VWGoA - Ex. 1003
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., Petitioner
`
`1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 1 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 140
`Q)S?)
`
`CPS SATELLITES
`
`
`1
`
`F I G _
`
`130
`
`j
`.
`EXTERNAL
`INFORMATION
`SYSTEM
`
`160
`
`.
`
`M”
`
`PROVIDER
`
`I
`
`v
`
`I
`
`-
`
`122
`
`120
`
`CENTRAUZED
`SERVER
`
`SERVER ‘
`Incl
`
`SYSTEM
`
`//I__A
`
`[1 K1
`D. IN VEHICLE
`105
`‘- SYSTEM 0
`J15.
`
`IN VEHICLE 105
`
`100
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 2 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`sATELuTEs,14O
`
`SERVER SYSTEM, 125
`
`260
`
`HANDS“
`
`25°
`
`240
`
`COMMUNICATION V
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`I DEVICE I 27
`
`244
`
`OPERATOR
`
`246
`
`I
`
`INPUT
`DEV|CE
`
`VOICE
`OUTPUT
`
`DOOR
`LOCKING
`svsrem
`
`ODOMETER
`
`.
`
`sewsoas
`
`AIR BAG
`SYSTEM
`
`27 ‘
`_
`
`IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`5 Ln
`
`270.
`
`FIG. 2
`
`3
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 3 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`242
`
`
`
`241
`
`Turn On:
`Exit 23
`I-94 Freeway West
`. 0.8 mules
`
`SELECT STREET
`
`4
`
`

`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 4 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104342 A1
`
`
`
`MEMORY
`
`SERVER SYSTEM
`
`
`
`130
`
`—
`
`EXTERNAL INFO.
`SYSTEM
`
`340
`
`
`
`
`350
`
`
`
`
`PUBLIC
`SWITCHED
`CELLULAR
`TELEPHONE
`
`TELEPHONE
`NETWORK
` CPS SATELLITES,
`NETWORK
`(PSTN)
`
`
`
`
`M
`
`To VEHICLES,
`
`100
`
`SERVER COMPUTER
`
`
`
` STATIC
`
`312
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 5 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`CPS
`RECEIVER
`
`252
`
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`.
`
`254
`
`‘
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION INTERFACE
`
`NAVIGATION
`
`APPLICATION
`
`VEHICLE INTERFACE
`
`
`
`410
`
`
`WORKING
`
`
`
`STORAGE
`
`SENSORS.
`230
`
`VEHICLE
`SYSTEMS,
`270
`
`I/O
`DEVICES,
`240
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`IN-VEHICLE
`
`DATABASE
`
`STATIC STORAGE
`
`6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 6 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TO TELEPHONE
`INTERFACE, 320
`
`TO GPS
`RECEIVER, 325
`
`
`
`515
`
`
`
`SERVER
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`514
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`INTERFACE
`
`cps
`INTERFACE
`
`
`
`E
`
`NAVIGATION
`APPLICATION
`
`DATA INTERFACE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 RV R
`
`TRAFFIC
`EMNE,
`
`DATABASE
`DATABASE
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
`MAP PROCESSOR
`
` FROM EXTERNAL
`
`INFORMATION
`SYSTEMS, 130
`
`360
`
`FROM MAP
`
`PROVIDER, 160
`
`FIG. 5
`
`7
`
`

