Abstract:
A web based vehicle information messaging system allows a user to receive user defined information pertaining to the vehicle. The system implements a network of transmitters, receivers, and computers to post a web site displaying information pertaining to the vehicle, that can be viewed and interfaced with by a user. The system allows the user to predetermine the type of vehicle information the users desires and then sends messages to the user pertaining to the requested information according to timing triggers selected by the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to a vehicle travel information system, and more particularly to a web-based vehicle travel information system.  
           [0002]    In situations where vehicles are utilized to transport people, product, or packages, a prevalent problem is the unpredictability of the arrival of the vehicle at a specific location. Factors contribute to the timeliness of vehicular travel such as inclement weather, traffic flow, vehicle maintenance and other unexpected delays and can effect the schedule of the vehicle. For example, school children who ride buses to school often have to wait at their bus stops for extended lengths of time because school buses arrive at particular bus stops at substantially different times from one day to the next. The arrival times of school buses can be significantly affected by many factors such as maintenance problems, rush hour traffic, and congested urban/suburban conditions. As a result, school children often wait at their bus stops for long periods of time, and in adverse weather conditions.  
           [0003]    It is known to utilize a system that employs the use of a transmitter on the vehicle and a receiver in the home or office of the user such that when the vehicle comes within a certain range of the receiver, the receiver signals the user that the vehicle is approaching. Additionally it is known to utilize a system that employs a satellite tracking system, such as a global positioning system (GPS), to track the vehicle, a transmitter located on the vehicle, and a base station capable of receiving transmissions and sending a message to the user&#39;s locations notifying the user of the impending arrival of the vehicle. While such systems work satisfactorily under certain circumstances, they are limited in the type of information and flexibility they provide the user.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In an exemplary embodiment, a web-based vehicle travel information system provides a user with information messages pertaining to a vehicle&#39;s location, progress status along a route, and/or arrival at a predetermined location. The system includes a vehicle information system (VIS) coupled to a vehicle, a user communications interface, and a base station network administrator (BSNA) located at a remote site.  
           [0005]    More particularly, the user communications interface is one of a home Internet appliance, a residential gateway, a computer, and a wireless Internet access device, all of which have Internet access and are capable of visually or audibly displaying information. In addition, the VIS includes a VIS processor, a location determination device, a driver computer interface, and a communication device that transmits and receives information to and from the BSNA through a wireless service provider. The BSNA includes a web server and a base station computer, and communicates with the user communication device utilizing the Internet. Via the user communications interface, the user can access a web site to receive vehicle travel information messages.  
           [0006]    Additionally, the user interfaces with the BSNA, via the user communications interface, to specify vehicle travel information message triggers thereby predetermining the timing, form, and content of messages. Information messages are sent when the vehicle is a specific time period away from a designated location, a specific distance away from a designated location, is at a specific location, or a multiplicity of waypoints in a specific order. Allowing the user to define the vehicle travel information message triggers permits the user to budget time more efficiently and arrive at a desired vehicle stop in a more timely manner. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle travel information system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a messaging component of the vehicle travel information system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the vehicle tracking component of the vehicle travel information system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the emergency messaging component of the vehicle information system shown in FIG. 1; and  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a driver computer interface for the vehicle travel information system shown in FIG. 1.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]    The features and principles of the present invention will now be described relative to an exemplary embodiment thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous variations or modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The system and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Components of each system and method can be practiced independent and separate from other components and methods. Each system and method also can be used in combination with other components and methods.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle travel information system  10  of the present invention. Vehicle travel information system  10  comprises at least one vehicle information system (VIS)  14  coupled to at least one vehicle (not shown), a base station network administrator (BSNA)  18  located at a remote site, and at least one user communications interface  22 .  
         [0014]    Vehicle Information System  
         [0015]    VIS  14  includes a VIS processor  24 , a location determination device  26 , such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a wireless communications device  30 , a VIS, and a driver computer interface  34 . In one embodiment, location determination device  26  receives vehicle position data from a GPS satellite network  36 , including at least one satellite, and determines the vehicle&#39;s location. For example, GPS satellite network  36 , having  3  satellites, transmits position data to location determination device  26  which utilizes the position data to resolve a vehicle location. Although the exemplary embodiment utilizes GPS to monitor vehicle location, other suitable position tracking systems may be used.  
