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EP1371046B1 - Method for generating traffic information - Google Patents

Method for generating traffic information Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1371046B1
EP1371046B1 EP02753694A EP02753694A EP1371046B1 EP 1371046 B1 EP1371046 B1 EP 1371046B1 EP 02753694 A EP02753694 A EP 02753694A EP 02753694 A EP02753694 A EP 02753694A EP 1371046 B1 EP1371046 B1 EP 1371046B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
central unit
detection sensors
information
mobile terminals
action
Prior art date
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Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02753694A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1371046A1 (en
Inventor
Michael Alger
Thomas Lang
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Vodafone Holding GmbH
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Vodafone Holding GmbH
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Publication of EP1371046A1 publication Critical patent/EP1371046A1/en
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Publication of EP1371046B1 publication Critical patent/EP1371046B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
    • G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for generating traffic information according to claim 1 and a system for generating traffic information according to claim 14.
  • Such jam systems are operated, for example, by the police or by radio stations. They are based on the principle that the system includes as many "traffic jams" as possible, which provide a center with corresponding information about the current traffic situation in the area in which the traffic jam detectors are located.
  • the traffic jam detectors are also road users. If a road user acting as a traffic jam, for example, gets stuck in a traffic jam, sees a traffic jam or perceives other information that might justify traffic information, he reports to the center, for example via a mobile phone, and forwards the corresponding message. In the center, the message transmitted in this way is further processed to a corresponding traffic information.
  • the known jamming system has a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, it is very subjective because it depends on the activity of each traffic jam detector. The system can therefore only function to a sufficient extent if the road users acting as traffic jammers pass on the information in fact and, above all, correctly. Furthermore, such jam detection systems are often associated with relatively high costs, since incentive systems must be created to encourage as many road users as possible to become traffic jams.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which the disadvantages described in relation to the prior art are avoided.
  • traffic information with a maximum of information quality should be able to be generated at the lowest possible communication costs.
  • the invention is based on the finding that the object can be achieved by the fact that information of an information transmission system, preferably such information, which in any case incurred during its operation, can also be used to selectively control detection sensors for the generation of traffic information.
  • the object is achieved according to an aspect of the invention by a method for generating traffic information, in which a number of detection sensors generate action data and at least temporarily communicate with a central unit, wherein the individual action data from the Central unit detected and processed in this to corresponding traffic information.
  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that the central unit at least temporarily communicates with an information transmission system comprising a number of mobile terminals, that an action profile of the mobile terminals is determined and that the detection sensors are selectively controlled on the basis of the action profile via the central unit, the action profile of the mobile terminals is determined from information of the mobile terminals.
  • the disadvantages described in the prior art can be effectively avoided.
  • the inventive method it is possible by the inventive method to be able to generate traffic information "objectively" without having to resort to the previously required subjective components, such as traffic jam or the like.
  • the cost of generating such traffic information can be drastically reduced since the generation of such information only takes place where and when it is actually needed.
  • a basic idea of the present invention therefore consists in the fact that detection sensors are now selectively controlled via the central unit. That is, the central unit now determines which sensing sensors will be communicated with when to allow action data generated by the sensing sensors to be transmitted to the central processing unit to form traffic information. In contrast, it was provided in the previously known solutions that the detection sensors themselves decided when they transmitted action data to the central processing unit. In other cases, the action data was permanently forwarded from the detection sensors to the central processing unit, for which they had to constantly communicate with each other.
  • the invention is not limited to certain types of traffic information that may be generated by the method of the invention. For example, traffic information about the current traffic situation, ie the status quo, can be generated. Likewise, it is also conceivable that traffic information is generated that allow predictions about future expected traffic situations.
  • the detection sensors can be designed either mobile or stationary depending on the application. It is only important that the detection sensors are present with as large a number as possible and distributed in the area in which or for the traffic information to be generated.
  • the detection sensors are designed to be mobile, they can be arranged, for example, in the "floating cars" already described above and known per se. However, the generation of action data or its transmission to the central unit takes place only when this is determined by the central unit.
  • the detection sensors are part of the information transmission system.
  • they can, for example, be part of a mobile terminal, or even the mobile terminal itself.
  • the central unit communicates, at least temporarily, with an information transmission system having a number of mobile terminals.
  • the information transfer system is a stand-alone system.
  • the invention is not limited to specific types of information transmission systems. Some non-exclusive examples are explained in more detail later in the description.
  • the information transmission system must be configured such that the respective actions of the mobile terminals can be determined so that an action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined.
  • According to the action profile is determined from information of the mobile devices.
  • An action profile generated in this way can then be evaluated by the central unit.
  • the invention is not limited to specific information and action profiles in connection with the information transmission system or the mobile terminals. So it is conceivable, for example, that position data of the mobile terminals are generated, which are then combined to form a position profile. It is likewise conceivable to generate information relating to the movement, a time-dependent and / or local distribution, a number and / or density per unit area of mobile terminals and to combine them into corresponding action profiles.
  • the invention is not limited to specific action data with respect to the detection sensors.
  • such action data may be position data.
  • the detection sensors are part of the information transmission system, the examples described above are also conceivable as suitable action data.
  • the inventive method achieves the goal of addressing as few detection sensors as possible and of reporting only relevant action data.
  • the method according to the invention allows a good compromise between the message quantity and the message costs of the information during ongoing operation of the method.
  • the method according to the invention creates a correlation action profile - traffic situation.
  • the central processing unit can have a computer unit with one or more electronic computers, the traffic information being advantageously generated electronically in the central unit in such a case.
  • the traffic information being advantageously generated electronically in the central unit in such a case.
  • multiple computers they can preferably be interconnected to a computer network.
  • the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined electronically from the information of the mobile terminals.
  • the action profile can advantageously be evaluated automatically by the central unit.
  • the detection sensors can be automatically controlled on the basis of the action profile.
  • the generation of the traffic information can advantageously be made with the aid of suitable program means or software, or at least be supported.
  • the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined electronically within the information transmission system and / or within the central unit. If the action profile is determined within the information transmission system, this preferably has its own central unit, in which the information of the individual mobile terminals is collected and then combined to form the action profile. In such a case, the already completed action profile is transmitted from the information transmission system to the central unit which communicates with the detection sensors. If the action profile of the mobile terminals is determined within the central unit for generating the traffic information, the individual information of the mobile terminals are transmitted from the information transmission system to the central unit. There, the action profile of the mobile devices is calculated from the corresponding information.
  • the invention is not limited to certain types of information transmission systems, so that in principle any form of information transmission system is possible in which mobile terminals are used for the transmission of information.
  • Suitable information transmission systems are, for example, systems for transmitting signals, such as systems for transmitting data, radio signals and the like.
  • the information transmission system can be designed as a mobile radio system in which the mobile terminals are provided in the form of mobile phones. In this case, an action profile of the mobile phones is determined from information of the mobile phones.
  • the mobile radio system can be designed as a cellular mobile radio system.
  • the action profile can be formed, for example, from information relating to the mobile phones, for example with respect to the movement of the mobile phones, such as between different cells (handover between cells) and / or within a cell, the time-dependent and / or local distribution of the mobile phones, the number and / or density of mobile phones per cell, the call setup rate and / or degradation rate, and the like.
  • the call frequency at certain numbers, for example, offered in the D2 network number "22666", can be queried under the traffic information.
  • the action data generated by the detection sensors within the detection sensors can be compared with reference action data, the action data being forwarded to the central unit in the event of a deviation from the reference action data.
  • the reference action data can advantageously be stored or stored in a suitable memory device. If the detection sensors are integrated, for example, in corresponding "floating cars", the determined action data can be position data. To do so, the floating cars measure their position via GPS, compare their movement with stored profiles and report a significant deviation to the central unit. There, the mass of the reported position data in a traffic situation image or traffic information is further processed. Such an embodiment has the advantage that only then position data are forwarded to the central unit, if deviations have resulted from the reference position data. Otherwise no position data will be transmitted.
  • all action data generated by the detection sensors forwarded to the central unit and that the action data within the central unit are compared with reference action data of the detection sensors.
  • the individual detection sensors can be made simpler and thus cheaper. You just need to be able to generate the action data. The actual evaluation and further processing of the action data takes place centrally in the central unit.
  • the detection sensors can be selectively controlled locally and / or temporally on the basis of the action profile of the mobile terminals.
  • the method according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a specific example, without the invention being restricted to this example given.
  • the method should be used to provide information about the current traffic situation, for example, whether or not there are traffic jams on certain routes.
  • reports about the traffic situation should only be issued where a congestion is actually suspected.
  • the assumption of congestion is gained by the use of the information transfer system, which should be present in the example in the form of a mobile network.
  • the conjecture of congestion is obtained, for example, by using position information from mobile phones, which are assembled into a position profile.
  • the position information of the mobile phones may be, for example, information that occurs during normal network operation.
  • the operator of the mobile network can easily determine how many mobile phones are each within a single mobile cell. Also, the transgression of mobile phones from a mobile phone cell into another mobile radio cell (Handover) can be detected by the mobile network operator, so that this can make statements about the movement of mobile phones in an area covered by the mobile radio cells.
  • Handover mobile radio cell
  • the example is based on the assumption that those road users who are in possession of a mobile phone and who are in a traffic jam call more than usual, for example because they want to inform their call partner about the expected delay or that they call certain numbers, to find out about the current traffic situation.
  • the determined position profile of the mobile terminals for evaluation within the central unit can be compared with reference position profile values.
  • the reference position profile values can in turn be stored or stored in a suitable memory device.
  • the mobile operator's local call profiles can be stored as "no jam” and “congested” as reference position profile values.
  • the current position profiles for example corresponding "call profiles” are compared with the reference position profile values. If there is sufficient agreement with the call profile "with congestion” then the detection sensors in the respective area are activated.
  • the action information of the mobile terminals is basically only very roughly required, since the actual generation of traffic information is still based on the generation of the action data by the detection sensors. If the action profile of the mobile terminals is sufficiently similar to the corresponding reference action profile values, then there is only a suspicion of congestion, and the detection sensors are activated or activated in the manner described above.
  • control parameters for the detection sensors can be generated on the basis of the action profile of the mobile terminals of the central unit, which are then forwarded to the detection sensors.
  • the control parameters can advantageously determine when and in which way which detection sensor is to be activated or controlled. Suitable control parameters may be, for example, "do not send messages", “normal message activity”, “increased message activity” and the like.
  • control parameters can be calculated in the central unit.
  • the central unit may have suitable program means, for example computer programs, software and the like.
  • the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined from location information and / or activity information of the mobile terminals. If the mobile terminals are mobile phones within a mobile radio network, this can be, for example, the network load in selected areas, for example in certain mobile radio cells. Likewise, the action profile may also be formed on the basis of the information described above.
  • the inventive method makes it possible that communication costs between the detection sensors and the central unit incurred only if there is actually something to report. This reduces the so far significantly high communication costs. Detection sensors that are not in the area to be monitored can be controlled in such a way that they do not respond at all or only to a limited extent. As a result, it is additionally possible to achieve a concentration of the messages on the focal points of interest.
  • a system for generating traffic information comprising a number of detection sensors capable of at least temporarily communicating or communicating with a central processing unit, having an information transmission system comprising a number of mobile terminals, and at least temporarily communicating with the Central unit can communicate or communicate, and with means for carrying out the method according to the invention as described above.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic view of an inventive system for generating traffic information.
  • a system 10 for generating traffic information 30 which initially consists of a number of detection sensors 20.
  • the detection sensors 20 are integrated in so-called "floating cars".
  • the detection sensors 20 can measure their position by GPS.
  • the position data 26 generated in this way or the movement information derived therefrom are forwarded to a central processing unit 21.
  • the individual position data 26 are detected by the central unit 21 and further processed in this to corresponding traffic information 30.
  • the central unit 21 has a computer unit 22.
  • the conversion of the generated position data 26 into traffic information 30 takes place within the central unit 21 - and here within the computer unit 22 - automatically and with the aid of suitable program means.
  • a problem with such a system has heretofore been that the communication costs of all participating detection sensors 20 were relatively high, because the detection sensors 20 either decided by themselves when position data 26 was forwarded to the central unit 21, or because position data 26 was permanently transmitted from the detection sensors 20 to the central unit 21 Central unit 21 have been forwarded.
  • the system 10 according to the invention is now designed in such a way that messages about the traffic situation, in particular whether traffic jams exist on certain routes, are discontinued only where a congestion is actually suspected.
  • the conjecture of congestion is gained through the use of an information transfer system 40 which at least temporarily communicates with the central unit 21.
  • the information transmission system 40 has a number of mobile terminals 41 that can communicate with each other as well as with a central processing unit 42 of the information transmission system 40.
  • the central unit 42 in turn has at least one computer unit 43.
  • Both computer units 22, 43 of the central units 21, 42 are each connected to memory devices 23, 44 in which data required for operation is stored or stored.
  • the two central units 21, 42 are interconnected in such a way that the central unit 21 can at least temporarily communicate with the information transmission system 40, which is represented by arrow 45.
  • information transmission system 40 is a mobile network in which the mobile terminals 41 are designed in the form of mobile phones.
  • a position profile 45 of the mobile phones 41 can be determined from the position information of the mobile phones.
  • This link can be used to control the detection sensors 20, or to their reporting activity.
  • reference position profile values may be, for example, certain position profiles of the mobile radio operator "without congestion” and "with congestion", which are stored in the memory device 44.
  • the reference position profile values can be of the type "as the position profile of the mobile phones looked like in place XY, so there was a traffic jam, or there was no traffic jam".
  • the current position profiles 45 determined by the central unit 42 are compared with these reference position profile values. If a match is achieved and a "stowage profile" is detected, there is a suspicion of a traffic jam. Now, the corresponding position profile 45 to the central unit 21, or their computer unit 22, forwarded. Likewise, the corresponding reference position profile values can also be stored or stored in the memory device 23 of the central unit 21.
  • control parameters 25 are distributed to all detection sensors 20 which are located in the specific area.
  • the control parameters 25 may be, for example, "no messages to send", "normal message activity” and "increased message activity”.
  • the detection sensors 20 which are selectively activated in this way then generate corresponding position data 26, which are detected by the central unit 21 and further processed therein to corresponding traffic information 30, which then be made available to road users.
  • corresponding position data 26 which are detected by the central unit 21 and further processed therein to corresponding traffic information 30, which then be made available to road users.
  • the invention it is possible to generate as few messages as possible, that is position data 26, and to report only relevant events. In this way, a good compromise between message quantity and message costs during operation of the system 10 can be achieved.
  • the invention makes it possible to obtain a measure which specifies whether and where messages, that is to say position data 26, are relevant with high probability.
  • two of the five detected detection sensors 20 shown have been muted in this manner, which is represented by corresponding connecting lines with the reference numeral 27.
  • three detection sensors 20 were located in an area that was classified as relevant by means of the position profile 45 generated by the mobile radio system 40, these detection sensors 20 being driven by the central unit 21 via corresponding control parameters 25 in such a way that of the Detection sensors 20 generated position data 26 could be detected by the central unit 21 and further processed in this to corresponding traffic information 30.
  • the invention is not limited to a specific number of detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41.
  • To illustrate the invention are in FIG. 1 only a few detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41 are shown. In order to achieve optimal results, however, the largest possible number of locally distributed detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41 is required.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating traffic information (30) according to which a number of detection sensors (20) generate action data (26), e.g. position data, and communicate at least occasionally with a central unit (21), whereby the individual items of action data (26) are recorded by the central unit (21) and are processed therein to form corresponding traffic information (30). The aim of the invention is to be able to minimize communications costs between the detection sensors (20) and the central unit (21). To this end, the invention provides that: the central unit (21) communicates at least occasionally with an information transmission system (40), e.g. a mobile radio system, having a number of mobile terminals (41), e.g. mobile telephones; an action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) is determined by determining an action profile (45), e.g. a position profile, of the mobile terminals (41) from e.g. information, for instance, position information, of the mobile terminals (41), and; the central unit (21) controls the detection sensors (20) in a specific manner based on the action profile (45).

