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`PCT/US00/04823
`
`phone number, and financial products currently used. A list of necessary application
`
`information for each financial product or products may first be retrieved from a
`
`database of applications. If the user is interested in more than one financial product,
`
`repetitive entries may be eliminated to create one unified application in which the user
`
`need only provide information once to apply for all desired financial products. The
`
`application is dynamically created based on the required fields. The database contains
`
`a table of all possible fields. Each product has an entry in this table indicating what
`
`fields are required for that application. When applying for multiple products on one
`
`category or for all product categories, a parsing routine will retrieve the minimum
`
`required subset of application fields required for all products in the selected
`
`categories. This application information may also be stored for later use and
`
`augmented at a later time, in case the user returns and wishes to apply for other
`
`financial products, thus greatly simplifying future applications from the same user.
`
`The security of this application information may be ensured by using one or a
`
`combination of a cookie. a username and password scheme, and an IP address check.
`
`Collecting application information associated with the user may also include
`
`obtaining credit bureau data associated with the user. through established electronic
`
`connections with the major credit bureaus. In the U.S., these credit bureaus include
`
`Experian, Trans-Union, Equifax, Dun & Bradstreet, and Experian Business. In other
`
`countries other sources may be used. Depending on the financial product, obtaining
`
`information from yet other third parties may be necessary. For example, for home
`
`mortgages. information may be obtained from title companies. county recorder's
`
`office, appraisers, escrow companies, tax records, employers for income verification,
`
`previous lenders for pay-off information, and homeowners insurance providers. The
`
`credit bureaus and third parties from which infonnation is needed are determined
`
`based on what is required for a particular financial product. This is stored in the
`
`database and credit bureau reports may be retrieved based on this information.
`
`Determining approval for the user for at least the selected financial products
`
`based on the application information and the underwriting criteria (block l40) may
`
`include evaluating the application information received from the user in conjunction
`
`with the credit bureau data. and then applying underwriting criteria for the products
`
`either selected by the user or otherwise to determine whether the user qualifies for
`
`10
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`each product. Credit underwriting may be performed through a combination of policy
`
`and scoring. Policy includes criteria such as minimum age, absence of bankruptcies,
`
`and minimum income. Scoring is based on assigning scores to different values of
`
`different characteristics in the application or the credit bureau report. For example,
`
`5
`
`different points are given to whether the user owns or rents housing. The scores for a
`
`number of characteristics make up a scorecard and are then added up and if the total
`
`sum is higher than a predefined cutoff score the application is approved, otherwise it
`is declined.
`
`The combination of third party data and application data provides the raw data
`
`10
`
`used for the underwriting. The raw data may be organized into derived variables, like
`
`"number of delinquent trade lines", "debt-to-income ratio", and "applicant age". The
`
`pertinent derived variables may be included in rules, such as "less than 3 delinquent
`
`lines", "debt ratio greater than 25%", and "age greater than 18 years". The rules may
`
`be organized into rules bases, that determine requirement in a certain area such as
`
`15
`
`"missing data rules", "credit rules", or "conformance rules". The decision process may
`
`determine the sequence and relation between different rules bases and/or neural
`
`networks. Finally, multiple decision processes may be combined into steps. All the
`
`steps together create the workflow that constitutes the entire application and approval
`
`process.
`
`20
`
`Presenting results to the user (block 150) includes showing whether the user
`
`was approved for the products in which the user was interested. or a list of all
`
`products for which the user was approved. The results may include a list of the
`
`financial products for which the user applied and whether the user was qualified to
`
`receive them. The results may also include a list of financial products for which the
`
`25
`
`user did not apply but is nevertheless qualified to obtain. The results may be
`
`presented in a uniform format to facilitate comparison of similar financial products
`
`from competing financial product providers. The user may then be given the
`
`opportunity to indicate their interest in completing the transaction. at which point the
`
`application information is forwarded to the particular financial product provider.
`
`30
`
`Some financial products such as credit cards may be automatically approved online,
`
`while other financial products such as mortgages may require some manual
`
`intervention.
`
`lf manual intervention is required, the user will be informed ofthis and
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`a human representative will contact the user, or additional information such as forms
`
`to be signed will be sent to the user. The final verification and validation is required
`
`by law for certain products or by certain lenders‘ policies and may include submitting
`
`a handwritten and signed application. performing an appraisal of the property, and
`
`Lil
`
`performing a fraud check.
