CA2257438A1 - Traffic data broadcasting system - Google Patents
Traffic data broadcasting system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2257438A1 CA2257438A1 CA002257438A CA2257438A CA2257438A1 CA 2257438 A1 CA2257438 A1 CA 2257438A1 CA 002257438 A CA002257438 A CA 002257438A CA 2257438 A CA2257438 A CA 2257438A CA 2257438 A1 CA2257438 A1 CA 2257438A1
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- Prior art keywords
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- traffic
- broadcasting
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
- H04H20/53—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers
- H04H20/55—Arrangements specially adapted for specific applications, e.g. for traffic information or for mobile receivers for traffic information
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/091—Traffic information broadcasting
- G08G1/093—Data selection, e.g. prioritizing information, managing message queues, selecting the information to be output
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/091—Traffic information broadcasting
- G08G1/094—Hardware aspects; Signal processing or signal properties, e.g. frequency bands
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
- H04H2201/00—Aspects of broadcast communication
- H04H2201/10—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system
- H04H2201/20—Aspects of broadcast communication characterised by the type of broadcast system digital audio broadcasting [DAB]
Abstract
A system for periodically transmitting traffic speed data files in a graphical format over Digital Audio Broadcasting channels is disclosed. The traffic speed data files are fused from a plurality of raw traffic data streams related to different road sections.
Also broadcast, but less frequently, are background road map files in a raster image format which, when received with the traffic speed data files in a display terminal, provide a colour-coded road map showing different traffic speeds in different road sections. Additional weather and tourism information can be combined with the traffic data for presentation of a common display (on different zones and pages) at the receiving end.
Also broadcast, but less frequently, are background road map files in a raster image format which, when received with the traffic speed data files in a display terminal, provide a colour-coded road map showing different traffic speeds in different road sections. Additional weather and tourism information can be combined with the traffic data for presentation of a common display (on different zones and pages) at the receiving end.
Description
TRAFFIC DATA BROADCASTING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to traffic data broadcasting and is particularly concerned with traffic speed data transmitted via a Digital Audio Broadcasting System.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With a steady growth in automobile population, traffic congestion in major highways is becoming increasingly severe, to the point where the original purpose of the highway system in terms of a transportation system is being defeated. This problem has led to a need for providing drivers on major highways with continuous information on the present state of the traffic in different highway sections to permit the drivers to choose less congested routes to their destination.
Conventionally, some traffic information is provided by electronic display panels mounted at various points in certain major highways. These systems are expensive to install, and as a result have not been widely used. Furthermore, they provide only limited information, being confined to text of limited length usually related only to a particular section of the highway system.
In U.S. Patents 5,173,691 and 5,164,904, Summer describes a data fusion process for an in-vehicle traffic congestion information system. This system gathers raw traffic data from a number of disparate data sources and formats the gathered data into uniform traffic congestion messages for each highway/road section based on a specifically described weighting and scoring algorithm. The formatted data is then broadcast to vehicles for further processing by an in-vehicle terminal for presentation to the driver and use in a text display, voice synthesis and/or map display colour-coded for different levels of congestion. Summer also teaches a call-messaging process at the in-vehicle receiver to select specific traffic congestion data relevant only to the cell (or zone) in which the vehicle happens to be, based on a navigational data processor within the receiver system.
The system taught by Summer relies on the broadcasting through a narrow-band channel of discrete alphanumeric messages containing congestion information for each highway section, which can only be converted into a colour-coded graphic map at the in-vehicle terminal if means for generating a background highway map is already available in the vehicle. Hence, most of the data storage and processing functions need to be performed at the in-vehicle terminal.
Several problems may arise with prior-art systems such as those referenced above.
In the case where traffic information is presented to a driver in a text format, there is a risk of overloading the driver with a relatively large volume of traffic messages. This would be of specific concern in a major urban area, where the driver would be looking for information not just for the cell he/she is driving in, but rather for the entire route to a destination. Such a large volume of text messages would be difficult to absorb and could be dangerous to read while driving. In the case where traffic information is presented to the driver in a graphical format, a specialized complex terminal is required, having a processing power to convert a stream of text messages into a map. The processing requirement adds to the complexity of the in-vehicle electronics package and hence and to the terminal cost.
There has, therefore, been a need for providing automobile drivers or passengers timely traffic information of sufficient clarity and frequency to permit a choice of more suitable alternate routes to their destination at an affordable cost for the in-vehicle terminal. It is also desirable to provide additional information to assist navigation, such as weather or tourism data.
With the advent of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems in Canada and many other countries around the world, there is an opportunity to utilize such a system for broadcasting different types of data, at significantly greater bandwidth than otherwise available in conventional AM/FM broadcasting systems.
DAB is capable of not only producing high quality sound but also providing new kinds of data services to the public. There are four significant technical advantages in using DAB over AM/FM systems.
1. DAB uses digital, rather than analog, transmission technology to produce CD-quality sound.
2. In Canada, DAB uses the Eureka 147 global technical standard, which multiplexes together a number of audio and data channels into one composite signal for transmission.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to traffic data broadcasting and is particularly concerned with traffic speed data transmitted via a Digital Audio Broadcasting System.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With a steady growth in automobile population, traffic congestion in major highways is becoming increasingly severe, to the point where the original purpose of the highway system in terms of a transportation system is being defeated. This problem has led to a need for providing drivers on major highways with continuous information on the present state of the traffic in different highway sections to permit the drivers to choose less congested routes to their destination.
Conventionally, some traffic information is provided by electronic display panels mounted at various points in certain major highways. These systems are expensive to install, and as a result have not been widely used. Furthermore, they provide only limited information, being confined to text of limited length usually related only to a particular section of the highway system.
In U.S. Patents 5,173,691 and 5,164,904, Summer describes a data fusion process for an in-vehicle traffic congestion information system. This system gathers raw traffic data from a number of disparate data sources and formats the gathered data into uniform traffic congestion messages for each highway/road section based on a specifically described weighting and scoring algorithm. The formatted data is then broadcast to vehicles for further processing by an in-vehicle terminal for presentation to the driver and use in a text display, voice synthesis and/or map display colour-coded for different levels of congestion. Summer also teaches a call-messaging process at the in-vehicle receiver to select specific traffic congestion data relevant only to the cell (or zone) in which the vehicle happens to be, based on a navigational data processor within the receiver system.
The system taught by Summer relies on the broadcasting through a narrow-band channel of discrete alphanumeric messages containing congestion information for each highway section, which can only be converted into a colour-coded graphic map at the in-vehicle terminal if means for generating a background highway map is already available in the vehicle. Hence, most of the data storage and processing functions need to be performed at the in-vehicle terminal.
Several problems may arise with prior-art systems such as those referenced above.
In the case where traffic information is presented to a driver in a text format, there is a risk of overloading the driver with a relatively large volume of traffic messages. This would be of specific concern in a major urban area, where the driver would be looking for information not just for the cell he/she is driving in, but rather for the entire route to a destination. Such a large volume of text messages would be difficult to absorb and could be dangerous to read while driving. In the case where traffic information is presented to the driver in a graphical format, a specialized complex terminal is required, having a processing power to convert a stream of text messages into a map. The processing requirement adds to the complexity of the in-vehicle electronics package and hence and to the terminal cost.
There has, therefore, been a need for providing automobile drivers or passengers timely traffic information of sufficient clarity and frequency to permit a choice of more suitable alternate routes to their destination at an affordable cost for the in-vehicle terminal. It is also desirable to provide additional information to assist navigation, such as weather or tourism data.
With the advent of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems in Canada and many other countries around the world, there is an opportunity to utilize such a system for broadcasting different types of data, at significantly greater bandwidth than otherwise available in conventional AM/FM broadcasting systems.
