(12) United States Patent
`Durocher et al.
`
`I IIIII IIIIIIII Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111
`US006381535Bl
`US 6,381,535 Bl
`Apr. 30, 2002
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`INTERACTIVE PROCESS FOR USE AS A
`NAVIGATIONAL AID AND DEVICE FOR ITS
`IMPLEMENTATION
`
`Inventors: Jean-Michel Durocher; Sophie
`Sommelet, both of
`Saint-Germain-en-Laye (FR)
`
`(73) Assignee: Webraska Mobile Technologies, Poissy
`(FR)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/402,588
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Mar. 20, 1998
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/FR98/00557
`
`§ 371 Date:
`
`Sep. 8, 2000
`
`§ 102(e) Date: Sep. 8, 2000
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: W098/45823
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Oct. 15, 1998
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Apr. 8, 1997
`
`(FR) ............................................ 97 04259
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ G08G 1/127
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 701/202; 701/207; 701/208
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 701/201, 202,
`701/205, 207, 208, 209, 211
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,954,958 A * 9/1990 Savage et al.
`
`.............. 364/444
`
`5,311,434 A * 5/1994 Tamai ........................ 364/449
`5,508,917 A * 4/1996 Siegle et al. ........... 364/424.02
`5,543,789 A * 8/1996 Behr et al. .................. 340/995
`5,839,086 A * 11/1998 Hirano ....................... 701/201
`5,926,118 A * 7/1999 Hayashida et al.
`......... 340/995
`5,928,307 A * 7/1999 Oshizawa et al.
`.......... 701/210
`6,199,045 Bl * 3/2001 Giniger et al. ................. 705/1
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Michael J. Zanelli
`Assistant Examiner-Eric M Gibson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Pennie & Edmonds LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention relates to a system to be used as an aid in
`navigation comprising a mobile terminal (1, 2) connected to
`a centralized server (5), and more specifically to the
`improvements required to convert a portable radiotelephone
`(1) into a complete and precise navigational aid system. The
`invention is characterized by the fact that the itinerary
`requests of the mobile terminal (1, 2) are transmitted to a
`centralized server (5) by a radio relay link, and by the fact
`that the server ( 5), which contains the necessary carto(cid:173)
`graphic and program data, calculates the itinerary requested
`and transmits to the mobile terminal (1, 2) the data concern(cid:173)
`ing the straight line and arc segments that constitute the
`itinerary, thereby permitting real-time guidance. The inven(cid:173)
`tion is further characterized by the fact that the server (5)
`evaluates the possibility of the craft deviating from its
`course, as well as by the fact that the server (5) also
`calculates and transmits the data concerning the segments of
`possible deviation itineraries in an area of proximity to the
`main itinerary. The invention can be applied in particular to
`automotive vehicles.
`
`18 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`8c
`
`Starbucks Corporation, et al. – Ex. 1014
`U.S. Patent No. 9,454,748
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 30, 2002
`Apr. 30, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 0f4
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 6,381,535 Bl
`US 6,381,535 B1
`
`8c
`
`
`
`I
`
`3
`
`2
`
`FIG. I
`FIG. 1
`
`4
`
`D
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 30, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`000
`00~
`[u[!]E]
`
`/
`
`1
`
`10
`
`11
`
`9
`
`?
`
`18
`
`20
`
`22
`
`21
`
`23
`
`24
`
`17
`
`12
`
`16
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`RAM
`
`FLASH-EPROM
`
`GPS
`
`MICROCONTR.
`
`AID
`
`DIA
`
`PROCESSING
`UNIT
`
`FIG. 2
`
`POWER
`
`DISTANCE
`SENSOR
`
`DIRECTION
`SENSOR
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 30, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`Mobile terminal : Enter request with
`destination and optimization method
`
`Obtain position
`
`25
`
`26
`
`~~~ - - - - "~~~~ - - - -~ 27
`Transmit request and position
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . .
`
`'-------lliiiiiiii;;;;;;;;;:::::::::::...-.1~1 Server : calculate optimal itinerary and
`
`identify itinerary segments according
`to the request and position
`
`28
`
`Determine roads intersecting with
`_ / itinerary and identify those a vehicle is
`likely to take
`
`29
`
`Starting from each identified route,
`calculate a proximity area including
`the segments of the new itinerary to
`take in order to reach destination
`
`\--........._ __
`
`Store segments of the itinerary and
`proximity area
`
`30
`
`31
`
`32
`
`Transmit answer containing segments
`of itinerary and of itineraries of the
`proximity area
`
`Mobile Terminal: store segments
`and continue with the processing
`
`33
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 30, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`Obtain position
`
`34
`
`35
`
`36 l
`
`NO
`
`Transmit position to
`setVer and obtain new
`itinerary
`
`YES
`
`39
`
`YES
`
`37
`
`----.,__ --'----L-----
`R ea d itinerary from
`proximity area
`
`38
`
`Use new itinerary
`
`40
`
`Display position on graphic
`representation of segments of the
`itinerary and update length of
`Journey
`
`41
`
`NO
`
`/42
`
`YES
`
`Display / transmit guidance
`message
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`

`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`1
`INTERACTIVE PROCESS FOR USE AS A
`NAVIGATIONAL AID AND DEVICE FOR ITS
`IMPLEMENTATION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to a navigational system connected
`to a centralized server and, more specifically, to the improve(cid:173)
`ments required to convert a terminal (for instance a radio(cid:173)
`telephone or an electronic organizer) into a navigational aid
`system, particularly for automotive vehicles.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`2
`CD-ROM, with the disadvantages of a difficult updating and
`an increase in the cost, size and manageability of the
`navigational system.
`To offset such disadvantages, earlier state-of-the-art has
`5 systems describing the partial use of a central cartographic
`data base linked by radio to the vehicle.
`Some systems advocate complete transmittance of the
`cartographic data, which requires a very wide band or else
`imposes very long transmittance periods, given that data
`transfer on the GSM network is presently done at 9,6 kbits/s.
`Other systems propose transferring part of the data at the
`beginning, then on a regular basis according to the position
`of the terminal. This limits real-time usage of the data
`( calculating the length of the journey, the distance to be
`covered, complete visual display of the itinerary).
`Other partial systems propose transmitting only the itin(cid:173)
`erary and the length of the journey, calculated by the central
`with eventual graphic elements for the display of intersec-
`20 tions. Such systems are of little value in real-time, and the
`guidance is inadequate, particularly because diversions
`(blocked roads, missed exits, etc.), some of the most stress(cid:173)
`ful events for a driver, are impossible to manage.
`To allow for real in-car guidance, in particular with the aid
`25 of a portable telephone, systems using a central data carto(cid:173)
`graphic base are therefore lacking in the means by which the
`navigational system could guide the driver even if he
`deviated from the route as first planned, for instance in the
`case of road works, blocked streets, traffic slowdowns or any
`30 other hitches or errors due to absent-mindedness. So, in the
`present state-of-the-art, either the complete data of the areas
`through which the driver journeys are transmitted to the
`terminal for local calculation, or the driver has to query the
`server again, with all the ensuing delays, if only for the
`35 initial time required to establish a new connection.
`Also missing in the systems using a centralized data base
`described above are the means by which the driver could
`visualize his position in connection with general geographic
`landmarks without, in the process, overloading transmit-
`4o tance by sending details irrelevant to his itinerary.
`Also missing are the means which would provide the
`driver, in real-time, in text, graphic or voice form, with the
`directions to follow at every crossroads; the means allowing
`the driver to give his order verbally without a voice recog-
`nition system; the means allowing the navigational system to
`calculate locally and in real-time the estimated length of the
`journey and time of arrival; the means to obtain the exact
`position of the vehicle without using additional radio receiv(cid:173)
`ers or satellites for the pick-up of the differential signals; the
`means to optimize the itinerary in real-time without using
`any additional radio receivers or satellites for the pick-up of
`traffic data.