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen gemäß Patentanspruch 1 sowie ein System zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen gemäß Patentanspruch 14.The present invention relates to a method for generating traffic information according to claim 1 and a system for generating traffic information according to claim 14.

Mit zunehmendem Verkehr auf den Straßen wird die Bereitstellung von aktuellen Verkehrsinformationen immer bedeutsamer. Besonders interessant für Verkehrsteilnehmer sind dabei solche Informationen, die die Verkehrsflußdichte betreffen. Für Betreiber von Diensten im Zusammenhang mit der Erzeugung und Übermittlung von Verkehrsinformationen ist es daher erforderlich, solche Informationen, beispielsweise ob und wo Staus existieren, möglichst aktuell und zeitnah bereitstellen zu können.With traffic on the roads, providing up-to-date traffic information becomes more and more important. Particularly interesting for road users are such information concerning traffic flow density. It is therefore necessary for operators of services in connection with the generation and transmission of traffic information to be able to provide such information, for example, whether and where jams exist, as up-to-date and promptly as possible.

Bisher war es üblich, Informationen über die Verkehrsflußdichte beispielsweise nach dem sogenannten "Staumelderprinzip" zu ermitteln. Derartige Staumeldersysteme werden beispielsweise von der Polizei oder von Radiosendern betrieben. Sie basieren auf dem Prinzip, daß dem System möglichst viele "Staumelder" angehören, die eine Zentrale mit entsprechenden Informationen über die aktuelle Verkehrslage in dem Gebiet, in dem sich die Staumelder gerade befinden, versorgen. Bei den Staumeldern handelt es sich dabei ebenfalls um Verkehrsteilnehmer. Wenn ein als Staumelder agierender Verkehrsteilnehmer beispielsweise in einen Stau hineinfährt, einen Stau sieht oder andere Informationen wahrnimmt, die eine Verkehrsinformation begründen könnten, meldet er sich bei der Zentrale, beispielsweise über ein Mobiltelefon, und gibt die entsprechende Nachricht weiter. In der Zentrale wird die auf diese Weise übermittelte Nachricht zu einer entsprechenden Verkehrsinformation weiterverarbeitet.So far, it has been customary to determine information about the traffic flow density, for example, according to the so-called "traffic jam detection principle". Such jam systems are operated, for example, by the police or by radio stations. They are based on the principle that the system includes as many "traffic jams" as possible, which provide a center with corresponding information about the current traffic situation in the area in which the traffic jam detectors are located. The traffic jam detectors are also road users. If a road user acting as a traffic jam, for example, gets stuck in a traffic jam, sees a traffic jam or perceives other information that might justify traffic information, he reports to the center, for example via a mobile phone, and forwards the corresponding message. In the center, the message transmitted in this way is further processed to a corresponding traffic information.

