SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING INFORMATION AT REMOTE LOCATIONS

Abstract: Systems and methods of using the systems for delivering information related to a remote location to individuals at the remote location. The system (10) having a memory device (2B-3B) affixed to a physical object (2A-3A) at the remote location (2-3), the information related to the remote location residing on the memory device, and a portable memory reading device (5), separate from the memory device (2B-3B), that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the remote location and communicates the information to a party located a the remote location. The system may further comprise a database (31) wherein the information residing on the memory device is replicated and the database can be accessed by a user of the system via a suitable communications medium (32) or combination of mediums. The system may also comprise a portable memory reading device (5) having a GPS receiver (41) positioned at a remote location and a database, such that the GPS coordinates of the remote location are determined by the portable memory reading device and communicated to the database over a communications link, and the database communicates the information related to the remote location back to the portable memory reading device (5) over the communications link.

Description: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING INFORMATION AT REMOTE LOCATIONS BACKGROUND I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the delivery of information, and more particularly to a system and method for delivering information related to a remote location to individuals at the remote location. II. Description In common occurrence, many notable locations are physically removed from easily accessible sources of power and communication such as electrical outlets and wireline telephone jacks. This is particularly true in the case of cemeteries, historically significant locations, dedication or donation plaques, and outdoor equipment. Consequently, it is difficult to both place information about the notable locations and/or instructions in close proximity thereto and to revise that information once so placed. In the case of cemeteries, friends and loved ones typically place memorial and/or genealogical information such as name, date born, date passed, notable accomplishments, parents, siblings, children, etc., about the deceased party directly on the tombstone or other graveyard marker. Friends and loved ones also sometimes place photographs of the deceased and/or the family of the deceased on or nearby the tombstone or other graveyard marker that may or may not have been weatherized in some form or another. In the case of historically notable locations, interested parties typically place signs, placards, photographs, artist's renderings, etc., about the historically notable location that may or may not have been weatherized in close proximity to the notable location. Occasionally, interactive tape recordings and/or videos are placed in close proximity to the notable location. In the case of dedication or donation plaques, interested parties typically place memorial and/or historical information such as name, date of dedication, date of donation, notable accomplishments, etc., about the donating party directly on the plaque or other marker. In the case of outdoor equipment, interested parties typically place manuals, warranties, instructions, etc., about the outdoor equipment that may or may not have been weatherized in some form or another. In any event, whether the remote location is a cemetery location, historically notable location, dedication or donation plaques, outdoor equipment, or some other notable but remote location, the need for the information and any equipment necessary for accessing that information to both withstand the weather conditions likely encountered at the location and any attempts to remove them from the location without authorization severely limits both the amount and types of information that may be placed at the remote location with current systems. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of placing and communicating large quantities and varied types of information at remote locations that can withstand the weather conditions and attempts to remove that information likely to be encountered at the remote location. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system and method for delivering information related to a remote location at the remote location. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a system for providing information related to a remote location comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object at the remote location, the information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the remote location and communicates the information to a party located at the remote location. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for providing information related to a remote location comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object at the remote location, the information residing on the memory device; a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the remote location and communicates the information to a party located at the remote location; and a database wherein the information residing on the memory device is replicated; and wherein the memory device is uniquely associated with an identifying code. In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a system for providing historical information about a historically notable location comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the historically notable location, the historical information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the historical information from the memory device when positioned at the historically notable location and communicates the historical information to a party located at the historically notable location. In a still further embodiment, the invention comprises a system for providing memorial information about a deceased party interred at a cemetery location comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location, the memorial information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the memorial information from the memory device when positioned at the cemetery location and communicates the memorial information to a party located at the cemetery location. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises a system for providing dedication or donation information for the full story about why the gift was given by the donating party at any location, such as a hospital, comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the location, the dedication or donation information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the dedication or donation information from the memory device when positioned at the location and communicates the dedication or donation information to a party located at the location. In a still further embodiment, the invention comprises a system for providing instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information about outdoor equipment, such as a lawn tractor, at any location, comprising a memory device affixed to the outdoor equipment positioned at any location, the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information from the memory device when positioned at the location and communicates the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information to a party located at the location. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises a method for providing information related to a remote location, comprising the steps of storing the information on a memory device, the information being stored in a format that can be retrieved from the memory device and displayed to a party with a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, when the portable memory reading device is in close proximity to the memory device; and affixing the memory device to a physical object positioned at the remote location. Additional steps in the method may include replicating the information stored on the memory device in a database; revising the replicated information at the database, and communicating the revised replicated information to the memory device over a communicable connection between the database and the memory device; and/or providing the replicated information over a communications medium upon receipt by the database of an identifying code, the identifying code being uniquely associated with the memory device having the information stored thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout, and wherein: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is a block diagram of a system for providing information related to a remote location in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a block diagram of a system 1 for providing information related to remote locations in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. A number of locations 2-3 in a cemetery 10 have memory devices 2B-3B permanently affixed to tombstones 2A-3A at locations 2-3 respectively. Cemetery 10 may comprise a catacomb, cinerarium, crypt, mausoleum, ossuary, sepulcher, tomb, vault, or any other location where a deceased party may be laid to rest either temporarily or permanently. A deceased party may comprise any living organism that has passed, including but not limited to human beings that have passed. Tombstones 2A-3A may comprise any type of physical object used to mark the locations 2-3 of deceased parties within cemetery 10. Memory devices 2B-3B have memorial and/or genealogical information about the deceased party interred at locations 2-3 stored therein or thereon. This information may comprise any information related to the deceased party that a friend or loved one may find interesting including, but not limited to the name, date born, date passed, notable accomplishments, parents, siblings, children, etc., of the deceased party as well as photographic and artistic images of or relating to the deceased party. In preferred embodiments of the invention, memory devices 2B-3B comprise contact memory devices, and each memory device may be uniquely associated with an identifying code. Contact memories generically comprise physical devices that attach directly to an object and can be read through active or passive contact with a reading device. Typically contact memories are approximately the size of a clothing button, and comprise a stainless steel container housing a small memory chip inside. Information can usually be written to the contact memory through temporary active or passive contact with the contact memory as well. In preferred embodiments of the invention, memory devices 2B-3B comprise an iButton® contact memory device, the mechanical and technical standards for which are available at http://www.ibuttom.com/ibuttons/standard.pdf, and are incorporated herein by reference. Memory devices 2B-3B may also comprise, in addition to contact memories, read only memory (ROM) devices, electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) devices, electronically programmable read only memory (EPROM) devices, random access memory (RAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, static bar codes, or any other device that is small in size, can be easily and permanently attached to a physical object, can store large quantities and varied types of information, and can withstand extreme weather conditions without losing or damaging the information stored therein and/or thereon. The information is stored in and/or on the memory device in a format suitable for the type of memory device used, extensible markup language or hypertext markup language comprising the preferred format. Referring still to Fig. 1, system 1 further comprises a portable memory reading device 5. Portable memory reading device 5 may comprise a special purpose computer, a portable general purpose computer such as a laptop computer, or any other type of portable computerized device, including a handheld portable computer, a wireless communications device, and/or a smart wireless communications device, that has the ability to read, receive, and/or display all or a portion of the information stored on memory devices 2B-3B when placed at locations 2-3 or in close proximity to memory devices 2B-3B. Typically, portable memory reading device 5 will have an integrated means of reading, receiving, and/or writing information from or to memory devices 2B-3B. In other cases, portable memory reading device 5 may have a hand-held probe attached thereto through some type of serial and/or parallel electrical connection for reading, receiving, and/or writing information from and/or to memory devices 2B-3B. The precise means of reading, receiving, and/or writing of the information employed is a matter of design choice and will necessarily depend on the type of memory device 2B-3B employed. Where the memory devices 2B-3B employed are contact memories, a preferred means of reading and/or writing comprises a single signal plus ground probe, whether integrated or hand-held, configured to an input/output line of a microcomputer. Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a block diagram of a system 20 for providing information related to a remote location 21 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. System 20 comprises a memory device 2B permanently affixed to post 21 A located at historically notable location 21, and portable memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1 described above, except that the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B comprises historical information about historically notable location 21. Post 21 A comprises a stake anchored to the ground at historically notable location 21, but may also comprise a sign, lamppost, doorframe, fencepost, cannon, or any other physical object, whether stationary or movable and whether permanent or temporary, located at or near historically notable location 21. Historically notable location 21 comprises any location physically removed from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline telephone service that a person may find historically interesting because of events that have occurred, are occurring, or may be occurring in the future, and historically notable information comprises any information about the events that have occurred, are occurring, or may be occurring at remote location 21 in the future. Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown a block diagram of a system 300 for providing information related to a remote location 340 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention. System 300 comprises a memory device 2B permanently affixed to outdoor equipment 320 such as automobile, lawn tractor or indoor equipment, i.e., television and stereo located at any location 340, and portable memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1 described above, except that the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B includes but is not limited to instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information about the equipment 320. As shown, equipment 320 comprises outdoor equipment in the form of a lawn tractor at location 340, but may also comprise snow blowers, mulchers, tillers, or any other physical object, whether stationary or movable, and whether permanent or temporary, located at or near location 340. Location 340 comprises any location physically removed from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline telephone service, and instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information comprises any information about the equipment at remote location 340. Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a system 400 for providing information related to a remote location 440 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. System 400 comprises a memory device 2B permanently affixed to a dedication or donation plaque 420 located at any location 440, and portable memory reading device 5. As used herein, plaque includes any device, item, or mechanism capable of signifying, for example, a donor's donation. Memory device 2B and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1 described above, except that the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B comprises dedication or donation information, including a substantially complete story about why the gift was given by the donating party to location 440, such as a hospital. A dedication or donation plaque 420 comprises a sign at location 440 as illustrated, but may also comprise a photograph, engraving, drawing, painting, or any other physical object, whether stationary or movable and whether permanent or temporary, located at or near location 440. Location 440 comprises any location physically removed from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline telephone service, and dedication or donation information comprises any information about the donating party at remote location 440. Referring now to Fig. 5, there is shown a block diagram of a system 30 for providing information related to a remote location 21 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. System 30 comprises memory device 2B, 3B, and 2B' permanently affixed to tombstones 2 A and 3B and post 21 A respectively, tombstones 2A-3A located in cemetery 10 and post 21 A located at historically notable location 21, portable memory reading devices 5 and 5', and database 31 communicably connected 32 to memory devices 2B, 3B, and 2B'. Memory devices 2B, 3B, and 2B', tombstones 2A-3A, post 21 A, historically notable location 21, and portable memory reading devices 5 and 5' comprise the same elements as in systems 1 and/or 20 described above. Database 31 comprises a single or central database wherein the information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' is replicated in whole or in part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' is replicated in whole or in part. Referring back to Fig. 3, there is shown a block diagram of a system 300 for providing information related to a remote location 340. System 300 comprises memory device 2B permanently affixed to equipment 320, such as lawn tractor, portable memory reading devices 5, and database 31 communicably connected 32 to memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B, outdoor equipment 320, location 340, and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in systems 1 and/or 20 described above. Database 31 comprises a single or central database wherein the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in whole or in part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B is replicated in whole or in part. Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a system 400 for providing information related to a remote location 440. System 400 comprises memory device 2B permanently affixed to plaque 420, plaque 420 located in a remote location 440, such as a hospital or any other building, portable memory reading device 5, and database 31 communicably connected 32 to memory device 2B. Memory device 2B, plaque 420, remote location 440, and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in systems 1 and/or 20 described above. Database 31 comprises a single or central database wherein the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in whole or in part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in whole or in part. In the case where database 31 comprises a plurality of distributed databases, the plurality of databases may be connected to one another via an internet connection, limited or wide area network connection, or some other type of suitable communicable connection or combination of connections as would be known in the art, and the information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' may be replicated on each or some lesser number of the databases in the plurality. The communicable connection 32 to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' may comprise an internet connection, a limited and/or wide area network connection, a wireless communications connection, a wireline telephone connection, or some other type of suitable communicable connection or combination of connections as would be known in the art. The replicated information residing on database 31 may be revised at database 31 and the revised replicated information communicated to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' over communicable connection 32. In certain embodiments of the invention in system 30, 300, and 400, communicable connection 32 need not comprise a permanent communicable connection, as in the case where the information residing on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' may be overwritten with portable memory reading device 5 and/or 5'. In those embodiments, revised replicated information may be transferred from database 31 to portable memory reading device 5 and/or 5' over a suitable connection and subsequently read to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' when memory reading device 5 and/or 5' is placed in close proximity to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B'. In still further embodiments of system 30, 300, and 400, users of the system may utilize the identifying codes that are uniquely associated with memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 3B' to access the replicated information residing on database 31 either with or without the use of memory reading device 5 and/or 5', depending on the type of devices employed as memory reading device 5 and/or 5'. A user of the system accesses database 31 through an internet with a browser or some other suitable form of software, a telephone connection, including wireless telephone connections, or any other type of suitable communications medium or combination of mediums as would be known in the art, provides the identifying code for the remote location 2, 3, and/or 21 he or she is interested in receiving information about, and database 31 provides the replicated information corresponding to remote location 2, 3, and/or 21 to the user over the communication medium employed upon receipt of the identifying code. Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a block diagram of a system 40 for providing information relate to remote locations in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. System 40 comprises locations 2 and 3 within cemetery 10, historically notable location 21, plaque location 440, outdoor equipment location 340, memory reading devices 5 and 5', database 32, communication links 42 between memory reading devices 5 and 5' and database 32, the Global Positioning System (GPS) infrastructure 41, and GPS signals 43. Locations 2 and 3, cemetery 10, historically notable location 21, plaque location 440, outdoor equipment location 340, memory reading devices 5 and 5', and database 32 comprise the same elements as in systems 1, 20, and/or 30 described above. In system 40 though, memory reading devices 5 and 5' also comprise GPS receivers, and preferably wireless communications devices or smart wireless communications devices with GPS receivers integrated therein. Communication links 42 comprise the same types of connections a user would employ to access database 32 in system 30, 300, and 400. When memory reading device 5 or 5' is positioned near cemetery location 2 or 3, historically notable location 21, plaque location 440, or outdoor equipment location 340, memory reading device 5 or 5' determines its position on the surface of the earth through the use of GPS signals 43 transmitted by GPS system infrastructure 41, accesses database 32 via communication links 42, and communicates its GPS position to database 32. Database 32 determines the remote location associated with the GPS position received from memory reading device 5 or 5' via communication links 42, in this case cemetery location 2 or 3 or historical location 21, and communicates the information related to remote locations 2, 3, and/or 21 to memory reading device 5 or 5' over communication links 42. The information may then be displayed or communicated to a user of system 40 located at or near remote location 2, 3, and/or 21. In some embodiments of the invention, a user of system 40 may be required to initiate access to database 32 over communication links 42, and/or may be required to provide an identification number, code or password before the information related to remote location 2, 3, and/or 21 can be accessed by and/or communicated to memory reading device 5 or 5'. In any embodiment of the invention, including the embodiments shown and described above, the information related to a remote location may also comprise, in addition to information specifically related to the remote location, data, symbols, codes, and/or other information not specifically related to the remote location that may be used to access the information specifically related to the remote location, whether resident on a memory device at a remote location or a database located somewhere other than the remote location. Moreover, the remote locations where the invention may be employed are not limited to cemetery and historically notable locations, but may comprise any location that a person may find notable that is physically removed from easily accessible sources of power and communication, regardless of whether the climatic conditions likely encountered would be considered extreme. Thus, systems and methods for providing information related to a remote location have been shown and described. Users of the systems and methods have the ability among other things to store, receive, and/or revise the information related to the remote location in a number of ways. The foregoing descriptions of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to the embodiments described above however will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific systems and methods shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims set forth below.