`Finally, earlier state-of-the-art navigational systems are
`lacking in the devices required for converting a portable
`telephone or an electronic organizer into a real and complete
`navigational system.
`
`15
`
`Over the years, different types of navigational aid systems
`and of data access have been developed particularly for
`automotive vehicles. These systems make the driver's work
`easier by calculating the best itinerary (the shortest, fastest,
`simplest, or least expensive, etc.) to reach his destination and
`thereby spare him the trouble of reading a map while
`driving. These systems are particularly useful when driving
`in unfamiliar areas or for choosing the shortest course
`considering real-time road conditions (road works, traffic,
`demonstrations, weather, etc.).
`Earlier state-of-the-art includes systems with integrated
`large screens which make it easier to read maps in vehicle
`integrated terminals dedicated to automotive navigation.
`These expensive devices have the capability to calculate
`the position of the vehicle so as to display it on a road map.
`The position of the vehicle can be determined with the aid
`of satellite signals receivers ( the GPS, for example) or
`inertial or else by triangulation of the signals emanating
`from ground stations (for example the base stations of a
`mobile telephone system such as GSM).
`Calculation of the position of a GPS receiver for example,
`is based on the position data provided by three or more
`satellites and the delay of transmittance of these signals to
`the receiver. However, the accuracy of such systems is
`limited to about 100 meters, due partly to natural causes
`(weather variations, changes in the ionosphere, reflection on
`obstacles, etc.), and partly to deviations introduced deliber(cid:173)
`ately on the signals for the civil use of systems such as the
`GPS managed by the US Defense Department. To make up
`for this lack of accuracy, earlier state-of-the-art describes the
`use of differential GPS receivers, expensive devices that
`include an extra decoder, of the radio or satellite type, to pick
`up signals providing corrective values, measured by a fixed
`station that compares the real position of the station to the
`position obtained from the satellite signals. In order to
`optimize real-time calculation of the itineraries, these navi(cid:173)
`gational systems are sometimes equipped with receivers
`picking up information on traffic conditions, for example the
`RDS system. These receivers further increase the cost of the
`in-car terminal.
`To make driving easier and safe for the driver, the systems 55
`are sometimes fitted out with voice recognition systems
`and/or with a voice synthesis system which further com(cid:173)
`plexify the navigational systems since a microphone, a
`loudspeaker and at least one processor need to be added to
`carry out voice recognition or synthesis or both. In all cases, 60
`real-time voice recognition and synthesis are carried out
`locally. Most often, the processing capability and limited
`memory of the in-car systems allow for the recognition of
`isolated words only.
`Finally, the cartographic data, which are essential for 65
`calculating itineraries and for displaying the position of the
`vehicle, are generally stored locally, for example on
`
`45
`
`50
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to a navigational system to be
`applied to automotive vehicles for example, including a
`terminal equipped with the means of communication giving
`it access to a centralized server through radio relay, satellite
`or ground link, for example GSM, PCS, CDPD, SMS, PHS,
`CDMA, GMPCS. The server contains cartographic data and
`is capable of calculating itineraries. The server does not
`necessarily possess itself the means of communication but
`
`

`

`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`3
`can be linked, for example through Internet, to a gateway
`towards the radio relay network.
`The mobile terminal includes the means to choose start
`and destination points, to transmit a request including these
`points, and to ask the centralized server to calculate the best
`itinerary according to criteria selected by the user ( the
`fastest, simplest, least expensive, shortest, with or without
`highways, the most pleasant, going through such or such
`intermediary points, by foot, on a bicycle, by metro, in a bus,
`etc).
