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United States Patent6321158
DeLorme , ; et al.November 20, 2001
Title
Integrated routing/mapping information
Abstract
An Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) links desktop personal computer cartographic applications to one or more handheld organizer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or "palmtop" devices. Such devices may be optionally equipped with, or connected to, portable Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent position sensing device. Desktop application facilitates user selection of areas, starts, stops, destinations, maps and/or point and/or route information. It optionally includes supplemental online information, preferably for transfer to the PDA or equivalent device. Users' options include route information, area, and route maps. Maps and related route information are configured with differential detail and levels of magnitude. Used in the field, in conjunction with GPS receiver, the PDA device is configured to display directions, text and map formats, the user's current position, heading, speed, elevation, and so forth. Audible signals identifying the next turn along the user's planned route are also provided. The user can pan across maps and zoom between two or more map scales, levels of detail, or magnitudes. The IRMIS also provides for "automatic zooming," e.g., to show greater detail or closer detail as the user approaches a destination, or to larger scale and lower resolution to show the user's overall planned route between points of interest. The IRMIS also enables the user to mark or record specific locations and/or log actual travel routes, using GPS position information. These annotated location marks and/or "breadcrumb" or GPS log data can be saved, uploaded, displayed, or otherwise processed on the user's desktop geographic information or cartographic system. The IRMIS application and data may be distributed online and/or in tangible media in limited and advanced manipulation formats.
Inventors:DeLorme; David M. (Yarmouth, ME), Gray; Keith A.  (Yarmouth, ME), Autry; Gordon  (Standish, ME), Moulton; Keith A.  (Portland, ME)
Assignee:DeLorme Publishing Company (Yarmouth, ME)
Appl. No.:144836
Filed:August 31, 1998
Current U.S. Class:701/201 701/209 701/211 340/995.16 342/357.09 
Field of Search:701/201,200,202,208,209,211,210,212,213 340/988,990,995 342/357.06,357.07,357.09,357.13,357.1
U.S. Patent Documents
4819174April 1989Furuno et al.
4954958September 1990Savage et al.
5172321December 1992Ghaem et al.
5223844June 1993Mansell et al.
5334974August 1994Simms et al.
5471392November 1995Yamashita
5543789August 1996Behr et al.
5648768July 1997Bouve
5699255December 1997Ellis et al.
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Tan
Attorney, Agent or Firm:Atwood; Peirce Caseiro; Chris A. Scanlan; Patrick R.
Parent Case Text


CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of the David M. DeLorme et al U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/661,600 filed Jun. 11, 1996, for COMPUTER AIDED ROUTING AND POSITIONING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,492, issued Sep. 1, 1998, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/381,214 filed Jan. 31, 1995 for COMPUTER AIDED ROUTING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,707, issued Sep. 24, 1996, which is a CIP of the David M. DeLorme et al U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/265,327 filed Jun. 24, 1994 for COMPUTER AIDED MAP LOCATION SYSTEM, now abandoned, and the contents of these related patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims

We claim:
1. An integrated routing/mapping information system (IRMIS) comprising:
a first digital computer having a first computer display;
a database including a set of electronic maps of varying and selectable magnitude for presentation on said first computer display, wherein said electronic maps have the capability of depicting transportation routes having identifiable waypoints including route intersections at geographical locations along said transportation routes, said identifiable waypoints on said electronic maps being identifiable in said first computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system; software means permitting user travel planning using said electronic maps presented on said first computer display by providing user selection of selected waypoints that include at least a travel origin and a travel destination and can include intermediate waypoints, wherein said software means is capable of calculating, delineating, and displaying a travel route between said travel origin and said travel destination, wherein said travel origin and said travel destination are identifiable in said first computer by coordinate locations of said geographical coordinate system;
a second digital computer having a second display;
means for coupling said first digital computer to said second digital computer for the transfer of data therebetween;
IRMIS software for selectably transferring from said first digital computer to said second digital computer said travel route. one or more of said electronic maps, or a combination thereof,
wherein said IRMIS software is constructed to present a view on said second computer display of said travel route, said one or more electronic maps, or said combination thereof.