`
`-
`~
`.
`.
`Patent Appllcatlon Publlcatlon
`
`7
`
`f 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet
`
`0
`
`RESIDENTIAL
`
`HIGHWAY
`
`8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 8 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`E2
`
`711
`
`712
`
`O
`
`713
`
`692
`[I
`
`716
`
`715
`
`721
`
`0
`
`722
`
`.
`
`'
`
`723
`
`‘
`
`725
`
`I ‘\e_783
`I
`735\Q*q/‘€384
`)735
`/
`,
`
`731
`1,/; /I
`/
`
`780 ///
`733 /,
`, //
`/
`
`-
`
`743
`
`79°
`763
`
`.
`
`O;
`
`.
`
`744
`.
`
`O 754
`
`764
`
`.
`
`732
`
`0
`
`,z’
`
`I’
`
`I II
`
`L/792
`
`I
`I 742
`
`Q
`
`O
`
`735094-
`
`0
`
`74‘
`
`761
`
`O
`
`,
`
`.
`
`771
`
`C
`
`772
`
`773
`
`774
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`9
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 9 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`+
`
`692
`
`FIG. 8
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 10 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 11 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1000
`“'
`
`°
`
`712
`
`F
`
`715
`713
`........ _. °
`
`5932
`,
`
`715
`1/, 783
`
`’/1
`
`784
`
`7-7-5 K,
`781
`,
`780 //
`
`'4
`
`, /
`/
`///
`
`722
`
`0 .
`
`L1010
`
`733
`9 /
`. ///
`
`732
`c
`
`|D
`
`‘.
`
`I l
`
`792
`
`742
`
`I L
`
`___
`
`‘ll
`§__J
`690
`
`O
`
`.
`
`752
`
`752
`
`.
`
`772
`
`.
`
`__
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 12 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Addresscitystate
`
`‘H10
`
`AddressStreet
`
`1118 m2
`1116
`1114
`county Cit)’ 51319 E32355
`I
`
`1119
`
`-.120
`
`I
`County
`
`1150
`
`1154
`
`1156
`ffndgfss
`
`II
`I-
`--1 _
`1153 I
`
`K
`
`1158
`
` I-
`
`_s _.L U0 -3}-
`
`1130
`
`._n ._J U) C‘
`
`AddressRange T180
`“84 1186
`"82
`
`T160
`, 1166
`
`cuysme
`-
`-
`StreetRecord
`“A 1132
`1 1164
`teet name affix/
`5'
`type
`
`StreetName
`
`FIG.
`
`11 1
`
`1162
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 13 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TEXT TABLE
`
`FIG. 12
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 14 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`n.uJ
`
`3,
`
`40
`
`30.1051wh
`
`N2...m_£2
`
`omfiI3:wEwmmv_:_._
`
`”_
`
`- am
`
`uvozhxmmfi
`
`99
`
`um
`
`
`
`
`
`Smmwcm.mmmfitmEon_c_Emqmzm_who:.5.co:_wco:E. U
`
`1A24004010Wm
`
`1on:
`
`
`
`sIU||mfl_.m.mm.,..<I$282E_o%.§_e_=:8:E83=8:m
`
`16
`
`16
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 16 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`P0'Tvpe
`
`1414
`
`1415
`
`‘UQ-1 ‘< '0
`
`(DIn
`
`1410
`
`1412
`
`14
`
`_a D»)
`
`1417
`
`M20
`
`1422
`
`POlNameCity
`
`1430
`
`1434
`
`1435 .
`
`1433
`
`1440’
`
`FIG. 14
`
`1444
`
`1464
`
`POlList 1450
`
`1454
`
`1455
`
`1458
`
`—
`
`1450
`
`' 1452
`
`1150
`
`-Zj
`-11
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 17 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1501
`
`1502
`
`1503
`
`1504
`
`1505
`
`1505
`
`1507
`
`1500
`
`1509
`
`1510
`
`1511
`1512
`
`1513
`
`A
`
`Plan Route (In-Vehicle):
`
`Accept Destination Specification from Operator
`
`Determine Current Location Data
`
`Establish Communication Session with Server
`
`Send Destination Specification and Current Location Data to Server
`
`IF Destination Specification Requires Server Interaction THEN
`
`Accept Secondary Destination Specification Data from Server
`
`Accept Secondary Destination Specification from Operator
`
`Send Secondary Destination Specification to Server
`
`END IF
`
`Wait for Server,Response
`. Receive Planned Route, Spot Map, and Differential GPS Data from Server
`
`Close Communication Session with Server
`
`FIG. 15A
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

