Exhibit E
`
`

`

`United States Patent
`Schaphorst
`
`
`US005767795A
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,767,795
`Jun. 16, 1998
`
`[54] GPS-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR
`VEHICLES
`
`5,614,898
`5,617,319
`
`3/1997 Kamiya et ab. oc...cseeerens 340/995
`4/1997 Arakawa et al. 0...eee 364/449.1
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Richard A. Schaphorst. Jenkintown.
`Pa.
`
`[73] Assignee: Delta Information Systems, Inc..
`Horsham, Pa.
`
`Primary Examiner—tleffery A. Hofsass
`Assistant Examiner—Benjamin C. Lee
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—wWilliam H. Eilberg
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic tour guide overcomes the monotony of an
`[21] Appl. No.: 675,006
`automobile trip. The system includes a GPS receiver, a
`;
`computer, and a database of pre-recorded information. These
`[22] Filed:
`Jul. 3, 1996
`components may be contained in one housing. and may be
`GO8G 1/123
`[51]
`Int. c1.°
`permanently installed in a vehicle. The database contains
`:
`;
`information pertaining to various geographical regions. The
`[52] U.S. Cl. 1...aOeUNOOWOLDOeeWOLta
`computer receives a signal from the GPS indicating the
`.
`,
`,
`>
`position of the vehicle. The computer then retrieves infor-
`[58] Field of Search «00.00...eee 340/995, 990,
`mation from the database, the retrieved information corre-
`340/988; 364/448. 449.5, 449.7, 443, 441.1;
`sponding to the position determined by the GPS receiver.
`701/200, 213, 206. 201
`The information is presented to the traveler, either on a video
`display or through an audio playback unit. The system can
`References Cited
`therefore provide information on the history. geography,
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`and/or culture, relating to the region through which the
`vehicle is traveling. The information can be modified to
`31229947 WA993 RoseSa Teeseerence, OS include specific reference to points of interest with respect to
`
`a 340/005
`5'519.392
`5/1996 Oder etal.
`the instantaneous position and orientation of the vehicle.
`
`7/1996 Nimura etal. ....
`wre 364/449,2
`5,537,324
`
`9/1996 DeLormeet al. oeeee 701/200
`5,559,707
`
`8 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet
`
`[56]
`
`5
`
`STORAGE
`DEVICE
`
`1
`
`GPS
`RECEIVER
`
`3
`
`COMPUTER
`
`13
`
`NIT
`
`VOICE
`RECOGNITION
`
`PANEL
`
`15
`
`SOUND
`
`DISPLAY
`
`7
`
`PHONE 11
`
`CELLULAR
`
`

`

`USS. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 1998
`
`5,767,795
`
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`5,767,795
`
`J
`GPS-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR
`VEHICLES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to the field of information storage
`and retrieval, and includes a system which efficiently
`retrieves information for use by the operator of a vehicle or
`by other travelers.
`One purpose of the present invention is to provide infor-
`mation to travelers. The invention is especially useful in
`automobiles, and can be used as an electronic tour guide for
`the occupants of an automobile. The invention is not limited
`to the field of automobile travel, however. For example, it
`can also be used by pedestrians or hikers.
`Traveling by automobile can become unpleasant, espe-
`cially when the distance to be covered is great. An automo
`bile trip can be monotonous, and often the scenery imme-
`diately outside the vehicle is not particularly attractive. Road
`maps give general information about the highways in a
`region, but provide little information about the history,
`geography, and other background of the area. A traveler
`passing through an unfamiliar location will have little idea
`about restaurants, hotels, motels, and other tourist facilities
`in the vicinity. Often the only information available to the
`traveler comes from a few billboards placed along the
`highway. Sometravelers carry guide books for a region, but
`guidebooks generally do not describe all the facilities in an
`area. and also do not provide immediate help for the
`newcomerin finding various attractions.
`The present invention solves the above-described prob-
`lems by providing a compact
`information storage and
`retrieval unit which can function as an electronic tour guide.