Das bekannte Staumeldersystem weist jedoch eine Reihe von Nachteilen auf. Zum einen ist es sehr subjektiv, da es von der Aktivität eines jeden Staumelders abhängt. Das System kann daher nur dann in ausreichendem Maße funktionieren, wenn die als Staumelder agierenden Verkehrsteilnehmer die Informationen auch tatsächlich und vor allem richtig weiterleiten. Weiterhin sind solche Staumeldersysteme nicht selten mit relativ hohen Kosten verbunden, da Anreizsysteme geschaffen werden müssen, um möglichst viele Verkehrsteilnehmer zu animieren, Staumelder zu werden.However, the known jamming system has a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, it is very subjective because it depends on the activity of each traffic jam detector. The system can therefore only function to a sufficient extent if the road users acting as traffic jammers pass on the information in fact and, above all, correctly. Furthermore, such jam detection systems are often associated with relatively high costs, since incentive systems must be created to encourage as many road users as possible to become traffic jams.

Gemäß einer anderen bekannten Lösung wird daher versucht, diese subjektive Komponente eines Staumeldersystems durch eine möglichst objektive Komponente zu ersetzen. Dazu ist es beispielsweise bekannt, eine Verkehrsdatenerfassung mittels verteilter Erfassungssensoren durchzuführen. Bei solchen Erfassungssensoren handelt es sich beispielsweise um sogenannte "Floating Cars". "Floating Cars" sind Fahrzeuge, die mit geeigneten Geräten ausgestattet sind. Diese Geräte in Form entsprechend ausgebildeter Erfassungssensoren erzeugen Positionsdaten, indem sie beispielsweise per GPS ihre Position messen. Die auf diese Weise ermittelten Positionsdaten werden dann auf eine Zentraleinheit übertragen, wozu die Erfassungssensoren zumindest zeitweilig mit der Zentraleinheit kommunizieren. Dabei werden die einzelnen Positionsdaten von der Zentraleinheit erfaßt und in dieser zu entsprechenden Verkehrsinformationen weiterverarbeitet. Ein Problem dabei sind die Kommunikationskosten aller teilnehmenden "Floating Cars", die üblicherweise vom Betreiber eines solchen Verkehrsdatenerfassungssystems in Summe getragen werden müssen.According to another known solution, it is therefore attempted to replace this subjective component of a jam detector system with an objective component as possible. For this purpose, it is known, for example, to carry out traffic data acquisition by means of distributed detection sensors. Such detection sensors are for example so-called "floating cars". "Floating Cars" are vehicles equipped with suitable equipment. These devices in the form of appropriately trained detection sensors generate position data, for example, by GPS to measure their position. The position data determined in this way are then transmitted to a central unit, for which purpose the detection sensors communicate at least temporarily with the central unit. The individual position data are detected by the central unit and further processed in this to corresponding traffic information. One problem here is the communication costs of all participating "floating cars", which usually have to be borne by the operator of such a traffic data acquisition system in total.

In der EP 0 763 807 A1 wird ein Verfahren beschrieben, mittels dessen Informationen von Mobiltelefonen, die während des Betriebs der Mobiltelefone anfallen, genutzt werden, um daraus Verkehrsinformationen abzuleiten. Dabei wird die Anzahl von Mobiltelefonen an einem bestimmten Ort zu einer bestimmten Zeit bestimmt. Diese Werte werden mit Referenzwerten verglichen. Aus dem Vergleich wird dann bestimmt, ob an einem bestimmten Ort ein Stau herrscht, oder nicht. Nachteilig bei dieser bekannten Lösung ist, dass eine genaue Zuordnung der Mobiltelefone zu Straßen nicht möglich ist.In the EP 0 763 807 A1 A method is described by means of which information from mobile telephones, which arise during the operation of the mobile phones, are used to derive traffic information therefrom. This will be the number of mobile phones in a particular location at a given time certainly. These values are compared with reference values. The comparison then determines whether or not there is a congestion at a particular location. A disadvantage of this known solution is that an exact assignment of the mobile phones to roads is not possible.

Ausgehend vom genannten Stand der Technik liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Verfahren bereitzustellen, mit Hilfe dessen die zum Stand der Technik beschriebenen Nachteile vermieden werden. Insbesondere sollen bei möglichst geringen Kommunikationskosten Verkehrsinformationen mit einem Maximum an Informationsqualität erzeugt werden können.Based on the cited prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a method by means of which the disadvantages described in relation to the prior art are avoided. In particular, traffic information with a maximum of information quality should be able to be generated at the lowest possible communication costs.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch das Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen gemäß Patentanspruch 1 sowie das System zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen gemäß Patentanspruch 14. Weitere Vorteile, Merkmale, Details und Effekte der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen, der Beschreibung sowie den Zeichnungen. Vorteile und Merkmale, die in bezug auf das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren beschrieben sind, gelten selbstverständlich auch im Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemäßen System, und umgekehrt.This object is achieved by the method for generating traffic information according to claim 1 and the system for generating traffic information according to claim 14. Further advantages, features, details and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Advantages and features which are described with respect to the method according to the invention, of course, also apply in connection with the system according to the invention, and vice versa.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zu Grunde, daß die Aufgabe dadurch gelöst werden kann, daß Informationen eines Informationsübertragungssystems, vorzugsweise solche Informationen, die bei dessen Betrieb ohnehin anfallen, ebenfalls genutzt werden können, um Erfassungssensoren für die Erzeugung von Verkehrsinformationen gezielt steuern zu können.The invention is based on the finding that the object can be achieved by the fact that information of an information transmission system, preferably such information, which in any case incurred during its operation, can also be used to selectively control detection sensors for the generation of traffic information.

Die Aufgabe wird gemäß einem Aspekt der Erfindung gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen, bei dem eine Anzahl von Erfassungssensoren Aktionsdaten erzeugen und zumindest zeitweilig mit einer Zentraleinheit kommunizieren, wobei die einzelnen Aktionsdaten von der Zentraleinheit erfaßt und in dieser zu entsprechenden Verkehrsinformationen weiterverarbeitet werden. Das Verfahren ist erfindungsgemäß dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Zentraleinheit zumindest zeitweilig mit einem Informationsübertragungssystem kommuniziert, das eine Anzahl von mobilen Endgeräten aufweist, daß ein Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt wird und daß die Erfassungssensoren auf der Basis des Aktionsprofils über die Zentraleinheit gezielt gesteuert werden, wobei das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte aus Informationen der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt wird.The object is achieved according to an aspect of the invention by a method for generating traffic information, in which a number of detection sensors generate action data and at least temporarily communicate with a central unit, wherein the individual action data from the Central unit detected and processed in this to corresponding traffic information. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the central unit at least temporarily communicates with an information transmission system comprising a number of mobile terminals, that an action profile of the mobile terminals is determined and that the detection sensors are selectively controlled on the basis of the action profile via the central unit, the action profile of the mobile terminals is determined from information of the mobile terminals.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren können die zum Stand der Technik beschriebenen Nachteile wirkungsvoll vermieden werden. Insbesondere ist es durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren möglich, Verkehrsinformationen "objektiv" erzeugen zu können, ohne daß auf die bisher erforderlichen subjektiven Komponenten, wie beispielsweise Staumelder oder dergleichen, zurückgegriffen werden müßte. Weiterhin können die Kosten für die Erzeugung derartiger Verkehrsinformationen drastisch reduziert werden, da die Erzeugung solcher Informationen nur noch dann und dort erfolgt, wo sie auch tatsächlich benötigt werden.By the method according to the invention, the disadvantages described in the prior art can be effectively avoided. In particular, it is possible by the inventive method to be able to generate traffic information "objectively" without having to resort to the previously required subjective components, such as traffic jam or the like. Furthermore, the cost of generating such traffic information can be drastically reduced since the generation of such information only takes place where and when it is actually needed.

Ein Grundgedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht deshalb darin, daß Erfassungssensoren nunmehr über die Zentraleinheit gezielt gesteuert werden. Das bedeutet, daß die Zentraleinheit nunmehr bestimmt, mit welchen Erfassungssensoren wann kommuniziert wird, damit von den Erfassungssensoren erzeugte Aktionsdaten zur Bildung von Verkehrsinformationen auf die Zentraleinheit übertragen werden können. Im Gegensatz dazu war bei den bisher bekannten Lösungen vorgesehen, daß die Erfassungssensoren selbst entschieden, wann sie Aktionsdaten an die Zentraleinheit übertrugen. In anderen Fällen wurden die Aktionsdaten permanent von den Erfassungssensoren an die Zentraleinheit weitergeleitet, wozu diese ständig miteinander kommunizieren mußten.A basic idea of the present invention therefore consists in the fact that detection sensors are now selectively controlled via the central unit. That is, the central unit now determines which sensing sensors will be communicated with when to allow action data generated by the sensing sensors to be transmitted to the central processing unit to form traffic information. In contrast, it was provided in the previously known solutions that the detection sensors themselves decided when they transmitted action data to the central processing unit. In other cases, the action data was permanently forwarded from the detection sensors to the central processing unit, for which they had to constantly communicate with each other.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf bestimmte Typen von Verkehrsinformationen beschränkt, die mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erzeugt werden können. Beispielsweise können Verkehrsinformationen über die aktuelle Verkehrssituation, also den Status Quo, erzeugt werden. Ebenso ist es auch denkbar, daß Verkehrsinformationen erzeugt werden, die Vorhersagen über künftig zu erwartende Verkehrssituationen zulassen.The invention is not limited to certain types of traffic information that may be generated by the method of the invention. For example, traffic information about the current traffic situation, ie the status quo, can be generated. Likewise, it is also conceivable that traffic information is generated that allow predictions about future expected traffic situations.

Zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens können die Erfassungssensoren je nach Anwendungsfall entweder mobil oder stationär ausgebildet sein. Wichtig ist lediglich, daß die Erfassungssensoren mit möglichst großer Anzahl und möglichst verteilt in demjenigen Bereich vorhanden sind, in dem beziehungsweise für den Verkehrsinformationen erzeugt werden sollen.For carrying out the method according to the invention, the detection sensors can be designed either mobile or stationary depending on the application. It is only important that the detection sensors are present with as large a number as possible and distributed in the area in which or for the traffic information to be generated.

Wenn die Erfassungssensoren mobil ausgestaltet sind, können sie beispielsweise in den weiter oben bereits beschriebenen und an sich bekannten "Floating Cars" angeordnet sein. Die Erzeugung von Aktionsdaten beziehungsweise deren Übertragung auf die Zentraleinheit erfolgt aber nur noch dann, wenn dies von der Zentraleinheit bestimmt wird.If the detection sensors are designed to be mobile, they can be arranged, for example, in the "floating cars" already described above and known per se. However, the generation of action data or its transmission to the central unit takes place only when this is determined by the central unit.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung ist es möglich, daß die Erfassungssensoren Bestandteil des Informationsübertragungssystems sind. Hier können sie beispielsweise Bestandteil eines mobilen Endgeräts, oder gar das mobile Endgerät selbst sein.In a further embodiment, it is possible that the detection sensors are part of the information transmission system. Here they can, for example, be part of a mobile terminal, or even the mobile terminal itself.

Um festzulegen, wann und wo Erfassungssensoren zur Erzeugung von Verkehrsinformationen aktiviert werden, kommuniziert die Zentraleinheit zumindest zeitweilig mit einem Informationsübertragungssystem, das eine Anzahl von mobilen Endgeräten aufweist. Bei dem Informationsübertragungssystem handelt es sich um ein eigenständiges System. Die Erfindung ist dabei nicht auf bestimmte Typen von Informationsübertragungssystemen beschränkt. Einige nicht ausschließliche Beispiele werden im weiteren Verlauf der Beschreibung näher erläutert. Das Informationsübertragungssystem muß erfindungsgemäß jedoch derart ausgestaltet sein, daß die jeweiligen Aktionen der mobilen Endgeräte bestimmbar sind, so daß aus ein Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt werden kann.In order to determine when and where detection sensors are activated to generate traffic information, the central unit communicates, at least temporarily, with an information transmission system having a number of mobile terminals. The information transfer system is a stand-alone system. The invention is not limited to specific types of information transmission systems. Some non-exclusive examples are explained in more detail later in the description. The According to the invention, however, the information transmission system must be configured such that the respective actions of the mobile terminals can be determined so that an action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined.

Erfindungsgemäß wird das Aktionsprofil aus Informationen der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt.According to the action profile is determined from information of the mobile devices.

Ein auf diese Weise erzeugtes Aktionsprofil kann anschließend von der Zentraleinheit ausgewertet werden.An action profile generated in this way can then be evaluated by the central unit.

Dazu kann in der Zentraleinheit auf der Basis des Aktionsprofils der mobilen Endgeräte des Informationsübertragungssystems bestimmt werden, welche Erfassungssensoren gezielt angesteuert werden sollen. Wie dies im einzelnen geschehen kann, wird an Hand eines nicht ausschließlichen Beispiels im weiteren Verlauf der Beschreibung näher erläutert.For this purpose, it can be determined in the central unit on the basis of the action profile of the mobile terminals of the information transmission system which detection sensors are to be selectively activated. How this can be done in detail will be explained in more detail with reference to a non-exclusive example in the further course of the description.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf bestimmte Informationen und Aktionsprofile im Zusammenhang mit dem Informationsübertragungssystem beziehungsweise den mobilen Endgeräten beschränkt. So ist es beispielsweise denkbar, daß Positionsdaten der mobilen Endgeräte erzeugt werden, die anschließend zu einem Positionsprofil zusammengefaßt werden. Ebenso ist es denkbar, Informationen bezüglich der Bewegung, einer zeitabhängigen und/oder örtlichen Verteilung, einer Anzahl und/oder Dichte pro Flächeneinheit von mobilen Endgeräten zu erzeugen und zu entsprechenden Aktionsprofilen zusammenzufassen.The invention is not limited to specific information and action profiles in connection with the information transmission system or the mobile terminals. So it is conceivable, for example, that position data of the mobile terminals are generated, which are then combined to form a position profile. It is likewise conceivable to generate information relating to the movement, a time-dependent and / or local distribution, a number and / or density per unit area of mobile terminals and to combine them into corresponding action profiles.

Ebenso ist die Erfindung nicht auf bestimmte Aktionsdaten in bezug auf die Erfassungssensoren beschränkt. So kann es sich bei solchen Aktionsdaten beispielsweise um Positionsdaten handeln. Wenn die Erfassungssensoren Bestandteil des Informationsübertragungssystems sind, sind als geeignete Aktionsdaten auch die vorstehend beschriebenen Beispiele denkbar.Likewise, the invention is not limited to specific action data with respect to the detection sensors. For example, such action data may be position data. If the detection sensors are part of the information transmission system, the examples described above are also conceivable as suitable action data.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird das Ziel erreicht, möglichst wenige Erfassungssensoren anzusprechen und nur relevante Aktionsdaten zu melden. Dabei gestattet das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren einen guten Kompromiß zwischen Meldungsmenge und Meldungskosten der Informationen im laufenden Betrieb des Verfahrens. Erfindungsgemäß ist es nämlich nunmehr gelungen, ein Maß zu erhalten, das vorgibt, ob Aktionsdaten von Erfassungssensoren mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit relevant sind. Dies erfolgt über die Auswertung des Aktionsprofils der mobilen Endgeräte des Informationsübertragungssystems. Auf Grund dieses Aktionsprofils werden von der Zentraleinheit Erfassungssensoren mit höherer Relevanz sowie mit geringerer Relevanz ermittelt. Erfindungsgemäß werden dann vorteilhaft nur solche Erfassungssensoren angesprochen, beziehungsweise angesteuert, die eine hohe Relevanz aufweisen. Diejenigen Erfassungssensoren, die sich nicht in einem Gebiet mit hoher Relevanz befinden, werden vorzugsweise nicht angesteuert und tragen somit auch nicht zu den Kommunikationskosten bei, während diejenigen Erfassungssensoren mit hoher Relevanz zu vermehrter Meldungstätigkeit angehalten werden können. Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird eine Korrelation Aktionsprofil - Verkehrssituation geschaffen.The inventive method achieves the goal of addressing as few detection sensors as possible and of reporting only relevant action data. In this case, the method according to the invention allows a good compromise between the message quantity and the message costs of the information during ongoing operation of the method. In fact, according to the present invention, it has now been possible to obtain a measure that specifies whether action data from detection sensors is highly relevant. This is done via the evaluation of the action profile of the mobile terminals of the information transmission system. Based on this action profile, the central processing unit determines acquisition sensors of higher relevance and less relevance. According to the invention, only those detection sensors that are of high relevance are then advantageously addressed or controlled. Those detection sensors that are not in a high relevance area are preferably not driven and thus do not contribute to the communication costs, while those detection sensors with high relevance can be stopped to increased message activity. The method according to the invention creates a correlation action profile - traffic situation.

Vorteilhaft kann die Zentraleinheit eine Rechnereinheit mit einem oder mehreren elektronischen Rechner(n) aufweisen, wobei die Verkehrsinformationen in einem solchen Fall in der Zentraleinheit vorteilhaft elektronisch erzeugt werden. Bei Verwendung mehrerer Rechner können diese vorzugsweise zu einem Rechnernetzwerk zusammengeschaltet sein.Advantageously, the central processing unit can have a computer unit with one or more electronic computers, the traffic information being advantageously generated electronically in the central unit in such a case. When using multiple computers they can preferably be interconnected to a computer network.

Vorteilhaft kann dazu das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte elektronisch aus den Informationen der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt werden. Das Aktionsprofil wiederum kann vorteilhaft automatisch von der Zentraleinheit ausgewertet werden. Ebenso können die Erfassungssensoren auf der Basis des Aktionsprofils automatisch gezielt gesteuert werden.Advantageously, the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined electronically from the information of the mobile terminals. In turn, the action profile can advantageously be evaluated automatically by the central unit. Likewise, the detection sensors can be automatically controlled on the basis of the action profile.

Die Erzeugung der Verkehrsinformationen kann vorteilhaft unter Zuhilfenahme geeigneter Programmittel beziehungsweise Software vorgenommen, zumindest aber unterstützt werden.The generation of the traffic information can advantageously be made with the aid of suitable program means or software, or at least be supported.

