WO1996004633A1 - Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location - Google Patents

Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996004633A1
WO1996004633A1 PCT/EP1995/003012 EP9503012W WO9604633A1 WO 1996004633 A1 WO1996004633 A1 WO 1996004633A1 EP 9503012 W EP9503012 W EP 9503012W WO 9604633 A1 WO9604633 A1 WO 9604633A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
interest
data
broadcast
geographic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP1995/003012
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael C. Park
Original Assignee
Seiko Communications Holding N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seiko Communications Holding N.V. filed Critical Seiko Communications Holding N.V.
Priority to AU31672/95A priority Critical patent/AU3167295A/en
Priority to EP95927742A priority patent/EP0772856B1/en
Priority to JP50618296A priority patent/JP3623964B2/en
Priority to DE69502105T priority patent/DE69502105T2/en
Publication of WO1996004633A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996004633A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G08G1/096805Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the transmitted instructions are used to compute a route
    • G08G1/096827Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the transmitted instructions are used to compute a route where the route is computed onboard
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01CMEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08GTRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G08G1/096855Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the output is provided in a suitable form to the driver
    • G08G1/096872Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the output is provided in a suitable form to the driver where instructions are given per voice
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4331Caching operations, e.g. of an advertisement for later insertion during playback
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4524Management of client data or end-user data involving the geographical location of the client
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/812Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to vehicle information systems, and particularly to vehicle information systems providing information relevant to current vehicle location.
  • a travel information device likely to be soon more commonly incorporated into vehicles is a vehicle position detecting system, e.g., the well known global positioning system (GPS) providing satellite broadcast to determine location of a receiving GPS device. Vehicles with GPS capability, therefore, have the very useful feature of tracking current vehicle position.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • a proposed information system Given access to current vehicle location, i.e., longitude and latitude values, a proposed information system provides vehicle position relative to a map representation of a given region, e.g., a map display of city streets with vehicle position indicated by street location rather ' than longitude and latitude position.
  • a digital map database further supports vehicle position display by reference to more meaningful information, i.e., by reference to a street map.
  • the digital map database must be current and comprehensive, i.e., have information relevant to wherever a vehicle may be used.
  • Massive digital map databases are, however, inherently expensive and difficult to include in mass produced products such as is desirable in a GPS-capable consumer product.
  • Digital map databases require license fees, large amounts of memory, frequent and expensive revision, and generally cannot be comprehensive enough to allow use throughout the entire world. It is not economically feasible to provide in an inexpensive consumer product a digital map database covering the entire world, or at least a significant geographic region. If the device is prepared for use throughout the world, an incredibly massive digital map is required giving rise to significant cost and maintenance requirements. If only selected geographic regions are incorporated into the digital map, the device cannot be used outside such geographic regions without post-manufacture modification or manipulation of numerous storage devices, e.g., a library of CD-ROM discs.
  • a vehicle information device it would be desirable, therefore, for a vehicle information device to be usable in any geographic area as manufactured yet still maintain an ability to indicate vehicle position information beyond merely longitude and latitude.
  • people need more meaningful information than merely longitude and latitude, yet a massive digital map is difficult to justify in the context of relatively inexpensive consumer products.
  • the need for current vehicle position is most typically a need to know current vehicle position relative to a location of interest.
  • customizing massive digital databases to provide reference to individual vehicle operator locations of interest is impractical. It would be desirable to avoid a requirement of procuring and maintaining in the travel information device a massive digital database, yet maintain an ability to reference geographic locations.
  • the subject matter of the present invention provides such a vehicle travel information device.
  • a travel information device in a vehicle includes a vehicle position detecting device and collects vehicle position information while also collecting data relevant geographic points of interest to provide a display indicating position of a point of interest relative to a current vehicle location.
  • collecting information relevant to geographic points of interest is by radio signal data broadcast in conjunction with radio signal voice broadcast, such as advertising, whereby a user interrogates a device under the present invention to collect by data broadcast detailed information concerning an advertisement of interest provided by a companion voice broadcast.
  • the data broadcast includes precise location information providing, in conjunction with current vehicle position, a basis for presenting a display graphically showing relative position between the geographic point of interest, such as the location of an advertiser, and the current vehicle location.
  • storage of information relative to geographic points of interest builds for the user a personal electronic reference for later selectively displaying such information, including ability to selectively display a representation of location relative to a then current vehicle position.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle information system, a given road network, and a vehicle travelling within the road network and carrying a travel information device according to a preferred form of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the travel information device for the vehicle of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the front panel controls and display of the travel information device of FIG. 2 as viewed by the operator of the vehicle of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates by flow chart a first method of collecting data for storage by the travel information device wherein the user hears by voice broadcast information of interest an selects corresponding data broadcast information for storage.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates by flow chart an alternative method for collecting information from the data broadcast whereby the operator designates collection criteria and the travel information device automatically collects qualifying data broadcast information.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates by flow chart programming for a radio broadcast system coordinating or associating voice radio broadcast with data radio broadcast.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates by flow chart programming of the travel information device of FIG. 1 for scanning or reviewing of information stored therein.
  • a vehicle 10 travels within a road network 12.
  • Network 12 includes main arterial roadways as illustrated, but as may be appreciated would be significantly more complex.
  • vehicle 10 travels throughout road network 12 along any selected travel route.
  • the operator of vehicle 10 travels within road network 12 to and from geographic points of interest 14, individually designated 14a-14d. While only several such geographic points of interest 14 are indicated in FIG. 1, it will be understood that any number of such geographic points of interest 14 may exist within road network 12.
  • geographic points of interest 14 for one individual vary relative to that of another individual. Accordingly, reference herein to geographic points of interest 14 shall be taken to be locations of interest to a particular person. Also illustrated in FIG.
  • radio broadcast system 20 provides a combined radio signal voice broadcast 22 and radio signal data broadcast 26. While illustrated as a single radio broadcast system 20, it will be understood that voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 could originate from separate radio signal broadcast facilities. Under the preferred form of the present invention, however, voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 originate from a common FM radio source as provided under the "Gaskill" paging system.
  • the present invention may be implemented according to many paging system protocols, but as illustrated herein operates under the time- division multiplexed protocol of the Gaskill paging system, as illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,713,808 and 4,897,835. The disclosure of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,713,808 and 4, 897,835 are incorporated herein fully by reference thereto.
  • the Gaskill paging system and associated receiving devices provide an inexpensive, highly battery-efficient and highly miniaturized paging device which, under the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, constitutes a data radio signal receiver 62 (FIG. 2) as a conduit for data broadcast 26 delivery to device 40.
  • a data radio signal receiver 62 FIG. 2
  • the Gaskill paging system uses FM radio signal transmission facilities to broadcast within a side-band frequency paging signal data packets according to a time-division multiplexed protocol.
  • voice broadcast 22 comprises the normal FM radio signal broadcast and data broadcast 26 represents the side-band paging system broadcast.
  • radio broadcast system 20 provides coordinated voice and data by radio signal.
  • radio broadcast system 20 receives voice advertisement and data message information 28, e.g., an advertising subscription, and integrates the data message portion thereof into other incoming paging system data packets originating from a Gaskill paging system clearinghouse 30.
  • radio station 20a coordinates or associates voice and data broadcasts 22 and 26, respectively.
  • the data message portion of information 28 could be routed through clearinghouse 30, in which case radio station 20a associates a voice broadcast 22 with a data broadcast 26 originating entirely from clearinghouse 30.
  • association of voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 shall be by time relation, e.g., concurrently broadcast, broadcast in close time relationship, or at given time offset.
  • Vehicle 10 includes a travel information device 40 receiving by way of antenna 42 the voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26.
  • device 40 receives conventional FM voice broadcasts and paging data broadcasts the Gaskill paging system protocol.
  • device 40 receives associated voice and data broadcasts whereby an operator of vehicle 10, upon hearing a voice broadcast of interest, captures the associated data broadcast to collect and store within device 40 detailed information, i.e., a data record including longitude and latitude, for a geographic point of interest 14.
  • FIG. 1 also illustrates a global position system (GPS) satellite 50 providing transmission 52. Details and use of GPS transmission and the collection of such transmission to determine location of a GPS receiver are well known. Use of GPS transmission 52 under the present invention is by incorporation of a global position system receiving device into travel information device 40 collection of a current vehicle position therewith as described more fully hereafter.
  • GPS global position system
  • travel information device 40 receives several channels of information.
  • voice broadcast 22 provided by radio broadcast system 20 provides to the vehicle operator a stream of voice information potentially including reference to geographic points of interest 14, i.e., advertisers located within road network 12.
  • data broadcast 26, as provided in association with voice broadcast 22 provides further detailed text message information captured selectively by device 40, e.g., when commanded by the operator of vehicle 10. This establishes, among other detailed information, a precise location for a geographic point of interest 14.
  • the global position system transmission 52 provides a current vehicle location and, therefore, a basis for presenting location of geographic points of interest 14 relative to current vehicle position.
  • device 40 maintains a database containing a collection of data records obtained from data broadcast 26. Each data record corresponds to a geographic point of interest 14, and device 40 displays a vector, i.e., distance and direction, indicator illustrating the relative position of a given geographic point of interest 14 relative to current vehicle location.
  • device 40 constructs and maintains information specific to a user of device 40, i.e., maintains information relative to geographic points of interest 14 selected by the operator of vehicle 10, and further provides meaningful position information beyond longitude and latitude for such points of interest 14 without reference to a massive digital map database of the road network 12.
  • Device 40 maintains current information relative to a given geographic region and specific to selected geographic points of interest 14.
  • such geographic points of interest 14 correspond generally to locations of advertisers providing, by way of radio broadcast system 20, both voice information in broadcast 22 and detailed message or text data in broadcast 26. This allows listeners to later reference such data and locate the corresponding geographic point of interest 14 relative to a then current vehicle position.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram travel information device 40.
  • a microprocessor 60 orchestrates generally operation of device 40.
  • Data radio signal receiver 62 couples antenna 42 to microprocessor 60.
  • data radio signal receiver 62 comprises essentially a paging system receiver operating under the Gaskill paging system.
  • the Gaskill system paging device provided as receiver 62 serves as a data terminal collecting data broadcast 26 and providing to microprocessor 60 detailed information associated with, for example, an associated voice advertisement broadcast in voice broadcast 22.
  • a voice radio receiver 64 also coupled to antenna 42, receives the voice broadcast 22 and delivers a voice signal 66 to an amplifier 68 driving a speaker 70.
  • Microprocessor 60 tunes voice radio receiver 64 by way of a tune control 72.
  • microprocessor 60 selects a radio signal voice broadcast 22 by tune control 72 and, by way of volume control 74 applied to amplifier 68, causes presentation of the corresponding voice broadcast on speaker 70.
  • a global position system receiver 80 receives the transmission 52 from global position system satellite 50 and delivers to microprocessor 60 a current vehicle location 82. In this manner, microprocessor 60 requests from global position system radio receiver 80 a current vehicle location and receives in return the current vehicle location 82.
  • Microprocessor 60 receives other vehicle information.
  • a fuel gauge sensor 90 provides a fuel remaining input 92 to microprocessor 60.
  • Microprocessor 60 drives a display 100.
  • Display 100 presents, for example, tuning and station selection information relative to the voice radio receiver 60 to provide an FM radio capability wherein the operator of vehicle 10 manipulates input controls 102, i.e., volume, station select, and other controls described more fully hereafter, to listen to a selected voice broadcast 22.
  • Display 100 further presents, as described more fully hereafter, data relevant to stored geographic points of interest 14 and also graphic indication, i.e., a vector indicating distance and direction, of a selected geographic point of interest 14 relative to the current vehicle location.
  • a compass 104 provides a vehicle orientation input 106 to microprocessor 60.
  • Device 40 uses the current vehicle position, i.e., as provided by vehicle location 82, and also the current vehicle orientation, as provided by input 106, to calculate a graphic indication, i.e., a display vector orientation, indicating direction of travel for a geographic point of interest 14 relative to the current vehicle position.
  • a graphic indication i.e., a display vector orientation
  • calculation and display of a vector on display 100 begins with calculation of distance between two points designated by longitude and latitude values, i.e., distance between the current vehicle location and the geographic point of interest 14, and calculation of an angle of orientation for a direction of travel.
  • display 100 has a fixed relationship relative to vehicle 10 and vehicle orientation input 106 supports an accurate display of a direction of travel as presented by vector icon on display 100. Furthermore, the display presented may be updated as vehicle 10 moves and the distance between vehicle 10 and the geographic point of interest 14 changes and also as vehicle orientation changes.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the travel information device 40 monitoring the combined voice and data broadcasts 22 and 26 and global positioning system broadcast 52.
