Methods and apparatus for storing, accessing, generating and using information
about speed limits and speed traps are described. The system includes a positional
sensor such as a GPS device. Position information is used to access a database
of speed limit and/or speed trap information. The database may be local or remote.
Access to a remote database may be achieved using a wireless communications device
such as a wireless (cellular) modem. Encountered speed traps are logged in response
to the activation of a speed trap alert button by a user of the device or the output
of a radar/laser detector. Speed trap position, date and time information is transmitted
to the remote database system. Speed limit information is used to control the speed
of the automobile as part of a cruise control operation and/or is used to provide
the motor vehicle operator with warnings, e.g., that the applicable speed limit
is being exceeded. Speed trap information which is retrieved using positional information
provided by the GPS device is used to warn the user of the device of speed traps
in the user's vicinity as the user approaches the location of the known speed trap.
