display the corresponding edition of the commercial so that motorist  60  will see the different editions of the commercial in the defined sequence as he travels along the route controlled by traffic control system  44 . Computer device  42  will stop displaying an edition of the commercial and record the type and elapsed time of the shown commercial when the communicated status data of the traffic lights  80 ,  82 , and  84  is “GREEN”. This implementation allows displaying sequential editions of commercials that are known to be remembered more than stand-alone commercials. 
   Description—Additional Embodiment 
   By connecting wireless voice and data service repeaters as external devices to each of a plurality of computer devices according to FIG.  1  and then using the real estate and electronic infrastructure of the connected traffic control systems to mount the repeaters, the following business benefits can be achieved:
         a. provide bandwidth for wireless services like cellular networks in highly populated areas without the need for acquiring real-estate and electric infrastructure,   b. use the network access of the computer device for communication between the repeater device and its provider, e.g. for remote-maintenance and diagnosis.       

   Further implementations and benefits of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. 
   CONCLUSIONS 
   The inventions set forth above are subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit, scope or essential characteristics thereof. Other embodiments of this invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art in view of the above disclosure. Thus, the embodiments explained above should be considered in all respect as being illustrative rather than restrictive of the scope of the inventions as defined in the appended claims.