  • FIG. 3 also illustrates display 100 and input controls 102.
  • Input controls 102 include a tune dial 102a, a volume dial 102b and an AM/FM switch 102c.
  • device 40 operates, from a user perspective, in part as a conventional car radio. The user manipulates input controls 102a-102c to listen to a voice broadcast 22 on speakers 70.
  • Additional control inputs 102 for device 40 include a clock button 102d, a tuner button 102e, a where information button 102f, a stored information button 102g, a filter button 102h, and a here button 102i.
  • Use of input controls 102d-102i will be explained more fully hereafter, but generally provide to the user various display presentations relative to display 100 and modes of operation for device 40.
  • display 100 presents a text message display portion 100a showing information such as vendor name, address, and current marketing information, for example, a sale or promotional activity including a date of availability for the promotional activity.
  • Display portion 100a further presents a category of vendor, e.g., sporting goods.
  • the data records obtained from data broadcast 26 and stored in device 40 include a variety of fields as indicated generally by the display portion 100a in FIG. 3.
  • information maintained in device 40 may be manipulated in the manner of a database, e.g., searching, sorting, and other such database record management functions.
  • Display 100 further provides a vector angle portion 100b and a vector distance-to-travel portion 100c.
  • angle portion 100b indicates the relative orientation of a direction of travel from the current vehicle location to a selected geographic point of interest 14.
  • Distance-to-travel portion 100c represents the distance separating the current vehicle location and the geographic point of interest.
  • the angular orientation of portion 100b desirable takes into account the current vehicle 10 orientation input 106 as provided by compass 104. Presentation of vector angle portion 100b should, therefore, indicate generally a direction of travel considering the viewer's perspective, i.e., looking at display 100 from within vehicle 10, to indicate appropriately the relative orientation of a direct line-of-sight or direction-of-travel from the current vehicle position to the geographic point of interest 14.
  • Clock button 102d when pressed, causes presentation by microprocessor 60 on display 100 the current time of day.
  • Tuner button 102e when pressed, causes presentation on display 100 by microprocessor 60 information relevant to tuning voice broadcast radio 64, e.g., frequency of station currently tuned, preset features available, and any other information normally displayed in connection with operation of a voice broadcast radio.
  • information button 102f when pressed, indicates to microprocessor 60 operator desire to collect information from data broadcast 26.
  • voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are synchronized broadcasts and the operator of device 40 hears an advertisement of interest provided by way of voice broadcast 22 and presses the where information button 102f for further information.
  • Microprocessor 60 then collects a data record, i.e., text message information relative to the advertisement of interest, by way of data broadcast 26 and data receiver 62. Text message information presented in display portion 100a is obtained, therefore, by the operator activating the where information button 102f during or just after a voice broadcast advertisement of interest.
  • Device 40 holds multiple data records, i.e., one for each geographic point of interest 14.
  • Stored information button 102g allows scanning through such stored data records and selective display of the previously stored data record for a geographic point of interest 14.
  • the user of device 40 constructs a personal electronic reference tracking travel information including data records for particular geographic points of interest 14, i.e., data records selected by and of interest to a particular user. The user thereby builds a personalized and current database of geographic points of interest 14.
  • Filter button 102h drives device 40 into an automatic data collection mode according to user selected filter criteria. For example, device 40 monitors the stream of data provided in data broadcast 22 and compares location information therein to the current vehicle location to collect all references within a given distance of current vehicle location. Additionally, the user establishes a category of interest, e.g., auto parts advertise ⁇ ments, grocery store advertisements, sporting goods or restaurant advertisements, to further filter information available in data broadcast 22. In this manner, the user of device 40 creates automatically a customized database by designating geographic points of interest 14 according to user-selected criteria.
  • a category of interest e.g., auto parts advertise ⁇ ments, grocery store advertisements, sporting goods or restaurant advertisements
  • the here button 102i provides another method of creating a data record concerning a geographic point of interest 14 within device 40, in this case one corresponding to current vehicle location.
  • the operator presses here button 102i and creates a geographic point of interest 14 data record corresponding to current vehicle location. This allows the user to begin at a given location, operate here button 102i, and have ability to reference that given location later while travelling, e.g., to return to that given location or to have directional indication of that given location from another vehicle location.
  • the data record created by device 40 in response to the here button 102i includes at least the longitude and latitude information corresponding to the vehicle position at the time of button 102i activation.
  • Additional textual information can be entered by the user if desired, e.g., textual information entered by operation of control inputs 102 in response to supporting prompts presented on display 100.
  • the user may wish to name a location in conjunction with activating the here button 102i for meaningful later referenc.e thereto.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates programming of microprocessor 60 for information collection from data broadcast 26, i.e., in this case in response to activation of where information button 102f.
  • voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are associated by simultaneous broadcast.
  • other association methods may be employed and incorporated into the illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
  • microprocessor 60 collects the most recently received data record of data broadcast 26.
  • voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are associated by simultaneous presentation and microprocessor 60 need only collect in response to activation of the where information button 102f the current presented or most recently presented data record in data broadcast 26.
  • microprocessor 60 always collects in an input buffer (not shown) each data record presented in data broadcast 26. For each new data record presented, the old, previous data record is replaced in the input buffer.
  • the input buffer holds, or will soon hold, a complete data record taken from data broadcast 26 and associated with the current voice broadcast 22 presentation.
  • processing in block 140 implements a method of association between voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26.
  • Decision block 142 determines whether the current voice broadcast 22 is related to the most recently received data record. For example, not every voice broadcast 22 presentation, e.g., advertisement, will have an associated data record available in data broadcast 26. For example, if the data record most recently received by way of data broadcast 26 is "stale" then it should not be taken as related to the current voice broadcast 22 presentation. In such case, processing branches through block 144 where device 40 presents on display 100 the message "where information not available" and processing terminates.
  • processing advances to block 146 where microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle location and vehicle orientation.
  • determining whether a given data record is "stale” may be implemented by time-stamping data records held in the input buffer. The length of time required to become “stale” in the input buffer is variable and a function of how quickly the operator of vehicle 10 must activate the where information button 102f.
  • Microprocessor 60 then calculates in block 148 the angle portion 100b and distance-to-travel portion 100c. In other words, microprocessor 60 calculates' and angle of orientation for the arrow icon presented in portion 100b using the current vehicle orientation 106 and the direction of travel toward the subject geographic point of interest 14. Microprocessor 60 then calculates the distance-to-travel value for portion 100c as the separation between the current vehicle position and subject geographic point of interest 14.
  • a timer interrupt may also be set to itteratively execute procedures updating the display portions 100b and 100c as the vehicle changes orientation and location relative to the geographic point of interest 14 associated with the current data record.
  • microprocessor 60 may take into account fuel remaining input 92 in comparison to expected vehicle 10 mileage and consider separation between current vehicle position and the subject geographic point of interest 14. If vehicle 10 holds insufficient fuel to make the trip to the subject geographic point of interest, an appropriate display may be presented to indicate such condition to the vehicle operator.
  • microprocessor 60 presents in display portion 100a the text message portion of the current data record, e.g., vendor name, address, phone number, and any other special promotional information provided.
  • decision block 152 the operator has opportunity to keep for permanent storage the current data record, in which case processing branches through block 154 where the current data record is stored for later reference, i.e., by operation of the stored information button 102g. Otherwise, processing exits directly from decision block 152.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates by flow chart an alternative method for gathering information from the data broadcast 22, i.e., gathering information automatically according to user- designated criteria in response to filter button 102h. In this manner, the operator need not monitor voice broadcast 22 to collect information of potential interest by way of data broadcast 26.
  • processing begins in block 180 where microprocessor 60 obtains, from the user, appropriate filtering criteria.
  • user interaction is conducted by way of display 100 and alternate functions defined for control inputs 102 to collect from the user a designation of filter criteria.
  • the user may be interested in all data records broadcast and being associated with a location within a given distance of current vehicle location. In this manner, the user collects advertising information for vendors in close and convenient proximity to current vehicle location.
  • data records are classified according to category, and the user designates as qualifying under user criteria certain categories of information. For example, the user may be interested in certain types of products or services advertised and having associated data records in data broadcast 22.
  • block 180 represents user designation of criteria applied to data records appearing in data broadcast 22, i.e., which of those data records will be accepted and stored by device 40 for later reference by operation of the stored information button 102g.
  • microprocessor 60 gets the next data record provided in data broadcast 22 and, in decision block 184, applies the user-designated criteria. If the data record collected in block 182 meets the user-designated criteria provided in block 180, then processing advances to block 186. Otherwise, processing returns to block 182 from decision block 184 to collect the next data record appearing in data broadcast 26. In block 186, microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle position and orientation. Continuing to block 188, microprocessor 60 calculates and displays the arrow icon at appropriate angle of orientation and the distance-to- travel value in display portions 100b and 100c, respectively.
  • microprocessor 60 displays the text message data available in the collected data record.
  • An alarm presented in block 190 indicates to the user collection of a data record potentially of interest, i.e., satisfying the user- designated criteria provided in block 180.
  • Decision block 192 allows the user opportunity to discard or keep for permanent storage the data record just collected. Accordingly, if the user declines storage of the just-collected data record then processing returns immediately to block 182. Otherwise, processing advances through block 194 where the just-collected data record is stored for later reference by operation of the stored information button 102g. Processing then returns from block 194 to block 182 for collection of a next data record.
  • an exit procedure interrupts the data record collection loop represented by flow chart in FIG. 5.
  • the user may wish to terminate collection or may wish to modify the designation of data record collection criteria in block 180.
  • processing at decision block 192 need not forego collection of additional data records in data broadcast 26.
  • additional records may be queued for review by the operator even though microprocessor 60 is awaiting input at decision block 192.
  • a time-out feature allows processing to advance without requiring user input, e.g., accepts for storage the data record qualifying under the user designated criteria and allows the user to later delete the record from device 40.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates by flow chart processing conducted by the radio broadcast system 20 in providing associated voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26.
  • processing begins in block 200 where radio broadcast system 20 receives an advertising subscription including both voice advertising for presentation in the voice broadcast 22 and message information for presentation in the data broadcast 26.
  • association between the voice advertisement and message data is by simultaneous broadcast.
  • system 20 transmits in block 202 the text message information and location information in data broadcast 26 followed by transmission of the voice presentation in voice broadcast 22.
  • processing in blocks 202 and 204 repeats intermittently, i.e., according to how often and when the dual channel advertisement is to be broadcast.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates programming for microprocessor 60 in response to activation of the stored information button 102g.
  • processing begins in block 220 where microprocessor 60 presents opportunity for the user to scan stored data records according to a given criteria, i.e., get a display selection from the user of device 40. For example, the user wishes to display data records according to a certain sequence or to display only records meeting a certain criteria, e.g., restaurant advertisements. Having obtained a display selection from the user, processing advances to block 224 where microprocessor 60 gets a next data record according to the user-designated display selection. Continuing to block 226, microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle position and orientation.
  • microprocessor 60 calculates and presents display portions 100b and 100c, i.e., displays vector information indicating the distance and relative orientation to a geographic point of interest 14 corresponding to the data record currently presented.
  • microprocessor 60 displays at display portion 100a the text portion of the data record for review by the user.
  • Decision block 232 provides the user opportunity to terminate scanning of stored information in which case processing exits from decision block 232. If the user continues scanning through the scored data records according to the designated display selection, then processing returns from decision block 232 to block 224 where a next data record in the sequence is selected for review by the user.
  • processing illustrated in FIG. 7 initiates a timer interrupt procedure updating display portions 100b and 100c as the vehicle orientation and location relative to the currently displayed geographic point of interest 14 changes.
  • the scanning procedure illustrated in FIG. 7 may, as will be appreciated, be augmented to include additional features such as deleting data records, sorting on various fields of the text message portion, and applying additional category values whereby the user may better manage a collection of information maintained m device 40 and relevant to travel of vehicle 10 to and from geographic points of interest 14.
  • a user builds a customized database containing geographic points of interest, including precise longitude and latitude information and ability to provide distance and orientation of travel toward the geographic point of interest and in relation to the current vehicle location.
  • the user obtains useful information by way of radio signal without requiring reference to a massive digital database of the surrounding geographic area.
  • Information obtained by radio signal is always current, i.e., replaced by subsequent broadcast.
  • the operator maintains a dynamic and up-to-date database of specific geographic points of interest.

