Pieaeetypeapluseign(+)ineidethisbox —‘
`
`+
`
`era/sens (099')
`Approved
`for use through 09/30/2000. one asst-0002
`Patent endTrwemerk Office: U.5. DEPARTMENT OFCOMMERCE
`
`- toacoliection ofintormation unlessitdisla avaiid OMB ..
`- number
`
`Underthe Pa- mark Reduction Actof 1995 no
`
`
`
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`a
`b.
`
`Statement verifying identity of above copies
`
`- Background of the Invention
`- Brief Summary of the Invention
`- Brief Description of the Drawings (iii/ed)
`
`' Detailer; Description
`-Ctarm s
`- Abstract of the Disclosure
`Drawingls) (35 U.5'.C. 113)
`
`[Tale/MI!""‘—‘]
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`7.!
`
`‘Assignment Papers (cover sheet a documem(s))
`37 C.F.R.§3.73(b) Statement
`Power of
`
`Attorney
`fine/ran wereisansee/ghee)
`9.I
`En iish Translation Document Ifeppacable
`)
`——I
`g
`r
`0 !
`Information Disclosure
`[—1 Copies of IDS
`Statement (IDSVPTO-1449 __} Citations
`~
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`11-'
`
`
`‘Jfietum Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`24;: (snawdbespecificaIM/amed)
`
`
`.Xi Newiy executed (original or copy)
`
`
`: Copy from a prior application (37 C.F.R. 5 1 .63(d))
`' Small Entity "—7 Statement filedtn prior application.
`
`
`.._ (Iorcantr'nuefionflri/IW rrr’mBarf1600/»pr
`
`L f’?W a3‘— imiz— 3"“ 5“"P'°P°'°"‘I “3"“
`
`
`a.__‘ Signed statement attached deleting
`4"TCertified Copy of Priority Documentls)
`
`
`inventorls) named in the prior application.
`____ (Ifforeign phony/:9 ole/Med)
`
`
`
`
`
`see 37 can. §§ 153(c)(2) and 1.33lb)_-
`5. ' W Other:
`..-........-......-.............-....-....-..-._.......
`
`
`
`
`nee-aeeueeeoeeeaeueaueeeeeaeelaee
`neeanemone-unseen...-
`
`
`7W.- wanes» to assume» mmrsauu.‘ '
`
`
`:FEES. A emu. arr/Tram renews ne'er/Insolvent. 1 1.20, mm
`mummem-e-eeame-u-eemn-mace-e
`
`
`i
`
`EQEM we mmemwe
`RE
`Jr.
`
`
`
`
`16.
`if a CONTINUING APPLICATION. Mamie/soar: engage/[fire requisitehlmnelmoelorvendmapreI/mnaryamendnem
`
`
`
`. Continuation
`f__" Divisional j Cont'nuation-in—parflClP)
`olpriorepplicationNo: ______/
`
`
`
`Prrbrepplberbn informer/on.
`Ere/newer
`Group Mr! mt.
`The entire disclosure of the prior application. from which an oath or declaration is supplied
`
`
`WW:
`
`under Box to, is considered a part of the disclosure of the accompanying continuation or divisional application and is hereby arcorporeted by
`
`
`reference. The incorporation can onu be relied upon when a portion has been Inadvertentiy emitted from the submitted application parts.
`17. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`
`i
`or )3 WWW
`I
`._' CwmerMmberorflermuwI
`
`
`non-nu..-
`.Wemaameeanuaeunmeueaeeemeoeaeeue
`Elmer!CUSWNO. orAmedr beragelebelherelé
`RAYMOND A.
`JOAO
`
`
`
` -1 2 2 BELLEVUE.. PLACE -_ -- .._-_.._ -._
` ...- ._........___. -._.._-.- ..___ -_ ......_- .,
`
`
`
`
`
`3m. NEW_ YORK-—
`z/pcod. 10703 ” _
`
`
`
`Z“
`.
`YONKERS____
`
`
`914— 969—2992
`‘Fu 914- 969— 2992
`
`
`
`
`
`
`nagewmm/myw 35 907
`mer/' RAY ND A. JOAO
`199.
`W_ 99. MARCH 1
`
`
`
`Burden Hour Statement.
`storm'
`imated to 9'. 2 hours to complete. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individualcase.Any
`comments on the amount of time
`are required to .. piste this form should he sent to the Chief Information Officer. Patent and Trademark Office.
`Washington. DC 20231.00 NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Paterae.
`Box Patent Application. Washington. DC 20231.
`
`TRANSMI'ITAL
`
`
`OnlylornewnarpmvrsWenol/au‘msmderflafifl § 153(0)
`
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents l"-
`
`ADDRESS 7'0. eox Patent Application
`
`
`
`
`
`a
`.
`Gem 0‘
`
`1
`X I—(F°°Transmittal For? (65kZZSB/I7)
`5. '
`Microfiche Computer Program (Append/X)
`”in"
`Q
`
`
`
`
`6. Nucleotide andlor Amino Acid Sequence SubmissiorF‘
`O
`. 1
`N \
`.Specification
`[ToreIPegesi
`
`
`6 9
`X
`.
`2.
`(rfapp/icab/e, a/Inecessary)
`“9
`"e...
`togm 0
`' Mandamus/wentset term Debit!)
`____t
`r——
`R
`hi
`
`
`
`.
`ter eada e Co
`
`5a
`-Descriptive title of the Invention
`PY
`COMP"
`
`
`
`Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
`- Cross References to Related Applications
`
`
`
`- Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R a D
`
`
`- Reference to Microfiche Appendix
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`——-;
`3. X
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 1
`
`4. Oath or Declaration
`
`[Tore/Pages!
`
`2
`
`i ]
`
`'.
`
`a.
`b.
`
`66/IU/Ellllllllllllllllllllllllllll!lllllllllll!
`
`
`
`'S'I'lUSVDL‘.
`
`Old
`
`
`
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 1
`
`

