Patent Abstract:
An apparatus including a processing device which identifies a first travel route, on which first travel route a vehicle can travel to a destination, and which generates a first message containing information regarding the first travel route, and a transmitter which transmits the first message to a communication device located at the vehicle. The apparatus automatically detects a departure of the vehicle from the first travel route, identifies a second travel route in response to the detected departure of the vehicle from the first travel route, generates a second message containing information regarding the second travel route, and transmits the second message to the communication device.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/076,800, filed Mar. 4, 1998, and entitled “VEHICLE OPERATOR AND/OR OCCUPANT INFORMATION APPARATUS AND METHOD”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a vehicle operator and/or occupant information apparatus and method and, in particular, to a vehicle operator and/or occupant information apparatus and method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding traffic conditions, road conditions, traffic flow, and other useful information. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Each day millions of individuals rely on using their vehicles as the means by which to get from one location to another. As the number of drivers and vehicles on the road increase, so to have traffic and congestion on roads, at bridges, at toll booths, at tunnels, at parking lots and on, or at, other thoroughfares and/or locations. 
     In today&#39;s age, the importance of getting from one location to another can be paramount. As we, as a society, become more productive and move deeper into the information age, it is more and more important for individuals to have an awareness and information pertaining to the locales in which they are driving or traveling, the destinations to which they are headed, as well as the roadways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels which they must travel or use along the way. In today&#39;s information age, vehicle operators could greatly benefit from an apparatus and method which could provide a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding the traffic and/or conditions of roadways, highways, brides, toll booths, tunnels, parking lots, etc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding traffic conditions as well as conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel, along with other destinations and/or entities of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention provides video information to a vehicle operator and/or occupant regarding the conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel, as well as other destinations and/or entities of interest. 
     In this regard, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding road traffic conditions, traffic on roadways, highways, parkways, expressways, traffic and/or congestion at, or on, bridges, at tunnels and at other locations on a roadway. The present invention can also provide a vehicle operator or occupant with information concerning conditions at toll booths, public areas, public parking lots and other destinations and/or locations. 
     The present invention provides video information and/or a video image, along with other information, of the conditions of a roadway, a bridge, a tunnel, a toll booth, a parking lot, a public parking lot, such as at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, and at sports or other entertainment facilities, etc. The video information is provided to the vehicle operator and/or occupant on a display device located in the vehicle. The vehicle operator or occupant may then utilize the information obtained in order to be apprised of traffic and other conditions, during their travels. For example, a driver headed to a destination may utilize the present invention in order to view the traffic conditions on several alternate roadways or at bridges, tunnels or toll booths along the way. The driver may then utilize this information in order to travel the least congested route. 
     The apparatus comprises a vehicle computer. The vehicle computer which is utilized should provide for convenient use by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. The vehicle computer should at least have its display and user input device located on or in the vehicle dashboard or console. The vehicle computer may be mounted in the vehicle in the same manner as driver information centers and/or navigation computers. 
     The apparatus also comprises a central processing computer which provides control over the apparatus and which services the vehicle computer. The central processing computer and the vehicle computer communicate with one another over an appropriate or suitable wireless communication network. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilized on and/or over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and, in particular, a wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web communication network and/or system. In this regard, the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, utilizes wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web services, equipment and/or devices. The central processing computer has a Web Site associated with it. The vehicle computer can access the Web Site of the central processing computer. 
     Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is the preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, it is important to note that the present invention, in all of the embodiments described herein, can be utilized with any appropriate communication systems including, but not limited to network communication systems, telephone communication systems, cellular communication systems, digital communication systems, personal communication systems, personal communication services (PCS) systems, satellite communication systems, broad band communication systems, low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite systems and line telephone systems. 
     The apparatus further comprises a plurality of video cameras and location computers which are associated with each of the video cameras. The location computers are electronically and/or operatively connected to its respective video camera for providing control over the video camera. Video information, which is recorded by the respective video camera, is provided to the location computer which services the respective video camera. Each location computer has a web site associated therewith. 
     The central processing computer can access the Web Sites of each of the location computers. The vehicle computer can access the web sites of the location computers via the Web Site associated with the central processing computer on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The vehicle computer can also access the web sites of the location computers directly on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. In this manner, the video information recorded by each of the video cameras may be accessed by the vehicle computer and by the central processing computer so that the vehicle operator and/or occupant can obtain the video information at the vehicle computer. 
     The central processing computer can include a database which contains all of the data and information necessary to provide service to, and perform any of the herein-described functions of, any number of vehicle computers. 
     The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with any appropriate and/or suitable communication network. In the preferred embodiment, however, the apparatus is utilized in conjunction with the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. In this manner, the video camera location video is obtainable by the vehicle operator and/or occupant by accessing either the central processing computer or the selected location computers on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web by accessing the web sites associated with these respective computers. 
     Each of the location computers is linked to the central processing computer which services a given region or geographic area. The processing computer, in this manner, can control and obtain information, including video information, from the respective video cameras. 
     The apparatus also comprises a global positioning device which is located at the vehicle and a database which is also located at the vehicle. The database stores any pre-determined number of locations such as video camera locations on, or near, roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, bridges, toll booths, toll booth plazas, tunnels, shopping mall parking lots, beach parking lots, store parking lots, entertainment and/or sports facilities parking lots and any other location which would be of interest to a vehicle operator and/or occupant. 
     The names and location data pertaining to the video camera locations, along with the uniform resource locators (URLs) for the respective location computers, and the links therefor, are also stored in the database. The above information can be correlated with vehicle location data which is obtained by the global positioning device. In this manner, the vehicle operator and/or occupant may be advised of those locations which may be of interest to him or her from any location. 
     After the global positioning device determines vehicle position, the position data may be cross correlated with the location data and other data available in the database so as to provide the vehicle operator and/or occupant with a selection of locations for which he or she may obtain video or other information over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     Each of the video cameras, in the preferred embodiment, is stationed and/or located at appropriate viewing locations on, near, or at a location for viewing, roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, on parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, stores, beaches, sports facilities as well as arenas and entertainment facilities and centers. 