Abstract

A vehicle information device collects information concerning specific geographic points of interest. The operator recalls for display such information, including a display showing direction and distance of travel to a designated geographic point of interest relative to a then-current vehicle location. Dual channel advertising is transmitted by voice broadcast and by data broadcast. Upon hearing in the voice broadcast an advertisement of interest, the operator captures the associated data broadcast including, among other detailed text message information, the location of the advertiser. Distance and relative direction of travel from the current vehicle location to the geographic point of interest is thereby presented. Multiple geographic points of interest are stored for selective review whereby the user constructs a database containing locations of particular interest to a particular person.

Description

DUAL CHANNEL ADVERTISING REFERENCING VEHICLE LOCATION
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vehicle information systems, and particularly to vehicle information systems providing information relevant to current vehicle location.
A variety of traffic related information is now available for use in aiding vehicle travel, especially in urban road networks. A travel information device likely to be soon more commonly incorporated into vehicles is a vehicle position detecting system, e.g., the well known global positioning system (GPS) providing satellite broadcast to determine location of a receiving GPS device. Vehicles with GPS capability, therefore, have the very useful feature of tracking current vehicle position.
Given access to current vehicle location, i.e., longitude and latitude values, a proposed information system provides vehicle position relative to a map representation of a given region, e.g., a map display of city streets with vehicle position indicated by street location rather'than longitude and latitude position. Thus, a digital map database further supports vehicle position display by reference to more meaningful information, i.e., by reference to a street map. To be of value, however, the digital map database must be current and comprehensive, i.e., have information relevant to wherever a vehicle may be used.
Massive digital map databases are, however, inherently expensive and difficult to include in mass produced products such as is desirable in a GPS-capable consumer product. Digital map databases require license fees, large amounts of memory, frequent and expensive revision, and generally cannot be comprehensive enough to allow use throughout the entire world. It is not economically feasible to provide in an inexpensive consumer product a digital map database covering the entire world, or at least a significant geographic region. If the device is prepared for use throughout the world, an incredibly massive digital map is required giving rise to significant cost and maintenance requirements. If only selected geographic regions are incorporated into the digital map, the device cannot be used outside such geographic regions without post-manufacture modification or manipulation of numerous storage devices, e.g., a library of CD-ROM discs.
It would be desirable, therefore, for a vehicle information device to be usable in any geographic area as manufactured yet still maintain an ability to indicate vehicle position information beyond merely longitude and latitude. In particular, people need more meaningful information than merely longitude and latitude, yet a massive digital map is difficult to justify in the context of relatively inexpensive consumer products. The need for current vehicle position is most typically a need to know current vehicle position relative to a location of interest. Unfortunately, customizing massive digital databases to provide reference to individual vehicle operator locations of interest is impractical. It would be desirable to avoid a requirement of procuring and maintaining in the travel information device a massive digital database, yet maintain an ability to reference geographic locations. The subject matter of the present invention provides such a vehicle travel information device.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with the present invention, a travel information device in a vehicle includes a vehicle position detecting device and collects vehicle position information while also collecting data relevant geographic points of interest to provide a display indicating position of a point of interest relative to a current vehicle location.
In the illustrated and preferred form of the present invention, collecting information relevant to geographic points of interest is by radio signal data broadcast in conjunction with radio signal voice broadcast, such as advertising, whereby a user interrogates a device under the present invention to collect by data broadcast detailed information concerning an advertisement of interest provided by a companion voice broadcast. The data broadcast includes precise location information providing, in conjunction with current vehicle position, a basis for presenting a display graphically showing relative position between the geographic point of interest, such as the location of an advertiser, and the current vehicle location.
According to one aspect of the present invention, storage of information relative to geographic points of interest builds for the user a personal electronic reference for later selectively displaying such information, including ability to selectively display a representation of location relative to a then current vehicle position.
The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle information system, a given road network, and a vehicle travelling within the road network and carrying a travel information device according to a preferred form of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the travel information device for the vehicle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the front panel controls and display of the travel information device of FIG. 2 as viewed by the operator of the vehicle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates by flow chart a first method of collecting data for storage by the travel information device wherein the user hears by voice broadcast information of interest an selects corresponding data broadcast information for storage.
FIG. 5 illustrates by flow chart an alternative method for collecting information from the data broadcast whereby the operator designates collection criteria and the travel information device automatically collects qualifying data broadcast information. FIG. 6 illustrates by flow chart programming for a radio broadcast system coordinating or associating voice radio broadcast with data radio broadcast.
FIG. 7 illustrates by flow chart programming of the travel information device of FIG. 1 for scanning or reviewing of information stored therein.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
In FIG. 1, a vehicle 10 travels within a road network 12. Network 12 includes main arterial roadways as illustrated, but as may be appreciated would be significantly more complex. For the present illustration, it will be understood that vehicle 10 travels throughout road network 12 along any selected travel route. Furthermore, the operator of vehicle 10 travels within road network 12 to and from geographic points of interest 14, individually designated 14a-14d. While only several such geographic points of interest 14 are indicated in FIG. 1, it will be understood that any number of such geographic points of interest 14 may exist within road network 12. Furthermore, geographic points of interest 14 for one individual vary relative to that of another individual. Accordingly, reference herein to geographic points of interest 14 shall be taken to be locations of interest to a particular person. Also illustrated in FIG. 1, radio broadcast system 20 provides a combined radio signal voice broadcast 22 and radio signal data broadcast 26. While illustrated as a single radio broadcast system 20, it will be understood that voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 could originate from separate radio signal broadcast facilities. Under the preferred form of the present invention, however, voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 originate from a common FM radio source as provided under the "Gaskill" paging system. The present invention may be implemented according to many paging system protocols, but as illustrated herein operates under the time- division multiplexed protocol of the Gaskill paging system, as illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,713,808 and 4,897,835. The disclosure of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,713,808 and 4, 897,835 are incorporated herein fully by reference thereto.
The Gaskill paging system and associated receiving devices provide an inexpensive, highly battery-efficient and highly miniaturized paging device which, under the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, constitutes a data radio signal receiver 62 (FIG. 2) as a conduit for data broadcast 26 delivery to device 40.
Generally the Gaskill paging system uses FM radio signal transmission facilities to broadcast within a side-band frequency paging signal data packets according to a time-division multiplexed protocol. Thus, voice broadcast 22 comprises the normal FM radio signal broadcast and data broadcast 26 represents the side-band paging system broadcast.
It will be understood, therefore, that radio broadcast system 20 provides coordinated voice and data by radio signal. In particular, radio broadcast system 20 receives voice advertisement and data message information 28, e.g., an advertising subscription, and integrates the data message portion thereof into other incoming paging system data packets originating from a Gaskill paging system clearinghouse 30. In this manner, radio station 20a coordinates or associates voice and data broadcasts 22 and 26, respectively. As may be appreciated, however, the data message portion of information 28 could be routed through clearinghouse 30, in which case radio station 20a associates a voice broadcast 22 with a data broadcast 26 originating entirely from clearinghouse 30. Such association may be provided by a number of arrangements, but under the illustrated form of the present invention, association of voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 shall be by time relation, e.g., concurrently broadcast, broadcast in close time relationship, or at given time offset.
Vehicle 10 includes a travel information device 40 receiving by way of antenna 42 the voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26. Thus, device 40 receives conventional FM voice broadcasts and paging data broadcasts the Gaskill paging system protocol. In this manner, device 40 receives associated voice and data broadcasts whereby an operator of vehicle 10, upon hearing a voice broadcast of interest, captures the associated data broadcast to collect and store within device 40 detailed information, i.e., a data record including longitude and latitude, for a geographic point of interest 14.
FIG. 1 also illustrates a global position system (GPS) satellite 50 providing transmission 52. Details and use of GPS transmission and the collection of such transmission to determine location of a GPS receiver are well known. Use of GPS transmission 52 under the present invention is by incorporation of a global position system receiving device into travel information device 40 collection of a current vehicle position therewith as described more fully hereafter.
Thus, travel information device 40 receives several channels of information. First, voice broadcast 22 provided by radio broadcast system 20 provides to the vehicle operator a stream of voice information potentially including reference to geographic points of interest 14, i.e., advertisers located within road network 12. Second, data broadcast 26, as provided in association with voice broadcast 22, provides further detailed text message information captured selectively by device 40, e.g., when commanded by the operator of vehicle 10. This establishes, among other detailed information, a precise location for a geographic point of interest 14. Third, the global position system transmission 52 provides a current vehicle location and, therefore, a basis for presenting location of geographic points of interest 14 relative to current vehicle position.
As described more fully hereafter, device 40 maintains a database containing a collection of data records obtained from data broadcast 26. Each data record corresponds to a geographic point of interest 14, and device 40 displays a vector, i.e., distance and direction, indicator illustrating the relative position of a given geographic point of interest 14 relative to current vehicle location. In this manner, device 40 constructs and maintains information specific to a user of device 40, i.e., maintains information relative to geographic points of interest 14 selected by the operator of vehicle 10, and further provides meaningful position information beyond longitude and latitude for such points of interest 14 without reference to a massive digital map database of the road network 12. Device 40 maintains current information relative to a given geographic region and specific to selected geographic points of interest 14. Under one aspect of the present invention, such geographic points of interest 14 correspond generally to locations of advertisers providing, by way of radio broadcast system 20, both voice information in broadcast 22 and detailed message or text data in broadcast 26. This allows listeners to later reference such data and locate the corresponding geographic point of interest 14 relative to a then current vehicle position.
FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram travel information device 40. In FIG. 2, a microprocessor 60 orchestrates generally operation of device 40. Data radio signal receiver 62 couples antenna 42 to microprocessor 60. As contemplated under the preferred form of the present invention, data radio signal receiver 62 comprises essentially a paging system receiver operating under the Gaskill paging system. Thus, the Gaskill system paging device provided as receiver 62 serves as a data terminal collecting data broadcast 26 and providing to microprocessor 60 detailed information associated with, for example, an associated voice advertisement broadcast in voice broadcast 22. A voice radio receiver 64, also coupled to antenna 42, receives the voice broadcast 22 and delivers a voice signal 66 to an amplifier 68 driving a speaker 70. Microprocessor 60 tunes voice radio receiver 64 by way of a tune control 72. Thus, microprocessor 60 selects a radio signal voice broadcast 22 by tune control 72 and, by way of volume control 74 applied to amplifier 68, causes presentation of the corresponding voice broadcast on speaker 70.
A global position system receiver 80 receives the transmission 52 from global position system satellite 50 and delivers to microprocessor 60 a current vehicle location 82. In this manner, microprocessor 60 requests from global position system radio receiver 80 a current vehicle location and receives in return the current vehicle location 82.
Microprocessor 60 receives other vehicle information. For example, a fuel gauge sensor 90 provides a fuel remaining input 92 to microprocessor 60.
Microprocessor 60 drives a display 100. Display 100 presents, for example, tuning and station selection information relative to the voice radio receiver 60 to provide an FM radio capability wherein the operator of vehicle 10 manipulates input controls 102, i.e., volume, station select, and other controls described more fully hereafter, to listen to a selected voice broadcast 22. Display 100 further presents, as described more fully hereafter, data relevant to stored geographic points of interest 14 and also graphic indication, i.e., a vector indicating distance and direction, of a selected geographic point of interest 14 relative to the current vehicle location.
A compass 104 provides a vehicle orientation input 106 to microprocessor 60. Device 40 uses the current vehicle position, i.e., as provided by vehicle location 82, and also the current vehicle orientation, as provided by input 106, to calculate a graphic indication, i.e., a display vector orientation, indicating direction of travel for a geographic point of interest 14 relative to the current vehicle position. To portray on display 100 the relative direction, i.e., toward the geographic point of interest, current vehicle orientation is considered. Thus, calculation and display of a vector on display 100 begins with calculation of distance between two points designated by longitude and latitude values, i.e., distance between the current vehicle location and the geographic point of interest 14, and calculation of an angle of orientation for a direction of travel. In other words, display 100 has a fixed relationship relative to vehicle 10 and vehicle orientation input 106 supports an accurate display of a direction of travel as presented by vector icon on display 100. Furthermore, the display presented may be updated as vehicle 10 moves and the distance between vehicle 10 and the geographic point of interest 14 changes and also as vehicle orientation changes.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the travel information device 40 monitoring the combined voice and data broadcasts 22 and 26 and global positioning system broadcast 52. FIG. 3 also illustrates display 100 and input controls 102. Input controls 102 include a tune dial 102a, a volume dial 102b and an AM/FM switch 102c. As may be appreciated, device 40 operates, from a user perspective, in part as a conventional car radio. The user manipulates input controls 102a-102c to listen to a voice broadcast 22 on speakers 70. Additional control inputs 102 for device 40 include a clock button 102d, a tuner button 102e, a where information button 102f, a stored information button 102g, a filter button 102h, and a here button 102i. Use of input controls 102d-102i will be explained more fully hereafter, but generally provide to the user various display presentations relative to display 100 and modes of operation for device 40.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, display 100 presents a text message display portion 100a showing information such as vendor name, address, and current marketing information, for example, a sale or promotional activity including a date of availability for the promotional activity. Display portion 100a further presents a category of vendor, e.g., sporting goods. As may be appreciated, the data records obtained from data broadcast 26 and stored in device 40 include a variety of fields as indicated generally by the display portion 100a in FIG. 3. In such form, information maintained in device 40 may be manipulated in the manner of a database, e.g., searching, sorting, and other such database record management functions.
Display 100 further provides a vector angle portion 100b and a vector distance-to-travel portion 100c. As described herein above, angle portion 100b indicates the relative orientation of a direction of travel from the current vehicle location to a selected geographic point of interest 14. Distance-to-travel portion 100c represents the distance separating the current vehicle location and the geographic point of interest. The angular orientation of portion 100b desirable takes into account the current vehicle 10 orientation input 106 as provided by compass 104. Presentation of vector angle portion 100b should, therefore, indicate generally a direction of travel considering the viewer's perspective, i.e., looking at display 100 from within vehicle 10, to indicate appropriately the relative orientation of a direct line-of-sight or direction-of-travel from the current vehicle position to the geographic point of interest 14.
Clock button 102d, when pressed, causes presentation by microprocessor 60 on display 100 the current time of day. Tuner button 102e, when pressed, causes presentation on display 100 by microprocessor 60 information relevant to tuning voice broadcast radio 64, e.g., frequency of station currently tuned, preset features available, and any other information normally displayed in connection with operation of a voice broadcast radio.
