US007123926B2
`
`(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Himmelstein
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`*Oct. 17, 2006
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
`INFORMATION TO USERS BASED ON THE
`USERS LOCATION
`
`(76) Inventor: Richard B. Himmelstein, 857 Fort
`Fisher Blvd. South, Kure Beach, NC
`(US) 28449
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 162 days.
`
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/705,674
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov. 10, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/O145459 A1
`Jul. 29, 2004
`
`5, 1995 James ........................ 701 117
`5,420,794. A
`6/1995 Sprague et al.
`5,422,816 A
`6, 1995 Mui
`5.425,058 A
`5,459,304 A * 10/1995 Eisenmann ................. 235,380
`5,473,602 A 12/1995 McKenna et al.
`5,539,398 A
`7, 1996 Hall et al.
`5,572.201 A 11/1996 Graham et al.
`5,663,734. A
`9/1997 Krasner
`5,740,532 A * 4/1998 Fernandez et al. ....... 455,404.1
`5,805,082 A
`9, 1998 Hassett
`5,875, 183 A
`2f1999 Nitadori
`5,900,825 A
`5/1999 Pressel et al.
`5,908.454 A
`6/1999 Zyburt et al.
`5,952,941 A
`9, 1999 Mardirossian
`5,974,368 A 10/1999 Schepps et al.
`5,982.281 A * 11/1999 Layson, Jr. ............ 340,539.13
`5,983, 161 A 11/1999 Lemelson et al.
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`O
`O
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/659,074, filed on
`Sep. 11, 2000, now Pat. No. 6,647,270.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/153.424, filed on Sep.
`10, 1999.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04O 7/20
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................... 455/456.1:455/456,3;
`455/416:455/518; 455/414.2:455/521: 342/357.1;
`342/.457; 701/207
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............. 455/404.1,
`455/404.2, 412.2, 414.2, 414.3, 456.1–457,
`455/521: 701/207,214, 216; 340/988:
`342/357.1, 457; 702/3
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,591,823. A
`5, 1986 Horvat ....................... 340/936
`5,170,499 A * 12/1992 Grothause ................ 455,238.1
`
`Yahoo Finance “Private Inventor files Patent Application for
`Telematics-Based Public and Emergency First Re:S Safety
`Advisory System” Feb. 4, 2004 (4 pgs).
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Steve M. D’Agosta
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Benesch Friedlander LLP:
`Jeffrey L. Brandt; Robert B Lech
`
`(7)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system for providing an advisory communication to a user
`via a mobile unit includes locating means for locating the
`position of the mobile unit and sending means for sending a
`communication to the mobile unit. The mobile unit includes
`alerting means for alerting the user of the communication.
`The advisory communication can include information relat
`ing to an approaching emergency Vehicle, an accident Scene,
`road conditions, a traffic signal, traffic conditions, or weather
`conditions.
`
`36 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`-N
`
`
`
`4.
`
`BASESAON
`CONTROLLER
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 1 of 19
`
`

`

`US 7,123,926 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1/2000 Rosen et al. ................ 340,905
`6,014,090 A
`1/2000 Baron et al. ...
`... 702/3
`6,018,699 A *
`6,052,598 A * 4/2000 Rudrapatna et al. ..... 455,456.1
`6,060,995 A * 5/2000 Wicks et al. ............... 340,748
`6,097,974 A
`8/2000 Camp et al.
`
`
`
`6,177,873 B1* 1/2001 Cragun - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 340,601
`
`6,199,045 B1* 3/2001 Giniger et al. ................. 70.5/1
`6,208,844 B1
`3/2001 Abdelgany
`6,208,862 B1
`3, 2001 Lee
`6,225,890 B1
`5/2001 Murphy
`6,252,539 B1
`6/2001 Phillips et al.
`6.255,953 B1
`7/2001 Barber
`85.60 R
`39. R et al.
`6.466,796 B1 * 10, 2002 J al
`tal
`6,480.699 B1
`11, 2002 s son et al. ........
`6.498.987 B1
`12, 2002 K. tal
`6.505.133 B1
`1, 2003 R :
`i
`6,526.268 B1* 2, 2003 R al 1
`- 4 W
`aal C al. ...........