     Although each of the video cameras may be turned on or off, in the preferred embodiment, the video cameras are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week so as to provide continuous surveillance of the roadway, highway, expressway, parkway, bridge, tunnel, toll booth, toll booth plaza, parking lot, or other entity or location, to which it is assigned. 
     The video cameras, in the preferred embodiment, are stationed on poles, road signs, buildings, overpasses, walls and other appropriate structures adjacent to, near, on, or at, a location for viewing, roadways, highways, expressways, along bridges and tunnels, and parking lots. The video cameras can also be stationed along roadways, highways, expressways, highways, along bridges and tunnels, and parking lots, at any desired intervals. For example, a video camera can be stationed at the entrance to, and at the exit ramps, at mile or other distance markers, and on signs on any of the above described roadways, highways, expressways, along bridges and tunnels, in parking lots, and in various locations adjacent to, near, or at, a location for viewing, same. 
     A plurality of vehicle computers may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention so that the present invention can be utilized to provide information to a large number of vehicles and to their operators and/or occupants. The present invention may also comprise a plurality of central processing computers which are typically server computers each of which may be linked with a pre-defined number of location computers assigned to provide service to a pre-defined geographic and/or regional area. In this manner, the present invention may be utilized to provide information and coverage for a very large geographic area. The present invention can be utilized to provide information and coverage internationally. 
     The present invention, as described above, provides information pertaining to traffic and other conditions on roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, at sports facilities and at arenas, as well as at entertainment facilities and centers. 
     A vehicle operator and/or occupant may obtain video information about a selected location simply by accessing either the central processing computer or the location computer which services the video camera at the selected location or locations, at any time. The information which is provided by the present invention can be utilized in assisting a vehicle driver and/or occupant to determine and/or find the most optimal or the least congested route to their destination. For example, a driver headed to a destination may utilize the present invention in order to view the traffic conditions on several alternate roadways, bridges, tunnels or toll booths, along the way. The driver may then utilize this information in order to travel the least congested route. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the present invention may be utilized to provide all of the information described above regarding locations to a user over a home or a personal computer, including a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a palmtop computer, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a digital telephone, a personal communication device, and a personal communications services device. In this manner, information about any of the herein-described locations can be available to a user at, or from, any location. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and a method for providing the above-described information about the above-described locations so as to provide a vehicle operator and/or occupant with valuable information concerning the roadways, bridges, tunnels, toll booths and/or parking lots, which would enable the vehicle operator and/or occupant to make informed driving and/or traveling decisions. For example, a vehicle operator traveling to a given destination, may wish to view various locations along the way to his or her destination. By utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, the vehicle operator may view roadways, bridges, tunnels, toll booths, along the way, so as to select the route with the least traffic, congestion or traffic delays. 
     Further, the apparatus and method of the present invention provides an embodiment for allowing a user of a home or personal computer to obtain the same information from his or her home or other location so as to more carefully plan out his or her trip beforehand. 
     The present invention can provide an apparatus and a method for providing hands-free use by a vehicle operator or driver. 
     In any of the preferred embodiments described herein, vehicle location data may be entered and/or updated manually by the vehicle operator or occupant such as by selecting location or position information from a menu selection. The apparatus and method of the present invention can ascertain a travel route and provide information pertaining to different locations or points along the travel route. 
     The apparatus and method of the present invention can provide video and other information about a travel route or location or point along, or on, a travel route, in real-time. The present invention also provides and apparatus and a method to allow an individual to preview a planned or anticipated travel route from any location or place. 
     The present invention provides real-time traffic conditions, road conditions and weather conditions and provides valuable information to any traveler. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding traffic conditions, road conditions, traffic flow, or other useful information. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as other roads, thoroughfares, or destinations and/or other entities of interest. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with video information and/or a video images, along with other travel-related information. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information which is utilized on, or over, a communication network. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information which is utilized on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information from any location. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information which provides for hands-free operation. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information which also provides for manual, as well as automatic, entry of vehicle location data or information. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information pertaining to different locations or points along a travel route. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information which determines a travel route and provides information pertaining to different locations or points along the travel route. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information about a travel route or location or point along, or on, a travel route. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with a preview of a planned or anticipated travel route. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with travel-related information in real-time. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of the Preferred Embodiment taken in conjunction with the Drawings which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the Drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the apparatus of the present invention, in block diagram form; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the vehicle computer of  FIG. 1 , in block diagram form; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the central processing computer of  FIG. 1 , in block diagram form; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart diagram of the operation of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of an alternate embodiment operation of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding traffic conditions as well as conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels, as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel, along with other destinations and/or entities of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method of the present invention provides video information to a vehicle operator and/or occupant regarding the conditions of roadways, highways, bridges, toll booths and tunnels as well as other roads and/or thoroughfares upon which a vehicle may travel, as well as other destinations and/or entities of interest. 
     In this regard, the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providing a vehicle operator and/or occupant with information regarding road traffic conditions, traffic on roadways, highways, parkways, expressways, traffic and/or congestion at, or on, bridges, at tunnels and at other locations on a roadway. The present invention can also provide a vehicle operator or occupant with information concerning conditions at toll booths, public areas, public parking lots and other destinations and/or locations. 
     The present invention provides video information and/or a video image, along with other information, of the conditions of a roadway, a bridge, a tunnel, a toll booth, a parking lot, a public parking lot, such as at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, and at sports or other entertainment facilities, etc. The video information is provided to the vehicle operator and/or occupant on a display device located in the vehicle. The vehicle operator or occupant may then utilize the information obtained in order to be apprised of traffic and other conditions, during their travels. For example, a driver headed to a destination may utilize the present invention in order to view the traffic conditions on several alternate roadways or at bridges, tunnels or toll booths along the way. The driver may then utilize this information in order to travel the least congested route or to make other travel related decisions based upon the information obtained. 
     Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein the subject matter of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/076,800.  FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention which is designated generally by the reference numeral  100 . In  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  includes a vehicle computer  10 . The vehicle computer  10 , in the preferred embodiment, is a personal computer. Although any type of personal computer and/or laptop computer may be utilized, in the preferred embodiment, the vehicle computer  10  can be an integral part of the vehicle so that it will provide for convenient use by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle computer  10  should at least have its display and user input device located on, in, or adjacent to, the vehicle dashboard or console. In this manner, the vehicle computer  10  may be mounted in the vehicle in the same manner that driver information centers and/or navigation computers are mounted therein. 
     The apparatus  100  also includes a central processing computer  20  which provides control over the apparatus  100  and which services the vehicle computer  10 . In the preferred embodiment, any number of central processing computers  20  may be utilized in order to provide the servicing functions described herein. The apparatus  100  may contain any number of central processing computers  20 . In such an embodiment, a given central processing computer  20  may service a particular geographic area. 
     The central processing computer(s)  20  and the vehicle computer  10  can communicate with one another over a wireless communication network. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention is utilized on, and/or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web and, in particular, a wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web communication network and/or system. In this regard, the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, utilizes wireless Internet and/or World Wide Web services, equipment, and/or devices. The central processing computer(s)  20 , in the preferred embodiment, can have a web site or web sites associated therewith. 
     Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is the preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, the present invention, in all of the embodiments described herein, can be utilized with any appropriate communication systems including, but not limited to, network communication systems, telephone communication systems, cellular communication systems, digital communication systems, personal communication systems, personal communication services (PCS) systems, satellite communication systems, broad band communication systems, low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite systems and line telephone systems. 
     The apparatus  100  also includes a plurality of video cameras  30 . Each of the video cameras  30 , in the preferred embodiment, has associated therewith a location computer  40 . The location computers  40  are electrically and/or operatively connected to its respective video camera  30  for providing control over the respective video camera  30 . In the preferred embodiment, each location computer  40  has a web site associated therewith. Any number of location computers  40  may be accessed by one or more of the central processing computers  20 . The vehicle computer  10  and the central processing computer(s)  20  can access the web sites of each of the location computers  40 . 
     The vehicle computer  10  can access the web sites of the location computers  40  via the web site(s) associated with the central processing computer(s)  20 , over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The vehicle computer  10  can also access the web sites of the location computers  40  directly over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The video information which is recorded by the video camera  30  may be accessed by the vehicle computer  10  and/or by the central processing computer(s)  20  so that the vehicle operator and/or occupant can obtain the video information at the vehicle computer  10 . 
     In cases where the apparatus  100  is used with other communication systems, the vehicle computer  10 , the central processing computer(s)  20 , and the location computers  40 , can be equipped with appropriate transmitters and receivers and/or other communication equipment or peripherals. 
     The video from each of the video cameras  30  is available at the web site of its associated location computer  40 . The video from the each of the video cameras  30  is then available to the vehicle computer  10  via the central processing computer(s)  20 . The video from each of the video cameras  30  is also available to the vehicle computer  10  via each of the web sites of the respective location computers  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the location computers  40  also communicate with the central processing computer(s)  20  on, or over, the Internet and/or the Wide Web. 
     Each of the location computers  40  is linked to the central processing computer(s)  20 . The central processing computer(s)  20 , in this manner, can control and obtain information, including video information, from the respective video cameras  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the uniform resource locator (URL) for each of the location computers  40  is provided at the central processing computer(s)  20 . In the above manner, each video camera  30  which is utilized with the apparatus  100  of the present invention, can be associated with a uniform resource locator which is an assigned address distinct to the respective location computer  40  and video camera  30 . 
     Any of the central processing computers  20 , in the preferred embodiment, can be a server computer which supports a web site which provides the links to a plurality of the location computers  40  which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus  100 . The location computers  40 , in the preferred embodiment, are also server computers which can be accessed by the vehicle operator or occupant via the central processing computer(s)  20  and/or the web site associated therewith. Each of the location computers  40 , can provide control over the video camera  30  associated therewith. The operation of any one of the location computers  40  can be controlled via the central processing computer(s)  20 . 
     The vehicle operator and/or occupant can directly access each of the location computers  40  via the vehicle computer  10 . In this regard, the vehicle operator and/or occupant may simply access a location computer  40  via its uniform resource locator, or link, which can be provided to, and at, the vehicle computer  10 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the vehicle computer  10  of  FIG. 1 , in block diagram form. In  FIG. 2 , the vehicle computer  10  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  11  which controls the processing of the vehicle computer  10 . The vehicle computer  10  also includes a read only memory (ROM)  12 , which is electrically connected to the CPU  11 . The vehicle computer  10  also includes a random access memory (RAM)  13 , which is electrically connected to the CPU  11 . 
     The vehicle computer  10  also includes a transmitter  14  for transmitting signals to the central processing computer(s)  20  or transmitting signals to any of the location computers  40  which are utilized with the apparatus  100 . The vehicle computer  10  also includes a receiver  15  for receiving signals from the central processing computer(s)  20  or for receiving signals from any of the location computers which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus  100 . 
     The vehicle computers  10 , as well as the central processing computers  20 , and the location computers  40 , which are utilized in the apparatus  100  of the present invention, include the necessary equipment and/or peripherals to operate on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The vehicle computer  10  also includes an user input device  16  for facilitating user input of commands and data into the vehicle computer  10 . The user can thereby utilize the user input device  16  to exercise control over, and operate, the vehicle computer  10 . 
     The user input device  16  is also electrically connected to the CPU  11 . In the preferred embodiment, the user input device  16  includes a keypad and a pointing device. The pointing device, in the preferred embodiment, is a mouse, a mouse-like device, a roll ball, a touch pad, a combination of the above devices, or any other known computer pointing device. In the preferred embodiment, the user input device  16  includes a keypad and a mouse-like pointing device. 
