EP2224408B1 - Traffic detection system - Google Patents

Traffic detection system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2224408B1
EP2224408B1 EP10150747A EP10150747A EP2224408B1 EP 2224408 B1 EP2224408 B1 EP 2224408B1 EP 10150747 A EP10150747 A EP 10150747A EP 10150747 A EP10150747 A EP 10150747A EP 2224408 B1 EP2224408 B1 EP 2224408B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
route information
route
travel data
data
traffic
Prior art date
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Not-in-force
Application number
EP10150747A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2224408A2 (en
EP2224408A3 (en
Inventor
Jörg-Michael Hasemann
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Deutsche Telekom AG
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Deutsche Telekom AG
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Publication of EP2224408A3 publication Critical patent/EP2224408A3/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
    • 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
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096708—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • G08G1/096716—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the received information might be used to generate an automatic action on the vehicle control where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
    • 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
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096733—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place
    • G08G1/096758—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where a selection of the information might take place where no selection takes place on the transmitted or the received information
    • 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
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096775—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is a central station

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for generating and providing traffic information through the collection and processing of traffic-related additional data.
  • the invention also relates to a system for implementing the method.
  • methods for providing traffic information are known in which current traffic reports are collected centrally and distributed, for example, via radio stations.
  • systems are known which send by radio signal or SMS text messages in the form of digital data, which are then included for route planning in the navigation.
  • the US 5,173,691 shows a method for providing up-to-date traffic information, in which, in addition to traffic monitoring data, information transmitted by road users regarding their location, direction of travel and current speed is also used.
  • a disadvantage of the previously used method for the integration of traffic information is that they are based only on currently determined data and do not allow a forecast.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for generating and providing traffic information that with simple and cost-effective implementation of an optimized route planning in particular on the basis of accurate forecasts on the traffic situation on certain sections of the route at certain times is possible.
  • the essential aspect of the invention is not to generate traffic information, as hitherto, only from collected status data on currently affected sections of the route, as is known, for example, from traffic reports in the broadcasting and Traffic Message Channel (TMC), or to derive them from purely theoretical calculations, but to use "real" trip data from a variety of road users who are currently traveling or planning a trip and then to a central location where they are collected and evaluated. Based on this trip data are then inventively drawn conclusions about the traffic on certain sections at certain times, trying to derive from when meet how many vehicles on their individually completely different trips in the specific sections.
  • TMC Traffic Message Channel
  • a multiplicity of road users are equipped with mobile transmitting devices with which individual travel data concerning the current journey of the road user are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer system (server).
  • Such trip data may be the start, the destination and the start of the journey.
  • the Road users are assigned respectively to his vehicle, thereby offer devices that communicate with the server via the existing mobile networks. If the journey data is collected by as many road users as possible in this way, it is possible to extrapolate time-related route information relating to individual route sections. Based on a sufficient amount of driving data, the system can determine, for example, that on a certain day at 16:00 clock at least 1500 vehicles in front of the construction site on the A3 at Montabaur in the direction of Frankfurt are expected, which previously were traveling on very different routes.
  • the route information can be generated by summing the number of vehicles within a specific time window in a specific route section, the number of vehicles being determined on the basis of the journey data of these vehicles. Such route information is then transmitted wirelessly to receivers of the road users, with the receivers and road users thus get the opportunity to adjust to this situation.
  • the route information can therefore contain fairly accurate predictions about the traffic volume to be expected within certain route sections at certain times.
  • a starting point, a starting time and a destination can be manually entered via a keyboard of the transmitting device as a trip data, which are then transmitted by a single command to the server.
  • a navigation system in the vehicle it is particularly convenient to take these data from a navigation system in the vehicle and to send them automatically. If such a navigation system is previously available, it is also advantageous to transmit the current position data as travel data, wherein this transmission advantageously takes place automatically and in predefinable cyclically recurring intervals.
  • alternative route recommendations can be given, wherein it is of course advantageous not to broadcast the route information via broadcasting, but in such a format, for example TMC, which can be selectively processed by the existing navigation systems in the vehicles.
  • route profiles of a plurality of vehicles are projected on the road network, taking into account the temporal factor, and it is determined when and where they are combined.
  • This may be trip data of planned journeys and / or current journeys.
  • a plurality of trip data are stored over a long period of time, so that in addition to current trip data, historical trip data are also available for generating the route information.
  • the historical trip data can then be statistically evaluated and made available to the system.
  • historical trip data can also be archived in the evaluated form as route information.
  • the system can also learn that, for example, at certain times of certain days in front of the Elbtunnel, long traffic jams occur.
  • the invention is in a sense to simulate expected traffic situations using as many actual data collected as possible. Such simulations are known, for example, from weather forecasts that use certain models and apply them to existing data. Accordingly, it is also possible to make use of known functions for the traffic forecasts.
  • the particular advantages of the invention are that it is now possible to offer significantly improved navigation assistance to motorists compared to the prior art in terms of route planning and the estimation of arrival times.
  • Another important advantage of the invention is that standardized consumer hardware, in particular conventional mobile phones, can be used, so that the invention is affordable for a large circle of end customers at cost-effective conditions. This is particularly important insofar as the procedure "lives" on the scale of dissemination insofar as widespread use produces good statistics.
  • Another advantage of The invention is that navigation systems become significantly “smarter” and more predictive. In addition, the system operators can bundle traffic information and make it commercially available.
  • the invention can be based on currently available technology, as is known in particular from mobile communications via GPRS or UMTS standard. Also the necessary for navigation digital map material is available.
  • a particular advantage of the invention is also that vehicles with navigation system with the system according to the invention can be easily upgraded by, for example, the navigation system is only supplemented by the need for communication mobile phone. Such combinations of navigation system and mobile phone are already used today as "telematics" systems in motor vehicles and need to be equipped for the implementation of the invention only with the appropriate functionality. It is particularly advantageous to use existing navigation devices, such as GPS, GLONASS or mobile network-based localization mechanisms.
  • the server receives further traffic-relevant information, for example about current traffic obstructions or also about local weather conditions, from other sources.
  • the central server can also be used to monitor the access to the system, wherein the authentication of the user can be done for example via the MSISDN of the mobile terminal or user name and password.
  • the server also detects the use of the system by the customer in order to settle it according to predetermined criteria, for example the duration of use or the distance traveled.
  • the operator of the system which provides the server in particular, is required.
  • This uses hardware and software components as runtime environment for the realization of the method according to the invention. It can also be a variety of physically separate system components.
  • a mobile sending terminals are terminals with a user interface for operation, in particular for entering routes and destinations to. Such terminals are already present today in many places in motor vehicles as telematics systems, especially in connection with navigation systems.
  • the localization components can be used, for example, by the Global Positioning System (GPS). These components may be standalone or integrated into the sending terminals.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the server has access to a database containing the profile information shown above and user-specific information regarding authorization to use the system and its billing, as well as the respective last or current whereabouts of the users.
  • the detection of the journey data in the simplest case can be done "manually".
  • the user can enter key data of his trip via the terminal and send it to the server.
  • key data for example, start, destination, start time and planned route can be entered.
  • the server can determine when the road user can be expected at which location.
  • these data can be used to calculate the traffic density at specific times on specific sections of the route, and on the other hand, the forecasts calculated therefrom in turn influence the route planning for the road user.
  • the vehicle's navigation system communicates continuously with the server.
  • the current location and speed information can be continuously updated recorded together with the current time and date and transmitted to the server using the possibility of mobile data communication.
  • the transmission can take place in a server-settable interval, wherein the data can be intermediately stored in the terminal.
  • the detection of location and speed information as well as their transmission can be omitted on the terminal side if no change of location is detected.
  • the transmission of the data is advantageously carried out in compressed form, wherein it is particularly advantageous because of the lower data volume, if this data in the form of "delta information", so as information only about a change, transmitted, for example, instead of the absolute location information with geographic length and width only the difference vector and the differential speed in relation to the last transmitted speed or location information is transmitted.
  • this data in the form of "delta information"
  • this data in the form of "delta information”
  • a transmission of the total information in the form of the location coordinates and the speed can take place at regular intervals or after communication disturbances.
  • profiles are created, in particular on the basis of "historical" data, which can also be used to generate the forecasts.
  • Such profiles can be time-dependent or user-specific databases that relate to routes or sections of the route.
  • the server can use the incoming data to create traffic profiles, in particular user-specific or non-user-specific motion profiles, as well as location, road, road segment, direction or time-specific traffic density profiles. Also these data can be used to generate route forecasts or to provide dynamic travel time forecasts based on the speed profiles.
  • a special kind of profiles are user-specific motion profiles.
  • user-specific recorded location information can be assigned in connection with road sections for the respective direction of the vehicle. This results in a route that the road user traveled from the starting point to the end point. This route, together with the time information, results in a database entry that can form part of the user-specific motion profile.
  • User-specific motion profiles are also conceivable. In this case, the user-specific recorded location information for road sections and for the respective direction of the vehicle are assigned. The time of the journey is also recorded. This results in a sequence of sections between start and finish with the respective traffic density at certain times. In its entirety, this collection of temporally assigned sequences of sections represents the user-unspecific movement profiles.
  • the user-specific recorded location information is assigned to the road sections for the respective direction of the drive. It also records the timing and speed of the journey. Over time, each section of the route has an extensive collection of date-time / speed pairs that can be used in the forecasts.
  • functions are advantageously implemented which support authentication, authorization and / or a possibility for billing.
  • the authentication of the user can be done by identifying himself by entering a previously agreed combination of username and password.
  • the IP address used by the terminal during the data transmission can be used for identification via which the server identifies the terminal. This IP address can be assigned by the network operator a mobile number and this in turn a user.
  • For authorization can be to those shown in the database user-specific rights of use are accessed, which may restrict the use of time, space and / or other criteria.
  • the location information currently transmitted by the terminal in each case can be used to check the spatial restriction.
  • the billing is advantageously based on user-specific billing events that are generated by the server and made available to external billing systems. In this case, billing is possible based on the distance covered by the user within a time period or on the basis of transmitted route information. A billing based on used traffic routes, such as highways, may be advantageous.
  • the vehicles 1 and 2 have a navigation system which determines the position data of the respective location, designated here as A and B, as the travel data, as well as the speed of the vehicles, which are each located on a road 4 and 5.
  • a and B the position data of the respective location
  • speed of the vehicles which are each located on a road 4 and 5.
  • individual travel data are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer system 6 that can be reached via a radio network.
  • the computer 6 a functionality is realized, the travel data and positions of a plurality of road users collects and processed to time-dependent route information concerning individual sections, in which case a section 7, which lies between two exits of the highway 4, is shown.
  • the computer 6 in turn transmits the route information to the transceivers of the road users wirelessly.
  • the computer 6 has a server 8, the access to a database 9, are stored on the profile, in particular evaluated historical trip data. In order to determine the route information, the computer system 6 can access traffic reports of other systems 10 and information regarding the current weather situation on certain route sections.
  • the computer system 6 as travel data, the current positions A and B of the vehicles 1 and 2, and their speed and the respective destination C and D are available.
  • the computer system determines that the vehicles 1 and 2 will be together on the route section 7 at the same time, even if their routes subsequently separate again. Since the computer 6 knows that also 1500 other vehicles at this time use the section 7 in that direction and since the weather forecast for this area has announced rain, they can predict that there will be traffic congestion.
  • This route information is transmitted to road users in a format that allows for inclusion in the individual navigation.
  • the route information was generated by summing the number of vehicles within a certain time window in the route section 7, the number of vehicles being determined based on the travel data of these vehicles.