`
`FIGURE 2 shows one embodiment ofa multiple provider server 200 of the
`
`present invention. Multiple provider server 200 may include an application server
`
`210, a web server 220, a database server 230, and an underwriting server 240.
`
`Application server 210, web server 220, database server 230, and underwriting server
`
`10
`
`240 may or may not be physically separate machines.
`
`Application server 210 integrates the functions of the separate servers, and
`
`provides the functionality of multiple provider server 200, such as qualifying a user
`
`for financial products in real time.
`
`Web server 220 is connected to a wide area network such as the Internet, and
`
`15
`
`allows a user to access multiple provider server 200 with a client browser or other
`
`method of access.
`
`Database server 230 includes a list of required information, or "blank
`applications", for each financial product and each financial product provider. These
`
`blank applications may be updated and stored on database server 230 on a regular
`
`20
`
`basis, or they may be obtained from the financial product provider in real time.
`
`Database server 230 may also store old applications and user information as well as
`
`product information. Database server 230 allows multiple provider server 200 to
`
`obtain the necessary application information from the user or a third party.
`
`Underwriting server 240 includes underwriting criteria for each financial
`
`25
`
`product and each financial product provider. These underwriting criteria may be
`
`updated and stored on underwriting database server 230 on a regular basis, or they
`
`may be obtained from the financial product provider in real time. Underwriting server
`
`240 is capable of executing the logic for each set of underwriting criteria. The
`
`underwriting criteria may be stored on database server 230. Underwriting server 240
`
`30
`
`may also be connected to an information server 244 which connects underwriting
`
`server 240 to data sources 246 such as credit bureaus and title companies.
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`Underwriting server 240 may thus obtain relevant user information such as credit
`
`history and tax records in real time.
`
`EXAMPLE 1
`
`A user looking to refinance her home mortgage accesses multiple provider
`
`server 200 through the Internet, where she is given several links on a webpage
`
`including multiple lending and insurance options. These links are extracted from
`
`database server 230. lfthe user has visited before, the links will be tailored
`
`specifically for the user. The user navigates the links to reach the home loans
`
`webpage. On the home loans webpage she is again offered a number of different
`
`links. The user navigates the options to examine various home loan products offered
`
`by multiple providers. After examining the rates, she obtains more information about
`
`a specific home loan. She enters basic application information such as property value
`
`and loan amount to allow multiple provider server 200 to calculate an estimate of her
`
`total closing costs.
`
`If the user decides to continue with the application process, multiple provider
`
`server 200 accesses and presents the user with the proper application form. Multiple
`
`provider server 200 obtains the credit history for the user and the underwriting criteria
`
`for the home loan, and processes her application immediately. A short while later the
`
`user receives approval for the home loan she selected. and is presented with a list of
`
`documentation, such as bank statements and proof of income, she must provide to
`
`complete the application process. The user may be given contact information for a
`
`human representative.
`
`Multiple provider server 200 also presents a list of other financial products for
`
`which the user qualifies. Multiple provider server 200 uses the information received
`
`for the home loan to determine other financial products for which the user is qualified.
`
`Multiple provider server 200 presents the user with a home equity loan, three credit
`
`cards from three different issuers, two retail cards from a department store and a
`
`hardware store, an unsecured installment loan, and a refinance loan for her car, along
`
`with basic details such as interest rates and other terms.
`
`The user selects one of the credit cards. and the credit card issuer sends the
`
`new credit card to her without requiring any further action from her. Multiple
`
`l0
`
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`20
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`provider server 200 also provides the user with the option of being notified if home
`
`loan interest rates drop.
`
`EXAMPLE 2
`
`A user wishing to obtain a credit card accesses multiple provider server 200
`
`and selects a specific credit card from a list of several credit cards offered by different
`
`financial product providers. Multiple provider server 200 determines the required
`
`application information for the specific credit card, and prompts the user for the
`
`necessary personal information. Multiple provider server 200 also obtains credit
`
`history information from a credit bureau, and then applies the underwriting criteria for
`
`the specific credit card in real time. Both the required application information and the
`
`underwriting criteria were obtained earlier from each financial product provider and
`stored until needed.