`The terminal also includes the means to determine auto(cid:173)
`matically the position of the vehicle, either by using a
`satellite locating system of the GPS type or an equivalent, or
`by using the base station triangulation system of a cellular
`telephony network, or through any other method.
`The start position which is part of the itinerary request is
`preferably that of the vehicle as determined in an automatic
`manner; entering the start address by hand is thus bypassed.
`The invention is characterized by the fact that the cen(cid:173)
`tralized server transmits the itinerary in vector form, that is,
`straight line and arc segments, including, for each segment,
`at least the latitude and longitude coordinates of its extremi(cid:173)
`ties ( or of at least one, since the other one can be determined
`by checking where begins the next segment), thereby allow- 25
`ing a local graphic yield and the positioning of the terminal
`on the itinerary and eventually the type of road (street,
`boulevard, national, highway, etc), which in turn makes the
`transmission of messages easier. The server also transmits
`typical information for that type of road, the average speed 30
`expected on the road, if different from the normalized speed
`for that type of road, thereby allowing the mobile terminal
`to estimate in real-time the length of the rest of the journey,
`and the name of the road, thus making it possible to transmit
`suitable messages. Other information may also be 35
`transmitted, such as which way the street runs, the height
`allowable on the streets, etc.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`navigational system includes in the vehicle itself the means
`by which to pick up this information and to store it, the
`means to obtain on a regular basis the position of the vehicle,
`to display the position of the vehicle on a map, on the base
`of the received segments, to calculate in real-time the
`estimated time of arrival, to transmit guidance or informa(cid:173)
`tion messages relevant to the position, in text, graphic or
`sound form. Thus, a few seconds before a change of direc(cid:173)
`tion (according to a programmable delay), the mobile ter(cid:173)
`minal can transmit messages such as: "take the second to the
`right, Montrouge street", "in 2 km, take exit 106, towards
`Eastman", etc.
`The invention is also characterized by the fact that in
`addition to the itinerary, the server transmits to the terminal
`the route segments crossing the itinerary, as well as, if
`possible, the type of priority of each of the crossroads (stop,
`lights, priority to the right, etc.) plus, if possible and when 55
`required, data allowing identification of the destination to
`which the intersection leads (for instance, the name of the
`main towns/cities to which the road leads).
`The invention is also characterized by the fact that the
`centralized service estimates the possibility of the vehicle 60
`deviating from its course and taking one or the other of the
`crossroads. For one, several or each of the possible
`deviations, the centralized service calculates and also trans(cid:173)
`mits to the terminal the best alternative itinerary for the
`driver to follow in order to reach his destination, thus 65
`establishing an area of proximity information around the
`itinerary. According to a programmable parameter, the pro-
`
`4
`cess can be repeated so as to provide a third, fourth, etc level
`of itinerary in case the vehicle deviates from one of the
`recommendations of the preceding level.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`5 navigational system includes, inside the vehicle, the means
`required to verify the position of the vehicle compared to the
`planned itinerary, to determine if the vehicle has taken one
`of the intersections instead of the recommended course and,
`in that case, to advise the driver that the precalculated
`10 secondary route is now used, if one is available, and to give
`instructions based on this secondary route.
`If a secondary itinerary is not available, or if the vehicle
`deviates from the new recommended itinerary, or for each
`level of pre-stored itinerary, one of the third ( or umpteenth)
`15 levels of transmitted itineraries, then the mobile terminal,
`after informing the driver, contacts the centralized server
`automatically and transmits the position, asking the server
`for a new itinerary to reach the original destination.
`There are multiple advantages to the transfer of informa-
`20 tion on which crossroads and itineraries to follow in case of
`deviations or driving errors. Among other things, no pro(cid:173)
`gram of local calculation of itinerary is required, thereby
`simplifying the in-car guidance program; also, the degree of
`capability required for processing and memory is lower, plus
`it reduces the cost of the mobile terminal. This allows an
`enriched visual display by indicating crossroads and nearby
`roads, it makes it possible to recommend immediately and
`without delay a new itinerary in the case of deviations, to
`display at all times a graphic representation of alternative
`routes according to the position of the terminal, thereby
`making it possible to estimate autonomously and rapidly the
`impact of detouring, for instance to drive by an incident
`(slowdown, accident, blocked road, etc).
