Method and apparatus for reporting road conditions
US7571029B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G1/0104
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An on-vehicle system for identifying and reporting external conditions is presented. The system has an operator-selectable user interface to identify occurrence of an external condition, a global positioning system receiver; and, a wireless communications system. The unit may be used to assist in discovering localized roadway conditions that adversely affect safety and travel. The unit is placeable into a vehicle of a volunteer, is manually operated whenever a hazard is detected. Reportable hazards include potholes, obstacles or debris in the highway, snow or ice patches, fog, unusual traffic or pedestrian activity, and localized incidences, such as presence of disabled or emergency vehicles. Nature of the hazard is indicatable by manual activation of additional push buttons or other suitable devices. A GPS receiver is incorporated to estimate position, speed, and heading of the hazard. The information is encoded as a message sent to a central server.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.