Abstract

The method involves providing multiple road users with mobile transmitters, with which each individual journey data is wirelessly transmitted to a central computer (6). The journey data of multiple road users is collected and a route information concerning the individual route sections (7) is processed. The route information is determined depending on the time, and the route information is wirelessly transmitted to a receiving device of the road user. An independent claim is also included for a system for an execution of a method.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Erzeugung und Bereitstellung von Verkehrsinformationen durch die Sammlung und Verarbeitung verkehrsbedingter Zusatzdaten. Die Erfindung betrifft gleichfalls ein System zur Umsetzung des Verfahrens.The invention relates to a method for generating and providing traffic information through the collection and processing of traffic-related additional data. The invention also relates to a system for implementing the method.

Generell sind Verfahren zur Bereitstellung von Verkehrsinformationen bekannt, bei denen aktuelle Verkehrsmeldungen zentral gesammelt und beispielsweise über Radiosender verbreitet werden. Zudem sind Systeme bekannt, die per Radiosignal oder per SMS Verkehrsmeldungen in Form digitaler Daten versenden, die dann zur Routenplanung in die Navigation einbezogen werden.In general, methods for providing traffic information are known in which current traffic reports are collected centrally and distributed, for example, via radio stations. In addition, systems are known which send by radio signal or SMS text messages in the form of digital data, which are then included for route planning in the navigation.

