Information management relating to traffic safety

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for information management relating to traffic safety A first unit (1) is located within a first geographical area (11), and transmits (B1) safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area (11). A second unit (2) is located within a second geographical area (12), and receives (B2) safety information relating to local risk factors within the second geographical area (12). The first geographical area (11) fully or partially coincides (10) with the second geographical area (12). The second unit (2) receives (B2) safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area (10) from the first unit (1).

Description

[0001] Information management relating to traffic safety

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for information management relating to traffic safety. A first unit, located within a first geographical area, transmits safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area, and a second unit, located within a second geographical area, receives safety information relating to local risk factors within the second geographical area, wherein the first geographical area fully or partially coincides with the second geographical area.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a computer program product and a computer readable medium whereby an inventive method or system can be realized.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In the field of managing and providing information relating to traffic safety it is known to manage and provide safety information relating to local risk factors to units located within a defined geographical area from a central database. The central database receive safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area from a first unit, and a second unit can receive safety information concerning local risk factors within the geographical area from the central database.

[0007] Publication US 10 024 684 B2 relates to a system and method for mapping traffic accidents by storing historical and real-time accidents data and other accidents related information. The data resides in the central server and implemented for alerting a user about traffic accidents based on location and type of category. The known system and method comprises storing a plurality of historical and real-time traffic accidents for different categories of the users in a unified database. It further stores a plurality of other traffic accident related information, comprising reasons, time and data, category of the accident participants, further comprising noncommercial vehicles or commercial vehicles users, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians. The known system and method uses an analysis mechanism to search and analyze historical or real-time traffic accidents data based on the category the user belongs to specific geocoded location and display the analyzed advisory notification on the basis of the user's location. Publication DE 10 2012 025 364 A1 relates to a method involves determining data related to a movement of a motor car by using a computing unit of a wild animal warning system. Data related to a wild animal crossing is retrieved from a database based on the data related to the movement of the motor car. A risk for the motor car is determined based on the data related to the movement of the motor car and the data related to the wild animal crossing. A warning is reproduced as an image sequence based on the determined risk on a display unit e.g. easily programmable display, arranged in the motor car.

[0008] Publication WO 2022 / 170138 A1 relates to the use of traffic emergency information to alert emergency systems of a vehicle.

[0009] Figure 1 is an illustration of known solutions to information management related to traffic safety through a central database 3 available through a network 4, where a first unit 1 is located within a first geographical area 11 , and where the first unit transmits A1 safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area 11 through the network 4 to the central database 3. A second unit 2 within a second geographical area 12 can receive A2 safety information pertaining to the second geographical area 12 through the network 4 from the central data base 3, where received information may originate from the first unit 1 when the first geographical area 11 fully or partially coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems

[0012] Known systems for managing and providing information relating to traffic safety rely on available communication between the central database 3 and the units 1, 2 providing A1 and receiving A2 the information. In relation to the background art it is a problem to provide current information without problems related to limited or delayed access to the data base 3, which can be due to connection and configuration errors, network and firewall restrictions, server-side problems, like outage or downtime, network congestion, limited bandwidth for the communication, latency and infrastructure bottlenecks and other communications and network related problems.

[0013] Also the actual management of information from the first unit in the central database introduces a time-lag before the information is available to the second unit. There is a transmission time from the first unit to the database, a time to manage the information, that is to evaluate, and correctly store the information in the database, and then a time to make the information available to the second unit. There is a time to detect that the second unit is within a pertinent geographical area, and a time to transmit the information to the second unit. This management in itself introduces a time lag which then is added to the possible delays due to communications and network related problems.

[0014] In a situation where first unit sends a warning for local risk factors such as wildlife on or close to the road, or low temperature causing slippery road conditions, it is important that this information is made available to other units in the same area immediately for their safety, in which situation a limited or delayed access to this information can be devastating.

[0015] Solutions

[0016] From the standpoint of the field of the invention, as described above, and with the purpose of providing a solution to mentioned problem it is proposed that the second unit receives safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area from the first unit.