Claims: That which is claimed: 1. A system for providing memorial information about a deceased party interred at a cemetery location comprising: (A) a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location, the memorial information residing on the memory device; and (B) a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the memorial information from the memory device when positioned at the cemetery location and communicates the memorial information to a party located at the cemetery location. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein, the memory device comprises a contact memory device. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein, the memory device comprises a programmable read only memory device. 4. The system of claim 1 wherein, the memory device is permanently affixed to the physical object. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein, the physical object comprises a stationary physical object. 6. The system of claim 1 wherein, the memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein, the information resides on the memory device in extensible markup language format. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein, said information resides on the memory device in hypertext markup language format. 9. A system for providing historical information about a historically notable location comprising: (A) a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the historically notable location, the historical information residing on the memory device; and (B) a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the historical information from the memory device when positioned at the historically notable location and communicates the historical information to a party located at the historically notable location. 10. The system of claim 9 wherein, the memory device comprises a contact memory device. 11. The system of claim 9 wherein, the memory device comprises a programmable read only memory device. 12. The system of claim 9 wherein, the memory device is permanently affixed to the physical object. 13. The system of claim 9 wherein, the physical object comprises a stationary physical object. 14. The system of claim 9 wherein, the memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device. 15. The system of claim 9 wherein, the historical information resides on the memory device in extensible markup language format. 16. The system of claim 9 wherein, the historical information resides on the memory device in hypertext markup language format. 17. A system for providing instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information about equipment comprising: (A) a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location, the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information residing on the memory device; and (B) a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information from the memory device and communicates the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information to the party. 18. The system of claim 17 wherein, the memory device comprises a contact memory device. 19. The system of claim 17 wherein, the memory device comprises a programmable read only memory device. 20. The system of claim 17 wherein, the memory device is permanently affixed to the physical object. 21. The system of claim 17 wherein, the physical object comprises equipment. 22. The system of claim 17 wherein, the memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device. 23. The system of claim 17 wherein, the information resides on the memory device in extensible markup language format. 24. The system of claim 17 wherein, said information resides on the memory device in hypertext markup language format. 25. A system for providing dedication or donation information, including a substantially complete story about why the gift was given, comprising: (A) a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location, the dedication or donation information residing on the memory device; and (B) a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the dedication or donation information from the memory device and communicates the dedication or donation information to the party. 26. The system of claim 25 wherein, the memory device comprises a contact memory device. 27. The system of claim 25 wherein, the memory device comprises a programmable read only memory device. 28. The system of claim 25 wherein, the memory device is permanently affixed to the physical object. 29. The system of claim 25 wherein, the physical object comprises a stationary physical object. 30. The system of claim 25 wherein, the memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device. 31. The system of claim 25 wherein, the information resides on the memory device in extensible markup language format. 32. The system of claim 25 wherein, said information resides on the memory device in hypertext markup language format. 33. The system of claims 1 , 9, 27, or 25 further comprising: (C) a database wherein the memorial information or historical information residing on the memory device is replicated; and wherein the memory device is uniquely associated with an identifying code. 34. The system of claim 33 wherein, the replicated information may be accessed upon receipt of the identifying code by the database. 35. The system of claim 34 wherein, the replicated information is accessed through an internet. 36. The system of claim 34 wherein, the replicated information is accessed through a telephone network. 37. The system of claim 33 wherein, the database is communicably connected to the memory device. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the communicable connection is a permanent communicable connection. 39. The system of claim 37 wherein, the replicated information may be revised at the database, and wherein the revised replicated information may be communicated from the database to the memory device via the communicable connection. 40. A method for providing information related to a remote location, the information comprising memorial information about a deceased party where the remote location comprises a cemetery location, the information comprises historical information about the remote location where the remote location comprises a historically notable location, the information comprises dedication or donation information, and the information comprises instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information, comprising: (A) storing the information on a memory device, the information being stored in a format that can be retrieved from the memory device and displayed to a party with a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, when the portable memory reading device is in close proximity to the memory device; and (B) affixing the memory device to a physical object positioned at the remote location. 