Abstract:
An interactive travel guide and personal assistant having GPS/GPRS functionality such that a traveler can access event, location, restaurant, travel advisories and other information through the implementation of a wireless handheld unit.

Description:
[0001]     CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0002]     This application relates to and claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,480, entitled “Sky Sûr Virtual Travel Guide”, filed May 6, 2005. This application is hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety and made part hereof. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The system of the present invention relates to an interactive communication infrastructure device that functions via GPS/GSM and GPRS networks as an interactive travel guide and a personal security and transportation assistant.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The goal of the inventive system is to permit visitors to various locations to remain engaged with the visual beauty of the sites while offering the ability to delve more deeply into the content through reliable, accurate and timely information delivered as text or through voice narration in the desired language, without the constant hassle of technology intruding on their experience. Since the unit intelligently recognizes its location around the city, it offers a user advice on possible activities within proximity. Dependent on gathered preferences and the smart function of the device, alerts include sporting activities, restaurants, entertainment venues, and sightseeing areas among others. This ability guarantees that the traveler experiences all that the destination has to offer.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     In one embodiment, the system of the present invention relates to an interactive travel guide system comprising a virtual handheld assistant; a plurality of global positioning satellites to aid in determining the location of the virtual handheld assistant; a global positioning system uplink for receiving the location from said satellites, a location server that receives the location from the system uplink; a client system for the transmission of uploaded data and information; a content server for receiving data and information from the client system and transmitting said data and information to the location server; and a signaling station for receiving the transmitted data information from the location server and routing said information to the handheld unit.  
         [0006]     In another embodiment, the system of the present invention relates to a An interactive travel guide system comprising a virtual handheld assistant; a plurality of positioning stations to aid in determining the location of the virtual handheld assistant; a communications terminal for receiving the location of said assistant and transmitting said location, a location server that receives said location from the communications terminal; a client system for the transmission of uploaded data and information; a content server for receiving data and information from the client system and transmitting said data and information to the location server; and a signaling station for receiving the transmitted data information from the location server and routing said information to the handheld unit. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of the system architecture of the information and communication pathways of the system.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is an image of the virtual assistant unit.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a depiction of the system architecture of the communication pathways used to determine the location of the virtual assistant unit user.  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary screen shot of the city location information shown to the user.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary screen shot as the user searches for local hotel information.  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a screen shot of a review of the hotel presented to the user.  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  demonstrates the system architecture of the communication pathways used when the unit is in events notification mode.  
         [0014]      FIG. 8  is a screen shot of the main menu of the virtual assistant unit.  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  is a screen shot of the events notification screen.  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  shows an example of the festivals menu in the events notification mode of the virtual assistant unit  
         [0017]      FIG. 11  provides an information menu for a specific festival to the user.  
         [0018]      FIG. 12  shows an example of the description screen for a specific festival.  
         [0019]      FIG. 13  is a depiction of the system architecture and communication pathways implemented in the unit&#39;s search assistant mode.  
         [0020]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary screen shot of the search assistant menu.  
         [0021]      FIG. 15  is an exemplary screen shot of the restaurant menu within the search assistant mode.  
         [0022]      FIG. 16  is a screen shot of a cuisine listing within the search assistant mode  
         [0023]      FIG. 17  provides information for a specific restaurant to the user  
         [0024]      FIG. 18  is the system architecture and communication pathways for the travel advisory mode of the virtual assistant unit.  
         [0025]      FIG. 19  is a screen shot of the current alerts screen of the unit  
         [0026]      FIG. 20  is an exemplary travel advisory shown to the user.  
         [0027]      FIG. 21  is the system architecture for the transportation request mode of the unit.  
         [0028]      FIG. 22  is the code entry screen for the transportation request menu.  
         [0029]      FIG. 23  is the system architecture for the unit as it functions within a GSM closed circuit network. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0030]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0031]     Upon powering-on the unit, the interactive unit becomes permanently activated. As an aircraft carrier carrying the user travels around a city, GPS satellites track the unit. The system recognizes the unit&#39;s position and displays relevant information regarding landmarks, establishments, historic sites and cultural insights pertaining to the location in the close proximity of the carrier. As the unit&#39;s location changes, so does the information displayed.  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  depicts the system architecture  100  and information and communication pathways of the unit as it interfaces with surrounding satellites and servers during operation. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the unit  101  is tracked over GPS satellites  107 ,  108 , and  109 . The GPS Uplink  103  received signals from the GPS Satellites  107 ,  108 , and  109  and communicates location information to Location Server  104 . Once tracked by the GPS satellites  107 ,  108 , and  109 , locally stored content on internal flash cards is displayed on the screen of unit  101 .  