[0017] The first and / or second unit may be something located within a geographical area, such as a motor vehicle, a work tool, or an electronic communication device used by, for example, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a horse rider.

[0018] Embodiments teach that transmitted safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area is received and stored by a central database, and wherein the second unit receives safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area from the central database.

[0019] It is proposed that safety information received from a first unit may be given a first priority and safety information received from the central database may be given a second priority, thus enabling to prioritize the most current or accurate information. Depending on circumstances it may be that information from another unit is regarded more reliable being more current than information from the central database, or that information from the central database is regarded more reliable being more accurate than information from another unit. Embodiments herein relate to a method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a first unit. The first unit is located within a first geographical area, and it transmits safety information concerning local risk factors within the first geographical area. The first unit transmits safety information adapted for reception by a second unit within a second geographical area, which fully or partially coincides with the first geographical area.

[0020] It is proposed that the first unit may transmit the safety information to a central database.

[0021] Embodiments herein also relate to a method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a second unit. The second unit is located within a second geographical area, and it receives safety information concerning local risk factors within the second geographical area. The second unit receives the safety information from a first unit within a first geographical area, which first geographical area fully or partially coincides with the second geographical area.

[0022] Embodiments teach that the second unit may receive safety information from a central database, and that safety information received from the first unit may be given a first priority and safety information received from the central database may be given a second priority.

[0023] Embodiments teach that the first unit may perform the steps of a second unit.

[0024] Embodiments herein relate to an arrangement comprising a first unit and a second unit where the first unit is adapted to perform the steps of a first unit as described in the above mentioned method, and where the second unit is adapted to perform the steps of a second unit as described in the above mentioned method.

[0025] Embodiments herein also relate to a first unit and a second unit, both adapted to perform the steps of a first unit and a second unit respectively as described in the above mentioned method.

[0026] Embodiments herein also relate to a computer program product comprising computer program code, which, when executed by a computing device within a first or second unit, enables the computing device to perform the above mentioned method, and a computer readable medium carrying such mentioned computer program code. Advantages

[0027] The advantages of a method an arrangement and units as described above, are that safety information relating to local risk factors pertinent for a second unit is readily available to the second user as soon a the first user has transmitted the information. This without delay or dropout of information due to communications problems with a central data base, and without the delays due to data base management. Proposed embodiments provides an instant information transfer from the first unit to the second unit, and enables the second unit to take received information into immediate consideration in its safety and risk management.

[0028] A parallel! proposed direct communication of information between the first and second unit together with a traditional information management via a central database enables the possibility to prioritize between information received from another unit and information received from the central data base.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings

[0030] A method, and arrangement, a first unit, a second unit, a computer program product and a computer readable medium according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic and very simplified illustration of known information management relating to traffic safety via a central data base,

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic and very simplified illustration of information management relating to traffic safety via via direct communication between units,

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic and very simplified illustration of a computer program product, and

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic and very simplified illustration of a computer readable medium.

[0035] Detailed description of embodiments as presently preferred

[0036] As previously illustrated in Figure 1 it is known to provide information management relating to traffic safety via a central data base 3, where where the first unit 1 is located within the first geographical area 11 , and where the first unit 1 transmits A1 safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area 11 through the network 4 to the central database 3. The second unit 2 within the second geographical area 12 can receive A2 safety information pertaining to the second geographical area 12 through the network 4 from the central data base 3, where received information may originate from the first unit 1 when the first geographical area 11 fully or partially coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12.

[0037] Transfer of traffic-related information may be used to alert the user of a vehicle, e.g. to remind the driver that it is approaching a wildlife accident-affected passage and / or it may be made available directly to a vehicle safety systems, such as vehicle traffic-related safety functions, via software or an application within a unit carried by a user or being an integrated part of a vehicle.

