Traffic management system

• US 9,129,529 B2
• Filed: 03/12/2014
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yunex GmbH
• Original Assignee: Siemens AG
• Inventors: Kellermann, Astrid, Wunder, Roland
• Primary Examiner(s): Wang, Jack K
• Application Number:
  US14/206,195
• Publication Number:
  US 20140266796A1
• Time in Patent Office: 545 Days
• Field of Search: 340/905, 340/934, 455/456.3, 455/414.1, 701/117, 701/118
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0116 from roadside infrastructure, e.g. beacons
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0133 for classifying traffic situation
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0141 for traffic information dissemination
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0145 for active traffic flow control
• 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

Abstract

A traffic management system provides traffic information and allows controlling and influencing traffic in a traffic network, such as a street network in a city. The system includes a traffic management center with a generator for the central creation of an information message for road users. The traffic management system includes terminals to be carried along by the road users for receiving and outputting the information message. Data transmitters transfer the information message from the traffic management center to the terminal. The generators are configured to localize the information message by assigning a location code for destination-oriented transmission and/or output of the located information message. The location code represents a location or section of the traffic network relating to the information message. The road user on the move within the traffic network can be provided directly and explicitly with up-to-date information messages.

Claims

1. A traffic management system for providing traffic information and for controlling and influencing traffic in a traffic network, the traffic management system comprising:

a traffic management center including a generator for centrally creating an information message for road users, said generator being configured to localize the information message by assigning a location code for destination-oriented transfer and/or output of the localized information message, wherein the location code represents a location or segment of the traffic network relating to the information message;

a terminal to be carried by the road users while traveling within the traffic network and configured for receiving and outputting the information message generated by said generator of said traffic management center;

a data transmission system for transferring the information message from said traffic management center to said terminals, said data transmission system having a plurality of distribution devices strategically distributed about the traffic network and connected to said traffic management center for wired or wireless data transmission, each of said transmission devices including a transmit unit for wireless transfer of the information messages to respective said terminals within a local transmit area, wherein a given information message is to be transmitted explicitly based on the location code thereof specifically to one or more said distribution devices.

2. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said generator includes a manual input interface for an operator for editing an information message and for assigning the location code to the message.

3. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said generator is configured to create and locate an information message automatically as a function of a traffic situation currently detected in the traffic network.

4. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said data transmission device includes a central interface to the Internet, and wherein each said terminal has a mobile interface to the Internet, positioning means for determining a current position of the terminal in the traffic network and a filter for explicit and directed output of a received information message based on the location code of the information message.

5. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said traffic management center is configured to receive traffic data detected by traffic detectors installed in the traffic network, and said generator is configured to create from the traffic data an information message with a current traffic situation.

6. The traffic management system according to claim 5, wherein the traffic data detected by traffic detectors includes localized traffic densities and average speeds.

7. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said traffic management center is supplied with occupation data detected by parking facilities linked to said traffic network, and said generator is configured to create from the occupation data an information message with a current parking space situation.

8. The traffic management system according to claim 7, wherein the parking facilities linked to said traffic network are multi-story parking garages, parking lots, or automatic parking permit centers.

9. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said traffic management center is supplied with environmental data detected by environmental sensors installed in the traffic network, and said generator is configured to create from the environmental data an information message with a current environment situation.

10. The traffic management system according to claim 9, wherein the environmental data detected by environmental sensors includes pollution level data or temperature measurement data.

11. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein said traffic management center is supplied with events data provided by organizers of events impacting the traffic network, and wherein said generator is configured to create from the events data an information message with current information about events.

12. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein the events data is selected from the group consisting of trade fairs, exhibits, sporting events, recommended arrival routes, and recommended departure routes.

13. The traffic management system according to claim 1, configured for managing a street network of a city.