Patent Publication Number: US-9842497-B2

Title: System and method for traffic condition communications

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/033,937, filed Feb. 24, 2011 by Jamie C. Howarter et al. and entitled, “System and Method for Traffic Condition Communications,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/897,643 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,925,423), filed Aug. 31, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Car wrecks are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Thousands of deaths occur each year on the streets, highways, roads, and Interstates. Accidents are especially common at intersections, school zones, construction zones, and other high risk areas. Many accidents occur because the driver is distracted by things such as eating food, applying makeup, listening to or adjusting the radio, talking on cell phones, and by other similar distractions and electronic devices. 
     In many cases, the victims of car accidents are travelers in other vehicles, pedestrians, and bystanders, as well as the driver and passengers of the vehicle that causes the accident. Fatalities and injuries continue to increase each year despite better signs, roadways, educational campaigns, safety equipment, and other improved technologies. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system and method for communicating with traffic detectors. A location of a vehicle may be determined. A search may be performed continuously for any of a number of traffic detectors in a wireless environment. A communication session may be established with one of the number of traffic detectors in response to entering a range of one of the number of traffic detectors. A message associated with the one of the number of traffic detectors may be communicated to the vehicle while the vehicle is within the range of one or more traffic detectors. 
     A wireless device for broadcasting traffic conditions. The wireless device may include a location determining transceiver operable to determine a location of a vehicle associated with the wireless device. The wireless device may further include a wireless transceiver operable to communicate wirelessly as a traffic detector to one or more other vehicles. The traffic detector may indicate a traffic condition and a location of the vehicle. The wireless device may include traffic logic operable to command the wireless transceiver to communicate as a traffic detector in response to sensing the traffic condition or a user selection indicating the traffic condition is present. The wireless device may include a user interface configured to receive the user selection. 
     A wireless device including a processor for executing a set of instructions operable to respond to traffic conditions and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The set of instructions are operable to determine a location of a vehicle, search for any of a number of traffic detectors in a wireless environment, establish a communications session with one of the number of traffic detectors in response to entering the range of one of the number of traffic detectors, and communicate a message associated with the one of the number of traffic detectors to the vehicle while the vehicle is within the range of the one or more traffic detectors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of an in-car global positioning system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a pictorial representation of a GPS and a GPS-enabled wireless device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a pictorial representation of a wireless traffic environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of a wireless traffic zone in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a GPS device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for providing traffic alerts in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a process for making recommendations for traffic conditions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of an in-car global positioning system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 1  includes a vehicle  100 , a dash  102 , and a global positioning system (GPS)  104 . The vehicle  100  may be a vehicle used to transport people and/or cargo illustratively shown as a car. However, the vehicle  100  may be any mobile device suitable for transportation of persons and goods. For example, the vehicle  100  may alternatively be a truck, bus, train, boat, airplane, bicycle, or other mode of transportation. 
     The dash  102  is an expanded view of the inside of the vehicle  100 . The dash  102  may be the portion of the vehicle  100  visible to one or more occupants of the vehicle  100  which may include a driver and/or one or more passengers. Although not explicitly shown, the dash  102  may include control mechanisms such as a steering wheel, turn signals, and other control elements of the vehicle  100 . The dash  102  may also include any number of miscellaneous controls, including, but not limited to, gauges, environmental controls, music players, and other elements commonly included in vehicles. The dash  102  is shown because most in-car GPS systems are mounted in or atop the dash  102 . However, the GPS  104  may be located in any location facilitating use by one or more passengers of the vehicle  100 . 
     The GPS  104  may interface with the systems of the vehicle  100 . For example, the GPS  104  may receive speed and directional information from a speedometer and vehicular compass for use when the global position signal is unavailable from global position satellites, such as in a tunnel, parking garage, or near mountains or buildings. 
     The GPS  104  may be a built-in, installed, hand-held, or mounted GPS unit. The GPS  104  and corresponding features, components, and hardware and software elements are further described in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . In addition, the GPS  104  may be configured to perform the standard features and functions of a global positioning device. The GPS  104  is enabled to communicate with any number of wireless elements, including traffic detectors. Traffic detectors are wireless transmitters configured to broadcast information and data relating to traffic conditions which may include intersections, reduced speed zones, accident scenes, emergency vehicles, construction zones, school zones, and other road conditions and events. Traffic conditions may be stationary, such as a stop light, or may change locations, such as a train. 