     The vehicle computer  10  also includes a display device  17  which is also electrically connected to the CUP  11 . The display device  17  provides a video or visual display of information to the vehicle operator and/or occupant. The display device  17 , in the preferred embodiment, is mounted on, or adjacent to, the vehicle dashboard or console, at a location for easy viewing and operation by the operator and/or occupant. The display device  17  also provides the apparatus  100  with a graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities. 
     The vehicle computer  10  also includes a head up display device  18  for providing information to the vehicle operator on the windshield so that the operator may view the information without having to remove his or her eyes from the road. The vehicle computer  10  also includes an output device  19  which is also electrically connected to the CPU  11 . The output device  19  can be any suitable output device for providing information to the vehicle operator or occupant. In the preferred embodiment, the output device  19  is a printer. 
     Each of the central processing computers  20 , and the location computers  40 , will have web sites and URLs associated therewith so that all of the above computers are accessible over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     The vehicle computer  10 , in the preferred embodiment, also includes a global positioning device  50  for determining the position and/or location of the vehicle. The vehicle computer  10  also includes a database  60  for storing the names, locations, addresses, and URLs, for any predefined group and/or for all of the central processing computers  20  and the location computers  40  which are utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The database  60  also stores information concerning the locations of various roadways or highways, at points on, near, or adjacent to these roadways or highways, at entrances and exits to these roadways or highways, including expressways, or parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, stores, beaches, sports facilities and arenas and entertainment facilities and centers, which are monitored and/or covered by the apparatus  100 . 
     The database  60  also contains the locations for any number of locations, such as video camera locations, on roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, bridges, toll booths, toll booth plazas, tunnels, shopping mall parking lots, beach parking lots, store parking lots, entertainment and/or sports facilities parking lots, and any other location which would be of interest to a vehicle operator and/or occupant. 
     The database  60  also contains location data or information, which includes the latitude and longitude for any of the locations along roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, and/or exits, overpasses or other points of interest along same, bridges, tunnels, toll booths or toll booth plazas, or destinations of interest, etc. 
     The database  60  also contains travel route data or information between locations and/or between locations and destinations. Locations data or information for cameras along a given route or given routes can be linked utilizing database management techniques in or to provide data or information along or for a given travel route. The database  60  also contains location data and information for any of the various cameras  30 . 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, any location data or information may include latitude and longitude data or information and/or any other suitable data or information for identifying a given location. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the data and/or information stored in the database  60  may be obtained via data or information which is pre-stored in same, data or information which is loaded into the vehicle computer  10  from a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a diskette, a compact disk, or a digital video disk, or via any other storage medium, or data or information which is downloaded from any of the central processing computers  20  which are utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The vehicle computer  10 , in order to accommodate data and information loading, may include a respective floppy disk drive, diskette drive, compact disk drive, or digital video disk drive. 
     The database  60  can be updated by updates obtained from any of the central processing computers  20  and/or the location computers  40  which are utilized with the present invention. The updates can be obtained on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     The names and location data pertaining to the video camera locations, along with the URLs for the respective location computers  40 , along with links thereto or therefor, including hyperlinks, are also stored in the database  60 . The above information can be correlated with vehicle location data which is obtained by the global positioning device  50 . In this manner, the vehicle operator and/or occupant may be advised of those locations which may be of interest to him or her from any location. After the global positioning device  50  determines vehicle position, the position data may be cross correlated with the location data and other data available in the database  60  so as to provide the vehicle operator and/or occupant with a selection of locations which he or she may obtain video or other information. 
     The vehicle computer  10  may also be programmable so that the vehicle operator or occupant can enter vehicle position data and destination data into the vehicle computer  10 . The vehicle computer  10  can be programmed so that, the driver or occupant can obtain video information and updates pertaining thereto for locations up ahead in their travels. The vehicle operator or occupant can also request and receive video information and updates for alternate routes up ahead in their travels. 
     Vehicle position data may be obtained via the global positioning device  50 . Vehicle position data may also be entered manually by the vehicle operator or occupant. 
     The present invention, as described above, provides information pertaining to traffic and other conditions on roadways, highways, expressways, or parkways, at entrances and exits to roadways, highways, expressways, or parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, at sports facilities and arenas and at entertainment facilities and centers, which are monitored by the apparatus  100 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the display device  17 , which is utilized, is provided with a screen for viewing a plurality of video images at the same time so that the vehicle operator or occupant may request and/or receive from, or about, a plurality of locations. In this manner, the vehicle operator or occupant can obtain, for simultaneous viewing, a plurality of video images and/or other information for a plurality of locations. For example, a vehicle operator traveling to a location accessible by a plurality of bridges may receive video of the toll booth plazas for each bridge. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the database  60  stores the uniform resource locators (URLs) for any number of location computers  40  which are associated with the various locations of the video cameras  30 . The location information stored in the database may be downloaded from the central processing computer(s)  20  which service the respective region. In this manner, the database  60  may be updated by the central processing computer  20  for a given region each time it enters a new region. The database  60  may also contain location information which can be loaded into the vehicle computer by the vehicle operator or occupant. The database  65  also stores information concerning travel routes between locations or destinations. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the central processing computer  20  of  FIG. 1 , in block diagram form. In  FIG. 3 , the central processing computer  20  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  21  which controls the processing of the central processing computer  20 . The central processing computer  20  also includes a read only memory (ROM)  22 , which is electrically connected to the CPU  21 . The central processing computer  20  also includes a random access memory (RAM)  23 , which is electrically connected to the CPU  21 . 
     The central processing computer  20  also includes a transmitter  24  for transmitting signals to the vehicle computers  10  and for transmitting signals to the location computers  40  which are utilized with the apparatus  100 . The central processing computer  20  also includes a receiver  25  for receiving signals from the vehicle computers  10  or for receiving signals from the location computers  40  which are utilized in conjunction with the apparatus  100  of the present invention. 