`6,539,232 B1
`3/2003 Hendrey et al.
`6542,748 B1
`4/2003 Hendrew etal
`- 14
`endrey et al.
`6,542,749 B1
`4/2003 Tanaka et al.
`863 R 2. sdrey tal.
`6603-405 B1
`8, 2003 S. beg
`6. 6 is. 593 B1
`9, 2003 SM tal
`6,646.559 B1
`11, 2003 SNA a C a.
`6,647.270 Bf
`11/2003 R lstei
`w I
`See
`6,654,689 B1
`11/2003 Kelly et al.
`6.678,516 B1
`1/2004 Nordman et al.
`s
`sy
`6,700,482 B1
`3, 2004 Ververs et al.
`6,728.323 B1
`4/2004 Ch
`tal
`6.72s. 528 B1
`4, 2004 L s gal,
`6.74 5.02 1 B1
`6, 2004 s e
`I -
`WS
`6,754,585 B1
`6, 2004 Root et al.
`6,819,919 B1
`1 1/2004 Tanaka
`6,853,849 B1
`2/2005 Tognazzini
`2001/0147766
`10, 2002 Vanska et al.
`2002/0147766 A1 10, 2002 Vanska et al.
`2002/0174073 A1
`11/2002 Nordman et al.
`
`455,456.3
`
`455,186.1
`
`9/2003 Taylor
`2003. O169181 A1
`9/2003 Taylor
`2003. O169185 A1
`9/2003 Taylor
`2003/07691.81
`1/2004 Sinn et al.
`2004/0010591 A1
`1/2004 Stevens
`2004, OO14457 A1
`7/2004 Himmelstein
`2004/0145459 A1
`2004/0203931 A1 10/2004 Karaoguz
`
`2004/024.8569 A1 12/2004 Kondou et al.
`
`1/2005 Dinnage et al.
`2005, 0021666 A1
`2005/0233741 A1 10, 2005 Zamani
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Selingo, Jeffrey “Protecting the Cellphone User's Rights to Hide'
`Feb. 5, 2004 (2 pgs.)
`Match.com Corporate "Match.com's Wireless Dating Service
`MatchMobile Launches Photo Profiles' (2 pgs).
`Match.com Corporate “Match.com Launches Match Mobile
`Launches with AT&T Wireless” (2 pgs).
`AT&T Wireless “Our Biggest Store: Organization” (2 pgs).
`AT&T Wireless “Features and Services User Guide” (2 pgs).
`http://wwwal accuweather.com/iwxpage/adc/mobile/messenger.htm
`(admitted, not prior art).
`"Match.com Launches Match Mobile with AT&T Wireless', Match.
`com Corporate, Dec. 2003
`“Match.com's Wireless Dating Service MatchMobile Launches
`Photo Profiles'. Match.com Corporate, Dec. 2003.
`“Our Biggest Store: Organization Find People Nearby, AT&T
`Wireless, http://www.attwireless.com/personal/features/organiza
`tion/findfriends.jhtml, Feb. 2004.
`AT&T Wireless, "Features and Services User Guide, How to Use
`Your AT&T Wireless Features and Services'.
`Selingo, “Protecting the Cellphone User's Right to Hide'. The New
`York Times, nytimes.com, Feb. 5, 2004.
`Yahoo Finance, "Private Inventor Files Patent Application for
`Telematics-Based Public and Emergency First Reponders Safety
`Advisory System'. Feb. 2004, http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/
`040204/law 0211.html
`http://wwwa.accuweather.com/iwxpage/adc/mobile/messenger.htm
`(admitted, not prior art)
`US 6,731,928, 05/2004, Tanaka (withdrawn)
`* cited by examiner
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 2 of 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`
`
`22
`
`
`
`BASE STATION
`CONTROLLER
`
`14
`
`16
`
`16
`
`16
`
`-16
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 3 of 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`33
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- - - - - - - - - -
`
`
`
`RF
`RECEIVER
`
`32
`
`
`
`4
`
`35
`
`MICRO
`PROCESSOR
`
`46
`
`41
`
`
`
`
`MEMORY
`
`ELECTRO
`MECHANICAL
`INTERFACE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION PACKET
`FIG. 3A
`
`51 N.