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

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 19 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`1601
`
`Startup Maneuvers:
`
`1602
`
`1603
`
`1604
`
`1605
`1606
`
`initialize Estimated Location using Differential GPS Data
`
`WHILE Estimated Location is not at a Point of the Planned Route 00
`
`Track Estimated Location using (D)GPS Data
`
`Display Spot Map and Estimated Location on Display
`END WHILE
`
`FIG. 16
`
`*~
`
`'*1801
`
`Replan Route:
`
`1302
`
`1803
`
`1804
`
`1805
`
`1806
`
`1807
`
`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
`
`NAVIGATION
`
`APPLICATION
`
` SERVER SYSTEM ' TRAFFIC
`
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
` EXTERNAL‘
`INFORMATION
`
`SYSTEM
`
`FIG 19
`
`
`
`NAVIGATION
`
`APPLICATION
`
`M T
`LINK
`LINK
`
`
`
`
`
`SPEED
`SPEED
`DATABASE
`LOG
`
`
`
`
` IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`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
`EQUIPMENT
`105
`
`IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM
`
`
`COMPUTER 2020
`
`
`ONBOARD
`
`DATA
`INTERFACE
`
`2031
`
`
`
`PERSONAL
`COMPUTER
`
`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
`
`

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

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 25 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`TO VEHICLES
`
`SERVER SYSTEM
`
`TELEPHONE
`INTERFACE
`
`2250
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`320
`
`
`
`2210
`
`LAN
`
`NAVIGATION
`SYSTEM
`
`GATEWAY
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`NEWS
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2230
`
`ADMINISTRATIVE
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`REMOTE
`CONFIGURATION
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NEWS
`5ERV'CE
`
`
`
`(1
`USER
`PROFILES
`
`
`
`
`
`TO INTERNET
`
`I
`
`.
`
`H
`
`2252
`
`MAP
`PROVIDER
`
`2254
`
`
`
`TRAFFIC
`INFO.
`PROVIDER
`
`2262
`
`E-MAIL
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`2264
`
`PAGING
`SYSTEM
`
`26
`
`

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

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 27 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`2320
`
`2330
`
`
`
`
`
`CELLULAR PHONE
`
`CPS RECEIVER
`MODULE
`
`CELLULAR
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`
`CPS
`RECEIVER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HANDSET
`MODULE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`KEYPAD
`
`
`2362
` 2364
`
`
`
`DATA
`
`
`
`2366
`
`VOICE
`INPUTI
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
` ONBOARD COMPUTER
`
`
`
`
` 230
`
`SENSORS
`
`DISPLAY
`
`FIG; 23B
`
`28
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 28 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`DISPLAY
`
`FUNCTION
`
`MENU
`
`
`
`2370
`
`2376
`
`
`
`
`
`
`'
`SELECT
`"ROADSIDE ASS'T"
`
`SELECT
`"NAVIGATION"
`
`SELECT
`"TRAFFIC"
`
`
`
`
`
`INPUT
`DESTINATION
`
`PREVIEVV
`ROUTE
`
`DISPLAY
`TRIP MENU
`
`
`
`SELECT
`"TRIPS"
`
`SELECT
`"NEW TRIP"
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`TRIP NAMES
`AND TIMES
`
`
`
`SELECT
`DISPLAYI
`CROSS Is!
`PROMPT
`STREETS
`MANEUVER
`
`
`
`
`SELECT
`CROSS LAST
`STREET
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 23C
`
`29
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 29 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`VEHICLE
`
`100
`
`
`
`
`2420
`
`2400
`
`ON-BOARD
`COMPUTER
`
`
`
`COMM
`T SYSTEMI
`
`commumcmuon
`
`WIRELESS
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`-
`
`125
`
`
`ssnvsiz
`SYSTEM
`
`/
`
`I
`
`/
`
`/
`
`/
`|_.____L___._|
`| E3 2410 I
`(‘Ea
`lL';,Ef,',§’N“
`
`
`-E1
`
`2410
`
`' .
`
`I
`
`
`
`
`
` MAP
`INFORMATION
`
`‘I60
`
`MAP
`PROVIDER
`
`FIG. 24
`
`30
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 30 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`
`
`DESTINATION
`COORDINATES
`
`OVERLAY
`
`2550
`
`HANDSET
`
`
`KEYPAD
`
`"TURN RIGHT
`
`IN 0.1 MILES
`ONTO MAPLE
`ROAD‘
`
`31
`
`.
`
`
`
`
`VOICE
`INPUT]
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`
`_-Fo_1 10
`
`
`
`31
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 3, 2004 Sheet 31 of 31
`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`
`
`INFORMATION POD
`
`
`
`2610
`
`
`--—.._——.——..:
`
` 2626
`251.4
`VOICE
`INPUT/OUTPUT
`
`—.—..——:—I
`
`
`
`
`
`
`240
`
`
`
`2515
`
`SELECTOR
`SWITCHES
`
`2618'__'___"
`PACER
`'
`;-____J
`
`2600 .
`
`FIG. 26A
`
`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
`
`