Where information button 102f, when pressed, indicates to microprocessor 60 operator desire to collect information from data broadcast 26. For example, voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are synchronized broadcasts and the operator of device 40 hears an advertisement of interest provided by way of voice broadcast 22 and presses the where information button 102f for further information. Microprocessor 60 then collects a data record, i.e., text message information relative to the advertisement of interest, by way of data broadcast 26 and data receiver 62. Text message information presented in display portion 100a is obtained, therefore, by the operator activating the where information button 102f during or just after a voice broadcast advertisement of interest.
Device 40 holds multiple data records, i.e., one for each geographic point of interest 14. Stored information button 102g allows scanning through such stored data records and selective display of the previously stored data record for a geographic point of interest 14. In this manner, the user of device 40 constructs a personal electronic reference tracking travel information including data records for particular geographic points of interest 14, i.e., data records selected by and of interest to a particular user. The user thereby builds a personalized and current database of geographic points of interest 14.
Filter button 102h drives device 40 into an automatic data collection mode according to user selected filter criteria. For example, device 40 monitors the stream of data provided in data broadcast 22 and compares location information therein to the current vehicle location to collect all references within a given distance of current vehicle location. Additionally, the user establishes a category of interest, e.g., auto parts advertise¬ ments, grocery store advertisements, sporting goods or restaurant advertisements, to further filter information available in data broadcast 22. In this manner, the user of device 40 creates automatically a customized database by designating geographic points of interest 14 according to user-selected criteria.
The here button 102i provides another method of creating a data record concerning a geographic point of interest 14 within device 40, in this case one corresponding to current vehicle location. The operator presses here button 102i and creates a geographic point of interest 14 data record corresponding to current vehicle location. This allows the user to begin at a given location, operate here button 102i, and have ability to reference that given location later while travelling, e.g., to return to that given location or to have directional indication of that given location from another vehicle location. The data record created by device 40 in response to the here button 102i includes at least the longitude and latitude information corresponding to the vehicle position at the time of button 102i activation.
Additional textual information can be entered by the user if desired, e.g., textual information entered by operation of control inputs 102 in response to supporting prompts presented on display 100. For example, the user may wish to name a location in conjunction with activating the here button 102i for meaningful later referenc.e thereto. FIG. 4 illustrates programming of microprocessor 60 for information collection from data broadcast 26, i.e., in this case in response to activation of where information button 102f. In FIG. 4, it will be assumed that voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are associated by simultaneous broadcast. As may be appreciated, other association methods may be employed and incorporated into the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. Processing in response to user activation of the where information button 102f begins in block 140 where microprocessor 60 collects the most recently received data record of data broadcast 26. As shown in the present embodiment, voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26 are associated by simultaneous presentation and microprocessor 60 need only collect in response to activation of the where information button 102f the current presented or most recently presented data record in data broadcast 26. In anticipation of such task, microprocessor 60 always collects in an input buffer (not shown) each data record presented in data broadcast 26. For each new data record presented, the old, previous data record is replaced in the input buffer. Thus, when the operator activates where information button 102f, the input buffer holds, or will soon hold, a complete data record taken from data broadcast 26 and associated with the current voice broadcast 22 presentation. Thus, processing in block 140 implements a method of association between voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26. Decision block 142 determines whether the current voice broadcast 22 is related to the most recently received data record. For example, not every voice broadcast 22 presentation, e.g., advertisement, will have an associated data record available in data broadcast 26. For example, if the data record most recently received by way of data broadcast 26 is "stale" then it should not be taken as related to the current voice broadcast 22 presentation. In such case, processing branches through block 144 where device 40 presents on display 100 the message "where information not available" and processing terminates. If, however, the data record most recently received is related to the voice broadcast 22 presentation, i.e., not "stale", then processing advances to block 146 where microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle location and vehicle orientation. As may be appreciated, determining whether a given data record is "stale" may be implemented by time-stamping data records held in the input buffer. The length of time required to become "stale" in the input buffer is variable and a function of how quickly the operator of vehicle 10 must activate the where information button 102f.
Microprocessor 60 then calculates in block 148 the angle portion 100b and distance-to-travel portion 100c. In other words, microprocessor 60 calculates' and angle of orientation for the arrow icon presented in portion 100b using the current vehicle orientation 106 and the direction of travel toward the subject geographic point of interest 14. Microprocessor 60 then calculates the distance-to-travel value for portion 100c as the separation between the current vehicle position and subject geographic point of interest 14.
As may be appreciated, a timer interrupt may also be set to itteratively execute procedures updating the display portions 100b and 100c as the vehicle changes orientation and location relative to the geographic point of interest 14 associated with the current data record. Furthermore, microprocessor 60 may take into account fuel remaining input 92 in comparison to expected vehicle 10 mileage and consider separation between current vehicle position and the subject geographic point of interest 14. If vehicle 10 holds insufficient fuel to make the trip to the subject geographic point of interest, an appropriate display may be presented to indicate such condition to the vehicle operator. Continuing to block 150, microprocessor 60 presents in display portion 100a the text message portion of the current data record, e.g., vendor name, address, phone number, and any other special promotional information provided. In decision block 152, the operator has opportunity to keep for permanent storage the current data record, in which case processing branches through block 154 where the current data record is stored for later reference, i.e., by operation of the stored information button 102g. Otherwise, processing exits directly from decision block 152.
FIG. 5 illustrates by flow chart an alternative method for gathering information from the data broadcast 22, i.e., gathering information automatically according to user- designated criteria in response to filter button 102h. In this manner, the operator need not monitor voice broadcast 22 to collect information of potential interest by way of data broadcast 26.
In FIG. 5, processing begins in block 180 where microprocessor 60 obtains, from the user, appropriate filtering criteria. For example, user interaction is conducted by way of display 100 and alternate functions defined for control inputs 102 to collect from the user a designation of filter criteria. For example, the user may be interested in all data records broadcast and being associated with a location within a given distance of current vehicle location. In this manner, the user collects advertising information for vendors in close and convenient proximity to current vehicle location. Also, data records are classified according to category, and the user designates as qualifying under user criteria certain categories of information. For example, the user may be interested in certain types of products or services advertised and having associated data records in data broadcast 22. In any event, block 180 represents user designation of criteria applied to data records appearing in data broadcast 22, i.e., which of those data records will be accepted and stored by device 40 for later reference by operation of the stored information button 102g.
Continuing to block 182, microprocessor 60 gets the next data record provided in data broadcast 22 and, in decision block 184, applies the user-designated criteria. If the data record collected in block 182 meets the user-designated criteria provided in block 180, then processing advances to block 186. Otherwise, processing returns to block 182 from decision block 184 to collect the next data record appearing in data broadcast 26. In block 186, microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle position and orientation. Continuing to block 188, microprocessor 60 calculates and displays the arrow icon at appropriate angle of orientation and the distance-to- travel value in display portions 100b and 100c, respectively.
Then, in block 190, microprocessor 60 displays the text message data available in the collected data record. An alarm presented in block 190 indicates to the user collection of a data record potentially of interest, i.e., satisfying the user- designated criteria provided in block 180. Decision block 192 allows the user opportunity to discard or keep for permanent storage the data record just collected. Accordingly, if the user declines storage of the just-collected data record then processing returns immediately to block 182. Otherwise, processing advances through block 194 where the just-collected data record is stored for later reference by operation of the stored information button 102g. Processing then returns from block 194 to block 182 for collection of a next data record.
As may be appreciated, an exit procedure (not shown) interrupts the data record collection loop represented by flow chart in FIG. 5. For example, the user may wish to terminate collection or may wish to modify the designation of data record collection criteria in block 180. Furthermore, processing at decision block 192 need not forego collection of additional data records in data broadcast 26. In other words, additional records may be queued for review by the operator even though microprocessor 60 is awaiting input at decision block 192. Also, should the operator not respond immediately at decision block 192, a time-out feature allows processing to advance without requiring user input, e.g., accepts for storage the data record qualifying under the user designated criteria and allows the user to later delete the record from device 40.
FIG. 6 illustrates by flow chart processing conducted by the radio broadcast system 20 in providing associated voice broadcast 22 and data broadcast 26. In FIG. 6, processing begins in block 200 where radio broadcast system 20 receives an advertising subscription including both voice advertising for presentation in the voice broadcast 22 and message information for presentation in the data broadcast 26. As noted herein above, association between the voice advertisement and message data is by simultaneous broadcast. Thus, system 20 transmits in block 202 the text message information and location information in data broadcast 26 followed by transmission of the voice presentation in voice broadcast 22. As may be appreciated, processing in blocks 202 and 204 repeats intermittently, i.e., according to how often and when the dual channel advertisement is to be broadcast.
FIG. 7 illustrates programming for microprocessor 60 in response to activation of the stored information button 102g. In FIG. 7, processing begins in block 220 where microprocessor 60 presents opportunity for the user to scan stored data records according to a given criteria, i.e., get a display selection from the user of device 40. For example, the user wishes to display data records according to a certain sequence or to display only records meeting a certain criteria, e.g., restaurant advertisements. Having obtained a display selection from the user, processing advances to block 224 where microprocessor 60 gets a next data record according to the user-designated display selection. Continuing to block 226, microprocessor 60 obtains the current vehicle position and orientation. Then, in block 228, microprocessor 60 calculates and presents display portions 100b and 100c, i.e., displays vector information indicating the distance and relative orientation to a geographic point of interest 14 corresponding to the data record currently presented. Continuing to block 230, microprocessor 60 displays at display portion 100a the text portion of the data record for review by the user. Decision block 232 provides the user opportunity to terminate scanning of stored information in which case processing exits from decision block 232. If the user continues scanning through the scored data records according to the designated display selection, then processing returns from decision block 232 to block 224 where a next data record in the sequence is selected for review by the user.
Important to note, as the user scans through stored data records and obtains a presentation on display 100, the then- current vehicle orientation and location are referenced to present a then-current relative position in display portions 100b and 100c, i.e., the current relative direction of travel and distance to the geographic point of interest 14 associated with the data record currently displayed by device 40. Also, processing illustrated in FIG. 7 initiates a timer interrupt procedure updating display portions 100b and 100c as the vehicle orientation and location relative to the currently displayed geographic point of interest 14 changes.
The scanning procedure illustrated in FIG. 7 may, as will be appreciated, be augmented to include additional features such as deleting data records, sorting on various fields of the text message portion, and applying additional category values whereby the user may better manage a collection of information maintained m device 40 and relevant to travel of vehicle 10 to and from geographic points of interest 14.
Thus, an improved vehicle information device and method of operation have been shown and described. Under the present invention, a user builds a customized database containing geographic points of interest, including precise longitude and latitude information and ability to provide distance and orientation of travel toward the geographic point of interest and in relation to the current vehicle location. In this manner, the user obtains useful information by way of radio signal without requiring reference to a massive digital database of the surrounding geographic area. Information obtained by radio signal is always current, i.e., replaced by subsequent broadcast. In this manner, the operator maintains a dynamic and up-to-date database of specific geographic points of interest.
It will be appreciated, that the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment or embodiments that have been described and illustrated herein, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as found in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing travel information relative to vehicle location, the method comprising the steps: transmitting information of potential interest, said information of potential interest including records, each record including at least a location corresponding to a geographic point; receiving at travel information devices said information of potential interest; determining at each travel information device a current location therefor; and selecting at each travel information device ones of said records for display, said display including indication of direction and distance to the corresponding geographic point in relation to said current location for said travel information device.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said transmitting step includes, in said information of potential interest, also text message data.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said text message data comprises advertising data for a vendor at the corresponding geographic location.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said method further comprises the step of carrying said travel information device in a vehicle.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of transmitting includes transmitting voice information by voice broadcast and text data information by data broadcast, said records being provided in said data broadcast, said voice broadcast and data broadcast being associated whereby presentation of said voice broadcast corresponds to a given portion of said data broadcast.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of transmitting information comprises the step of transmitting advertising information and said geographic point corresponds to a vendor location associated with said advertising.
7. A method of operating a travel information device carried by a vehicle along a travel route, the method comprising the steps: receiving data records by radio signal, each data record corresponding to a potential point of interest along a travel route and including at least a geographic location for said potential point of interest; selecting and storing ones of said data records; calculating current location for said travel information device; and displaying position relative to said current location of a geographic location corresponding to a selected data record.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said data records correspond to advertising information of a vendor at said geographic location.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein said method further comprises advertising broadcast by voice signal and associated with at least one of said data records.
10. A method according to claim 7 wherein said displaying position step comprises the step of displaying relative orientation of a direction and magnitude of distance from said current location to said geographic location.
11. A method of providing travel information at a vehicle, the method comprising the steps: detecting said vehicle position; collecting information relevant to geographic points of interest, said information including a geographic location for each of said geographic points of interest; and displaying relative to a current location as established in said detecting step a distance to and a direction toward a selected one of said geographic points of interest.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said method further comprises the steps: maintaining a plurality of data records, each corresponding to information taken from said collecting step and relevant to a geographic point of interest; and reviewing said plurality of data records while concurrently executing said display step relative to a data record currently under review taking into account a then- current vehicle location.
13. A method according to claim 11 wherein said collecting step comprises the steps: monitoring by an operator of the travel information device a voice broadcast; and actuating by an operator said travel information device to capture information in an associated data broadcast.
14. A method according to claim 11 wherein said step of detecting said vehicle position is by satellite transmission.
PCT/EP1995/003012 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location WO1996004633A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU31672/95A AU3167295A (en) 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location
EP95927742A EP0772856B1 (en) 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location
JP50618296A JP3623964B2 (en) 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 Dual channel advertising device and system related to vehicle location
DE69502105T DE69502105T2 (en) 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 TWO-CHANNEL ADVERTISING WITH VEHICLE LOCATION REFERENCE