`
`
`
`55
`
`56
`
`57
`
`ADMINISTRATIVE
`
`SENDER
`
`RECEIVER
`
`INFORMATION FIELDS
`FIG. 3B
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 4 of 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`
`
`
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`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 5 of 19
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 5 of 19
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`ADVSSAN
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`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 6 of 19
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 6 of 19
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 7
`
`2
`
`123,926 B2
`123,926 B2
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`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 7 of 19
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 7 of 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`
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`
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`502
`Y
`
`ADDRESS MATCH
`
`CREATE CONTACT
`LOG ENTRY
`
`530
`
`506
`
`508
`
`
`
`STORE I
`PACKET
`
`
`
`ARE
`OTHER
`PACKETS
`PENDING
`
`ARE
`THEY LOWER THAN
`NEW PACKET
`
`
`
`524
`
`HALT PROCESSING
`OF PENDING PACKET
`
`STORE PENDING
`PACKET
`
`526
`
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`PACKET IN
`OUEUE
`
`CONTINUE TO
`PROCESS
`PENDING
`PACKET
`
`
`
`520
`
`522
`
`
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`PACKET
`
`
`
`RE-PRIORITIZE QUEUEN
`ACCORDANCE WITH PRIORITY
`OF PENDING PACKETS
`
`S512
`
`GO TONEXT
`PACKET
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 8 of 19
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 17, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 Of 7
`
`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`START
`
`602
`
`PARSE PACKET INTO FIELDS
`
`604
`
`STORE FIELDS THAT DO NOT
`RECURE ADD'L PROCESSING
`
`606
`
`
`
`PACKETA
`DATA COMMUN.
`
`
`
`610
`
`Y
`
`
`
`
`
`PACKETA
`CONTROL
`COMMUN.
`
`608
`
`614
`
`PROCESS COMMUN.
`AS CONTROL
`INSTRUCTION
`
`PROCESS
`COMMUN.
`AS INFO
`
`PROCESS
`COMMUN.
`AS VOICE
`
`616
`
`
`
`
`
`COMPARE CONTROL
`INSTRUCTION TO
`SECURITY LEVEL
`REOUIRED
`
`Y
`
`618
`
`N
`
`622
`
`PERFORM
`CONTROL
`INSTRUCT
`
`620
`
`NOTIFY BOTH
`SENDER AND
`RECIPIENT OF DENIAL
`
`FIG. 6
`
`GO TONEXT
`PACKET
`
`624
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 9 of 19
`
`

`

`US 7,123,926 B2
`
`1.
`SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
`INFORMATION TO USERS BASED ON THE
`USERS LOCATION
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`5
`
`This application claims priority from U.S. application Ser.
`No. 09/659,074 filed Sep. 11, 2000, issued as U.S. Pat. No.
`6,647,270 on Nov. 11, 2003, which in turn claims priority 10
`from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/153,424 filed Sep.
`10, 1999, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set
`forth herein.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The present invention generally relates to communication
`systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile
`communication system which allows mobile vehicles to
`communicate with neighboring vehicles and roadside com- 20
`munication networks.
`Various communication systems have been used by auto
`mobile drivers to communicate with other vehicles while the
`vehicle is in motion. While many advances have been made
`in vehicle to vehicle communication, numerous disadvan
`tages still remain in using conventional communication
`systems.
`Conventional mobile communication systems include cel
`lular telephones and CB or two-way radio. When using a cell
`phone as a means of mobile communication, there is no
`practical way of discovering whether a neighboring vehicle
`operator possesses a cell phone. Additionally, there is no
`process for determining the phone number of the targeted
`cell phone. Accordingly, the cell phone as a communication
`medium is severely limited.
`CB radio is a widely broadcast public medium where
`mobile users may talk to other mobile or stationary users in
`their vicinity. However, since there is no ability to prevent
`others from listening, there is no privacy between mobile
`40
`communicators.