`The invention is also characterized by the fact that the
`server can save the information (itinerary, proximity area,
`etc) transmitted to the mobile terminal, that it can obtain
`information regularly on road conditions (traffic,
`demonstrations, road works) and/or weather conditions, that
`40 it can verify regularly if the information affects the itinerary
`or its proximity area and, if it does, to transmit this infor(cid:173)
`mation to the mobile terminal and, if useful, for instance
`when a traffic jam can be bypassed, it can also transmit a
`new itinerary to the mobile terminal, which then informs the
`45 driver of the change and guides him through the deviation.
`The advantage is that no additional receiver for the
`pick-up of traffic information is required in the vehicle,
`thereby reducing the cost of the in-car system. If the mobile
`terminal transmits its position to the server at regular
`50 intervals, the server will take this into account to verify if a
`traffic or weather incident is really relevant before advising
`the mobile terminal. The server can also consult the mobile
`terminal on its position so as to verify if the changes are
`important before transmitting this new information.
`The mobile terminal can also be equipped with traffic data
`receivers and, on its own, make the necessary adjustments to
`allow a new estimation of the length of the journey and also
`verify if any of the deviations of its proximity area are more
`advantageous. It can also ask the server if there is a new and
`more advantageous itinerary given these new real-time
`weather conditions.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`server can have in stock or be linked to other servers which
`have in stock, display data, for instance stills or video
`images of crossroads, or information allowing the tridimen(cid:173)
`sional projection of the view a driver following the indicated
`itinerary would have of a crossroads, by the fact that the
`
`

`

`US 6,381,535 Bl
`
`5
`
`5
`server transmits the information to the terminal, where they
`are stored, and by the fact that the mobile terminal can
`present the displays at the appropriate time according to its
`position. This is particularly useful in case of doubt, or of
`errors in estimating the position and, in particular, at cross-
`roads or traffic circles where, 3, 4 or 5 roads cross each other.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`server can have a database or be connected to other servers
`with a database holding general information relevant to the
`itinerary, such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, tourist,
`historical or geographic information. The server can trans(cid:173)
`mit this information to the mobile terminal when the itin(cid:173)
`erary is requested or on request during the journey.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`driver's real-time information or guidance messages can be 15
`done in audio form. The advantage is that it makes the
`driver's work easier, thus making navigation safer because
`the driver is not required to keep a constant eye on the
`terminal screen. It also allows the use of a terminal with
`limited display capacities, for example a GSM phone with a
`4 line screen or even an accessory without any display
`function, for example a telephone accessory such as a
`hands-free kit for mobile telephones, the processing being
`done not in the telephone itself but in the accessory to which
`the telephone is grafted, the telephone then being used solely 25
`as a communication module.
`These sound messages can be generated by the server
`according to the itinerary or the position of the terminal, be
`transmitted to the mobile terminal, either at the time of the
`initial request or during the journey, be stored by the latter 30
`and, as is or in a combination, be played back at the
`appropriate time by the mobile terminal according to its
`position. The advantage is that it reduces the complexity and
`cost of the mobile terminal and also that the choice of
`language and the ergonomics of the dialogue are not frozen 35
`within the mobile terminal.
`These messages can also originate locally from a speech
`synthesis system, at the appropriate time according to its
`position. This has the advantage of reducing the amount of
`information the server transmits, but a voice synthesis
`system is required.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`requests can be done in voice form. The advantage is that it
`allows a safer interface because it is less dangerous for the
`drivers who need to focus their attention on driving and keep
`their eyes on the road. This also makes it possible to control
`or consult the navigational system without having to stop the
`vehicle. Thus, while driving, information such as the
`remaining distance or time, the distance to the nearest gas
`stations, hotels or restaurants, or a description of the sur(cid:173)
`rounding tourist area (such as "what is that castle on the
`right?") etc, can be obtained.