       FIG. 2  is a pictorial representation of a GPS and a GPS-enabled wireless device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 2  includes a GPS  202  and a wireless device  204 . The GPS may be a vehicle integrated unit or an external GPS. Correspondingly, the GPS  202  may be built into the vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1  or may be used or externally mounted in the vehicle. The GPS  202  may include an antenna  206 , a display  208 , a speaker  210 , buttons  212 , a selector  214 , and an indicator  215 . The wireless device  204  may include any elements of the GPS  202 . The wireless device  204  includes a display  216  and inputs  218 . 
     The GPS  202  and wireless device  204  may be equipped to communicate with the vehicle. For example, information regarding direction, speed, temperature, and other vehicle performance information may be exchanged between the systems of the vehicle and the GPS  202  and/or wireless device  204  wirelessly or using a hard connection. For example, a docking station or Bluetooth connection may allow the wireless device  204  to communicate with the computing systems of the vehicle. 
     The antenna  206  may be configured to receive data from global positioning satellites. The data is processed by the GPS  202  to provide an approximate location of the GPS  202  and the corresponding vehicle and/or user. The antenna  206  may also be used to send and receive wireless signals. The wireless signals may include a WiFi, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, PCS, or other protocols, standards, formats, and signals suitable for sending and receiving wireless communications. 
     The display  208  may display text, graphics, pictures, video, and other interactive elements for guiding the user. In particular, the display  208  may display information regarding traffic conditions and provide visual alerts regarding the traffic conditions. For example, if the user is approaching an intersection with a red light, the display may flash or otherwise indicate to the user that the traffic light is red. The internal functions of the GPS  202  are further described in  FIG. 5 . 
     The speaker  210  may be used to output information and data to the user in an audio format. For example, the speaker  210  may be used to play music or provide step-by-step directions to a user. The speaker  210  may also be used to play auditory alerts to the user indicating a traffic condition is being approached. The auditory alert may verbally specify the nature of the traffic condition, location, severity, and a suggested action. For example, the speaker  210  may output an alert from the GPS  202  specifying that a train is coming and recommend the user slow the vehicle because there is not a marked railroad crossing. The GPS  202  may use text-to-speech and speech-to-text recognition for interacting with the user. 
     The buttons  212  may be used to receive user input. For example, the buttons  212  may allow a user to change views, enter an address or information, zoom in or out, or otherwise control the operation and functionality of the GPS  202 . The selector  214  may also be used to provide user input and feedback for controlling and manipulating the GPS  202 . In another embodiment, the GPS  202  may include one or more touch screens for controlling the GPS  202  and providing user input. For example, the display  208  may be a touch screen which may allow the user to control the different features of the GPS  202 . 
     The indicators  215  may be configured to provide alerts or other prompts to the user. The indicators  215  and other interface elements of the GPS  202  may be programmed by the user to operate in accordance with the user preferences. In one example, the indicators  215  may be light emitting diodes that activate to indicate unsafe conditions exist ahead. In another example, lower pitch alerts that are more easily heard by older drivers may be emitted from the speaker  210 . A higher pitch alert may be used for younger drivers. Similarly, a potential alert may be played by the GPS  202  based on the reaction time and experience of the driver. For example, a driver that has just turned sixteen may receive an alert before a driver with fifteen years of experience driving would be given the alert. A profile or preferences may be set for numerous drivers. The alert and GPS  202  may be used by the driver or any passenger within the vehicle to provide relevant traffic information and alerts. As a result, the vehicle or GPS  200  may request the driver&#39;s identity before enabling features of the GPS  200 . 
     The wireless device  204  may be similarly enabled to perform the features and functions of the GPS  202 . In particular, the display  216  may be configured to provide navigation information and traffic condition alerts and updates to the user in real time. The user may manipulate or access the inputs  218  to further control the information shown on the display  216  and to control the different functions of the wireless device  204 . The wireless device  204  may be particularly useful to a user for allowing voice and data communications, as well as providing global position and traffic condition information. 