2. The IRMIS of claim 1 wherein said database further includes information on points of interest along said travel route, wherein said IRMIS software provides for selectable transfer of said information on said points of interest along said travel route from said first digital computer to said second digital computer.

3. The IRMIS of claim 2 further comprising means for coupling said second digital computer to a geocoding device for recording location information associated with said travel route, wherein said IRMIS software provides for transfer of said location information from said second digital computer to said first digital computer.

4. The IRMIS of claim 3 wherein said selected geographical coordinate system is a standard latitude/longitude (lat/long) geographical coordinate system and wherein coordinate locations are stored in said second digital computer as lat/long coordinates, and said geocoding-capable device is a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

5. The IRMIS of claim 4 wherein said GPS receiver is coupled to said second digital computer, and wherein said IRMIS software receives positioning information from said GPS receiver and adjusts an output of travel update information and electronic map displays on said second display as a function of said positioning information.

6. The IRMIS of claim 1 wherein said second digital computer is selected from the group consisting of handheld organizers, personal digital assistants, and palmtop devices.

7. The IRMIS of claim 1 wherein said database includes maps of selectable levels of detail, wherein said IRMIS software includes means for automatically increasing a level of detail for display on said second computer display of said electronic maps associated with said travel route at or near said travel origin and said travel destination, and means for automatically decreasing said level of detail for display on said second computer display of said electronic maps associated with said travel route in the area between said travel origin and said travel destination.

8. An integrated routing/mapping information system (IRMIS) comprising:
a digital computer having a computer display;
a database accessible by said digital computer, said database including a set of electronic maps of varying and selectable magnitude and capable of presentation on said computer display;
IRMIS software designed to enable user travel planning using said electronic maps presented on said computer display by providing user selection of selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination, wherein said IRMIS software is capable of calculating, delineating, and displaying on said computer display a travel route between said travel origin and said travel destination;
means for coupling said digital computer to one or more other computers for the exchange of data therebetween; and
wherein said IRMIS software is designed to selectably transfer from said digital computer to said one or more other computers said travel route and one or more electronic maps of said database associated with said travel route.

9. The IRMIS of claim 8 wherein said means for coupling is a wireless exchange.

10. The IRMIS of claim 9 further comprising means for coupling one or more of said other computers to a geocoding device for recording location information associated with said travel route, wherein said IRMIS software provides for transfer of said location information from said one or more other computers to said digital computer.

11. The IRMIS of claim 10 wherein said database further includes identifiable waypoints associated with said travel route, wherein said waypoints are identifiable by coordinate means of a selected geographical coordinate system, wherein said selected geographical coordinate system is a standard latitude/longitude (lat/long) geographical coordinate system and wherein coordinate locations are storable in said one or more other computers as lat/long coordinates, and said geocoding-capable device is a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

12. The IRMIS of claim 11 wherein said GPS receiver is coupled to said one or more other computers, and wherein said IRMIS software receives positioning information from said GPS receiver and adjusts an output of travel update information and electronic map displays on said one or more other computers as a function of said positioning information.

13. The IRMIS of claim 8 where said database further includes information on points of interest along said travel route, wherein said IRMIS software provides for selectable transfer of said information on said points of interest along said travel route from said digital computer to said one or other computers.

14. The IRMIS of claim 8 wherein said one or more other computers are selected from the group consisting of handheld organizers, personal digital assistants, and palmtop devices.

15. The IRMIS of claim 8 wherein said database includes maps of selectable levels of detail, wherein said IRMIS software includes means for increasing a level of detail for display on any of said one or more other computers of said electronic maps associated with said travel route at or near said travel origin and said travel destination, and means for decreasing said level of detail for display on said one or more other computers of said electronic maps associated with said travel route in the area between said travel origin and said travel destination.

