Researchers Submit Patent Application, “Electrical Data Processing System For Monitoring Or Affecting Movement Of A Vehicle Using A Traffic Device”, for Approval (USPTO 20200286374)

2020 SEP 28 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- From Washington, D.C., NewsRx journalists report that 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 June 10, 2019, was made available online on September 10, 2020.

The patent’s assignee is Allstate Insurance Company (Northbrook, Illinois, United States).

News editors 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.”

As a supplement to the background information on this patent application, NewsRx correspondents 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 system comprising: a first computing device and a second computing device, wherein the first computing device comprises: a processor; a transceiver; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the first computing device, cause the first computing device to: transmit, via the transceiver and to the second computing device, information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with a portion of road; and wherein the second computing device comprises: a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the second computing device, cause the second computing device to: receive, from the first computing device, the information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with the portion of road; determine one or more autonomous vehicles within a predetermined distance of the portion of road; and based on the information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with the portion of road, transmit, to each of the one or more autonomous vehicles within the predetermined distance of the portion of road, instructions to modify one or more operating conditions of that autonomous vehicle.

“2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises speed of an autonomous vehicle.

“3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises braking of an autonomous vehicle.

“4. The system of claim 1, the memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the second computing device, cause the second computing device to: transmit one or more control signals to one or more traffic devices associated with the portion of road.

“5. The system of claim 4, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a traffic light comprising multiple lights, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises a modification in a timing of lights of the traffic light.

“6. The system of claim 4, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a display device, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises data to be output to the display device.

“7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprise a level of autonomy of an autonomous vehicle.

“8. A computing device comprising: a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: receive, from a second computing device, information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with a portion of road; determine one or more autonomous vehicles within a predetermined distance of the portion of road; and based on the information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with the portion of road, transmit, to each of the one or more autonomous vehicles within the predetermined distance of the portion of road, instructions to modify one or more operating conditions of that autonomous vehicle.

“9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises speed of an autonomous vehicle.

“10. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises braking of an autonomous vehicle.

“11. The computing device of claim 8, the memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the second computing device, cause the computing device to: transmit one or more control signals to one or more traffic devices associated with the portion of road.

“12. The computing device of claim 11, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a traffic light comprising multiple lights, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises a modification in a timing of lights of the traffic light.

“13. The computing device of claim 11, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a display device, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises data to be output to the display device.

“14. A method comprising: receiving, by a computing device and from a second computing device, information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with a portion of road; determining one or more autonomous vehicles within a predetermined distance of the portion of road; and transmitting, to each of the one or more autonomous vehicles within the predetermined distance of the portion of road and based on the information indicative of one or more traffic conditions associated with the portion of road, instructions to modify one or more operating conditions of that autonomous vehicle.

“15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises speed of an autonomous vehicle.

“16. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprises braking of an autonomous vehicle.

“17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: transmitting one or more control signals to one or more traffic devices associated with the portion of road.

“18. The method of claim 17, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a traffic light comprising multiple lights, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises a modification in a timing of lights of the traffic light.

“19. The method of claim 17, wherein a first traffic device of the one or more traffic devices comprises a display device, and wherein a first control signal of the one or more control signals comprises data to be output to the display device.

“20. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more operating conditions comprise a level of autonomy of an autonomous vehicle.”

For additional information on this patent application, see: Madigan, Regina; Gibson, Timothy W.; Hayes, Howard; Kumar, Surender. Electrical Data Processing System For Monitoring Or Affecting Movement Of A Vehicle Using A Traffic Device. Filed June 10, 2019 and posted September 10, 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=%2220200286374%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20200286374&RS=DN/20200286374

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