TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION UTILIZING A CELLULAR COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND PROBE UNITS

摘要

A system for collecting request signal and probe data from telematics units using a cellular communication network, wherein the units each cause to be transmitted registration request signal data to a carrier, the carrier periodically compiles a cell history log comprising a list of cell hand-offs for each unit, and a facility is communicatively coupled to the carrier; includes map and unit identification databases; is configured to determine cell-handoffs of interest; preferably queries the carrier for only target units presenting a cell-handoff of interest; determines for each target unit a recently traveled path (RTP) based on the log, an estimated time of travel (ETT) based on the RTP and map database, and a probe unit status; calls each probe unit to upload probe data therefrom; and utilizes the probe data to enhance the ETT or provide additional information.