     The wireless device  204  may determine location, speed, and other positioning information using global positioning satellites or wireless triangulation from one or more towers broadcasting signals to the wireless device  204 . The wireless device  204  may track the location of a user using GPS and/or cell-to-cell tracking currently used by wireless service providers. Similarly, the wireless device  204  may also be able to determine location based on the angle of approach to available cell towers, transmission time to one or more towers, and the strength of signal available to each of the corresponding cellular towers. The wireless device  204  may use the orbiting global positioning satellites in conjunction with triangulation and other wireless location determination schemes and methods. This combination of technologies may allow geographic information to be effectively determined despite dense foliage, large buildings, and other obstacles that may otherwise prevent wireless signals or GPS signals from reaching the wireless device  204 . 
       FIG. 3  is a pictorial representation of a wireless traffic environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a wireless environment. The wireless environment  300  may include various elements including vehicles  302  and  304 , a speed limit sign  306 , a wireless stop light  308 , a wireless signal  310 , a wireless range  312 , a roadway  314 , and safety boundaries  316  and  318 . 
     The vehicles  302  and  304  are a particular implementation of vehicle  100  of  FIG. 1 . In particular, the vehicle  302  may be carrying a GPS-enabled device, such as GPS  202  or wireless device  204  of  FIG. 2 . As a result, the vehicles  302  and  304  have global positioning information, as well as the speed and directional information that may be available from the vehicle&#39;s standard equipment, which may include speedometer, compass, temperature sensor, vehicle performance, and other standard features. 
     The wireless stop light  308  is one example of a traffic detector as previously defined. The wireless stop light  308  broadcasts the wireless signal  310  in many directions, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the wireless stop light  308  may directionally transmit the wireless signal  310  using a directional antenna or other similar transmission technology. In one embodiment, the wireless signal  310  may be a wireless signal, such as IEEE 802.11(n). 
     Alternatively, the wireless stop light  308  may broadcast using other wireless formats, protocols, and standards suitable for transmitting data to the vehicles  302  and  304 . In another example, the wireless stop light  308  may broadcast a cellular signal, GMRS, or WiMAX for reception by the vehicles  302  and  304 . As shown, the wireless stop light  308  may have a wireless range  312 . The wireless range may indicate the maximum effective communications distance through which wireless signals  310  may be sent and received between the vehicles  302  and  304  and the wireless stop light  308 . In one example, the wireless range  312  may have a maximum radius of transmission of 500 feet. 
     The speed limit sign  306  may display the maximum speed that the vehicles  302  and  304  may travel on the roadway  314 . In other embodiments, the speed limit sign  306  may be replaced by static or dynamic signs indicative of traffic conditions, including precautions, alerts, and other information for safely navigating the roadway  314 . As shown, vehicle  302  is not yet within the wireless range  312 . As a result, the vehicle  302  has not yet sent or received information with the wireless stop light  308 . For example, the vehicle  302  may have not received the wireless signal  310  indicating a green light for passing the wireless stop light  308 . 
     The GPS devices within the vehicles  302  and  304  may be constantly searching for a signal from a traffic detector such as the wireless signal  310  transmitted from the wireless stop light  308 . As shown, vehicle  304  is within the wireless range  312  and as a result, may receive the wireless signal  310 . As the vehicle  304  enters the wireless range  312 , the GPS device within the vehicle  304  establishes a link or communications session with the wireless stop light  308 . 
     The wireless stop light  308  broadcasts information regarding light changes to the GPS or GPS-enabled wireless device in the vehicle  304 . In another embodiment, the wireless stop light  308  may also broadcast location information for the wireless stop light  308 , traffic load information, and other relevant data and information. The data and information transmitted by the wireless stop light  308  may be detected by sensor of or in communication with the wireless stop light  308 , or from a central traffic office, wireless broadcaster, or other traffic condition detectors. 