Vorteilhaft kann das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte elektronisch innerhalb des Informationsübertragungssystems und/oder innerhalb der Zentraleinheit ermittelt werden. Wenn das Aktionsprofil innerhalb des Informationsübertragungssystems ermittelt wird, verfügt dieses vorzugsweise über eine eigene Zentraleinheit, in der die Informationen der einzelnen mobilen Endgeräte gesammelt und anschließend zu dem Aktionsprofil zusammengefügt werden. In einem solchen Fall wird das bereits fertige Aktionsprofil vom Informationsübertragungssystem an die Zentraleinheit, die mit den Erfassungssensoren kommuniziert, übertragen. Wenn das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte innerhalb der Zentraleinheit zur Erzeugung der Verkehrsinformationen ermittelt wird, werden die einzelnen Informationen der mobilen Endgeräte vom Informationsübertragungssystem auf die Zentraleinheit übertragen. Dort wird aus den entsprechenden Informationen das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte berechnet.Advantageously, the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined electronically within the information transmission system and / or within the central unit. If the action profile is determined within the information transmission system, this preferably has its own central unit, in which the information of the individual mobile terminals is collected and then combined to form the action profile. In such a case, the already completed action profile is transmitted from the information transmission system to the central unit which communicates with the detection sensors. If the action profile of the mobile terminals is determined within the central unit for generating the traffic information, the individual information of the mobile terminals are transmitted from the information transmission system to the central unit. There, the action profile of the mobile devices is calculated from the corresponding information.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf bestimmte Typen von Informationsübertragungssystemen beschränkt, so daß grundsätzlich jede Form von Informationsübertragungssystem möglich ist, bei dem zur Übertragung von Informationen mobile Endgeräte verwendet werden. Geeignete Informationsübertragungssysteme sind beispielsweise Systeme zur Übertragung von Signalen, wie beispielsweise Systeme zur Übertragung von Daten, von Funksignalen und dergleichen. Vorteilhaft kann das Informationsübertragungssystem jedoch als Mobilfunksystem ausgebildet sein, in dem die mobilen Endgeräte in Form von Mobiltelefonen vorgesehen sind. Dabei wird aus Informationen der Mobiltelefone ein Aktionsprofil der Mobiltelefone ermittelt. Insbesondere kann das Mobilfunksystem als zellulares Mobilfunksystem ausgebildet sein.The invention is not limited to certain types of information transmission systems, so that in principle any form of information transmission system is possible in which mobile terminals are used for the transmission of information. Suitable information transmission systems are, for example, systems for transmitting signals, such as systems for transmitting data, radio signals and the like. Advantageously, however, the information transmission system can be designed as a mobile radio system in which the mobile terminals are provided in the form of mobile phones. In this case, an action profile of the mobile phones is determined from information of the mobile phones. In particular, the mobile radio system can be designed as a cellular mobile radio system.

Bei Einsatz eines Mobilfunksystems als Informationsübertragungssystem kann das Aktionsprofil beispielsweise aus Informationen bezüglich der Mobiltelefone gebildet werden, beispielsweise in bezug auf die Bewegung der Mobiltelefone, etwa zwischen verschiedenen Zellen (Handover zwischen Zellen) und/oder innerhalb einer Zelle, die zeitabhängige und/oder örtliche Verteilung der Mobiltelefone, die Anzahl und/oder Dichte der Mobiltelefone pro Zelle, die Gesprächs- Aufbaurate und/oder -Abbaurate und dergleichen. Natürlich ist auch denkbar, als zu erfassende Informationen die Anrufhäufigkeit bei bestimmten Rufnummern zu erfassen, beispielsweise die im D2-Netz angebotene Rufnummer "22666", unter der Verkehrsinformationen abgefragt werden können.When using a mobile radio system as an information transmission system, the action profile can be formed, for example, from information relating to the mobile phones, for example with respect to the movement of the mobile phones, such as between different cells (handover between cells) and / or within a cell, the time-dependent and / or local distribution of the mobile phones, the number and / or density of mobile phones per cell, the call setup rate and / or degradation rate, and the like. Of course, it is also conceivable to record as the information to be recorded, the call frequency at certain numbers, for example, offered in the D2 network number "22666", can be queried under the traffic information.

Vorteilhaft können die von den Erfassungssensoren erzeugten Aktionsdaten innerhalb der Erfassungssensoren mit Referenz-Aktionsdaten verglichen werden, wobei die Aktionsdaten bei Abweichung von den Referenz-Aktionsdaten an die Zentraleinheit weitergeleitet werden. Die Referenz-Aktionsdaten können dabei vorteilhaft in einer geeigneten Speichereinrichtung abgespeichert beziehungsweise abgelegt sein. Wenn die Erfassungssensoren beispielsweise in entsprechenden "Floating Cars" integriert sind, können die ermittelten Aktionsdaten Positionsdaten sein. Dazu messen die "Floating Cars" beispielsweise per GPS ihre Position, vergleichen ihre Bewegung mit gespeicherten Profilen und melden signifikante Abweichung an die Zentraleinheit. Dort wird die Masse der gemeldeten Positionsdaten in ein Verkehrslagebild beziehungsweise in Verkehrsinformationen weiterverarbeitet. Eine solche Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, daß nur dann Positionsdaten an die Zentraleinheit weitergeleitet werden, wenn sich Abweichungen von den Referenz-Positionsdaten ergeben haben. Ansonsten werden keine Positionsdaten übertragen.Advantageously, the action data generated by the detection sensors within the detection sensors can be compared with reference action data, the action data being forwarded to the central unit in the event of a deviation from the reference action data. The reference action data can advantageously be stored or stored in a suitable memory device. If the detection sensors are integrated, for example, in corresponding "floating cars", the determined action data can be position data. To do so, the floating cars measure their position via GPS, compare their movement with stored profiles and report a significant deviation to the central unit. There, the mass of the reported position data in a traffic situation image or traffic information is further processed. Such an embodiment has the advantage that only then position data are forwarded to the central unit, if deviations have resulted from the reference position data. Otherwise no position data will be transmitted.

In anderer Ausgestaltung kann vorgesehen sein, daß alle von den Erfassungssensoren erzeugten Aktionsdaten an die Zentraleinheit weitergeleitet werden und daß die Aktionsdaten innerhalb der Zentraleinheit mit Referenz-Aktionsdaten der Erfassungssensoren verglichen werden. Bei einer solchen Ausgestaltung können die einzelnen Erfassungssensoren einfacher und damit auch kostengünstiger hergestellt werden. Sie müssen lediglich in der Lage sein, die Aktionsdaten zu erzeugen. Die eigentliche Auswertung und Weiterverarbeitung der Aktionsdaten erfolgt zentral in der Zentraleinheit.In another embodiment, it may be provided that all action data generated by the detection sensors forwarded to the central unit and that the action data within the central unit are compared with reference action data of the detection sensors. In such an embodiment, the individual detection sensors can be made simpler and thus cheaper. You just need to be able to generate the action data. The actual evaluation and further processing of the action data takes place centrally in the central unit.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung können die Erfassungssensoren auf der Basis des Aktionsprofils der mobilen Endgeräte örtlich und/oder zeitlich gezielt gesteuert werden.In a further embodiment, the detection sensors can be selectively controlled locally and / or temporally on the basis of the action profile of the mobile terminals.

Nachfolgend wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren an Hand eines konkreten Beispiels näher erläutert, ohne daß die Erfindung auf dieses genannte Beispiel beschränkt wäre. Dabei soll das Verfahren eingesetzt werden, um Meldungen über die aktuelle Verkehrssituation zu liefern, beispielsweise darüber, ob auf bestimmten Strecken Staus existieren oder nicht. Um die Kommunikationskosten zwischen Zentraleinheit und Erfassungssensoren zu minimieren, sollen Meldungen über die Verkehrssituation nur dann und dort abgesetzt werden, wo ein Stau tatsächlich vermutet wird. Die Vermutung eines Staus wird gewonnen durch die Nutzung des Informationsübertragungssystems, das im Beispiel in Form eines Mobilfunknetzes vorliegen soll. In diesem Fall wird die Vermutung eines Staus gewonnen beispielsweise durch Nutzung von Positionsinformationen von Mobiltelefonen, die zu einem Positionsprofil zusammengefügt werden. Bei den Positionsinformationen der Mobiltelefone kann es sich beispielsweise um solche Informationen handeln, die während des normalen Netzbetriebs auftreten.The method according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a specific example, without the invention being restricted to this example given. The method should be used to provide information about the current traffic situation, for example, whether or not there are traffic jams on certain routes. In order to minimize the communication costs between the central processing unit and the detection sensors, reports about the traffic situation should only be issued where a congestion is actually suspected. The assumption of congestion is gained by the use of the information transfer system, which should be present in the example in the form of a mobile network. In this case, the conjecture of congestion is obtained, for example, by using position information from mobile phones, which are assembled into a position profile. The position information of the mobile phones may be, for example, information that occurs during normal network operation.

Wenn es sich bei dem Mobilfunknetz um ein zellulares Mobilfunknetz handelt, kann der Betreiber des Mobilfunknetzes beispielsweise problemlos feststellen, wieviel Mobiltelefone sich jeweils innerhalb einer einzigen Mobilfunkzelle befinden. Auch das Übertreten von Mobiltelefonen aus einer Mobilfunkzelle in eine andere Mobilfunkzelle (Handover) kann vom Mobilfunknetzbetreiber nachgewiesen werden, so daß dieser Aussagen über die Bewegung von Mobiltelefonen in einem von den Mobilfunkzellen abgedeckten Gebiet machen kann.For example, if the mobile network is a cellular mobile network, the operator of the mobile network can easily determine how many mobile phones are each within a single mobile cell. Also, the transgression of mobile phones from a mobile phone cell into another mobile radio cell (Handover) can be detected by the mobile network operator, so that this can make statements about the movement of mobile phones in an area covered by the mobile radio cells.

