(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0104842 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 3, 2004
`Drury et al.
`
`US 20040104842A1
`
`DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEM
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(54)
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Bob Drury, Novi, MI (US); Ronald P.
`Knockeart, Clarkston, MI (US);
`Melvin A. Rode, Orion, MI (US);
`Steven Brown, Shelby Township, MI
`(US); Harry Asher, Garden City, MI
`(Us)
`Correspondence Address:
`SIEMENS CORPORATION
`INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
`DEPARTMENT
`170 WOOD AVENUE SOUTH
`ISELIN, NJ 08830 (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corpora
`tion, a Delaware corporation
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/706,456
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 12, 2003
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 09/252,432, ?led on
`Feb. 18, 1999, now Pat. No. 6,707,421, and which is
`a continuation-in-part of application No. 09/136,868,
`?led on Aug. 19, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,680,694.
`
`Provisional application No. 60/104,275, ?led on Oct.
`14, 1998. Provisional application No. 60/056,150,
`?led on Aug. 19, 1997.
`
`2420
`
`(51) Int. Cl? ................................................... ..G01C 21/30
`(52) U.S. c1. .................................... .. 342/357.13; 701/208
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An information system for providing services including
`traffic and navigation services, as well as other information
`services to a driver. One versions of the system makes use
`of existing components of a wireless telephone system, for
`example, by using the input and output capabilities of a
`telephone handset. Another version is a portable system that
`includes multiple switches for initiating access to a remote
`server in one of a number of operating modes. For instance
`the system has switches for initiating traf?c information,
`roadside assistance, personal information, or emergency
`modes. The system includes a positioning system for gen
`erating position data related to a geographic location of the
`system, and a wireless communication device. The system
`also includes an audio output device, such as a speaker for
`presenting the received information. The system can also
`include a storage for a unique identi?cation of the informa
`tion system. This identi?cation is passed to the remote server
`through the wireless communication device. Another ver
`sion of the system provides both autonomous and client
`server based navigation services in which a removable
`database supports route planning in a limited area and a
`remote server supports route planning outside that area.
`
`VEHICLE
`
`100
`
`COMM /250
`SYSTEM
`
`\
`
`WIRELESS
`COMMUNICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`125
`\
`
`_
`SERVER
`SYSTEM
`
`_ ON-BOARD
`COMPUTER
`m-vmcn
`432_, DATABASE
`
`$73410
`
`____L___.
`
`:_ %2410 q:
`
`[REGIONAL
`
`-
`
`' .
`
`24
`1o '
`
`[160
`
`MAP
`PROVIDER
`
`MAP
`INFORMATION
`
`1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 1 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`I40
`.1
`
`GPS SATELLITES
`
`122
`
`"2
`
`I30
`
`EXTERNAL
`INFORMATION
`SYSTEM
`
`/120
`
`CENTRALIZED
`SERVER /
`SERVER
`‘25
`160
`\\ SYSTEM
`f
`_
`/ 1 \ MAP
`PROVIDER
`
`110
`
`no
`
`110
`
`112
`
`IN VEHICLE J05
`SYSTEM
`
`100
`
`I I
`
`SYSTEM
`
`I 1
`
`105
`IN VEHICLE ,
`SYSTEM
`
`___@’
`___@Im
`IN VEHICLE , “GIN
`
`2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 2 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`sATELLITEs,140
`
`//
`
`253’‘
`
`COMMUNICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`sERvER sYsTEM,125
`
`/
`
`255
`
`260
`
`CELLULAR
`252
`GPS
`RECEIVER / 254/ TRANSCEIVER
`
`HANDS“
`
`‘
`256
`\“ MODEM
`
`250
`J
`
`.
`
`(212
`PROCESSOR
`
`210
`
`__
`
`DATA
`BUS /
`214
`
`ONBOARD COMPUTER
`
`UART 316
`
`EPROM V218
`
`J
`
`220
`DRAM J
`
`STATIC 222
`STORAGE
`
`N T
`gggpis‘sc
`»
`
`234
`
`L39
`
`SENSORS
`
`ODOMETER
`A
`
`232
`
`IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`__
`
`,240
`10 DEvICEs
`
`242
`D‘SPLAY ,__./
`
`,244
`INPUT / t
`DEVICE
`OPERATOR
`
`VOICE
`246
`- OUTPUT
`DEVICE P--/
`
`DOOR
`
`LOCKING
`sYsTEM
`
`/272
`
`’_
`
`22212:? JMI
`
`.