     The GPS-enabled wireless device may be a cellular telephone, a laptop computer, an MP3 player, a PDA, or other electronic device enabled for GPS navigation and functionality. For example, if the vehicle  304  is approaching the wireless stop light  308  at a speed of 52 mph, and the wireless stop light  308  indicates a red light in the vehicle&#39;s direction, the GPS of the vehicle  304  may alert the driver that he or she is approaching a red light too quickly. For example, the driver of the vehicle  304  may be slightly distracted and may not notice that the wireless stop light  308  is red. As a result, the driver of the vehicle  304  may need to be notified that the wireless stop light  308  indicates that the driver must stop before entering the intersection. The location and speed of the vehicle  304  may be calculated by the GPS based on location information from both the vehicle  304  and/or the wireless stop light  308 . 
     The GPS devices of the vehicles  302  and  304  may calculate safety boundaries  316  and  318  based on various factors. The factors may include the age and ability of the driver, the performance and condition of the vehicles  302  and  304 , the driving conditions and any other factors that may influence whether the vehicles  302  and  304  may be able to stop if needed before entering the intersection marked by the wireless stop light  308 . For example, based on the factors and safety parameters, the safety boundary  318  indicates a time at which the driver of the vehicle  304  should be given a warning in order not to run the red light or cause an accident. In another embodiment, the wireless stop light  308  or other traffic detector may transmit the safety boundaries  316  and  318  for subsequent use by the vehicles  302  and  304 . 
     Once the vehicle  304  reaches the safety boundary  318  and has not yet stopped or slowed, the GPS device within the vehicle  304  may alert the driver of the circumstances. In one example, the GPS device may give a verbal warning such as “Stop light ahead.” In another example, a GPS-enabled cellular phone may vibrate three times in rapid succession to indicate the danger the vehicle  304  and driver may face. The alert may be given at the safety boundaries  316  and  318  only if it is necessary for the vehicles  302  and  304  to slow, stop, or proceed with caution. If for example, with vehicle  302 , the wireless stop light  308  is green for the driver, no signal, alert or other information is passed along to the driver. The wireless signal  310  is used by the vehicle  304  in addition to other conditions, factors and circumstances to protect the vehicles  302  and  304 , as well as pedestrians and other individuals that may be in close proximity to the roadway  314 . 
     The GPS devices, personal devices of the driver or passengers, and vehicle systems may be integrated or communicate within the vehicle. As a result, alerts or other information may be conveyed though vehicle systems. For example, the car&#39;s audio system which may include a stereo may be used to play auditory alerts to the driver and/or passengers. Similarly, the seat may be set to vibrate. A heads-up display may also display information from the GPS that may be more easily understood for the user for added security and efficiency. In another example, an alert may also be played through the driver&#39;s mp3 player or personal entertainment device. 
       FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of a wireless traffic zone in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 4  illustrates a wireless traffic zone  400 . The wireless traffic zone includes vehicles  402  and  404 , a traffic detector  406 , a sign  408 , a wireless signal  410 , a construction zone  412 , and a wireless range  414 . 
     The traffic detector  406  may be used to temporarily or permanently transmit the wireless signal  410 . In one example, the traffic detector  406  may be a solar-powered device connected to the sign  408  for informing the vehicles  402  and  404  that they are entering the construction zone  412 . In another embodiment, the traffic detector  406  may be part of an emergency response vehicle or individual car. For example, the traffic detector  406  may be configured to transmit the wireless signal  410  from a police vehicle in response to arriving at the scene of a traffic accident. The wireless signal may inform the vehicles  402  and  404  that the driver should proceed with caution, suggest alternative routes, or provide other suggested actions to the vehicles  402  and  404 . 
     As shown, the vehicles  402  and  404  may be traveling well in excess of the 25 mph speed limit required for the construction zone as specified by the sign  408 . As a result, the traffic detector  406  may broadcast a wireless signal  410  to inform the vehicles and corresponding GPS devices and drivers that the speed of the vehicles  402  and  404  should be reduced to 25 mph. The traffic detector  406  may be more effective than the sign  408  because the drivers of each vehicle may specify how alerts or other information are to be received, further enhancing communications exchange. Additionally, even if the vehicles pass the sign  408 , the GPS devices may continue to warn the drivers of the construction zone  412 . 