`
`Multiple provider server 200 does not approve the user for the specific credit
`
`card. However, multiple provider server 200 has taken the application information
`
`and credit history information and applied the different underwriting criteria for other
`
`credit cards offered by other financial product providers, and is able to approve the
`
`user for credit cards with similar terms as the one originally selected. Although the
`
`user is not approved for the specific card originally selected, the user now has the
`
`option of choosing from several other cards for which the user is qualified. The user
`
`may have the option of immediately transferring a balance from another credit card to
`
`one of these new credit cards.
`
`EXAMPLE 3
`
`A user wishing to consolidate a mix of debts accesses multiple provider server
`
`200 and selects the debt consolidation function. Multiple provider server 200 obtains
`
`personal information from the user including current debt information and obtains
`
`credit history information from a credit bureau.
`
`Multiple provider server 200 then generates three debt consolidation options:
`
`(1) a credit card with a low interest rate; (2) a home equity loan; and (3) a home
`
`refinance loan with cash out. Multiple provider server 200 takes the application
`
`information and credit history information and applies the underwriting criteria for
`
`IO
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
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`various financial products in real time. Multiple provider server 200 is thus able to
`
`provide the user with the three debt consolidation options as well as specific financial
`
`products for which the user qualifies and the respective financial product providers.
`
`Multiple provider server 200 also calculates and displays the potential savings with
`
`each of the options over the existing debt situation of the user.
`
`The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of
`
`illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
`
`invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and
`
`variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. It is intended that the
`
`10
`
`scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
`
`Page 002370
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`What is claimed is:
`
`CLAIMS
`
`PCT/US00/04823
`
`1 .
`
`A method for qualifying a user for financial products from
`
`multiple financial product providers, the method comprising:
`
`presenting a plurality of financial products associated with a plurality of
`
`financial product providers to a user. each financial product having a plurality of
`
`underwriting criteria;
`
`receiving at least one selected financial product or product category from K
`
`the user;
`
`collecting application information associated with the user; and
`
`determining approval for the user for at least the selected financial
`
`products based on the application information and the underwriting criteria; and
`
`presenting results to the user.
`
`lll
`
`10
`
`2.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include a
`
`credit card.
`
`15
`
`home loan.
`
`3.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include a
`
`4.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include an
`
`automobile loan.
`
`5.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include a
`
`student loan.
`
`20
`
`6.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include an
`
`automobile insurance policy.
`
`7.
`
`The method of claim 1. wherein the financial products include a
`
`homeowner's insurance policy.
`
`10
`
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`8.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include a
`
`life insurance policy.
`
`9.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include a
`
`health insurance policy.
`
`5
`
`10.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the financial products include all
`
`financial products presented to the user.
`
`1 1.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the application information
`
`includes information obtained directly from the user.
`
`12.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the application information
`
`10
`
`includes information obtained from a third party.
`
`13.
`
`The method of claim 12, wherein the third party is a credit
`
`bureau.
`
`14.
`
`The method of claim 12, wherein the third party is a repository of
`
`public records.
`
`15
`
`15.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein the results include other
`
`financial products for which the user qualifies.
`
`16.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein determining approval is
`
`performed real-time.
`
`20
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein determining approval takes less
`17.
`than one minute.
`
`11
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`
`18.
`
`The method of claim 1. wherein determining approval takes less
`
`than 30 seconds.
`
`19.
`
`A method for qualifying a user for financial products from
`
`multiple financial product providers, the method comprising:
`
`5
`
`obtaining a plurality of financial product offerings from a plurality of
`
`financial product providers, each financial product offering being associated
`
`with a financial product and application criteria;
`
`obtaining application information associated with a user, the application
`
`information including information from the user and from at least one third
`
`10
`
`party;
`
`detemiining in real—time whether the user meets the application criteria
`
`based on the application information; and
`
`presenting the user with each financial product offering for which the
`
`user meets the application criteria.
`
`15
`
`20.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`credit card.
`
`21.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`home loan.
`
`22.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include
`
`20
`
`an automobile loan.
`
`23.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`student loan.
`
`24.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include
`
`an automobile insurance policy.
`
`12
`
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`
`25.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`homeowner's insurance policy.
`
`26.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`life insurance policy.
`
`27.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include a
`
`health insurance policy.
`
`28.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the financial products include
`
`all financial products presented to the user.
`
`29.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the third parties include a
`
`credit bureau.
