Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Navigation – Determination of travel data based on the start point and...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-22
2001-11-13
Cuchinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Navigation
Determination of travel data based on the start point and...
C701S210000, C701S207000, C701S212000, C701S208000, C340S990000, C345S215000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317684
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for route planning and navigation using a portable communication device.
2. Description of Related Art
There are many navigation products on the market today. Some products provide map data via software stored on CDs for display to the driver while others combine the map data with a GPS receiver connected to a separate computer which can determine and display the current location of the vehicle on a map display.
In such a system, the driver inserts the CD with the stored map software into a portable or vehicle mounted computer. The driver inputs a destination and the computer determines the current location using the GPS receiver. The driver can make a route plan based on the map database. Visual and audio output for driving directions may also be provided.
However, in these navigation systems, an extra computer is needed which requires high power consumption. In addition, the driver often must turn off and turn on the computer to resume navigation to conserve batteries. Furthermore, the CDs with the map data stored therein, cannot accommodate for ever changing road conditions, traffic jams, bad weather, etc. Moreover, such a video display is difficult to mount and may cause a safety hazard if the driver averts his or her eyes to view the screen while driving.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an apparatus and method for route planning and navigation using a portable communication device. A route planning and navigation unit receives a route request from a caller. The route planning and navigation unit checks the latest traffic/road condition data, long term map database, knowledge database, Internet resources, if necessary, and then determines the best route for the driver to reach the destination. The best route refers to the route which meets caller's criteria best. For example, the quickest route, the shortest route, the most scenic route, etc. There may be default criteria set by the route planning and navigation unit or by caller. The caller may specify other constraints also, like intermediate stops.
The caller will be informed about the route plan instantly via voice communication. If the destination is invalid, the caller will be prompt to re-enter. The caller may also enter less detailed address. For example, the caller may say “school within 5 miles to the south”. In this instance, the route planning and navigation unit may search and present the caller with all the of the schools in the specified area for the caller to select. Other possible examples of a caller's input that may be handled by the route planning and navigation unit may be when the caller says “Sears' Tower in downtown Chicago” or “the best restaurant nearby”. If there is no direct route available to the destination, the caller will be informed and options may be provided, such as a re-entry in case of error, or the closest possible point by road, water (if in a boat), etc., if there is no direct path by vehicle or other form of transportation to the destination.
The route planning and navigation unit may also provide assistance for road, police or medical emergencies. Upon the callers DTMF input or audible request, an emergency signal may be sent to the an emergency 911 operator. The route planning and navigation unit may then support the 911 request by providing exact location information of the caller and other route navigation data for police officers, and other emergency personnel.
With respect to the planned route, if the caller desires, the whole route plan may be read for the caller to remember and follow. If the caller is not fully satisfied with the plan, the route planning and navigation unit will generate a new one either automatically, or based on the caller's inputs. If the caller prefers, the route planning and navigation unit will provide turn-by-turn navigation just when the caller is close to the turn. The route planning and navigation unit may remind the caller to change lanes to prepare for the turn. During the caller's planned trip, if the caller desires, the route planning and navigation unit will provide entertainment or information about a nearby area.
The turn-by-turn navigation may be an interactive voice route navigation which works on either continuous mode or intermittent mode. For continuous mode, the caller's communication device may be on a continuous “talk” mode. The “talk” mode may be one-way or two-way, and may be configured so that, if the caller prefers, the caller may make or receive phone calls while still being connected to the route planing and navigation unit.
There may also be an intermittent mode navigation mode. In this mode, the caller's communication device is switched to a “standby” mode when the caller is not talking with the route planning and navigation unit. The route planning and navigation unit may prompt the caller by placing a call to the caller when a navigation instruction is necessary.
For the navigation modes, the route planning and navigation unit will monitor the caller's location, speed, and direction. If it finds that the caller is close to a turn, it may give the turn-by-turn navigation instructions. If new traffic or road condition changes affect the caller's route or if the caller fails to follow the turn-by-turn instruction, it will re-plan a new route and send navigation instructions to the caller when the caller is close to the next turn. If the route is changed by the route planning and navigation unit, an explanation and the reasons for the change may be provided automatically, or at caller's request.
Anytime during the trip, the caller may contact the route planning and navigation unit for navigation assistance. The route planning and navigation unit will retrieve the caller's route from a storage device and provide turn-by-turn navigation upon request.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5835881 (1998-11-01), Trovato et al.
patent: 5845227 (1998-12-01), Peterson
patent: 5905451 (1999-05-01), Sakashita
patent: 5906654 (1999-05-01), Sato
patent: 5919246 (1999-07-01), Waizmann et al.
patent: 6128571 (2000-10-01), Ito et al.
patent: 6151505 (2000-11-01), Larkins et al.
Huang Yuming
Roeseler Armin
AT&T Wireless Services Inc.
Cuchinski, Jr. William A.
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
To Tuan C
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