Mobile Device Traffic Data Collection via GPS and Existing Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic data collection methods are expensive and lack thorough coverage, as they rely on stationary sensors or professional reporters, and do not provide real-time data effectively, especially since historical data may not reflect current traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes mobile devices with GPS capabilities to collect and transmit real-time traffic data through existing communication channels, ensuring non-intrusive data collection by using only open channels and battery-friendly methods, with participation criteria based on battery level, data usage limits, and speed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If historical traffic data is used, then cost is reduced, but real-time accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices as temporary, inexpensive data collection points instead of permanent expensive infrastructure. Each mobile device acts as a short-lived sensing node that passes through the system, providing real-time data without requiring long-term investment in fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages mobile devices that users already possess and operate. These devices self-report their location and traffic conditions without requiring additional specialized equipment or professional operators, thereby reducing costs while maintaining real-time accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If stationary sensors or professional reporters are used, then real-time data quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying expensive original sensing infrastructure (stationary sensors or professional reporters), the system copies the sensing function onto ubiquitous mobile devices that users already carry. This copying approach maintains data quality while dramatically reducing deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile devices perform multiple functions: they serve as navigation tools for users, communication devices, and simultaneously as traffic data collection sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated expensive sensing infrastructure while maintaining real-time data quality.
3Area of stationary object
If mobile devices are used for data collection, then coverage is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data reporting where mobile devices transmit traffic information at intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces battery consumption while maintaining adequate coverage, as devices only activate their sensors and communication modules at scheduled times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts reporting parameters such as data transmission frequency, location update intervals, and sampling rates based on device battery status, signal conditions, and traffic density. This parameter adaptation allows comprehensive coverage while conserving battery energy.
4Measurement precision
If continuous data transmission is implemented, then real-time accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data transmission occurs periodically at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains real-time accuracy by providing regular updates while significantly reducing network resource consumption compared to continuous streaming of traffic data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and transmits only the most relevant traffic data points (such as significant speed changes, congestion events, or location updates) rather than continuously transmitting all raw sensor data. This selective extraction maintains real-time accuracy for critical information while minimizing network resource usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collecting the information from the mobile devices for producing real-time traffic data is provided. The process ensures that the collection of data from a mobile device to be non-intrusive to the user of the mobile device by using only communication channels that are already open and by using only Global Positioning System (GPS) data from an application that is already running on the mobile device. The mobile device will participate in the data collection only if its battery power is above certain threshold level or if its battery is currently being charged. The method will not let a mobile device participate in the data collection process if the mobile device has already provided more than a threshold amount of data to the traffic data collection during a particular period of time. The method let only mobile devices that are moving beyond certain speed to participate.