`Automobile accidents are one of the greatest causes of
`serious injury and fatalities in Society. Accordingly, the
`development of improved control and warning systems to
`minimize personal and financial losses resulting from auto
`45
`mobile accidents is of utmost importance. The limitations of
`present forms of communication are even more severe when
`considering the extent to which a communication link can
`improve both the driving experience and the safety statistics
`of modern vehicles.
`
`35
`
`50
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The present invention provides a communication link
`among vehicles which eliminates these pitfalls. The system 55
`comprises a broadband RF transceiver with antenna, a
`position determining means (such as a GPS receiver) an
`audio-visual interface, an electromechanical interface, and a
`microprocessor with associated memory. These components
`are incorporated into a mobile unit located within each 60
`vehicle.
`The GPS receiver receives signals from GPS satellites and
`calculates the position of the vehicle. The microprocessor
`carries out overall control of the system. The memory
`includes identification information that is unique to each 65
`vehicle. In response to input from the GPS receiver, infor
`mation received by the transceiver and instructions input by
`
`2
`the vehicle operator via the audio-visual interface, the
`microprocessor determines the necessary Subsequent
`actions.
`The transmission from a vehicle may include information
`describing the status of the vehicle for use by the receiving
`vehicle. For example, the transmission may provide infor
`mation regarding the speed, direction, and position of the
`transmitting vehicle. This information is received and pro
`cessed by the receiving vehicle to provide a visual or audible
`display of the position, direction, and speed of the transmit
`ting vehicle.
`According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
`provided a communication system for transmitting informa
`tion between a mobile unit within a vehicle traveling on a
`road and a fixed communication network installed on a
`roadside. The fixed communication network includes a base
`station having a transceiver for communicating with the
`vehicle by transmitting and receiving a plurality of commu
`nication packets. This communication can include payment
`instructions, security instructions, and/or access codes
`which can be transmitted with or without intervention by the
`vehicle operator.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
`FIG. 1 shows a vehicle communication system embody
`ing the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a mobile unit in
`accordance with the preferred embodiment.
`FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the contents of a com
`munication packet transmitted by the mobile unit shown in
`FIG. 2.
`FIG. 3B illustrates the header of the communication
`packet.
`FIG. 3C illustrates the information fields of the header's
`transmission administration.
`FIG. 3D illustrates the information fields of the header's
`sender portion.
`FIG. 3E illustrates the information fields of the header's
`receiver portion.
`FIG. 3F illustrates the sub fields contained in the identi
`fication number field.
`FIG. 4A illustrates the memory of a typical mobile unit
`shown in FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4B is a diagram of a vehicle communication log.
`FIG. 4C is a diagram of a vehicle user log.
`FIG. 4D is a diagram of a vehicle contact log.
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the procedure utilized by the
`microprocessor upon receipt of a communication packet.
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the procedure for processing
`communication packets.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
`
`The preferred embodiment will be described with refer
`ence to the drawing figures where identical numerals rep
`resent similar elements throughout.
`A vehicle communication system embodying the present
`invention is shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle communication
`system 10 generally includes one or more base stations 14,
`each of which is in wireless communication with a plurality
`of remote units 16. Although the remote units 16 may be
`fixed or mobile, they will be referred to hereinafter for
`simplicity as mobile units 16. Each mobile unit 16 can
`communicate with another mobile unit 16, the closest base
`station 14, or the base station 14 which provides the stron
`
`Exhibit 1015
`IPR2022-0427
`Page 10 of 19
`
`

`

`15
`
`3
`gest communication signal. The base stations 14 communi
`cate with a base station controller 20, which coordinates
`communications among base stations 14 and mobile units
`16. The communication system 10 may be connected to a
`public switched telephone network (PSTN) 22, wherein the
`base station controller 20 also coordinates communications
`between the base stations 14 and the PSTN 22. Preferably,
`each base station 14, communicates with the base station
`controller 20 over a wireless link, although a land line may
`also be provided. A land line is particularly applicable when
`a base station 14 is in close proximity to the base station
`controller 20. The fixed remote units 16 may also commu
`nicate with a base station 14 over a land line.
`The base station controller 20 performs several functions.