`
`VEHICLE
`SYSTEMS
`
`\
`
`FIG. 2
`
`3
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 3 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`242
`
`/241
`
`ON - OFF
`
`\
`FIG. 2A 244
`
`ON - OFF
`
`SELECT STREET
`Anyplace
`Apple
`
`FIG. 2B
`
`/241
`
`/241
`
`IF
`
`FG.
`
`2C
`
`4
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 4 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`350
`
`CELLULAR
`TELEPHONE
`NETWORK
`
`//f/
`
`To VEHICLES,
`100
`
`320
`
`340
`
`PUBLIC
`SWITCHED
`TELEPHONE
`NETWORK
`
`(PSTN)
`
`_
`I
`TELEPHONE
`INTERFACE
`I
`
`‘
`
`CPS SATELLITES,
`
`/ 140
`
`GPS
`RECEIVER
`
`sERvER COMPUTER
`
`/ WORKING
`MEMORY
`_____J
`PROCESSOR ________\
`316 sTATIC
`\ MEMORY
`
`1O
`
`I
`
`sERvER SYSTEM
`
`Li
`
`360
`
`MAP
`
`MAP
`3 PROVIDER
`
`\
`
`DATA
`NETWORK -
`
`330
`
`130
`
`I—-I
`EXTERNAL INFO.
`SYSTEM
`
`5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 5 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`OPS
`RECEIVER
`252
`I
`
`-
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`2S4
`‘
`
`COMMUNICATION INTERFACE ,4‘4
`NAVIGATION
`/412
`APPLICATION
`
`VEHICLE INTERFACE
`
`p416
`
`?Q
`
`WORKING
`STORAGE
`
`‘
`
`‘
`
`V
`Ir
`Ir
`V0
`SENSORS, VEHICLE
`230
`SYSTEMS, DEVICES,
`270
`240
`
`‘FIG.
`
`4A
`
`426
`
`lN-VEHICLE
`DATABASE
`
`STATIC STORAGE
`
`6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 6 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TO TELEPHONE
`INTERFACE, 320
`
`TO GPS
`RECEIVER, 32S
`
`514 COMMUNICATTON
`\ INTERFACE
`
`GPS
`INTERFACE
`
`‘
`
`SERVER
`516 SYSTEM
`12_§
`
`432
`
`lN-VEHICLE
`DATABASE
`
`s12
`\
`
`518~
`
`NAVIGATION
`APPLICATION
`
`DATA INTERFACE
`
`522
`
`SERVER
`MAP
`DATABASE
`
`YELLOW
`PAGES
`DATABASE
`
`TRAFFIC
`DATABASE
`
`FROM EXTERNAL
`INFORMATION
`SYSTEMS, 130
`
`/55()
`MAP PROCESSOR
`L
`
`360
`
`FROM MAP
`PROVIDER, 160
`
`7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 7 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`600
`_
`
`6
`
`r 22
`
`630
`/
`
`63\1
`
`+
`692
`
`_
`
`, 614
`
`\ 612
`
`MAIR
`620
`ROADS 2 610
`/
`
`J
`
`I
`
`‘ 626
`
`621
`
`RESIDENTIAL
`ROADS
`/
`632
`I
`635
`\ 6 33 \
`
`636
`_,
`
`HIGHWAY
`
`690\.)(
`
`634
`\
`
`FIG. 6
`
`\ 624
`
`8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 8 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`713
`
`731
`
`751
`
`761
`
`(l
`
`9
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 9 0f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 10 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`‘692
`l
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`/
`/
`/
`/
`/
`/
`/
`/
`/
`
`FIG 9
`a
`
`2'9.
`
`741
`
`751
`
`-
`761
`
`771
`
`”
`///
`f”’\ 792
`|
`I
`I
`I
`743
`742 I
`l
`Q>I
`752 )_:____ 753
`
`744
`<3
`J)754
`
`J
`T .