Dem Beispiel liegt nun die Annahme zu Grunde, daß solche Verkehrsteilnehmer, die im Besitz eines Mobiltelefons sind und die sich in einem Stau befinden, mehr telefonieren als sonst, da sie beispielsweise ihren Gesprächspartner über die erwartete Verspätung informieren wollen oder daß sie bestimmte Rufnummern anrufen, um sich über die aktuelle Verkehrslage zu informieren. Damit entsteht unter anderem eine Verknüpfung zwischen der Netzlast in ausgewählten Gebieten, beispielsweise der Menge an aktivierten Mobiltelefonen innerhalb bestimmter Mobilfunkzellen (den sogenannten "Call-Profilen"), und der Existenz von Verkehrsstaus auf Straßen, die sich im Bereich der entsprechenden Mobilfunkzellen befinden. Diese Verknüpfung kann nun zur Steuerung der Erfassungssensoren genutzt werden.The example is based on the assumption that those road users who are in possession of a mobile phone and who are in a traffic jam call more than usual, for example because they want to inform their call partner about the expected delay or that they call certain numbers, to find out about the current traffic situation. This creates inter alia a link between the network load in selected areas, for example the amount of activated mobile phones within certain mobile radio cells (the so-called "call profiles"), and the existence of traffic jams on roads that are located in the area of the corresponding mobile radio cells. This link can now be used to control the acquisition sensors.

Vorteilhaft kann das ermittelte Positionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte zur Auswertung innerhalb der Zentraleinheit mit Referenz-Positionsprofilwerten verglichen werden. Die Referenz-Positionsprofilwerte können wiederum in einer geeigneten Speichereinrichtung abgelegt beziehungsweise abgespeichert sein.Advantageously, the determined position profile of the mobile terminals for evaluation within the central unit can be compared with reference position profile values. The reference position profile values can in turn be stored or stored in a suitable memory device.

Zurückkommend auf das genannte Beispiel bedeutet dies, daß lokale Call-Profile des Mobilfunkbetreibers "ohne Stau" und "mit Stau" als Referenz-Positionsprofilwerte gespeichert werden können. Während des Verfahrensablaufs werden nun die jeweils aktuellen Positionsprofile, beispielsweise entsprechende "Call-Profile" mit den Referenz-Positionsprofilwerten verglichen. Bei genügender Übereinstimmung mit dem Call-Profil "mit Stau" werden dann die Erfassungssensoren im jeweiligen Gebiet angesteuert.Coming back to the above example, this means that the mobile operator's local call profiles can be stored as "no jam" and "congested" as reference position profile values. During the procedure, the current position profiles, for example corresponding "call profiles", are compared with the reference position profile values. If there is sufficient agreement with the call profile "with congestion" then the detection sensors in the respective area are activated.

Die Aktionsinformation der mobilen Endgeräte ist grundsätzlich nur sehr grob erforderlich, da die eigentliche Erzeugung von Verkehrsinformationen nach wie vor auf der Erzeugung der Aktionsdaten durch die Erfassungssensoren beruht. Zeigt das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte eine genügend große Ähnlichkeit mit den entsprechenden Referenz-Aktionsprofilwerten, liegt also nur ein Verdacht auf einen Stau vor, und die Erfassungssensoren werden in der zuvor beschriebenen Weise aktiviert beziehungsweise angesteuert.The action information of the mobile terminals is basically only very roughly required, since the actual generation of traffic information is still based on the generation of the action data by the detection sensors. If the action profile of the mobile terminals is sufficiently similar to the corresponding reference action profile values, then there is only a suspicion of congestion, and the detection sensors are activated or activated in the manner described above.

Vorteilhaft können auf der Basis des Aktionsprofils der mobilen Endgeräte von der Zentraleinheit Steuerungsparameter für die Erfassungssensoren erzeugt werden, die dann an die Erfassungssensoren weitergeleitet werden. Die Steuerungsparameter können dabei vorteilhaft bestimmen, wann und auf welche Weise welcher Erfassungssensor aktiviert beziehungsweise angesteuert werden soll. Geeignete Steuerungsparameter können beispielsweise sein "keine Meldungen senden", "normale Meldungstätigkeit", "erhöhte Meldungstätigkeit" und dergleichen.Advantageously, control parameters for the detection sensors can be generated on the basis of the action profile of the mobile terminals of the central unit, which are then forwarded to the detection sensors. The control parameters can advantageously determine when and in which way which detection sensor is to be activated or controlled. Suitable control parameters may be, for example, "do not send messages", "normal message activity", "increased message activity" and the like.

Vorzugsweise können die Steuerungsparameter in der Zentraleinheit berechnet werden. Dazu kann die Zentraleinheit über geeignete Programmittel, beispielsweise Computerprogramme, Software und dergleichen verfügen.Preferably, the control parameters can be calculated in the central unit. For this purpose, the central unit may have suitable program means, for example computer programs, software and the like.

Vorteilhaft kann das Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte aus Standortinformationen und/oder Aktivitätsinformationen der mobilen Endgeräte ermittelt werden. Wenn es sich bei den mobilen Endgeräten um Mobiltelefone innerhalb eines Mobilfunknetzes handelt, kann dies beispielsweise die Netzlast in ausgewählten Gebieten, beispielsweise in bestimmten Mobilfunkzellen, sein. Ebenso kann das Aktionsprofil auch auf der Basis der weiter oben beschriebenen Informationen gebildet werden.Advantageously, the action profile of the mobile terminals can be determined from location information and / or activity information of the mobile terminals. If the mobile terminals are mobile phones within a mobile radio network, this can be, for example, the network load in selected areas, for example in certain mobile radio cells. Likewise, the action profile may also be formed on the basis of the information described above.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird es ermöglicht, daß Kommunikationskosten zwischen den Erfassungssensoren und der Zentraleinheit nur dann anfallen, wenn es auch tatsächlich etwas zu melden gibt. Dies reduziert die bisher signifikant hohen Kommunikationskosten. Erfassungssensoren, die sich nicht im zu überwachenden Gebiet befinden, können so angesteuert werden, daß sie entweder gar nicht oder nur in geringem Maße melden. Dadurch kann zusätzlich eine Konzentration der Meldungen auf die interessierenden Brennpunkte erreicht werden.The inventive method makes it possible that communication costs between the detection sensors and the central unit incurred only if there is actually something to report. This reduces the so far significantly high communication costs. Detection sensors that are not in the area to be monitored can be controlled in such a way that they do not respond at all or only to a limited extent. As a result, it is additionally possible to achieve a concentration of the messages on the focal points of interest.

Gemäß einem weiteren Aspekt der Erfindung wird ein System zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen bereitgestellt, mit einer Anzahl von Erfassungssensoren, die zumindest zeitweilig mit einer Zentraleinheit kommunizieren oder kommunizieren können, mit einem Informationsübertragungssystem, das eine Anzahl von mobilen Endgeräten aufweist, und das zumindest zeitweilig mit der Zentraleinheit kommuniziert oder kommunizieren kann, und mit Mitteln zur Durchführung des wie vorstehend beschriebenen erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for generating traffic information, comprising a number of detection sensors capable of at least temporarily communicating or communicating with a central processing unit, having an information transmission system comprising a number of mobile terminals, and at least temporarily communicating with the Central unit can communicate or communicate, and with means for carrying out the method according to the invention as described above.

Die Erfindung wird nun an Hand eines Ausführungsbeispiel unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegende Zeichnung näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt die einzige Figur 1 in schematischer Ansicht ein erfindungsgemäßes System zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen.The invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The only one shows FIG. 1 a schematic view of an inventive system for generating traffic information.

In der Figur 1 ist ein System 10 zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen 30 dargestellt, das zunächst aus einer Anzahl von Erfassungssensoren 20 besteht. Die Erfassungssensoren 20 sind in sogenannten "Floating Cars" integriert. Die Erfassungssensoren 20 können per GPS ihre Position messen. Die auf diese Weise erzeugten Positionsdaten 26, beziehungsweise daraus abgeleitete Bewegungsinformationen, werden an eine Zentraleinheit 21 weitergeleitet. Die einzelnen Positionsdaten 26 werden von der Zentraleinheit 21 erfaßt und in dieser zu entsprechenden Verkehrsinformationen 30 weiterverarbeitet. Dazu weist die Zentraleinheit 21 eine Rechnereinheit 22 auf. Die Umwandlung der erzeugten Positionsdaten 26 in Verkehrsinformationen 30 erfolgt innerhalb der Zentraleinheit 21 - und hier innerhalb der Rechnereinheit 22 - automatisch und unter Zuhilfenahme geeigneter Programmittel.In the FIG. 1 a system 10 for generating traffic information 30 is shown, which initially consists of a number of detection sensors 20. The detection sensors 20 are integrated in so-called "floating cars". The detection sensors 20 can measure their position by GPS. The position data 26 generated in this way or the movement information derived therefrom are forwarded to a central processing unit 21. The individual position data 26 are detected by the central unit 21 and further processed in this to corresponding traffic information 30. For this purpose, the central unit 21 has a computer unit 22. The conversion of the generated position data 26 into traffic information 30 takes place within the central unit 21 - and here within the computer unit 22 - automatically and with the aid of suitable program means.

