Method of determining and validating navigational priority settings utilizing probe data
A method for determining vehicle priority settings ( 30 ) at an intersection ( 26 ) is provided comprising accumulating probe data ( 24 ) from a plurality of individual navigation units ( 20 ). An intersection within a digital map ( 14 ) is selected, and a plurality of probe traces ( 32 ) are selected. The probe traces ( 32 ) are processed in a method characterized by selecting a pair of probe traces ( 32 ) that enter the intersection ( 26 ) at the same time on different trajectories ( 34 ). It is determined which of the probe traces ( 32 ) proceeds through the intersection first and an intersection priority matrix ( 36 ) is updated accordingly. This intersection priority matrix ( 36 ) is utilized to formulate at least one derived intersection priority setting ( 38 ).
1. A method for determining vehicle priority settings at an intersection, comprising:
accumulating probe data from a plurality of individual navigation units;
selecting an intersection within a digital map; and
processing said probe data by:
selecting from said probe data a plurality of probe traces at said intersection;
selecting a pair of said probe traces which enter said intersection at the same time on different trajectories;
determining which of said probe traces proceeds through said intersection first;
repeating said processing on additional pairs of said plurality of probe traces; and
deriving an intersection priority setting based on said determinations.
2. The method as described in claim 1 , further comprising:
updating an intersection priority matrix with result of each of said determinations; and
utilizing said intersection priority matrix to calculate a derived intersection priority setting.
3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
analyzing said plurality of probe traces to identify questionable probe traces ( 44 ); and
removing said questionable probe traces prior to processing said plurality of probe traces.
4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
comparing said derived intersection priority setting to a known intersection priority setting to verify said known intersection priority setting.
5. The method as described in claim 4 , further comprising:
using said comparison to evaluate the sufficiency of roadside markings at said intersection.
6. The method as described in claim 4 , further comprising:
using said derived intersection priority to correct data within said digital map.
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
using said derived intersection priority to enhance said digital map by adding said derived intersection priority to said digital map.
8. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising:
utilizing said probe traces and said intersection priority matrix to optimize traffic flow patterns at said intersection.
9. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising:
verifying the sufficiency of said probe data at said intersection.
10. A method of populating a digital map with intersection priority information, comprising:
accumulating a plurality of probe traces from a plurality of navigation units;
processing said plurality of probe traces by:
selecting a pair of said probe traces which enter an intersection at the same time on different trajectories;
determining which of said probe traces proceeds through said intersection first;
repeating said processing on additional pairs of said plurality of probe traces; and
deriving an intersection priority setting based on said determinations; and
updating a digital map with said derived intersection priority setting.
11. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
updating an intersection priority matrix with result of said determinations; and
utilizing said intersection priority matrix to calculate a derived intersection priority setting.
12. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
verifying the sufficiency of said probe traces at said intersection prior to updating said digital map.
13. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
determining the presence of a traffic control means, such as a traffic light or a stop sign, at said intersection utilizing said intersection priority matrix.
14. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
comparing said derived intersection priority setting to a known intersection priority setting to verify said known intersection priority setting.
15. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising:
using said intersection priority matrix to evaluate the sufficiency of roadside markings at said intersection.
16. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
analyzing said plurality of probe traces to identify questionable probe traces; and
removing said questionable probe traces prior to said selecting a pair of said probe traces.
17. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
incorporating said digital map with said derived intersection priority setting into a navigational device; and
communicating said derived intersection priority setting to a driver as said navigational device approaches said intersection.
18. The method according to claim 10 , further comprising:
incorporating said digital map with said derived intersection priority setting into a navigational device; and
providing a visual representation of said derived intersection priority setting as said navigational device approaches said intersection.