DAB is capable of not only producing high quality sound but also providing new kinds of data services to the public. There are four significant technical advantages in using DAB over AM/FM systems.
1. DAB uses digital, rather than analog, transmission technology to produce CD-quality sound.
2. In Canada, DAB uses the Eureka 147 global technical standard, which multiplexes together a number of audio and data channels into one composite signal for transmission.
3. DAB uses frequencies in the band 1452-1492 MHz, which is part of the L-Band, as compared to the use of frequencies between 88 and 108 MHz for the FM radio band and 540-1600 KHz for the AM band. The use of L-Band and Eureka 147 allows DAB a relatively high bit rate of 2.4 Mbps, of which 256 Kbps is available for data broadcasting.
4. Digital radio using Eureka 147 can carry substantially more ancillary data than FM
sub-carrier systems.
With respect to the source of traffic information, there currently exist several systems that monitor traffic in major roads and highways on an ongoing basis.
As an example, for the Metropolitan City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, traffic speed data are available from sources including the Provincial freeway management authority, City freeway management authority, Public transit authority and Toll highway operating authorities.
There is clearly a need for a traffic data broadcasting system that makes use of this multiplicity of traffic data sources, while taking full advantage of the relatively higher bit rate provided by DAB in order to provide up-to-date traffic information on as many roads and highways as possible within a given service area, to travelling vehicles to be displayed at receiving terminals therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a traffic data broadcasting system, comprising means for broadcasting over DAB systems, updated traffic speed data related to different road sections that may be received, processed and displayed at a display fitted within an automobile. It is another object of this invention to combine such traffic speed data with other types of data such as weather and/or tourism information.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a traffic data broadcasting system comprising:
a) traffic data fusion module for receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source and for processing said raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and b) transmission means responsive to said traffic data fusion module for periodically broadcasting said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval, e.g. once per minute.
In an embodiment of the invention, data combining means is further provided for receiving at least one information data stream from an information data source and for processing said information data stream into an information data file provided periodically to the transmission means for broadcasting. For example, the information data stream includes weather information in a textual and or graphic format.
Preferably, the data combining means is interposed between the traffic data fusion module and the transmission means, to combine into combined data files the traffic speed data file, the information data file and a periodic configuration data file defining a display layout in a display terminal receiving said combined data files.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transmission means comprises:
a) interface means for converting each of the combined data files into a formatted data block suitable for Digital Audio Broadcasting; and b) a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter responsive to the formatted data block.
Preferably the data fusion module further provides periodically to the transmission means a road map data file representing a background road map. Conveniently, the traffic speed data file and the road map data file can be in graphical formats suitable to permit a graphic display terminal receiving the traffic speed data file and the road map data file to display the background road map showing the road section colour-coded for the average traffic speed. For example, the road map data file can be in a raster image format, whereas the traffic speed data file can be in a vector image format.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of broadcasting traffic data comprising the steps of:
a) receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source;
b) processing the at least one raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section;
c) broadcasting periodically said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval, e.g. once per minute; and d) broadcasting periodically a road map data file representing a background road map.
Preferably, the road map data file is in a raster image format, and the traffic speed data file is in a vector image format for conveying colour-coded information of the average current traffic speed in the road section.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the method of broadcasting traffic data further comprises the steps of receiving an information data stream, from an information data source, processing said information data stream into an information data file in a graphical format, and broadcasting periodically said information data file. This method can further comprise the step of periodically broadcasting at least one configuration data-file, wherein said configuration data file includes layout data for controlling a display layout in a display terminal receiving the combined data files.
Conveniently each one of the above indicated broadcasting steps is performed via a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter.
There are several aspects of DAB systems that are important to the invention:
1. Given the objective of distributing data to vehicles, radio receivers are so ubiquitous that virtually every vehicle has one. Almost every home has at least one radio receiver and many places of business also have radio receivers. These receivers are anticipated to become increasingly of the DAB type.
2. DAB receivers by definition have an interface for external data equipment.
3. The capability of DAB to distribute third party data is substantial. The Eureka 147 standard that has been adopted by Canada can support several hundred Kbps of data in addition to the regular audio program channels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates in a block diagram a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates in a block diagram a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data combined with other types of information in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 illustrates elements of a Digital Audio Broadcast system including a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 illustrates an in-vehicle display panel receiving combined traffic and other data broadcast via the system shown in Fig. 3;
wherein identical numerals are used to refer to the same elements throughout the above figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Overall System Table I defines the sources, the types of sensors used to obtain the traffic data, and the content of the data that are received from the information providers. Fig.
1 illustrates a block diagram of a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a multiplicity of traffic data sources A are shown available to provide real-time raw traffic data streams AA
related to ongoing traffic in different corresponding road sections. Some of these traffic data sources provide traffic speed information for each section of the road/highway covered, while others provide information on the momentary position of vehicles (buses or vehicles with toll transponders) moving along each section of the road/highway covered.
This traffic information comes in different technical formats and protocols which are to be standardized by the embodiment described herein.
A traffic data fusion module 2 periodically receives these traffic data streams AA
and processes them into traffic speed data files 22 to simultaneously represent average current traffic speeds at different road sections. The traffic speed data files are then provided to transmission equipment consisting of a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) interface unit 3 and a DAB encoder/transmitter 4. The DAB interface unit 3 converts the traffic speed data files 22 into formatted data blocks 33 suitable for DAB
transmission, which are then fed to the DAB encoder/transmitter 4 for transmission over one of the DAB radio frequency channels.
Fig. 2 illustrates in a block diagram another embodiment of the invention for transmitting traffic speed data files combined with other types of data information. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 contains all the elements of that shown in Fig. 1 with the addition of further elements as described herein. One or more information data sources B
are shown in Fig. 2 which are available to provide other types of data streams BB
containing information likely of interest to a vehicle driver or passengers, such as weather and tourism information. A data combiner 6, interposed between the traffic data fusion module 2 and the DAB interface unit 3, receives these information data streams BB, processes them into information data files SS, and is also provided with traffic speed data files 22 by the traffic data fusion module 2. In addition, the data combiner 6 periodically generates a configuration data file for defining a display layout in an in-vehicle display terminal, and combines this configuration file with the traffic speed data files and the information data files into combined data files 66 containing both traffic and other types of information. The combined data files 66 are then provided to a DAB
interface unit 3 to format the data into formatted data blocks 33 and have these available for transmission by the DAB EncoderlTransmitter 4 as explained above with respect to Fig. 1.
Main System Components To understand the entire operation of a traffic data broadcasting system that includes the invention, Fig. 3 illustrates all the elements of such a system showing both the transmitting and receiving sides. For the purpose of illustration only, the description is of a system which is tailored for use in the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As shown in Fig. 3, raw traffic data streams AA are received from four data sources A:
1. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario traffic management computer system;
2. City of Toronto Authority traffic management computer system;
3. Toronto Transit Commission bus management computer system;
4. Traffic speed data obtained from fleet management software that tracks the location of vehicles in a fleet using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and radio transmitters installed on each vehicle in the fleet. Dividing the distance moved by the vehicle by the elapsed time between the two positions leads to the average speed of the traffic on that particular section of road.
4. Digital radio using Eureka 147 can carry substantially more ancillary data than FM
sub-carrier systems.
With respect to the source of traffic information, there currently exist several systems that monitor traffic in major roads and highways on an ongoing basis.
As an example, for the Metropolitan City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, traffic speed data are available from sources including the Provincial freeway management authority, City freeway management authority, Public transit authority and Toll highway operating authorities.