Ein Problem bei einem solchen System bestand bisher darin, daß die Kommunikationskosten aller teilnehmenden Erfassungssensoren 20 relativ hoch waren, da die Erfassungssensoren 20 entweder selbst entschieden, wann Positionsdaten 26 an die Zentraleinheit 21 weitergeleitet wurden, oder weil Positionsdaten 26 permanent von den Erfassungssensoren 20 an die Zentraleinheit 21 weitergeleitet wurden.A problem with such a system has heretofore been that the communication costs of all participating detection sensors 20 were relatively high, because the detection sensors 20 either decided by themselves when position data 26 was forwarded to the central unit 21, or because position data 26 was permanently transmitted from the detection sensors 20 to the central unit 21 Central unit 21 have been forwarded.

Um diese Nachteile zu umgehen, ist das erfindungsgemäße System 10 nunmehr in einer Weise ausgestaltet, daß Meldungen über die Verkehrssituation, insbesondere darüber, ob auf bestimmten Strecken Staus vorliegen, nur dann und dort abgesetzt werden, wo ein Stau tatsächlich vermutet wird. Die Vermutung eines Staus wird gewonnen durch die Nutzung eines Informationsübertragungssystems 40, das zumindest zeitweilig mit der Zentraleinheit 21 kommuniziert.In order to circumvent these disadvantages, the system 10 according to the invention is now designed in such a way that messages about the traffic situation, in particular whether traffic jams exist on certain routes, are discontinued only where a congestion is actually suspected. The conjecture of congestion is gained through the use of an information transfer system 40 which at least temporarily communicates with the central unit 21.

Das Informationsübertragungssystem 40 verfügt über eine Anzahl von mobilen Endgeräten 41, die sowohl untereinander als auch mit einer Zentraleinheit 42 des Informationsübertragungssystems 40 kommunizieren können. Die Zentraleinheit 42 verfügt wiederum über wenigstens eine Rechnereinheit 43.The information transmission system 40 has a number of mobile terminals 41 that can communicate with each other as well as with a central processing unit 42 of the information transmission system 40. The central unit 42 in turn has at least one computer unit 43.

Beide Rechnereinheiten 22, 43 der Zentraleinheiten 21, 42 sind jeweils mit Speichereinrichtungen 23, 44 verbunden, in denen für den Betrieb erforderliche Daten abgelegt beziehungsweise abgespeichert sind.Both computer units 22, 43 of the central units 21, 42 are each connected to memory devices 23, 44 in which data required for operation is stored or stored.

Die beiden Zentraleinheiten 21, 42 sind in einer Weise miteinander verbunden, daß die Zentraleinheit 21 zumindest zeitweilig mit dem Informationsübertragungssystem 40 kommunizieren kann, was durch Pfeil 45 dargestellt ist.The two central units 21, 42 are interconnected in such a way that the central unit 21 can at least temporarily communicate with the information transmission system 40, which is represented by arrow 45.

Bei dem in der Figur 1 dargestellten Informationsübertragungssystem 40 handelt es sich um ein Mobilfunknetz, bei dem die mobilen Endgeräte 41 in Form von Mobiltelefonen ausgestaltet sind.In the in the FIG. 1 illustrated information transmission system 40 is a mobile network in which the mobile terminals 41 are designed in the form of mobile phones.

Nachfolgend wird nun das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Erzeugen von Verkehrsinformationen 30 beschrieben.The method according to the invention for generating traffic information 30 will now be described below.

Zunächst wird angenommen, daß solche Verkehrsteilnehmer, die sich in einem Stau befinden und die über ein Mobiltelefon verfügen, mehr telefonieren als sonst, da sie beispielsweise ihre Gesprächspartner über die erwartete Verspätung informieren wollen. Wenn die Mobiltelefone 41 angeschaltet sind beziehungsweise Gespräche mit diesen durchgeführt werden, kann der Betreiber des Mobilfunknetzes 40 Aussagen über die aktuelle Position der jeweiligen Mobiltelefone 41 machen. Mobilfunknetze sind beispielsweise in Form zellularer Mobilfunknetze ausgestaltet, wobei die Anzahl der in einer Mobilfunkzelle befindlichen Mobiltelefone 41 vom Mobilfunknetzbetreiber nachgewiesen werden kann. Dadurch und durch die jeweils pro Mobilfunkzelle aktivierten Mobiltelefone 41 entsteht eine Netzlast pro Mobilfunkzelle, das heißt in ausgewählten Gebieten, die als sogenanntes "Call-Profil" bezeichnet wird.First of all, it is assumed that those road users who are in a traffic jam and who have a mobile phone make more calls than usual because, for example, they want to inform their call partners about the expected delay. If the mobile telephones 41 are switched on or conversations are carried out with them, the operator of the mobile radio network 40 can make statements about the current position of the respective mobile telephones 41. Cellular networks are configured for example in the form of cellular mobile networks, wherein the number of mobile phones located in a mobile phone 41 can be detected by the mobile network operator. As a result, and by the mobile phones 41 activated per mobile radio cell, there is one network load per mobile radio cell, that is to say in selected areas, which is referred to as a so-called "call profile".

Wenn nun die in einem Stau befindlichen Verkehrsteilnehmer vermehrt über ihre Mobiltelefone 41 telefonieren, kann aus den Positionsinformationen der Mobiltelefone 41 ein Positionsprofil 45 der Mobiltelefone 41 ermittelt werden.If now the road users located in a traffic jam increasingly on their mobile phones 41, 41, a position profile 45 of the mobile phones 41 can be determined from the position information of the mobile phones.

Dadurch wird die Möglichkeit einer Verknüpfung zwischen dem "Call-Profil" beziehungsweise dem Positionsprofil 45 und der Existenz von Verkehrsstaus auf Straßen erzeugt. Diese Verknüpfung kann zur Steuerung der Erfassungssensoren 20, beziehungsweise zu deren Meldetätigkeit, genutzt werden.This creates the possibility of a link between the "call profile" or the position profile 45 and the existence of traffic congestion on roads. This link can be used to control the detection sensors 20, or to their reporting activity.

Dazu ist es zunächst erforderlich, daß die von der Rechnereinheit 43 der Zentraleinheit 42 des Mobilfunksystems 40 berechneten aktuellen Positionsprofile 45 der jeweiligen Mobiltelefone 41 mit entsprechenden Referenz-Werten verglichen werden. Bei diesen Referenz-Positionsprofilwerten kann es sich beispielsweise um bestimmte Positionsprofile des Mobilfunkbetreibers "ohne Stau" und "mit Stau" handeln, die in der Speichereinrichtung 44 abgespeichert sind. Die Referenz-Positionsprofilwerte können dabei von der Art sein "als am Ort XY das Positionsprofil der Mobiltelefone so und so aussah, war da ein Stau, beziehungsweise war da kein Stau".For this purpose, it is first necessary for the current position profiles 45 of the respective mobile telephones 41 calculated by the computer unit 43 of the central unit 42 of the mobile radio system 40 to be compared with corresponding reference values. These reference position profile values may be, for example, certain position profiles of the mobile radio operator "without congestion" and "with congestion", which are stored in the memory device 44. The reference position profile values can be of the type "as the position profile of the mobile phones looked like in place XY, so there was a traffic jam, or there was no traffic jam".

Die von der Zentraleinheit 42 ermittelten aktuellen Positionsprofile 45 werden mit diesen Referenz-Positionsprofilwerten verglichen. Wenn dabei eine Übereinstimmung erzielt und ein "Stauprofil" erkannt wird, liegt der Verdacht auf einen Stau vor. Nunmehr wird das entsprechende Positionsprofil 45 an die Zentraleinheit 21, beziehungsweise deren Rechnereinheit 22, weitergeleitet. Ebenso können die entsprechenden Referenz-Positionsprofilwerte auch in der Speichereinrichtung 23 der Zentraleinheit 21 abgelegt beziehungsweise abgespeichert sein.The current position profiles 45 determined by the central unit 42 are compared with these reference position profile values. If a match is achieved and a "stowage profile" is detected, there is a suspicion of a traffic jam. Now, the corresponding position profile 45 to the central unit 21, or their computer unit 22, forwarded. Likewise, the corresponding reference position profile values can also be stored or stored in the memory device 23 of the central unit 21.

Auf der Basis des Positionsprofils 45 werden nun gezielt solche Erfassungssensoren 20 angesteuert beziehungsweise aktiviert, die sich in dem interessierenden Gebiet, in dem ein Stau vermutet wird, befinden. Dazu werden, beispielsweise per Cell-Broadcast, entsprechende Steuerungsparameter 25 an alle Erfassungssensoren 20 verteilt, welche sich in dem bestimmten Gebiet befinden. Die Steuerungsparameter 25 können beispielsweise sein "keine Meldungen senden", "normale Meldungstätigkeit" und "erhöhte Meldungstätigkeit".On the basis of the position profile 45, detection sensors 20 are now selectively activated or activated which are located in the area of interest in which a jam is suspected. For this purpose, for example by means of cell broadcast, corresponding control parameters 25 are distributed to all detection sensors 20 which are located in the specific area. The control parameters 25 may be, for example, "no messages to send", "normal message activity" and "increased message activity".