[0038] Proposed embodiments relate to the transfer of all traffic-related information via new, old and future available data from data bases managed by authorities and others that can be transferred to a unit in real time. The received information may be used ni a vehicle to prepare its active safety functions, such as the Brake System where functions such as "Pre-Charge" for emergency braking systems or Auto-brake and EBA, Emergency Brake Assist, e.g. panic braking reduces the distance between the brake pads and the brake disc, or such as adjusting the light image to use high beams, to widen, and / or to shine brighter, and thereby enhance the safety in a panic situation for the driver or user. It may also enhance airbag vigilance, tighten seatbelts, activate vehicle cameras to prepare for recording any accident information.

[0039] If there is a wildlife accident despite the warning, it is proposed that click instructions may be directly connected to the alarm center, police, insurance companies and wild life search hunters.

[0040] The present invention will now be described with reference to figure 2, illustrating a method for information management relating to traffic safety, where the first unit 1 is located within the first geographical area 11 , and where the first unit 1 transmits B1 safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area 11 . A second unit 2 is located within a second geographical area 12, and the second unit 2 receives B2 safety information relating to local risk factors within the second geographical area 12. Here it can be seen that the first geographical area 11 fully or partially coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12, in which case the second unit 2 receives B2 safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area 10 from the first unit 1. In other words, the safety information is communicated B directly between the first unit 1 and the second unit 2 when they are within the same geographical area 10 and thus within range for direct communication B.

[0041] This directly communicated B information is true real time information since it is without delay or dropout of information due to communications problems with a central data base, and without the delays due to data base management.

[0042] The first and / or second unit may be something located within a geographical area, such as a motor vehicle, a work tool, or an electronic communication device used by, for example, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a horse rider.

[0043] Information related to traffic safety can be many different things triggered and / or generated by the operator of the unit, and / or by a system within the unit, where the system can be based on artificial intelligence to learn and evaluate the situation and generate the information and / or trigger the message communication.

[0044] Embodiments herein are not restricted to a specific communication protocol or way of wireless communication. Communication between units, or between unit and database, can be any kind of wireless communication suitable for communication directly between units in the messaging between the first and second unit, and suitable for communication between the units and the central data base.

[0045] Embodiments herein propose that transmitted A1 safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area may be received and stored by a central database 3, and wherein the second unit 2 may receive A2 safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area from the central database 3.

[0046] It is proposed that safety information received B2 from a first unit 1 may be given a first priority and safety information received A2 from the central database 3 is given a second priority. It is thus possible for the second unit 2 to prioritize the most current or accurate information in the risk management of the unit 2. Depending on circumstances it may be that information from another unit 1 is regarded more reliable being more current than information from the central database 3, or that information from the central database 3 is regarded more reliable if this information is more accurate than information from another unit 1. Embodiments herein also relate to a method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a first unit 1 , wherein the first unit is located within a first geographical area 11 , wherein the first unit transmits B1 safety information concerning local risk factors within the first geographical area. The first unit 1 transmits B1 safety information adapted for reception by a second unit 2 within a second geographical area 12, which fully or partially coincides 10 with the first geographical area 11 .

[0047] It is proposed that the first unit 1 may transmit A1 the safety information to a central database 3.

[0048] Embodiments herein also relate to a method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a second unit 2, wherein the second unit 2 is located within a second geographical area 12. The second unit 12 receives B2 safety information concerning local risk factors within the second geographical area 12. The second unit receives B2 the safety information from a first unit 1 within a first geographical area 11 , which first geographical area 11 fully or partially coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12.

[0049] It is proposed that the second unit 2 may receive A2 safety information from a central database 3.

[0050] Safety information received B2 from the first unit 1 may be given a first priority and safety information received A2 from the central database 3 may be given a second priority to enable internal management of received safety information.

[0051] Embodiments herein teaches that the first unit 1 may also perform the steps of a second unit 2, that is that the first unit 1 may also receive safety information for its own management of information relating to local risk factors, and the second unit may transmit safety information relating to local risk factors for the benefit of other units that may receive it directly or via a central data base 3.