`764
`{3/
`
`_\>—
`I 790
`690
`LX"
`762
`\JL
`763
`
`11
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 11 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1000
`
`722
`
`12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 12 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`g
`
`1158
`
`AddresSCityState
`
`[1110
`
`AddressStreet
`
`1156 i150
`1154
`{d a ress
`/
`218 /1112
`1J16
`1/114
`H’county city‘state gtdritss /“13 ~ ét'eetmame range: “52
`
`/‘
`1119
`
`County
`
`V
`
`)
`
`1122
`J
`
`CityState
`1134-\
`7 city
`
`ft1135
`__“32
`
`1
`
`'
`
`State
`
`“40
`
`1142
`
`name
`
`/
`
`r
`
`\
`1153
`
`AddressRange [T180
`1184“\
`/-1186
`low
`high A
`
`StreetRecord
`
`/116O
`
`,1164
`
`affix/
`str0eet name type
`
`4166
`
`StreetName “70
`
`L,
`
`name
`
`)172
`
`FIG. 11
`
`13
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 13 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TEXT TABLE
`
`INDEX
`
`1210
`
`1200
`“'
`
`1214-\
`
`\
`
`1216
`1212
`/
`
`1220 \
`
`COMPRESSED
`TEXT
`
`_ v‘
`|—'—?
`name
`\..1222
`
`FIG. 12
`
`14
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 14 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1308 d
`
`15
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 15 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`8:
`
` ~mm_82E_o._32mv_=:8:Eou3=3:m
`
`
`
`
`
`mmwcm.mmmfitmEon_c_Emqmzm_who:.5.co:_wco:E. U
`
`omflI3:wEwmmv_:_._
`
`16
`
`”_
`
`- 3.
`
`uvozhxmmfi
`
`99
`
`um
`
`16
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 16 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`PO'TYPE
`1414
`1416
`
`type
`
`offset
`
`1410
`
`,1412
`
`"1413
`
`POIT es
`YP
`
`../14'|7 1420
`
`/
`
`‘I422
`L/
`
`.
`
`POlNameCity
`1?“
`cOurm'Y
`
`1,436 -
`citysiate
`
`[1438
`POI name
`
`14,30
`14/40’
`*‘1432
`offset _?
`\-1433
`q\_4441
`
`‘
`1130
`cltystate l
`
`POIList 145\0
`
`-\\\ —
`
`‘
`
`1442
`
`l
`
`144a
`
`fur‘
`
`‘654
`streetnamej
`
`14,56
`addr I
`
`14,58
`phone
`
`14,60
`lat/long
`
`1160
`StreetRec°rd>
`
`1452
`
`1462
`
`1444
`
`1464
`
`17
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 17 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1501
`
`1502
`
`1503
`
`1504
`
`1505
`
`1506
`
`1507
`
`1508
`
`1509
`
`1510
`
`1511
`
`r 1512
`
`1513
`
`Plan Route (in-Vehicle):
`
`Accept Destination Speci?cation from Operator
`Determine Current Location Data
`Establish Communication Session with Server
`Send Destination Speci?cation and Current Location Data to Server
`IF Destination Speci?cation Requires Server Interaction THEN
`Accept Secondary Destination Speci?cation Data from Server
`Accept Secondary Destination Speci?cation from Operator
`Send Secondary Destination Speci?cation to Server
`END IF
`Wait for Server, Response
`1 Receive Planned Route, Spot Map, and Differential GPS Data from Server
`Close Communication Session with Sewer
`
`FIG. 15A
`
`18
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 18 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1551
`
`1552
`
`1553
`
`1554
`
`1555
`
`1556
`
`1557
`
`1558
`
`1559
`
`1560
`
`1561
`
`1562
`
`1563
`
`1564
`
`Plan Route (Server):
`
`Accept Communication Session with Vehicle
`Receive Destination Speci?cation and Current Location Data from Vehicle
`Determine DGPS Correction Data
`Determine Vehicle Location
`IF Destination Speci?cation Requires Further Operator input THEN
`Determine Secondary Destination Speci?cation Data
`Send Secondary Destination Speci?cation Data to Vehicle
`Receive Secondary Destination Speci?cation from Vehicle
`END IF
`Determine Planned Route to Speci?ed Destination
`- Determine Spot Nlap near Vehicle Location
`Send Planned Route, Spot Map, and DGPS Data to Vehicle
`Close Communication Session with Vehicle
`
`FIG. 15B
`
`19
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 19 0f 31 US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1601
`
`1602
`
`1603
`
`1604
`
`1605
`
`1606
`
`1802
`
`1803
`
`1804
`
`1805
`
`1806
`
`1807
`
`Startup Maneuvers:
`
`Initialize Estimated Location using Differential GPS Data
`WHILE Estimated Location is not at a Point of the Planned Route DO
`Track Estimated Location using (D)GPS Data
`Display Spot Map and Estimated Location on Display
`END WHILE
`
`FIG. 16
`
`Replan Route:
`
`Estimate Vehicle Location of Main Roads Network using
`Dead-Reconing Location
`Calculate Best Route to a Maneuver or Way Point on the Previous
`
`Planned Route
`Replace Planned Route with Newly Calculated Route
`GOTO Follow Route
`
`FIG. 18
`
`20
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 20 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1701
`
`1702
`
`1703
`
`1704
`
`1705
`
`1705
`
`1707
`
`1708
`
`1709
`
`1710
`
`1711
`
`1712.
