Patent Application Titled “Electrical Data Processing System For Determining A Navigation Route Based On The Location Of A Vehicle And Generating A Recommendation For A Vehicle Maneuver” Published Online (USPTO 20200365011)

2020 DEC 09 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- According to news reporting originating from Washington, D.C., by NewsRx journalists, a patent application by the inventors Madigan, Regina (Mountain View, CA); Gibson, Timothy W. (Barrington, IL); Hayes, Howard (Glencoe, IL); Kumar, Surender (Palatine, IL), filed on August 7, 2019, was made available online on November 19, 2020.

The assignee for this patent application is Allstate Insurance Company (Northbrook, Illinois, United States).

Reporters obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “Traffic accidents and other unsafe conditions on or affecting roads is surprisingly common. Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other parties often rely on their own abilities to avoid accidents and unsafe conditions. However, conditions for these individuals may be made even safer using certain traffic infrastructure, vehicle capabilities, and mobile device capabilities, many of which currently are not being utilized.”

In addition to obtaining background information on this patent application, NewsRx editors also obtained the inventors’ summary information for this patent application: “The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the description below.

“Aspects of the disclosure relate to a system comprising a traffic device having a traffic device computer, one or more traffic signals, and/or a transceiver. The system may comprise first memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the traffic device computer, cause the traffic device to transmit, via the transceiver and to a vehicle and infrastructure computing device, information indicative of a status of the one or more traffic signals. The vehicle and infrastructure computing device may comprise a vehicle and infrastructure control computer and/or second memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the vehicle and infrastructure control computer, cause the vehicle and infrastructure computing device to receive, from the traffic device, the information indicative of the status of the one or more traffic signals. The computing device may determine that the information indicative of the status of the one or more traffic signals indicates that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from a red light to a green light and a time that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from the red light to the green light. In response to determining that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from the red light to the green light, the computing device may determine an amount of time between the time that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from the red light to the green light and a time that a vehicle at a location of the traffic device moved. In response to determining that the amount of time exceeds a threshold amount of time, the computing device may determine that a driver of the vehicle is distracted.

“In some aspects, the system may comprise a traffic camera. The vehicle and infrastructure computing device may receive, from the traffic camera, one or more images of the vehicle captured by the traffic camera. Based on the one or more images of the vehicle captured by the traffic camera, the computing device may determine the time that the vehicle at the location of the traffic device moved. Additionally or alternatively, the system may comprise a mobile device having one or more of a position sensor, speed sensor, or acceleration sensor. The computing device may receive, from the mobile device or the vehicle, data indicative of one or more of a position, speed, or acceleration of the vehicle. Based on the data indicative of one or more of the position, speed, or acceleration of the vehicle, the computing device may determine the time that the vehicle at the location of the traffic device moved.

“In some aspects, the vehicle and infrastructure computing device may determine that the vehicle is at the location of the traffic device and that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is not red. In response to determining that the vehicle is at the location of the traffic device and that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is not red, the computing device may send an instruction to one or more mobile device of the driver to prevent driver interaction with the mobile device while the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is not red. The instruction may be configured to disable one or more applications of the mobile device, such as a messaging application.

“In some aspects, the vehicle and infrastructure computing device may determine that the vehicle is at the location of the traffic device and that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is red. In response to determining that the vehicle is at the location of the traffic device and that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is red, the computing device may send an instruction to one or more mobile device of the driver to enable use of the mobile device while the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is red. The vehicle and infrastructure computing device may determine that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from red to green. In response to determining that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device switched from red to green, the computing device may send an instruction to the one or more mobile device of the driver to prevent driver interaction with the mobile device while the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device is green.

“In some aspects, the vehicle and infrastructure computing device may adjust a risk score for the driver based on determining that the driver of the vehicle is distracted. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle and infrastructure computing device may, in response to determining that the one or more traffic signals of the traffic device has switched from the red light to the green light, send an instruction to one or more mobile device of the driver or to the vehicle to display an indication to the driver that the one or more traffic signals is a green light. The instruction may cause the mobile device to audibly or visually notify the driver that the one or more traffic signals is green.

