1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 1111111111111111111111111 11111111111111111111111
`US 20030060211Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`CHERN et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0060211 Al
`Mar. 27, 2003
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) LOCATION-BASED INFORMATION
`RETRIEVAL SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS
`COl\,LMUNICATION DEVICE
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: VINCENT CHERN, SAN DIEGO, CA
`(US); WILLIAM Y. SON, SAN
`DIEGO, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`LOUIS M. HEIDELBERGER
`REED SMITH LLP
`2500 ONE LIBERTY PlACE
`PHllADELPHIA, PA 19103-7301 (US)
`
`( * )
`
`Notice:
`
`This is a publication of a continued pros-
`ecution application (CPA) filed under 37
`CFR 1.53(d).
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/384,686
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 27, 1999
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/237,552,
`filed on Jan. 26, 1999, now abandoned.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ............................ H04Q 7/20; H04M 11/00
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. . ........................................... 455/456; 455/403
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`information-retrieval system
`A wireless location-based
`includes a wireless communication device. The wireless
`device bas a transceiver for sending and receiving commu(cid:173)
`nications across a wireless communication network, a posi(cid:173)
`tion-determination device for determining tbe location of tbe
`wireless device, and an Internet browser. A remote server
`communicates with the wireless device. The server receives
`tbe location data from tbe wireless device over tbe network
`and maintains a web page listing information service
`options. The information service options are accessible to
`and selectable by the wireless device via the browser. The
`server retrieves information from a database based on the
`location data provided by the wireless device and on the
`selected service option. The retrieved information is sent to
`the wireless device over the network.
`
`Jg-' DATA
`I
`
`SERVER 136
`
`BASE
`138
`...._ __
`
`I
`HANDS FREE - WIRELESS
`~ -34
`
`HANDSET
`130
`
`UNIT
`132
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`-z.. ~A--'
`
`BASE STATION
`112
`
`r-100
`
`PROCESSOR
`104
`
`SPEAKER
`106
`
`DISPLAY
`108
`
`KEYPAD
`110
`
`\ &120
`
`TRANSCEIVER
`122
`
`MEMORY
`114
`
`MICROPHONE
`116
`
`POWER SOURCE 118
`
`Hg_/
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`DATA
`BASE
`138
`
`i~-
`I
`
`SERVER 136
`
`IRELES
`ETWOR
`140
`
`WIRELESS
`HANDSET
`130
`
`fi/1.2
`
`~
`
`-
`
`~
`
`-
`-
`
`-
`
`~
`
`-
`-
`
`HANDS FREE
`UNIT
`132
`
`34
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`USER REQUESTS FEATURE
`
`202
`
`222
`
`ACQUIRE POSITION
`
`214
`
`NO
`
`SEND POSITION DATA TO
`HANDSET
`
`SEND REQUEST TO SERVER
`
`SERVER LOOKS UP DATA/INFORMATION
`AND RETURNS TO HANDSET
`
`PROVIDE INFORMATION TO USER
`
`206
`
`208
`
`210
`
`Rg.3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`SPEAKER
`312
`
`MICROPHONE
`314
`
`I
`
`I
`
`AUDIO PROCESSOR
`316
`
`Lr- 309
`
`,,
`
`-
`flg.4
`
`•
`
`\ &310
`
`GPS
`304
`
`CONTROLLER
`. 306
`
`'Lr- 308
`
`1,
`
`\ &310
`
`GPS
`304
`
`MICROPHONE
`314
`I
`-
`
`VOICE
`
`SYNTHESIS -
`
`SPEAKER
`312
`I
`
`AUDIO
`PROCESSOR -
`316
`
`'J308
`
`"
`
`324
`
`VOICE
`- RECOGNITION -
`322
`
`-
`
`CONTROLLER
`306
`
`-~
`
`LJ 309
`
`"
`
`Rg.6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`LOCATION INFORMATION REQUEST
`404
`
`1 BYTE
`
`r RESPONSE408
`
`TIME 410
`
`LONGITUDE 412
`
`LATITUDE 414
`
`HEIGHT 416
`
`SPEED 418
`
`DATA AGE420
`
`6BYTE
`
`9 BYTES
`
`8 BYTES
`
`8 BYTES
`
`3 BYTES
`
`1 BYTE
`
`Hg.6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`PROCESSOR
`504
`
`MAIN MEMORY
`508
`
`502
`
`-
`
`I
`
`I
`
`HARD DISK DRIVE
`512
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
`SECONDARY
`MEMORY
`510
`
`I
`
`REMOVABLE
`REMOVABLE
`STORAGE DRIVE +-t STORAGE MEDIA
`514
`518
`
`REMOVABLE
`REMOVABLE
`STORAGE UNIT 1/F ~ STORAGE UNIT
`520
`522