`1713
`
`1714
`
`1715
`
`1715
`
`1717
`
`1718
`
`1719
`
`1720
`
`1721
`
`1722
`
`1723
`
`1724
`
`Follow Route:
`
`FOR Each Link on Planned Route DO
`
`At Initial Maneuver Initialize Off-Route Tolerance
`
`WHILE Vehicle Is Travelling to the Next Maneuver Point DO
`
`Increase Off-Route Tolerance
`
`Track Dead-Reckoning Location
`
`Track (D)GPS Location
`
`’
`
`IF (Dead-Reckoning Location is more than Off-Route Tolerance
`
`from (D)GPS Location THEN
`
`GOTO Replan Route
`
`END IF
`
`‘
`
`‘
`
`IF Dead-Reckoning Location is within Maneuver
`" '
`Notification \Mndow THEN
`
`Notify Operator of Next Maneuver
`
`END IF
`
`IF Dead-Reckoning Location is within Maneuver
`
`Detection Window THEN
`
`IF Next Maneuver is Detected THEN
`
`Update Dead-Reckoning Location
`
`Update DGPS Data
`
`END IF
`
`END IF
`
`UNTIL Maneuver was Detected OR
`
`Vehicle Leaves Maneuver Detection Window
`
`1725 '
`
`UNTIL Destination is Reached
`
`F|G.17
`
`21
`
`21
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 21 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
` SERVER SYSTEM '
`
`NAVIGATION
`
`APPLICATION
`
`
`
` TRAFFIC
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
` EXTERNAL‘
`INFORMATION
`
`SYSTEM
`
`NAVIGATION
`
`APPLICATION
`
`FIG 19
`
`
`
`
`
`LINK
`
`LINK
`
`
`
`SPEED
`SPEED
`DATABASE
`LOG
`
`
`
`
`IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`22
`
`22
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 22 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`ONBOARD
`COMPUTER
`
`STORAGE
`
`STATIC
`
`5
`
`222a
`
`STATIC
`STORAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 20A
`
`2030
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SERVICE
`105 EQUIPMENT
`IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`
`
`ONBOARD
`
`
`COMPUTER 2020
`
`2031
`
`
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`DATA
`INTERFACE
`
`23
`
`23
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 23 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
` IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`105
`
`ONBOARD 210
`
`COMPUTER
`
`340
`
`
`
`125
`
`SERVER
`
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`FIG. 20C
`
`24
`
`24
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 24 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`CENTRALIZED SERVER
`
`120
`
`
`
`
` /
`LOCAT|ON/
`
`VEHICLE ID:
`
`SERVER
`SYSTEM
`
`1?-5
`
`2110
`TELEPHONE/
`OPERATOR
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`
`IN-VEHICLE
`
`
`
`
`OPERATOR
`
`
`FIG. 21A
`
`CENTRALIZED SERVER
`
`120
`
`340
`
`IN-VEHICLE
`
`SYSTEM
`
`OPERATOR
`
`25
`
`
`
`SERVER
`SYSTEM
`
`125
`
`2110
`
`TELEPHONE J
`OPERATOR
`
`COMMANDS
`
`FIG. 21B
`
`/
`
`
`
`
`
`25
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 25 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TO VEHICLES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2210
`
`GATEWAY
`SYSTEM
`
`320
`
`TELEPHONE
`INTERFACE
`
`2250
`
`
`
`LAN
`
`SERVER SYSTEM
`
`NAVIGATION
`SYSTEM
`
`2252
`
`MAP
`PROVIDER
`
`2254
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`TRAFFIC
`INFO.
