Apple Inc.
Automated travel lane recommendation

Abstract:

Various embodiments include an automated travel lane recommendation implemented for a vehicle in response to traffic conditions in the vehicle's vicinity, including characteristics of traffic flow of nearby lanes of travel. In some examples, sensors implemented as part of a vehicle collect data about available lanes and other vehicles and obstructions in the vicinity of the vehicle or along the vehicle's route of travel. According to some examples, sensor fusion logic processes sensor data to calculate metrics associated with traffic conditions relevant to the vehicle. In some embodiments, a preferred travel lane for the vehicle is calculated using a combination of a cost function of traffic metrics with other available information. The preferred travel lane is presented to an operator or control system of the vehicle in some examples. Information, such as preferred lane information, cost function information, and traffic condition metrics is shared with other vehicles and devices, or stored to a database in some examples.