Die auf diese Weise gezielt angesteuerten Erfassungssensoren 20 erzeugen dann entsprechende Positionsdaten 26, die von der Zentraleinheit 21 erfaßt und in dieser zu entsprechenden Verkehrsinformationen 30 weiterverarbeitet werden, die dann den Verkehrsteilnehmern zur Verfügung gestellt werden können. Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es dabei möglich, möglichst wenige Meldungen, das heißt Positionsdaten 26, zu erzeugen und nur relevante Ereignisse zu melden. Auf diese Weise kann ein guter Kompromiß zwischen Meldungsmenge und Meldungskosten im laufenden Betrieb des Systems 10 erreicht werden. Durch die Erfindung gelingt es, ein Maß zu erhalten, welches vorgibt, ob und wo Meldungen, das heißt Positionsdaten 26, mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit relevant sind. Wenn dies den Erfassungssensoren 20 mitgeteilt wird, können solche Erfassungssensoren 20, die sich nicht in einem Gebiet mit hoher Relevanz, das heißt beispielsweise nicht in einem Staugebiet befinden, stumm geschaltet werden und tragen nicht zu den Kosten bei, während diejenigen Erfassungssensoren 20 im gewünschten Beobachtungsgebiet zu vermehrter Meldungstätigkeit angehalten werden können. Im Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1 sind zwei der insgesamt fünf dargestellten Erfassungssensoren 20 auf diese Weise stumm geschaltet worden, was durch entsprechende Verbindungslinien mit der Bezugsziffer 27 dargestellt ist. Bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel befanden sich drei Erfassungssensoren 20 in einem Gebiet, das mit Hilfe des vom Mobilfunksystem 40 erzeugten Positionsprofils 45 als relevant eingestuft wurde, wobei diese Erfassungssensoren 20 von der Zentraleinheit 21 über entsprechende Steuerungsparameter 25 in einer Weise angesteuert wurden, so daß von den Erfassungssensoren 20 erzeugte Positionsdaten 26 von der Zentraleinheit 21 erfaßt und in dieser zu entsprechenden Verkehrsinformationen 30 weiterverarbeitet werden konnten.The detection sensors 20 which are selectively activated in this way then generate corresponding position data 26, which are detected by the central unit 21 and further processed therein to corresponding traffic information 30, which then be made available to road users. According to the present invention, it is possible to generate as few messages as possible, that is position data 26, and to report only relevant events. In this way, a good compromise between message quantity and message costs during operation of the system 10 can be achieved. The invention makes it possible to obtain a measure which specifies whether and where messages, that is to say position data 26, are relevant with high probability. When communicated to the detection sensors 20, those detection sensors 20 that are not in a high relevance area, eg, not in a congestion area, can be muted and do not add to the cost, while those detection sensors 20 are in the desired viewing area can be stopped for increased reporting activity. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 For example, two of the five detected detection sensors 20 shown have been muted in this manner, which is represented by corresponding connecting lines with the reference numeral 27. In the embodiment shown, three detection sensors 20 were located in an area that was classified as relevant by means of the position profile 45 generated by the mobile radio system 40, these detection sensors 20 being driven by the central unit 21 via corresponding control parameters 25 in such a way that of the Detection sensors 20 generated position data 26 could be detected by the central unit 21 and further processed in this to corresponding traffic information 30.

Selbstverständlich ist die Erfindung nicht auf eine bestimmte Anzahl von Erfassungsensoren 20 und mobilen Endgeräten 41 beschränkt. Zur Verdeutlichung der Erfindung sind in Figur 1 jeweils nur wenige Erfassungssensoren 20 und mobile Endgeräte 41 dargestellt. Um zu optimalen Ergebnissen zu gelangen, ist jedoch eine möglichst große Anzahl von örtlich verteilten Erfassungssensoren 20 und mobilen Endgeräten 41 erforderlich.Of course, the invention is not limited to a specific number of detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41. To illustrate the invention are in FIG. 1 only a few detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41 are shown. In order to achieve optimal results, however, the largest possible number of locally distributed detection sensors 20 and mobile terminals 41 is required.

Auf diese Weise fallen Kommunikationskosten zwischen den Erfassungssensoren 20 und der Zentraleinheit 21 nur dann an, wenn auch tatsächlich etwas zu melden da ist. Dies reduziert die bislang hohen Kommunikationskosten. Teilnehmer, das heißt Erfassungssensoren 20, die nicht im Beobachtungsgebiet unterwegs sind, melden nicht oder weniger. Dadurch wird auch eine Konzentration der Meldungen, das heißt der erzeugten Positionsdaten 26, auf bestimmte Brennpunkte erreicht.In this way, communication costs between the detection sensors 20 and the central unit 21 only arise when there is actually something to report. This reduces the hitherto high communication costs. Participants, ie detection sensors 20 that are not in the observation area, do not report or report less. As a result, a concentration of the messages, that is, the generated position data 26, is reached at certain focal points.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 =10 =
System zum Erzeugen von VerkehrsinformationenSystem for generating traffic information
20 =20 =
Erfassungssensordetecting sensor
21 =21 =
Zentraleinheitcentral processing unit
22 =22 =
Rechnereinheitcomputer unit
23 =23 =
Speichereinrichtungmemory device
25 =25 =
Steuerungsparameter für ErfassungssensorenControl parameters for detection sensors
26 =26 =
Aktionsdaten (beispielsweise Positionsdaten)Action data (for example position data)
27 =27 =
stumm geschaltete Verbindungmuted connection
30 =30 =
Verkehrsinformationtraffic information
40 =40 =
Informationsübertragungssystem (beispielsweise Mobilfunksystem)Information transmission system (for example mobile radio system)
41 =41 =
mobiles Endgerät (beispielsweise Mobiltelefon)mobile device (eg mobile phone)
42 =42 =
Zentraleinheitcentral processing unit
43 =43 =
Rechnereinheitcomputer unit
44 =44 =
Speichereinrichtungmemory device
45 =45 =
Aktionsprofil der mobilen Endgeräte (beispielsweise Positionsprofil)Action profile of mobile devices (eg position profile)

Claims (14)

  1. Process for generating traffic information (30), wherein a number of detection sensors (20) generate action data (26) and communicate at least intermittently with a central unit (21), the individual action data (26) being detected by the central unit (21) and processed therein to form corresponding traffic information (30),
    characterised in that
    the central unit (21) communicates at least intermittently with an information transfer system (40) that has a number of mobile terminals (41),
    an action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) is obtained and the detection sensors (20) are specifically controlled on the basis of the action profile (45) by means of the central unit (21), the action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) being obtained from information from the mobile terminals (41).
  2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that the action profile (45) is evaluated by the central unit (21).
  3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the central unit (21) comprises a computer unit (22) having one or more electronic computer(s) and in that the traffic information (30) is produced electronically in the central unit (21).
  4. Process according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the detection sensors (20) are part of the information transfer system (40).
  5. Process according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) is determined electronically within the information transfer system (40) or within the central unit (21).
  6. Process according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the information transfer system (40) is in the form of a mobile telephony system in which the mobile terminals (41) are provided in the form of mobile telephones and an action profile (45) of the mobile telephones (41) is obtained from information from the mobile telephones (41).
  7. Process according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the action data (26) produced by the detection sensors (20) are compared with reference action data within the detection sensors (20) and in that the action data (26) are passed on to the central unit (21) if there is any deviation from the reference action data.
  8. Process according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that all the action data (26) produced by the detection sensors (20) are passed on to the central unit (21) and in that within the central unit (21) the action data (26) are compared with reference action data from the detection sensors (20).
  9. Process according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the detection sensors (20) are specifically controlled in terms of location and/or time on the basis of the action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41).
  10. Process according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the action profile (45) obtained from the mobile terminals (41) is compared with reference action profile values within the central unit (21) for evaluation.
  11. Process according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that control parameters (25) for the detection sensors (20) are produced by the central unit on the basis of the action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) and in that the control parameters (25) are passed on to the detection sensors (20).
  12. Process according to claim 11, characterised in that the control parameters (25) are calculated in the central unit (21).
  13. Process according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the action profile (45) of the mobile terminals (41) is obtained from location data and/or activity data from the mobile terminals (41).
  14. System for producing traffic information (30),
    with a number of detection sensors (20) which communicate or are able to communicate at least intermittently with a central unit (21),
    with an information transfer system (40) that has a number of mobile terminals (41) and communicates or is able to communicate at least intermittently with the central unit (21), and
    with means for carrying out the process according to one of claims 1 to 13.
EP02753694A 2001-03-22 2002-03-15 Method for generating traffic information Expired - Lifetime EP1371046B1 (en)

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DE10249618A1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2004-05-13 DDG GESELLSCHAFT FüR VERKEHRSDATEN MBH Procedure for generating implicit information from FC data
DE102017206363A1 (en) * 2017-04-13 2018-10-18 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft System and method for the dynamic, location-selective acquisition of traffic data

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US5465289A (en) * 1993-03-05 1995-11-07 E-Systems, Inc. Cellular based traffic sensor system
US5732383A (en) * 1995-09-14 1998-03-24 At&T Corp Traffic information estimation and reporting system
DE19638070A1 (en) * 1996-09-18 1998-03-19 Deutsche Telekom Mobil Procedure for the acquisition of traffic data using mobile radio devices
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