`The system of the present invention uses the Global Posi-
`tioning System (GPS), which is a satellite-based navigation
`system. The present invention combines GPS technology
`with known information storage techniques, to provide an
`information system that can be conveniently and perma-
`nently mounted in the dashboard of a vehicle, or carried in
`the vehicle by the traveler, or carried by a pedestrian or
`hiker.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The system of the present invention includes a GPS
`receiver, an information storage and retrieval device, such as
`a CD-ROM player, and a programmed computer means
`connected both to the GPS receiver and to the CD-ROM
`player. The system is preferably carried in a vehicle, either
`as an independent unit or as a component whichis installed
`permanently in the vehicle. The GPS receiver determines the
`instantaneous geographical position of the vehicle. and
`transmits this information to the computer. The items of
`information stored on the CD-ROM (or other mass storage
`device) are grouped according to geographic region. The
`computer is programmed to access the information from the
`CD-ROM. which information corresponds to the current
`position as determined by the GPS receiver.
`In one embodiment,
`the computer is programmed to
`operate the CD-ROM playerso as to download information
`on the history, geography, and culture associated with the
`region through which the vehicle is passing. The output can
`be played through an audio unit, such as a sound board, or
`through the radio mounted in the vehicle, or it can be
`presented by other means, such as through a video display.
`The computer can simply replay the information stored on
`the CD-ROM, pertaining to the current location. Or the
`computer can be programmed to add to the stored
`
`2
`information, before presenting the information to the user.
`by including comments about the specific location of a point
`of interest, taking into account the exact location and ori-
`entation of the vehicle.
`
`In another embodiment, the computer is programmed to
`retrieve information about hotels. motels, restaurants, and
`other tourist facilities, located within the region near the
`vehicle, according to commands entered by a user. The
`computer can add to this information so as to give the
`traveler specific directions based on the current position of
`the vehicle. The computer can also define an interface which
`enables the user to search the CD-ROM interactively.
`In another embodiment, the computer is programmed to
`dial a cellular telephone, to make a reservation at a restau-
`rant or other facility which has been by the user.
`The invention therefore has the object of providing an
`information storage and retrieval system for use by a tray-
`eler.
`
`The invention has the further object of relieving the
`monotony of automobile travel by providing an easy means
`of obtaining historical, geographical, and cultural informa-
`tion on a region through which the automobile is traveling.
`The invention has the further object of providing infor-
`mation of interest to automobile travelers. such information
`being pertinent to the current location of the automobile.
`The invention has the further object of reducing or
`eliminating the need for road maps and/or guide books.
`The invention has the further object of providing a
`method for retrieving information relating to a particular
`geographic region.
`The invention has the further object of providing an
`electronic tour guide for travelers.
`The reader skilled in the art will recognize other objects
`and advantages of the present invention, from a reading of
`the following brief description of the drawings, the detailed
`description of the invention, and the appended claims.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`The FIGURE provides a block diagram of the compo-
`nents of the system of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The FIGURE showsthe major components of the system
`of the present invention. Global Positioning System (GPS)
`receiver 1 is connected to computer 3. which is connected to
`storage device 5. Computer 3 may be any programmable
`device capable of performing the functions stated below. For
`example, computer 3 could be a microprocessor chip, or its
`equivalent, or it could be a larger computer. The computer
`accepts signals from GPS receiver 1, and is capable of
`receiving input from storage device 5, and of generating
`signals which control storage device 5. In the preferred
`embodiment, the storage device includes a CD-ROM and a
`CD-ROMplayer, but other mass-storage devices, such as a
`magnetic tape and a tape drive, or a magnetic disk. or other
`equivalent devices, could be used instead.
`The GPSreceiver detects signals from overheadsatellites.
`and uses the differences in arrival times of these signals to
`determine the position of the receiver with remarkable
`accuracy. The technology of GPS is well-known; the GPS
`receiver itself does not form part of this invention.
`Similarly, the CD-ROM and CD-ROM player. or other
`mass storage device, are made using known technology, and
`also do not, taken by themselves. form part of the present
`invention.
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`5,767,795
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`3
`The computer may be connected to provide outputs to
`display 7, and/or to cellular telephone 9, and/or to audio unit
`15. The computer may be connected to receive inputs from
`control panel 11 and/or from voice recognition unit 13.
`The audio unit 15 can be a sound board. which is
`commercially available, or it could include the radio that is
`mounted in the vehicle.
