FR2652930A1 - Method and system for individual assistance with the traffic - Google Patents

Abstract

System (1) for individual assistance with the traffic in a predetermined region, especially an urban zone, pre-equipped with means (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.N) for regulating traffic and with radio broadcasting means (9, 10), especially in frequency modulation. This system comprises, within the said region, central means (3) for processing and coding information originating from traffic regulating means, means (5, 6, 7) for transmitting the said processed and coded information superimposed on at least one transmission made by the said radio broadcasting means (9, 10), within each vehicle pre-equipped with receiver means (13, 14) associated with the pre-existing transmitter means (9, 10), individual means (U) for assistance with the traffic, comprising: means (14.1) for decoding the coded, transmitted information received by the said reception means (14), means (15, 16) for delivering information on the position of the vehicle within the said region, and information processing means (12). Use for individual assistance with the traffic in an urban zone.

Description

 The present invention relates to a method and a system for assisting individual circulation, in particular of automobiles.

 The traffic difficulties encountered in urban areas are the cause of a significant loss of time and energy and have significant economic consequences.

 There are already traffic control systems comprising sensors distributed in an urban area and links to a control and processing center, which receive information on the state of the traffic, in particular the traffic density, necessary for the calculation. optimization of traffic light plans. This information is generally refreshed at low speed.

 However, the motorist directly involved in traffic embarrassments currently only has traffic information available from broadcasting stations. In particular, he cannot have precise information on his actual location in an urban area which he does not necessarily know and consequently is very often unable to define an effective diversion strategy.

 Traffic assistance systems are also known which use transmitting devices located in an urban area in a sufficiently dense mesh to allow efficient guidance. However, they have the major drawback of requiring for local authorities and cities significant investments in specific infrastructures (beacon networks, control and processing center).

 The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a method and a system for assisting individual circulation in a predetermined region, in particular in frequency modulation.

According to the invention, the method of assisting individual traffic in a determined region, in particular an urban area, previously equipped with means of traffic regulation and of broadcasting means, in particular in frequency modulation is characterized in that it includes the following steps
- we process and code, in said region, information received from traffic control means,
- said information is transmitted superimposed by at least one transmission carried out by said broadcasting means (9, 10),
- the coded information transmitted and received by reception means (14) placed in said vehicle is decoded in each vehicle,
- vehicle position information is delivered within said region,
- The decoded information received by the vehicle and the position information thereof are processed to generate traffic assistance information in return.

According to another aspect of the invention, the individual circulation aid system comprises
at the level of said region
central means for processing and coding information originating from the traffic control means,
means for transmitting said processed and coded information superimposed on at least one program made by said broadcasting means,
at each vehicle concerned by the system and previously equipped with reception means associated with the pre-existing transmitting means, individual means of navigation aid comprising
means for decoding the coded information transmitted received by said reception means,
means for delivering vehicle position information within the region,
means for processing the decoded information from the decoding means, the position information and commands from the interface means, and for generating traffic assistance information in return.

 Thus, the use of an existing infrastructure for collecting traffic information and transmitting coded information, makes it possible to considerably reduce the costs of this traffic assistance system. In addition, the motorist has both information from the regulatory center and data on its actual positioning, which then makes effective decision-making possible.

 This gives personalized optimization of the journeys of each vehicle.

The circulation aid system according to the invention has the following main functions
- positioning of the vehicle on a road map presented at the desired scale,
- destination search with optimized route calculation and travel time forecast based on traffic,
- guidance to a destination with permanent itinerary advice,
- parking advice (for example the nearest car parks with available spaces, density of free spaces),
- presentation of messages of general interest,
- presentation of emergency messages for special vehicles,
- presentation of thematic maps of general interest (metro, RER, bus, shows, hotels).

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below. In the accompanying drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the traffic aid system according to the invention,
FIG. 2 illustrates the individual traffic assistance equipment used in a vehicle,
FIG. 3 represents an exemplary embodiment of a control display device placed in a vehicle,
- Figure 4 is a timing diagram of an example of a broadcast message used in the invention.