16. A system for exchanging map-related information among two or more computer systems, the system comprising:
a digital computer having a computer display;
a database of geographical-coordinate-locatable objects (loc/objects) accessible by said digital computer, said database including a set of electronic maps of varying and selectable magnitude and capable of presentation on said computer display, wherein said electronic maps are associated with map grid quadrangles, wherein said loc/objects of said database are identified by geographical coordinate identifiers in a geographical coordinate system, and wherein said loc/objects may be displayed on said computer display;
means for coupling said digital computer to one or more other digital computers for the exchange of data therebetween; and
software means designed to enable display on said one or more other computers one or more electronic maps of said database with associated map grid quadrangles that correspond to said map grid quadrangles and that may further correspond to paper map grid quadrangles of one or more printed maps.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for coupling is a wireless exchange.

18. A system for exchanging travel-related geographical information among two or more computer systems, the system comprising:
a computer system including a computer display;
a map database providing a set of electronic maps for presentation on the computer display;
said electronic maps depicting one or more transportation routes having waypoints at geographical locations along the one or more transportation routes, wherein said waypoints may be depicted on the electronic maps and are identified by coordinate locations;
a database of one or more geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) identified by coordinate locations, said POIs being organized into a plurality of types and for display on said computer display;
software means designed to enable user travel planning using said electronic maps presented on the computer display, said software means permitting user selection of a travel origin and a travel destination from among said waypoints, wherein said software means is designed to calculate and display on said computer display a travel route between the travel origin and t he travel destination;
said software means is also designed to enable the user to select a region of interest along the travel route and to display within said region of interest one or more of said POIs;
said database comprising travel information selected from the group consisting of graphics, photos, videos, animations, audio information, text information, and combinations thereof about said POIs; and
said software means is further designed to present on the computer display the travel route and said travel information associated with said POIs within said region of interest.

19. A system for exchanging travel-related geographical information among two or more computer systems, the system comprising:
a computer system including a computer display;
a map database providing a set of electronic maps for presentation on the computer display;
said electronic maps depicting one or more transportation routes having waypoints at geographical locations along the one or more transportation routes, wherein said waypoints may be depicted on the electronic maps and are identified by coordinate locations;
a database of one or more geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) identified by coordinate locations, said POIs being organized into a plurality of types and for display on said computer display;
software means designed to enable user travel planning using said electronic maps presented on the computer display, said software means permitting user selection of a travel origin and a travel destination from among said waypoints, wherein said software means is designed to calculate and display on said computer display a travel route between the travel origin and the travel destination;
said database comprising travel information selected from the group consisting of graphics, photos, videos, animations, audio information, text information, and combinations thereof about said POIs;
said software means is further designed to present on the computer display the travel route and said travel information associated with said POIs within said region of interest;
means for coupling said computer system to one or more other computer systems for the exchange of data therebetween; and
wherein said software means is designed to selectably transfer from said computer system to said one or more other computer systems said travel route and said travel information associated with said POIs within said region of interest.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein said means for coupling is a wireless exchange.

21. An integrated routing/mapping information system (IRMIS) comprising:
a digital computer having a computer display;
a database accessible by said digital computer, said database including a set of electronic maps of varying and selectable magnitude and capable of presentation on said computer display;
IRMIS software designed to enable user travel planning using said electronic maps presented on said computer display by providing user selection of selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination, wherein said IRMIS software is capable of calculating, delineating, and displaying on said computer display a travel route between said travel origin and said travel destination;
means for coupling said digital computer to one or more other computers for the exchange of data therebetween;
wherein said IRMIS software is designed to selectably transfer from said digital computer to said one or more other computers said travel route and one or more electronic maps of said database associated with said travel route; and
wherein said database includes maps of selectable levels of detail, wherein said IRMIS software includes means for increasing a level of detail for display on any of said one or more other computers of said electronic maps associated with said travel route at or near said travel origin and said travel destination, and means for decreasing said level of detail for display on said one or more other computers of said electronic maps associated with said travel route in the area between said travel origin and said travel destination.