`
`30.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein the third parties include a title
`
`company.
`
`31.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein determining in real-time
`
`whether the user meets the application criteria takes less than one minute.
`
`32.
`
`The method of claim 19, wherein determining in real-time
`
`whether the user meets the application criteria takes less than 30 seconds.
`
`13
`
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`
`
`
`PRESENT A PLURALITY OF FINANCIAL PRODUCTS
`
`ASSOCIATED WITH A PLURALITY OF FINANCIAL
`PRODUCT PROVIDERS TO A USER
`110
`
`
`STA RT
`
`RECEIVE AT LEAST ONE SELECTED
`
`FINANCIAL PRODUCT FROM THE USER
`120
`
`COLLECT APPLICATION INFORMATION
`ASSOCIATED WITH THE USER
`130
`
`
`
`
`
`DETERMINING WHETHER THE USER QUALIFIES FOR
`AT LEAST THE SELECTED FINANCIAL PRODUCTS
`140
`
`PRESENT RESULTS TO THE USER
`150
`
`FIGURE 1
`
`1/2
`
`Page 002375
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`
`
`FIGURE 2
`
`2/2
`
`Page 002376
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`

`
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
` ||||||||||||||l||||||l||||||||||||||||||||lllllllllllllll|||||||l||||l|||||l|||l
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`(43) International Publication Date
` 28 December 2000 (28.12.2000)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification7:
`
`H04L 12/00
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/CAOO/00712
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`19 June 2000 (19.06.2000)
`
`(74)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(31)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/139,573
`60/148,270
`60/187,022
`09/556,289
`
`17 June 1999 (17.06.1999)
`11 August 1999 (11.08.1999)
`6 March 2000 (06.03.2000)
`24 April 2000 (24.04.2000)
`
`US
`US
`US
`US
`
`(71) Applicant 0’or all designated States except US): PAX-
`GRID TELENIETRIC SYSTEMS INC. [CA/CA]; 29
`Southvale Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4G 1G1 (CA).
`
`(34)
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): NATHANSON,
`
`Martin [CA/CA]; 29 Southvale Drive, Toronto, Ontario
`M4G 1G1 (CA). NADER, Frederick [US/US]; 28382
`I-larwich, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (US).
`
`Agents: BROWN, Peter et al.; McCarthy Tetrault, PO.
`Box 48, TD Bank Tower, TD Centre, Toronto, Ontario
`M5K IE6 (CA).
`
`Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE,
`DK, DM, DZ, EE, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU,
`ID, IL, IN, IS, JR KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS,
`LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO,
`NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR,
`TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW.
`
`Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian
`patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European
`patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE,
`IT, LU, MC, NL, PI‘, SE), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG,
`CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`
`(54) Title: VEHICULAR TELEMETRY
`
`SPEED
`
`OPTIMUM
`
`VOLUME
`
`(57) Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reporting on—board diagnostic data from mobile vehicles to regulatory
`agencies whose mandate it is to ensure compliance with environmental emissions and safety standards. The system comprises three
`(3) principal components: (i) an enhanced Hybrid Network Radio, enabled for both IEEE 802 wireless LAN connectivity and Mobile
`IP; (ii) an IEEE 802 Access Point, configured as an IPv6 Router and enabled for Mobile IP to support the functionality of foreign
`mobility agent; and (iii) a "cluster intelligence" module, incorporated in the same mobile device as the Hybrid Network Radio, using
`the Automotive Telemetry Protocol (ATP) to enable vehicles to exchange telemetry data with each other over an ad—hoc IEEE 802.11
`network.
`
`Page 002377
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`
`
`/79727A2
`
`C3’
`
`3O
`
`0
`
`

`
`WO 00/79727 A2
`
`|l||||||||ll|l|||||||l|Il|||||||||||||||l||||||lllllllllllllllllllllllll||||||l|
`
`Published:
`—— Without international search report and to be republished
`upon receipt of that report.