`
`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
`
`

`
`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 provide
`communication services to vehicle operators, such as a
`paging service.
`
`[0056] Alternative communication approaches between
`in-vehicle systems 105 and server system 125 can be used.
`Use of standard analog cellular telephone links is useful due
`to the broad geographic coverage in North America of the
`infrastructure needed to support such links. In other parts of
`the world, digital cellular telephone links may be more
`appropriate if the necessary infrastructure is available. Such
`a digital-based infrastructure is expected to be available in
`North America in the future. A satellite-based communica-
`
`tion system can alternatively be used to link the in-vehicle
`systems to the server system. Also, other wireless data
`communication systems can be equivalently used to couple
`in-vehicle systems 105 and server system 125. Such systems
`are currently being deployed in North America (e.g.,
`ARDIS, RAM, CDPD, GSM), although the geographic
`coverage is not yet adequate to support this system and
`
`35
`
`

`
`US 2004/0104842 A1
`
`Jun. 3, 2004
`
`provide broad geographic availability to vehicle operators.
`Many wireless communication systems also include a “short
`message” capability with which short messages can be
`transferred. Such short message services can alternatively be
`used for some types of communication between the in-
`vehicle systems and the server system, for instance for
`notification of exception conditions.
`
`[0057] Also, alternative positioning systems can be used
`rather than relying on signals from GPS satellites 140. For
`instance, a roadside optical or radio frequency beacon sys-
`tems can be used to provide location information to vehicles.
`Such a roadside beacon system is not broadly available in
`North America. On the other hand, the GPS-based approach
`provides broad geographic coverage today.
`
`[0058] Centralized server 120 is “centralized” in that it
`provides services at one location for vehicles that are
`distributed throughout a geographic area. The centralized
`server’s location does not have to be “central” or even
`
`located in the same geographic area as the vehicles it
`services. Also, although the system is described in terms of
`a single centralized server 120, multiple servers can alter-
`natively be used. When multiple servers are used, in-vehicle
`systems 105 can be configured to access particular servers
`for all, or for particular types of, service requests.
`
`[0059]
`
`1.2 Operation (FIGS. 6-10)
`
`[0060] General operation of the navigation service of the
`vehicle information system can be understood with refer-
`ence to FIGS. 6-10, which illustrate various representations
`of exemplary maps and routes that are used in the system.
`These drawings correspond to a common geographic area
`that is shown schematically in FIG. 6. The geographic area
`shown is only a very small portion of the area that
`is
`typically supported by the navigation service, which may be
`as large as the United States or multiple countries in Europe.
`
`[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, a map 600 is illustrated with
`three classes of roads shown in different line widths. In
`
`general, roads are classified according to their size or typical
`vehicle speed, for example, highways, limited access roads,
`main roads, and side streets. In FIG. 6, a highway 610 is
`shown as a thick line running along the vertical orientation
`of the drawing. A set of main roads 620, 622, 624, and 626,
`which is shown in medium thickness lines, form an inter-
`secting network. Main roads 620 and 622 are connected to
`highway 610 at two onramps, 612 and 614, respectively. A
`set of residential roads (side streets) 630-636 completes the
`road network.
`
`In this example, an operator and vehicle are ini-
`[0062]
`tially at the point marked ‘X’690. The operator wants to get
`to a desired destination 692 that
`is not shown in the
`
`drawings, but that is best accessed by followi