`L-------------------------------------~
`
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`I
`l
`I
`I
`
`BUS
`506
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`INTERFACE
`524
`
`Rg.7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Start
`
`604
`
`Sen1er Looks For
`User Information
`
`608
`
`Yes
`
`Store
`User
`Info
`
`No
`
`Sen,er Looks For
`Location
`Information
`
`614
`
`Yes
`
`Store
`t.ocation
`Info
`
`No
`
`602
`
`606
`
`610
`
`612
`
`616
`
`Figure 8
`
`620
`
`Send Choice "
`Driving
`Dil'flCllons
`to Server
`
`618
`
`Send Choice =
`Points of Interest
`to Server
`
`Send Choice =
`Location
`Monitoring
`to Server
`
`Send Choice =
`Notification
`Services
`to Server
`
`628
`
`Send Termination
`Signal to Server
`
`Gotofil2
`(Fig. 9)
`
`Goto!§!!
`(Fig. 10)
`
`622
`
`Gotolli
`(Fig. 11)
`
`624
`
`Goto ill
`(Fig. 12)
`
`626
`
`End
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Driving
`Directions
`
`630
`
`643
`
`User
`Enters
`Starting
`Address
`
`No
`
`642
`
`Yes
`
`User
`Enters
`Destination
`Address
`
`634
`
`644
`
`646
`
`639
`
`User
`Enters
`Starting
`City
`
`No
`
`City to City
`
`Yes
`
`User
`Enters
`Destination
`City
`
`640
`
`City or Address
`lnformaUon Sent
`to Server
`
`Figure 9
`
`648
`
`650
`
`N ~
`0~
`
`HP--~
`~
`
`652
`
`Yes
`
`TM
`
`Gotolli
`(Fig. 13)
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`User
`Enters
`Current
`Location
`
`666
`
`Points of Interest
`
`User
`Enters
`Business
`Type
`
`664
`
`660
`
`662
`
`No
`
`Yes
`
`Server Searches
`for Nearby
`Businesses of
`that Type
`
`Server Sends
`Retrieved Info
`to Handset
`
`668
`
`670
`
`672
`
`Goto 616
`(Fig. 8)
`
`Figure 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 10 of 13 US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`680
`
`Location
`Monitoring
`
`Yes
`
`682
`
`684
`
`686
`
`688
`
`No
`
`Create Web Page
`and Send URL
`and Password to
`Handset
`
`Handset
`Periodially sends
`location Info to
`Sarver
`
`Goto 616
`(Fig. 8)
`
`Figure 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 11 of 13 US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`690
`
`Notification
`Services
`
`User
`Selects
`Desired
`Notifications
`
`691
`
`692
`
`ews
`
`Promotions
`
`702
`
`704
`
`Obtai n
`Merchant
`or Reg ion
`Parameters
`
`Search for Ads
`or Promotions
`Matching
`Parameters
`
`706
`
`Yes
`
`694
`
`696
`
`Obtain
`Region or
`News Type
`Parameters
`
`Search for News
`Matching
`Parameters
`
`698
`
`70-0
`
`Figure 12
`
`708
`
`710
`
`712
`
`Events
`
`Obtain
`Region or
`Distance
`Parameters
`
`Search for
`Events
`Matching
`Parameters
`
`No
`
`Sort and Send
`Notifications
`to Handset
`
`Handset
`PeriOdically
`sends updated
`Location and
`Parameter Info
`
`714
`
`Yes
`
`Goto 7S6
`(Fig. 14)
`
`No-~
`~
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 12 of 13 US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`738
`
`740
`
`Traffic
`Monitoring
`
`720
`
`Server Cancels
`Traffic
`Monitoring
`Service
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`Search for
`Accidents or
`Construction
`
`724
`
`Send STOP
`Notification to
`Handset
`
`726
`
`No
`
`730
`
`N
`
`Yes
`
`Determ ine If
`Alternate Route
`is Necessary
`
`728
`
`Yes
`
`Map and Send
`New Route to
`Handset
`
`736
`
`Handset
`Perlodically
`sends Location
`Info to Server
`
`Notify User
`and Display
`New Route
`
`742
`
`732
`
`734
`
`Goto 756
`(Fig. 14)
`
`Yes
`
`Figure 13
`
`No
`
`Goto 616
`(Fig.8)
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 27, 2003 Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Start
`
`750
`
`752
`
`7S4
`
`Server Receives
`Location Info or
`Other Info from
`Handset
`
`Server
`Determines
`which Services
`are Subscribed to
`
`Location Monlloring
`
`T raffle Monitoring
`
`Notification
`
`Goto692
`(Fig. 12)
`
`Goto_lli
`(Fig. 13)
`
`Figure 14
`
`758
`
`Update User
`Record and Web
`Page with
`Location Info
`
`760
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`Goto 616
`(Flg.8)
`
`

`

`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Mar. 27, 2003
`
`1
`
`LOCATlON-BASED INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
`SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
`DEVICE
`
`RELAI'ED APPLICATIONS
