AUTOMATED LOCATION-INTELLIGENT TRAFFIC NOTIFICATION SERVICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS

• US 20110227724A1
• Filed: 03/15/2011
• Published: 09/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ZAMA Innovations LLC
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Morgan, Lara F., Gao, Xiaofeng, Zhao, Wei, Oblon, Michael A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,296,066 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.11
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3415 Dynamic re-routing, e.g. recalculating the route when the user deviates from calculated route or after detecting real-time traffic data or accidents
• 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: G06F 16/90 Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/214 using selective forwarding
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/226 Delivery according to priorities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information

Abstract

Traffic notification systems include a location determination system that is configured to determine a geographic location of a subscriber and an automated traffic notification system that is configured to automatically transmit a traffic notification message that is based on the geographic location of the subscriber to a wireless.

Claims

1. An automated location-intelligent traffic advisory system comprising:

a location determination system that is configured to electronically determine speed, direction and geographic location of a subscriber, the subscriber having an associated electronic device with a global positioning system receiver, wherein the location determination system determines whether the subscriber is located in a place associated with an impairment to driving conditions based on the determined location, direction of travel and speed of a respective subscriber; and

a traffic monitoring system that electronically notifies the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions when the location determination system determines that the subscriber is located in the place associated with the impairment to driving conditions without the subscriber having to pre-select the place associated with the impairment to driving conditions for traffic monitoring.

2. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to electronically notify the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions in substantially real-time as a new adverse traffic incident is detected.

3. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to electronically notify the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions in substantially real-time as new congestion is detected.

4. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to electronically notify the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions in substantially real-time as a new low-drivability condition is detected.

5. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to wirelessly receive input from a wireless communication device associated with the subscriber to request alternate route information in response to the subscriber being notified of the impairment to driving conditions.

6. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a wireless communication device, and wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to receive electronic input from the portable wireless communication device to confirm that the subscriber is in transit and wishes to electronically receive relevant driving condition updates as they occur.

7. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a wireless communication device, and wherein the traffic monitoring system notifies the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions using an audio message.

8. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a wireless communication device, and wherein the traffic monitoring system notifies the subscriber of the impairment to driving conditions using a text message.

9. The traffic advisory system of claim 1, wherein the traffic monitoring system is configured to receive an incoming telephone call to request traffic information, the traffic monitoring system being further configured to identify an associated wireless telephone number associated with the telephone call, to determine whether the wireless telephone number is associated with the subscriber, to determine a current location of the subscriber using the global positioning system receiver when the wireless telephone number is associated with the subscriber, and to provide traffic information to the subscriber based on the current location of the subscriber.