GPS-based information system for vehicles

• US 5,767,795 A
• Filed: 07/03/1996
• Issued: 06/16/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Invensense Incorporated (TDK Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Delta Information Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Schaphorst, Richard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US08/675,006
• Time in Patent Office: 713 Days
• Field of Search: 340/995, 340/990, 340/988, 364/448, 364/449.5, 364/449.7, 364/443, 364/441.1, 701/200, 701/213, 701/206, 701/201
• US Class Current: 340/988
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09675 where a selection from the received information takes place in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096791 where the origin of the information is another vehicle

Abstract

An electronic tour guide overcomes the monotony of an automobile trip. The system includes a GPS receiver, a computer, and a database of pre-recorded information. These components may be contained in one housing, and may be permanently installed in a vehicle. The database contains information pertaining to various geographical regions. The computer receives a signal from the GPS indicating the position of the vehicle. The computer then retrieves information from the database, the retrieved information corresponding to the position determined by the GPS receiver. The information is presented to the traveler, either on a video display or through an audio playback unit. The system can therefore provide information on the history, geography, and/or culture, relating to the region through which the vehicle is traveling. The information can be modified to include specific reference to points of interest with respect to the instantaneous position and orientation of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An information retrieval system for use by a mobile traveler, the system comprising:

a) means for determining a location of the traveler by reception and analysis of signals from overhead satellites,

b) means for storing information relating to a plurality of geographical locations, and means for retrieving said information,

c) the information storing and retrieving means being operatively connected to the location determining means,

wherein the information storing and retrieving means comprises means for retrieving information on a geographical location in a vicinity of the traveler,

and wherein the information storing and retrieving means includes a database which contains information on facilities at or near exits of major highways, the system further comprising means for determining a nearest exit and for providing information concerning facilities near said nearest exit.

2. A method of providing information to a traveler, the method comprising the steps of:

a) determining a position of the traveler by receiving and analyzing GPS signals,

b) retrieving information from a database, wherein the retrieved information corresponds to the position determined in step (a), and

c) presenting the retrieved information to the traveler,

wherein the database contains information on facilities at or near exits of major highways, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of determining a nearest exit and providing information to the user concerning facilities near said nearest exit.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the presenting step is preceded by the step of generating additional information derived from the position determined in step (a), and wherein the presenting step comprises presenting the retrieved information and the additional information to the traveler.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the presenting step is selected from the group consisting of displaying the retrieved information on a video display and playing the information to the traveler in audio form through an audio unit.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the information contained in the database includes information selected from the group consisting of historical information, geographical information, cultural information, and information relating to tourist facilities.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the database has a data structure, and wherein the method further comprises the step of arranging the data structure according to the position determined in step (a).

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the retrieving step is preceded by the step of providing inputs corresponding to subject areas desired by the traveler.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the input providing step is selected from the group consisting of operating a control panel and operating a voice-activated unit.