Das US 5,173,691 zeigt ein Verfahren zur Bereitstellung aktueller Verkehrsinformationen, bei dem neben Daten der Verkehrsüberwachung auch von Verkehrsteilnehmern übermittelte Informationen zu deren Standort, Fahrtrichtung und aktueller Geschwindigkeit herangezogen werden.The US 5,173,691 shows a method for providing up-to-date traffic information, in which, in addition to traffic monitoring data, information transmitted by road users regarding their location, direction of travel and current speed is also used.

Weiterhin sind Verfahren zur Erstellung von Prognosen betreffend den zukünftig zu erwartenden Verkehr auf einem bestimmten Streckenabschnitt bekannt. Ein solches Verfahren zusammen mit einem entsprechenden System werden beispielsweise in DE 100 63 763 A1 beschrieben. Bei diesem System werden abstrakte und umfangreiche Ergebnisse theoretisch ermittelter Verkehrsprognosen auf eventuell für den Nutzer interessante Teile analysiert, wobei diese Teile dann dem Nutzer dargeboten werden.Furthermore, methods are known for generating forecasts concerning the future expected traffic on a certain section of the route. Such a method together with a corresponding system, for example, in DE 100 63 763 A1 described. In this system, abstract and extensive results of theoretically determined traffic forecasts are analyzed on possibly interesting parts for the user, whereby these parts are presented to the user.

Nachteilig an den bislang eingesetzten Verfahren zur Integration von Verkehrsinformationen ist, dass sie nur auf aktuell ermittelten Daten basieren und keine Prognose zulassen. Andererseits ist an den bekannten Systemen zur Prognose nachteilig, dass sie auf mehr oder weniger guten Rechenmodellen basieren, aber nicht die aktuelle Situationen berücksichtigen.A disadvantage of the previously used method for the integration of traffic information is that they are based only on currently determined data and do not allow a forecast. On the other hand, it is disadvantageous in the known forecasting systems that they are based on more or less good calculation models, but do not take into account the current situations.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren zur Erzeugung und Bereitstellung von Verkehrsinformationen zu schaffen, dass bei einfacher und kostengünstiger Umsetzung eine optimierte Routenplanung insbesondere auch anhand treffsicherer Prognosen über die Verkehrssituation auf bestimmten Streckenabschnitten zu bestimmten Zeiten ermöglicht wird. Zudem ist es die Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein System zur Umsetzung des Verfahrens zu schaffen.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method for generating and providing traffic information that with simple and cost-effective implementation of an optimized route planning in particular on the basis of accurate forecasts on the traffic situation on certain sections of the route at certain times is possible. In addition, it is the object of the invention to provide a system for implementing the method.

Diese Aufgaben werden mit dem Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 und dem System nach Anspruch 12 gelöst. Besonders vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den jeweiligen Unteransprüchen genannt.These objects are achieved by the method of claim 1 and the system of claim 12. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the respective subclaims.

Der wesentliche Gesichtspunkt der Erfindung besteht darin, Verkehrsinformation nicht, wie bislang, nur aus gesammelten Zustandsdaten über momentan betroffene Streckenabschnitte zu generieren, wie es beispielsweise von Verkehrsmeldungen im Rundfunk und Traffic Message Channel (TMC) bekannt ist, oder sie aus rein theoretischen Berechnungen abzuleiten, sondern "echte" Fahrtdaten von einer Vielzahl von Verkehrsteilnehmern, die sich gerade auf einer Reise befinden oder die eine Reise planen, zu nutzen und dann an eine zentrale Stelle zu übermitteln, wo sie gesammelt und ausgewertet werden. Anhand dieser Fahrtdaten werden dann erfindungsgemäß Rückschlüsse auf das Verkehrsaufkommen auf bestimmten Streckenabschnitten zu bestimmten Zeiten gezogen, wobei versucht, wird daraus abzuleiten, wann sich wie viele Fahrzeuge auf ihren individuell völlig verschiedenen Reisen in den bestimmten Streckenabschnitten treffen.The essential aspect of the invention is not to generate traffic information, as hitherto, only from collected status data on currently affected sections of the route, as is known, for example, from traffic reports in the broadcasting and Traffic Message Channel (TMC), or to derive them from purely theoretical calculations, but to use "real" trip data from a variety of road users who are currently traveling or planning a trip and then to a central location where they are collected and evaluated. Based on this trip data are then inventively drawn conclusions about the traffic on certain sections at certain times, trying to derive from when meet how many vehicles on their individually completely different trips in the specific sections.

Erfindungsgemäß werden dazu eine Vielzahl von Verkehrsteilnehmern mit mobilen Sendegeräten ausgestattet, mit denen jeweils individuelle Fahrtdaten betreffend die aktuelle Reise des Verkehrsteilnehmers drahtlos an eine zentrale Rechenanlage (Server) übermittelt werden. Solche Fahrtdaten können der Start, das Ziel sowie der Fahrtbeginn der Reise sein. Als mobile Sendegeräte, die dem Verkehrsteilnehmer respektive seinem Fahrzeug zugeordnet sind, bieten sich dabei Geräte an, die über die vorhandenen Mobilfunknetze mit dem Server kommunizieren. Wenn nun die Fahrtdaten von möglichst vielen Verkehrsteilnehmern auf diese Weise gesammelt werden, kann daraus zeitbezogene Streckeninformationen betreffend einzelne Streckenabschnitte extrapoliert werden. Anhand einer ausreichenden Menge von Fahrtdaten kann das System beispielsweise ermitteln, dass an einem bestimmten Tag gegen 16:00 Uhr mindestens 1500 Fahrzeuge vor der Baustelle auf der A3 bei Montabaur in Fahrtrichtung Frankfurt zu erwarten sind, wobei diese vorher auf ganz verschiedenen Strecken unterwegs waren. Die Streckeninformation kann in diesem Fall durch Summation der Anzahl innerhalb eines bestimmten Zeitfensters in einem bestimmten Streckenabschnitt befindlichen Fahrzeuge erzeugt werden, wobei die Anzahl der Fahrzeuge anhand der Fahrtdaten dieser Fahrzeuge ermittelt wird. Eine solche Streckeninformation wird dann an Empfangsgeräte der Verkehrsteilnehmer drahtlos übermittelt, wobei die Empfangsgeräte und die Verkehrsteilnehmer damit die Möglichkeit bekommen, sich auf diese Situation einzustellen. Die Streckeninformation kann also recht treffsichere Vorhersagen über das zu bestimmten Zeiten zu erwartende Verkehrsaufkommen innerhalb bestimmter Streckenabschnitte enthalten.According to the invention, a multiplicity of road users are equipped with mobile transmitting devices with which individual travel data concerning the current journey of the road user are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer system (server). Such trip data may be the start, the destination and the start of the journey. As mobile transmitting devices, the Road users are assigned respectively to his vehicle, thereby offer devices that communicate with the server via the existing mobile networks. If the journey data is collected by as many road users as possible in this way, it is possible to extrapolate time-related route information relating to individual route sections. Based on a sufficient amount of driving data, the system can determine, for example, that on a certain day at 16:00 clock at least 1500 vehicles in front of the construction site on the A3 at Montabaur in the direction of Frankfurt are expected, which previously were traveling on very different routes. In this case, the route information can be generated by summing the number of vehicles within a specific time window in a specific route section, the number of vehicles being determined on the basis of the journey data of these vehicles. Such route information is then transmitted wirelessly to receivers of the road users, with the receivers and road users thus get the opportunity to adjust to this situation. The route information can therefore contain fairly accurate predictions about the traffic volume to be expected within certain route sections at certain times.