There is clearly a need for a traffic data broadcasting system that makes use of this multiplicity of traffic data sources, while taking full advantage of the relatively higher bit rate provided by DAB in order to provide up-to-date traffic information on as many roads and highways as possible within a given service area, to travelling vehicles to be displayed at receiving terminals therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a traffic data broadcasting system, comprising means for broadcasting over DAB systems, updated traffic speed data related to different road sections that may be received, processed and displayed at a display fitted within an automobile. It is another object of this invention to combine such traffic speed data with other types of data such as weather and/or tourism information.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a traffic data broadcasting system comprising:
a) traffic data fusion module for receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source and for processing said raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and b) transmission means responsive to said traffic data fusion module for periodically broadcasting said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval, e.g. once per minute.
In an embodiment of the invention, data combining means is further provided for receiving at least one information data stream from an information data source and for processing said information data stream into an information data file provided periodically to the transmission means for broadcasting. For example, the information data stream includes weather information in a textual and or graphic format.
Preferably, the data combining means is interposed between the traffic data fusion module and the transmission means, to combine into combined data files the traffic speed data file, the information data file and a periodic configuration data file defining a display layout in a display terminal receiving said combined data files.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transmission means comprises:
a) interface means for converting each of the combined data files into a formatted data block suitable for Digital Audio Broadcasting; and b) a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter responsive to the formatted data block.
Preferably the data fusion module further provides periodically to the transmission means a road map data file representing a background road map. Conveniently, the traffic speed data file and the road map data file can be in graphical formats suitable to permit a graphic display terminal receiving the traffic speed data file and the road map data file to display the background road map showing the road section colour-coded for the average traffic speed. For example, the road map data file can be in a raster image format, whereas the traffic speed data file can be in a vector image format.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of broadcasting traffic data comprising the steps of:
a) receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source;
b) processing the at least one raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section;
c) broadcasting periodically said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval, e.g. once per minute; and d) broadcasting periodically a road map data file representing a background road map.
Preferably, the road map data file is in a raster image format, and the traffic speed data file is in a vector image format for conveying colour-coded information of the average current traffic speed in the road section.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the method of broadcasting traffic data further comprises the steps of receiving an information data stream, from an information data source, processing said information data stream into an information data file in a graphical format, and broadcasting periodically said information data file. This method can further comprise the step of periodically broadcasting at least one configuration data-file, wherein said configuration data file includes layout data for controlling a display layout in a display terminal receiving the combined data files.
Conveniently each one of the above indicated broadcasting steps is performed via a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter.
There are several aspects of DAB systems that are important to the invention:
1. Given the objective of distributing data to vehicles, radio receivers are so ubiquitous that virtually every vehicle has one. Almost every home has at least one radio receiver and many places of business also have radio receivers. These receivers are anticipated to become increasingly of the DAB type.
2. DAB receivers by definition have an interface for external data equipment.
3. The capability of DAB to distribute third party data is substantial. The Eureka 147 standard that has been adopted by Canada can support several hundred Kbps of data in addition to the regular audio program channels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates in a block diagram a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates in a block diagram a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data combined with other types of information in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 illustrates elements of a Digital Audio Broadcast system including a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 illustrates an in-vehicle display panel receiving combined traffic and other data broadcast via the system shown in Fig. 3;
wherein identical numerals are used to refer to the same elements throughout the above figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Overall System Table I defines the sources, the types of sensors used to obtain the traffic data, and the content of the data that are received from the information providers. Fig.
1 illustrates a block diagram of a broadcasting system for transmitting traffic speed data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a multiplicity of traffic data sources A are shown available to provide real-time raw traffic data streams AA
related to ongoing traffic in different corresponding road sections. Some of these traffic data sources provide traffic speed information for each section of the road/highway covered, while others provide information on the momentary position of vehicles (buses or vehicles with toll transponders) moving along each section of the road/highway covered.
This traffic information comes in different technical formats and protocols which are to be standardized by the embodiment described herein.
A traffic data fusion module 2 periodically receives these traffic data streams AA
and processes them into traffic speed data files 22 to simultaneously represent average current traffic speeds at different road sections. The traffic speed data files are then provided to transmission equipment consisting of a Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) interface unit 3 and a DAB encoder/transmitter 4. The DAB interface unit 3 converts the traffic speed data files 22 into formatted data blocks 33 suitable for DAB
transmission, which are then fed to the DAB encoder/transmitter 4 for transmission over one of the DAB radio frequency channels.
Fig. 2 illustrates in a block diagram another embodiment of the invention for transmitting traffic speed data files combined with other types of data information. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 contains all the elements of that shown in Fig. 1 with the addition of further elements as described herein. One or more information data sources B
are shown in Fig. 2 which are available to provide other types of data streams BB
containing information likely of interest to a vehicle driver or passengers, such as weather and tourism information. A data combiner 6, interposed between the traffic data fusion module 2 and the DAB interface unit 3, receives these information data streams BB, processes them into information data files SS, and is also provided with traffic speed data files 22 by the traffic data fusion module 2. In addition, the data combiner 6 periodically generates a configuration data file for defining a display layout in an in-vehicle display terminal, and combines this configuration file with the traffic speed data files and the information data files into combined data files 66 containing both traffic and other types of information. The combined data files 66 are then provided to a DAB
interface unit 3 to format the data into formatted data blocks 33 and have these available for transmission by the DAB EncoderlTransmitter 4 as explained above with respect to Fig. 1.
Main System Components To understand the entire operation of a traffic data broadcasting system that includes the invention, Fig. 3 illustrates all the elements of such a system showing both the transmitting and receiving sides. For the purpose of illustration only, the description is of a system which is tailored for use in the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As shown in Fig. 3, raw traffic data streams AA are received from four data sources A:
1. Ministry of Transportation of Ontario traffic management computer system;
2. City of Toronto Authority traffic management computer system;
3. Toronto Transit Commission bus management computer system;
4. Traffic speed data obtained from fleet management software that tracks the location of vehicles in a fleet using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and radio transmitters installed on each vehicle in the fleet. Dividing the distance moved by the vehicle by the elapsed time between the two positions leads to the average speed of the traffic on that particular section of road.
5. Additional traffic speed sensors that are installed on the side of or above the road to fill in the gaps in the data from the above three sources.
The traffic data streams AA from the data sources A are received by the traffic data fusion module 2 and processed to create traffic speed data 22 suitable for an integrated map display of traffic speeds on highways and major arteries. To accomplish this, software within the fusion module 2 receives the raw data streams AA
from the various sources A, convert them to a standardized format and enter the data into a real-time database. Each field in the database represents a discrete section of road/highway in a specific direction. Processing and conversion of the data to a standardized format is required because each of the above indicated agencies uses a different technical standard for its data, and because some agencies provide information on momentary road positions of vehicles which needs to be translated into average traffic speeds.
In regards to expressways such as Ontario Highway 401, the database captures the speed of traffic for the express lanes in each direction as well as the collector lanes in each direction. A separate element of the software in the fusion module 2 then reads the contents of the database and creates a graphic data file in the form of a vector image file to represent a visual, colour-coded map of the traffic speeds on the highways and roads in Toronto covered by the traffic data broadcasting service provided in accordance with this invention.
A data combiner 6 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 combines the traffic speed map with weather information received from Environment Canada and possibly tourism data. This will create combined data files 66 that comprise multiple types of information. The combined data files 66 are then provided to the DAB Interface Unit 3.
An ancillary data input on the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) transmitter 4 has specific technical requirements, such as the data rate, whether the data is synchronous or asynchronous, and the specification of data headers on the blocks of information. The DAB interface unit 3 converts the combined data files 66 into formatted data blocks 33 as required for an input to the DAB transmitter 4. The DAB encoder is typically an integral part of the transmitter 4 equipment but is identified in Fig. 3 separately because of its importance. The Eureka 147 Digital Radio global standard adopted by Canada requires that each audio and data channel be encoded and then multiplexed with other audio and data channels.