 We will now describe an effective embodiment of the traffic aid system according to the invention.

 The individual traffic assistance system 1 comprises, with reference to FIG. 1, a public segment P and a user segment U installed in each vehicle.

 The public segment P comprises a central information processing unit 3, for example a microcomputer, coupled to a traffic regulation system 2 of the urban area considered connected to sensors 2.1, 2.2, ..., 2.N such than cameras, inductive loops or any other vehicle flow detection and measurement device.

 The central unit 3 can also be connected to interfaces 4 for inputting specific information from sources external to the traffic control system 2. This may for example be weather information or public or personal messages.

 It also comprises a transmission device, comprising in particular modems 5, 7 and a telephone line 6, for transmitting information from the microcomputer 3 to an overprinting and transmission unit 8 itself connected to a transmitting station. preexisting 9 in frequency modulation using a radio broadcasting antenna 10.

This public segment P has the function of copying and transmitting two types of information
- traffic density,
- updating the cartography of the traffic infrastructure.

 This information is formatted and coded within the central unit 3 then transmitted to the transmitting station 9 which covers the zone or region considered. The digital message, renewed at a low rate, is transmitted by an appropriate method superimposed on the usual broadcast from station 9, without obviously interfering with the reception of the programs from this station.

 The user segment constituted by the circulation aid device U installed in a vehicle 30, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a reception and decoding unit 14.1 coupled to a reception device 14, 24 preexisting in the vehicle 30 and connected to a reception antenna 13, a computer 12, a memory unit 18, two sensors 15, 25; 16, 26 of vehicle position information 30, and a display and interface assembly 17, 27 comprising a screen 17.1 and a keyboard 17.2.

The individual circulation assistance device U performs the functions of determining the positioning and receiving the broadcast message,
The precise determination of the position of the vehicle 30 is ensured by the use of a compass 15, 25 to provide a distance traveled data. The position is acquired by a correlation calculation between the movement of the vehicle 30 and the road network with statistical filtering according to the Kalman method to establish a permanent modeling of the two sensors 15, 25; 16, 26.

Such a device U must be readjusted to ensure the high precision required. This registration is carried out using radio beacons 20, provided with antennas 21, of very small size also called "markers", of total harmlessness for the environment (due to a range of a few tens of meters) and distributed appropriately at predetermined points in the area considered. These markers deliver a coded sequence identifying the place where they are located,
The broadcast message received by the receiving device 14 from the transmitting station 9 is superimposed on the usual program of this station 9. It carries information
- traffic density,
- modification of the traffic plan and the infrastructure plan for the area in question,
- relating to parking,
- messages of general interest,
- emergency messages of particular interest.

 The user segment U is preferably in the form of an on-board computer 23 provided with a screen / keyboard assembly 27 having functionalities (not shown) such as a mouse ball or a touch screen for example, the calculator 12 associated manages user / system dialogs, memories 18, decoding within the decoding unit 14.1 and performs all the computer operations necessary for the functions mentioned above.

 As has been specified before, the system according to the invention does not require expenditure on public infrastructure. The only information used is already available in traffic control centers 2 set up in urban areas where the traffic problem arises.

 Furthermore, the system 1 according to the invention enriches these public investments by providing a space of freedom to the user. In addition, the messages transmitted to the system according to the invention are at low rate because they contain only the essential information, namely the differences compared to the on-board model in memory 18. This is allowed by the very long time period of the type d information processed and provided by the traffic control center 2.

 The positioning of the vehicle 30 on a traffic lane can be described as a first approximation by a single parameter: the curvilinear abscissa. The individual traffic aid device U comprises two sensors: the compass 15, 25 and the distance traveled counter 16, 26. The parameters delivered by these two sensors, the heading and the distance traveled since a given date? allow the estimated position of the vehicle 30 to be calculated at any time. We also know that vehicle 30 travels on a known route: it is therefore possible to correlate the calculated displacement to the displacement on a model stored in memory 18. We then deduce the "best estimated values" of the heading and the distance traveled which are used subsequently to specify the fine movement of the vehicle 30. In fact, the only errors to be modeled are those of the heading because the distance meters are in practice very precise. I1 is also necessary to periodically reset and reset the circulation aid device U, operations which are ensured by the registration tags 20.

