Method for information transmission of vehicle data and traffic information system

• US 6,369,720 B1
• Filed: 05/21/1999
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Alcatel SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Wilhelm, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US09/315,948
• Time in Patent Office: 1,054 Days
• Field of Search: 340/901, 340/902, 340/903, 340/905, 340/435, 340/988, 340/426, 180/167, 180/168, 342/457, 342/357, 455/11.1, 455/7, 701/117
• US Class Current: 340/905
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/163 involving continuous checking

Abstract

A method for information transmission and visualization of vehicle data detected by sensors, particularly speed, lighting status, tripping of ABS, steering wheel turning angle, position, etc., between the vehicles, as well as a corresponding traffic information system. To implement a “predictive” driving aid to prevent congestion and accidents, the method uses a cellular network for information transmission and overlays the transmitted data onto the windshield of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle having a plurality of sensors, the method comprising:

collecting data from the plurality of vehicle sensors;

transmitting the data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors through a cellular network to other vehicles travelling in a substantially parallel direction or travelling in a substantially opposing direction, wherein transmitting the collected data further comprises;

assigning a priority to the collected data; and

transmitting the collected data as a function of vehicle speed;

receiving vehicle data transmitted through the cellular network from other vehicles;

processing the transmitted vehicle data and overlaying the processed vehicle data on a display.

2. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprises:

determining a path progress based upon a front wheel position of at least one vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle receiving the information; and

overlaying a position or distance onto the windshield of the vehicle receiving the information.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises transmitting the collected data to vehicles traveling behind the vehicle collecting the data.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises transmitting the collected data to vehicles traveling in a direction substantially opposite to the vehicle collecting the data.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein collecting data from the plurality of sensors comprises collecting vehicle parameters and external environmental conditions.

6. A traffic information apparatus for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a cellular transmitter and receiver connected to an antenna;

a plurality of vehicle sensors that collect data comprising vehicle parameters;

a driver information device; and

a computer connected to the cellular transmitter and receiver, the plurality of vehicle sensors and the driver information device, wherein the computer assigns priorities to the data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors, and wherein the cellular transmitter and receiver transmits data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors according to the priorities assigned to the data.

7. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cellular transmitter and receiver communicates with at least one fixed station of a GSM cellular network.

8. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 6, the apparatus further comprising an interface connected to a steering control device in a vehicle, wherein the interface is connected to the computer.

9. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cellular transmitter and receiver transmits data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors to other vehicles traveling behind.

10. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cellular transmitter and receiver receives data from other vehicles.

11. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the computer overlays the received data from other vehicles on the display.

12. The traffic information apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the interface controls the steering control device in response to received data.

13. An apparatus for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of vehicle sensors for collecting vehicle data;

a cellular transmitter and receiver connected to an antenna for sending and receiving collected vehicle data to at least one fixed cellular station;

a computer for processing vehicle data received from the cellular transmitter and receiver, and for sending the collected vehicle data to the cellular transmitter and receiver for transmission, wherein the computer assigns priorities to the data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors, and wherein the cellular transmitter and receiver transmits data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors according to the priorities assigned to the data; and

a display for displaying the processed vehicle data or the collected vehicle data.

14. The apparatus for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises an control interface to the vehicle steering system for steering the vehicle in response to received processed vehicle data.

15. The apparatus for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one fixed cellular station is connected to a GSM network.

16. A method for information transmission and visualization of data from a vehicle having a plurality of sensors, the method comprising:

collecting data from the plurality of vehicle sensors;

transmitting the data collected from the plurality of vehicle sensors through a cellular network to other vehicles travelling in a substantially parallel direction or travelling in a substantially opposing direction;

receiving vehicle data transmitted through the cellular network from other vehicles;

processing the transmitted vehicle data;

determining a path progress based upon a front wheel position of at least one vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle receiving the information; and

overlaying the processed vehicle data on a display, and overlaying a position or distance onto the windshield of the vehicle receiving the information.