Im einfachsten Fall können ein Startpunkt, eine Startzeit und ein Zielort manuell über eine Tastatur des Sendegerätes als Fahrtdaten eingegeben werden, die dann per einmaligem Befehl an den Server übermittelt werden. Besonders komfortabel ist es jedoch, diese Daten einem im Fahrzeug vorhandenen Navigationssystem zu entnehmen und automatisch zu versenden. Falls ein solches Navigationssystem ehedem vorhanden ist, ist es außerdem vorteilhaft, als Fahrtdaten auch die aktuellen Positionsdaten zu übermitteln, wobei diese Übermittlung vorteilhafterweise automatisch und in vorgebbaren zyklisch wiederkehrenden Abständen stattfindet. Mit diesen Daten können alternative Routenempfehlungen gegeben werden, wobei es natürlich vorteilhaft ist, die Streckeninformation nicht über Rundfunk zu verbreiten, sondern sie in einem solchen Format, beispielsweise TMC, zur Verfügung zu stellen, das von den in den Fahrzeugen vorhandenen Navigationssystemen selektiv verarbeitet werden kann.In the simplest case, a starting point, a starting time and a destination can be manually entered via a keyboard of the transmitting device as a trip data, which are then transmitted by a single command to the server. However, it is particularly convenient to take these data from a navigation system in the vehicle and to send them automatically. If such a navigation system is previously available, it is also advantageous to transmit the current position data as travel data, wherein this transmission advantageously takes place automatically and in predefinable cyclically recurring intervals. With this data, alternative route recommendations can be given, wherein it is of course advantageous not to broadcast the route information via broadcasting, but in such a format, for example TMC, which can be selectively processed by the existing navigation systems in the vehicles.

Erfindungsgemäß werden gewissermaßen Routenverläufe einer Vielzahl von Fahrzeugen unter Berücksichtigung des zeitlichen Faktors auf das Straßennetz projiziert und ermittelt, wann sie sich wo vereinen. Dabei kann es sich um Fahrtdaten erst geplanter Fahrten und/oder aktueller Fahrten handeln. In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform werden eine Vielzahl von Fahrtdaten über einen langen Zeitraum gespeichert, so dass neben aktuellen Fahrtdaten auch historische Fahrtdaten zur Erzeugung der Streckeninformation zur Verfügung stehen. Die historischen Fahrtdaten können dann statistisch ausgewertet und dem System zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Dabei können historische Fahrtdaten auch in der ausgewerteten Form als Streckeninformation archiviert werden. Anhand historischer Daten kann das System auch lernen, dass es beispielsweise immer zu bestimmten Zeiten bestimmter Tage vor dem Elbtunnel zu langen Staus kommt. Gemäß der Erfindung können all diese zur Verfügung stehenden Daten im Hinblick auf eine zu erwartende Verkehrssituationen ausgewertet werden. Die Erfindung liegt also gewissermaßen darin, zu erwartende Verkehrssituationen anhand möglichst vieler tatsächlicher erhobener Daten zu simulieren. Solche Simulationen sind beispielsweise von Wetterprognosen bekannt, die sich bestimmter Modelle bedienen und diese auf vorhandene Daten anwenden. Entsprechend kann auch für die Verkehrsprognosen auf bekannte Funktionen zurückgegriffen werden.According to the invention, route profiles of a plurality of vehicles are projected on the road network, taking into account the temporal factor, and it is determined when and where they are combined. This may be trip data of planned journeys and / or current journeys. In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of trip data are stored over a long period of time, so that in addition to current trip data, historical trip data are also available for generating the route information. The historical trip data can then be statistically evaluated and made available to the system. In this case, historical trip data can also be archived in the evaluated form as route information. On the basis of historical data, the system can also learn that, for example, at certain times of certain days in front of the Elbtunnel, long traffic jams occur. According to the invention, all these available data can be evaluated with regard to expected traffic situations. Thus, the invention is in a sense to simulate expected traffic situations using as many actual data collected as possible. Such simulations are known, for example, from weather forecasts that use certain models and apply them to existing data. Accordingly, it is also possible to make use of known functions for the traffic forecasts.

Die besonderen Vorteile der Erfindung liegen darin, dass es nunmehr möglich ist, eine gegenüber dem Stand der Technik hinsichtlich der Routenplanung und der Abschätzung der Ankunftszeiten deutlich verbesserte Navigationsunterstützung für Autofahrer zu bieten. Dabei ist ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil der Erfindung, dass sich standardisierte Consumer Hardware, insbesondere herkömmliche Mobiltelefone, nutzen lassen, so dass die Erfindung für einen großen Kreis von Endkunden zu kostengünstigen Bedingungen erschwinglich ist. Das ist insofern besonders wichtig, als das Verfahren insofern vom Ausmaß der Verbreitung "lebt", als eine weite Verbreitung eine gute Statistik erzeugt. Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung liegt darin, dass Navigationsysteme erheblich "intelligenter" und vorausschauender werden. Zudem können die Systembetreiber Verkehrsinformationen bündeln und diese kommerziell zur Verfügung stellen.The particular advantages of the invention are that it is now possible to offer significantly improved navigation assistance to motorists compared to the prior art in terms of route planning and the estimation of arrival times. Another important advantage of the invention is that standardized consumer hardware, in particular conventional mobile phones, can be used, so that the invention is affordable for a large circle of end customers at cost-effective conditions. This is particularly important insofar as the procedure "lives" on the scale of dissemination insofar as widespread use produces good statistics. Another advantage of The invention is that navigation systems become significantly "smarter" and more predictive. In addition, the system operators can bundle traffic information and make it commercially available.