“Aspects of the disclosure relate to a system comprising an event data source having a processor and/or a transceiver. The system may comprise first memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the event data source to transmit, via the transceiver and to a vehicle and infrastructure computing device, information indicative of an event affecting a portion of road. The vehicle and infrastructure computing device may comprise a vehicle and infrastructure control computer and/or second memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the vehicle and infrastructure control computer, cause the vehicle and infrastructure computing device to receive, from the event data source, the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road. The computing device may determine one or more traffic devices associated with the portion of road and configured to control traffic for the portion of road. Based on the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road, the computing device may send, to the one or more traffic devices associated with the portion of road, instructions to change one or more characteristics of the one or more traffic devices.

“In some aspects, the one or more traffic devices may comprise a traffic light having a plurality of lights. Moreover, the one or more characteristics of the traffic light may comprise a timing of the plurality of lights. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more traffic devices may comprise a speed limit display. The one or more characteristics of the speed limit display may comprise a speed limit displayed on the speed limit display.

“In some aspects, the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road may comprise time information and information indicative of an estimate of a number of pedestrians associated with the event affecting the portion of road. The information indicative of the event may be accessible from an electronic calendar. The portion of road may comprise an intersection. Moreover, the information indicative of the event affecting the intersection may indicate that a number of pedestrians at the intersection will exceed a threshold number of pedestrians.

“In some aspects, the event may comprise an accident involving one or more vehicles affecting traffic flow through the portion of road. The one or more traffic devices may comprise one or more of a traffic light or a speed limit display. The instructions to change one or more characteristics of the one or more traffic devices may comprise one or more of instructions to increase a frequency of red lights at the traffic light or instructions to decrease a speed limit displayed on the speed limit display.

“In some aspects, based on the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road, the computing device may send, to one or more autonomous vehicles, instructions to take one or more actions in response to the event. The instructions to take one or more actions may comprise an instruction for the autonomous vehicle to apply brakes, an instruction for the autonomous vehicle to slow down, or an instruction for the autonomous vehicle to speed up.

“In some aspects, the system may comprise a pedestrian barrier associated with the portion of road. The vehicle and infrastructure computing device may, based on the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road, send, to the pedestrian barrier, instructions to activate the pedestrian barrier to prevent pedestrians from entering the portion of road. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle and infrastructure computing device may, based on the information indicative of the event affecting the portion of road, send, to a mobile device of a pedestrian located proximate the portion of road, instructions for the mobile device to audibly or visually notify the pedestrian of the event affecting the portion of road.

“Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method comprising determining, based on sensor data received from a location sensor of a mobile device or a vehicle, a location of the vehicle. A computing device may determine a navigation route for navigating the vehicle from the location to a destination, and the navigation route may comprise a plurality of intersections. The computing device may determine a plurality of potential maneuvers at a first intersection of the plurality of intersections. The computing device may also determine, based on one or more factors, a navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the first intersection. Based on the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers, the computing device may select a maneuver from the plurality of potential maneuvers to recommend for the vehicle.

“In some aspects, the computing device may be at a location remote from the location of the vehicle. The method may comprise wireless transmitting, by the computing device, the selected maneuver to a navigation application associated with one or more of the mobile device or the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more factors may comprise a level of autonomy of the vehicle. Determining the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers may comprise determining the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers based on the level of autonomy of the vehicle.

“In some aspects, the vehicle may comprise an autonomous vehicle, and the method may further comprise sending the selected maneuver to the autonomous vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle may have a plurality of autonomous features activated. The computing device may receive, from one or more of the vehicle or mobile device, data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the first intersection. In response to receiving the data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the first intersection, an instruction to deactivate one or more of the plurality of autonomous features may be sent to the vehicle. One or more factors may comprise whether the vehicle is autonomous, and the method may further comprise determining, by the computing device, whether the vehicle is autonomous. Selecting the maneuver may comprise selecting a first maneuver to recommend if the vehicle is autonomous and selecting a second maneuver to recommend if the vehicle is not autonomous.

“In some aspects, the plurality of potential maneuvers at the first intersection may comprise at least two of a right turn at the first intersection, a left turn at the first intersection, a U turn at the first intersection, and proceeding straight through the first intersection. In some aspects, the computing device may determine an intersection score for each of the plurality of intersections based on one or more of a complexity of the intersection, a number of accidents at the intersection, weather, or traffic congestion.

“Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the additional description provided herein.”

The claims supplied by the inventors are:

“1. A method comprising: determining, by a computing device, a plurality of potential maneuvers at an intersection of a navigation route associated with a vehicle; determining, by the computing device and based on a level of autonomy of the vehicle, a navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection; selecting, based on the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection, a maneuver; and sending, via one or more wireless communications and to the vehicle, the maneuver.

“2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, to the vehicle, an instruction to modify one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.

“3. The method of claim 1, wherein the navigation score is based on a segment of a road associated with each maneuver of the plurality of potential maneuvers.

“4. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of autonomous features activated, the method further comprising: receiving, by the computing device and from one or more of the vehicle or mobile device, data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection; and in response to receiving the data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection, sending, to the vehicle, an instruction to deactivate one or more of the plurality of autonomous features.

“5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the computing device, whether the vehicle is autonomous, wherein the selecting the maneuver comprises selecting a first maneuver to recommend if the vehicle is autonomous and selecting a second maneuver to recommend if the vehicle is not autonomous.

“6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection comprises at least two of a right turn at the intersection, a left turn at the intersection, a U turn at the intersection, and proceeding straight through the intersection.

“7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, by the computing device, an intersection score for the intersection based on one or more of a complexity of the intersection, a number of accidents at the intersection, weather, or traffic congestion.

“8. An apparatus comprising: a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a plurality of potential maneuvers at an intersection of a navigation route associated with a vehicle; determine, based on a level of autonomy of the vehicle, a navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection; select, based on the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection, a maneuver; and transmit, via one or more wireless communications and to the vehicle, the maneuver.

“9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the apparatus is at a location remote from the location of the vehicle, and wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: send, to the vehicle, an instruction to modify one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.

“10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the navigation score is based on a segment of a road associated with each maneuver of the plurality of potential maneuvers.

“11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of autonomous features activated, and wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from one or more of the vehicle or mobile device, data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection; and in response to receiving the data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection, send, to the vehicle, an instruction to deactivate one or more of the plurality of autonomous features.

“12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection comprises at least two of a right turn at the intersection, a left turn at the intersection, a U turn at the intersection, and proceeding straight through the intersection.

“13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the navigation score comprises one or more of an intersection preference, a maneuver preference, a speed preference, or a road-style preference.

“14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the memory stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: determine an intersection score for the instruction based on one or more of a complexity of the intersection, a number of accidents at the intersection, weather, or traffic congestion.

“15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when read by a computing device, cause the computing device to: determine a plurality of potential maneuvers at an intersection of a navigation route associated with a vehicle; determine, based on a level of autonomy of the vehicle, a navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection; select, based on the navigation score for each of the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection, a maneuver; and send, via one or more wireless communications and to the vehicle, the maneuver.

“16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium stores instructions that, when read by the computing device, cause the computing device to: send, to the vehicle, an instruction to modify one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.

“17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the navigation score is based on a segment of a road associated with each maneuver of the plurality of potential maneuvers.

“18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of autonomous features activated, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium stores instructions that, when read by the computing device, cause the computing device to: receive, from one or more of the vehicle or mobile device, data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection; and in response to receiving the data indicating that the vehicle is approaching the intersection, send, to the vehicle, an instruction to deactivate one or more of the plurality of autonomous features.

“19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the plurality of potential maneuvers at the intersection comprises at least two of a right turn at the intersection, a left turn at the intersection, a U turn at the intersection, and proceeding straight through the intersection.

“20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the navigation score comprises one or more of an intersection preference, a maneuver preference, a speed preference, or a road-style preference.”

For more information, see this patent application: Madigan, Regina; Gibson, Timothy W.; Hayes, Howard; Kumar, Surender. Electrical Data Processing System For Determining A Navigation Route Based On The Location Of A Vehicle And Generating A Recommendation For A Vehicle Maneuver. Filed August 7, 2019 and posted November 19, 2020. Patent URL: http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220200365011%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20200365011&RS=DN/20200365011

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