Fig. 3 shows a Web Server 11 receiving combined data files. This web server can be accessed in one of two ways:
1. Subscribers to the traffic data broadcasting service having access to the Web site for pre-trip planning from home or the office; or 2. A time-delayed version available to non-subscribers as part of the promotion of the service.
A user authorization control unit 7 is shown in Fig. 3, which is to permit the traffic and weather data to be broadcast in an encrypted form to ensure that only paying subscribers can receive it. There are four alternative ways to do this:
1. Use the electronic addressing feature of the Digital Radio receivers;
2. Incorporate encryption and addressability in the software used in the display panel and the notebook computer;
3. Incorporate encryption and addressability in the display panel hardware; or 4. A combination of the above.
A Network Service Quality Monitoring System 13 is provided for the monitoring of the network and the data channel. This includes an in-vehicle Digital Radio receiver and computer that monitors the channel data signal twenty four hours per day.
If there is an outage or if the data is corrupted in some fashion, the system will automatically alert key people using a combination of paging and dialling telephone numbers and playing a pre-recorded message.
Svstem Software Functions In the following, specific design aspects of the above-described embodiments are given in more detail.
The overall design of the software used within the data fusion module 2 and data combiner 6 is based on eight individual data files that fall in one of two categories:
A. Data files that change relatively infrequently; and B. Data files that change relatively frequently.
These categories define the periodic time interval or frequency of transmitting updates and whether the file, after being received at an in-vehicle terminal, is to be stored in the display panel in a non-volatile memory. Table II lists all eight files that are transmitted or downloaded, together with information on the storage approach and transmission/download frequencies. As shown in Table II, some of these files change relatively frequently and are therefore transmitted approximately every minute, while others change relative infrequently and are only transmitted approximately every fifteen minutes. These categories also define whether the file is stored in the in-vehicle display panel in volatile or non-volatile memory. However, the files are not sent all together in a block every minute or every fifteen minutes. Instead, there is a controlled sequence of transmissions that ensures that:
a) over the course of each 1-minute interval, each "once-per-minute" file is transmitted once, and b) over the course of each 15-minute interval, each "once-per-15-minute" file is transmitted once.
Traffic Data Fusion Functions The software module within the Traffic Data Fusion module 2 performs the following operations:
1. Manage the reception of files from:
a) Ministry of Transportation of Ontario traffic management computer system;
b) City of Toronto Authority traffic management computer system;
c) Toronto Transit Commission bus management computer system;
d) Additional traffic speed sensors that are deployed to fill in the gaps in the data from the above three sources.
These files contain traffic speed data in different formats. Each source provides a new file approximately once per minute.
2. Maintain a real-time database of the current speed of traffic on each section of approximately one kilometer (and in each direction) of the highways and roads covered by the traffic data broadcasting service. (For Highway 401, the database maintains separate traffic speeds for the express lanes and collector lanes.) 3. Approximately once per minute, prepare and transmit a file that comprises all traffic speeds for the highways and roads covered.
4. Approximately once every fifteen minutes, during the intervals when traffic speed data is not being transmitted, transmit a graphic file containing the background map in the format of a raster-scan image.
5. Generate a file for the traffic speed legend and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes.
All the files are sent as graphic files using a standard graphical format;
this minimizes the amount of processing required in the in-vehicle terminal. More specifically, most files are sent in standardized graphical formats such as the well-known JPEG format, except for the road and traffic information. The background road map of the area covered is sent as a raster-scan image whereas the traffic speed overlay is sent as a vector image file.
Data Combiner Functions The software within the data combiner 6 performs the following functions:
1. Store a configuration data file that defines a display layout in terms of the size and location of each window in the in-vehicle display and transmit/download this file with the set-up information once every fifteen minutes.
2. Manage the reception of data from an Environment Canada receiver in a graphical or textual format and extract weather information for the Toronto area.
3. Prepare a file of the summary weather information window in a textual format and transmit/download it approximately once every fifteen minutes. (In case a weather warning is issued by Environment Canada for the Toronto area, the summary weather file is updated and transmitted or downloaded within one minute.) 4. Prepare a file of the detailed weather information window and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes. (If a weather warning is issued by Environment Canada for the Toronto area, the detailed weather file is updated and transmitted or downloaded within one minute.) 5. Store up to one hundred advertisement files and a file that defines when each advertisement is to be transmitted or downloaded. (The required advertisement file is downloaded every fifteen minutes, irrespective of whether there is a change in the advertiser.) 6. Store a service logo file and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes.
The data combiner sw has further flexibility to expand the system to receive tourism data and other types of information content, and to format all this information as information data files for downloading to the in-vehicle display panels.
User Authorisation Control Functions The objective of the user authorisation control unit 7 is to manage the list of subscribers, to activate/de-activate units, and to provide an input to the billing software.
The required software functions of this module are therefore:
1. To manage a database of authorised users of the traffic data broadcasting service, including fields for their:
a) Name of organization;
b) User name;
c) Vehicle ID;
d) Billing address;
e) Billing contact;
f) Telephone number;
g) Fax number;
h) E-mail address ;
i) Make of Digital Radio receiver;
j ) Model number;
k) Electronic address of Digital Radio receiver;
1) Electronic address of the display panel;
m) Electronic address of the software for the computer;
n) Type of display system (customized, computer, built-in display panel);
o) Model of display system;
p) Date of activation;
q) Date of de-activation;
r) Monthly rate for the service;
s) Billing method (pre-authorised debit, credit-card, etc.); and t) Free-form field for miscellaneous information (up to 1,000 characters).
2. The software prepares a short file to activate each new account. This file is downloaded in the same way as all the other files, except that it is addressed to the specific DAB receiver and display panel.
3. The software is capable of developing, printing and exporting reports. Each report is capable of being sent to a printer recognised by Windows 95TM, or is capable of being exported as a standard delimited ASCII file. The software is designed to be easily configured to format the report, to include/exclude specific files in a report, and to save each report configuration. One example of a required report is the billing information on current users that will be an input to an overall billing system.
4. The software is designed to create a new record using the record that was last used as a template, and shall use a single key-stroke as the method to insert data copied from the corresponding field in the previous record.
Network Service Monitoring Functions The software embedded within the Network Service Monitoring unit 13 has the following functions:
1. Receive formatted data blocks 33 from a Digital Radio receiver;
2. Save each traffic speed data file 22 in local memory;
3. Perform quality assurance checks on each file;
4. If the channel data signal from the Digital Radio receiver disappears, or if a file has an error, the receiver terminal software raises an alarm by:
a) sending a paging message to one or more subscribers on a pre-defined list;
b) sending e-mail messages to one or more subscribers on a pre-defined list;
each e-mail message to include a brief description of the alarm condition; and/or c) dialling a telephone number and playing a pre-recorded message notifying the subscriber of the alarm condition.
5. Perform functions necessary to update the lists referred to above.
6. Maintain an outage trouble file by adding information on each event, including:
a) Date and time (hours, minutes and seconds) the trouble was first noted;
b) Nature of the problem; and c) Date and time (hours, minutes and seconds) the trouble was cleared; and 7. Perform necessary communications functions to permit an authorised person to access the computer and read the files. This access is protected by password.
In-vehicle Receivers In regards to the in-vehicle receiver terminal, a number of products are applicable including those provided by: ClarionTM; Fujitsu TenTM; Kenwood ElectronicsTM;
PioneerTM; Roke ManorTM (OEM module). The following describes how various data blocks generated and broadcast by the data broadcasting system described above, will be used when received by an in-vehicle terminal.
