Apparatus for providing individualized maps to pedestrians

• US 5,842,145 A
• Filed: 07/08/1996
• Issued: 11/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John S. Zimmer
• Original Assignee: John S. Zimmer
• Inventors: Zimmer, John S.
• Primary Examiner(s): ZANELLI, MICHAEL J
• Application Number:
  US08/678,580
• Time in Patent Office: 869 Days
• Field of Search: 701/200, 701/201, 340/944
• US Class Current: 701/201
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/008 Touring maps or guides to public transport networks
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/106 using electronic means

Abstract

Apparatus for producing a map to be carried by a pedestrian for guidance to a personally selected destination within a region of pedestrian traffic includes a memory storage unit interactive with a display unit, user-operable infeed unit, and data processor unit. The data processor unit determines an appropriate walking path to be taken to arrive at the selected destination. A printing unit prints and dispenses to the user an individualized map indicating the appropriate path determined by the data processor unit in accordance with selections entered by the user into the infeed unit.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing an individualized map to an airport pedestrian comprising:

a) a memory storage unit provided with a generalized detailed map of said airport indicating locations of walkways and destinations,

b) a display unit for providing operating instructions, destination choices, and map information,

c) a user-operable infeed unit which receives selection information relative to a destination contained by said generalized map,

d) a data processor unit which determines the appropriate walking path to be taken to arrive at said selected destination,

e) an updating memory unit which supplies said data processor with transient current information concerning destinations, departure gate, flight time and flight number, and further supplies means for ascertaining departure gate based upon limited input by the user, and

f) a printing unit which prints and dispenses to the user an individualized map indicating the appropriate path determined by said data processor unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infeed unit is a keyboard.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infeed unit is a pressure-sensitive touch pad.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said infeed unit is an infra-red sensing touch pad.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display unit is a multi-color cathode ray tube.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display unit is a light-emitting diode system.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said printing unit is a multi-color printer.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said printing unit is a laserjet-type printer.