 The compass 15, 25, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, supplies heading information from the car 30 to the computer 12 of the traffic assistance device U. This compass delivers digital information on heading deviation coded for example on three bytes at a rate of one second with a resolution of one degree, I1 must also have a reduced bulk and be able to operate in a disturbed magnetic environment, while allowing correct dynamic operation.

 The flat screen 17.1, 27 is the tool for presenting information to the individual user of the system 1 according to the invention. It is preferably liquid crystal and in color. the keys or keys 17.2, shown separately from the screen 17.2 in FIG. 1, can be arranged around the screen 27 as indicated in FIG. 3, where the keys or keys are designated by the reference 29.

These keys or keys 29 allow access to various functionalities, the nature of which appears on the screen 27 in the form, for example, of a reconfigurable menu.

For each image appearing on the display area 28 of the screen 27, there is a lower strip 31 which can recall the time, the route taken at the moment, the next route to be taken and the destination,
In addition, a MESSAGE insert can appear in order to request the consultation of a message on the page.
MENU,
The synthetic plan of the environment in which the vehicle is located is presented in the viewing area 28 of the screen 27 at a suitable scale. For example, consider a field 200 to 300 meters ahead of the vehicle. This scale can obviously be modified by means of a LADDER side key.

 A right side strip 32 provides the guidance indications in an analog manner (direction arrow) and in digital form (for example, in 100 m provided in 3 minutes), with reference to FIG. 3. A key located near the PARKING indication allows access to information concerning the parking areas located in the district concerned (occupancy rate, prices, for example).

Many other functionalities can be envisaged, such as for example
- the display on the screen 27 of a page
SYNOPTIC providing a small-scale representation covering the entire route,
- the proposal of a new route.

 A destination display page offers the choice of a destination by a predetermined number (for example 10) of stored destinations, the insertion by keystroke 17.2 of the name of the destination place DEST.

The software associated with the computer 12 is then capable of guiding the user step by step, by offering for example a search for homonyms. The destination display page also provides insertion ~ by marking using a cursor moved by two keys on the keyboard, while providing the corresponding address.

 Referring to Figure 4; the broadcast message 40 allows updating of the traffic density map and infrastructure modifications. It can also support other types of messages, for example advertising messages.

 The traffic density can for example be coded on 4 bits. In an effective form of implementation of the invention, the period of establishment of the traffic density map is 3 minutes while the message is sent every 30 seconds.

 The infrastructure modifications concern for example works and lane closures. The associated messages include location and modification data. This type of message can be transmitted at a very low rate, for example 500 baud.

 Route modifications are carried out in the same way as infrastructure modifications.

They generally correspond to a message of 12 to 15 k bytes. Various messages, both for personal use and for general use (time schedule, meteorology) can be sent during periods of "trough".

 It should be noted that the infrastructure and route modification messages represent a deviation from a model which is valid for a given date. This model must therefore be readjusted periodically absolutely. A periodicity of one year seems appropriate and adapts well to other constraints, such as a toll for the service rendered.

The example of a message whose timing diagram 40 is represented in FIG. 4 has the following structure
infrastructure: every 3 and a half minutes
route: every 90 seconds
traffic density: every 30 seconds
miscellaneous messages: 6 seconds every 30 seconds.

The registration tags 20 have the functions
- the sequential readjustment of the navigation of the traffic aid device U. The latter must in fact ensure a location whose precision is consistent with the graphic presentation on the screen 17.1.

This requires precise registration which is ensured by the permanent sending of a position message.

 - The transmission or traffic assistance device U of the detailed description of the environment, intended to be stored in memory 18. This description relates to the infrastructure and the routes.