`Primarily, the base station controller 20 provides all of the
`operations, administrative, and maintenance (OA&M) sig
`naling associated with establishing and maintaining all of
`the wireless communications between the mobile units 16,
`the base stations 14, and the base station controller 20. The
`base station controller 20 can provide the routing of all
`communications between mobile units 16, and between the
`mobile units 16 and the PSTN 22. The base station controller
`20 also provides an interface between the mobile units 16
`and the PSTN 22. This interface includes multiplexing and
`demultiplexing of the communication signals that enter and
`leave the system 10 via the base station controller 20.
`Although the vehicle communication system 10 is shown
`employing antennas to transmit radio frequency (RF) sig
`nals, one skilled in the art should recognize that communi
`cations may be accomplished via microwave or satellite
`uplinks. Additionally, the functions of the base station
`controller 20 may be combined with a base station 14 to
`form a “master base station'.
`A preferred embodiment of the mobile unit 16 is shown in
`FIG. 2. Each mobile unit includes an RF transceiver 32 with
`an antenna 33 capable of transmitting and receiving a
`plurality of RF signals, a global positioning system (GPS)
`receiver 35, a microprocessor 40 with associated memory
`41, an interface to the vehicle's electromechanical systems
`44, and an audio-visual interface 46.
`The RF transceiver 32 transmits and receives RF signals
`at a plurality of RF frequencies to one or more vehicles
`which include a mobile unit 16. Received signals are down
`loaded to baseband and forwarded to the microprocessor 40
`for further processing. Transmitted signals are forwarded
`from the microprocessor 40 to the RF transceiver 32 for
`upconversion and transmission over one of the plurality of
`RF frequencies. The vehicle communication system 10 also
`provides for the option of transmitting a communication
`over currently licensed radio station channels, for example
`105.9 FM. This can permit mobile unit operator to broadcast
`to non-mobile unit operators. It also can provide a 'scanning
`channel’. Such that non-mobile unit operators can listen to
`broadcast communications.
`The GPS receiver 35 is configured to receive signals from
`GPS satellites and compute the position of the mobile unit
`16. There are many commercially available GPS receivers
`35 that can perform such a function. GPS readings which are
`provided to the microprocessor 40 permit the microproces
`Sor 40 to accurately calculate the speed, direction, and
`acceleration or deceleration rate of the vehicle.
`The microprocessor 40 provides central control of the
`mobile unit 16. As will be explained in greater detail
`hereinafter, the microprocessor 40 also performs packet
`handling, including packet assembling for outgoing com
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`ceiver 32. Communication packets 50 received by the
`microprocessor 40 are stored in memory 41. The memory 41
`is also used to store identification information that is unique
`to each vehicle and/or vehicle operator. For example, license
`and registration for each vehicle can be read if positioned
`with a bar code or magnetic strip in a specific location of the
`vehicle. Optionally, the system may have a card reader
`where the operator must place their card prior to the vehicle
`starting. This card can be a license with a magnetic strip or
`a smartcard that identifies the driver and the vehicle. This
`unique information regarding the vehicle may also include
`the position of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle and rate of
`acceleration or deceleration as calculated by data obtained
`from the GPS receiver 35.
`The audio-visual interface (AVI) 46 preferably includes a
`microphone, speakers, and graphic display along with alpha
`numeric and directional keypads. However, those of skill in
`the art should realize that the AVI 46 may encompass other
`input devices which are known, Such as a voice activated
`input unit, an infrared remote control, a full keyboard or any
`other type of electronic or manual data input means. Addi
`tionally, the output portion of the AVI 46 may include any
`type of output means such as a stereo system or a heads-up
`display.
`The electromechanical interface 44 provides an electrical
`coupling to the electromechanical systems of the vehicle
`over which the mobile unit 16 has control. These systems
`may include the radio, lights, horn, windows, locks, steering,
`breaking, and any other electromechanical systems of the
`vehicle.
`Communications between mobile units 16 using the
`vehicle communication system 10 are accomplished through
`a stream of transmitted communication packets 50. As
`shown in FIG. 3A, each communication packet 50 includes
`a header 51 and a payload 53. The header 51 includes a
`plurality of predefined information fields which provide
`information regarding the particular communication, the
`sender which originated the communication, and the
`receiver to which the communication is destined. It should
`be recognized that a voice or data communication may be
`segmented or “packetized' and transmitted using a plurality
`of packets 50. The present invention is not restricted to
`transmitting a communication having a predefined length.