Vorteilhaft ist auch, dass die Erfindung auf derzeit schon erhältlicher Technik, wie sie insbesondere von der Mobilkommunikation über GPRS oder UMTS Standard bekannt ist, aufgebaut werden kann. Auch das für die Navigation erforderliche digitale Kartenmaterial ist vorhanden. Ein besonderer Vorteil der Erfindung ist auch, dass sich Fahrzeuge mit Navigationssystem mit dem erfindungsgemäßen System einfach aufrüsten lassen, indem beispielsweise das Navigationssystem lediglich um das zur Kommunikation nötige Mobiltelefon ergänzt wird. Auch solche Kombinationen aus Navigationssystem und Mobiltelefon werden heute schon als "Telematik" Systeme in Kraftfahrzeugen eingesetzt und brauchen für die Umsetzung der Erfindung lediglich mit der entsprechenden Funktionalität ausgestattet werden. Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, vorhandene Navigationsgeräte, wir GPS, GLONASS oder mobilfunknetzbasierte Lokalisierungsmechanismen, zu benutzen. Bei der Ermittlung der Streckeninformationen können auch entsprechend einfach von anderen Systemen zur Verfügung gestellte Verkehrsmeldungen berücksichtigt werden, wie sie insbesondere über TMC übermittelt werden. In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist es daher vorzusehen, dass der Server weitere verkehrsrelevante Informationen, beispielsweise über aktuelle Verkehrsbehinderungen oder auch über lokale Wetterverhältnisse, aus anderen Quellen erhält.It is also advantageous that the invention can be based on currently available technology, as is known in particular from mobile communications via GPRS or UMTS standard. Also the necessary for navigation digital map material is available. A particular advantage of the invention is also that vehicles with navigation system with the system according to the invention can be easily upgraded by, for example, the navigation system is only supplemented by the need for communication mobile phone. Such combinations of navigation system and mobile phone are already used today as "telematics" systems in motor vehicles and need to be equipped for the implementation of the invention only with the appropriate functionality. It is particularly advantageous to use existing navigation devices, such as GPS, GLONASS or mobile network-based localization mechanisms. When determining the route information, it is also possible to take into account traffic reports made available in a correspondingly simple manner by other systems, such as are transmitted in particular via TMC. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is therefore to be provided that the server receives further traffic-relevant information, for example about current traffic obstructions or also about local weather conditions, from other sources.

Der zentrale Server kann auch zur Überwachung des Zugriffs auf das System eingesetzt werden, wobei die Authentifizierung der Nutzer beispielsweise über die MSISDN des mobilen Endgerätes oder über Nutzernamen und Passwort erfolgen kann. In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform erfasst der Server auch den Gebrauch des Systems durch den Kunden, um diesen nach vorgegebenen Kriterien, beispielsweise der zeitlichen Dauer des Gebrauchs oder der gefahrenen Strecke abzurechnen.The central server can also be used to monitor the access to the system, wherein the authentication of the user can be done for example via the MSISDN of the mobile terminal or user name and password. In a further advantageous embodiment, the server also detects the use of the system by the customer in order to settle it according to predetermined criteria, for example the duration of use or the distance traveled.

Zur Umsetzung der Erfindung ist zunächst der Betreiber des Systems, der insbesondere den Server zur Verfügung stellt, erforderlich. Dieser setzt Hardware und Software Komponenten als Laufzeitumgebung für die Realisierung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ein. Dabei kann es sich auch um eine Vielzahl physisch voneinander getrennter Systemkomponenten handeln. Als mobile sendende Endgeräte bieten sich Endgeräte mit einer Benutzeroberfläche zur Bedienung, insbesondere zur Eingabe von Routen und Zielorten, an. Derartige Endgeräte sind auch heute schon vielerorts in Kraftfahrzeugen als Telematik Systeme insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit Navigationssystemen vorhanden. Die Komponenten zur Lokalisierung können sich beispielsweise des Global Positioning Systems (GPS) bedienen. Diese Komponenten können eigenständig oder in die sendenden Endgeräte integriert sein. Weiterhin ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der Server Zugriff auf eine Datenbank hat, die die oben dargestellte Profilinformation sowie benutzerspezifische Informationen bezüglich Berechtigung zur Nutzung des Systems und deren Abrechnung, sowie die jeweiligen letzten oder aktuellen Aufenthaltsorte der Nutzer enthält.To implement the invention, first the operator of the system, which provides the server in particular, is required. This uses hardware and software components as runtime environment for the realization of the method according to the invention. It can also be a variety of physically separate system components. As a mobile sending terminals are terminals with a user interface for operation, in particular for entering routes and destinations to. Such terminals are already present today in many places in motor vehicles as telematics systems, especially in connection with navigation systems. The localization components can be used, for example, by the Global Positioning System (GPS). These components may be standalone or integrated into the sending terminals. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the server has access to a database containing the profile information shown above and user-specific information regarding authorization to use the system and its billing, as well as the respective last or current whereabouts of the users.

Wie oben schon angedeutet, kann die Erfassung der Fahrtdaten im einfachsten Falle "manuell" erfolgen. Dabei kann der Nutzer Eckdaten seiner Reise über das Endgerät eingeben und an den Server schicken. Als solche Eckdaten können beispielsweise Start, Zielort, Startzeit und geplante Route eingegeben werden. Anhand dieser Daten kann der Server ermitteln, wann der Verkehrsteilnehmer an welcher Stelle zu erwarten ist. Diese Daten können einerseits zur Berechnung der Verkehrsdichte zu bestimmten Zeiten auf bestimmten Streckenabschnitten herangezogen werden, wobei andererseits die daraus berechneten Prognosen wiederum die Routenplanung für den Verkehrsteilnehmer beeinflussen.As already indicated above, the detection of the journey data in the simplest case can be done "manually". The user can enter key data of his trip via the terminal and send it to the server. As such key data, for example, start, destination, start time and planned route can be entered. Based on this data, the server can determine when the road user can be expected at which location. On the one hand, these data can be used to calculate the traffic density at specific times on specific sections of the route, and on the other hand, the forecasts calculated therefrom in turn influence the route planning for the road user.