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes andAbbreviations " appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`Page 002378
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`

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`WO 00/79727
`
`PCT/CA00/00712
`
`‘VET-HCULAR TELEMETRY’
`
`REFERENCE TO CO-PEl\TD[NG APPLICATIONS
`
`The subject matter of both provisional application serial number
`
`60/056.3 88 filed August 26. 1997 and utility patent application serial number
`
`O9/140.759 filed August 26. 1998 (both entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`
`PROVIDING MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE TELEMETRY) is incorporated herein by
`
`U:
`
`reference. The subject matter of PCT Application serial number PCT/CA98/00986 filed
`
`October 23. 1998 entitled TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM and "designating the
`
`United States is also incorporated herein by reference. The subject matter of provisional
`
`application serial number 60/139573 filed June 17, 1999 and entitled VEI-HCULAR
`
`TELEMETRY is also incorporated herein by reference. The subject matter of US.
`
`10
`
`provisional application serial number 60/148.270. filed on August 11. 1999 and entitled
`
`VEI-{ICULAR COIN/CPUTING DEVICE is also incorporated herein by reference. The
`
`subject matter of U.S. provisional application serial number 60/187,022 March 6. 2000 is
`
`also incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`FIELD OF THE IN VENTION
`
`The present invention relates to data communications systems and more
`
`particularly to the Field of vehicular telemetry using RF packet networks in conjunction
`
`with Internet or similar protocols.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
`
`20
`
`Hereinafter numerical reference is made to materials listed in Appendix A
`
`at the end ofthe disclosure.
`
`SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
`
`Page 002379
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`
`Conventionally, vehicles have been known to exchange data with a
`diagnostic computer system (such as in a repair garage) over a hardwired or infrared data
`link. or a regulatory computer system (such as an electronic toll highway) by a data link
`
`using a low power transponder.
`
`()1
`
`More sophisticated vehicular telemetry for commercial fleets has been
`made possible in the last several years through satellite RF packet networks.
`In these
`vehicular telemetry systems. vehicle sensor data can be transported over wireless data
`links to a computer that is programmed to monitor and record automotive phenomena and
`to support database systems for vehicular maintenance. without the need for the vehicle to
`be in a particular service bay for example. However. these systems are relatively
`
`expensive to operate.
`
`feasible Intelligent Vehicl
`
`A considerable amount of research is being dedicated to developing
`e Highway Systems (IVHS) which are computer-assisted
`ures. synchronize traffic lights. measure traffic
`
`methods to manage highway infrastruct
`flow. to alert drivers to ongoing traffic conditions through electronic billboards and other
`innovations aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of road transportation systems
`
`for vehicles.
`
`The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been a leader in
`establishing standards for monitoring vehicle emissions. A recent CARB initiative.
`known as OBD-III. is the third generation of on—board diagnostic requirement. calling for
`an emissions regulatory agency to retrieve. remotely, diagnostic data from vehicles.
`thereby avoiding the need for a visit to a clean air inspection station.
`In one pilot
`program. a low-power transponder was used on each vehicle. capable of transferring data
`between the vehicle and a roadside receiver. Of course. in order for the OBD-III
`proposal to proceed. each vehicle must have a system capable of collecting and
`dispatching the requested data through the transponder. CARE is actively reviewing
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`-2-
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`currently available technologies and is surveying the telecommunications industry to see
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`what future equipment is planned. The operating platforms tested thus far by CARB
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`have been relatively cumbersome and have limited capability to be used for other data
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`exchange needs in the future. There is interest in finding a platform that will be
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`(J!
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`economical to operate in order to minimize the financial burden placed on the consumer
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`to implement the proposal.
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`Morever. it would be desirable for the chosen platform to be capable of
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`doing more thanjust sending diagnostic information to a clean air agency. Both the
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`telecom and auto industries are looking at ways to utilize the tremendous business
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`opportunities of reaching urban commuters in their vehicles while they devote several
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`hours each day to their commute.
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`Vehicular traffic has become a major problem for urban planners. With
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`land values skyrocketing and land-use issues becoming more of a concern, planners are
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`looking for ways of getting more vehicles through existing commuter arteries as an
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`alternative to expanding them.
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`It is also known that the actual volume of traffic handled
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`by a thoroughfare plummets when traffic becomes congested. Therefore. it would be
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`desirable to have vehicles which are capable of exchanging data with themselves as a way
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`to control such things as safe driving distances to avoid collisions and exchanging data
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`with traffic monitoring systems to control such things as driving speeds.
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`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a improved
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`platform for vehicular telemetry
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`It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
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`vehicular telemetry system which is relatively inexpensive, yet capable of exchanging a
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`range of useful data through a data communications system between a vehicle and a fixed
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`location.