`

`"Express Mail" NO.: EJ601773572US Date: March 1, 1999
`I hereby certify that this correspondence is being
`deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express
`Mail Post Office to Addressee” service under 37 CFR 1.10 on
`
`the date indicated above and is addressed to the Assistant
`
`Commissioner of Patents, Washington D.C. 20231.
`’ /l//
`
`{
`.
`
`/(é§;%¢h4(2é;
`
`V’T—
`
`RJ020
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`
`
`APPLICANT : RAYMOND A.
`
`JOAO
`
`SERIAL NO.: PLEASE ASSIGN
`
`FILED
`
`: CONCURRENTLY HEREWITH
`
`FOR
`
`: VEHICLE OPERATOR AND/OR OCCUPANT INFORMATION
`APPARATUS AND METHOD
`
`EXAMINER
`
`:
`
`GROUP
`
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`TRANSMITTAL LETTER
`
`Sir:
`
`Please find enclosed herewith the following papers for
`
`filing as a Patent Application:
`
`1. Utility Patent Application Transmittal Sheet;
`
`2.
`
`Fee Transmittal Sheet;
`
`3. Declaration;
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 2
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 2
`
`

`

`4.
`
`Small Entity Status Form;
`
`5. Application,
`
`including Specification, Claims,
`
`Abstract of the Disclosure (69 pages), and 6
`
`sheets of Drawings;
`
`6.
`
`Check in the amount of $380.00 for the filing fee;
`
`7. Return receipt postcard.
`
`Respectfully Submitted,
`
`,5
`
`fl/M
`
`Ray ond A. J ao
`Reg. No. 35,907
`
`
`
`March 1, 1999
`
`122 Bellevue Place
`
`Yonkers, New York 10703
`
`(914) 969—2992
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 3
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 3
`
`