22. A system to manipulate on a display of a computer device one or more maps or travel-related information in response to positioning information received by the computer device from a positioning device, the system comprising:
a map database providing a set of electronic maps for presentation on the computer display;
said electronic maps depicting one or more transportation routes having waypoints at geographical locations along the one or more travel routes, wherein said waypoints may be depicted on the electronic maps and are identified by coordinate locations;
a database of one or more geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) identified by coordinate locations, said POIs being organized for display on said computer display;
means for coupling the computer device to a global positioning system receiver that outputs one or more travel-route-related parameters; and
software means for generating on the computer travel-related information associated with one or more of said electronic maps, one or more of said POIs, or any combination of both, wherein said travel-related information is associated said one or more travel-route-related parameters.

23. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the computer device is a personal digital assistant.

24. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein said travel-route-related parameters are selected from the group consisting of: elevation, course, speed, heading, time, average speed, distance to finish, maximum speed, mileage, bearing, distance to next turn, and time to next turn.

25. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein said travel-related information is selected from the group consisting of: map scale, map magnitude, map detail, text messages, audio messages, graphic representations, types of POIs, classes of POIs, supplemental POI information, route information, route directions, and position on map display.

26. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein generation of said travel-related information may be selectably varied and is controllable by a user.

27. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein generation of said travel-related information is controllable by output from the global positioning receiver.

28. The system as claimed in claim 22 further comprising means for coupling one or more secondary devices to the computer device, wherein said software means is designed to manipulate operation of one or more of said secondary devices as a function of said travel-route-related parameters from the global positioning receiver.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a new Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) for travel planning, travel guidance, and recording travel locations and paths during business or recreational use, particularly in regard to the linkage of small, memory-limited computing systems with personal and/or mainframe computers. The invention may include the capability to provide an interactive computer travel-planning guide for determining a route between a user selected travel origin and travel destination following user selected intermediate waypoints along the way. System software determines the preferred travel route within user selected constraints. The user can also select among a plurality of types of geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) within a user-defined region of interest along the travel route. A database enables the incorporation of travel information such as graphics, photos, videos, animations, audio and text information about the user selectable POIs along the way as well as about transportation routes and waypoints. From the user selected and user-defined transportation routes, waypoints, and POIs along the travel route, the software constructs a user customized multimedia travelog for preview on a computer display of the user-defined travel route. Based on the user-customized previews, the travel route including transportation routes, waypoints, and points of interest can be updated or changed according to the user preferences and choices. Modified travel routes can be previewed with further multimedia travelogs until a satisfactory travel route is achieved. The user can output a travel plan, i.e.; downloading waypoints electronically and/or printing out maps with route indications and text travel directions.

The IRMIS is applicable for use with the Global Positioning System (GPS), radio location systems, dead reckoning location systems, and hybrid location systems. For example, the GPS satellite system is used with a GPS receiver for displaying waypoint data and limited routing data of the IRMIS user on the computer display for correlation of location with surface features or mappable features. Data generated by the GPS receiver may be used for "real time position updates" in the IRMIS computer display or may be recorded by the GPS receiver in the field for subsequent downloading to IRMIS software and IRMIS computer display. As well, IRMIS-generated data may be used within the GPS receiver by an IRMIS user for guidance in the field apart from a desktop IRMIS platform. The user can follow the IRMIS generated route using just a GPS device alone, or with the further aid of other IRMIS output such as printed maps. The user can accomplish this visually and intuitively between human readable forms of a map without the necessity of a users physical determination of latitude and longitude and without requiring any mathematical calculations. Text and voice or audio outputs can be provided to facilitate use and reading of the printed maps and/or GPS devices. The invention also adds a communications dimension to the maps for adding and updating the latest spatially related data, for providing software tools for map analysis and reading, and generally for communications between computer systems and devices and between users in a variety of combinations.

