TRAFFIC ASSIST® is a subscriber based service built around an idea that was developed and patented by TA's original inventor, Thomas Peterson. This unique invention was first conceived of in 1987 and had its patent granted in 1996 (#5,523,950). The patent covers the concept and method of providing vehicle drivers with the Least Time Route (LTR) for a given trip based on real time traffic conditions.
A reissue patent (#RE38,724 E) was granted on Apr 12, 2005. This patent is a broader version of the '950 patent.