`

`
`
`PTO/SBIOQ (12-97)
`Approved for use through 9/30/00. 0MB 0651-0031
`Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
`Docket Number (Optional)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Applicant, Patentee, or Identifier.WM
`
`
`
`Filedorlssued: MARCH 1, 1999
`
`
`
`Title: VEHICLE OPERATOR AND/OR OCCUPANT INFORMATION APPARATUS
`AND METHOD
` As a below named inventor, I hereby state that I qualify as an independent inventor as defined in 37 CFR 1.9(c)
`
`
`for purposes of paying reduced fees to the Patent and Trademark Office described in:
`
`
`
`
`
`‘
`
`"
`
`STATEMENT CLAIMING SMALL ENTITY STATUS
`(37 CFR 1.9(f) & 1.27(b))--INDEPENDENT INVENTOR
`
`the specification filed herewith with title as listed above.
`
`E]
`
`E]
`
`the application identified above.
`
`the patent identified above.
`
`
`
`I have not assigned, granted, conveyed, or licensed, and am under no obligation under contract or law to assign,
`grant, convey, or license, any rights in the invention to any person whowould not qualify as an independent inventor
`under 37 CFR 1.9(c) if that person had made the invention, or to any concern which would not qualify as a small
`business concem under 37 CFR 1.9(d) ora nonprofit organization under 37 CFR 1.9(e).
`
`
`
`
`
`Each person, concern, or organization to which I have assigned, granted, conveyed, or licensed or am under an
`obligation under contract or law to assign, grant, convey, or license any rights in the invention is listed below:
`
`Separate statements are required from each named person, concern, ororganization having rights tothe invention
`stating their status as small entities. (37 CFR 1.27)
`
`l acknowledge the duty to file, in this application or patent, notification of any change in status resulting in loss of
`entitlement to small entity status prior to paying, or at the time of paying, the earliest of the issue fee or any
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`El No such person, concern, or organization exists.
`E] Each such person, concern, or organization is listed below.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`maintenance fee due after the date on which status as a small entity is no longer appropriate. (37 CFR 1.28(b))
`
`
`
`NAME OF INVENTOR
`NAME OF INVENTOR
`
`RAYMOND A .
`
`NAME OF INVENTOR
`
`
`JOAO
`
`
`
`
`Signature of inventor Signature of inventor
`
`
`
` MARCH 1 1999 ..___.______..
`
`Date
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 02 hours to complete. Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the Chief information Officer, Patent and Trademark Office,
`Washington, DC 20231. 00 NOT SEND FEES 0R COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patents. Washington,
`DC 20231.
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 4
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 4
`
`

`

`VEHICLE OPERATOR ANDZOR OCCUPANT INFORMATION
`APPARATUS AND METHOD
`
`RJ020
`
`
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 5
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 5
`
`

`

`
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present
`
`invention is directed to a vehicle operator
`
`and/or occupant
`
`information apparatus for method and,
`
`in
`
`particular,
`
`to a vehicle operator and/or occupant
`
`information
`
`apparatus and method for providing a vehicle operator and/or
`
`occupant with information regarding traffic conditions,
`
`road
`
`conditions,
`
`traffic flow, and other useful
`
`information.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Each day millions of individuals rely on using their
`
`vehicles as the means by which to get
`
`from one location to
`
`another. As the number of drivers and vehicles on the road
`
`increase,
`
`so to have traffic and congestion on roads, at bridges,
`
`at toll booths, at tunnels, at parking lots and on, or at, other
`
`thoroughfares and/or locations.
`
`In today’s age,
`
`the importance of getting from one
`
`location to another can be paramount. As we, as a society,
`
`become more productive and move deeper into the information age,
`
`it is more and more important for individuals to have an
`
`awareness and information pertaining to the locales in which they
`
`are driving or traveling,
`
`the destinations to which they are
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 6
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 6
`
`

`

`headed, as well as the roadways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels
`
`which they must travel or use along the way.
`
`In today’s
`
`information age, vehicle operators could greatly benefit from an
`
`apparatus and method which could provide a vehicle operator
`
`and/or occupant with information regarding the traffic and/or
`
`conditions of roadways, highways, brides, toll booths,
`
`tunnels,
`
`parking lots, etc.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present
`
`invention provides an apparatus and a
`
`method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with
`
`information regarding traffic conditions as well as conditions of
`
`roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as
`
`other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel,
`
`along with other destinations and/or entities of interest,
`
`to a
`
`vehicle operator or occupant.
`
`In a preferred embodiment,
`
`the
`
`apparatus and method of the present
`
`invention provides video
`
`information to a vehicle operator and/or occupant regarding the
`
`conditions of roadways, highways, bridges,
`
`toll booths and
`
`tunnels as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a
`
`vehicle may travel, as well as other destinations and/or entities
`
`of interest.
`
`
`
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 7
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 7
`
`

