EP1282829B1 - Mobile information device for a mobile communications environment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile information device for a mobile communications environment. The inventive device comprises an input means (1) for inputting a position and information, a position detection means (10) for detecting the local position of the mobile device, a data base (11) containing information on locations, a processing means (4, 5) which links the current or inputted position of the mobile device to information on locations with regard to the position, whereby said information is stored in a data base (11). The inventive device further comprises an output means (2) for outputting the linked information.

Description

The present invention relates to a mobile information device for a Mobile communications environment.

Mobile navigation systems are known in particular in vehicles that for example, using GPS (Global Position System) the position of the mobile Can determine navigation system. The navigation system also has one Database with location information such as street maps. The Navigation system compares the current position with the information from the Database. Then this information is related to each other and the user can thus determine where he is at the moment. Furthermore, the user enters a destination to which he wants to go. The navigation system then calculates the shortest route to the destination. You can also certain preferences are entered, such as a preferred one Use of country roads.

The aim of the present invention is based on the known prior art Technique to provide an information device with great utility.

This goal is achieved by a mobile information device for a mobile communication environment solved, the mobile information device Input means for entering a position and information, a position determining means to determine the location of the mobile device, a database containing location information, a processing means that the current or the entered position of the mobile device with location information correlates from the database, and an output means for outputting which includes linked information. The resulting from the invention The advantages are in particular that not only a pure position determination, but also a link to the local conditions and a temporal correlation of different events is made possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a time determination means is provided to determine the amount of time to cover a distance between a destination entered in the database and the current or entered position is required. The user can use the mobile information device to estimate how long it will take to Coverage of the given route or when it has to start to to arrive at the destination at a predetermined time.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is designed such that that they are for a given destination and also a given one Arrival time depending on the respective position of the device in Dependence of the travel time determined in each case by the time-determining means a required time for departure is determined and sent to the user independently issues a message at a point in time that is calculated Time of departure or a given time before the time of departure. This independent notification of the user at a certain point in time Dependence on previously entered location and time-related data is a essential aspect of the preferred embodiment of the invention and represents a independent inventive ideas.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that in the Database in addition to the location information, also time-dependent, statistical Transport times can be saved. The mobile information device thus enables taking into account the time, an estimate of the distance to cover the distance required.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the database additional cartographic, infrastructural and commercial information includes. This information can be used to create links that go beyond just reaching the destination. For example, a suitable stopover can be selected.

Another embodiment of the invention provides that a position determination is carried out at predetermined intervals, the current position with the position the destination is compared at predetermined intervals and that the time period is recalculated and updated to cover the distance between the new position and the position of the destination is required. Thus, At any point in time, estimate whether the goal has been reached in the remaining time can be.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the determined actual Periods to cover certain distances taking into account the be transmitted to other mobile devices at the respective time and for Serve to update their respective databases. Furthermore, the in the Database stored information updated at predetermined intervals. Thus, each mobile device benefits from the "experience" of another mobile Device that has traveled the same route earlier Has. The constant updating of the database ensures that the information in the database is always up to date are located.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the database contains information related to means of transport. So that can be achieved of a destination to be matched to the existence of means of transport.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the The point in time at which the destination can be reached at the earliest is determined.

A second embodiment of the invention provides that the mobile information device as in the first embodiment, an input means for input a position and information, a position determining means for Determining the location of the mobile device, a processing means, with the current or the entered position of the mobile device Relates location information from a database and an output means for outputting the linked information, the mobile Information device with base stations of the communication environment communicates and the base stations containing location information Have database. This arrangement ensures that only one central database is required.

The other configurations of the second embodiment correspond to Refinements of the first embodiment, with the exception that the determined times for covering certain distances taking into account the time of day to the base stations and thus the database is updated. The advantage of this arrangement is that it ensures that all mobile information devices each have the same current Information.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

ein Blockschaltbild der mobilen Informationsvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform, und

Fig. 2

ein Blockschaltbild der mobilen Informationsvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

Advantageous embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a block diagram of the mobile information device according to a first embodiment, and

Fig. 2

a block diagram of the mobile information device according to a second embodiment.

