Traffic routing using intelligent traffic signals, GPS and mobile data devices

Abstract

A traffic routing system reduces emissions from commuter and other traffic, eases congestion on roadways, and decreases transit time by use of communications among vehicles and traffic controls, such as traffic lights. In one aspect, a traffic light receives a signal that a vehicle is approaching and in response turns green to allow the vehicle to pass without impairment. In another aspect, a vehicle receives a signal to adjust a current rate of speed to arrive when a traffic signal allows vehicles to pass. In still another aspect, a combination of congestion, emergency traffic, roadwork and similar factors influence proposed routes sent to vehicles.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to traffic control systems and traffic routing. Background technique [0002] By helping commuters and other drivers choose non-congested routes to their destinations, vehicle emissions can be significantly reduced, congestion can be limited, safety can be enhanced and travel times reduced. Several schemes have been proposed in the past for informing drivers of traffic conditions and presenting them with suggested alternatives when congestion is found. For example, radio stations have used traffic helicopters for decades to identify areas of congestion and suggest alternative routes that drivers may wish to consider. [0003] As GPS and handheld computing devices, especially those connected to cellular networks or the Internet, have grown in popularity, other approaches have been adopted, such as color-coding graphical representations of maps with routes to indicate congestion s level. [0004] Another approac...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] There is no known method that fully integrates the technologies available to report traffic information to drivers and

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