`

`
`
`In this regard,
`
`the present
`
`invention provides an
`
`apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or
`
`occupant with information regarding road traffic conditions,
`
`traffic on roadways, highways, parkways, expressways, traffic
`
`and/or congestion at, or on, bridges, at tunnels and at other
`
`locations on a roadway.
`
`The present invention can also provide a
`
`vehicle operator or occupant with information concerning
`
`conditions at toll booths, public areas, public parking lots and
`
`other destinations and/or locations.
`
`The present
`
`invention provides video information and/or
`
`a video image, along with other information, of the conditions of
`
`a roadway, a bridge, a tunnel, a toll booth, a parking lot, a
`
`public parking lot, such as at shopping malls, at stores, at
`
`beaches, and at sports or other entertainment facilities, etc.
`
`The video information is provided to the vehicle operator and/or
`
`occupant on a display device located in the vehicle.
`
`The vehicle
`
`operator or occupant may then utilize the information obtained in
`
`order to be apprised of traffic and other conditions, during
`
`their travels.
`
`For example, a driver headed to a destination may
`
`utilize the present
`
`invention in order to view the traffic
`
`conditions on several alternate roadways or at bridges,
`
`tunnels
`
`or toll booths along the way.
`
`The driver may then utilize this
`
`information in order to travel the least congested route.
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 8
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 8
`
`

`

`The apparatus comprises a vehicle computer.
`
`The
`
`vehicle computer which is utilized should provide for convenient
`
`use by the vehicle operator and/or occupant.
`
`The vehicle
`
`computer should at least have its display and user input device
`
`located on or in the vehicle dashboard or console.
`
`The vehicle
`
`computer may be mounted in the vehicle in the same manner as
`
`driver information centers and/or navigation computers.
`
`
`
`The apparatus also comprises a central processing
`
`computer which provides control over the apparatus and which
`
`
`scrvic s the vehicle computer.
`
`The central processing computer
`
`and the vehicle computer communicate with one another over an
`
`appropriate or suitable wireless communication network.
`
`In the
`
`preferred embodiment,
`
`the present invention is utilized on and/or
`
`over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and,
`
`in particular, a
`
`wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web communication network
`
`and/or system.
`
`In this regard,
`
`the present
`
`invention,
`
`in the
`
`preferred embodiment, utilizes wireless Internet and/or World
`
`Wide Web services, equipment and/or devices.
`
`The central
`
`processing computer has a Web Site associated with it.
`
`The
`
`vehicle computer can access the Web Site of the central
`
`processing computer.
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 9
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 9
`
`

`

`Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is the
`
`preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, it is
`
`important
`
`to note that the present
`
`invention,
`
`in all of the
`
`embodiments described herein, can be utilized with any
`
`appropriate communication systems including, but not limited to
`
`network communication systems,
`
`telephone communication systems,
`
`cellular communication systems, digital communication systems,
`
`personal communication systems, personal communication services
`
`(PCS) systems, satellite communication systems, broad band
`
`communication systems,
`
`low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite systems
`
`and line telephone systems.
`
`The apparatus further comprises a plurality of video
`
`cameras and location computers which are associated with each of
`
`the video cameras.
`
`The location computers are electronically
`
`and/or operatively connected to its respective video camera for
`
`providing control over the video camera. Video information,
`
`which is recorded by the respective video camera,
`
`is provided to
`
`the location computer which services the respective video camera.
`
`Each location computer has a web site associated therewith.
`
`
`
`The central processing computer can access the Web
`
`Sites of each of the location computers.
`
`The vehicle computer
`
`can access the web sites of the location computers via the Web
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 10
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 10
`
`

`

`Site associated with the central processing computer on, or over,
`
`the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
`
`The vehicle computer can
`
`also access the web sites of the location computers directly on,
`
`or over,
`
`the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
`
`In this manner,
`
`the video information recorded by each of the video cameras may
`
`be accessed by the vehicle computer and by the central processing
`
`computer so that the vehicle operator and/or occupant can obtain
`
`the video information at the vehicle computer.
`
`
`
`
`The central processing computer can include a database
`
`which contains all of the data and information necessary to
`
`provide service to, and perform any of the herein—described
`
`functions of, any number of vehicle computers.
`
`The apparatus of the present
`
`invention may be utilized
`
`in conjunction with any appropriate and/or suitable communication
`
`network.
`
`In the preferred embodiment, however,
`
`the apparatus is
`
`utilized in conjunction with the Internet and/or the World wide
`
`Web.
`
`In this manner,
`
`the video camera location video is
`
`obtainable by the vehicle operator and/or occupant by accessing
`
`either the central processing computer or the selected location
`
`computers on, or over,
`
`the Internet and/or the World Wide Web by
`
`accessing the web sites associated with these respective
`
`computers.
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 11
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 11
`
`