Fig. 4 illustrates a display panel 12 fitted within a vehicle to receive combined traffic and other data broadcast in accordance with the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 3. To the end-users, the most visible part of the traffic data broadcasting service is the display panel 12 mounted on the instrument panel of the vehicle. This display shows in a graphical, map-like format, the current, actual speed of traffic on major highways and arteries in Toronto. The map shows each section of the road system colour-coded according to the current average speed of traffic in that section as detected by automatic speed sensors on the road system. Drivers will use this information to avoid congested zones and improve their travel times around the city.
Various options, such as a zoom capability and pan and tilt are selectable via push buttons 20. The display panel also displays weather warnings, the local weather forecast, and (possibly) tourism information and other information content channels.
Within the screen (15 cm wide by 9 cm high), there are five distinct zones (or windows) as shown in Fig. 4. Each zone within the main window 15 is described in more detail in the following.
Size of main zone 12.5 cm (wide) x 7.75 cm (high) Position of main zone Flush with the top and left edges of the screen There are three pages of content for this window that are selected via push buttons.
Page #1: Macro Traffic Map This shows the full coverage area of the traffic data broadcast service in Toronto, i.e. the box defined by Highways 427, 401, the Don Valley Parkway, and the Gardiner Expressway. The traffic speed on selected arterials within this box are also shown in segments of approximately 1 Km. The roads not covered by this service will not be visible. The colour coding for traffic speed is as follows:
Green: proceeding at full speed (40 km/hr or more) Yellow: moderate speed (20 - 40 km/hr) Red: slow to stop (under 20 km/hr) Grey: no data Page #2: Zoom-in Traffic Map The above map is enlarged by a factor of five to show local streets not covered by this service, in addition to the traffic speeds identified above. The four-quadrant button 13 is used by the driver for pan and tilt functions. When a user returns to a macro view (or to the weather information), the system remembers the area covered by the zoom-in view and returns to it automatically the next time a zoom-in button (not shown) is pushed.
Page #3: Detailed Weather Information This window shows Environment Canada's current detailed weather information for the Toronto area, including weather warnings. This is in a text format only. If there is more information than can be displayed on the window, the four-quadrant button permits the user to scroll through the text.
Traffic Speed Legend Window 16 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 3.5 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the top and right edges of the screen Content: The legend relating the colour coding on the map to specific traffic speed ranges.
Advertisement Window 17 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 3.0 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the right edge of the screen and immediately below the traffic speed legend Content: Advertising material that changes as frequently as every fifteen minutes.
Service Logo Window 18 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 1.0 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the right edge of the screen and immediately below the advertisement Content: The service logo Summary Weather Information Window 19 Size of zone: 15 cm (wide) x 1.25 cm (high) Position of zone: Full width of the screen and along the bottom edge.
Content: A brief summary of the weather forecast, comprising a single line of information that often changes several times each day.
The display unit 12 is further equipped with an on/off switch 14, control button 13 divided into four quadrants for pan/tilt control, and for scrolling through the text on the detailed weather information page. There are also push-buttons 20 whose functions are programmable and determined by, and shown on, the current screen. Note that one of these push-buttons is used to toggle between the traffic map and the detailed weather information. The other buttons are reserved for additional use.
The display panel 12 is driven by a processor to perform the following functions:
a) Receive data from the receiver data interface;
b) Save it in local memory;
c) Process it as required prior to display; and d) Act as a video driver.
The display panel 12 has sufficient non-volatile memory to:
a) Store one copy of each file received;
b) Store any internal files used for meeting this specification; and c) Perform all required operations whenever power is initially switched on.
When display panel 12 is used, the firmware in the display panel will perform the following functions:
1. Receive and store the configuration file containing information on the size and position of each window on the screen.
2. Receive and store the various files containing the contents of each window.
3. On start-up, prepare the composite default display comprising the following windows:
a) The macro view background traffic map;
b) Traffic speeds for the selected highways in the macro traffic map*;
c) The weather summary*;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Advertisement; and fJ service logo.
On start-up, these files will initially be blank. The default colour for the traffic speeds will be grey ("no data") and the weather information window will be blank.
4. Perform the required functions of a video driver for the screen.
5. Modify the display based on:
a) Any of the control buttons being pushed; and b) New files that are transmitted or downloaded via Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB).
(The screen will change only when the complete file has been downloaded) 6. When the unit is powered-off, the following files will be retained in non-volatile memory:
a) The screen configuration file;
b) The background traffic map;
c) Traffic speed legend;
d)Advertisement; and e) Service logo.
7. When the unit is powered-off, the following files will be automatically deleted:
a) Traffic speed file;
b) Summary weather information; and c) Detailed weather information.
The files may be deleted during the initialization (boot) process thereby giving the same effect.
When a notebook personal computer is used for providing the display shown in Fig. 4, the software used in the personal computer will perform the following functions:
1. Guide the user through the installation and set-up process.
2. Include the communications software required to receive data from the digital radio receiver via the communications (COM) port.
3. Receive and store the configuration file containing the information on the size and position of each window on the screen.
4. Receive and store the various files containing the contents of each window.
When the application software is loaded, it will prepare the composite default display comprising the following windows:
a) The macro view background traffic map;
b) Traffic speeds for the selected highways in the macro traffic map;
c) The weather summary;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Advertisement; and f) Service logo.
6. When the application software is loaded, the traffic map used will be the one saved from the previous session. The summary weather information window will show the words "Traffic speeds need updating". When a new traffic speed file is received, these words will disappear. If the computer is not connected to a digital radio, the initial display will continue indefinitely.
7. The software module sends the files to the video driver for display on the computer screen.
The traffic data streams AA from the data sources A are received by the traffic data fusion module 2 and processed to create traffic speed data 22 suitable for an integrated map display of traffic speeds on highways and major arteries. To accomplish this, software within the fusion module 2 receives the raw data streams AA
from the various sources A, convert them to a standardized format and enter the data into a real-time database. Each field in the database represents a discrete section of road/highway in a specific direction. Processing and conversion of the data to a standardized format is required because each of the above indicated agencies uses a different technical standard for its data, and because some agencies provide information on momentary road positions of vehicles which needs to be translated into average traffic speeds.
In regards to expressways such as Ontario Highway 401, the database captures the speed of traffic for the express lanes in each direction as well as the collector lanes in each direction. A separate element of the software in the fusion module 2 then reads the contents of the database and creates a graphic data file in the form of a vector image file to represent a visual, colour-coded map of the traffic speeds on the highways and roads in Toronto covered by the traffic data broadcasting service provided in accordance with this invention.
A data combiner 6 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 combines the traffic speed map with weather information received from Environment Canada and possibly tourism data. This will create combined data files 66 that comprise multiple types of information. The combined data files 66 are then provided to the DAB Interface Unit 3.
An ancillary data input on the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) transmitter 4 has specific technical requirements, such as the data rate, whether the data is synchronous or asynchronous, and the specification of data headers on the blocks of information. The DAB interface unit 3 converts the combined data files 66 into formatted data blocks 33 as required for an input to the DAB transmitter 4. The DAB encoder is typically an integral part of the transmitter 4 equipment but is identified in Fig. 3 separately because of its importance. The Eureka 147 Digital Radio global standard adopted by Canada requires that each audio and data channel be encoded and then multiplexed with other audio and data channels.
Fig. 3 shows a Web Server 11 receiving combined data files. This web server can be accessed in one of two ways:
1. Subscribers to the traffic data broadcasting service having access to the Web site for pre-trip planning from home or the office; or 2. A time-delayed version available to non-subscribers as part of the promotion of the service.
A user authorization control unit 7 is shown in Fig. 3, which is to permit the traffic and weather data to be broadcast in an encrypted form to ensure that only paying subscribers can receive it. There are four alternative ways to do this:
1. Use the electronic addressing feature of the Digital Radio receivers;
2. Incorporate encryption and addressability in the software used in the display panel and the notebook computer;
3. Incorporate encryption and addressability in the display panel hardware; or 4. A combination of the above.
A Network Service Quality Monitoring System 13 is provided for the monitoring of the network and the data channel. This includes an in-vehicle Digital Radio receiver and computer that monitors the channel data signal twenty four hours per day.
