Transportation routing

#The invention relates to assisting commuters and other travelers with travel planning, and more particularly to providing a recommended route that takes current traffic conditions into account.

#The world seems to increase in speed every year, with people using technology to communicate instantly and continuously, next-day delivery a common occurrence, and with the immediate availability to on-line data. However, traffic in most metropolitan areas continues to worsen. As a result, many of us spend much of the time we would otherwise save using technology waiting in traffic to get to work so that we can use the technology.

#People develop ad hoc solutions to the traffic problem. Some leave for work early or late to avoid traffic. Others develop short-cuts or other alternative routes to by-pass areas of congested traffic. Such a process is generally approached via a trial-and-error process, as a commuter tries various routes until they find one that seems to be the quickest. Of course, because traffic is different every day, it is very difficult to compare the speed of one route to that of another. It is also possible to check traffic reports before leaving and to monitor the radio or road-side signs for clues to traffic problems. In addition, certain wireless services can provide indications of real-time traffic speed graphically on a road map (such as by showing different-colored arrows on roads to indicate approximate traffic speed).

#These and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a process that analyzes trip patterns and generates a suggested route based on the patterns and real-time traffic data.

#FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a process for producing expected trip points from past trip routes.

#Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

#The systems and techniques described here relate to assistance with planning routes for commuters and other travelers, typically traveling by automobile, truck, or mass transit. The systems can take many forms, including personal communicators, personal computers, and vehicle navigation systems. The data may also be entered in many forms, including by telephone keypad and voice. In general, the systems operate by identifying a user's paths of travel over time, developing a travel profile for the user comprising navigation points through which the user is likely to pass, and accessing real-time traffic data to provide the user with an up-to-date suggested route for the user's expected trip or trips each time the user begins a trip.

#Advantageously, the systems and techniques may let travelers receive routing information that is both current and relevant. It is current because it reflects real-time traffic conditions. In addition, it can be calculated according to a schedule and delivered so that the user has the information as soon as it is needed. It is relevant because it can provide directions that address the particular user's travel plan without requiring that the user enter in detailed information about the travel plan. In addition to real-time traffic data, other traffic flow information or data may be monitored or obtained. For example, static information about traffic flow, such as the typical speed on a residential street (for which actual real-time information is not available) may also represent the transportation flow on that street. Apart from transportation flow in vehicles, other transportation flows such as that involved with rail, ferry, and light rail may also be obtained.