`[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application serial
`no. 09/237,552, filed on Jan. 26, 1999.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to radio or
`wireless communications and, more particularly, relates to a
`locatioo-ba5ed information retrieval system.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0003] The advent of wireless personal communications
`devices has revolutionized the telecommunications industry.
`Cellular, PCS and other services provide wireless personal
`communications to businesses and individuals at home, in
`the office, on the road, and any other locations the wireless
`network reaches. Wireless telephone subscribers no longer
`have to use pay telephones along the road, or wait until they
`return home or to the office to check messages and return
`important business calls. Instead, wireless subscribers carry
`out their day to day business from their cars, from the
`jobsite, while walking along the airport concourse, and just
`about anywhere their signals are accessible.
`[0004] Thus, it is no surprise that since the introduction of
`the cellular telephone service, the number of wireless tele(cid:173)
`phone subscribers has increased steadily. Today, the number
`of wireless telephone subscribers is staggering and still
`growing rapidly. In fact, many households have multiple
`wireles.s telephones in addition to their conventional land(cid:173)
`line services.
`[0005] With a market of this size, there is fierce compe(cid:173)
`tition among hardware manufacturers and service providers.
`In an attempt to lure customers, most providers offer hand(cid:173)
`sets with desirable features or attributes such as small size,
`light weight, longer battery life, speed dial, and so forth.
`Many recent additions to the marketplace include multifunc(cid:173)
`tional handsets that even provide pocket-organizer functions
`integrated into the wireless handset. Most manufacturers,
`however, are still scrambling to add new features to their
`communication devices to snare a portion of this booming
`market.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0006] The present invention is directed toward a location(cid:173)
`based information retrieval system for a wireless commu(cid:173)
`nication device.
`[0007]
`In one embodiment of the invention, a wireless
`location-based information-retrieval system is provided. The
`system includes a wireless communication device. The
`wireles.s device has a transceiver for sending and receiving
`communications acros.s a wireless communication network.
`The wireless device also has a position-determination device
`for determining a location of the wireless device and pro(cid:173)
`viding location data indicative of the location to the wireless
`device. Finally, the device comprises an Internet browser.
`[0008] The system also includes a remote server in com(cid:173)
`munication with the wireless device over the network. The
`server receives the location data from the wireless device
`
`over the network and maintains a web page listing informa(cid:173)
`tion service options. The information service options are
`accessible to and selectable by the wireless device via the
`browser. The server retrieves information from a database
`based on the location data provided by the wireless device
`and on the selected service option. The retrieved information
`is sent to the wireless device over the network.
`[0009]
`In another embodiment of the present invention, a
`method for accommodating information requests from a user
`of a wireless device is provided. The user is first presented
`with information service options via a wireless network. In
`one implementation, this presentation is made in the form of
`an Internet web page. Next, the location of the wireless
`device is determined, and user information stored on the
`wireless device is obtaioed. The user's informatioo service
`choice is accepted from the wireless device via the wireless
`network, and information corresponding to the service
`choice is obtained based on the user location and user
`information. The information retrieved is sent lo the wireless
`device over the wireless network.