`PROVIDER
`
`
`
`2262
`
`E-MAIL
`SYSTEM
`
`2264
`
`
`
`PAGING
`SYSTEM
`
`2272
`
`NEWS
`SERWCE
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`NEWS
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`2230
`
`ADMINISTRATIVE
`SYSTEM
`
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`CONFIGURATION
`SYSTEM
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`
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`TO INTERNET
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`A
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`26
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`26
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 26 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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`MODULE
`
` HANDSET
`
`254
`
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`
`VOICE
`INPUT,
`OUTPUT
`
`DATA
`
`2321
`
`FIG. 23A
`
`27
`
`27
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 27 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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`2320
`
`2330
`
`
`
`
`
`CELLULAR PHONE
`
`CPS RECEIVER
`MODULE
`
`
`
`HANDSET
`MODULE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`CPS
`RECEIVER
`
`
`
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`2362
` 2364
`
`
`
`
` 230
`
`DATA
`
`KEYPAD
`
`VOICE
`
`INPUTI
`
`ONBOARD COMPUTER
`OUTPUT
`
`2366
`
`DISPLAY
`
`SENSORS
`
`FIG; 23B
`
`28
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`28
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 28 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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`DISPLAY
`
`FUNCTION
`
`MENU
`
`
`
`2370
`
`
`
`'
`SELECT
`"ROADSIDE ASS'T"
`
`
`
`2376
`
`SELECT
`"NAVIGATION"
`
`
`
`SELECT
`"TRAFFIC"
`
`
`
`
`
`INPUT
`DESTINATION
`
` DISPLAY
`
`TRIP MENU
`
`
`
`SELECT
`"TRIPS"
`
`
`
`SELECT
`
`"NEW TRIP"
`
`PREVIEVV
`ROUTE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`TRIP NAMES
`AND TIMES
`
`
`
`DISPLAYI
`PROMPT
`MANEUVER
`
`SELECT
`CROSS 1st
`STREETS
`
`SELECT
`CROSS LAST
`STREET
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 23C
`
`29
`
`29
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 29 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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`VEHICLE
`
`100
`
`
`
`
`2420
`
`2400
`
`ON-BOARD
`COMPUTER
`
`
`
`COMM
`T SYSTEMI
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`
`COMMUNICATION
`
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`
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`
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`PROVIDER
`
`
`
`MAP
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`FIG. 24
`
`30
`
`30
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 30 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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`DESTINATION
`COORDINATES
`
`
`
`HANDSET
`
`
`KEYPAD
`
`
`ROAD‘
`
`
`VOICE
`
`INPUT]
`OUTPUT
`
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`IN 0.1 MILES
`ONTO MAPLE
`
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`
`DISPLAY
`
`r’ 0.1 10
`
`OVERLAY
`
`2550
`
`31
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`31
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 31 of 31
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`US 2004/0104842 A1
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` INFORMATION POD
`
`2610
`
`--—.._——.——..:
`
` 2626
`25‘.4
`VOICE
`INPUT/OUTPUT
`
`—.—..——:—I
`
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`SWITCHES
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`
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`
`FIG. 26A
`
`32
`
`32
`
`

`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Jun. 3, 2004
`
`DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`application Ser. No. 09/136,868, filed 19 Aug. 1998, which
`claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
`60/056,150, filed 19 Aug. 1997, and also claims the benefit
`of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/104,275, filed 14
`Oct. 1998.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] This invention relates to an information system for
`motor vehicles.
`
`[0003] Vehicle information systems have been developed
`that provide various types of information to operators of
`those vehicles. In particular, navigation systems have been
`developed. One type of navigation system, an autonomous
`navigation system, uses an on-board map, typically stored
`on a removable medium such as a compact optical disk (e.g.,
`CD-ROM). The navigation system uses the on-board map to
`plan a route from a starting point to a destination, which is
`specified by the operator of the vehicle. Updating an autono-
`mous system’s map, for example to add or correct informa-
`tion, typically involves replacing the removable medium.
`
`In some navigation systems the operator inputs the
`[0004]
`desired destination (and the current location, if required by
`the system) by entering a spelling of the destination. Some
`systems also allow an operator to select from a stored list of
`“points of interest,” such as a list of gas stations or restau-
`rants. Once the operator inputs the destination, the system
`plans a route along the road network to the destination. The
`route is typically planned to provide a shortest distance or to
`try to provide the shortest travel time. Once the route is
`planned, the operator is guided by the system along the
`route.