According to a first embodiment, the mobile information device (FIG. 1) an input means 1 and an output means 2, each with an input / output unit 3 are connected. The output means preferably comprise a graphic display and a loudspeaker. The input / output unit 3 is further connected to a route calculation means 4, and a database 11, a timer 9 and a position determining means 10 are connected. On Route memory 8 is also connected to an input of route calculation means 4, connected to a transmitter / receiver 7 and to a route booking means 6. The route booking means 6 is connected to the transmitter / receiver 7 with an antenna 15 connected. In addition, a comparison means 5 is provided and with the Route booking means 6, the route memory 8, the position determining means 10, the route calculation means 4 and connected to the database 11, which in turn connected to the transmitter / receiver 7 and to a profile memory 19 which is also connected to the route calculation means 4. Furthermore a time determination means 18 is provided which is connected to the timer 9, the Route memory 8 and connected to the route calculation means 4. In addition, an evaluation detection means 14 is provided and is associated with the Sender / receiver 7, the database 11, the route booking means 6, the Comparison means 5 and connected to the input / output unit 3. Finally is a reachability detection means 16 is provided, which is connected to the transmitter / receiver 7, the route calculation means 4 and the input / output unit 3 connected is.

If a user of a mobile information device according to the invention wants to know whether he can still get to his flight or train, for example can, the mobile device can give him what time with which Means of transport to the desired location or in other words when to start at a given time at a given time Arrive destination.

A special feature of the information device, which is also independent of the other features of the information device can be realized from the connection of the timer 9 and the time determination means 18 and the input / output unit 3 and the display and Input means 2 and 1. These are designed so that a user can use one in the Can enter the future time, for example a desired one Arrival time for a trip, the time determination means based on this future time and other information such as destination and Travel time - the determination of which is explained below - a closer one Determine the time, for example the required departure time and independently trigger a message via the display means when the closest one Point in time or a defined point in time has been reached. The triggered message is preferably an acoustic message.

For this purpose, the user can use the input means 1 to find the desired destination and enter the time at which the destination can be reached. Both the The destination and the desired time of arrival are stored in the route memory 8 saved. With the help of the position determining means 10, the position of the determined mobile information device. If the desired destination in the Database 11 of the mobile information device containing location information the two positions are stored by a route calculation means 4 compared with each other and the information needed to reach the destination are created as an itinerary including the intermediate stations and a schedule Reaching the intermediate stations and the destination in the route memory 8 stored and output to a display means 2. Additionally determines one Time determination means 18 based on those stored in the route memory 8 Information regarding the travel route is the time it takes to travel the Distance between the current position and the destination and to cover the individual intermediate stations of the distance is required and this duration as well the intermediate times are also stored in the route memory 8.

The information output by the database 11 sets one Linking of position data, the data of the individual means of transport and finally the data of a wealth of experience from others described later Users of the mobile information devices.

The position determination is carried out at regular intervals by the position determination means 10 performed, the current position is then from a Comparison means 5 compared with the position of the destination and that period is determined by the time determining means 18 according to the general information the database 11 and the route-specific ones stored in the route memory 8 Information and data recalculated to cover the journey Distance to the destination is required and those stored in the route memory 8 Data is updated with the new current data.

There are several options for determining the position of the mobile device available. With the help of a GPS module, the exact position of the mobile Information device can be determined worldwide. Alternatively, the Position determination take place in a GSM network or the position of the mobile information device can be entered manually.

The comparison means 5 carries out a target / actual comparison at predetermined intervals by including the travel route stored in the route memory 8 a schedule of the intermediate stations of the route with the current position compares and thus registers if the user does not move, but rather stops at one point. This can be caused by a traffic jam, for example become. The route calculation means 4 calculates in connection with that of the Comparative means 5 received information whether the destination to the desired Arrival time can be reached, i.e. it will be at predetermined intervals checks whether the schedule of the route stored in the route memory 8 is observed. If this schedule cannot be met, there is Comparison means 5 a warning to the display means 2. The user can instruct the mobile information device by means of the input means 1 that the Calculation of the optimal solution to reach the destination, i.e. Choice of Means of transport and the route, at regular intervals from the route calculation means 4 is carried out. If the user is unforeseen is stopped at a point along the way, the route calculation means 4 the recommendations regarding the means of transport and the route update according to the information stored in the database 11 and change if necessary, i.e. the newly calculated route is also in the Route memory 8 saved and thus updated.