`

`Each‘of the location computers is linked to the central
`
`processing computer which services a given region or geographic
`
`area.
`
`The processing computer,
`
`in this manner, can control and
`
`obtain information,
`
`including video information,
`
`from the
`
`respective video cameras.
`
`The apparatus also comprises a global positioning
`
`device which is located at the vehicle and a database which is
`
`
`
`also located at the vehicle.
`
`The database stores any pre—
`
`determined number of locations such as video camera locations on,
`
`or near,
`
`roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, bridges, toll
`
`booths,
`
`toll booth plazas,
`
`tunnels, shopping mall parking lots,
`
`beach parking lots, store parking lots, entertainment and/or
`
`sports facilities parking lots and any other location which would
`
`be of interest to a vehicle operator and/or occupant.
`
`The names and location data pertaining to the video
`
`camera locations, along with the uniform resource locators (URLs)
`
`for the respective location computers, and the links therefor,
`
`are also stored in the database.
`
`The above information can be
`
`correlated with vehicle location data which is obtained by the
`
`global positioning device.
`
`In this manner,
`
`the vehicle operator
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 12
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 12
`
`

`

`and/or occupant may be advised of those locations which may be of
`
`interest to him or her from any location.
`
`After the global positioning device determines vehicle
`
`position,
`
`the position data may be cross correlated with the
`
`location data and other data available in the database so as to
`
`provide the vehicle operator and/or occupant with a selection of
`
`locations for which he or she may obtain Video or other
`
`information over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
`
`Each of the video cameras,
`
`in the preferred embodiment,
`
`is stationed and/or located at appropriate viewing locations on,
`
`near, or at a location for viewing,
`
`roadways, at entrances and
`
`exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, on parkways, and at
`
`entrances to, and exits from,
`
`same, at bridges, at entrances to,
`
`and exits from, bridges, at tunnels,
`
`in tunnels, at entrances to,
`
`and exits from,
`
`tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll
`
`booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, stores, beaches,
`
`sports facilities as well as arenas and entertainment facilities
`
`and centers.
`
`
`
`
`
`Although each of the video cameras may be turned on or
`
`off,
`
`in the preferred embodiment,
`
`the video cameras are in
`
`operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week so as to provide
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 13
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 13
`
`

`

`continuous surveillance of the roadway, highway, expressway,
`
`parkway, bridge,
`
`tunnel, toll booth, toll booth plaza, parking
`
`lot, or other entity or location,
`
`to which it is assigned.
`
`The video cameras,
`
`in the preferred embodiment, are
`
`stationed on poles,
`
`road signs, buildings, overpasses, walls and
`
`other appropriate structures adjacent to, near, on, or at a
`
`location for viewing,
`
`roadways, highways, expressways, along
`
`bridges and tunnels, and parking lots.
`
`The video cameras can
`
`also be stationed along roadways, highways, expressways,
`
`highways, along bridges and tunnels, and parking lots, at any
`
`desired intervals.
`
`For example, a video camera can be stationed
`
`at the entrance to, and at the exit ramps, at mile or other
`
`distance markers, and on signs on any of the above described
`
`roadways, highways, expressways, along bridges and tunnels,
`
`in
`
`parking lots, and in various locations adjacent to, near, or at a
`
`location for viewing,
`
`same.
`
`
`
`A plurality of vehicle computers may be utilized in
`
`conjunction with the present
`
`invention so that the present
`
`invention can be utilized to provide information to a large
`
`number of vehicles and to their operators and/or occupants.
`
`The
`
`present
`
`invention may also comprise a plurality of central
`
`processing computers which are typically server computers each of
`
`10
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 14
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 14
`
`