`So, the mobile terminal digitizes voice and extracts
`parameters from it for analysis, after which the mobile
`terminal transmits the parameters to the server, in general
`along with its position. The server then proceeds with the
`recognition, searching with the aid of a word list or pho(cid:173)
`nemes bank, determines the object of the consultation and
`then transmits its answer to the mobile terminal.
`Local digitization and extraction of the analysis of param(cid:173)
`eters provide a sampling covering an important part of the
`frequencies of the human voice (a sampling at the Nyquist
`frequency of 44 kHz for example). By analyzing and extract(cid:173)
`ing the parameters before transmittance to the server, one
`avoids speech distortions caused by the reduced bandwidth
`of the telephone channels (generally limited to 4 kHz) and
`
`6
`by the speech compressions effective in digital telephony
`(the Full Rate or Enhanced Full Rate coding, for example),
`distortions which make centralized voice recognition diffi(cid:173)
`cult to execute.
`So, speaker-independent recognition of natural language
`becomes possible (rather than the recognition of isolated
`words from a speaker-dependent), the size of the vocabulary
`can also be larger and the centralized recognition system can
`possess a level of memory and a calculation capability that
`10 would be too prohibitive for installation in a vehicle. This is
`particularly important for automotive navigation where the
`number of cities, streets, etc is generally higher than the size
`of the vocabularies that can be processed locally. Multilin(cid:173)
`gual and speaker-independent recognition then becomes
`feasible.
`The advantage of transmitting all at once the analysis of
`the parameters and the position of the mobile terminal is that
`it totally frees the navigational system user (the driver) and
`makes his or her task easier. The risks of errors in the voice
`recognition system are also lower since only one request can
`20 be made at a time, thereby reducing the risks of stress and
`danger for the user at the wheel and allowing the supply of
`information related to the immediate position.
`Of course, voice recognition can also be done locally, with
`the advantage that it limits the amount of information
`exchanged between the server and the mobile terminal, but
`a more complex mobile terminal is required and limits are
`imposed on the performance of the voice recognition sys(cid:173)
`tem.
`The mobile terminal can use a satellites positioning
`system, of the GPS type, for example.
`The accuracy of the position measured locally by the
`mobile terminal with the aid of signals picked-up simulta(cid:173)
`neously from the satellites of a positioning system by
`satellites of the GPS type can be improved by using differ(cid:173)
`ential information, obtained from one or several fixed
`stations, whose position is known, picking-up simulta-
`neously the signals of the same satellites. Generally, differ(cid:173)
`ential information comprise the distance measured ( called
`40 pseudo-range) between the receiver of the fixed station and
`each of the satellites, and the real distance calculated from
`the known position of the fixed station. The increased
`precision is due to the fact that over a distance of about 500
`km, the errors of a positioning system of the GPS type are
`45 very similar.
`The invention is characterized by the fact that differential
`information is transmitted by using the same radio relay
`network used for itinerary requests and answers. That way,
`there is no need to use another receiver (satellites, RDSIFM,
`50 etc) to pick-up differential information, thereby reducing the
`complexity and cost of the mobile terminal.
`The network is preferably of the GSM type, or of the
`GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by
`Satellite) and, preferably, supports the transmittance of short
`55 messages of the SMS type.