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28289394A 1994-07-29 1994-07-29
US08/282,893 1994-07-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996004633A1 true WO1996004633A1 (en) 1996-02-15

Family

ID=23083574

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1995/003012 WO1996004633A1 (en) 1994-07-29 1995-07-28 Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5627549A (en)
EP (1) EP0772856B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3623964B2 (en)
AU (1) AU3167295A (en)
DE (1) DE69502105T2 (en)
WO (1) WO1996004633A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997017685A1 (en) * 1995-11-09 1997-05-15 Q Communications Pty Ltd A method of triggering an event
EP0817414A2 (en) * 1996-06-26 1998-01-07 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Computer system for enabling radio listeners/television watchers to obtain advertising information
EP0840270A2 (en) * 1996-10-31 1998-05-06 Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Car navigation system with FM multi-broadcast signal receiving function
DE19724556A1 (en) * 1997-06-11 1998-12-17 Opel Adam Ag Unidirectional off-board navigation system
EP1100063A2 (en) * 1999-11-02 2001-05-16 Nec Corporation Advertisement broadcast method, system and receiver for a navigation system
WO2001048581A2 (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-07-05 Linden Craig L Mobile advertising methods and improvements
EP1178412A1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-02-06 Nec Corporation System, method and computer readable medium for distributing information to a selection of users in a mobile telephone network
CN101713664B (en) * 2008-09-29 2012-09-19 日产自动车株式会社 Information presentation apparatus for vehicle and information presentation method for vehicle