`[0010] Objects and advantages of the present invention
`include any of the foregoing, singly or in combination.
`Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those of
`ordinary skill in the art, or will be set forth in the following
`disclosure.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] The present invention is described with reference to
`the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference
`numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements,
`and
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example wire(cid:173)
`less communication device.
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless commu(cid:173)
`nication system according to the present invention.
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for
`requesting information across a wireless network according
`to the present invention.
`[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a hands-free unit
`having a GPS receiver according to one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0016] FIG. S is a block diagram of a hands-free unit
`having a GPS receiver and voice synthesis and recognition
`according to another embodiment of the invention.
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram of example formats for loca(cid:173)
`tion information requests responses.
`[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a processor-based
`system according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing one implementation
`of a location-based information retrieval system according
`to the present invention.
`[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a driving directions service
`portion of the information retrieval system.
`[0021] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a points of interest service
`portion of the information retrieval system.
`[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a location monitoring
`service portion of the information retrieval system.
`
`

`

`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Mar. 27, 2003
`
`2
`
`[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a notification services
`portion of the information retrieval system.
`
`[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a traffic monitoring
`service portion of the information retrieval system.
`[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a server routine for
`performing subscribed user services.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`[0026] 1. Introduction and Overview
`[0027] The present invention provides a location-based
`information retrieval system and method for wireless com(cid:173)
`munication devices. A position determination system is
`included with the wireless communication device to allow
`the location of the device to be determined. The location of
`the device can be used to provide additional information or
`features to a user of the wireless communication device.
`Examples of the information that may be provided include
`map information; driving information; location information;
`location of retailers, goods, services, or other points of
`interest near the communication device; and any other
`information that may be useful or valuable to a user of the
`communication device. The device location is sent to a
`remote server that accesses and compiles the requested
`information and sends it back to the user via the communi(cid:173)
`cation device.
`[0028] Vok--e recognition and speech synthesis capability
`can be included to provide an enhanced user interface. This
`enhanced interface allows acceptance of a user's vocal
`commands and provides audible vocal responses. The
`enhanced interface may complement a conventional display
`and keypad interface.
`[0029] 2. Example Environment
`[0030] Before describing the invention in detail, it is
`useful to describe an example environment in which the
`invention can be implemented. One example environment is
`a handset or communication device operating within a
`wireles.s communication network such as, for example, a
`cellular, GSM, PCS or radio communication network. Wire(cid:173)
`less communication devices embodying the present inven(cid:173)
`tion can be implemented in various configurations and
`architectures. Typically, a wireless communication device
`will include a keypad for control of the device and data
`entry, and a display for displaying relevant information.
`
`[0031] An example wireless communication device 100 is
`illustrated in FIG. 1. Communication device 100 is pre(cid:173)
`sented for illustrative purposes only; implementation of the
`invention is not dependent on any particular device archi(cid:173)
`tecture or communication network.
`[0032] Device 100 includes a processor 104, a speaker
`106, a display 108, a keypad 110, a transceiver 112, a
`memory 114, a microphone 116, a power source 118 and an
`antenna 120. Device 100 is typically a mobile device such
`as a handheld handset or an integrated vehicle phone. It is
`configured to communicate with other communications
`devices such as base station 112. Base station 112 is typi(cid:173)
`cally within a geographic area known as a "cell'' and handles
`communications for all wireless devices within the cell.
`[0033] Processor 104 directs the overall operation of
`device 100. A computer program or set of instructions is
`
`typically coded or otherwise implemented on the processor
`to enable the processor to carry out the device operation.
`Memory 114 interfaces with processor 104 and may store
`program code and provide storage space for data useful in
`executing the program code and carrying out the device
`functions. Memory 114 may be implemented as ROM, RAM
`or any other convenient memory format. The features and
`functionality of the invention described below may be
`implemented using hardware, software, or a combination
`thereof, and such software can run on a processor such as
`processor 104 and be stored in a memory such as memory
`114.