41. The method of claim 40, comprising the additional step of: (C) replicating the information stored on the memory device in a database. 42. The method of claim 41, comprising the additional step of: (D) revising the replicated information at the database, and communicating the revised replicated information to the memory device over a communicable connection between the database and the memory device. 43. The method of claim 41 , comprising the additional step of: (E) providing the replicated information over a communications medium upon receipt by the database of an identifying code, the identifying code being uniquely associated with the memory device having the information stored thereon. 44. A system for providing information related to a geographically remote location comprising: (A) a memory device affixed to a physical object at the remote location, the information residing on the memory device; and (B) a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the remote location and communicates the information to a party located at the remote location. 45. The system of claim 44 wherein, the memory device comprises a contact memory device. 46. The system of claim 44 wherein, the memory device comprises a programmable read only memory device. 47. The system of claim 44 wherein, the memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device. 48. The system of claim 44 wherein, the information resides on the memory device in extensible markup language format. 49. The system of claim 44 wherein, the information resides on the memory device in hypertext markup language format. 50. The system of claim 44 further comprising: (C) a database wherein the information residing on the memory device is replicated; and wherein the memory device is uniquely associated with an identifying code. 51. The system of claim 50 wherein, the replicated information may be accessed upon receipt of the identifying code by the database. 52. The system of claim 51 wherein, the replicated information is accessed through an internet. 53. The system of claim 51 wherein, the replicated information is accessed through a telephone network. 54. The system of claim 50 wherein, the database is communicably connected to the memory device. 55. The system of claim 54 wherein, the communicable connection is a permanent communicable connection. 56. The system of claim 54 wherein, the replicated information may be revised at the database, and wherein the revised replicated information my be communicated from the database to the memory device via the communicable connection. 57. A system for providing information related to a geographically remote location comprising: (A) a memory reading device comprising a GPS receiver; and (B) a database communicably connected to the memory reading device, the information related to the geographically remote location being stored in the database, and wherein the information is communicated to the memory reading device over the communicable connection upon receipt of the GPS coordinates of the remote location from the memory reading device. 58. The system of claim 57, wherein the memory reading device comprises a wireless communications device with a GPS receiver integrated therein. 59. The system of claim 57, wherein an identifying code is uniquely associated with the memory reading device, and wherein the information related to the geographically remote location is communicated to the memory reading device only upon receipt of the identifying code. 60. The system of claim 57, wherein the communicable connection between the memory reading device and the database comprises an internet. 61. The system of claim 57, wherein the communicable connection between the memory reading device and the database comprises a telephone network. 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the telephone network comprises a wireless telephone network. 63. A method for providing information related to a geographically remote location comprising the steps of: (A) receiving at a database GPS coordinates from a memory reading device communicably connected to the database and positioned at the remote location, the memory reading device comprising a GPS receiver, and the database comprising a computer with a memory; (B) retrieving from the memory the information related to the geographically remote location based on the GPS coordinates received at the database from the memory reading device; and (C) communicating to the memory reading device the information related to the geographically remote location over the communicable connection between the database and the memory reading device. 64. The method of claim 63, comprising the additional step of: (D) communicating the information related to the geographically remote location received at the memory reading device to a user of the memory reading device. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the communicating of step (D) comprises displaying the information to the user. 66. The method of claim 63, wherein the memory reading device comprises a wireless communications device with a GPS receiver integrated therein. 67. The method of claim 63, wherein an identifying code is uniquely associated with the memory reading device, and wherein the information related to the geographically remote location is communicated to the memory reading device only upon receipt of the identifying code. 68. The method of claim 63, wherein the communicable connection between the memory reading device and the database comprises an internet. 69. The method of claim 63, wherein the communicable connection between the memory reading device and the database comprises a telephone network. 70. The method of claim 69, wherein the telephone network comprises a wireless telephone network.

Inventors: CHANDHOK RAVINDER P, TOOTHMAN GLENN R III, CHANDHOK, RAVINDER, P., TOOTHMAN, GLENN, R., III
Applicants: GREENE VENTURES INC, GREENE VENTURES, INC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06K17