     The central processing computers  20 , as well as the vehicle computers  10  and the location computers  40 , which are utilized with the apparatus  100  of the present invention, include the necessary equipment and/or peripherals needed to operate on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. The central processing computer  20  also includes an user input device  26  for facilitating user input of commands and data into the central processing computer  20 . The user can thereby utilize the user input device  26  to exercise control over, and operate, the central processing computer  20 . 
     The user input device  26  is also electrically connected to the CPU  21 . In the preferred embodiment, the user input device  26  includes a keypad and a pointing device. The pointing device, in the preferred embodiment, is a mouse, a mouse-like device, a roll ball, a touch pad, a combination of the above devices, or any other known computer pointing device. In the preferred embodiment, the user input device  26  includes a keypad and a mouse-like pointing device. 
     The central processing computer  20  also includes a display device  27  which is also electrically connected to the CPU  21 . The display device  27  provides a video or visual display of information to the user or operator of the central processing computer  20 . The display device  27  also provides the apparatus  100  with a graphical user interface (GUI) capabilities. 
     The central processing computer  20  also includes an output device  28  which is also electrically connected to the CPU  21 . The output device  28  can be any suitable output device for providing information to the user or operator of the central processing computer. In the preferred embodiment, the output device  28  is a printer. 
     The central processing computer  20  also includes a database  65  for storing the names, locations, addresses, and URLs, for any predefined group and/or all of the central processing computers  20  and the location computers  40  which are utilized with the present invention. The database  65  also stores data and/or information concerning the vehicle operators, occupants, and vehicles, which utilize or subscribe to, or which are utilized with, respectively, the services which are provided by the apparatus and method of the present invention. 
     The database  65  also stores information about the various roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, or parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, stores, beaches, sports facilities and arenas and entertainment facilities and centers, which are monitored and/or covered by the apparatus  100 . The database  65  also stores information concerning travel routes between locations or destinations. 
     The database  65  stores any pre-determined number of locations such as video camera locations on roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, bridges, toll booths, toll booth plazas, tunnels, shopping mall parking lots, beach parking lots, store parking lots, entertainment and/or sports facilities parking lots, and any other location which would be of interest to a vehicle operator and/or occupant. The database  65  can be updated by updates obtained from any of the central processing computers  20 , from a main central processing computer (not shown), or from any of the location computers  40  which are utilized with the present invention. The updates can be obtained on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     The names and location data pertaining to the video camera locations, along with the URLs for the respective location computers  40 , along with links therefor, are also stored in the database  65 . The above information can be correlated with vehicle location data which is obtained by the global positioning device  50  of the respective vehicle computer  10  which global positioning data can be transmitted to the central processing computer  20 . The central processing computer  20  may transmit data and/or information concerning the locations of cameras  40  to any of the vehicle computers  10 . In this manner, a vehicle operator and/or occupant may be advised of camera locations in their vicinity, in or along their travel route, or of other interest to the vehicle operator or occupant. 
     If the global positioning device  50  determines vehicle position, or if vehicle position information is manually entered by the vehicle operator or occupant, the position information can be transmitted to the central processing computer  20  and correlated with the data and/or information stored in the database  65  so as to provide the vehicle operator and/or occupant with a selection of locations which he or she may access to obtain video or other information. 
     As noted herein, the present invention provides information pertaining to traffic and other conditions on roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, or parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, at sports facilities and arenas and at entertainment facilities and centers. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the database  65  stores the uniform resource locators (URLs) for any number of location computers  40  which are associated with the various locations of the video cameras  30 . The URL data for each camera may be cross referenced with geographical data of each video camera  30  so that the position and/or location data obtained by the global positioning device  50  can be utilized so as to identify all of the locations and URLs for the associated location computers  40  in the vehicle&#39;s region or area of travel. 
     The URL information is continuously updated and is available at the central processing computers  20  and/or the vehicle computer  10  so that the vehicle operator and/or occupant may have access to the respective locations as the vehicle travels. URL updates from the central processing computers  20  and from the location computers  40  can also be obtained by the vehicle computer  10 . In this manner, the present invention provides continuous location information to a vehicle operator or occupant, which information can be utilized to obtain information regarding a location or a group of locations. 
     The database  65  also contains location data or information, which includes the latitude and longitude for any of the locations along roadways, highways, expressways, parkways, and/or exits, overpasses, or other points of interest along same, bridges, tunnels, toll booths or toll booth plazas, or destinations of interest, etc. 
     The database  65  also contains travel route data or information between locations and/or between locations and destinations. Locations data or information for cameras along a given route or given routes can be linked utilizing database management techniques in or to provide data or information along or for a given travel route. The database  65  also contains location data and information for any of the various cameras  30 . 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, any location data or information may include latitude and longitude data or information and/or any other suitable data or information for identifying a given location. 
     In any of the embodiments described herein, the data and/or information stored in the database  65  may be obtained via data or information which is pre-stored in same, data or information which is loaded into the central processing computer  20  from a storage medium such as a floppy disk, a diskette, a compact disk, or a digital video disk, or via any other storage medium, or data or information which is downloaded from any other central processing computer(s)  20  which are utilized in conjunction with the present invention. The central processing computer  20 , in order to accommodate data and information loading, may include a respective floppy disk drive, diskette drive, compact disk drive, or digital video disk drive. 
     The database  65  can be updated by updates obtained from any of the central processing computers  20  and/or the location computers  40  which are utilized with the present invention. The updates can be obtained on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     Although the Internet and/or the World Wide Web is the preferred communication system and/or medium utilized, it is important to note that communication between any one of the location computers  40 , the central processing computers  20 , and the vehicle computers  10 , can be provided over any suitable communication system including, but not limited to network communication systems, telephone communication systems, cellular communication systems, digital communication systems, personal communication systems, personal communication services (PCS) systems, satellite communication systems, broad band communication systems, low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite systems and line telephone systems. 