`
`Notall of the components shown in the FIGURE need be
`present in every embodiment. For exampie, the invention
`may be practiced without voice recognition. or without a
`control panel, or even without any control other than an
`on-off switch. Similarly, any one or more of the cellular
`telephone,
`the display. and/or the audio unit could be
`omitted. as long as the computer has at least one means of
`providing output to the user. The essential elements of the
`system include the GPS receiver, some kind of computing
`device, an information storage means, at least one control
`means, and at least one means for providing output to a user.
`But the control means could be as simple as an on-off switch
`for the entire unit.
`Also, the functions of some of the various blocks can be
`combined in the same physical unit. For example,
`the
`computer, the display, and the control panel could all be
`provided in one compact housing. Compactness is especially
`important whenthe unit is used by pedestrians or hikers. All
`such combinations of elements are within the scope of the
`invention. The blocks of the FIGURE are shown separately
`for purposes of clarity. but are not meant to imply that the
`components are necessarily housed in separate boxes.
`In one embodiment, the system operates as follows. The
`GPS receiver, which includes a suitable antenna (not shown)
`for receiving GPS signals from overhead satellites, gener-
`ates a signal indicative of the position of the vehicle in which
`the system is installed or carried. This signal comprises an
`input to computer 3. The GPS receiver may generate the
`signal in analog form, in which case the computer includes
`analog-to-digital conversion means, or the GPS receiver
`may include its own means for generating a digital signal
`indicative of present position. which signal is directly usable
`by the computer.
`The computer receives the signal which indicates
`position, and determines in what area the vehicle is located.
`The computer can be programmed, for example. to divide
`the country into a plurality of geographic regions. These
`regions can be small and numerous, or large but few in
`number. Through simple programming, the computer can
`determine. from the signal received from the GPS receiver.
`in which region the vehicle is located.
`There are many waysto relate a GPS signal to a region of
`the country. and the invention is not limited to a particular
`method. One method is described in the following para-
`graphs.
`In one method, the system provides a stored table, in the
`permanent memory of the computer, which contains a series
`of combinationsof latitude and longitude. That is, the table
`contains a list of pairs of numbers, each pair comprising a
`latitude and a longitude. Every possible latitude and Longi-
`tude combination (for the country) would be presented in the
`table. with a predetermined level of precision (e.g. to the
`nearest degree,
`to the nearest minute, or to the nearest
`second). Associated with each latitude and longitude com-
`bination is another number which represents the region in
`which that combination belongs. Thus,
`the stored table
`would include, in effect, a list of ordered triplets of numbers,
`the triplets comprising the latitude. the longitude, and the
`associated region. The third number would be assigned
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`according to a predetermined assignment of numbers to
`regions of the country. All of these numbers would be stored
`in the permanent memory of the computer.
`The computer would obtain a signal from the GPS
`receiver in the form ofa latitude and longitude combination.
`The computer would then enter the table, locate this latitude
`and longitude combination, and then retrieve the number
`associated with that combination. The latter number repre-
`sents the region in which the GPS receiver is located.
`The CD-ROM, or other mass storage unit. is provided
`with pre-recorded information arranged according to geo-
`graphic region. In particular, the data on the CD-ROM is
`arranged in sectors, and each sector (or each group of
`sectors) corresponds to a number. The numberidentifying a
`sector can therefore correspond to the numberidentifying a
`geographic region. The computer activates storage device 5
`to download information. from the appropriate sector(s) of
`the CD-ROM, which information pertains to the region
`determined from the table. The latter information is then
`played, at the command of the computer, through an appro-
`priate output device, such as through audio unit 15.
`In a more specific example of the operation of the present
`invention,
`the information stored in storage device 5
`includes historical and cultural information pertaining to
`each region for which information is available. As the
`vehicle passes from one region to another, the computer
`generates an audible narrative, through audio unit 15, which
`relates the information to the occupant(s) of the vehicle. The
`information downloaded from storage device 5 is tempo-
`rarily stored within a memory unit forming part of the
`computer. The latter memory unit comprises a buffer for
`storing incoming data from storage device 5 before it is
`ready to be played through audio unit 15. The latter feature
`is especially important when the vehicle is crossing a
`boundary between regions, and the system has not yet
`finished playing the information pertaining to the earlier
`region.
`In the examples given above. the system of the present
`invention comprises an electronic tour guide. The GPS
`receiver insures that the system always knows the location
`of the vehicle, so the system can provide a narrative per-
`taining to that region. The level of detail of the narrative is
`limited only by the capacity of the storage device and the
`processing and storage capability of the computer.