If the user with the help of the output from the comparison means 6 Can estimate information that he, for example, a predicted one Flight, train or appointment will not reach the mobile device instruct the input means 1, this information to the airline to be transmitted and, if necessary, to book a seat for the next flight. Likewise possible to notify a conversation partner that the Users will appear late for an appointment. These notifications are sent to the transmitter / receiver 7 by means of a route booking means 6 issued and can be from the transmitter / receiver 7 as SMS short messages, e-mails or the like can be transmitted.

It is precisely these experiences, which can lead to delays, in the Database 11 collected as a so-called "experience chess", because it is precisely this Delays are particularly annoying. Including the wealth of experience The database 11 is intended to prevent other users of the mobile Information device get into the same situation, but rather that it either choose a different route or start earlier. This one Information about the infrastructural bottlenecks provide one for every traveler great value.

A best possible recommendation with regard to the path to be chosen and the Spending the means of transport to reach the destination are not only the location information is important, but also the time at which the user want to travel is of great importance. For example, it is in the morning Rush-hour traffic in some major cities makes less sense to take a taxi. If the If users access buses or trains at this hour, they probably can arrive faster at its destination. The database therefore includes 11 also time-specific information provided by the route calculation means 4 the creation of the travel route should also be taken into account accordingly. To the mobile information device has the timer 9, which is the route calculation means 4 provides the current time.

Furthermore, the mobile information device has the accessibility calculation means 16 based on the current position and in the database 11 stored information calculates what distance in a given Time can be covered according to the respective means of transport. This distance that can be covered in a predetermined time can be displayed on the display displayed on the mobile information device.

Since the database contains, among other things, information relating to the public transport, it is possible to use these means of transport Consider the recommendation of the means of transport to be selected. Since the on However, the information related to the means of transport can change quickly this information is continuously updated. For example, that The user is informed of any congestion on a motorway in good time so that he can choose a different route if necessary. Furthermore, it is possible if, for example, a train or flight is canceled or postponed, the user using the mobile information device by means of SMS short messages, To notify emails or the like. In this case, the Users either take their time or the mobile information device instruct to create an alternative travel plan and, if necessary, another means of transport choose which is then by means of the route booking means 6 via the Transmitter / receiver 7 can be booked.

If, for example, the failure of a means of transport becomes a very long one Delay leads, for example, when aircraft are not due to the weather can start, the user can by means of the mobile information device learn what alternatives he has to linger on his current stay Has. If, for example, the user only starts his trip the next morning can continue, he can instruct the mobile information device to him Show accommodation options nearby. If the user is has decided on one of the overnight possibilities, he can use the Route booking means 6 of the mobile information device make a reservation make.

If the delay is only a few hours, the user can instruct the mobile information device, for example restaurants, Shops or the like. display.

When the user has arrived at his destination, there is an evaluation acquisition means 14 questions to evaluate the route calculation means 4 created travel plan via the advertising medium 2. Here is particularly from Interest in whether the user has reached the destination comfortably and whether the means of transport has met his wishes. The results of this assessment will be detected and processed by the evaluation detection means 14 and with the in the Database 11 stored information linked and in the "experience" the mobile information device added to better on the To meet the needs of the user. Furthermore, these records can also be exchanged with other databases via the transmitter / receiver 7.

In the implementation of the invention, there are two ways to Database. For one, the database can be decentralized in any mobile Information device can be implemented. However, this can be the disadvantage have that the respective databases of the different mobile Information devices can also contain different information, it is therefore necessary to update all databases at regular intervals.

On the other hand, it is also possible to use the database in a base station of the mobile communication environment to implement. This has the advantage that everyone mobile information devices can access the same data. The disadvantage here, however, is that all the data relating to the mobile information device must be transmitted. For example, if only a certain bandwidth is available in the mobile information system, so it makes sense to To minimize data transmission as much as possible.

It is also possible that the user can create his personal profile using the Input means 1 can enter the mobile information device. The The user's personal profile is then stored in a profile memory 19. This can mean, for example, that the user only uses a specific one Want to fly airline that the user only wants to travel by train, or that the user wants to be at the airport one hour before departure. This Profile data is stored in the route calculation means 4 with the data in the database 11 stored information linked so that the user can get one on it receives personally tailored travel plan recommendations. This on the user Profit obtained can also take into account other preferences of the user. For example, if the user is in wants to eat in a restaurant and the mobile information device instructs him to recommend a restaurant to him, the mobile information device with the help of the database 11 and that stored in the profile memory 19 personal profile to the user of a restaurant according to his wishes Show.