If there is an outage or if the data is corrupted in some fashion, the system will automatically alert key people using a combination of paging and dialling telephone numbers and playing a pre-recorded message.
Svstem Software Functions In the following, specific design aspects of the above-described embodiments are given in more detail.
The overall design of the software used within the data fusion module 2 and data combiner 6 is based on eight individual data files that fall in one of two categories:
A. Data files that change relatively infrequently; and B. Data files that change relatively frequently.
These categories define the periodic time interval or frequency of transmitting updates and whether the file, after being received at an in-vehicle terminal, is to be stored in the display panel in a non-volatile memory. Table II lists all eight files that are transmitted or downloaded, together with information on the storage approach and transmission/download frequencies. As shown in Table II, some of these files change relatively frequently and are therefore transmitted approximately every minute, while others change relative infrequently and are only transmitted approximately every fifteen minutes. These categories also define whether the file is stored in the in-vehicle display panel in volatile or non-volatile memory. However, the files are not sent all together in a block every minute or every fifteen minutes. Instead, there is a controlled sequence of transmissions that ensures that:
a) over the course of each 1-minute interval, each "once-per-minute" file is transmitted once, and b) over the course of each 15-minute interval, each "once-per-15-minute" file is transmitted once.
Traffic Data Fusion Functions The software module within the Traffic Data Fusion module 2 performs the following operations:
1. Manage the reception of files from:
a) Ministry of Transportation of Ontario traffic management computer system;
b) City of Toronto Authority traffic management computer system;
c) Toronto Transit Commission bus management computer system;
d) Additional traffic speed sensors that are deployed to fill in the gaps in the data from the above three sources.
These files contain traffic speed data in different formats. Each source provides a new file approximately once per minute.
2. Maintain a real-time database of the current speed of traffic on each section of approximately one kilometer (and in each direction) of the highways and roads covered by the traffic data broadcasting service. (For Highway 401, the database maintains separate traffic speeds for the express lanes and collector lanes.) 3. Approximately once per minute, prepare and transmit a file that comprises all traffic speeds for the highways and roads covered.
4. Approximately once every fifteen minutes, during the intervals when traffic speed data is not being transmitted, transmit a graphic file containing the background map in the format of a raster-scan image.
5. Generate a file for the traffic speed legend and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes.
All the files are sent as graphic files using a standard graphical format;
this minimizes the amount of processing required in the in-vehicle terminal. More specifically, most files are sent in standardized graphical formats such as the well-known JPEG format, except for the road and traffic information. The background road map of the area covered is sent as a raster-scan image whereas the traffic speed overlay is sent as a vector image file.
Data Combiner Functions The software within the data combiner 6 performs the following functions:
1. Store a configuration data file that defines a display layout in terms of the size and location of each window in the in-vehicle display and transmit/download this file with the set-up information once every fifteen minutes.
2. Manage the reception of data from an Environment Canada receiver in a graphical or textual format and extract weather information for the Toronto area.
3. Prepare a file of the summary weather information window in a textual format and transmit/download it approximately once every fifteen minutes. (In case a weather warning is issued by Environment Canada for the Toronto area, the summary weather file is updated and transmitted or downloaded within one minute.) 4. Prepare a file of the detailed weather information window and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes. (If a weather warning is issued by Environment Canada for the Toronto area, the detailed weather file is updated and transmitted or downloaded within one minute.) 5. Store up to one hundred advertisement files and a file that defines when each advertisement is to be transmitted or downloaded. (The required advertisement file is downloaded every fifteen minutes, irrespective of whether there is a change in the advertiser.) 6. Store a service logo file and transmit/download it once every fifteen minutes.
The data combiner sw has further flexibility to expand the system to receive tourism data and other types of information content, and to format all this information as information data files for downloading to the in-vehicle display panels.
User Authorisation Control Functions The objective of the user authorisation control unit 7 is to manage the list of subscribers, to activate/de-activate units, and to provide an input to the billing software.
The required software functions of this module are therefore:
1. To manage a database of authorised users of the traffic data broadcasting service, including fields for their:
a) Name of organization;
b) User name;
c) Vehicle ID;
d) Billing address;
e) Billing contact;
f) Telephone number;
g) Fax number;
h) E-mail address ;
i) Make of Digital Radio receiver;
j ) Model number;
k) Electronic address of Digital Radio receiver;
1) Electronic address of the display panel;
m) Electronic address of the software for the computer;
n) Type of display system (customized, computer, built-in display panel);
o) Model of display system;
p) Date of activation;
q) Date of de-activation;
r) Monthly rate for the service;
s) Billing method (pre-authorised debit, credit-card, etc.); and t) Free-form field for miscellaneous information (up to 1,000 characters).
2. The software prepares a short file to activate each new account. This file is downloaded in the same way as all the other files, except that it is addressed to the specific DAB receiver and display panel.
3. The software is capable of developing, printing and exporting reports. Each report is capable of being sent to a printer recognised by Windows 95TM, or is capable of being exported as a standard delimited ASCII file. The software is designed to be easily configured to format the report, to include/exclude specific files in a report, and to save each report configuration. One example of a required report is the billing information on current users that will be an input to an overall billing system.
4. The software is designed to create a new record using the record that was last used as a template, and shall use a single key-stroke as the method to insert data copied from the corresponding field in the previous record.
Network Service Monitoring Functions The software embedded within the Network Service Monitoring unit 13 has the following functions:
1. Receive formatted data blocks 33 from a Digital Radio receiver;
2. Save each traffic speed data file 22 in local memory;
3. Perform quality assurance checks on each file;
4. If the channel data signal from the Digital Radio receiver disappears, or if a file has an error, the receiver terminal software raises an alarm by:
a) sending a paging message to one or more subscribers on a pre-defined list;
b) sending e-mail messages to one or more subscribers on a pre-defined list;
each e-mail message to include a brief description of the alarm condition; and/or c) dialling a telephone number and playing a pre-recorded message notifying the subscriber of the alarm condition.
5. Perform functions necessary to update the lists referred to above.
6. Maintain an outage trouble file by adding information on each event, including:
a) Date and time (hours, minutes and seconds) the trouble was first noted;
b) Nature of the problem; and c) Date and time (hours, minutes and seconds) the trouble was cleared; and 7. Perform necessary communications functions to permit an authorised person to access the computer and read the files. This access is protected by password.
In-vehicle Receivers In regards to the in-vehicle receiver terminal, a number of products are applicable including those provided by: ClarionTM; Fujitsu TenTM; Kenwood ElectronicsTM;
PioneerTM; Roke ManorTM (OEM module). The following describes how various data blocks generated and broadcast by the data broadcasting system described above, will be used when received by an in-vehicle terminal.
Fig. 4 illustrates a display panel 12 fitted within a vehicle to receive combined traffic and other data broadcast in accordance with the embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 3. To the end-users, the most visible part of the traffic data broadcasting service is the display panel 12 mounted on the instrument panel of the vehicle. This display shows in a graphical, map-like format, the current, actual speed of traffic on major highways and arteries in Toronto. The map shows each section of the road system colour-coded according to the current average speed of traffic in that section as detected by automatic speed sensors on the road system. Drivers will use this information to avoid congested zones and improve their travel times around the city.
Various options, such as a zoom capability and pan and tilt are selectable via push buttons 20. The display panel also displays weather warnings, the local weather forecast, and (possibly) tourism information and other information content channels.
Within the screen (15 cm wide by 9 cm high), there are five distinct zones (or windows) as shown in Fig. 4. Each zone within the main window 15 is described in more detail in the following.