`Accordingly, the payload 53 may include only a portion of
`the communication that is sent between mobile units 16, and
`a single communication may be sent using a plurality of
`packets 50. Communications may include data transmis
`sions, such as uploads from the mobile unit 16, downloads
`to the mobile unit 16, or voice communications.
`Referring to FIG. 3B, the header 51 includes a plurality of
`information fields which can be generally categorized by
`three different functional groups: 1) transmission adminis
`trative information 55; 2) sender information 56; and 3)
`receiver information 57. These fields will be explained in
`greater detail hereinafter.
`Referring to FIG. 3C, the information fields associated
`with the transmission administration 55 are shown. These
`fields provide information that defines the particular com
`munication being transmitted. Although the number of fields
`vary, and the type of fields described may change depending
`on the particular communication and the requirements of the
`system 10, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
`fields associated with transmission administration 55
`include, the following fields: security 61; priority 62; in
`system/out of system 63; broadcast/point-to-point 64; com
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`munication identifier (data/voice) 65; communication type
`(information/control) 66; and communication length (stan
`dalone or continuous) 67.
`Since the vehicle communication system 10 in accordance
`with the present invention permits control of a vehicle and
`overall control of the communication system 10 by law
`enforcement authorities via a “security instruction', the
`system 10 has a plurality of security levels to ensure that
`unauthorized individuals will not use the system 10 for
`subversive purposes. Optionally, driver may override law
`enforcement. The system 10 may ask for permission for law
`enforcement to control vehicle. The security field 61 is
`defined as follows:
`0 Access to all functions of the vehicle communication
`system 10, including the physical control of the vehicle and
`all of the information stored within the memory 41.
`1—Access only to the physical control of the vehicle.
`2—Access only to the information stored within the
`memory 41.
`3—Access for transmitting and receiving communica
`tions.
`4—Access only to receiving communications.
`The security field 61 may also include a security code,
`which permits authentication of the entity sending the Secu
`rity instruction. As aforementioned, it should be understood
`by those skilled in the art that additional fields may be added
`or defined as desired to increase the functionality of the
`system 10 or the security layers. Additionally, it should be
`recognized that although the system 10 is capable of a broad
`range of functionality, there are legal implications to imple
`menting all of the functionality. For example, a court order
`would most likely be necessary before permitting law
`enforcement officials access to information in, or control of
`the mobile unit 16.
`The priority field 62 is an indicator of the urgency of the
`transmitted communication. The priority field 62 can be a
`numeric priority from one to ten; with urgent communica
`tions having the highest priority of one (e.g., communica
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`tions from law enforcement officials) and non-urgent com
`munications having the lowest priority of ten (e.g.,
`advertisements).
`The in system/out of system field 63 indicates whether the
`communication is destined for, or originated from, another
`mobile unit 16 or an entity located outside of the vehicle
`communication system 10. Communications with entities
`outside the vehicle communication system 10 can be routed
`between the mobile unit 16 and the outside entity over the
`PSTN 22.
`The broadcast/point-to-point field 64 identifies whether
`the message is intended for broadcast to all mobile units 16
`or whether it is intended to be routed to a particular mobile
`unit 16. As will be explained in detail hereinafter, the
`receiver field 57 will specify the particular address, or
`multiple addresses, of the mobile units 16 to which the
`communication will be transmitted.
`The communication identifier field 65 identifies whether
`the communication is a voice or data transmission since each
`transmission may be encoded and processed differently by
`the receiving microprocessor 40.
`The communication type field 66 identifies whether the
`communication comprises information for output to the user
`via the AVI 46, or whether the information is a control
`instruction that will permit electromechanical control of the
`vehicle.
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`The communication length field 67 indicates whether the
`entire communication is included within the current packet
`50, or whether the packet 50 is part of a multi-packet
`communication.
`Referring to FIG. 3D, the fields associated with the sender
`portion 56 of the header 51 include identification number 71,
`position 72, speed 73, acceleration or deceleration 74, direc
`tion 75, origination 76, and destination 77, and may include
`additional optional fields 78 as specified by the vehicle
`operator.