     Once the vehicles  402  and  404  enter the wireless range  414 , the GPS devices of the vehicles  402  and  404  may receive the wireless signal  410  and alert the drivers of the upcoming construction zone  412 . The result of the information exchange between the traffic detector  406  and the vehicles  402  and  404  is increased safety for construction workers within the construction zone  412  and the vehicles  402  and  404  and corresponding passengers. 
     In another embodiment, two traffic detectors may be located at both ends of the construction zone  412  for more accurately informing the GPS device when the vehicle enters and leaves the construction zone  412 . One or more traffic detectors may be used for more complex driving conditions and when more safety information and wireless coverage is necessary. The traffic detectors may broadcast start and stop locations for the construction zone in latitude and longitude, the speed limit within the construction zone and the duration or length of the construction zone. For example, during particularly long construction zones, the drivers of the vehicles  402  and  404  may forget the posted speed limit or that they are in a construction zone. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a GPS device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.  FIG. 5  includes a GPS device  500  specifically used for navigation or with global positioning capabilities. The GPS device  500  is a particular implementation of the GPS  202  and wireless device  204  of  FIG. 2 . The GPS device  500  may include a processor  502 , memory  504 , wireless transceiver  506 , traffic logic  508 , display  510 , and GPS hardware/software  512 . The GPS device  500  may be a combination of hardware and software elements and may use various structures and formats. The example shown in  FIG. 5  is given only for illustration purposes, and not as a limitation of required elements. 
     The processor  502  may be a digital processing unit. The processor  502  may also be any processing device suitable for executing applications, manipulating data, and processing instructions and communications signals. For example, the processor  502  may be a computer processor or wireless device processor. 
     The memory  504  may be a memory device for storing data, for example, the hard drive, or flash memory for storing information or data. However, the memory  504  may be any dynamic, static, volatile, or non-volatile memory type or configuration suitable for storing and accessing electronic information and data. The memory  504  may store navigation information, maps, user preferences, traffic condition data, frequency information, and other relevant data, applications, and information. 
     The wireless transceiver  506  may include a transmitter and receiver for communicating any number of wireless signals. For example, the wireless transceiver  506  may communicate using WiFi, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, or other wireless protocols or standards. In particular, the wireless transceiver  506  may communicate with traffic detectors. In one embodiment, the wireless transceiver  506  may constantly scan or search for signals from traffic detectors. The wireless transceiver  506  may also communicate with a wireless network for receiving traffic information. 
     The traffic logic  508  may be the logic for determining whether a dangerous condition exists, whether an alert should be generated, and otherwise interacting with multiple traffic detectors and the user through the display  510 . In another embodiment, the traffic logic  508  may be integrated with the processor  502 . In one example, the traffic logic may determine safety boundaries for the specified driver based on traffic, environment, driver, and other available information. 
     The traffic logic  508  may perform speed calculations, determine intersection points, compare historical data, make recommendations, control alarms and information output to the user, and reroute the driver as needed. The traffic logic  508  may have access to traffic information and details through a wireless carrier, such as a cellular telephone service provider. The traffic logic  508  may also include look up tables, databases, and historical information for determining the best response to a traffic condition. For example, if there is a wreck ahead, the traffic logic  508  may send information to the user through the display  510  suggesting the driver use a feeder road paralleling the current roadway. In another example, the user may use performance information about the car&#39;s brakes, the current slick weather conditions as broadcast from a weather station, and the driver&#39;s experience level to indicate the user should immediately begin slowing at five miles per hour to give the driver time to slow to a safe driving speed before entering an occupied school crossing. 
     The traffic logic  508  may also make recommendations based on previous experiences. For example, the traffic logic  508  may suggest a new route in order to avoid school zones that broadcast a reduced speed limit during specific times of day in order to travel from one point to another much faster. In one embodiment, the traffic logic  508  may process information from multiple traffic lights to suggest a speed within the speed limit that allows the driver to pass through the multiple traffic lights without being stopped thereby conserving gasoline, battery power, and the patience of the driver. 