`
`[0005] Various approaches to route guidance have been
`used. A particularly simple approach is to provide the
`operator with a sequence of discrete instructions,
`for
`instance, at intersections where the operator must turn from
`one street onto another. The operator indicates when he or
`she is ready for the next
`instruction. For example,
`the
`instructions are provided as an audio output, and the opera-
`tor says “next” when ready for another instruction.
`
`[0006] Another approach to route guidance uses a dis-
`played map on which the planned route and the vehicle’s
`location are dynamically displayed. The operator uses the
`map to decide when and where to turn in order to follow the
`planned route.
`
`[0007] Some guidance approaches are aided by in-vehicle
`sensors that are used to estimate the location of the vehicle.
`
`For instance, a magnetic compass is used to estimate the
`direction of travel, and a velocity sensor is used to estimate
`the distance traveled. In addition, the location of the vehicle
`can be estimated using the Global Positioning System
`(GPS). In GPS, multiple satellites emit signals that allow an
`in-vehicle GPS receiver to estimate its absolute location.
`
`[0008] Other types of vehicle information systems have
`also been developed. In some systems, traffic related infor-
`
`mation, such as traffic advisories, is broadcast to specially
`equipped in-vehicle radio receivers.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one aspect, in general, the invention is a driver
`[0009]
`information system that includes a handset module, and a
`communication module, for example, a handset module and
`communication module that make up a modular wireless
`telephone. The information system also includes a computer
`coupled between the handset module and the communica-
`tion module. The handset module includes a display, for
`example, a small alphanumeric display, a keyboard, for
`example a numeric telephone keyboard with function keys,
`and an audio device for receiving and playing acoustic
`information, such as a microphone and a speaker. The
`communication module includes a wireless communication
`
`interface for accepting data signals from a server. The
`computer that is coupled to the handset module and to the
`communication module is programmed to perform the func-
`tions of (a) coupling the handset module to the communi-
`cation module to provide telephone communication services
`to a user of the handset module, including accepting tele-
`phone dialing commands entered by the user on the key-
`board and coupling the audio device to a telephone com-
`munication channel through the communication module, (b)
`accepting driver information commands entered by the user
`through the handset module, for example using the keypad
`or speaking a command that is interpreted by a speech
`recognition system, (c) retrieving information through the
`wireless communication interface from the
`server
`in
`
`response to the driver information commands, and (d) pre-
`senting the retrieved information on the handset module, for
`example by presenting the information on the display of the
`handset, or by playing the information on the audio device
`of the handset. The information system can additionally
`include a positioning system coupled to the computer, and
`then the computer is further programmed to perform the
`functions of (e) accepting a geographic position of the
`system from the positioning system, and
`providing the
`position to the server through the communication interface.
`The computer may be additionally coupled to a display for
`presenting graphical information to the user, and to other
`devices, for example over an in-vehicle data bus.
`
`the invention is a
`in general,
`In another aspect,
`[0010]
`portable information system that includes multiple switches
`for initiating access to a remote server in one of a corre-
`sponding plurality of operating modes. For instance the
`system can include switches, or other types of input devices,
`for initiating traffic information, roadside assistance, per-
`sonal
`information, or emergency modes. The system
`includes a positioning system for generating position data
`related to a geographic location of the system, and a wireless
`communication device, such as a cellular telephone trans-
`ceiver, coupled to the switches and to the positioning system
`for passing the generated position data to a remote server in
`response to a signal from the switches. The wireless com-
`munication device then receives information from the
`
`server. The system also includes an audio output device,
`such as a speaker, coupled to the wireless communication
`device for presenting the received information. The system
`can also include a storage for a unique identification of the
`information system. This identification is passed to the
`remote server through the wireless communication device.
`
`33
`
`33
`
`

`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Jun. 3, 2004
`
`the invention is an in-vehicle
`In another aspect,
`[0011]
`navigation system for providing route information through a
`road network. The system includes a first stored database,
`which may be provided on a removable storage medium
`such as a CD-ROM, includes information related to roads in
`the road network within a first geographic area. The system
`optionally includes a second stored database that includes
`information related to major roads in the road network
`within a second geographic area. The first geographic area
`includes a common area within the second geographic area,
`and the first stored database includes information about
`roads in the common area that is not included in the second
`
`stored database. The system also includes an onboard com-
`puter programmed to perform the functions of (a) accepting
`a specification of a starting and an ending location in the
`road network, (b) if the starting and the ending locations are
`within the first geographic area, planning a route through the
`road network from the starting to the ending locations, and
`(c) if the starting or the ending locations are not within the
`first geographic area, communicating with a remote server
`computer to retrieve information related to a route through
`the road network from the starting to the ending locations.