`
`[0034] Transceiver 112 includes a transmitter that trans(cid:173)
`mits voice and data information via antenna 120 to a
`recipient communication device such as, for example, base
`station 112. Transceiver 112 also includes a receiver that
`receives voice and data information from another commu(cid:173)
`nication device (e.g., base station 112). The received voice
`and data information is provided to the user or used to
`facilitate device operation.
`
`[0035] User interface features include speaker 106, dis(cid:173)
`play 108, keypad 110, and microphone 116. Microphone 116
`accepts voice or other audio information from the user and
`converts this information into electrical signals that can be
`transmitted by transceiver 112. Likewise, speaker 106 con(cid:173)
`verts electrical signals received by transceiver 112 into audio
`information that can be beard by a user of device 100.
`Display 108 displays information such as call information,
`keypad entry information, signal presence and strength
`information, battery life information, or any other informa(cid:173)
`tion useful to the user. Display 108 preferably takes the form
`of a liquid crystal display (LCD), which have low power
`consumption characteristics, but could also be implemented
`as a light emitting diode (LED) display or any other appro(cid:173)
`priate visual indicator. Keypad 110 typically includes an
`alphanumeric keypad and may also include special function
`keys. In one embodiment, keypad 110 is backlit to permit
`viewing of the keys in low light or dark conditions. Device
`100 may also include a flip panel (not shown) that can be
`closed to conceal some or all of the keypad.
`
`[0036] Power source 118 is provides power to device 100.
`It can be implemented with rechargeable batteries, such as
`NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or with any other
`suitable power source.
`
`[0037] 3. A Location-Based Information Retrieval System
`[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless
`communication system according to the present invention.
`The communication system provides information to a wire(cid:173)
`less device user based on the location of the user and his
`device. It includes a wireles.s handset 130 and a hands-free
`unit 132. Handset 130 can be implemented in a configuration
`such as device 100 of FIG. 1, or in any other wireless
`communication device capable of communicating with
`remote locations via a wireless communication medium. In
`the description below, " handset" refers to any communica(cid:173)
`tion device capable of communicating with other devices via
`a wireless medium.
`
`[0039] Hands-free unit 132 is optionally provided to allow
`the user of wireless device 130 to communicate in a hands(cid:173)
`free mode. Hands-free unit 132 may include a microphone
`and speaker to provide wireless device 130 with speaker-
`
`

`

`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Mar. 27, 2003
`
`3
`
`phone-like capabilities. Such capabilities are particularly
`desirable where wireless device 130 is utilized in an auto(cid:173)
`mobile or other mobile situation. In one implementation,
`hands-free unit 132 is configured according to conventional
`industry s tandards for a "hands-free kit".
`In addition to the conventional standards, bands(cid:173)
`[0040)
`free unit 132 is equipped with a position determination
`system 134 to determine the location of unit 132 and handset
`130. Alternatively, position determination system 134 may
`be directly incorporated into handset 130. Position determi(cid:173)
`nation system 134 determines location in terms of param(cid:173)
`eters such as latitude, longitude, height, speed of travel, and
`any other useful location or position parameters. In one
`embodiment, position determination system 134 is imple(cid:173)
`mented using a GPS (global positioning system) or differ(cid:173)
`ential GPS. The design and configuration of GPSs is well
`known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternative
`position determination systems could also be utilized.
`
`[0041) One example of an alternative position determina(cid:173)
`tion system is a triangulation system. In such a system, the
`position of handset 130 is determined by triangulating a
`signal from handset 130 with the fixed locations of two or
`more base stations. Triangulation systems, though useful
`and relatively inexpensive, have several drawbacks. Errors
`due to multipath signal transmission may occur and the
`systems may be inoperable in areas where only one base
`station is available.
`
`[0042) Wireless device 130 preferably includes both a
`voice and data interface, particularly where position deter(cid:173)
`mination system 134 is incorporated in a hands-free unit
`132. The voice interface provides bands-free operation and
`speakerphone-like capabilities. The data interface allows
`position information obtained by system 134 to be provided
`to handset 130 for transmis.sion over wireless network 140.