Wie schon beschrieben, ist es vorteilhaft, wenn diese Daten automatisch übermittelt werden und wenn zusätzlich von Navigationssystemen ermittelte aktuelle Positionsdaten der Verkehrsteilnehmer genutzt werden. Im Idealfall kommuniziert das Navigationssystem des Fahrzeugs kontinuierlich mit dem Server. Dabei können, insbesondere nach vorheriger Authentifizierung oder einer Autorisierung kontinuierlich die aktuellen Orts- und Geschwindigkeitsinformationen zusammen mit der aktuellen Zeit und dem Datum erfasst und an den Server unter Nutzung der Möglichkeit der mobilen Datenkommunikation übermittelt werden. Die Übertragung kann in einem serverseitig festlegbaren Intervall stattfinden, wobei die Daten zwischenzeitlich im Endgerät zwischengespeichert werden können. Die Erfassung von Orts- und Geschwindigkeitsinforrnationen sowie deren Übertragung kann endgeräteseitig unterbleiben sofern keine Ortsveränderung festgestellt wird.As already described, it is advantageous if these data are transmitted automatically and if additional current position data of the road users determined by navigation systems are used. Ideally, the vehicle's navigation system communicates continuously with the server. In doing so, especially after previous authentication or authorization, the current location and speed information can be continuously updated recorded together with the current time and date and transmitted to the server using the possibility of mobile data communication. The transmission can take place in a server-settable interval, wherein the data can be intermediately stored in the terminal. The detection of location and speed information as well as their transmission can be omitted on the terminal side if no change of location is detected.

Die Übertragung der Daten erfolgt vorteilhafterweise in komprimierter Form, wobei es wegen des geringeren Datenvolumens besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn diese Daten in Form von "Delta-Informationen", also als Information lediglich über eine Änderung, übertragen werden, wobei beispielsweise statt der absoluten Ortsinformation mit geografischer Länge und Breite lediglich der Differenzvektor und die Differenzgeschwindigkeit im Verhältnis zur letzten übertragenen Geschwindigkeit bzw. Ortsinformationen übertragen wird. Dabei kann in regelmäßigen Abständen oder nach Kommunikationsstörungen eine Übertragung der Gesamtinformation in Form der Ortskoordinaten sowie der Geschwindigkeit erfolgen.The transmission of the data is advantageously carried out in compressed form, wherein it is particularly advantageous because of the lower data volume, if this data in the form of "delta information", so as information only about a change, transmitted, for example, instead of the absolute location information with geographic length and width only the difference vector and the differential speed in relation to the last transmitted speed or location information is transmitted. In this case, a transmission of the total information in the form of the location coordinates and the speed can take place at regular intervals or after communication disturbances.

Bei Störungen in der mobilen Datenübertragung, beispielsweise in Funklöchern, ist es vorteilhaft, die Fahrtdaten im Endgerät zu speichern und sie erst zu übertragen, nachdem die mobile Datenkommunikation neu aufgebaut wurde. Zudem ist es vorteilhaft, die Orts- und Geschwindigkeitsinformationen auf Plausibilität hin zu überprüfen und gegebenenfalls zu korrigieren oder zu löschen. Solche Korrekturen können beispielsweise mit dem bekannten Verfahren des "Map-Matching" durchgeführt werden.In the event of disturbances in the mobile data transmission, for example in dead spots, it is advantageous to store the journey data in the terminal and to transmit them only after the mobile data communication has been rebuilt. In addition, it is advantageous to check the location and speed information for plausibility and, if necessary, to correct or delete it. Such corrections can be carried out, for example, with the known method of "map matching".

In einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform werden Profile, insbesondere aufgrund "historischer" Daten, erstellt, die ebenso zur Erstellung der Prognosen herangezogen werden können. Solche Profile können zeitabhängige oder nutzerspezifische Datenbestände sein, die sich auf Routen oder auf Streckenabschnitte beziehen. Der Server kann die eingehenden Daten nutzen, um Verkehrsprofile, insbesondere nutzerspezifische oder nicht nutzerspezifische Bewegungsprofile sowie Orts-, Straßen-, Straßenabschnitts-, Richtungs- oder zeitspezifische Profile der Verkehrsdichte zu erstellen. Auch diese Daten können dazu genutzt werden, um Routenprognosen zu erzeugen oder um dynamische Fahrzeitprognosen auf der Basis der Geschwindigkeitsprofile abzugeben.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, profiles are created, in particular on the basis of "historical" data, which can also be used to generate the forecasts. Such profiles can be time-dependent or user-specific databases that relate to routes or sections of the route. The server can use the incoming data to create traffic profiles, in particular user-specific or non-user-specific motion profiles, as well as location, road, road segment, direction or time-specific traffic density profiles. Also these data can can be used to generate route forecasts or to provide dynamic travel time forecasts based on the speed profiles.

Eine besondere Art von Profilen sind nutzerspezifische Bewegungsprofile. Dabei können nutzerspezifisch erfasste Ortsinformationen im Zusammenhang mit Straßenabschnitten für die jeweilige Richtung der Befahrung zugeordnet werden. Daraus ergibt sich eine Route, die der Verkehrsteilnehmer vom Startpunkt zum Endpunkt befahren hat. Diese Route ergibt zusammen mit der Zeitinformation einen Datenbankeintrag, der einen Teil des nutzerspezifischen Bewegungsprofils bilden kann. Es sind auch nutzerunspezifische Bewegungsprofile denkbar. Dabei werden die nutzerspezifisch erfassten Ortsinformationen für Straßenabschnitte und für die jeweilige Richtung der Befahrung zugeordnet. Der Zeitpunkt der Befahrung wird auch mit festgehalten. Daraus ergibt sich eine Folge von Streckenabschnitten zwischen Start und Ziel mit der jeweiligen Verkehrsdichte zu bestimmten Zeiten. In ihrer Gesamtheit stellt diese Sammlung an zeitlich zugeordneten Folgen von Streckenabschnitten die nutzerunspezifischen Bewegungsprofile dar.A special kind of profiles are user-specific motion profiles. Here, user-specific recorded location information can be assigned in connection with road sections for the respective direction of the vehicle. This results in a route that the road user traveled from the starting point to the end point. This route, together with the time information, results in a database entry that can form part of the user-specific motion profile. User-specific motion profiles are also conceivable. In this case, the user-specific recorded location information for road sections and for the respective direction of the vehicle are assigned. The time of the journey is also recorded. This results in a sequence of sections between start and finish with the respective traffic density at certain times. In its entirety, this collection of temporally assigned sequences of sections represents the user-unspecific movement profiles.