         [0016]    VIS processor  24  controls the overall operation of VIS  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, VIS processor  24  interacts with VIS wireless communication device  30 , location determination device  26 , and driver computer interface  34 . For example, VIS processor  24  interacts with VIS wireless communication device  30  to communicate with BSNA  18  via a wireless service provider  38 . Information from VIS processor  24  is transmitted wirelessly over a network to a wireless service provider  30 , comprising a wireless switch (not shown), which translates information and puts it on a line device, such as a phone line, which then connects to BSNA  18 . VIS processor  24  also interacts with driver computer interface  34  to provide or receive information to or from the driver. Driver computer interface  34  receives and displays information inputs from the vehicle driver, VIS processor  24  and BSNA  18 .  
         [0017]    In one embodiment, VIS processor  24  receives vehicle location data from location determination device  26 , monitors the vehicle&#39;s location and transmits the vehicle location data to BSNA  18  upon occurrence of certain prompting events. Upon the occurrence of certain ‘Prompts’, VIS processor  24  transmits updated vehicle location data to BSNA  18 , via VIS wireless communication device  30  and wireless service provider  38 . The Prompts include starting the vehicle&#39;s engine, putting the vehicle in drive, opening a door, an absence of vehicle movement for preset time period, the vehicle traveling a preset number of miles, a preset time elapsing, upon request from BSNA  18 , the vehicle exceeding a preset speed, the engine functioning improperly, at predetermined waypoints, or the driver depressing an ‘Assist’ button  40 . The occurrence of any other event, in addition to those listed above, could be utilized as a Prompt. BSNA  18  monitors the vehicle location data and compiles vehicle travel information.  
         [0018]    As shown in FIG. 5, driver computer interface  34  includes an ‘Assist’ button  40 . Assist button  40  sends an emergency signal to base station computer  42  via VIS wireless communication device  30  and wireless service provider  38 . If the vehicle becomes disabled or indefinitely delayed the vehicle driver depresses Assist button  40 , which causes VIS processor  24  to send an emergency signal and the current vehicle location to base station computer  42 . Upon receiving the emergency signal, base station computer  42  generates an emergency message to an emergency response terminal  46  and user communications interface  22 . The emergency message to emergency response terminal  46  notifies an emergency response dispatcher that the vehicle needs immediate assistance and gives the dispatcher the vehicle location. In one embodiment, the emergency message to the user notifies the user that the vehicle has incurred a problem, will be delayed, and the approximate length of the delay.  
         [0019]    In the exemplary embodiment Assist button  40  notifies the emergency response terminal  46  that the vehicle has incurred mechanical problems such as engine problems or a flat tire. In an alternative embodiment, Assist button  40  is used to send notification of other emergency situations such as the vehicle being involved in an accident, a medical problem with a person in the vehicle, a disturbance on the vehicle, etc. A further alternative embodiment includes more than one Assist button. A first ‘Assist’ button  40  signals mechanical or other problems and requests the emergency response dispatcher to send an emergency assistance crew to evaluate and make repairs, and dispatch a replacement vehicle. A second button informs the dispatcher to send an emergency medical team (EMT), or the police. The aforementioned functions and applications of Assist button  40  are exemplary only. Other functions are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the system and method described herein.  
         [0020]    Base Station Network Administrator  
         [0021]    In an exemplary embodiment, BSNA  18  includes, base station computer  42 , and a web server  48 . BSNA  18  communicates with VIS  14 , stores user defined vehicle travel information message triggers, analyzes vehicle travel information and mapping data, downloads a current graphical representation of a vehicle&#39;s location, and generates messages to user communications interface  22 . Wireless service provider  38  communicates with VIS wireless communication device  30 , and is electronically interfaced with base station computer  42 . Vehicle location data, vehicle driver inputs and other information is transmitted by VIS  14  to BSNA  18 , allowing base station computer  42  to monitor the vehicle&#39;s travel, adherence to time schedule, vehicle operational status, and other pertinent information. Base station computer  42  also contains user specified vehicle travel information message triggers defining when, where, and how the user desires to be notified of vehicle travel information. Base station computer  42  compares the vehicle travel information, and other data transmitted by VIS  14 , to the vehicle travel information message triggers.  
         [0022]    When a match occurs base station computer  42  sends a vehicle travel information message to user communications interface  22  informing the user the vehicle has reached a particular location or is a specified number of minutes from a particular location.  