`

`which may be linked with a pre—defined number of location
`
`computers assigned to provide service to a pre—defined geographic
`
`and/or regional area.
`
`In this manner,
`
`the present
`
`invention may
`
`be utilized to provide information and coverage for a very large
`
`geographic area.
`
`The present
`
`invention can be utilized to
`
`provide information and coverage internationally.
`
`The present
`
`invention, as described above, provides
`
`information pertaining to traffic and other conditions on
`
`roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways,
`
`expressways, parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from,
`
`same,
`
`at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels,
`
`in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from,
`
`tunnels, at toll
`
`booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at
`
`shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, at sports facilities and
`
`at arenas, as well as at entertainment facilities and centers.
`
`
`
`A vehicle operator and/or occupant may obtain video
`
`information about a selected location simply by accessing either
`
`the central processing computer or the location computer which
`
`services the video camera at the selected location or locations,
`
`at any time.
`
`The information which is provided by the present
`
`invention can be utilized in assisting a vehicle drive and/or
`
`occupant to determine and/or find the most optimal or the least
`
`11
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 15
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 15
`
`

`

`congested route to their destination.
`
`For example, a driver
`
`headed to a destination may utilize the present
`
`invention in
`
`order to view the traffic conditions on several alternate
`
`roadways, bridges,
`
`tunnels or toll booths along the way.
`
`The
`
`driver may then utilize this information in order to travel the
`
`least congested route.
`
`In an alternate embodiment,
`
`the present
`
`invention may
`
`be utilized to provide all of the information described above
`
`regarding locations to a user over a home or a personal computer,
`
`including a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a palmtop
`
`computer, a television, an interactive television, a digital
`
`television,
`
`a personal digital assistant, a telephone,
`
`a digital
`
`telephone, a personal communication device, and a personal
`
`communications services device.
`
`In this manner,
`
`information
`
`about any of the herein—described locations can be available to a
`
`
`
`user at, or from, any location.
`
`The present
`
`invention describes an apparatus and a
`
`method for providing the above—described information about the
`
`above—described locations so as the provide a vehicle operator
`
`and/or occupant with valuable information concerning the
`
`roadways, bridges,
`
`tunnels, toll booths and/or parking lots which
`
`would enable the vehicle operator and/or occupant to make
`
`12
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 16
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 16
`
`

`

`informed driving and/or traveling decisions.
`
`For example, a
`
`vehicle operator traveling to a given destination, may wish to
`
`view various locations along the way to his or her destination.
`
`By utilizing the apparatus and method of the present
`
`invention,
`
`the vehicle operator may view roadways, bridges,
`
`tunnels, toll
`
`booths, along the way, so as to select the route with the least
`
`traffic, congestion of traffic delays.
`
`
`
`Further,
`
`the apparatus and method of the present
`
`invention provides an embodiment for allowing a user of a home or
`
`personal computer to obtain the same information from his or her
`
`home or other location so as to more carefully plan out his or
`
`her trip beforehand.
`
`The present
`
`invention can provide an apparatus and a
`
`method for providing hands—free use by a vehicle operator or
`
`driver.
`
`In any of the preferred embodiments described herein,
`
`vehicle location data may be entered and/or updated manually by
`
`the vehicle operator or occupant such as by selecting location or
`
`position information from a menu selection.
`
`The apparatus and
`
`method of the present
`
`invention can ascertain a travel route and
`
`13
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 17
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 17
`
`

`

`provide information pertaining to different locations or points
`
`along the travel route.
`
`The apparatus and method of the present
`
`invention
`
`can provide video and other information about a travel route or
`
`location or point along, or on, a travel route,
`
`in real—time.
`
`The present
`
`invention also provides and apparatus and a method to
`
`allow an individual to preview a planned or anticipated travel
`
`route from any location or place.
`
`
`
`The present
`
`invention provides real—time traffic
`
`conditions,
`
`road conditions and weather conditions and provides
`
`valuable information to any traveler.
`
`Accordingly, it is an object of the present
`
`invention
`
`to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information.
`
`It is another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information regarding traffic
`
`conditions,
`
`road conditions,
`
`traffic flow, or other useful
`
`information.
`
`14
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 18
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 18
`
`

`

`It is another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information regarding conditions of
`
`roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as
`
`other roads,
`
`thoroughfares, or destinations and/or other entities
`
`of interest.
`
`
`
`
`
`It is still another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with video information and/or a video
`
`images, along with other travel—related information.
`
`It is yet another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information which is utilized on,
`
`or over, a communication network.
`
`It is another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information which is utilized on,
`
`or over,
`
`the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
`
`It is yet another object of the present invention to
`
`15
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 19
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 19
`
`

