Mobile Device Traffic Notification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic information systems often provide outdated or inaccurate data, leading to suboptimal route choices by commuters, which can result in wasted time, fuel, and increased congestion due to the difficulty in predicting and responding to real-time traffic events.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes data from a plurality of mobile devices to dynamically assess traffic conditions and provide real-time traffic notifications to affected devices, using location and speed information to identify congestion and alert users of alternative routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traffic information is provided using traditional sources (radio, television, online news), then information coverage is broad, but information accuracy and timeliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic information accuracyVSAvoidinformation collection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables mobile devices to automatically collect and report their own location and traffic data without requiring complex centralized monitoring infrastructure. Each device serves itself and contributes to the collective traffic information pool, improving accuracy while reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback loops where traffic data from multiple mobile devices is continuously collected, processed, and redistributed to update traffic conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures information remains current and accurate without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If commuters rely on outdated traffic reports, then navigation decisions are simplified, but travel time and fuel consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommuter travel timeVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides advance traffic notifications to commuters before they encounter congestion, allowing them to pre-plan alternative routes. This preliminary information enables proactive route selection that avoids traffic jams before they impact the commuter's journey

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traffic information system transitions from static, periodic updates to dynamic, real-time data collection and dissemination. Mobile devices continuously report current traffic conditions, enabling commuters to make dynamic routing decisions that adapt to changing traffic patterns, thereby reducing travel time and fuel consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If alternate routes are chosen based on inaccurate traffic reports, then congestion on primary routes is reduced, but overall system efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic report reliabilityVSAvoidroute selection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data from multiple independent mobile devices to create a comprehensive and reliable traffic picture. By combining location, speed, and route information from numerous sources, the system achieves high reliability in traffic reporting while maintaining the efficiency needed for optimal route selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal traffic information platform that serves multiple functions: real-time congestion detection, alternative route identification, and predictive traffic analysis. This multi-functional approach improves both reliability of traffic reports and efficiency of route selection simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2306424B1System and method for providing traffic notifications to mobile devices
Publication Date: 2014.04.30 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2306424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2306424B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2306424B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system and method for providing traffic notifications to mobile devices is provided. The system obtains device data from a plurality of mobile devices within a similar area, gathered using, e.g., a GPS system. According to the speed that the mobile devices are travelling and the location of the similar area, traffic events can be identified and other mobile devices notified to provide dynamic updates as traffic situations change. Follow up notifications can be provided to update the user regarding the progress of traffic congestion, detours can be suggested, and various alerts provided. The mobile device may be connected to or part of a vehicle and leverage the notification system to provide different types of alerts and to notify users using various mechanisms.