`In one embodiment, the computer is programmed to
`deliver a fixed narrative associated with each particular
`location. But in other embodiments, the computer may alter
`the stored narrative to include comments on location of an
`attraction relative to the current position of the vehicle.
`In a further example, the storage device may contain very
`detailed information about a region (and the region covered.
`may be correspondingly small, so that all possible informa-
`tion can fit on a CD-ROM). For example, a single CD-ROM
`might be used for traveling in only one state, or through a
`small region of that state. In this case, the stored information
`can include very detailed information about historical sites.
`geographic features, and other points of interest. together
`with their positions relative to various roads. The system can
`therefore be programmed to provide information to the
`occupants of the vehicle with respect to a particular direc-
`tion. For example, the occupants might hear a narrative
`which begins, “On your right you can see the Gettysburg
`battlefield etc.” The system can be programmedto calculate
`a direction and/or distance, and to synthesize a narrative
`which combines the latter information, which is variable,
`with the pre-recorded information retrieved from the
`CD-ROM.concerning the site or point of interest.
`
`

`

`5,767,795
`
`5
`In the examples given above, it was assumed that the
`content of the narrative is fixed, except possibly for details
`about the direction (e.g. left or right) of a particular point of
`interest. But it is also possible for the occupants of the
`vehicle to control the content of the narrative in advance. by
`telling the system what types of information to emphasize.
`For example, the user may want only information about
`nearby mountains, or information about national parks and
`monuments. The system can provide a menu. on display 7.
`or using the audio unit 15, which menulists various avail-
`able subject areas. The user can then press the appropriate
`keys on control panel 11, or choose an item using the voice
`recognition unit 13, so as to select a particular item. The
`computer receives the selection and prepares the narrative
`accordingly.
`All of the functions described in this specification can be
`performed with voice recognition unit 13 instead of a control
`panel. That is, the user can specify the desired subject area
`orally, possibly in response to an audible prompt from audio
`unit 15.
`
`Another use of the present invention comprises providing
`information on restaurants and other tourist accommeda-
`tions to the occupants of the vehicle. For example, suppose
`that the occupants of the vehicle want information about
`local restaurants. The occupants select “restaurants” from a
`menu on display 7, or by use of the voice recognition unit.
`The system is programmed to display (or provide in audio
`form) various categories of restaurants (such as “Italian”,
`“Chinese”, etc.). When the user selects a category.
`the
`system proceeds to provide information about each restau-
`rant stored in the storage device 5, pertaining to the imme-
`diate region in which the vehicle is located. When the user
`then selects a particular restaurant. the system responds by
`providing directions to the restaurant. The directions are
`synthesized according to the position of the vehicle. relative
`to the geographical information stored in the computer. For
`example, the system can be sufficiently specific to be able to
`advise the driver to “turn right at the next exit. proceed three
`miles, and turn left. etc.”
`In general, all of the specifications provided by the user to
`the system could be provided in response to a series of
`hierarchical prompts. For example, following a request for
`restaurant information, the system could ask for a preference
`of food type. and then could ask for a preference for price
`range, etc.
`In another embodiment, the computer can be programmed
`such that, when the user selects a restaurant, the computer
`activates cellular telephone 9, and dials the number of the
`chosen restaurant, the number being included in the infor-
`mation stored on the CD-ROM.
`
`the
`invention,
`In an important aspect of the present
`computer is programmed to compute the speed and direction
`of movement of the vehicle (or traveler), based on a series
`of locations determined by the GPS receiver, and hence
`keeps track of the actual location of the vehicle. Based on
`this computed information, the computer is programmed to
`organize its memory access structure continuously, in antici-
`pation of a request from the user for information. Thus,
`when the user asks for information, the computer need not
`spend much time searching and formatting of information,
`but can instead immediately provide the user with all
`information pertaining to the location.
`A further application of the invention resides in providing
`a traveler with information when on major expressways and
`turnpikes. Information could be stored regarding the facili-
`ties available at or near specific exits of a highway.
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`In one preferred embodiment, the system is built into the
`dashboard of a vehicle. The system could be provided in a
`single housing which fits into a suitable receptacle in the
`dashboard. The housing would include the GPS receiver, the
`computer, the CD-ROM drive, and someorall of the other
`peripheral equipment symbolized in the FIGURE.