     Each of the video cameras  30 , in the preferred embodiment of the invention, are designed for use outdoors so that they will be unaffected by the environment and/or the elements. A manual and/or an automatic lenses clearing and/or cleaning device is employed, in the preferred embodiment, so as to maintain the lenses of the video cameras  30 , and so as to ensure that they are cleaned for continuous use. 
     Each of the video cameras  30 , in the preferred embodiment, have wide angle lenses for maximum viewing capabilities. The video cameras  30 , depending upon its desired usage, may be moveable, rotatable and/or pivotable. Movement, rotation, and/or pivoting, of the video cameras  30  may be controlled by the central processing computer(s)  20 , or by the location computer  30 , corresponding thereto. 
     Each of the video cameras  30 , in the preferred embodiment, is stationed and/or located at, on, near, or at locations for viewing, roadways, entrances and exits to roadways, highways, expressways, or parkways, and entrances to, and exits from, same, bridges, entrances to, and exits from, bridges, tunnels, inside tunnels, entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, toll booths, entrances to toll booth plazas, parking lots, shopping malls, stores, beaches, sports facilities and arenas and entertainment facilities and centers. Although each of the video cameras  30  may be turned on or off, in the preferred embodiment, the video cameras  30  are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week so as to provide continuous surveillance of the locations to which they are assigned. 
     The video cameras  30 , in the preferred embodiment, are stationed on poles, road signs, buildings, overpasses, walls and other appropriate structures adjacent to, on, or at a location for viewing, roadways, highways, expressways, bridges and tunnels, and parking lots. The video cameras  30  can also be stationed along roadways, highways, expressways, along bridges and tunnels, and parking lots, at any desired intervals. For example, a video camera  30  can be stationed at a location for viewing the entrance and/or exit ramps, at mile or other distance markers and on signs, on or near any of the above described roadways, highways, expressways, bridges, tunnels, along roadways, bridges and tunnels, parking lots, and in various locations adjacent to, near, or at a location for viewing, same. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of vehicle computers  10  may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention so that the present invention can be utilized to provide information to a large number of vehicles and to their operators and/or occupants. 
     The present invention, in the preferred embodiment, also includes a plurality of central processing computers  20  which, in the preferred embodiment, are server computers each of which may be linked with a pre-defined number of location computers  40  and associated video cameras  30 , which are assigned to provide service to a pre-defined geographic and/or regional area. In this manner, the present invention may be utilized to provide information and coverage to a very large geographic area. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention can be utilized to provide information and coverage internationally. 
     As noted above, the present invention is utilized on or over the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. In this regard, the present invention utilizes TCP/IP protocol. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference herein those known systems, devices and techniques for providing live and/or recorded information over a communication network and, in particular, on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web. 
     The present invention, as described above, provides information pertaining to traffic and other conditions on roadways, at entrances and exits to roadways, on highways, expressways, or parkways, and at entrances to, and exits from, same, at bridges, at entrances to, and exits from, bridges, at tunnels, in tunnels, at entrances to, and exits from, tunnels, at toll booths, at entrances to toll booth plazas, at parking lots at shopping malls, at stores, at beaches, at sports facilities and arenas and at entertainment facilities and centers. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow diagram of the operation of the apparatus  100  and method of the present invention. The apparatus  100 , in the preferred embodiment, is utilized in the following manner. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the operation of the apparatus  100  commences, at step  200 , upon activation by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. At step  201 , the vehicle operator or occupant will access the web site associated with the central processing computer(s)  20  which services the region in which information is requested. The vehicle operator or occupant may also simply access the central processing computer(s)  20  in an embodiment in which no web site is utilized. The vehicle operator or occupant accesses the central processing computer(s)  20 , or the web site associated with same, via the vehicle computer  10 . 
     The vehicle operator or occupant may access the central processing computer  20  and/or the associated web site directly or, if the central processing computer or the web site associated therewith is not known, the vehicle operator or occupant may utilize vehicle location data obtained from the global positioning device  50  and the data stored in the database  60  in order to identify the central processing computer  20  and/or its associated web site. The position data may be cross correlated with the data stored in the database  60  in order to identify the appropriate central processing computer  20 , the web site associated therewith, the appropriate location computers  40  in the region, and the web sites associated therewith. 
     At step  202 , the vehicle operator or occupant then selects the location of the selected roadway, highway, expressway, parkway, bridge, tunnel, toll booth, toll booth plaza, parking lot, shopping mall, store, beach, sports facility or arena, or entertainment facility or center (hereinafter referred to as “location”), which the vehicle operator or occupant wants to obtain video and/or other information about. The vehicle operator or occupant selects the location by entering information via the input device  16 . At step  202 , the operator or occupant will select the location by selecting the uniform resource locator (URL) for the web site of the location computer  40  associated with the selected location. 
     At step  203 , the vehicle computer  10  will access the web site of the location computer  40  for the selected location. At step  204 , the vehicle operator or occupant can view the video information pertaining to the selected location via the web site of the selected location computer  40 . The video information, as well as other information, is obtained via the display device  17  of the vehicle computer  10 . Audio information can also be obtained from an audio device (not shown) which is also a component of the vehicle computer  10 . 
     The vehicle operator or occupant, at step  204 , can obtain other information pertinent to the selected location, which other information can include text information or audio information, which audio information is obtained from the audio device (not shown). Other information and reports can include, among other things, information regarding traffic conditions, weather conditions, forecasted traffic conditions, forecasted weather conditions, and any other useful information or news regarding the selected location which may be of interest to the vehicle operator or occupant. Any of the above information, including the video information, can be provided continuously to the vehicle operator or occupant for as long as the vehicle operator or occupant desires to obtain this information from the selected location. 
     News and/or maintenance services may also provide their respective services and/or information to the vehicle operator or occupant via the web site of the selected location computer  40 . In this manner, a news reporting service or maintenance service may provide information, either continuously, and/or at intervals, which is pertinent to the location or which may be of interest to the vehicle operator or occupant. 