         [0023]    Base station computer  42  also generates a current graphical representation of a vehicle location on a web site that can be accessed by user communications interface  22  via the Internet. Base station computer  42  interprets the vehicle location data received from VIS  14  then employs a mapping program to create a current vehicle location mapping display that can be viewed on user communications interface  22 . The mapping program has appropriate information such as pertinent street locations, vehicle speed limits, and traffic flow patterns. In an exemplary embodiment, base station computer  42  communicates with user communications interface  22 , via the Internet. Using the Internet, the user views the web site utilizing user communications interface  22 .  
         [0024]    In addition, base station computer  42  transmits information to VIS  14  instructing VIS processor  24  to perform certain operations or display a message to the vehicle driver on driver computer interface  34 . Base station computer  42  also interfaces with devices such as, but not limited to, a cable content interface  58 , a dispatcher  50 , and/or a remote client system  66 . Cable content interface  58  communicates with a user television  70  via a cable television service provider. Therefore, a user sets user television  70  to a specific channel and views a current graphical representation of one or more vehicle locations. Dispatcher  50  tracks vehicle location and a user calls base station computer  42 , using a telephone interface, to obtain current information about the vehicle location. Base station computer  42  also communicates with a remote client system  66  via web server  48  and the Internet.  
         [0025]    In one embodiment, remote client system  66  is a computer including a web browser. Remote client system  66  is interconnected to the Internet through at least one interface such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, and phone lines. Remote client system  66  is any device capable of interconnecting to the Internet including a web based phone or other web based connectable equipment. By communicating with web server  48 , via the Internet, remote client system  66  retrieves vehicle travel information from base station computer  42  and downloads the information to a web site allowing the user to utilize an alternate Internet web site or other Internet accessible means to view a current graphical representation of the vehicle location.  
         [0026]    User Communications Interface  
         [0027]    User communications interface  22  includes at least one of, but is not limited to, a personal computer  74 , a residential gateway  78 , a home Internet appliance  82 , a wireless Internet access device  86 , a pager  90 , a telephone interface  92 , and user television  70 . By configuring personal computer  74  to access the Internet, the user calls up a web page and views a current graphical display of the vehicle location, inputs user defined vehicle travel information message triggers, and receives vehicle travel information messages.  
         [0028]    Home Internet appliance  82  is an appliance that lacks the processing capabilities of a personal computer but allows the user access to the Internet, view a web site, and input information. Residential gateway  78  is a device that connects an external network, or the Internet, with an internal home network. The internal home network includes such devices as a personal computer, a television, and a home Internet appliance. Using residential gateway  78  as a user communications interface  22  the user benefits from the features of a home network system while utilizing the Internet to access a web page. Thus, personal computer  74 , residential gateway  78  and home Internet appliance  82  provide a medium by which the user views a current graphical display of the vehicle location, receives vehicle travel information messages, receives other vehicle information messages, and interfaces with BSNA  18  to request information and preset vehicle travel information message triggers.  
         [0029]    Wireless Internet access device  86  includes at least one of a hand held computer and a personal data assistant (PDA). These devices are equipped with wireless modems that access the Internet via a third party wireless Internet provider  94 . In one embodiment, wireless Internet access device  86  is initialized as user communications interface  22  to communicate with base station computer  42  and utilize the features of system  10 . When user communications interface  22  is a pager  90 , base station computer  42  communicates messages to the user utilizing a telephone interface, standard public switched telephone network (PSTN), and a commercial paging system, or an Internet accessible paging application.  
         [0030]    When the user communicates with base station computer  42  via a PSTN, using telephone interface  92  as user communications interface  22 , telephone interface  92  rings to provide the user notification regarding the location of a vehicle. Additionally, telephone interface  92  can be utilized to program message triggers. Implementing an interactive voice response system the user presets the vehicle travel information message triggers using telephone interface  92  that includes a touch tone phone.  