[0052] With renewed reference to Figure 2, an arrangement A for information management relating to traffic safety will now be described. This arrangement A comprises a first unit 1 and a second unit 2, the first unit 1 being adapted to transmit B1 safety information relating to local risk factors within a first geographical area 11 when the first unit is located within the first geographical area 11. The second unit 2 is adapted to receive B2 safety information relating to local risk factors within a second geographical area 12 when the second unit 2 is located within the second geographical area 12. The second unit 2 is adapted to receive B2 safety information concerning local risk factors from the first unit 1 when the first geographical area 11 fully or partially coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12.

[0053] In the figures the first and second units are illustrated as being motor vehicles, however, it should be understood that the first and / or second unit 1 , 2 may by something located in a geographical area, such as a motor vehicle, a work tool, or an electronic communication device adapted to be used by, for example, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a horse rider.

[0054] The arrangement A may comprise a central database 3, adapted to receive and store transmitted safety information relating to local risk factors within a geographical area received A1 from the first unit 1 , and to convey A2 safety information relating to local risk factors within a geographical area to the second unit.

[0055] The second unit 2 may be adapted to label safety information received from the first unit 1 with a first priority and to label safety information received from the central database 3 with a second priority.

[0056] Embodiments herein also relate to a first unit 1 adapted to perform information management relating to traffic safety, wherein the first unit 1 is adapted to transmit B1 safety information relating to local risk factors within a first geographical area 11 within which it is located. The safety information transmitted B1 by the first unit 1 is adapted for reception B2 by a second unit 2 within a second geographical area 12, which second geographical area 12 fully or partly coincides 10 with the first geographical area 11 .

[0057] It is proposed that the first unit 1 may be adapted to also transmit A1 the safety information to a central database 3.

[0058] Embodiments herein also relate to a second unit 2 adapted to perform information management relating to traffic safety, wherein the second unit 2 is adapted to receive B2 safety information relating to local risk factors within a second geographical area 12 within which it is located. The second unit 2 is adapted to receive B2 the safety information from a first unit 1 within a first geographical area 11 , which first geographical area 11 fully or partly coincides 10 with the second geographical area 12.

[0059] It is proposed that the second unit 2 may be adapted to also receive A2 safety information from a central database 3. The second unit 2 may be adapted to label security information received B2 from the first unit 1 with a first priority and to label security information received A2 from the central database 3 with a second priority.

[0060] Embodiments herein teach that the first unit 1 may be adapted to also function as a second unit 2.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 3, embodiments herein relate to a computer program product 31 comprising computer program code 32, which, when executed by a computing device 33 within a first or second unit 3, enables the computing device 33 to perform a method as described herein.

[0062] As illustrated in Figure 4, embodiments herein also relate to a computer readable medium 41 carrying computer program code 42, which, when executed by a computing device 33 within a first or second unit 3, enables the computing device 33 to perform a method as described herein.

[0063] The term computer-readable medium as used herein refers to any medium that can store, encode, or carry computer program code or instructions for execution by a computing device or processor, and may include non-transitory storage media and communication media.

[0064] Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and other semiconductor memory devices.

[0065] Communication media may embody computer-readable instructions in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, such as wired networks, wireless links, fiber optics, and other transmission paths.

[0066] The computer-readable medium is non-transitory and excludes transitory signals per se.

[0067] It will be understood that that the invention is not restricted to the aforedescribed and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying Claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for information management relating to traffic safety, wherein a first unit (1) is located within a first geographical area (11), and wherein the first unit (1) transmits (B1 ) safety information relating to local risk factors within the first geographical area (11), wherein a second unit (2) is located within a second geographical area (12), and wherein the second unit (2) receives safety information relating to local risk factors within the second geographical area (12), wherein the first geographical area (11) fully or partially coincides (10) with the second geographical area (12), characterized in, that that the second unit (2) receives (B2) safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area (10) from the first unit (1).

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the first and / or second unit (1 , 2) is something located within a geographical area, such as a motor vehicle, a work tool, or an electronic communication device used by, for example, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a horse rider.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein transmitted (A1) safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area is received and stored by a central database (3), and wherein the second unit (2) receives (A2) safety information concerning local risk factors within a geographical area from the central database (3).

