Method and apparatus for providing shortest elapsed time route and tracking information to users

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining and communicating shortest elapsed time route information to users wherein information of desired origin and destination combinations is received from the users in a central processor or computer, instant rates of travel on multiple route segments interconnecting various possible origins and destinations being monitored and transferred to the central processor which then calculates the route segment or segment combination providing shortest elapsed time routes for each origin-destination combination and transmitting that information to the respective user. Communication between the central processor and the users is preferably by telephone and more preferably by cellular telephone.

Description

[0002]This reissued patent is based on U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,227, which is a continuation-in-part of allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 436,892, filed May 8, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,950 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08 / 032,830, filed Mar. 10, 1993, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07 / 649,599, filed Feb. 1, 1991, abandoned.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supplying traffic information to users and more particularly to such a method and apparatus for assisting the users in selecting shortest elapsed time routes between various origin and destination combinations. In addition, the invention proves useful for vehicle tracking and management. The routing is up to the minute, dynamic, constantly keeping track of the current traffic and recalculating the user's route considering all changes and calls him back if the route can be improved.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Substantial effort has been exerted...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]Rather, it is an object of the present invention to provide individual vehicles or drivers with desired information in terms of the shortest elapsed time route between a particular origin and destination or multiple destinations for a given trip combination.

[0028]Furthermore, the central computer preferably includes means for storing travel data for each user for a predetermined amount of time. If communication means is available to the vehicle, for example by mobile or cellular telephone, updated information can then be transmitted to the individual vehicle if necessary or desirable. The route in progress feature allows the driver to contact by available means, for example, to call to verify his location and receive directions for the remaining portion of the trip. Additionally, the computer constantly monitors the route the driver has been given and recalculates the shortest time route from his updated origin to determine if his route can be improved. If conditions change and additional time can be saved, the computer will make contact, for example, call the driver back and advise the driver of the new route.

[0031]This tracking system allows a dispatcher to have complete and accurate status for each vehicle, so that the dispatcher can manage by exception with a minimum of information transmission. Management can focus on whichever vehicles they choose, including those that are not where they should be, making them much more effective.

[0034]More particularly, it is the object of the present invention to include delivery locations as destinations. Such delivery locations allow the user to request the nearest Radio Schack®, Nordstrom®, M.G. dealer as a destination. This allows the user the efficiency of expending the shortest time to accomplish the desired task.

Problems solved by technology

This problem is particularly severe in extended urban areas where individual vehicles commonly travel long distances from various points of origin to various destinations.

Fleet operators in these environments suffer from not having effective utilization of their drivers and vehicles.

However, even where mass transit systems have been effective for transporting substantial numbers of people, there still remain large numbers of individual vehicles traveling throughout such extended areas, both during peak hours and throughout the entire day.

However, that information was generally accurate under optimum or standard conditions and did not provide any information to the user concerning instantaneous conditions along different route segments.

This solution was relatively complex and expensive and in addition, generally did not provide assistance until the individual vehicle encountered an actual condition of traffic stoppage or back-up.

Here again, however the system was relatively expensive and complex in terms of the equipment required for the individual vehicles.

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