         [0033]     For certain functions of the unit, the Content Server  105  transmits over GPRS  102  to the Unit  101 . Information flows bi-directionally to and from the Location Server  104 , the Content Server  105  and the CMS Client System  106 . Approximately five percent of the content is updated nightly through the CMS Client system  106 . The content information that is entered into the CMS Client System  106  includes, but is not limited to activities, events, travel advisories, and locations of interest in and surrounding the user&#39;s location.  
         [0034]     An image of the unit  101  is depicted in  FIG. 2 . Unit  101  contains a shell  200  in which screen  201  and menu scrolling area  202  are held. The menu scrolling area contains menu button  203  by which the user may return to the main menu of the unit  101 , and fast forward button  205 , reverse button  204 , and play/still button  206 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  provides a depiction of the system architecture  300  as set forth in  FIG. 1 , with the addition of a grid  301  of city locations. The determination of the position of the unit  101  is improved through the Location Server  104 , which enables the system to work indoors if needed. Various locations in the city grid  301  are stored within the location server  104  for indoor use, as it may not be possible for the unit to connect to the city&#39;s GPRS  102  and GPS Satellites  107 ,  108 , and  109 .  
         [0036]     An exemplary screen showing a “current” position of the inventive unit is depicted in  FIG. 4 . The screen  400  shows that the current position is at the Arc de Triomphe and provides a description  401  of said location. Possible Activities  402  are shown in menu  403 . Lastly the longitudinal and latitudinal positions and the current time are shown in section  404  of the screen. In this exemplary screen, the user scrolls to menu  403  to select information on the “Hotel Costes K.”  
         [0037]     Once the user enters the selection, the screen  400  as depicted in  FIG. 5  is illustrated. The screen presents additional information pertaining to the hotel. Options available to the user in menu  501  include “read review”, “Virtual Tour of Hotel”, “Contact Concierge”, “Reservation Information”, “Rates and Amenities”, and “Distance”. In this example, the user chooses to read the review  600  of the hotel, which is shown in  FIG. 6 . Scroll button  503  allows the user to return to the previous screen. The selection of scroll button  502  will return the user to main menu.  
         [0000]     Events Notification Mode  
         [0038]     Events notification referencing performances, art exhibits, sports, business and other special occasions are uploaded to the Client System  106  as information becomes available and deleted as events expire.  
         [0039]     The system architecture  700  for the virtual assistant as it operates in the events notification mode is depicted in  FIG. 7 . The architecture is similar to that of  FIG. 1 , with the addition of the Calendar of Events feature  701 .  FIG. 7  demonstrates the information in feature  701  as it uploaded to the CMS client  106 .  
         [0040]     The main menu for the virtual assistant unit is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The screen  400  contains a menu of “Sky Services”  800 . These services include “Virtual Guide Mode”  801 , “Activities in Proximity”  802 , “Events Notification”  803 , “Search Assistant”  804 , “Carte Blanch”  805 , “Travel Advisory System”  806 , and “Transportation Request”  807 . The highlighted scroll button  808  allows the user to select “Events Notification”  803 .  
         [0041]     As shown in the Events Notification screen in  FIG. 9 , the various types of events about which a user may be notified include “Art Exhibitions”  901 , “Business Events”  902 , “Cultural Events”  903 , “Festivals”  904 , “Musical Events, Concerts”  905 , “Seasonal Events”  906 , “Sporting Events”  907  and “Theatrical Productions”  908  In this exemplary screen shot, the user scrolls to the “Festivals” button  904  to view the information stored therein.  
         [0042]     The “Festivals” menu  904  is set forth in  FIG. 10 . This exemplary screen shot includes various Festivals that are occurring in the city of Paris, France. The user selects the “Festival Musque en l&#39;Ile” button  1004  to view event information. The menu  1100  for this event is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Through this menu, the user is able to peruse information for the event including the Date  1101 , Description  1102 , Directions  1103 , Location and Distance  1104 , Performance Schedule  1105 , Reservation Information  1106 , and Ticket Prices  1107 . The Description  1102  for the selected Festival is shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0000]     Search Assistant Mode  
         [0043]     Using the system of the present invention to search for various establishments within close geographical proximity with virtual tours, reviews and reservation information offers travelers the same wireless interconnectivity of traditional internet services. Listed establishments include local restaurants, coffee shops, banks, historic sites, shopping malls, sports facilities, travel agencies among other. As an incentive, users of the virtual assistant system can receive preferential treatment by these establishments in the form of either discounts on all purchases, services, and invoices or complimentary services.  