Bei der Erstellung von Geschwindigkeitsprofilen werden die nutzerspezifischen erfassten Ortsinformationen den Straßenabschnitten für die jeweilige Richtung der Befahrung zugeordnet. Dabei wird auch der Zeitpunkt und die Geschwindigkeit der Befahrung festgehalten. Über die Zeit ergibt sich für jeden Streckenabschnitt eine umfangreiche Sammlung von Datum-Uhrzeit / Geschwindigkeits -Paaren, die für die Prognosen herangezogen werden können.When creating speed profiles, the user-specific recorded location information is assigned to the road sections for the respective direction of the drive. It also records the timing and speed of the journey. Over time, each section of the route has an extensive collection of date-time / speed pairs that can be used in the forecasts.

Wie schon angedeutet, werden vorteilhafterweise Funktionen implementiert, die eine Authentifizierung, eine Autorisierung und/oder eine Möglichkeit zur Abrechnung unterstützen. Die Authentifizierung des Nutzers kann dadurch geschehen, dass sich dieser mit Eingabe einer vorher vereinbarten Kombination von Username und Passwort identifiziert. Im weiteren kann die bei der Datenübertragung vom Endgerät verwendete IP-Adresse zur Identifikation genutzt werden, über die der Server das Endgerät identifiziert. Dieser IP-Adresse kann seitens des Netzbetreibers eine Mobilfunknummer und dieser wiederum ein Nutzer zugeordnet sein. Zur Autorisierung kann auf die in der Datenbank abgebildeten nutzerspezifischen Nutzungsrechte zugegriffen werden, welche die Nutzung zeitlich, räumlich und/oder nach anderen Kriterien einschränken können. Bei einer räumlichen Einschränkung der Nutzung können die jeweils aktuell vom Endgerät übermittelten Ortsinformationen zur Prüfung der räumlichen Einschränkung verwendet werden.As already indicated, functions are advantageously implemented which support authentication, authorization and / or a possibility for billing. The authentication of the user can be done by identifying himself by entering a previously agreed combination of username and password. Furthermore, the IP address used by the terminal during the data transmission can be used for identification via which the server identifies the terminal. This IP address can be assigned by the network operator a mobile number and this in turn a user. For authorization can be to those shown in the database user-specific rights of use are accessed, which may restrict the use of time, space and / or other criteria. In the case of a spatial restriction of use, the location information currently transmitted by the terminal in each case can be used to check the spatial restriction.

Die Abrechnung erfolgt vorteilhafterweise auf der Basis von nutzerspezifischen Abrechnungsereignissen, die vom Server generiert und externen Billing-Systemen zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Dabei sind Abrechnungen anhand der vom Nutzer innerhalb eines Zeitraums zurückgelegten Strecke oder anhand übermittelter Routeninformationen möglich. Auch eine Abrechnung auf der Basis benutzter Verkehrswege, beispielsweise Autobahnen, kann vorteilhaft sein.The billing is advantageously based on user-specific billing events that are generated by the server and made available to external billing systems. In this case, billing is possible based on the distance covered by the user within a time period or on the basis of transmitted route information. A billing based on used traffic routes, such as highways, may be advantageous.

In der Figur ist das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur Erzeugung und Bereitstellung von verkehrsrelevanter Information anhand eines vereinfachten Schaubildes dargestellt:In the figure, the inventive method for generating and providing traffic-related information is shown with reference to a simplified diagram:

Gezeigt sind zwei Verkehrsteilnehmer in ihren Fahrzeugen 1 und 2, die jeweils mit einem mobilen Sende-Empfangsgerät, dessen Antennen 3 sichtbar sind, ausgestattet sind. Die Fahrzeuge 1 und 2 haben ein Navigationssystem, das als Fahrtdaten die Positionsdaten des jeweiligen Ortes, hier mit A und B gekennzeichnet, sowie die Geschwindigkeit der Fahrzeuge bestimmt, der sich jeweils auf einer Straße 4 und 5 befindet. Mit den mobilen Sendegeräten werden jeweils individuelle Fahrtdaten drahtlos an eine zentrale über ein Funknetz erreichbare Rechenanlage 6 übermittelt. Auf der Rechenanlage 6 ist eine Funktionalität realisiert, die Fahrtdaten und Positionen einer Vielzahl von Verkehrsteilnehmern sammelt und zu zeitabhängiger Streckeninformationen betreffend einzelne Streckenabschnitte verarbeitet, wobei hier ein Streckenabschnitt 7, der zwischen zwei Ausfahrten der Autobahn 4 liegt, gezeigt ist. Die Rechenanlage 6 übermittelt wiederum die Streckeninformationen an die Sende-Empfangsgeräte der Verkehrsteilnehmer drahtlos.Shown are two road users in their vehicles 1 and 2, each equipped with a mobile transceiver, the antennas 3 are visible equipped. The vehicles 1 and 2 have a navigation system which determines the position data of the respective location, designated here as A and B, as the travel data, as well as the speed of the vehicles, which are each located on a road 4 and 5. With the mobile transmitting devices, individual travel data are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer system 6 that can be reached via a radio network. On the computer 6 a functionality is realized, the travel data and positions of a plurality of road users collects and processed to time-dependent route information concerning individual sections, in which case a section 7, which lies between two exits of the highway 4, is shown. The computer 6 in turn transmits the route information to the transceivers of the road users wirelessly.

Die Rechenanlage 6 weist einen Server 8 auf, der Zugriff auf eine Datenbank 9, auf der Profile, insbesondere ausgewertete historische Fahrtdaten, hinterlegt sind. Zur Ermittlung der Streckeninformationen kann die Rechenanlage 6 auf Verkehrsmeldungen anderer Systeme 10 und Informationen betreffend die aktuelle Wettersituation auf bestimmten Streckenabschnitten zurückgreifen.The computer 6 has a server 8, the access to a database 9, are stored on the profile, in particular evaluated historical trip data. In order to determine the route information, the computer system 6 can access traffic reports of other systems 10 and information regarding the current weather situation on certain route sections.