Families Citing this family (211)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2278196A (en) * 1993-05-18 1994-11-23 William Michael Frederi Taylor Information system using GPS
US20040196181A1 (en) * 1994-09-22 2004-10-07 Huston Charles D. Method and apparatus for message display on a golf course
US8606851B2 (en) 1995-06-06 2013-12-10 Wayport, Inc. Method and apparatus for geographic-based communications service
US6259405B1 (en) * 1995-06-06 2001-07-10 Wayport, Inc. Geographic based communications service
US5835061A (en) 1995-06-06 1998-11-10 Wayport, Inc. Method and apparatus for geographic-based communications service
US20070001875A1 (en) * 1995-11-14 2007-01-04 Taylor William M F GPS explorer
US5951620A (en) * 1996-01-26 1999-09-14 Navigation Technologies Corporation System and method for distributing information for storage media
US6141621A (en) * 1996-08-02 2000-10-31 Magellan Dis, Inc. Method of providing a textual description of a remote vehicle location
US6236365B1 (en) 1996-09-09 2001-05-22 Tracbeam, Llc Location of a mobile station using a plurality of commercial wireless infrastructures
WO1998010307A1 (en) 1996-09-09 1998-03-12 Dennis Jay Dupray Location of a mobile station
US9134398B2 (en) 1996-09-09 2015-09-15 Tracbeam Llc Wireless location using network centric location estimators
GB9707615D0 (en) * 1997-04-14 1997-06-04 British Telecomm Telecommunications apparatus and method
US6148261A (en) 1997-06-20 2000-11-14 American Calcar, Inc. Personal communication system to send and receive voice data positioning information
US6133853A (en) 1998-07-30 2000-10-17 American Calcar, Inc. Personal communication and positioning system
US6560461B1 (en) 1997-08-04 2003-05-06 Mundi Fomukong Authorized location reporting paging system
CA2302160A1 (en) * 1997-09-17 1999-03-25 Magellan Dis, Inc. Method of providing a textual description of a remote vehicle location
JP3509511B2 (en) * 1997-11-20 2004-03-22 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vehicle information acquisition device
US6697103B1 (en) 1998-03-19 2004-02-24 Dennis Sunga Fernandez Integrated network for monitoring remote objects
JP3548459B2 (en) * 1998-11-20 2004-07-28 富士通株式会社 Guide information presenting apparatus, guide information presenting processing method, recording medium recording guide information presenting program, guide script generating apparatus, guide information providing apparatus, guide information providing method, and guide information providing program recording medium
US6711379B1 (en) 1998-05-28 2004-03-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Digital broadcasting system and terminal therefor
JP3651748B2 (en) * 1998-05-28 2005-05-25 株式会社東芝 Terminal equipment for digital broadcasting system
US7277424B1 (en) * 1998-07-21 2007-10-02 Dowling Eric M Method and apparatus for co-socket telephony
JP2002528948A (en) 1998-10-21 2002-09-03 アメリカン カルカー インコーポレイティド Position camera and GPS data exchange device
FI106823B (en) 1998-10-23 2001-04-12 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Information retrieval system
US6060993A (en) * 1998-11-03 2000-05-09 Adapt Media, Inc. Mobile display system
US6236330B1 (en) 1998-11-03 2001-05-22 Adapt Media, Inc. Mobile display system
US6522875B1 (en) * 1998-11-17 2003-02-18 Eric Morgan Dowling Geographical web browser, methods, apparatus and systems
US6295528B1 (en) * 1998-11-30 2001-09-25 Infospace, Inc. Method and apparatus for converting a geographic location to a direct marketing area for a query
CN1210898C (en) * 1998-12-02 2005-07-13 瑞士电信流动电话公司 Mobile apparatus and method for receiving and filtering from program-accumpanying data on the basis of a defined position
US6332127B1 (en) 1999-01-28 2001-12-18 International Business Machines Corporation Systems, methods and computer program products for providing time and location specific advertising via the internet
US6360167B1 (en) 1999-01-29 2002-03-19 Magellan Dis, Inc. Vehicle navigation system with location-based multi-media annotation
US7877290B1 (en) * 1999-03-29 2011-01-25 The Directv Group, Inc. System and method for transmitting, receiving and displaying advertisements
US7038637B1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2006-05-02 Si Diamond Technology, Inc. System and method for selling advertising space on electronic billboards over the internet
US6424998B2 (en) * 1999-04-28 2002-07-23 World Theatre, Inc. System permitting the display of video or still image content on selected displays of an electronic display network according to customer dictates
US7426480B2 (en) * 1999-06-09 2008-09-16 Catalina Marketing Corporation In-vehicle promotions system
DE19930780A1 (en) * 1999-07-03 2001-01-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method for receiving digital signals via a radio network and receiving device for digital signals transmitted via radio channels
ES2275344T3 (en) * 1999-07-06 2007-06-01 Swisscom Mobile Ag PORTABLE BROADCASTING RECEIVER WITH AN IDENTIFICATION MODULE.
US20040102197A1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2004-05-27 Dietz Timothy Alan Dynamic web page construction based on determination of client device location
CN1229993C (en) * 1999-10-18 2005-11-30 株式会社电通 Television broadcasting method, television broadcasting apparatus receiver and medium
JP2003529054A (en) * 1999-10-19 2003-09-30 アメリカン カルカー インコーポレイティド Effective navigation technology based on user preferences
EP1224577A4 (en) 1999-10-27 2003-05-28 American Calcar Inc System and method for user navigation
EP1226697B1 (en) * 1999-11-03 2010-09-22 Wayport, Inc. Distributed network communication system which enables multiple network providers to use a common distributed network infrastructure
US7139557B2 (en) * 1999-11-15 2006-11-21 Pango Networks, Inc. Systems, devices and methods for providing services in a proximity-base environment
US6628928B1 (en) 1999-12-10 2003-09-30 Ecarmerce Incorporated Internet-based interactive radio system for use with broadcast radio stations
US7822823B2 (en) * 1999-12-14 2010-10-26 Neeraj Jhanji Systems for communicating current and future activity information among mobile internet users and methods therefor
EP1247191A4 (en) * 1999-12-29 2007-12-12 Harry A Glorikian An internet system for connecting client-travelers with geographically-associated data
GB0008109D0 (en) * 2000-04-03 2000-05-24 Wunker Stephen Method of providing advertisements using a mobile telephone
US7343165B2 (en) 2000-04-11 2008-03-11 American Calcar Inc. GPS publication application server
GB2365704B (en) * 2000-04-14 2002-11-06 Actv Inc A method and system for providing additional information to a user receiving a video or audio program
US6731940B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2004-05-04 Trafficmaster Usa, Inc. Methods of using wireless geolocation to customize content and delivery of information to wireless communication devices
US20050289015A1 (en) * 2000-05-17 2005-12-29 Hunter Charles E System and method permitting merchants to use electronic billboard displays to carry advertisements for products that can be purchased through a universal, automated order processing system
US6353797B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2002-03-05 Airflash Database minimizing by wireless input of location related information
US6915204B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2005-07-05 Webraska, Inc. Method, system, and article of manufacture for minimizing travel time to a user selected location
US10684350B2 (en) 2000-06-02 2020-06-16 Tracbeam Llc Services and applications for a communications network
US10641861B2 (en) 2000-06-02 2020-05-05 Dennis J. Dupray Services and applications for a communications network
US9875492B2 (en) 2001-05-22 2018-01-23 Dennis J. Dupray Real estate transaction system
US8073565B2 (en) 2000-06-07 2011-12-06 Apple Inc. System and method for alerting a first mobile data processing system nearby a second mobile data processing system
US8060389B2 (en) 2000-06-07 2011-11-15 Apple Inc. System and method for anonymous location based services
US6456234B1 (en) 2000-06-07 2002-09-24 William J. Johnson System and method for proactive content delivery by situation location
JP2002009691A (en) * 2000-06-20 2002-01-11 Nec Corp System and method for distributing area information
KR20030022876A (en) * 2000-07-28 2003-03-17 아메리칸 캘카어 인코포레이티드 Technique for effective organization and communication of information
WO2002015086A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2002-02-21 Tvx Internet Services, Inc. Integrated system for differentiation and positioning of a commercial offering
US20030130893A1 (en) * 2000-08-11 2003-07-10 Telanon, Inc. Systems, methods, and computer program products for privacy protection
GB0019820D0 (en) * 2000-08-12 2000-09-27 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Selective delivery of data
AU2001289205A1 (en) * 2000-09-11 2002-03-26 Wishoo, Inc. System and method for tactical couponing
CA2422693A1 (en) * 2000-09-22 2002-03-28 Catalina Marketing International, Inc. Method and system for using a hand held device for receiving promotions and product information
JP2002101060A (en) * 2000-09-22 2002-04-05 Pioneer Electronic Corp Advertisement information providing apparatus
US6414635B1 (en) 2000-10-23 2002-07-02 Wayport, Inc. Geographic-based communication service system with more precise determination of a user's known geographic location
US6965914B2 (en) 2000-10-27 2005-11-15 Eric Morgan Dowling Negotiated wireless peripheral systems
US7035932B1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2006-04-25 Eric Morgan Dowling Federated multiprotocol communication
US6901429B2 (en) * 2000-10-27 2005-05-31 Eric Morgan Dowling Negotiated wireless peripheral security systems
US7577581B1 (en) * 2000-10-31 2009-08-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Method for targeting promotions to individual associated with a vehicle
CN1862230B (en) * 2000-11-08 2011-07-20 松下电器产业株式会社 Navigation display system
US7376640B1 (en) * 2000-11-14 2008-05-20 At&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc. Method and system for searching an information retrieval system according to user-specified location information
DE10058913B4 (en) * 2000-11-20 2004-08-12 Siemens Ag Information system for a traffic network and method for operating such
JP2002230315A (en) * 2001-01-30 2002-08-16 Nec Corp System and method for data reproduction
US6813554B1 (en) 2001-02-15 2004-11-02 Peter Ebert Method and apparatus for adding commercial value to traffic control systems
US6952559B2 (en) * 2001-02-26 2005-10-04 International Business Machines Corporation Digital radio ad enhancements
US6590507B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2003-07-08 Hrl Laboratories, Llc Method and system for providing personalized traffic alerts
US7412202B2 (en) * 2001-04-03 2008-08-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method and apparatus for generating recommendations based on user preferences and environmental characteristics
US6966028B1 (en) 2001-04-18 2005-11-15 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. System and method for a uniform website platform that can be targeted to individual users and environments
US20020173981A1 (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-11-21 Stewart Brett B. Domain place registration system and method for registering for geographic based services
US7089264B1 (en) * 2001-06-22 2006-08-08 Navteq North America, Llc Geographic database organization that facilitates location-based advertising
US7092964B1 (en) * 2001-06-22 2006-08-15 Navteq North America, Llc Method of collecting market research information
US7305350B1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2007-12-04 Aol Llc System for notifying an online client of a mobile vendor
US7088352B2 (en) * 2002-06-19 2006-08-08 Novus Partners Llc Dynamic device and method for dispensing machines
US6898517B1 (en) * 2001-07-24 2005-05-24 Trimble Navigation Limited Vehicle-based dynamic advertising
DE10136323A1 (en) * 2001-07-26 2003-02-20 Bosch Gmbh Robert Provision of information for display in public transport, particularly by means of digital audio broadcasting and digital video broadcasting, whereby information can be output in a date dependent manner
US7371041B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2008-05-13 Seagate Technology Llc Assembly station with rotatable turret which forms and unloads a completed stack of articles
US7412206B1 (en) * 2001-11-28 2008-08-12 Dimension One Spas Wireless audio system in a spa
US20030153329A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2003-08-14 General Motors Corporation Method for broadcast filtering using convex hulls
US20020183059A1 (en) * 2002-06-08 2002-12-05 Noreen Gary Keith Interactive system and method for use with broadcast media
US7071895B2 (en) * 2002-08-22 2006-07-04 Novus Communication Technologies, Inc. Pseudo bit-depth system for dynamic billboards
US7298275B2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2007-11-20 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Machine associating method and apparatus
US7116993B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2006-10-03 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. System and method for providing location based information
US7016673B2 (en) * 2002-10-01 2006-03-21 Interdigital Technology Corporation Wireless communication method and system with controlled WTRU peer-to-peer communications
US6882290B2 (en) * 2002-12-20 2005-04-19 Mobile Knowledge Inc. Method and system for dynamically personalizing transportation in a vehicle
US7272456B2 (en) * 2003-01-24 2007-09-18 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Position based machine control in an industrial automation environment
US7043316B2 (en) * 2003-02-14 2006-05-09 Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc. Location based programming and data management in an automated environment
JP2004287300A (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-10-14 Hitachi Ltd Advertising data serving method, advertisement distribution method, and on-vehicle advertising system
KR100562901B1 (en) * 2003-06-30 2006-03-21 삼성전자주식회사 System of providing a location information and method thereof
US8554611B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2013-10-08 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and system for electronic delivery of incentive information based on user proximity
US8620733B2 (en) 2003-09-11 2013-12-31 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and system for electronic distribution of incentives having real-time consumer-based directions
US20060004631A1 (en) 2003-09-11 2006-01-05 Roberts Gregory B Method and system for generating real-time directions associated with product promotions
US8301494B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2012-10-30 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and system for managing inventory and promotions campaign based on redemption data