Size of main zone 12.5 cm (wide) x 7.75 cm (high) Position of main zone Flush with the top and left edges of the screen There are three pages of content for this window that are selected via push buttons.
Page #1: Macro Traffic Map This shows the full coverage area of the traffic data broadcast service in Toronto, i.e. the box defined by Highways 427, 401, the Don Valley Parkway, and the Gardiner Expressway. The traffic speed on selected arterials within this box are also shown in segments of approximately 1 Km. The roads not covered by this service will not be visible. The colour coding for traffic speed is as follows:
Green: proceeding at full speed (40 km/hr or more) Yellow: moderate speed (20 - 40 km/hr) Red: slow to stop (under 20 km/hr) Grey: no data Page #2: Zoom-in Traffic Map The above map is enlarged by a factor of five to show local streets not covered by this service, in addition to the traffic speeds identified above. The four-quadrant button 13 is used by the driver for pan and tilt functions. When a user returns to a macro view (or to the weather information), the system remembers the area covered by the zoom-in view and returns to it automatically the next time a zoom-in button (not shown) is pushed.
Page #3: Detailed Weather Information This window shows Environment Canada's current detailed weather information for the Toronto area, including weather warnings. This is in a text format only. If there is more information than can be displayed on the window, the four-quadrant button permits the user to scroll through the text.
Traffic Speed Legend Window 16 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 3.5 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the top and right edges of the screen Content: The legend relating the colour coding on the map to specific traffic speed ranges.
Advertisement Window 17 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 3.0 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the right edge of the screen and immediately below the traffic speed legend Content: Advertising material that changes as frequently as every fifteen minutes.
Service Logo Window 18 Size of zone: 2.5 cm (wide) x 1.0 cm (high) Position of zone: Flush with the right edge of the screen and immediately below the advertisement Content: The service logo Summary Weather Information Window 19 Size of zone: 15 cm (wide) x 1.25 cm (high) Position of zone: Full width of the screen and along the bottom edge.
Content: A brief summary of the weather forecast, comprising a single line of information that often changes several times each day.
The display unit 12 is further equipped with an on/off switch 14, control button 13 divided into four quadrants for pan/tilt control, and for scrolling through the text on the detailed weather information page. There are also push-buttons 20 whose functions are programmable and determined by, and shown on, the current screen. Note that one of these push-buttons is used to toggle between the traffic map and the detailed weather information. The other buttons are reserved for additional use.
The display panel 12 is driven by a processor to perform the following functions:
a) Receive data from the receiver data interface;
b) Save it in local memory;
c) Process it as required prior to display; and d) Act as a video driver.
The display panel 12 has sufficient non-volatile memory to:
a) Store one copy of each file received;
b) Store any internal files used for meeting this specification; and c) Perform all required operations whenever power is initially switched on.
When display panel 12 is used, the firmware in the display panel will perform the following functions:
1. Receive and store the configuration file containing information on the size and position of each window on the screen.
2. Receive and store the various files containing the contents of each window.
3. On start-up, prepare the composite default display comprising the following windows:
a) The macro view background traffic map;
b) Traffic speeds for the selected highways in the macro traffic map*;
c) The weather summary*;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Advertisement; and fJ service logo.
On start-up, these files will initially be blank. The default colour for the traffic speeds will be grey ("no data") and the weather information window will be blank.
4. Perform the required functions of a video driver for the screen.
5. Modify the display based on:
a) Any of the control buttons being pushed; and b) New files that are transmitted or downloaded via Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB).
(The screen will change only when the complete file has been downloaded) 6. When the unit is powered-off, the following files will be retained in non-volatile memory:
a) The screen configuration file;
b) The background traffic map;
c) Traffic speed legend;
d)Advertisement; and e) Service logo.
7. When the unit is powered-off, the following files will be automatically deleted:
a) Traffic speed file;
b) Summary weather information; and c) Detailed weather information.
The files may be deleted during the initialization (boot) process thereby giving the same effect.
When a notebook personal computer is used for providing the display shown in Fig. 4, the software used in the personal computer will perform the following functions:
1. Guide the user through the installation and set-up process.
2. Include the communications software required to receive data from the digital radio receiver via the communications (COM) port.
3. Receive and store the configuration file containing the information on the size and position of each window on the screen.
4. Receive and store the various files containing the contents of each window.
When the application software is loaded, it will prepare the composite default display comprising the following windows:
a) The macro view background traffic map;
b) Traffic speeds for the selected highways in the macro traffic map;
c) The weather summary;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Advertisement; and f) Service logo.
6. When the application software is loaded, the traffic map used will be the one saved from the previous session. The summary weather information window will show the words "Traffic speeds need updating". When a new traffic speed file is received, these words will disappear. If the computer is not connected to a digital radio, the initial display will continue indefinitely.
7. The software module sends the files to the video driver for display on the computer screen.
8. The software module modifies the display based on new files that are transmitted or downloaded via Digital Radio.
9. The software module changes the display based on the space bar acting a three-way toggle between the macro traffic map, the zoom-in traffic map, and the detailed weather information.
10. The software module also changes the display based on the user pressing the following keys:
a) M for the macro traffic map;
b) Z for the zoom-in traffic map; and c) W for the detailed weather information.
a) M for the macro traffic map;
b) Z for the zoom-in traffic map; and c) W for the detailed weather information.
11. In the Zoom-in mode, the pan and tilt functions are achieved through:
a) the use of the standard cursor keys; and b) the use of the cursor which, when the button is clicked, drags the map in the required direction.
a) the use of the standard cursor keys; and b) the use of the cursor which, when the button is clicked, drags the map in the required direction.
12. When the user exits the application, the following files will be saved on the hard-disk:
a) The screen configuration file;
b) The background traffic map;
c) Traffic speed file;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Summary weather information;
f) Detailed weather information;
g)Advertisement; and h) System logo.
Numerous variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
TABLE I
Content Highways Type of Sensors Data content Provider /Streets Covered ProvincialProvincial1) Wire loops that are Files are available buried under or State or State the pavement to sense trafficonce per minute flow freeway Highways 2) Roadside radio units from the freeway that interact managementin an urbanwith toll transponders authority's in vehicles traffic authority area All this data is gathered management by the freeway authority's trafficcomputer system.
management computer systemEach file contains and processed into traffic traffic speeds speed for information. each segment of each Provincial or State Highway.
City City-ownedWire loops buried under Files are available the pavement freeway freeways to sense traffic flow. once per minute management This data is gathered by containing the city's traffic authority freeway traffic managementspeeds for computer each system and processed into segment of traffic the speed information. City-owned highways that are instrumented.
Public Primary Computers on board the Computer files buses transit arterials determine the position are available in of the bus authority the urban using stored route informationevery 20 seconds and area, i.e.distance travelled as measuredcontaining by data the main the odometer. Low power on the position radio bus routes.transmitters on bus stops and speed of each automatically correct for bus.
any minor errors in the location information. Increasingly, Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are used for position determination. The position and speed of each bus are transmitted by radio to the bus fleet management computer as frequently as every 20 seconds.
Toll Toll Electronic transponders Data from each in vehicles highway highways that are used in determiningsensor are the operating amount of toll to be chargedavailable for to that authorities account. integration into a Roadside, above-ground composite file sensors spaced a fixed distance containing apart transmit signals to the minute-by-minute transponders and receive traffic speed a standard message back. information.
By noting the times at which a vehicle passes each roadside unit, the elapsed time is calculated. Knowing the distance between the sensors, the speed is then calculated.