     In another embodiment, the GPS device  500  may be unable to detect traffic detectors, but a wireless device of the user, such as a cellular phone, may be able to communicate with the traffic detectors. As a result, the wireless device may transmit information to the GPS device  500  to be displayed to the user. In one example, the wireless transceiver  506  may use Bluetooth® to communicate with a wireless device. The wireless transceiver  506  may also communicate with an external alert or speaker specifically designed to transmit and play an alert to the driver. 
     The display  510  may be configured to visually display information to the user. In one example, the display  510  is an LCD screen or touch screen for displaying information, maps, alerts, text, and other information to the user and receiving user input. The display  510  may flash an alert or otherwise provide an alert to the driver. The GPS hardware/software  512  may be the hardware and software that enables the standard features of the GPS device. 
     In another embodiment, the memory  504  may store instructions, applications, or modules for implementing the features of the GPS device  500  as herein described. For example, the wireless transceiver  506 , traffic logic,  508 , display  510 , and GPS hardware/software may be software modules that interact with the hardware elements of the GPS device  500 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for providing traffic alerts in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of  FIG. 6  may be implemented by a traffic detector  602  and a GPS device  604 . The traffic detector  602  may be a permanently attached device or may be a temporary device positioned for a short-term or ongoing event or happening, such as a school fair or a traffic accident. The GPS device  604  may be a vehicle embedded GPS, an external GPS, or a GPS-enabled wireless device. 
     The process of  FIG. 6  begins with the GPS device  604  searching for wireless signals indicating traffic conditions (step  606 ). The GPS device  604  may search for wireless signals by constantly monitoring the signal strength and availability of signals as detected. The traffic detector broadcasts information regarding traffic conditions (step  608 ). The traffic detector  602  may be constantly broadcasting traffic condition information or may do so only when circumstances require. For example, a police car enabled with a traffic detector  602  may only broadcast a signal indicating a wreck has occurred once activated by the police officer. 
     Next, the GPS device  604  initiates wireless communication with the traffic detector  602 . The communication of step  610  may involve establishing a communications session or wireless network link between the GPS device  604  and the traffic detector  602 . The GPS device  604  and traffic detector  602  may communicate using a signal, channel, or radio frequency specially designated for sending and receiving traffic information or via another designated communications frequency. 
     Next, the GPS device  604  receives information about the traffic condition from the traffic detector (step  612 ). The information may specify the location, current distance, seriousness, and the result or actions that the GPS device  604  and/or driver of a vehicle should take in order to safely navigate the roadway or area proximate to the traffic condition. 
     The GPS device  604  determines whether the vehicle is approaching the traffic condition safely (step  614 ). The determination of step  614  may be based on safety parameters and factors regarding the vehicle, driver, environmental conditions, and traffic conditions. The determination may also be made on the information received from the traffic detector in step  612 . In another embodiment, the traffic detector may determine whether the vehicle is approaching the traffic condition safely and then transmit relevant information to the GPS for display to the driver. 
     If the GPS device  604  determines the vehicle is approaching the traffic condition safely in step  614 , the GPS device  604  returns to search for wireless signals indicating traffic conditions (step  606 ). If the GPS device  604  determines the vehicle is not approaching the traffic condition safely in step  614 , the GPS device  604  alerts the driver (step  616 ). For example, if the driver is a relatively inexperienced 16-year old driver who is driving in the rain toward a semi-truck accident, the GPS device  604  may give an earlier than normal warning of the situation to the driver to ensure the safety of the driver, emergency personnel, and other individuals that may be in the proximity of the traffic condition. 
     The alert in step  616  may provide additional information to the driver, a plan of action, or other feedback that may protect the driver, bystanders, and other individuals. The alert  616  may include an audiovisual tactile or other alert to provide the driver information. For example, the vehicle seat may be set to vibrate or rumble to indicate to the driver that the vehicle is approaching a school zone. Alternatively, the alert may include a message specifying the upcoming traffic condition, such as “car wreck ahead” for routing purposes. 
     The wireless enabled GPS device or smart map technology may provide additional information and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and others that come in close proximity to roadways and vehicles. Wireless information exchanged between vehicles and traffic detectors may ensure that accurate information and alerts are exchanged for protecting the drivers. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a process for making recommendations for traffic conditions in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of  FIG. 7  may be implemented by traffic logic which may include hardware or software of a GPS or GPS-enabled wireless device. 
