Virtual traffic sensors

US8855899B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Garmin Switzerland GmbH · CH

Inventors

• Kungwel Liu · Chandler, US
• Susan S. Chen · Chandler, US
• Merlin Smith · Chandler, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 17, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 7, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 20, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01C21/3697
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.