Method and apparatus for waypoint services navigational system

• US 20040203860A1
• Filed: 06/13/2002
• Published: 10/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sybase Incorporated (SAP SE)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Gusler, Carl Phillip, Hamilton, Rick Allen II, Fellenstein, Craig William
• Granted Patent: US 7,092,724 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/456.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals

Abstract

A Waypoint Services Navigational System (WSNS) is disclosed comprising a mobile unit connected to a server and to a database by the Internet. The WSNS uses omnipresent digital cellular links or any other form of radio frequency communications for transmission of information by a registered services provider to a traveler with a WSNS mobile unit. Using WSNS, the registered service provider announces its presence along with specific services/products to a traveler with a WSNS mobile unit within a predefined geographic radius. This information may be viewed via a conventional mobile computer, a personal digital assistant screen, or through a Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping longitude/latitude device. The WSNS mobile unit may be portable or mounted in a vehicle in a convenient location. Specific directions to a selected services provider are provided based upon the proximity positioning information at that moment in-time when the information is requested. Advertising specials, competitive services/products, entertainment, or emergency services may all be broadcast, and the user may choose from menus for the nature of services desired. Information may be provided regarding “upcoming” service providers through a combination of user geographical location, user directional data, and overlay maps showing registered businesses. Products or services may be ordered through a WSNS online order system for placing credit-or account backed purchases using the WSNS combination of locational information and business registration. WSNS service may also be provided through conventional internet-only communications, downloadable into a GPS-attached mobile computer to alleviate the need for a cellular link to the car.

Claims

1. A method for providing information from a server to a mobile unit each connected to a network comprising:

establishing a Radius_immediate; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_immediate.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

establishing a LateralDistance.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

establishing a Radius_available; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_available.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

setting desirability preferences.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

setting order preferences.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

setting position determination.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

identifying a trip.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

selecting options.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

entering payment data.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

setting visual parameters for advertising.

11. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

setting audio parameters for advertising.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

sending an itinerary; and

selecting a delivery method for magnetic media.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

entering a road designation.

14. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

verifying a road designation.

16. An apparatus for providing information to travelers comprising:

a mobile unit connected to the Internet;

a memory in the mobile unit;

a server computer connected to the mobile unit by the Internet;

wherein, responsive to receipt of a request from the mobile unit, the server computer sends an information from a Geographic Information System table to the memory.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

displaying the information.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

a program in the memory for setting up the mobile unit.

19. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

a program in the memory for making a request.

20. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

a program in the memory for sending an order.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising:

establishing a Radius_immediate; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_immediate.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising:

establishing a LateralDistance.

23. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising:

establishing a Radius_available; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_available.

24. An apparatus for transmitting information between a mobile unit and a server computer connected by the Internet comprising:

in the mobile unit, means for sending a request to the server; and

responsive to receipt of the request from the mobile unit, in the server computer means for sending an information from a Geographic Information System table to the memory.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

a means for displaying the information.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

a means for setting up the mobile unit.

27. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

means for making a request.

28. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

means for sending an order.

29. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

means for establishing a Radius_immediate; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_immediate.

30. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

means for establishing a LateralDistance.

31. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising:

means for establishing a Radius_available; and

establishing a ForwardDistance_available.