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`lt is still a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle
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`communications system in which the vehicles therein are each capable of communicating
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`both through a data communications system and with themselves.
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`SUMMARY OF THE IN V ENTION
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`Briefly stated. the invention involves, in one of its aspects. a method of
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`exchanging data between a mobile node and an access point on a communication
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`network. comprising the steps of:
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`lO
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`access point.
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`a) providing at least two data links between the mobile node and the
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`b) measuring impedance on each data link; and
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`c) transmitting said data across the data link having the lowest
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`impedance.
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`Preferably, the data links are wireless and a first of the data links is
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`established on a spread spectrum radio frequency (Rf) band. The data links may also
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`comprise a satellite RF packet network or a terrestrial RF packet network.
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`It is
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`contemplated that other data links may become available in future as wireless data
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`communications evolve.
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`In another of its aspects. the present invention provides a communications
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`system. comprising
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`a mobile communications network having a mobile node.
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`a fixed communications network having an access point,
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`a pair of alternative data links. each of which joins the mobile node with
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`the access point. and
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`a switching unit for switching between the alternative data links to
`exchange data between the mobile node and the access point.
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`In one embodiment, the mobile communications network includes a
`plurality of vehicle- mounted mobile nodes wherein at some are Internet addressable. for
`example under IPv6 protocol. Each mobile node and selected ones of the access points
`linkjoins each mobile node
`operate under the IEEE 802.11 standard. In this case. the data
`oint on a spread spectrum band. At least some ofthe access
`with at least one access p
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`points are located adjacent a roadway.
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`Preferably, the system includes a measuring module for measuring
`impedance on each ofthe data links.
`In this case, the switching unit is operable to select
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`the data link having the least impedance.
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`In still another of its aspects. the present invention provides a
`communications network for exchanging data between a plurality of vehicles. comprising
`a computing unit onboard a corresponding vehicle. each computing unit being operable in
`a first phase to broadcast enquiry messages in a region surrounding the vehicle, a second
`phase to receive reply messages from other vehicles in the region. and a third phase to
`exchange status messages with selected ones of the other vehicles.
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`In one embodiment. each computing unit includes an EEE 802.1 1 node
`and exchanges data using an SNMP-derived protocol. Desirably. each node is Internet
`addressable. such as by the IPv6 standard for example.
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`l0
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`In still another of its aspects. the present invention provides a vehicle
`comprising an onboard computing unit which is operable in a first phase to broadcast
`enquiry messages in a region suirounding the vehicle. a second phase to receive reply
`messages from computing units of other vehicles in the region. and a third phase to
`exchange status messages with computing units of selected other vehicles.
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`Preferably. the vehicle is operable in a fourth phase to exchange data with
`a remote site in the form of a non-mobile gateway. which routes communications
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`between a wireless mobile data link and a non—mobile network.
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`In one embodiment. the computing unit includes an IEEE 802.11 node and
`can exchange data with other computing units using an SNMP—derived protocol.
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`In still another of its aspects, the present invention provides a hybrid
`communications system. comprising a wired network portion and a wireless network
`portion. each having a network connection node. at least two data link means between the
`network connection nodes. and a switch means for enabling either of the data links for
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`data exchange between the connection nodes.
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`Preferably. the system further comprises measurement means for
`measuring impedance on the data links, the switch means being responsive to the
`measurement means for enabling the data link having a lower impedance.
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`CO
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`In yet another of its aspects. the present invention provides a vehicle
`mmunications system having a controller. a data pathway joining the controller with a
`establishing a data link with other vehicles
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`plurality of vehicle components and means for
`within a given region surrounding the vehicle in order to exchange data therewith.
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`In
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`10
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`15
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`In still another of its aspects. the present invention provides an operational
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`event-reporting system for use by a plurality of neighboring vehicles to support IVHS
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`comprising a plurality of communication units. each onboard a corresponding vehicle to
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`collect operational data from selected components thereof and to exchange data with the
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`communication units of one or more of the neighboring vehicles.
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`Preferably, the system is capable of exchanging data related to the
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`operation of the neighboring vehicles. for example. GPS position and heading, vehicle
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`speed. braking or the like. Data of this kind can be useful for vehicle telemetry systems
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`to provide. for example. collision avoidance.
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`In yet another aspect of the present invention. there is provi