`Alternatively, the system can be provided independently
`of the vehicle. For example. the system could again be
`provided in a single housing. but this housing would be
`self-contained and separate from the vehicle. A traveler
`could then carry the system in a vehicle. but could also take
`the system with him or her when leaving the vehicle. Thus,
`the present invention can also be used by pedestrians or
`hikers.
`
`The computer can include software which enables the
`CD-ROMto be queried interactively by the user. so that the
`user can obtain selected information from the CD-ROM,
`pertaining to the position of the vehicle. Software for
`obtaining information from a CD-ROMis well-known in the
`art.
`
`In a very simple but convenient embodiment, the system
`includes only GPS receiver 1, computer 3, storage device 5,
`and audio unit 15. When the system is turned on.
`the
`computer automatically plays,
`through the audio unit, a
`narrative corresponding to the region in which the system is
`located, as determined by the GPS receiver.
`In this
`embodiment, the only control is the on-off switch for the
`entire unit. The latter embodiment is especially useful for
`persons traveling alone. when it would be dangerous to
`operate controls, or watch a visual display, while driving.
`The invention can be modified in other ways. Additional
`categories of information can be stored on the CD-ROM and
`accessed by the user in a manner similar to that described
`above. Various schemesfor interactively obtaining informa-
`tion from the database stored on the CD-ROM (or other
`massstorage device) can be used. Other means of providing
`output, such as a printer, could be used in addition to, or
`instead of, the means shown in the FIGURE.
`
`there are other ways by which the
`As noted above,
`computer can determine the region in which it is located.
`based on the input from the GPS receiver. For example.
`instead of having the numerical table described above. the
`memory of the computer may contain a detailed symbolic
`map, and the coordinates specified by the GPS receiver can
`be electronically placed on that map.
`These and other modifications, which will be apparent to
`those skilled in the art. should be considered within the spirit
`and scope of the following claims.
`Whatis claimed is:
`
`1. An information retrieval system for use by a mobile
`traveler. the system comprising:
`a) means for determining a location of the traveler by
`reception and analysis of signals from overhead
`satellites,
`
`b)} means for storing information relating to a plurality of
`geographical locations, and meansfor retrieving said
`information,
`
`c) the information storing and retrieving means being
`operatively connected to the location determining
`means.
`
`wherein the information storing and retrieving means
`comprises meansfor retrieving information on a geo-
`graphical location in a vicinity of the traveler.
`and wherein the information storing and retrieving means
`includes a database which contains information on
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`5,767,795
`
`7
`facilities at or near exits of major highways, the system
`further comprising means for determining a nearest exit
`and for providing information concerning facilities
`near said nearest exit.
`Zz. A method of providing information to a traveler, the
`method comprising the steps of:
`a) determining a position of the traveler by receiving and
`analyzing GPS signals,
`b) retrieving information from a database, wherein the
`retrieved information corresponds to the position deter-
`mined in step (a), and
`c) presenting the retrieved information to the traveler,
`wherein the database contains information on facilities at
`or near exits of major highways, and wherein the
`method further comprises the steps of determining a
`nearest exit and providing information to the user
`concerning facilities near said nearest exit.
`3. The method of claim 2, wherein the presenting step is
`preceded by the step of generating additional information
`derived from the position determined in step (a), and
`wherein the presenting step comprises presenting the
`retrieved information and the additional information to the
`traveler.
`
`8
`4. The method of claim 2, wherein the presenting step is
`selected from the group consisting of displaying the
`retrieved information on a video display and playing the
`information to the traveler in audio form through an audio
`unit.
`5. The method of claim 2, wherein the information
`contained in the database includes information selected from
`
`the group consisting of historical information, geographical
`information, cultural information, and information relating
`to tourist facilities.
`6. The method of claim 2, wherein the database has a data
`
`structure, and wherein the method further comprises the step
`of arranging the data structure according to the position
`determined in step (a).
`7. The method of claim 2, wherein the retrieving step is
`preceded by the step of providing inputs corresponding to
`subject areas desired by the traveler.
`8. The method of claim 7, wherein the input providing
`step is selected from the group consisting of operating a
`control panel and operating a voice-activated unit.
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