In a further embodiment, the mobile information device can be can also be used as an electronic logbook. In doing so, those covered Exactly recorded routes. That with the help of the position determining means the exact distance covered and its course are recorded. Under The start time, the stop time and the time determination means can be used Intermediate times along the way are also recorded and recorded exactly become.

At the end of a specified period of time, the sum of all trips can be calculated and displayed.

Claims (22)

1. An information device which is operable independently of a transport means, for a mobile communications environment, comprising

   an input means (1) for inputting at least one first inputted position as a destination and for inputting time information,

   a position determining means (10) for determining the current local position of the mobile device,

   a database (11) containing information on locations,

   a processing means (4, 5) which links the current or a second inputted position of the mobile device to location information stored in a database (11) in relation to the position,

   an output means (2) for outputting the linked information,

   wherein the device is designed for independently triggering a message at a time which arises from previously inputted items of time information and items of location information from the database (11) and positional data respectively currently determined by the position determining means (10).
2. A device according to claim 1 and further comprising a route store (8) for storing on the one hand the destination and on the other hand a second inputted position or the current position.
3. A device according to claim 2 comprising a time determining means for determining that period of time which is required for covering the distance between an inputted destination stored in the route store (8) and the current or the second inputted position, on the basis of the items of information stored in the database (11) and in the route store (8).
4. A device according to claim 2 comprising a time determining means for determining the time at which operation must be started in order to reach the inputted destination at a predetermined time, on the basis of the items of information stored in the database (11) and in the route store (8).
5. A device according to claim 4 characterised in that the device is designed to output a message at a predetermined time interval prior to or upon reaching the time at which operation must be started in order to reach the inputted destination at a predetermined time.
6. A device according to one of the preceding claims wherein the processing means (4, 5) has a route calculation means (4) for producing a route inclusive of intermediate stations and a timetable between the current position and the inputted destination on the basis of the items of information stored in the database (11) and for storage of the route in the route store (8).
7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the processing means (4, 5) further has a comparison means (5) which is designed to carry out a reference/actual comparison in respect of the route to be selected, by a procedure whereby the current position of the mobile information device, which is determined by the position determining means (10), is compared to the items of information stored in the route store (8) and relating to the route.
8. A device according to claim 7 further comprising a route booking means (6) for performing a booking operation corresponding to the route produced by the route calculation means (4) or for performing a booking operation and/or a booking change if when the reference/actual comparison is performed by the comparison means (5) it is established that the timetable of the route cannot be observed.
9. A device according to one of the preceding claims and further comprising a timer (9) for outputting the current clock time.
10. A device according to one of the preceding claims and further comprising a profile store (19) for storing a profile of the user, which is inputted by the input means (1).
11. A device according to one of the preceding claims and further comprising a reachability calculation means (16) for calculating that distance which can be covered in a predetermined period of time according to a respective transport means on the basis of the current information determined by the position determining means (10) and the items of information stored in the database (11), and for outputting said items of information to the display means (2) so that same is displayed on the display means (2).
12. A device according to one of the preceding claims and further comprising an assessment recording means (14) for recording an assessment, inputted by the user by the input means (1), of the route produced by the route calculation means (4) and for transmitting said assessment to the database (11) so that it is stored there.
13. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which besides location information time-dependent statistical transport times are also stored in the database (11) and processed.
14. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the database (11) additionally contains cartographic, infrastructural and business-related information.
15. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the position determining means (10) implements a position determining operation at predetermined time intervals.
16. A device according to claim 7 in which the comparison means (5) compares the current position to the position of the destination at predetermined time intervals.
17. A device according to one of claims 1 to 16 in which the time determining means (18) re-calculates and updates at predetermined intervals the period of time required for covering the distance between the new position and the position of the destination.
18. A device according to claim 7 or claim 16 in which the comparison means (5) recognises when the position of the mobile information device does not change.
19. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the items of information stored in the database (11) are updated at predetermined intervals.
20. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the actual periods of time for covering given distances are communicated to other mobile devices having regard to the clock time and serve to update the respective database.
21. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the database contains items of information which are related to different transport means.
22. A device according to one of the preceding claims in which the time determining means (18) determines the time at which the destination can be reached at the earliest.

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