`The invention is also characterized by the fact that dif(cid:173)
`ferential information can be transmitted by SMS from the
`server to the mobile terminal, at regular intervals, for
`instance every 10 or 30 s. The advantage of using short
`60 messages of the SMS type is that they can be transmitted
`even when the radio link is being used during a
`telecommunication, which makes it easier to use the same
`network for the transmittance of differential requests,
`answers, corrections and avoids the use of a device dedi-
`65 cated to the sole reception of differential information.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`server can be an Internet server which makes its use possible
`
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`US 6,381,535 Bl
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`8
`or an electronic organizer has the advantage of limiting the
`number of devices in a vehicle and also of using a device that
`can be carried everywhere and employed for other functions,
`rather than a single device dedicated to automotive naviga-
`tion. Its modulability makes it possible to separate it from
`other components, for instance, analog-to-digital converter,
`voice recognition, synthesis, loudspeaker, remote
`microphone, etc. For instance, the map display function
`could prove very useful for pedestrians, with or without
`10 integrating the sensor of a positioning system of the GPS
`type. The other interesting aspect of using a telephone or an
`electronic organizer detachable from the other components,
`including eventually the receiver of the GPS type, is that it
`is then possible for the driver to consult the server and to
`15 plan his trip from outside his vehicle, and eventually to
`inquire about road conditions before actually sitting behind
`the wheel. Once connected to a positioning receiver by
`satellite in the vehicle, the telephone and electronic orga(cid:173)
`nizer can guide the driver during the complete itinerary.
`20 Moreover, using a portable telephone is an advantage
`because the owner of the telephone will be likely to buy a
`hands-free kit with an integrated receiver of the GPS type.
`Another advantage of using a portable telephone is that it
`comes with an integrated screen and keyboard ( or touch
`25 screen or light pen) and that it possesses the communications
`components required for implementing this navigational
`system. Thus, no other screen is required, nor any other
`communications module (not for request, nor for answers,
`nor for differential information). This also allows the use of
`30 a radiotelephone network, for instance short messages of the
`SMS type, accessible almost everywhere ( and soon, with the
`satellites networks, everywhere), and then not having to
`depend on transmitting sources of the RDS type using a FM
`band.
`In cases where the mobile terminal comprises a portable
`telephone, it is possible either to calculate the analysis
`parameters directly inside the telephone, or from outside the
`telephone and, in this latter case, to use the telephone as a
`communications module. The advantages of calculating the
`parameters in the hands-free kit are that, often, it already
`includes a microphone and a processing unit. That way also,
`a telephone that has not been modified at all can be used.
`So it is possible to have a 100% voice solution by using
`a telephone that has not been modified at all, all the guidance
`and requests being made by voice.
`The totality of the programs required for the navigational
`aid system described above can also be integrated and
`executed either on the telephone or the organizer, either in
`the hands-free kit or any other accessory connected to the
`telephone.
`Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
`become apparent from the following description, done for
`illustrative purposes only and not in the least limiting,
`referring to the figures hereby appended on which:
`
`5
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`7
`on a world-wide basis, since access to Internet is available
`throughout the world. The mode of connection being
`standardized, the use of several types of terminal is also
`possible. Furthermore, one can take advantage of the fact
`that several services which can be useful for people on the
`go are or will be available on Internet, of the fact that the
`server will be able to access them after an agreement with
`the supplier of this information, and that it will be possible
`to select the data while considering the position of the
`terminal. That way, all the data are not necessarily managed
`nor stored by the server.
`The invention is further characterized by the fact that the
`vehicle can transfer its position to the server on a regular
`basis, that these positions can be stored by the server, and
`that the server can provide one or several third party
`terminals, including mobile ones, and in particular through
`Internet, with information on the position of the mobile
`terminal, at all times. This is particularly useful for locating
`the vehicle and for fleet management, making it possible to
`offer both navigational aid and fleet management services, to
`offer the services by sharing cartographic data with several
`companies which then do not need to each have their own
`complete system of fleet follow-up and management. Other
`information can be exchanged, such as messages, the con(cid:173)
`dition of the vehicle, the length of the journey, speed,
`weather, the number of turns per minute, the distance
`already traveled, etc.
`Preferably, the information supplied by the server to the
`third party terminal contain