`This system has the advantage that it can function autono-
`mously within the first geographic area without necessarily
`requiring the assistance of the remote server. The system can
`also provide navigation functions outside the first geo-
`graphic, for example, by retrieving route information from
`the remote server for portions of a route outside the first
`geographic area.
`[0012]
`In another aspect, in general, the invention is a
`navigation system. The system includes a printed map
`illustrating a geographic area, including a representation of
`a roadway network in the geographic area. The map includes
`annotations, such as coordinates or codes, identifying geo-
`graphic features, such as points of interest or road segments,
`in the geographic area. The system also includes an input
`device, such as a keypad on a telephone device, for accept-
`ing an annotation from the printed map identifying a chosen
`geographic feature, an onboard computer for receiving the
`accepted annotation and providing a planned route to the
`chosen geographic feature through the roadway network,
`and an output device, such as the display on a telephone
`handset, for presenting the planned route information. This
`system has an advantage of allowing simplified user input by
`having the user determine short encodings of locations from
`the printed map. Also, simplified output can also refer to the
`annotations on the printed map, thereby allowing use of a
`limited output device.
`the system is a
`in general,
`[0013]
`In another aspect,
`vehicle information system that includes a translucent over-
`lay,
`for example including a printed map illustrating a
`roadway network or other geographic markers, and a display
`for accepting the translucent overlay. The display includes
`multiple controlled light sources that when activated are
`visible through the accepted overlay. An onboard computer
`is programmed to provide route information by activating
`one or more of the controlled light sources.
`[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will
`be apparent from the following description, and from the
`claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle navigation
`system;
`
`[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of in-vehicle compo-
`nents of the system;
`
`[0017] FIGS. 2A-C show an integrated input/output
`device;
`
`[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram including components of
`a server system;
`
`[0019] FIGS. 4A-B show an in-vehicle system software
`architecture;
`
`[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a server system
`software architecture;
`
`[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic map showing the road
`network in an exemplary region;
`
`[0022] FIG. 7 is a graph representation of the road net-
`work in the exemplary region;
`
`[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary planned route that
`is downloaded from a server system to a vehicle;
`
`[0024] FIG. 9 is an exemplary spot map that is down-
`loaded from a server system to a vehicle;
`
`[0025] FIG. 10 is a main roads map that is preloaded in a
`vehicle;
`
`FIG. 11 shows data structures of an in-vehicle
`
`[0026]
`database;
`
`[0027] FIG. 12 shows the structure of text tables in the
`in-vehicle database;
`
`[0028] FIG. 13A shows a representative link of a main
`roads network;
`
`[0029] FIG. 13B shows data structures of an in-vehicle
`database encoding a main roads network;
`
`[0030] FIG. 14 shows elements of an in-vehicle database
`which encode Points of Interest information;
`
`[0031] FIG. 15A is a pseudocode listing of an in-vehicle
`route planning procedure;
`
`[0032] FIG. 15B is a pseudocode listing of a server route
`planning procedure;
`
`[0033] FIG. 16 is a pseudocode listing of a startup maneu-
`ver procedure;
`
`[0034] FIG. 17 is a pseudocode listing of a route follow-
`ing procedure;
`
`[0035] FIG. 18 is a pseudocode listing of a route replan-
`ning procedure;
`
`[0036]
`
`FIG. 19 illustrates a extensible server architecture;
`
`[0037] FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate approaches to updating
`an in-vehicle system;
`
`[0038] FIGS. 21A-21B illustrate additional information
`services provided by a server system;
`
`[0039] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of an extensible server
`system; and
`
`[0040] FIG. 23A is block diagram of a standard module
`cellular telephone architecture;
`
`[0041] FIG. 23B is a block diagram in which an onboard
`computer is coupled between a handset module and a
`cellular phone module;
`
`34
`
`34
`
`

`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Jun. 3, 2004
`
`[0042] FIG. 23C is a flow chart illustrating a menu-based
`user interface presented using the handset module;
`
`[0043]
`system;
`
`FIG. 24 illustrates a hybrid driver information
`
`[0044] FIG. 25 illustrates use of printed maps in a user
`interface;
`
`[0045] FIG. 26A shows the logical blocks of an informa-
`tion pod; and
`
`[0046] FIG. 26B illustrates the physical arrangement of an
`information pod.