         [0031]    Vehicle travel information message triggers are preset by the user utilizing user communications interface  22  to communicate with base station computer  42 . The vehicle travel information message triggers to be preset include when a message is to be generated, the content of the message, and whether to receive a visual message, and/or an audible message. In an exemplary embodiment the content and presentation of messages displayed on user communication interface  22  are not limited to showing the vehicle location on a map, or displaying messages informing the user of the impending arrival of the vehicle. In addition, base station computer  42  responds to user requests or preset triggers and generates messages informing the user that the vehicle is passing user selected mileposts, the vehicle is approximately within a user selected number of miles from a predetermined location, the vehicle rate of progress is varying from normal progress patterns due to reasons such as weather or traffic delays, the vehicle&#39;s subsequent destination, when the vehicle reached a specific location, when the vehicle departed from a specific location, and as described above, when the vehicle encounters an emergency.  
         [0032]    In one embodiment user communications interface  22  includes audio and video display capabilities. The user selects mileposts along a vehicle route so that when the vehicle passes a milepost base station computer  42  generates an audio, video or text message informing the user of the vehicle&#39;s progress along that route. In an alternate embodiment, the user receives a message when the vehicle is within an approximate number of miles from a predetermined location, by interfacing with the base station computer  42 , via user communications interface  22 , and configuring the messaging component of system  10  to generate such a message. In a further alternate embodiment the user presets vehicle travel information message triggers so that if the progress of the vehicle along a route is delayed due to heavy traffic, inclement weather, or other causes, base station computer  42  informs the user by sending a message stating that there is a delay, and the approximate length of the delay. In another alternate embodiment base station computer  42  is configured to generate a message to user communications interface  22  informing the user of the vehicle&#39;s subsequent destination. In a still further embodiment, the user configures base station computer  42  to generate a message informing the user the vehicle has reached a predetermined destination, and to generate another message informing the user when the vehicle has left that location. In yet another alternate embodiment, messages show vehicle driver information, vehicle identification information, vehicle operation information, time countdown, mileage countdown, cargo information, whether the vehicle is running behind or ahead of schedule, etc. The aforementioned messages are exemplary only. The system and method described herein is capable of generating messages in many other formats with any content desired.  
         [0033]    Messaging  
         [0034]    In an exemplary embodiment, the messaging program associated with system  10  is configured such that user communications interface  22  includes either personal computer  74 , residential gateway  78 , home Internet appliance  82 , wireless Internet access device  86 , or user television  70 . Therefore, user communications interface  22  visually displays information and communicates a vehicle travel information message to the user in the form of an E-mail message, an animated video message, or other graphically rendered routines. In an alternate embodiment, the vehicle travel information message is communicated to the user in the form of an audio message including a distinctive audio sound, or a computer generated language message so that the recipient can be away from user communications interface  22  and receive the message.  
         [0035]    Party or Package Tracking  
         [0036]    Additionally, system  10  allows a user to track a party or package to verify that the party or package was picked up and/or delivered to the proper location. For example, in a school bus context, such a feature would generate messages informing the user when the child boarded the school bus, when the bus reached the objective location, when the child disembarked the bus, and would allow the user to verify that the child was still on the bus as the bus progressed along a scheduled route.  
         [0037]    In an exemplary embodiment relating to tracking a passenger of a vehicle, VIS  14  includes a passenger identification device  96 , and base station network administrator  18  includes a database  100 . Passenger identification device  96  receives either a boarding identification input or disembarking identification input from a passenger and/or a vehicle driver, and database  100  contains passenger information. The boarding identification and the disembarking identification include a passenger identification that uniquely identifies individual passengers. The passenger information stored in database  100  includes information about the passenger such as the passenger identification, passenger&#39;s address, phone number, desired boarding location, desired disembarking location, and desired method of receiving information messages. Once passenger identification device  96  receives a boarding identification input or disembarking input, the input is communicated to VIS processor  24 , and then transmitted to base station computer  42 . Base station computer  42  interprets the passenger identification input, accesses database  100 , retrieves the passenger information corresponding to the passenger identification, generates notification messages to user communications interface  22 , and monitors the on-board status of the passenger.  
         [0038]    When a passenger boards the vehicle either the passenger or the vehicle driver inputs a boarding identification into passenger identification device  96 . As stated above, the input is transmitted to, and interpreted by, base station computer  42 . After retrieving the corresponding passenger information from database  100 , base station computer  42  notes the passenger has boarded the vehicle and generates a message to the user notifying the user the passenger has boarded the vehicle, and giving the location of boarding. Upon disembarking the vehicle the passenger or driver inputs a disembarking identification into passenger identification device  96 , and again the input is transmitted to base station computer  42 . Base station computer  42  then retrieves the corresponding passenger information from database  100 , notes that the passenger has disembarked, and generates a second message to the user notifying the user that the passenger has disembarked and giving the location the passenger disembarked.  