`

`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information from any location.
`
`It is still another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information which provides for
`
`hands—free operation.
`
`It is still another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information which also provides for
`
`manual, as well as automatic, entry of vehicle location data or
`
`information.
`
`It is yet another object of the present invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information pertaining to different
`
`locations or points along a travel route.
`
`
`
`It is another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information which determines a
`
`travel route and provides information pertaining to different
`
`locations or points along the travel route.
`
`16
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 20
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 20
`
`

`

`It is still another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with information about a travel route or
`
`location or point along, or on, a travel route.
`
`It is yet another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with a preview of a planned or
`
`anticipated travel route.
`
`It is yet another object of the present
`
`invention to
`
`provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle
`
`operator and/or occupant with travel—related information in real—
`
`time.
`
`Other objects and advantages of the present invention
`
`will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the
`
`Description of the Preferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with
`
`the Drawings which follow.
`
`
`
`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the Drawings:
`
`17
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 21
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 21
`
`

`

`Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present
`
`invention,
`
`in block diagram form;
`
`Figure 2 illustrates the vehicle computer of Figure l,
`
`in block diagram form;
`
`Figure 3 illustrates the central processing computer of
`
`Figure l,
`
`in block diagram form;
`
`Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart diagram of the
`
`operation of the apparatus of Figure 1;
`
`Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart of an alternate
`
`embodiment operation of the apparatus of the present
`
`invention;
`
`and
`
`Figure 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of
`
`the present invention.
`
`
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present
`
`invention provides an apparatus and a
`
`18
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 22
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 22
`
`

`

`method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with
`
`information regarding traffic conditions as well as conditions of
`
`roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as
`
`other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel,
`
`along with other destinations and/or entities of interest,
`
`to a
`
`vehicle operator or occupant.
`
`In a preferred embodiment,
`
`the
`
`apparatus and method of the present invention provides video
`
`information to a vehicle operator and/or occupant regarding the
`
`conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and
`
`tunnels as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a
`
`vehicle may travel, as well as other destinations and/or entities
`
`of interest.
`
`In this regard,
`
`the present
`
`invention provides an
`
`apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or
`
`occupant with information regarding road traffic conditions,
`
`traffic on roadways, highways, parkways, expressways, traffic
`
`and/or congestion at, or on, bridges, at tunnels and at other
`
`locations on a roadway.
`
`The present
`
`invention can also provide a
`
`vehicle operator or occupant with information concerning
`
`conditions at toll booths, public areas, public parking lots and
`
`other destinations and/or locations.
`
`
`
`
`The present
`
`invention provides video information and/or
`
`19
`
`Google EX. 1002, p. 23
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 23
`
`

`

`a video image, along with other information, of the conditions of
`
`a roadway, a bridge, a tunnel, a toll booth, a parking lot, a
`
`public parking lot, such as at shopping malls, at stores, at
`
`beaches, and at sports or other entertainment facilities, etc.
`
`The video information is provided to the vehicle operator and/or
`
`occupant on a display device located in the vehicle.
`
`The vehicle
`
`operator or occupant may then utilize the information obtained in
`
`order to be apprised of traffic and other conditions, during
`
`their travels.
`
`For example, a driver headed to a destination may
`
`utilize the present
`
`invention in order to view the traffic
`
`conditions on several alternate roadways or at bridges,
`
`tunnels
`
`or toll booths along the way.
`
`The driver may then utilize this
`
`information in order to travel the least congested route or to
`
`make other travel related decisions based upon the information
`
`obtained.
`
`
`
`
`
`Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the
`
`subject matter of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
`
`60/076,800.
`
`Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the
`
`apparatus of the present invention which is designated generally
`
`by the reference numeral 100.
`
`In Figure l,
`
`the apparatus 100
`
`includes a vehicle computer 10.
`
`The vehicle computer 10,
`
`in the
`
`preferred embodiment,
`
`is a personal computer. Although any type
`
`of personal computer and/or laptop computer may be utilized,
`
`in
`
`20
`
`GOOgIe EX. 1002, p. 24
`
`Google Ex. 1002, p. 24
`
`

`

`the preferred embodiment,
`
`the vehicle computer 10 can be an
`
`integral part of the vehicle so that it will provide for
`
`convenient use by the vehicle operator and/or occupant.
`
`
`
`In the preferred embodiment,
`
`the vehicle computer
`
`10 should at least have its display and us