Table II: Types of Files and their Attributes File Name Storage in the Display Frequency of New Panel Transmission/
Downloads Screen Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory configurationfor immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Background Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory traffic map for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Traffic speedAutomatically deleted Once per minute when the overlay power to the display panel is turned off Traffic speedStored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory legend for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Summary Automatically deleted Once per fifteen minutes when the unless weather power to the display panelthere is a weather warning, is in information turned off which case the file is sent within 1 minute and every minute thereafter until the warning is lifted Detailed Automatically deleted Once per fifteen minutes when the unless weather power to the display panelthere is a weather warning, is in information turned off which case the file is sent within 1 minute and every minute thereafter until the warning is lifted AdvertisementStored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory on the for immediate use when quarter-hour the on/off switch is turned on Service logo Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on
a) The screen configuration file;
b) The background traffic map;
c) Traffic speed file;
d) Traffic speed legend;
e) Summary weather information;
f) Detailed weather information;
g)Advertisement; and h) System logo.
Numerous variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
TABLE I
Content Highways Type of Sensors Data content Provider /Streets Covered ProvincialProvincial1) Wire loops that are Files are available buried under or State or State the pavement to sense trafficonce per minute flow freeway Highways 2) Roadside radio units from the freeway that interact managementin an urbanwith toll transponders authority's in vehicles traffic authority area All this data is gathered management by the freeway authority's trafficcomputer system.
management computer systemEach file contains and processed into traffic traffic speeds speed for information. each segment of each Provincial or State Highway.
City City-ownedWire loops buried under Files are available the pavement freeway freeways to sense traffic flow. once per minute management This data is gathered by containing the city's traffic authority freeway traffic managementspeeds for computer each system and processed into segment of traffic the speed information. City-owned highways that are instrumented.
Public Primary Computers on board the Computer files buses transit arterials determine the position are available in of the bus authority the urban using stored route informationevery 20 seconds and area, i.e.distance travelled as measuredcontaining by data the main the odometer. Low power on the position radio bus routes.transmitters on bus stops and speed of each automatically correct for bus.
any minor errors in the location information. Increasingly, Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites are used for position determination. The position and speed of each bus are transmitted by radio to the bus fleet management computer as frequently as every 20 seconds.
Toll Toll Electronic transponders Data from each in vehicles highway highways that are used in determiningsensor are the operating amount of toll to be chargedavailable for to that authorities account. integration into a Roadside, above-ground composite file sensors spaced a fixed distance containing apart transmit signals to the minute-by-minute transponders and receive traffic speed a standard message back. information.
By noting the times at which a vehicle passes each roadside unit, the elapsed time is calculated. Knowing the distance between the sensors, the speed is then calculated.
Table II: Types of Files and their Attributes File Name Storage in the Display Frequency of New Panel Transmission/
Downloads Screen Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory configurationfor immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Background Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory traffic map for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Traffic speedAutomatically deleted Once per minute when the overlay power to the display panel is turned off Traffic speedStored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory legend for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on Summary Automatically deleted Once per fifteen minutes when the unless weather power to the display panelthere is a weather warning, is in information turned off which case the file is sent within 1 minute and every minute thereafter until the warning is lifted Detailed Automatically deleted Once per fifteen minutes when the unless weather power to the display panelthere is a weather warning, is in information turned off which case the file is sent within 1 minute and every minute thereafter until the warning is lifted AdvertisementStored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory on the for immediate use when quarter-hour the on/off switch is turned on Service logo Stored in non-volatile Once per fifteen minutes memory for immediate use when the on/off switch is turned on
Claims (20)
1. A traffic data broadcasting system comprising:
a) traffic data fusion module for receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source and for processing said raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and b) transmission means responsive to said traffic data fusion module for broadcasting said traffic speed data file.
a) traffic data fusion module for receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source and for processing said raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and b) transmission means responsive to said traffic data fusion module for broadcasting said traffic speed data file.
2. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claim 1, wherein the traffic data fusion module provides the traffic speed data file to the transmission means periodically at a predetermined time interval.
3. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the transmission means comprises interface means for converting the traffic speed data file into a formatted data block suitable for Digital Audio Broadcasting.
4. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claims 1 or 2, wherein the data fusion module further provides periodically to the transmission means a road map data file representing a background road map.
5. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claim 4, wherein the traffic speed data file and the road map data file are in graphical formats suitable to permit a graphic display terminal receiving the traffic speed data file and the road map data file to display the background road map showing the road section colour-coded for the average traffic speed.
6. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claim 5, wherein the graphical format of the road map data file is a raster image format.
7. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claims 5 or 6, wherein the graphical format of the traffic speed data file is a vector image format.
8. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising data combining means for receiving at least one information data stream from an information data source and for processing said information data stream into an information data file provided periodically to the transmission means.
9. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claim 8, wherein the information data stream includes weather information.
10. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claims 8 or 9, wherein the information data file is in a textual format.
11. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the data combining means is interposed between the traffic data fusion module and the transmission means, to combine into combined data files the traffic speed data file, the information data file and a periodic configuration data file defining a display layout in a display terminal receiving said combined data files.
12. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claim 11, wherein the transmission means comprises interface means for converting each of the combined data files into a formatted data block suitable for Digital Audio Broadcasting.
13. A traffic data broadcasting system as defined in claims 3 or 12, wherein the transmission means further comprises a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter responsive to the formatted data block.
14. A method of broadcasting traffic data comprising the steps of:
a) receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source;
b) processing the at least one raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and c) broadcasting periodically said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval.
a) receiving at least one raw traffic data stream related to a road section from at least one traffic data source;
b) processing the at least one raw traffic data stream into a traffic speed data file representing an average current traffic speed in said road section; and c) broadcasting periodically said traffic speed data file at a predetermined time interval.
15. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in claim 14, further comprising the step of broadcasting periodically a road map data file representing a background road map.
16. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in claim 15, wherein the road map data file is in a raster image format, and the traffic speed data file is in a vector image format for conveying colour-coded information of the average current traffic speed in the road section.
17. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in claims 15 or 16, further comprising the steps of receiving an information data stream, from an information data source, processing said information data stream into an information data file, and broadcasting periodically said information data file.
18. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in claim 17, wherein the information data file is in a graphical format.
19. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising the step of periodically broadcasting at least one configuration data file, wherein said configuration data file includes layout data for controlling a display layout in a display terminal receiving the combined data files.
20. A method of broadcasting traffic data as defined in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein each broadcasting step is performed via a Digital Audio Broadcasting transmitter.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002257438A CA2257438A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 1999-01-12 | Traffic data broadcasting system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,235,184 | 1998-05-15 | ||
| CA002235184A CA2235184A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 1998-05-15 | Traffic data broadcasting system |
| CA002257438A CA2257438A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 1999-01-12 | Traffic data broadcasting system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2257438A1 true CA2257438A1 (en) | 1999-11-15 |
Family
ID=29585092
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002257438A Abandoned CA2257438A1 (en) | 1998-05-15 | 1999-01-12 | Traffic data broadcasting system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2257438A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6810321B1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-10-26 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Vehicle traffic monitoring using cellular telephone location and velocity data |
| US8805610B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2014-08-12 | University Of New Brunswick | Methods for estimating annual average daily traffic |
| CN109035834A (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2018-12-18 | 北京海纳川汽车部件股份有限公司 | Disaster alarm reminding method, system and the automatic driving vehicle of automatic driving vehicle |
-
1999
- 1999-01-12 CA CA002257438A patent/CA2257438A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6810321B1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-10-26 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Vehicle traffic monitoring using cellular telephone location and velocity data |
| US8805610B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2014-08-12 | University Of New Brunswick | Methods for estimating annual average daily traffic |
| CN109035834A (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2018-12-18 | 北京海纳川汽车部件股份有限公司 | Disaster alarm reminding method, system and the automatic driving vehicle of automatic driving vehicle |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20020114 |