Telecommunications system for dynamically modifying and indicating present navigational status

• US 5,642,107 A
• Filed: 10/11/1995
• Issued: 06/24/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marilyn Cross
• Original Assignee: Marilyn Cross
• Inventors: Cross, Marilyn
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US08/540,925
• Time in Patent Office: 622 Days
• Field of Search: 340/988, 340/990, 340/995, 340/992, 73/178 R, 364/449, 248/674, 248/309.1, 248/311.2, 248/917, 248/918, 248/919, 248/920
• US Class Current: 340/995.26
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0969 having a display in the form of a map
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/918 Ancillary device support associated with a video display screen

Abstract

A computerized telecommunications system is provided whereby a user, such as a traveler, may program a navigational course and then receive dynamically modified audio and visual feedback regarding a present navigational status position while proceeding through the programmed navigational course. The system receives a satellite transmitted signal which represents a predetermined static position along a navigational route. When the traveler coincides with a static position en route, the system utilizes this transmitted signal to dynamically modify and thereby update the previous navigational status position that was stored prior to receiving the current transmitted signal. This dynamically modified navigational status position is then transmitted to the traveler either audibly, or with an electronic visual marker (thereby permitting determination of present navigational status position with merely a quick glance), or both, to keep the traveler updated on his or her present navigational status position without requiring the traveler to concentrate on locating his or her navigational status position as with a conventional map.

Claims

1. A system for providing a motorist with a navigational status position, wherein said system comprises:

a. a display housing;

b. a computer housing, said computer housing hingedly connected to said display housing;

c. a substantially rectangular box shaped mounting bracket including an open top and a partially open front wall;

d. said mounting bracket configured to receive said display housing through said open top within said mounting bracket such that said computer housing extends away from said mounting bracket and such that said front wall restrains said display housing within said mounting bracket, the connection between said computer housing and said display housing extending through said partially open front wall.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket is for mounting on a dashboard of a vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said computer housing is substantially perpendicular to said display housing when said display housing is within said mounting bracket.

4. A system for providing a motorist with a navigational status position, wherein said system comprises:

a. satellite means for transmitting a navigational input signal;

b. receiving means for receiving said navigational input signal and generating a computer input signal;

c. computer processing means connected to said receiving means, for processing said computer input signal to provide a navigational output signal;

d. memory means connected to said computer processing means, for storing electronically the computer input signal for processing by said computer processing means; and

e. a computer graphics display screen connected to said computer processing means, for visually transmitting said navigational output signal to provide a navigational status position.

f. a display housing;

g. said computer graphics display screen contained within said display housing;

h. a computer housing;

i. said receiving means contained within said computer housing;

j. said computer processing means contained within said computer housing;

k. said memory means contained within said computer housing;

l. said computer housing including a keyboard;

m. said computer housing hingeally connected to said display housing;

n. a substantially rectangular box shaped mounting bracket including an open top and a partially open front wall;

o. said mounting bracket configured to receive said display housing through said open top within said mounting bracket such that said computer housing extends away from said mounting bracket and such that said front wall restrains said display housing within said mounting bracket, the connection between said computer housing and said display housing extending through said partially open front wall.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said mounting bracket is for mounting on a dashboard of a vehicle.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said computer housing is substantially perpendicular to said display housing when said display housing is within said mounting bracket.

7. The system according to claim 4, further comprising:

a. a compass which indicates a direction of travel.