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`[0047]
`
`1 Overview (FIGS. 1, 6-10)
`
`[0048]
`
`1.1 Architecture (FIG. 1)
`
`[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle information system
`provides services, including a route planning and guidance
`(i.e., a “navigation”) service, to the operators of multiple
`vehicles 100, which are free to drive throughout a wide
`geographic area. To provide these services to the operators
`of the vehicles, the vehicle information system performs
`some functions in a server system 125 at a centralized server
`120 that
`is at a fixed location, and other functions in
`in-vehicle systems 105 installed in each of the vehicles 100.
`The vehicle information system also includes a positioning
`system that provides a reference for estimating the locations
`of vehicles 100 in absolute terms (i.e.,
`in terms of their
`latitudes and longitudes). In particular, Global Positioning
`System (GPS) satellites 140 provide signals that when
`received at the vehicles enable the in-vehicle systems to
`estimate their locations.
`
`[0050] The navigation service of the vehicle information
`system as a whole, which are provided through a combina-
`tion of functions that are performed by server system 125
`and by an in-vehicle system 105, enable an operator of a
`vehicle to specify a desired destination, and then to be
`guided by the system to that destination while driving the
`vehicle. In-vehicle system 105 tracks (i.e., repeatedly esti-
`mates) the position of the vehicle as it travels to the desired
`destination, and provides instructions to the operator to
`guide the operator to the desired destination. For instance,
`in-vehicle system 105 provides an instruction to make a turn
`at an upcoming intersection while the vehicle is approaching
`the intersection. Also, in-vehicle system 105 typically deter-
`mines when the operator has made an error and the vehicle
`is off a planned route. If the vehicle is off route, in-vehicle
`system 105 provides the operator with instructions to con-
`tinue to guide the vehicle to the destination despite the error.
`
`[0051] Server system 125 provides various services to
`in-vehicle system 105, in a “client-server” arrangement in
`which in-vehicle systems 105 request services from server
`system 125. For instance, a route planning function is
`performed by server system 125 at the request of in-vehicle
`system 105 while route guidance functions are performed by
`in-vehicle system 105.
`
`In-vehicle systems 105 are coupled to server sys-
`[0052]
`tem 125 by wireless communication links. In particular,
`in-vehicle systems 105 at times communicate with server
`system 125 over signal paths 110 using modulated data
`signals that are passed over a standard analog cellular
`
`telephone system (i.e., using the Advanced Mobile Phone
`Service (AMPS) standard). An in-vehicle system 105 typi-
`cally operates in an autonomous mode after an initial
`exchange with server
`system 125. During the initial
`exchange, a starting location (or other location-related data),
`speed and heading, and a desired destination are uploaded
`from the in-vehicle system to the server system and then a
`planned route is downloaded from the server system to the
`in-vehicle system. After planned route information is down-
`loaded to the vehicle from the server system, the in-vehicle
`system does not require further interaction with the server
`system to operate in its autonomous route guidance mode.
`While in the autonomous route guidance mode the in-
`vehicle system can recover from an operator going off the
`planned route without necessarily requiring further commu-
`nication with the server system.
`
`In-vehicle systems 105 receive signals from GPS
`[0053]
`satellites 140 over radio frequency communication paths
`112. Server system 125 also receives signals from GPS
`satellites 140 over radio frequency communication path 122.
`As is described more fully below (see Section 2.4), data
`derived from signals received by server system 125 from
`GPS satellites 140 is used at times by both server system 125
`and in-vehicle systems 105 to improve the location estimates
`of vehicles 100,
`for
`instance, using “differential” GPS
`calculations.
`
`[0054] Referring still to FIG. 1, server system 125 relies
`on a map provider 160, for instance, a vendor of map-related
`information,
`to provide information related to the road
`network, including the locations and types of road segments
`that interconnect to form the road network. Map provider
`160, or some other external
`information provider, also
`provides other map-related information such as the locations
`of typical points of interest such as city centers, restaurants,
`and gas stations.
`
`In some versions of the system, server system 125
`[0055]
`also serves as a gateway to external information systems
`130. These external systems provide information used by
`server system 125, or provide information that is passed
`directly to in-vehicle systems 105. For instance, an external
`information system 130 can provide traffic-related informa-
`tion that is used by server system 125 to determine a fastest
`route from a starting to a destination location. In another
`instance, an external information system 130 can pro