Auto routing computer for eliminating the need for maps or travel instructions

• US 4,301,506 A
• Filed: 07/07/1980
• Issued: 11/17/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Daniel J. Turco
• Original Assignee: Daniel J. Turco
• Inventors: Turco, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Krass, Errol A.
• Application Number:
  US06/166,648
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 364/424, 364/436, 364/439, 364/441, 364/444, 364/446, 364/449, 340/52 R, 340/54, 235/92 DN, 235/92 TC, 73/178 R, 455/11, 455/54
• US Class Current: 701/117
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3415 Dynamic re-routing, e.g. recalculating the route when the user deviates from calculated route or after detecting real-time traffic data or accidents
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3632 Guidance using simplified or iconic instructions, e.g. using arrows G01C21/365 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096822 where the segments of the route are transmitted to the vehicle at different locations and times
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096827 where the route is computed onboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096844 where the complete route is dynamically recomputed based on new data
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096861 where the immediate route instructions are output to the driver, e.g. arrow signs for next turn

Abstract

A routing computer is provided for eliminating the use of maps or oral or written instructions by the operator of a vehicle who wishes to travel from a given point of origin over a selected route terminating in an ultimate destination, such computer including a keyboard for instructing a data processor that the driver wishes to travel over an often unknown route between a known point of origin and a known ultimate destination. The data processor produces one selected set of data corresponding to the unique selected route, which set of data includes a plurality of data subsets, each of which produces a visual indication of the various subroutes to be taken while the vehicle traverses the journey. The data processor also produces indications of the estimated time that remains before the vehicle reaches the ultimate destination, and the estimated miles to go. Circuitry is also provided for causing the computer to indicate alternate recommended routes in the event of a traffic tieup. The processor may be reprogrammed to change the geographical area within which the vehicle is travelling. The result is the saving of time, gasoline and operator aggravation.

Claims

1. A method of eliminating the use of maps or other instructions by the operator of a motor vehicle who wishes to travel from a given point of origin over a selected route terminating at a point of ultimate destination comprising:

A. providing a data processor completely contained within said motor vehicle for generating a given plurality of sets of data, each set representing a particular route within a given geographical area and each set including a plurality of data subsets, each subset including data indicative of a particular subroute to be taken in traversing said particular route, said data processor further including;

a1. a manually operated route establishing input device for generating data indicative of the point of origin and the point of ultimate destination of said selected route;

a2. selection means responsive to the manual actuation of said route establishing input device for selecting a particular selected set of said sets of data and for enabling the sequential generation of said plurality of data subsets making up said particular selected set of data;

a3. a manually operated fetch next subroute input device for instructing said data processor to fetch the next data subset indicative of the next subroute, of said selected set of said sets of data;

a4. output means responsive to the manual actuation of said fetch next subroute input device and the resulting generation of said next data subset for indicating to said operator the next subroute to be taken;

B. manually actuating said route establishing input device to enable the generation of a plurality of data subsets of said selected data set;

C. manually actuating said fetch next subroute input device upon the arrival of said motor vehicle at the point of origin of the next subroute for causing said output means to indicate to said operator the next subroute; and

,

D. manually actuating for a second time said fetch next subroute input device upon the arrival of said vehicle at the point of origin of the following subroute and so on until said motor vehicle arrives at said ultimate destination.

2. The method of claim 1 further including the step of recording within said data processor a second plurality of sets of data, different from said given plurality of sets of data, each set of said second plurality of sets of data representing a particular route within a second geographical area different from said given geographical area for enabling the routing of said motor vehicle within said second geographical area.

3. A method of eliminating the use of maps or other instructions by the operator of a motor vehicle who wishes to travel from a given point of origin over a selected route terminating at a point of ultimate destination comprising:

a. providing a data processor completely contained within said motor vehicle for storing therein a given plurality of sets of data, each set representing a particular route within a given geographical area and each set including a plurality of data subsets, each subset including data indicative of a particular subroute to be taken in traversing said particular route, said data processor further including;

a1. a first manually operated input device for generating data representing the point of origin of said selected route;

a2. a second manually operated input device for generating data representing said ultimate destination;

a3. selection means responsive to the manual actuation of said first and second input devices for selecting a particular selected set of said sets of data and for enabling the sequential generation of said plurality of data subsets making up said particular selected set of data;

a4. a third manually operated input device for instructing said data processor to fetch the next data subset indicative of the next subroute, of said selected set of said sets of data;

a5. output means responsive to the manual actuation of said third input device and the resulting generation of said next data subset for indicating to said operator the next subroute to be taken;

b. manually actuating said first and second input devices to enable the generation of a plurality of data subsets of said selected data set;

c. manually actuating said third input device upon the arrival of said vehicle at the point of origin of the next subroute for causing said output means to indicate to said operator the next subroute; and

d. manually actuating for a second time said third input device upon the arrival of said vehicle at the point of origin of the following subroute and so on until said vehicle arrives at said ultimate destination.

4. The method of claim 3 further including the step of recording within said data processor a second plurality of sets of data different from said given plurality of sets of data, each set of said second plurality of sets of data representing a particular route within a second geographical area different from said given geographical area for enabling the routing of said motor vehicle within said second geographical area.