     The process may begin by determining the location, speed, direction, vehicle performance, driver characteristics, and environmental factors of the vehicle (step  702 ). The process of step  702  may be performed or sampled in real-time or at specified intervals in the event that a quick response needs to be made to an upcoming traffic condition. The data of step  702  may be generated or received by the GPS hardware and software of the device, vehicle systems, accessible user profiles, and informational broadcasts. The data may be updated in a matrix or other system for indicating all relevant factors. 
     Next, the traffic logic receives traffic information (step  704 ). The traffic information may be received from a traffic detector which may be in motion or stationary. In one example for illustration purposes, a police vehicle equipped with a traffic detector may be chasing a vehicle that is traveling the wrong way along an interstate and broadcasting a warning signal to vehicles in danger. The traffic information of step  704  may be a signal from the traffic detector specifying the type of traffic detector, location, importance, and other relevant characteristics or information. In another example for illustration purposes, a school crossing guard may be wearing a transmitter that indicates a school crossing is upcoming and that children are crossing the street in front of the vehicle or driver. 
     Next, the traffic logic determines the type of traffic conditions, safety parameters, and potential consequences (step  706 ). The type of traffic condition may or may not be broadcast in the traffic information of step  704 . A code or other indicator may also be used to determine the type of traffic condition. For example, traffic lights, stop signs, crosswalks, wrecks, and school zones may all have an alphanumeric indicator that is broadcast as part of the signal. In one embodiment, the safety parameters may be retrieved from a database, such as federal or state driving guidelines or policies. 
     In another embodiment, the safety parameters may be set by the driver or a person with administrative access to the vehicle. For example, a parent may stipulate that the traffic logic provide extra cautious safety parameters to new teenage drivers. The potential consequences may specify what may happen if the driver or vehicle fails to slow, divert, or take some specified action. For example, the driver may be subject to a fine or may be in danger of causing an accident or otherwise harming him/herself, the passengers, and others within close proximity to the roadway. 
     For example, with a driver driving the wrong way down the interstate, the safety parameters may stipulate that the only safe circumstances are for a driver to pull far into the right median of the road and stop the vehicle or the driver may be involved in a wreck with the other errant driver. 
     Next, the traffic logic determines whether the vehicle is approaching the traffic condition safely (step  708 ). The determination of step  708  may be made based on the information from steps  702 - 706 . Calculations, comparisons, and other analyses may be made by the traffic logic. For example, distances between the vehicle and traffic detector, as well as relative speeds may be used to make the determination. The traffic logic may use any number of databases, tables, matrices, or other information to quickly make the determination of step  708 . For example, if the user is approaching a school crosswalk at 65 mph, the traffic logic may determine the vehicle is not approaching the traffic condition safely. 
     If the vehicle is approaching the traffic condition safely, the traffic logic returns to determine the location, speed, direction, vehicle performance, driver characteristics, and environmental factors of the vehicle (step  702 ). If the vehicle unsafely approaching the traffic condition in step  708 , the traffic logic determines potential recommendations (step  710 ). The potential recommendations may be set by default, previously programmed, or otherwise specified. In one example, the potential recommendations may include displaying a simple alert or information indicator to the driver or user of the GPS-enabled device. For example, as the driver approaches the crosswalk, the traffic logic may potentially recommend the driver slow down or take an alternative route. 
     Next, traffic logic outputs a recommendation to the driver (step  712 ). The recommendation chosen from the potential recommendations may be made based upon the applicable laws and regulations, historical information, and preferences of the driver. The recommendation may also be broadcast from the traffic detector. For example, the police car chasing the vehicle going the wrong way may have manually broadcast a signal informing all drivers to stop in the lane in which they are currently driving. 
     The recommendation may be displayed, played in a message, or as an alarm. For example, the user may have designated tones or alerts for speeding up, slowing down, or taking evasive action. The recommendation may be received by the driver or another passenger in the vehicle carrying a GPS-enabled device. 
     The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the invention and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the invention disclosed with greater particularity.