         [0044]      FIG. 13  illustrates the system architecture  1300  for the unit as it operates in search assistant mode. As with previous modes, the architecture resembles that of  FIG. 1 , with the addition of the “search assistant” icon  1301 . Information from the search assistant  1301  is uploaded to the location server  104 .  
         [0045]     In the following exemplary illustration of the unit&#39;s functionality, the user selects the search assistant button from the main menu. The user is presented with the screen depicted in  FIG. 14 . A “Sky Sur View” menu  1400  contains various options for viewing, including Airlines  1401 , Banks  1402 , Business Services  1403 , Car Rentals  1404 , Fashion Stores  1405 , Hotels  1406 , Lounges  1407 , Medical Services  1408 , Religious Sites  1409 , Restaurants  1410 , Sight-Seeing  1411 , Sporting Facilities  1412 , Theatres/Shows  1413 , and Travel Services  1414 .  
         [0046]     A selection of the Restaurant button  1410  brings the user to  FIG. 15 , in which screen  400  depicts various types of cuisine such as Chinese  1501 , French  1502 , Indian  1503 , Italian  1504 , Japanese  1505 , Mexican  1506 , Russian  1507 , and Spanish  1508 . A selection of French Cuisine  1502  brings the user to  FIG. 16  in which he or she may view various options for dining ambiance. Informal Atmosphere  1601  or Gourmet Dining  1602  may be selected. Selecting feature  1602  forward the user to a review  1701  of a specific restaurant, as shown in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0000]     Travel Advisory Mode  
         [0047]     In Travel Advisory Mode, the units of the inventive system act as an emergency broadcast system to guarantee the safety of travelers and business persons The system allows for advisories from the government or specific embassies wishing to contact their nationals to be uploaded to the system as they become available and deleted as they expire. Advisories include areas to avoid, natural occurrences that may present risk, delayed flights in addition to news flashes that affect travel. For security purposes, travel alerts take precedence over all other functions of the unit until acknowledged by the user.  
         [0048]     The system architecture for the unit as it operates in travel advisory mode is demonstrated in  FIG. 18 . Travel Advisory  1801  is presented in the figure, which shows the advisories as they are directionally uploaded to the CMS client  106 .  
         [0049]     In  FIG. 19 , a screen is presented to the user after the selection of Travel Advisory has been made from the main menu. The user has the option of reviewing delayed flights  1901 , a message from the Embassy  1902 , and a list of closed metro stations  1903 . When the user selects the delayed flights option  1901 , an advisory  2000  is presented as depicted in  FIG. 20 .  
         [0000]     Transportation Request Mode  
         [0050]     The units of the inventive system are equipped with a feature that is designed to send an instant “Transportation Request” signal through an automated phone call with the exact location of the client to the control center of a Taxi service. Utilizing accurate positioning information, the data is transmitted to the Taxi center. The receiver enables continuous tracking down to very low signal levels, with support for assisted GPS (A-GPS) for demanding urban tracking. The low power drain enables an extremely long operating time, a crucial factor in a battery-operated device used in security and emergency services.  
         [0051]     System architecture  2100  is presented in  FIG. 21 . The architecture depicts the information and communication pathways of the inventive system as it operates in transportation request mode. As with previous modes, the architecture is similar to that of  FIG. 1  with the addition of the Taxicab dispatch center  2101  and the feature of the taxicab  2102  as it is dispatched to the client. When a request is made, the location of the unit  101  is determined through communications between the GPS satellites  107 ,  108 , and  109  and the GPS uplink  103 . The uplink  103  sends the information to the location server  104 , which routes the signal to the GPS/GPRS station  103 . The location of the unit  101  is then transferred from the GPS/GPRS station to the taxicab dispatch centre  2101 . The taxicab  2102  is then dispatched directly to the unit user.  
         [0052]      FIG. 22  depicts the screen that is shown to the user after the user selects the transportation request feature from the main menu of the unit. In  FIG. 22 , the user enters a code as shown in feature  2201 . Once the code is confirmed, the user can send the signal via  2203  to the taxicab dispatch center (as shown) or cancel the signal via  2204 .  
         [0000]     GSM Closed Circuit Network  
         [0053]     The tracking of the system&#39;s unit  101  in a GSM circuit system may be utilized in the absence of GPS satellite signals. The tracking is similar to that of WLAN localization and is depicted in  FIG. 23 . The system uses information from the telephone company  2305  and requires at least three antennas (GPRS  2302 ,  2303 , and  2304 ) for a strong reception signal. Based on these three signals the unit  101  calculates its position. The location server  104  then routes the content over GPRS  2301  to the unit  101  as in the GPS infrastructure scenario. Some content is stored locally on a flash card in content server  105  and is updated through the CMS Client System  106  when needed. A response from the unit is possible through two-way communication.