The present invention is particularly applicable to small computers identified as personal digital assistants, palm computers, and any other sort of hand-held computer, defined generally herein as PDA computers. In particular, a PDA may be linked to a GPS receiver in a PDA/GPS format to log information associated with a travel route for subsequent processing through a standard personal computer or other relatively larger computer. It is to be noted that PDA travel logs and routing may include the association with a digital map display thereon with a paper map. However, given the ease of handling associated with a PDA, it is understandable that the PDA may act as a substitute for the paper map. Additionally, the PDA-related IRMIS, as implied above, involves the communication between a PDA and a desktop computer that has the storage and processing capability to provide a large array of digital maps with user-defined travel routes. Such communication is generally through hardwiring; however, it may be wireless as well.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of computer hardware and software travel planning aids is currently available on the market primarily for vacation and recreational travel planning. A number of the travel guide software packages focus on National Parks of the United States or recreational tours and activities with prepared travelogs or prepared assemblages of multimedia travel information on the different recreational geographical locations or recreational activities. Such travel software programs are exemplified for example by the America NavigaTour (TM) MediAlive (TM) multimedia travel guide produced by CD Technology, Inc.; the Great Vacations (TM) Family Travel Guide by Positive Software Solutions; the Adventures (TM) CDROM Program for worldwide adventure travel by Deep River Publishing, Inc.; and National Parks of America, a CDROM product of Multicom Publishing, Inc. which contains a directory of all National Parks in the United States.

Rand McNally produces a software travel planning product under the trademark TRIPMAKER (TM) for planning a trip by car in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Rand McNally Tripmaker (TM) software also calculates quickest, shortest, and preferred scenic routes for the trip planner. While the Rand McNally product incorporates a database of many points of interest, the multimedia travelog information appears limited to preplanned scenic tours.

Similarly the American Automobile Association in cooperation with Compton's NewMedia also provides travel planning from starting point to destination point with stopping points in between. The CDROM product contains a database of travel information. However the multimedia information available from the database appears limited to "suggested routes of travel" again limiting user choice.

In each case it appears that travel information from multimedia sources is preassembled by editors so that the user or trip planner is limited to "canned" or prepared multimedia travelogs of prescribed, suggested, or preplanned tours. Or the user is limited to information fragments about this or that particular object of interest or this or that particular place. There is no opportunity or user capability and selectivity in constructing a user-customized travelog of assembled multimedia information for previewing a particular user determined route of travel. The user is relegated to travelogs and multimedia assemblages prepared for routes and tours proposed by other editors. The first release in July 1994 of Map'n'Go (TM) Atlas of North America on CD-ROM by DeLorme Mapping Freeport Me. 04032 includes a version of IRMIS that limits the nodes or routable waypoints to specified intersections of selected roads and highways, and car ferry terminals.

Relatedly, there are a variety of mapping and positioning systems. One such system is a hand-held personal GPS navigation tool that has been developed by the Garmin Corporation of Lenexa, Kans. under the tradename Garmin GPS 45. The Garmin navigation tool incorporates a GPS receiver and a limited character display screen for displaying position information in alphanumeric and graphic characters. Another such system is a hand-held personal GPS navigation tool that has been developed by Trimble Navigation of Austin, Tex., under the trademark Scout GPS (TM). The Trimble navigation tool incorporates a GPS receiver and a four-line character display for displaying position information in alphanumeric characters. This hand-held GPS system can apparently display alphanumeric position information in a latitude/longitude coordinate system or a Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system. The Trimble navigation tool can apparently also display proprietary coordinate system information for locating the position of a user on a standard topographic map. The Trimble GPS navigation tool displays in alphanumeric characters the horizontal and vertical coordinate distances of the user from the southeast corner or southeast reference point of any standard topographic map.