US8620732B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2013-12-31 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and system for presenting banners having direct link to user profile information
US8484076B2 (en) 2003-09-11 2013-07-09 Catalina Marketing Corporation Proximity-based method and system for generating customized incentives
US8583475B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2013-11-12 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and system for generating intelligent electronic banners based on user information
US20050071498A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2005-03-31 Farchmin David W. Wireless location based automated components
US7251535B2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2007-07-31 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Location based diagnostics method and apparatus
US8645569B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2014-02-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Juxtaposition based machine addressing
US7233863B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2007-06-19 Albert Rodriguez GPS location finding device
US20050228528A1 (en) * 2004-04-01 2005-10-13 Farchmin David W Location based material handling and processing
US20050221877A1 (en) * 2004-04-05 2005-10-06 Davis Scott B Methods for controlling processing of outputs to a vehicle wireless communication interface
US7590310B2 (en) 2004-05-05 2009-09-15 Facet Technology Corp. Methods and apparatus for automated true object-based image analysis and retrieval
US20060020968A1 (en) * 2004-07-23 2006-01-26 Findaway World Llc Method for commercialization and advertising using a personal media player
US7562394B2 (en) 2004-07-23 2009-07-14 Findaway World Llc Personal media player apparatus and method
US20060074531A1 (en) * 2004-09-28 2006-04-06 Nokia Corporation System for interaction of navigation and connectivity programs and personal information management applications
KR100677150B1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2007-02-02 삼성전자주식회사 Apparatus and method of providing location based information
WO2006062324A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-15 Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute Recoding medium for point of information/news information service frame structure, and apparatus for processing application service based on tpeg protocol using the same
US7912630B2 (en) * 2004-12-14 2011-03-22 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for performing programmatic actions based upon vehicle approximate locations
US7561950B2 (en) * 2004-12-22 2009-07-14 General Motors Corporation Method of determining and predicting entertainment selections for telematics units
US7124937B2 (en) * 2005-01-21 2006-10-24 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Wireless payment methods and systems
US7353034B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2008-04-01 X One, Inc. Location sharing and tracking using mobile phones or other wireless devices
US8015064B2 (en) * 2005-04-20 2011-09-06 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp System and method of providing advertisements to cellular devices
US7778873B2 (en) * 2005-04-20 2010-08-17 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method of providing advertisements to Wi-Fi devices
US7930211B2 (en) 2005-04-20 2011-04-19 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method of providing advertisements to portable communication devices
US8027877B2 (en) * 2005-04-20 2011-09-27 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method of providing advertisements to mobile devices
JP4503487B2 (en) * 2005-04-28 2010-07-14 富士通テン株式会社 Music information providing system, terminal device, and terminal program
WO2006121986A2 (en) 2005-05-06 2006-11-16 Facet Technology Corp. Network-based navigation system having virtual drive-thru advertisements integrated with actual imagery from along a physical route
US20060252434A1 (en) * 2005-05-09 2006-11-09 Bing-Sheng Lin Mobile communication device with e-map data, a phone book, and wireless communication, and an application method thereof
US7672774B2 (en) * 2005-06-06 2010-03-02 General Motors Company Method and system for determining traffic information traffic profiles
US9042921B2 (en) * 2005-09-21 2015-05-26 Buckyball Mobile Inc. Association of context data with a voice-message component
US7933895B2 (en) * 2006-01-13 2011-04-26 Catalina Marketing Corporation Coupon and internet search method and system with mapping engine
DE102006009091A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-08-30 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag A method for issuing a notification message in a vehicle and vehicle
US20070298840A1 (en) * 2006-06-02 2007-12-27 Findaway World, Inc. Personal media player apparatus and method
US8924194B2 (en) 2006-06-20 2014-12-30 At&T Intellectual Property Ii, L.P. Automatic translation of advertisements
EP2062216A4 (en) * 2006-09-11 2013-01-02 Catalina Marketing Corp System and method for providing secure electronic coupons to wireless access point users
US7934639B1 (en) 2006-11-17 2011-05-03 Capital One Financial Corporation System and method of notifying user near point of sale location of available rewards at the point of sale location
CA2707184C (en) 2006-11-28 2013-02-12 Key Tech, Inc. Fully automatic key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system
US8615426B2 (en) 2006-12-26 2013-12-24 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Coupon offers from multiple entities
US9940627B2 (en) 2006-12-26 2018-04-10 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Mobile coupon method and system
CN101647040A (en) * 2006-12-26 2010-02-10 维萨美国股份有限公司 Mobile payment system and method using alias
EP2118837A4 (en) 2007-01-09 2012-07-11 Visa Usa Inc Mobile phone payment process including threshold indicator
US7768395B2 (en) * 2007-01-19 2010-08-03 Gold Steven K Brand mapping
US20080281516A1 (en) * 2007-05-02 2008-11-13 Ian Cummings Advertising management in a wireless client-server navigation system
US8204684B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-06-19 Apple Inc. Adaptive mobile device navigation
US8311526B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-11-13 Apple Inc. Location-based categorical information services
US8762056B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2014-06-24 Apple Inc. Route reference
US8332402B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-12-11 Apple Inc. Location based media items
US9109904B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2015-08-18 Apple Inc. Integration of map services and user applications in a mobile device
US8774825B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2014-07-08 Apple Inc. Integration of map services with user applications in a mobile device
US8385946B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2013-02-26 Apple Inc. Disfavored route progressions or locations
US9066199B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2015-06-23 Apple Inc. Location-aware mobile device
US8175802B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-05-08 Apple Inc. Adaptive route guidance based on preferences
US8108144B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-01-31 Apple Inc. Location based tracking
US8290513B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-10-16 Apple Inc. Location-based services
US8275352B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-09-25 Apple Inc. Location-based emergency information
US8180379B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2012-05-15 Apple Inc. Synchronizing mobile and vehicle devices
DE102007033759A1 (en) * 2007-07-18 2009-01-22 Deutsche Post Ag Input of geodata into a navigation device
US8170527B2 (en) 2007-09-26 2012-05-01 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Real-time balance on a mobile phone
US8554475B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2013-10-08 Mitac International Corporation Static and dynamic contours
US8355862B2 (en) 2008-01-06 2013-01-15 Apple Inc. Graphical user interface for presenting location information
US8600341B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2013-12-03 William J. Johnson System and method for location based exchanges of data facilitating distributed locational applications
US8639267B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2014-01-28 William J. Johnson System and method for location based exchanges of data facilitating distributed locational applications
US8897742B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2014-11-25 William J. Johnson System and method for sudden proximal user interface
US8566839B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2013-10-22 William J. Johnson System and method for automated content presentation objects
US8634796B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2014-01-21 William J. Johnson System and method for location based exchanges of data facilitating distributed location applications
US8761751B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2014-06-24 William J. Johnson System and method for targeting data processing system(s) with data
US20090258656A1 (en) * 2008-04-13 2009-10-15 Yin Wang Method for Exchanging Location-Relevant Information Using a Mobile Device with an Interactive Map Display
US9715709B2 (en) 2008-05-09 2017-07-25 Visa International Services Association Communication device including multi-part alias identifier
US9250092B2 (en) 2008-05-12 2016-02-02 Apple Inc. Map service with network-based query for search
US8644843B2 (en) 2008-05-16 2014-02-04 Apple Inc. Location determination
US8155666B2 (en) 2008-06-16 2012-04-10 Skyhook Wireless, Inc. Methods and systems for determining location using a cellular and WLAN positioning system by selecting the best cellular positioning system solution
US8478692B2 (en) * 2008-06-26 2013-07-02 Visa International Service Association Systems and methods for geographic location notifications of payment transactions
US9542687B2 (en) 2008-06-26 2017-01-10 Visa International Service Association Systems and methods for visual representation of offers
US8369867B2 (en) 2008-06-30 2013-02-05 Apple Inc. Location sharing
US8359643B2 (en) 2008-09-18 2013-01-22 Apple Inc. Group formation using anonymous broadcast information
US8977567B2 (en) 2008-09-22 2015-03-10 Visa International Service Association Recordation of electronic payment transaction information
US20100217709A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-08-26 Christian Aabye Apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized access to payment application installed in contactless payment device
US9824355B2 (en) 2008-09-22 2017-11-21 Visa International Service Association Method of performing transactions with contactless payment devices using pre-tap and two-tap operations
US10706402B2 (en) 2008-09-22 2020-07-07 Visa International Service Association Over the air update of payment transaction data stored in secure memory
RU2011116158A (en) 2008-09-25 2012-10-27 Виза Интернэшнл Сервис Ассосиэйшн (Us) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SORTING WARNING MESSAGES AND OFFERS ON MOBILE DEVICE
US8260320B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-09-04 Apple Inc. Location specific content
US20100238064A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-23 Formanek Vincent C Location based alert device with improved display
US8670748B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2014-03-11 Apple Inc. Remotely locating and commanding a mobile device
US8660530B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2014-02-25 Apple Inc. Remotely receiving and communicating commands to a mobile device for execution by the mobile device
US8666367B2 (en) 2009-05-01 2014-03-04 Apple Inc. Remotely locating and commanding a mobile device
US8344847B2 (en) 2009-07-09 2013-01-01 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Coordination of control commands in a medical device system having at least one therapy delivery device and at least one wireless controller device
US20110006880A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Fingerprint-linked control of a portable medical device
US20110010257A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Providing contextually relevant advertisements and e-commerce features in a personal medical device system
US20110009725A1 (en) * 2009-07-09 2011-01-13 Medtronic Minimed, Inc. Providing contextually relevant advertisements and e-commerce features in a personal medical device system
US11568772B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2023-01-31 Neville Boston Method and system for rendering content on the exterior of a vehicle
US9663028B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2017-05-30 Frederick Hayle Parkes Method and system for rendering content on the exterior of a vehicle
US9007193B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2015-04-14 Revivermx, Inc. Method and system for rendering content on the exterior of a vehicle
US20130331976A1 (en) 2010-06-03 2013-12-12 Minute Key Inc. Key duplicating system
US20110320120A1 (en) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Bart Tielens Method of operating a navigation system to block unwanted advertisements
US9538493B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2017-01-03 Finetrak, Llc Locating a mobile station and applications therefor
US8666815B1 (en) * 2011-09-09 2014-03-04 Google Inc. Navigation-based ad units in street view
US8687947B2 (en) 2012-02-20 2014-04-01 Rr Donnelley & Sons Company Systems and methods for variable video production, distribution and presentation
EP2823413A4 (en) 2012-03-07 2016-05-04 Snap Trends Inc Methods and systems of aggregating information of social networks based on geographical locations via a network
US9311837B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-04-12 Martigold Enterprises, Llc Methods and apparatus for message playback
US9031781B2 (en) * 2013-05-09 2015-05-12 Telenav, Inc. Navigation system with priority notification mechanism
US9477991B2 (en) 2013-08-27 2016-10-25 Snap Trends, Inc. Methods and systems of aggregating information of geographic context regions of social networks based on geographical locations via a network
US9894489B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2018-02-13 William J. Johnson System and method for situational proximity observation alerting privileged recipients
US9412118B2 (en) 2014-09-22 2016-08-09 Capital One Financial Corporation Systems and methods for providing offers using a mobile device
AU2016281650B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2021-10-07 The Hillman Group, Inc. System for identifying and duplicating master keys
EP3446523B1 (en) * 2016-06-06 2020-11-18 Rec N' Trek Ltd. System, device, and method of navigation in tracks
CN110520337B (en) 2017-01-05 2022-08-30 复兴者迈科思公司 Digital license plate system with anti-theft system
JP7145159B2 (en) 2017-01-05 2022-09-30 リバイバーエムエックス,インク. Power and communication modes for digital license plates
EP3984828A1 (en) 2017-01-05 2022-04-20 Revivermx, Inc. Thermal control system for a digital license plate