`The identification number 71 provides a unique identifi
`cation for the sending mobile unit 16. The identification
`number may be the vehicle license number with two addi
`tional letters representing the state where the license plate
`was issued. Such as PA for Pennsylvania. Depending upon
`system administration, the identification number 71 may
`further relate to one or more individual operators of the
`vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3F, the identification number field
`71 may include a plurality of subfields including vehicle
`code 81, number of authorized vehicle operators 82, and a
`vehicle operator identification number 83, ,
`, for each
`operator. This feature is particularly useful if the vehicle is
`part of a commercial fleet of vehicles with multiple drivers.
`Upon turning on the vehicle, the vehicle operator inputs their
`identification number 71. This number 71 is compared to the
`list of authorized operators previously stored in memory 41.
`If the input operator identification number 71 matches
`favorably with one of the authorized operators previously
`stored in memory 41, operation of the vehicle is permitted;
`if not, operation is denied. Optionally, license plate, regis
`tration, insurance information and driver's license informa
`tion can be additional fields stored with the identification
`number 71.
`Use of a vehicle operator identification number 71, such
`as a driver's license, also permits different operators to use
`the vehicle while retaining their distinct identity and storing
`information particular to that vehicle operator, similar to a
`screen name for Internet use Such as the America Online
`(AOL) system.
`Referring back to FIG. 3D, the next four fields associated
`with the sender portion 56 of the header 51 include position
`72, speed 73, acceleration or deceleration 74, and direction
`75, which are automatically created from the information
`obtained from the Sender’s GPS receiver 35.
`The origination field 76 includes the location of the
`vehicle when the vehicle was turned on. The destination
`field 77 includes the destination of the vehicle. This, of
`course, requires that the destination be input into the mobile
`unit 16, Such as when a destination is input into a navigation
`system. It should be understood that the mobile unit operator
`may override certain fields to ensure that this information is
`not obtained by other mobile unit operators. For example,
`the origination 76 and destination fields 77, which may
`include personal information that the mobile unit operator
`does not desire other mobile unit operators to have access to,
`may include null data such that the sender's destination and
`origination will be listed as “not available' to the receiver.
`The vehicle operator configures their mobile unit 16 as
`desired to specify which fields should be transmitted with
`null data.
`Referring to FIG. 3E, the fields associated with the
`receiver portion 56 of the header 51 are shown in greater
`detail. As discussed with reference to FIG. 3C, the broadcast
`or point-to-point field 64 indicates whether the communi
`cation is destined for one, multiple, or all operators. If the
`communication is to be broadcast to all mobile unit opera
`tors, the number of addressees field 79 is designated as Zero,
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`indicating that all operators will receive the communication.
`For point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications,
`(whereby a plurality of operators may be included within a
`conversation or communication), the number of addressees
`field 79 includes the number of operators which will be
`receiving the communication. For example, if a point-to
`point communication is desired, the number of addressees
`field 79 will include the number one (1) and address field
`number one 80a will be the only field which includes an
`address. If a point-to-multipoint communication is desired
`between, for example four additional mobile unit operators,
`the number of addresses field 79 will include the number
`four (4) and address fields one through four 80a-d will
`include the addresses of the four receivers to be sent the
`communication.
`Once all of the aforementioned fields have been populated
`with the information, the microprocessor 40 builds each
`communication packet 50 and forwards the packet 50 to the
`transceiver 32 for transmission. The packets 50 are prefer
`ably transmitted to the base station 14, and then forwarded
`to the base station controller 20. The base station controller
`20 routes all of the communication packets 50 to the
`specified addresses, either to one or more mobile unit
`operators, one or more outside entities, or both. This routing
`function is the same as an Internet router, whereby the
`destination address or addresses are read by the router and
`the communication packet 50 is forwarded to those
`addresses. If the communication packet 50 is to be for
`warded to multiple addresses or broadcast to all addresses,
`the base station controller 20 provides such a routing func
`tion.
`The base station controller 20 may also confirm to sender
`whether or not a signal has been received by the recipient.
`In an alternative embodiment, each communication may
`require a confirmation packet be sen