A disadvantage of the Trimble GPS navigation tool is that it provides a display of coordinate system data only in alphanumeric characters on a multiline LCD display. The user must then perform mathematical measurements and operations to determine the user location on a particular topographic map. While the incorporation of GPS technology provides an improvement over dead reckoning and position estimation from topography, it necessarily requires user reference to quantitative measurements and calculations. Furthermore, the Trimble navigation device does not provide communications access to other geographical information databases for updated information on geographical objects in the spatial area of interest or communications access to other software tools for map analysis and reading. More generally, the Trimble navigation device does not provide a communications dimension for the map reading system.

Silva Sweden AB and Rockwell International USA have developed a hand-held GPS compass navigator for use on any standard map. The GPS compass navigator incorporates a GPS receiver for locating the user on any standard map. A built-in "compass" gives range and bearing from the known user position to a specified destination. This information is updated on the GPS compass navigator as the user progresses toward the destination. The GPS navigator is described as being in the form of a guiding "puck" that apparently rides or is moved over the standard map at the user location. It cannot display multiple geographical objects at the same time and cannot communicate with other sources of spatially related map information.

In the increasingly important field of PDAs and handheld organizers, mapping technology that resolves the desire for well-defined maps and user-selectable maps with the memory limitations associated with PDAs is becoming increasingly important. The desktop computers provide the user with the capability to select geographic areas, travel origins and destinations, points of interest along the travel route, levels of map detail for maps covering wider geographical areas, and linkage to even greater computing capability by way of on-line access. The desktop mapping available today also provides for GPS linkage for travel marking as well as the means to provide audio and textual directional information. PDA cannot to date provide such capacity. Prior attempts at enabling PDA usage in regard to selectable travel routes has been limited to single-route textual itineraries. It is therefore desirable to provide in a PDA user-selectable mapping information similar to that provided through desktop computers.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new integrated routing/mapping information system (IRMIS) capable of enabling the mating and cooperation between desktop and handheld devices, including the automatic updating of related databases whenever the desktop PC and handheld PDA link together. The PDA or handheld personal organizer may be optionally linked to a GPS receiver. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the means to take advantage of the strengths of the desktop or home-base application which provides wider geographical coverage and a fully implemented map/route/point-of-interest (poi) cartographic system, which desktop enables user selectivity or customization of map and route information--optionally tapping into online information. It is another object of the present invention to create data-cutting alternatives such that certain user selections of geographic area, start, finish, POIs, levels of detail or map magnitudes may be effectively downloaded to the PDA/GPS that produce compact map and/or route information "packages" comprising black-white bitmaps, text directions lists, point information organized in differential magnitude configurations which e.g. provide more detail and particular kinds of information around waypoints, less detail and perhaps more major road driving information along the routes between waypoints. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means to enable a PDA to display text directions and maps (without GPS), serving similar functions to map/itinerary travel plan printouts and to facilitate in a PDA/GPS combination a map display of user's current position, and/or prompting and beeped warnings relative to text directions, as well as heading, distance, speed and other real time GPS data. The present invention is further designed to facilitate in a PDA/GPS configuration location marking and breadcrumb or GPS log functions which can be displayed on the PDA and/or uploaded, displayed, and otherwise processed back at the home-base desktop. Yet a further object of the present invention is the development of a PDA/GPS application can include programming whereby the GPS output controls map/point/route information content and levels of detail--as illustrated by "automatic zoom" upon arrival at area mapped at lesser/greater level of detail or, when a GPS receiving system "senses" that the vehicle has slowed down or stopped, map and point information displays automatically refocus or "look about" to see about restaurants, lodgings or other area attractions.

As with the prior CARPS invention described in the referenced parent application, another object of the invention is to provide a database of geographically locatable objects or points of interest (POIs) organized into a plurality of types for selection by the user. The database also incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable objects of interest along the travel route. A feature of the invention is that the objects of interest are encompassed within a user-defined region of interest of user specified dimensions along the travel route.