`Moreover, where voice recognition or speech synthesis
`capabilities are provided ( discus.sion below), the data inter(cid:173)
`face provides the data to be synthesized into speech or the
`data received via voice recognition.
`
`[0043) Handset 130 communicates with other entities via
`wireless network 140. Network 140 is typically comprised
`of a plurality of base stations that provide relay points for
`communication. Network 140 may be a cellular, PCS, GSM,
`or any other wireless communication network. In addition to
`conventional communication with other wired or wireless
`communication devices, as shown in FIG. 2, network 140
`permits communication between handset 130 and data serv(cid:173)
`er(s) 136. When a user requests information, handset 130
`provides the location of the handset to server 136 across
`wireless network 140. Server 136 retrieves relevant infor(cid:173)
`mation from an associated database 138 and conveys the
`information to handset 130 over wireless network 140. The
`information may be displayed on the handset display or
`audibly rendered via speech synthesis or prerecorded scripts.
`Although the types of information stored in database 138 are
`virtually limitless, several example applications are pro(cid:173)
`vided for illustrative purposes.
`
`In one example application, driving directions to a
`[0044)
`destination addres.s are provided to a handset user. The user
`requests driving directions to the destination via keypad
`entry and/or voice command, and the request is communi(cid:173)
`cated to server 136 over wireles.s network 140. At the time
`of the request, the handset location determined by position
`
`determination system 134 is also provided to server 136 to
`provide a starling point for the directions. Using the handset
`location and the destination address, server 136 calculates a
`route and compiles driving directions. The driving directions
`are lransmitled 10 handset 130 over network 140 and are
`displayed or audibly rendered to the user. In addition to
`textual driving directions, a map showing the route may be
`displayed on the handset display. Options such as the
`shortest possible route, interstate route, safest route, most
`scenic rollle, etc. may be provided. The user's choice of
`options will dictate the route calculation. The options may
`be stored, and prompts or scripts generated, locally (in the
`memory of handset 130). Alternatively, the options, prompts
`and scripts may be stored at server 136 and provided to the
`user via network 140.
`
`[0045] Anotber example application locates particular
`types of businesses or services in the user's location. Res(cid:173)
`taurants, gas stations, hotels and other businesses or services
`near tbe user's locatioo cao be identified aod provided to tbe
`user. Again, the user requests the business or service type
`vocally or via keypad entry. The reques t is communicated to
`server 136 over wireless oetwork 140, along with tbe user's
`current location as determined by lhe position determination
`system 134. Server 136, based on the handset location and
`user request, retrieves and returns relevant information to
`handset 130 over network 140.
`
`[0046] Parameter limits or filters may be implemented to
`refine the request and selections returned. The user may set
`a location filler, for example, that requires returned selec(cid:173)
`tions be within X miles of the user's current location. If the
`user is seeking a restaurant, the user may request or be
`prompted to select parameters that refine the search results.
`These parameters may include cuisine type (e.g ., Italian,
`French, American, etc.), restaurant type (e.g., fast food,
`casual dining, formal, etc.), price range and so on. For
`restaurants as well as gas stations, motels and other busi(cid:173)
`nesses, the user may identify a preferred national or regional
`chain.
`
`[0047) As noted above, the search may be refined (the
`query narrowed) oo tbe user's owo initiative or based on
`system prompts. If the user simply requests a nearby res(cid:173)
`taurant, for example, server 136 may prompt the user ,,vith
`questions about parameters such as those described above.
`Allernalively, lo conserve bandwidth over network 140,
`prompts can be stored locally and made by handset 130 (or
`bands-free uoit 132) before tbe request is seat to server 136.
`In Ibis embodiment, updated scripts and/or prompts may be
`downloaded from server 136 to handset 130. Preferably,
`memory-intensive data such as establishment locations,
`driving directions, elc. are stored in database 138 to mini(cid:173)
`mize the amount of memory required in handset 130. The
`precise distribution of data storage among these devices will
`be influenced by factors such as available bandwidth,
`memory costs and airtime costs.
`
`[0048] The user may also specify avoidance of certain
`areas or parts of town, such as those that have high crime
`rates, gang or drug activity, or other undesirable attributes.