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0286105A2 (en) * 1987-04-08 1988-10-12 Hitachi, Ltd. Automobile driving guide apparatus
WO1990013190A1 (en) * 1989-04-17 1990-11-01 Spingarn, James, L. Technique for using a subcarrier frequency of a radio station to transmit, receive and display a message together with audio reproduction of the radio program
US5063610A (en) * 1989-09-27 1991-11-05 Ing Communications, Inc. Broadcasting system with supplemental data transmission and storage
JPH04134932A (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-05-08 Clarion Co Ltd Fm multiplex receiver

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5303393A (en) * 1990-11-06 1994-04-12 Radio Satellite Corporation Integrated radio satellite response system and method
US5155689A (en) * 1991-01-17 1992-10-13 By-Word Technologies, Inc. Vehicle locating and communicating method and apparatus
JP3305341B2 (en) * 1991-09-27 2002-07-22 パイオニア株式会社 Navigation device
JP2848061B2 (en) * 1991-11-06 1999-01-20 三菱電機株式会社 Navigation device
US5353034A (en) * 1991-11-08 1994-10-04 Sanden Corporation Position information inputting apparatus for a vehicle travel guide system
US5504482A (en) * 1993-06-11 1996-04-02 Rockwell International Corporation Automobile navigation guidance, control and safety system
US5470233A (en) * 1994-03-17 1995-11-28 Arkenstone, Inc. System and method for tracking a pedestrian
US5507485A (en) * 1994-04-28 1996-04-16 Roblor Marketing Group, Inc. Golf computer and golf replay device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0286105A2 (en) * 1987-04-08 1988-10-12 Hitachi, Ltd. Automobile driving guide apparatus
WO1990013190A1 (en) * 1989-04-17 1990-11-01 Spingarn, James, L. Technique for using a subcarrier frequency of a radio station to transmit, receive and display a message together with audio reproduction of the radio program
US5063610A (en) * 1989-09-27 1991-11-05 Ing Communications, Inc. Broadcasting system with supplemental data transmission and storage
JPH04134932A (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-05-08 Clarion Co Ltd Fm multiplex receiver

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 403 (E - 1254) 26 August 1992 (1992-08-26) *

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997017685A1 (en) * 1995-11-09 1997-05-15 Q Communications Pty Ltd A method of triggering an event
US6259381B1 (en) 1995-11-09 2001-07-10 David A Small Method of triggering an event
EP0817414A2 (en) * 1996-06-26 1998-01-07 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Computer system for enabling radio listeners/television watchers to obtain advertising information
EP0840270A2 (en) * 1996-10-31 1998-05-06 Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Car navigation system with FM multi-broadcast signal receiving function
EP0840270A3 (en) * 1996-10-31 1999-04-14 Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd. Car navigation system with FM multi-broadcast signal receiving function
DE19724556A1 (en) * 1997-06-11 1998-12-17 Opel Adam Ag Unidirectional off-board navigation system
US7337456B1 (en) 1999-11-02 2008-02-26 Nec Corporation Advertisement method, advertisement apparatus, advertisement receiver and recording medium
EP1100063A2 (en) * 1999-11-02 2001-05-16 Nec Corporation Advertisement broadcast method, system and receiver for a navigation system
EP1100063A3 (en) * 1999-11-02 2001-12-05 Nec Corporation Advertisement broadcast method, system and receiver for a navigation system
WO2001048581A2 (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-07-05 Linden Craig L Mobile advertising methods and improvements
WO2001048581A3 (en) * 1999-12-09 2002-02-07 Craig L Linden Mobile advertising methods and improvements
US6785538B2 (en) 2000-03-23 2004-08-31 Nec Corporation Communication system, communication method, and storage medium storing communication program for mobile device users
EP1178412A1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-02-06 Nec Corporation System, method and computer readable medium for distributing information to a selection of users in a mobile telephone network
CN101713664B (en) * 2008-09-29 2012-09-19 日产自动车株式会社 Information presentation apparatus for vehicle and information presentation method for vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3167295A (en) 1996-03-04
DE69502105D1 (en) 1998-05-20
JP3623964B2 (en) 2005-02-23
US5627549A (en) 1997-05-06
DE69502105T2 (en) 1998-08-06
EP0772856A1 (en) 1997-05-14
EP0772856B1 (en) 1998-04-15
JPH10505441A (en) 1998-05-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5627549A (en) Dual channel advertising referencing vehicle location
US5664948A (en) Delivery of data including preloaded advertising data
US6529143B2 (en) Information retrieval system
RU2383864C2 (en) Navigation device to display road traffic data
US6453230B1 (en) Apparatus for handling a traffic message
EP1100063A2 (en) Advertisement broadcast method, system and receiver for a navigation system
US20140351053A1 (en) Method and system for providing targeted marketing and services in an SDARS network
US20070249367A1 (en) Information Receiving Terminal and Infomation Distibuting System
US20030068999A1 (en) Interactive taxi information system
JPH11224047A (en) Map information providing method and terminal device used in same
IL143425A (en) Mobile apparatus and method for receiving and filtering from program-accompanying data on the basis of a defined position
JPH1165434A (en) Information provision system, information output method at terminal, mobile information terminal and information provision device
US6446002B1 (en) Route controlled audio programming
JP2004501351A (en) System for interconnecting wirelessly transmitted audio program data to remote vehicles or individuals using GPS location
CA2405813A1 (en) System for interconnection of audio program data transmitted by radio to remote vehicle or individual with gps location
JPH08154074A (en) Selective information collecting system and method therefor
JPH08123320A (en) Portable information display device
US20050113075A1 (en) Blind transmission of content to and storage in mobile device
JP2002344403A (en) Information browsing apparatus and method, and program for making computer execute the method
JP2002368706A (en) Information distribution system, mobile information device, information distributor, distribution request method and information distribution method
US20010027482A1 (en) Information search and display apparatus
JP2002101405A (en) Broadcast reception system
KR100913391B1 (en) Method for informing arrival of public vehicle using TPEG PTI service with mobile device and Mobile device providing that method
US20050096042A1 (en) Broadcast including content and location-identifying information for specific locations
JP2005181152A (en) Navigation system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU BR CA CH CN JP KR MX RU

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1995927742

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1995927742

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1995927742

Country of ref document: EP