     At step  205 , the operator or occupant may select another location to access or decide not to access any further information. At step  206 , the vehicle computer  10  will determine if another location was selected by the vehicle operator or occupant. If no other location was selected, the operation of the apparatus  100  will cease at step  207  and the apparatus  100  will await the next activation by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. If, at step  206 , it is determined that the vehicle operator or occupant desires to view or obtain information about another location, the operation of the apparatus  100  will return to step  202  and apparatus operation will continue. 
     As noted above, the information, which is provided by the present invention, can be utilized in assisting a vehicle operator and/or occupant to determine and/or find the most optimal or the least congested route to their destination. For example, a driver headed to a destination may utilize the present invention in order to view the traffic conditions on several alternate roadways or at bridges, tunnels or toll booths along the way. The driver may then utilize the information obtained in order to travel the least congested route. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of an another preferred embodiment operation of the apparatus  100  of the present invention. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the operation of the apparatus  100  commences, at step  300 , upon activation by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. At step  301 , the vehicle operator or occupant selects the location of the selected roadway, highway, expressway, parkway, bridge, tunnel, toll booth, toll booth plaza, parking lot, shopping mall, store, beach, sports facility or arena, or entertainment facility or center (hereinafter referred to as “location”), which the vehicle operator or occupant wants to obtain video and/or other information about. The vehicle operator or occupant selects the location by entering information via the input device  16 . At step  301 , the operator or occupant will select the location by selecting the URL for the web site of the location computer  40  associated with the selected location. 
     At step  302 , the vehicle computer  10  will access the web site of the location computer  40  for the selected location. At step  303 , the vehicle operator or occupant can view the video information pertaining to the selected location via the web site of the selected location computer  40 . The video information, as well as other information, is obtained via the display device  17  of the vehicle computer  10 . The vehicle operator or occupant, at step  303 , can obtain other information pertinent to the selected location, which other information can include text information or audio information, which audio information is obtained from the audio device (not shown). 
     As with the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the other information and reports can include, among other things, information regarding traffic conditions, weather conditions, forecasted traffic conditions, forecasted weather conditions, and any other useful information regarding the selected location which may be of interest to the vehicle operator or occupant. Any of the above information, including the video information, can be provided continuously to the vehicle operator or occupant for as long as the vehicle operator or occupant desires to obtain the information from the selected location. 
     News and/or maintenance services may also provide information to the vehicle operator or occupant via the web site of the selected location computer  40 . In this manner, a news reporting service or maintenance service may provide information, either continuously, and/or at intervals, which is pertinent to the location. 
     At step  304 , the operator or occupant may select another location to access or decide not to access any further information. At step  305 , the vehicle computer  10  will determine if another location was selected by the vehicle operator or occupant. If no other location was selected, the operation of the apparatus  100  will cease at step  306  and the apparatus  100  will await the next activation by the vehicle operator and/or occupant. If, at step  305 , it is determined that the vehicle operator or occupant desires to view or obtain information about another location, the operation of the apparatus  100  will return to step  302  and apparatus operation will continue. 
     It is important to note that while the vehicle computer  10  could communicate directly with each of the location computers  40  and/or their web sites, the utilization of the central processing computer(s)  20  and its/their associated web site(s) may be desired as a means by which to provide a link with a number of location computers  40  for purposes of convenience. The utilization of a central processing computer  20  also provides a means by which to access numerous locations in different regions and/or geographic areas. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the present invention may be utilized to provide all of the information described herein, regarding the above-described locations, to a user of a home or personal computer including a laptop computer.  FIG. 6  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. In  FIG. 6 , the apparatus, which is designated by the reference numeral  200 , includes a personal computer  70 . The user of the personal computer may utilize the apparatus and method of the present invention, in the manner described herein so as to obtain any and all of the herein-described location information via the personal computer  70 . 
     The personal computer  70  can communicate with the vehicle computer  10  so that the personal computer  70  can be utilized to exercise control over the vehicle computer  10  and so as to obtain data and information therefrom. Vehicle position data may be obtained from the global positioning device  50  via the vehicle computer  10  and be utilized by the personal computer  70  so as to determine the location of the vehicle and the location or link information needed to access the central processing computer(s)  20  in the geographic region or area in which the vehicle is located. Location and link information for all of the location computers  40  in the geographic region or area can also be provided to the personal computer  70 . 
     The personal computer  70  can also communicate with any one of the central processing computers  20  and with any one or all of the location computers  40  which are utilized with the apparatus of the present invention. 
     The personal computer  70  may be any one or more of a home computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a palmtop computer, a television, an interactive television, a digital television, a personal digital assistant, a telephone, a digital telephone, a personal communication device, and a personal communications services device. In this manner, information about any of the herein-described locations can be available to a user at, or from, any location. 
     In any or all of the embodiments described herein, the vehicle computer  10  may access, and obtain data and/or information directly from the central processing computer(s)  20  which services the region and/or directly from any of the location computers  40 . It is also understood that any of the location computers  40  can be accessed via a respective central processing computer(s)  20 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the vehicle computer  10  includes a microphone (not shown) which, along with associated voice recognition software, allows the vehicle operator or occupant to operate and/or interact with the vehicle computer  10  in a hands-free mode. The vehicle computer  10  can also include a speaker (not shown) for providing audio information regarding vehicle computer operation, information regarding roadways, highways, parkways, expressways, bridges, tunnels, tolls, and/or regarding any other herein-described information which can be of interest to the vehicle operator or occupant. In this manner, the vehicle computer  10  can provide information to the vehicle operator or occupant without requiring the vehicle operator or occupant to have to look at the monitor, video screen, or display device of the vehicle computer  10 . 