In dem hier dargestellten Beispiel stehen der Rechenanlage 6 als Fahrtdaten die aktuellen Positionen A und B der Fahrzeuge 1 und 2, sowie deren Geschwindigkeit und das jeweilige Ziel C und D zur Verfügung. Anhand dieser Fahrtdaten ermittelt die Rechenanlage, dass sich die Fahrzeuge 1 und 2 gemeinsam zu derselben Zeit auf dem Streckenabschnitt 7 befinden werden, auch wenn sich ihre Routen nachher wieder trennen werden. Da die Rechenanlage 6 weiß, dass zudem noch 1500 andere Fahrzeuge zu dieser Zeit den Streckenabschnitt 7 in dieser Richtung nutzen und da der Wetterbericht für diese Gegend Regen angesagt hat, kann sie prognostizieren, dass es zu Verkehrsstockungen kommt. Diese Streckeninformation wird an die Verkehrsteilnehmer in einem Format übermittelt, das eine Einbeziehung in die individuelle Navigation ermöglicht.In the example shown here, the computer system 6 as travel data, the current positions A and B of the vehicles 1 and 2, and their speed and the respective destination C and D are available. On the basis of this trip data, the computer system determines that the vehicles 1 and 2 will be together on the route section 7 at the same time, even if their routes subsequently separate again. Since the computer 6 knows that also 1500 other vehicles at this time use the section 7 in that direction and since the weather forecast for this area has announced rain, they can predict that there will be traffic congestion. This route information is transmitted to road users in a format that allows for inclusion in the individual navigation.

In diesem Beispiel wurde die Streckeninformation durch Summation der Anzahl innerhalb eines bestimmten Zeitfensters in dem Streckenabschnitt 7 befindlichen Fahrzeuge erzeugt, wobei die Anzahl der Fahrzeuge anhand der Fahrtdaten dieser Fahrzeuge ermittelt wird.In this example, the route information was generated by summing the number of vehicles within a certain time window in the route section 7, the number of vehicles being determined based on the travel data of these vehicles.

Claims (12)

  1. Method for generating and providing traffic-relevant information, wherein a plurality of road users are equipped with mobile transmitters with which individual travel data are transmitted wirelessly to a central computer system,
    wherein travel data from a plurality of road users are collected and processed into route information concerning individual route sections, wherein the route information is ascertained as a function of time, wherein the route information is transmitted wirelessly to receivers of the road users,
    characterized in that
    the route information contains forecasts concerning the traffic volume to be expected at certain times within certain route segments.
  2. Method according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    a starting point, a starting time, and a destination are transmitted as travel data.
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    current position data, which in particular are ascertained using a satellite navigation system, are transmitted as travel data.
  4. Method according to claim 3,
    characterized in that
    the travel data are automatically transmitted in predefinable, cyclically recurring intervals.
  5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the route information contains situation reports that are ascertained using the travel data and that include traffic densities at certain times and in certain route segments.
  6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    historical travel data are also used in addition to current travel data for generating the route information.
  7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the route information is generated by summation of the number of vehicles located in a certain route segment during a certain time window, wherein the number of vehicles is ascertained using the travel data from these vehicles.
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the route information is transmitted in a format that permits inclusion in individual navigation.
  9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    traffic reports that are made available by other systems, in particular as they are transmitted over the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), are taken into account during the acquisition of route information.
  10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the transmission takes place after compression of the data and/or in that only changes are transmitted.
  11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    information concerning the current weather situation is transmitted as travel data.
  12. System for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, having
    - a central computer system (6) that can be reached through a radio network,
    - a plurality of users with vehicles (1, 2) participating in traffic who are equipped with mobile transmitters (3) that are suitable for wireless communication with the computer system (6), wherein a navigation module for determining the current position that the transmitter (3) sends to the computer system (6) together with other travel data is associated with each of the transmitters,
    - a functionality implemented on the computer system (6) that collects travel data and positions of a plurality of road users, and processes the same into route information concerning individual route segments (7), wherein the computer system (6) ascertains route information as a function of time,
    - means for sending the route information to the road users for further processing in the navigation module,
    characterized in that
    the route information includes forecasts concerning the traffic volume to be expected within certain route segments at certain times.
EP10150747A 2006-11-07 2007-10-17 Traffic detection system Not-in-force EP2224408B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006052319A DE102006052319A1 (en) 2006-11-07 2006-11-07 Method for generating and supplying traffic-related information, involves providing multiple road users with mobile transmitters, with which each individual journey data is wirelessly transmitted to central computer
EP07020275A EP1921588A3 (en) 2006-11-07 2007-10-17 Traffic detection system

Related Parent Applications (1)

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EP07020275.9 Division 2007-10-17

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EP2224408A2 EP2224408A2 (en) 2010-09-01
EP2224408A3 EP2224408A3 (en) 2010-09-22
EP2224408B1 true EP2224408B1 (en) 2011-09-28

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EP07020275A Ceased EP1921588A3 (en) 2006-11-07 2007-10-17 Traffic detection system
EP10150747A Not-in-force EP2224408B1 (en) 2006-11-07 2007-10-17 Traffic detection system

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EP07020275A Ceased EP1921588A3 (en) 2006-11-07 2007-10-17 Traffic detection system

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DE102009053080A1 (en) 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Method and system for generating and providing traffic-related information
DE102011086835A1 (en) * 2011-07-07 2013-01-10 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for sending value of e.g. current position of motor car to service provider to receive e.g. accident information for computed route, involves determining traffic-relevant characteristic value to send according to traffic information
DE102011109726A1 (en) * 2011-08-06 2013-02-07 Daimler Ag Method for determining quality of transport service provider, involves determining present traffic state and outputting it as traffic information, based on time coordinates and location coordinates
DE102011083677A1 (en) * 2011-09-29 2013-04-04 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for predicting traffic conditions for e.g. electric car, involves determining future information for traffic conditions of vehicle based on current state of vehicle and historical data
DE102012208254A1 (en) * 2012-05-16 2013-11-21 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Method and system for creating a current situation image

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE526654T1 (en) 2011-10-15
DE102006052319A1 (en) 2008-05-08
EP1921588A3 (en) 2008-05-28
EP1921588A2 (en) 2008-05-14
EP2224408A2 (en) 2010-09-01
EP2224408A3 (en) 2010-09-22

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