         [0039]    A user wishing to check the on-board status of a passenger utilizes user communication interface  22  to communicate with base station computer  42 . If a boarding identification was not received then base station computer  42  responds to the user inquiry that the passenger did not board. If base station computer  42  has received a boarding identification but not a disembarking identification, then the user is notified that the passenger remains on-board the vehicle, and is given the location the passenger boarded. If base station computer  42  has received both a boarding identification and a disembarking identification, a message is sent to the user showing the passenger boarded, the boarding location, the passenger disembarked, and the disembarking location. An alternate embodiment includes security features such that a passenger is only permitted to board at a specific location, and only permitted to disembark at a specific location. When such security features are enabled, a message is displayed on driver computer interface  34  to inform the driver of the restrictions.  
         [0040]    In an alternative embodiment system  10  tracks packages, products, or anything transported by a vehicle. The aforementioned functions and applications of the party or package tracking feature are exemplary only. Other functions and applications are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the system and method herein.  
         [0041]    General Operation  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 2 shows flow chart  196  illustrating the messaging component of the vehicle tracking and messaging system shown in FIG. 1. System  10  is initialized  200  upon the occurrence of an initialization event. The initialization event includes pressing an on/off switch on VIS processor  24 , engaging the ignition of the vehicle, the vehicle driver depressing a start button on driver computer interface  34 , or any other event that signals the vehicle is preparing to begin travel along a route. Upon initialization, communication between BSNA  18  and VIS  14  is established  204 . Once communication is established  204  between BSNA  18  and VIS  14 , VIS  14  transmits  208  vehicle location data to BSNA  18  upon the occurrence of certain Prompts. Using the vehicle location data, base station computer  42  then compiles  212  vehicle travel information. Base station computer  42  then compares  216  the vehicle travel information to the user defined vehicle travel information message triggers. If base station computer  42  determines  220  there is a match a vehicle travel information message is generated and sent  224  to user communications interface  22 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 3 shows flow chart  296  illustrating the vehicle tracking component of the vehicle tracking and messaging system shown in FIG. 1. System  10  is initialized  300  upon the occurrence of an initialization event. The initialization event includes pressing an on/off switch on VIS processor  24 , engaging the ignition of the vehicle, the vehicle driver depressing a start button on the driver computer interface  34 , or any other event that signals the vehicle is preparing to begin travel along a route. Upon initialization, communication between BSNA  18  and VIS  14  is established  304 . In an exemplary embodiment, after communication is established  304  between BSNA  18  and VIS  14 , location determination device  26  begins to resolve  308  a vehicle location from GPS satellite network  36  data. Location determination device  26  then communicates  312  the vehicle location data to VIS processor  24 . This cycle of receiving location data, and sending the vehicle location data to VIS processor  24  repeats at predetermined intervals.  
         [0044]    Upon the occurrence  316  of any Prompt, discussed herein above, VIS processor  24  sends  320  the vehicle location data to VIS wireless communication device  30  which transmits  324  the vehicle location data to base station computer  42 . The user then utilizes user communications interface  22  capable of displaying graphical representations to connect  328  with the web site and requests a graphical representation of the vehicle location. Base station computer  42  utilizes a mapping program and plots  332  the vehicle location data on the map. Once the vehicle location data are plotted on the map base station computer  42  downloads  336  the map to a web site showing the graphical representation of the location of the vehicle.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 4 shows a flow chart  396  illustrating the emergency messaging component of the vehicle information system shown in FIG. 1. If the vehicle becomes disabled or indefinitely delayed the vehicle driver depresses  400  Assist button  40 . Upon depressing Assist button  40  VIS processor  24  transmits  404  an emergency signal and the current vehicle location to base station computer  42 . Upon receiving the emergency signal, base station computer  42  communicates  412  an emergency message to an emergency response terminal  46 . The emergency message notifies an emergency response dispatcher that the vehicle needs immediate assistance and gives the dispatcher the vehicle location. The emergency response dispatcher then takes  416  appropriate measures, such as dispatching an emergency assistance crew and dispatching a replacement vehicle to the vehicle location.  
         [0046]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.