Method and system for reporting automotive traffic conditions in response to user-specific requests

• US 20040210381A1
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Published: 10/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ZAMA Innovations LLC
• Original Assignee: ZAMA Innovations LLC
• Inventors: Morgan, Lara F., Zhao, Wei, Oblon, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US10/843,386
• Publication Number:
  US 20040210381A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/201
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3492 employing speed data or traffic data, e.g. real-time or historical traffic control systems for road vehicles involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle G08G1/0968
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3691 Retrieval, searching and output of information related to real-time traffic, weather, or environmental conditions arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions G08G1/09
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096741 where the source of the transmitted information selects which information to transmit to each vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096775 where the origin of the information is a central station
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0968 Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096811 where the route is computed offboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096844 where the complete route is dynamically recomputed based on new data

Abstract

The method and system described herein provides an interface for accessing a database containing information pertaining traffic conditions. Using the interface, a driver can receive traffic conditions potentially affecting the driver'"'"'s particular commute, just prior to the time at which the driver chooses between one or more routes for the commute. Several embodiments are disclosed in accordance with the present invention by which the driver can easily receive timely traffic information from the interface via the driver'"'"'wireless communications device, such as a wireless telephone.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the geographical location of individuals within a geographical region from a remote location, comprising:

(a) at least one wireless communications device having a transmitter for transmitting control signals;

(b) a plurality of receivers located across a geographical region for detecting control signals transmitted by wireless communications devices;

(c) a location processor for determining location information corresponding to at least one wireless communications device according to the control signals detected by the plurality of receivers; and

(d) an Internet server for providing location determined in the location processor pertaining to at least one wireless communications device to authorized users through the Internet.

2-32. -32. (canceled)