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein safety information received (B2) from a first unit (1) is given a first priority and safety information received (A2) from the central database (3) is given a second priority.

5. A method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a first unit (1), wherein the first unit (1) is located within a first geographical area (11), wherein the first unit (1) transmits (B1) safety information concerning local risk factors within the first geographical area (11), wherein the first unit transmits (B1) safety information adapted for reception (B2) by a second unit (2) within a secondgeographical area (12), which fully or partially coincides (10) with the first geographical area (11).

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the first unit (1 ) transmits (A1 ) the safety information to a central database (3).

7. A method for information management concerning traffic safety performed by a second unit (2), wherein the second unit (2) is located within a second geographical area (12), the second unit (2) receiving (B2) safety information concerning local risk factors within the second geographical area (12), wherein the second unit (2) receives (B2) the safety information from a first unit (1 ) within a first geographical area (11 ), which first geographical area (11) fully or partially coincides (10) with the second geographical area (12).

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the second unit (2) receives (A2) safety information from a central database (3).

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein safety information received (B2) from the first unit (1) is given a first priority and safety information received (A2) from the central database (3) is given a second priority.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the first unit (1 ) performs the steps of a second unit (2).11 . An arrangement (A) for information management relating to traffic safety, comprising a first unit (1) and a second unit (2), the first unit (1) being adapted to transmit (B1 ) safety information relating to local risk factors within a first geographical area (11 ) when the first unit (1) is located within the first geographical area(11 ), the second unit (2) being adapted to receive (B2) safety information relating to local risk factors within a second geographical area (12) when the second unit (2) is located within the second geographical area (12), characterized in, that the second unit (2) is adapted to receive (B2) safety information concerning local risk factors from thefirst unit (1 ) when the first geographical area (11) fully or partially coincides (10) with the second geographical area (12).

12. An arrangement (A) according to claim 11 , wherein the first and / or second unit (1 , 2) is something located in a geographical area, such as a motor vehicle, a work tool, or an electronic communication device adapted to be used by, for example, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a horse rider.

13. An arrangement (A) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a central database (3), adapted to receive (A1) and store transmitted safety information relating to local risk factors within a geographical area from the first unit (1), and to convey (A2) safety information relating to local risk factors within a geographical area to the second unit (2).

14. An arrangement (A) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second unit (2) is adapted to label safety information received from the first unit (1 ) with a first priority and to label safety information received from the central database (3) with a second priority.

15. A first unit (1) adapted to perform information management relating to traffic safety, wherein the first unit (1) is adapted to transmit (B1 ) safety information relating to local risk factors within a first geographical area (11 ) within which it is located, wherein the safety information transmitted (B1) by the first unit (1) is adapted for reception (B2) by a second unit (2) within a second geographical area (12) , which second geographical (12) area fully or partly coincides (10) with the first geographical area (11 ).

16. A first unit (1) according to claim 15, wherein the first unit (1) is adapted to transmit (A1 ) the safety information to a central database (3).

17. A second unit (2) adapted to perform information management relating to traffic safety, wherein the second unit (2) is adapted to receive (B2) safety information relating to local risk factors within a second geographical area (12) within which it islocated, wherein the second unit (2) is adapted to receive (B2) the safety information from a first unit (1) within a first geographical area (11), which first geographical area (11 ) fully or partly coincides (10) with the second geographical area (12).

18. A second unit (2) according to claim 17, wherein the second unit (2) is adapted to receive (A2) safety information from a central database (3).

19. A second unit (2) according to claim 18, wherein the second unit (2) is adapted to label security information received (B2) from a first unit (1 ) with a first priority and to label security information received (A2) from the central database (3) with a second priority.

20. A first unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first unit (1 ) is adapted to also function as a second unit (2).

21. A computer program product (31 ) comprising computer program code (32), which, when executed by a computing device (33) within a first or second unit (3), enables the computing device (31) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. A computer readable medium (41 ) carrying computer program code (42), which, when executed by a computing device (33) within a first or second unit (3), enables the computing device (31) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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