The 2.0 registration beacons must transmit at very short range, typically within 50 meters. The transmission frequency can for example be chosen in the band 1.5; 3] GHz. The program is modulated by two types of messages switched several times per second
- readjustment messages (fifteen bytes)
- environment messages (16 k bytes).

 The frequency range chosen allows a construction based on GUNN diodes, economical and very low consumption for the powers involved.

They can be powered either by battery or from school cells and buffer batteries.

 In addition, payment for the services rendered to users with motorized mobility can be provided by providing individual traffic assistance devices with selective access devices ensuring a toll function by entering a personal access or use code. a personal card.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

 Thus, the system according to the invention can be arranged to process all kinds of information relating to the "traffic" environment and ultimately ensure on board the vehicle the continuity of the domestic services which will develop.

In addition, outputs of the system according to the invention can be provided on the LOCSTAR, GEOSTAR and
GPS.

Claims (15)

 1. Method for assisting individual traffic in a given region, in particular an urban area, previously equipped with means (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.N) for traffic regulation and broadcasting means (9, 10), especially in frequency modulation, characterized in that it comprises the following steps  - we process and code, in said region, information received from traffic control means,  - said information is transmitted superimposed by at least one transmission carried out by said broadcasting means (9, 10),  - the coded information transmitted and received by reception means (14) placed in said vehicle is decoded in each vehicle,  - vehicle position information is delivered within said region,  - The decoded information received by the vehicle and the position information thereof are processed to generate traffic assistance information in return.  2. Individual traffic assistance system (1) in a predetermined region, in particular an urban area, previously equipped with means (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.N) for traffic regulation and broadcasting means (9, 10), in particular in frequency modulation, characterized in that it comprises  at the level of said region,  central means (3) for processing and coding information originating from the traffic control means,  means (5, 6, 7) for transmitting said processed and coded information superimposed on at least one transmission carried out by said broadcasting means (9, 10),  at the level of each vehicle previously equipped with reception means (13, 14) associated with the pre-existing transmitting means (9, 10), individual means for assisting traffic (U) comprising  means (14.1) for decoding the coded information transmitted received by said reception means (14),  means (15, 16) for supplying position information of the vehicle within said region,  means (12) for processing the decoded information coming from the decoding means (14.1), the position information and commands coming from interface means (17.2), in particular from a keyboard, and for generating in return information d circulation aid.  3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the individual circulation aid means (U) further comprise means (17.1) for displaying the circulation aid information, in particular a flat screen .  4. System (1) according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the individual circulation assistance means (U) further comprise means (18) for selectively storing decoded information, connected to the processing means ( 12).  5. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the central processing and coding means (3) comprise means (4) for entering specific information from sources external to the regulation means traffic (2).  6. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the central processing and coding means (3) are connected to the transmission means (8, 9) by a telephone line (6).  7. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises radio beacon means (20, 21) distributed at predetermined implantation points of said region, each of said means beacon (20, 21) transmitting a coded sequence identifying said location point to initialize the individual traffic assistance means (U) located in vehicles near said beacon means (20, 21).  8. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the means (15, 16) for delivering position information comprise:  means (16) for delivering information on the distance traveled by the vehicle,  means (15) for delivering heading information of said vehicle with respect to a reference axis linked to the vehicle.  9. System (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the means (16) for delivering distance information are connected to the odometer of the vehicle.  10. System (1) according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the means (15) for delivering heading information comprise a compass.  11. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the individual circulation assistance means (U) further comprise means for filtering the information coming from the information delivery means of position.  12. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the central processing and coding means (3) comprise a microcomputer and in that the transmission means comprise modulation / demodulation means ( 5, 7).  13. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the individual circulation assistance means (U) comprise, as processing means, a computer.  14. System (1) according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the beacon means (20, 21) also generate information specific to each location of said beacon means (20, 21) .  15. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the individual circulation assistance means (U) further comprise selective access means for ensuring remuneration for the services rendered to users of said system (1).