     In any of the preferred embodiments described herein, vehicle location data may be entered and/or updated manually by the vehicle operator or occupant such as by selecting location or position information from a menu selection. The selected location will have correlated therewith its latitude and longitude data as well as any other suitable position or location data or information. Vehicle location data can also be entered and/or updated automatically by the global positioning device  50 . The entered or updated data may then be processed by the vehicle computer  10  or transmitted to, and processed by, the respective central processing computer(s)  20 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus  100  can provide continuous updates of the travel route up ahead. In this embodiment, the vehicle computer  10 , having the current vehicle location data or information and destination data or information, can provide automatic sequencing of the video information obtained from the various cameras  30  along the planned travel route. For example, in travel from location A to location Z, the vehicle computer  10 , will ascertain, from travel route information stored in the database  60 , that locations or points A through Y are located along the planned travel route. The vehicle computer  10  can then sequentially present, to the vehicle operator or occupant, the video information and/or other information obtained by the respective cameras  30  for each of respective locations or points B through Z along the travel route. 
     The video image presented for each location or point may be timed so as to allow the vehicle operator or occupant adequate time to see it. The vehicle computer  10  can also be programmed to continuously play and replay the travel route video or other information. Video or other information display or presentation time, along with continuous replays, can be selected and/or programmed by the vehicle operator or occupant. 
     The vehicle computer  10  is also programmed to detect change in travel route or a departure from a previous route. If the vehicle computer  10  detects a change in a travel route or a departure from a previous route, the vehicle computer  10  will prompt the vehicle operator or occupant for information as to whether a new destination is intended and re-compute a new travel route from the data or information stored in the database  60 . 
     If the same destination is intended, the vehicle computer  10  will revise the travel route. Change in travel or departure from a previous route may be detected by the manual entry of new location data or new destination data, and/or by the location data obtained from the global positioning device  50 . The global positioning device  50 , in any of the embodiments described herein, may be operate continuously and/or at any other time or time interval. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the central processing computer(s)  20  may perform the same functions described above, in the case of the vehicle computer  10 , by obtaining vehicle location and destination data from the vehicle computer  10 , by processing same in the exact manner described above in the case of the vehicle computer  10 , and by transmitting the video and other information for the various locations or points to the vehicle computer  10 . 
     In any of the preferred embodiments described herein, vehicle location data may be entered and/or updated manually by the vehicle operator or occupant such as by selecting location or position information from a menu selection. The selected location will have correlated therewith its latitude and longitude data as well as any other suitable position or location data or information. Vehicle location data can also be entered and/or updated automatically by the global positioning device  50 . The entered or updated data may then be processed by the vehicle computer  10  or transmitted to, and processed by, the respective central processing computer(s)  20 . 
     In this embodiment, the central processing computer  20 , having the current vehicle location data or information and destination data or information, can provide automatic sequencing of the video information obtained from the various cameras  30  along the planned travel route. For example, in travel from location A to location Z, the central processing computer  20  will ascertain, from travel route information stored in the database  65 , that locations or points A through Y are located along the planned travel route. The central processing computer  20  can then sequentially present and transmit to the vehicle computer  10  and the vehicle operator or occupant, the video information and/or other information obtained by the respective cameras  30  for each of the respective locations or points along the travel route. 
     As in the previously described embodiment, the video image presented for each location or point may be timed so as to allow the vehicle operator or occupant adequate time to see it. The central processing computer can also be programmed to continuously play and replay the travel route video or other information. Video or other information display or presentation time, along with whether continuous replays, can be selected and/or programmed by the vehicle operator or occupant via the vehicle computer  10 . 
     The central processing computer  20  is also programmed to detect change in travel route or a departure from a previous route. If the central processing computer  20  detects a change in a travel route or a departure from a previous route, the central processing computer  20  will prompt the vehicle operator or occupant for information as to whether a new destination is intended and re-compute a new travel route from the data or information stored in the database  65 . 
     If the same destination is intended, the central processing computer  20  will revise the travel route. Change in travel or departure from a previous route may be detected by the manual entry of new location data or new destination data, and/or by the location data obtained from the global positioning device  50  or the vehicle computer  10 . The global positioning device  50 , in any of the embodiments described herein, may be operate continuously and/or at any other time or time interval. 
     In this manner, the apparatus and method of the present invention can provide video and other information about a travel route or location or point along, or on, a travel route, in real-time. 
     In another preferred embodiment, an individual can preview the travel route for an anticipated or planned travel route via the personal computer  70 , such as from home or from the office or from any other place. The individual may also preview the travel route via the vehicle computer  10  prior to embarking on his journey or before leaving his driveway. 
     The present invention provides real-time traffic conditions, road conditions and weather conditions and provides valuable information to any traveler. 
     The present invention may be utilized, in all of the herein-described embodiments, in conjunction with vehicles of any type, including automobiles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, motor homes, mobile homes, commercial vehicles, commercial equipment, marine vehicles, marine vessels, boats, aircraft, airplanes, jets, helicopters and any other vehicle of piece of equipment. In this manner, an operator or occupant of the vehicle or piece of equipment may benefit from the utilization of the apparatus and method of the present invention. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and a method for providing the above-described information about the above-described locations so as the provide a vehicle operator and/or occupant with valuable information concerning the roadways, bridges, tunnels, toll booths and/or parking lots, as well as other locations, which would enable the vehicle operator and/or occupant to make informed driving and/or traveling decisions. For example, a vehicle operator traveling to a given destination, may wish to view various locations along the way to minimize driving and/or traveling time and/or effort. 
     By utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, the vehicle operator may view roadways, bridges, tunnels, toll booths, and other entities along the way, so as to select the route with the least traffic, congestion or delays. Further, the apparatus and method of the present invention provides an embodiment for allowing a user of a home or personal computer to obtain the same information from his or her home or other location so as to more carefully plan out his or her trip beforehand. As noted above, the present invention can be utilized to provide information and coverage internationally. 
     While the present invention has been described and illustrated in various embodiments, such description and illustrations are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construed to be limitations thereof. Accordingly, the present invention encompasses any and all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments, with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6