`Crime statistics from Jaw enforcement authorities or other
`sources can be compiled and stored in database 138. Based
`on these statistics, certain areas or neighborhoods may be
`identified as high crime rate areas or otherwise undesirable
`areas. The user may opt to not receive choices for estab-
`
`

`

`US 2003/0060211 Al
`
`Mar. 27, 2003
`
`4
`
`lishments in, or driving directions through, those areas. This
`feature can be implemented automatically, as a default
`seJe.ction or through a user prompt. Alternatively, the system
`may provide an automatic warning sound or indication to
`alert the user of entry into a high-crime-rate area. This
`feature is particularly useful if the user is unfamiliar with a
`particular area in which he or she is travelling.
`[0049) A method for requesting information across net(cid:173)
`work 140 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In step 202, a user initiates
`a request for information. As described above, this request
`can be made via a keypad entry or by voice command with
`an appropriate voice recognition system. In step 204, the
`system determines whether the request requires the handset
`location or position. If all information is based on positional
`information, this step can be eliminated on the assumption
`that answering any reque.st requires positional information.
`Since many requests may be fulfilled based on previously
`transmitted position information or without any position
`information at all, however, inclusion of step 204 is prefer(cid:173)
`able to avoid unnecessary transmission of position informa(cid:173)
`tion over network 140.
`[0050)
`If position information is required, the method
`proceeds from step 204 to step 212, where position deter(cid:173)
`mination device 134 acquires the position of handset 130. In
`one implementation, position determination occurs some(cid:173)
`what constantly while handset 130 ( or unit 132) is powered
`on. If position determination device 134 is situated in
`hands-free unit 132, unit 132 provides the position data to
`handset 130 for transmis.sion to server 136 over wireless
`network 140 (step 214). If position information is not
`required, the method proceeds from step 204 directly to step
`206.
`In step 206, handset 130 sends the request to server
`[0051)
`136 via wireles.s network 140. The request includes any
`position data acquired in s teps 212-214. In step 208, server
`136 retrieves the data or information requested from data(cid:173)
`base 138. The data may be retrievable and usable in raw
`form, or it may need to be proce.ssed. This determination is
`based on the type of request, the information requested, and
`the manner or format in which the information is stored in
`database 138. The raw or proces.sed data is communicated to
`handset 130 over network 140 and, in step 210, is displayed
`or provided to the user.
`[0052) As described above, scripts or prompts may be
`provided to the user to refine the information request. If the
`scripts or prompts are stored in database 138 (as opposed to
`local storage in handset 130), they are retrieved by server
`136 in s tep 208 and provided to the user in step 210. The
`user's answers to the prompts are sent by handset 130 to
`server 136, which uses the refined information to retrieve
`additional data or information from database 138, or to
`further refine the user's query. This potentially repetitive
`process is illustrated in FIG. 3 by flow line 222 and the
`repetition of steps 202, 206 and 208. During this repetitive
`prompting process, depending on time elapsed and distance
`traveled, updated position information may be provided to
`server 136. If the refining prompts are stored locally in
`device 130 or unit 132, refinement occurs before the query
`is sent and this repetitive proces.s will not usually be nec(cid:173)
`es.sary.
`[0053) Once the request bas been sufficiently refined,
`server 136 uses the refined request to retrieve data from
`
`database 138. Continuing with the examples described
`above, server 136 may retrieve locations of restaurants, gas
`stations, hotels, or other facilities or services near the user.
`In one implementation, the information is listed or ranked in
`order of best matches to the user's request and/or prefer(cid:173)
`ences. The listing of facilities or services matching the
`request is provided to handset 130 over network 140 (step
`208), and the information is audibly or visually provided to
`the user (step 210). If the information is provided audibly,
`audio data can be prerecorded or synthesized by server 136
`and transmitted over network 140, or data can be sent across
`net\vork 140 and speech synthesized locally.
`[0054] Once the user selects a facility or service from the
`list of options provided, server 136 can retrieve or compute
`driving directions to the facility or service based on the
`user's current position. If sufficient time has elapsed to
`significantly alter the user's current position, server 136 may
`request a position update. In one implementation, a speed of
`travel parameter is provided by handset 130 along with the
`current position. In this implementation, the determination
`of whether to update the position information cao be based
`in part on this parameter. Where the user is traveling at a
`high rate of speed, posi