A further object of the invention is to provide an IRMIS for use with radio location systems, dead reckoning location systems, and hybrid location systems for displaying user location. For example, the GPS satellite system can be used for displaying the location, direction of travel, route, speed, and other travel data of an IRMIS user on a generalized grid quadrangle for correlation of user location on a coinciding printed map. Such is accomplished by direct sensory, visual, and intuitive methods. As well, the GPS satellite system may be used in the field for recording waypoint data and limited routing data of an IRMIS user for later data transfer and IRMIS computer display. Additionally, the GPS satellite system may be used in the field for updating waypoint data and limited routing data of an IRMIS user for immediate data transfer via wireless data communications from a remote field location to an IRMIS desktop platform.

The present invention is an improvement over the prior art of simple PDA operations in that the IRMIS technology enables advanced map displays, rather than simple textual information. It permits current-position displays when linked with GPS. Moreover, the developed PDA system of the present invention can act as a personal organizer as well as a "hotsynch" link between truly portable devices and desktop devices.

An additional feature of the invention is that the trip planner is no longer relegated to the prescribed or suggested routes and tours of other editors for previewing travel routes. Nor is the trip planner limited to ad hoc or fragmented multimedia information about this or that object of interest. Rather, the user constructs a user-defined travel route including transportation routes, waypoints, and POIs within a region of interest along the travel route.

Another advantage is that IRMIS users in the field may simultaneously navigate a travel route generated by IRMIS software while recording or tracking locations or sequences of locations. Such locations may be designated by the user as new POIs and sequences of locations may be transferred from the GPS receiver to the IRMIS desktop platform as an ordered waypoint list that designates a new travel route. Further, fast and accurate surveying is enabled from GPS receiver location recording data made by the user in the field when transferred to the IRMIS desktop platform for computerized data mapping by the IRMIS software.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to accomplish these results the present invention provides IRMIS for use with a PDA with display, a digital desktop computer with display, and a detachable handheld GPS receiver device which provides waypoint list management tools and compass bearing, distance, speed of travel, estimated time until arrival, and other information in relation to the next waypoint on an overall route. A variety of other peripheral equipment is also provided as hereafter described. The PDA is preferably a 3COM PALM.TM. or handheld computer with WIN CE.TM. operating system. A set of electronic maps is provided for presentation on the desktop computer display. The electronic maps depict transportation routes having route intersections and identified waypoints at geographical locations along the transportation routes. The route intersections and identified waypoints depicted on the electronic maps are identified in the desktop computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system.

An IRMIS database contains geographically locatable objects (loc/objects) also referred to as points of interest (POIs) identified by coordinate locations in the geographical coordinate system. The POIs are organized into a plurality of types for user selection of loc/objects or POIs individually and by type. The loc/object or POI types constitute electronic overlays of the database for display over the electronic maps on the computer display. As used in this specification and claims, the phrase points of interest or POIs is generally used to refer to loc/objects for which multimedia information is available for describing the POIs and presenting the points of interest in a multimedia travelog as hereafter described. It is to be noted that in the context of PDA linkage, multimedia displays are optional rather than the focus of the present IRMIS invention.

Typically, the IRMIS database is a geographical information system or GIS. Such a GIS manages data in the GIS database in relation to the geographical coordinate locations of the selected geographical coordinate system. Thus, the IRMIS database manager relates points of interest and any other loc/objects of the database with particular locations on or near the surface of the earth in terms of coordinate locations such as latitude and longitude. The multimedia information hereafter described is similarly identified with the coordinate location of the subject POIs.

IRMIS software is constructed for user travel planning using the electronic maps presented on the desktop computer display. The IRMIS software permits user selection of a travel origin, travel destination, and desired waypoints between the travel origin and travel destination. The IRMIS software calculates, delineates and displays a travel route between the travel origin and the travel destination via the selected waypoints. The travel route is calculated according to user choice of the shortest travel route, quickest travel route, or user determined preferred travel route. As used in the specification and claims, waypoints refers to the origin and destination of a possible route and intermediate points or places along the way including major road and highway intersections, joints or turning points at connected short line segments of major roads and highways, place names situated on major roads and highways, and as hereafter described, POIs near the major roads and highways.

The IRMIS software permits user selection of a particular map, area, or a point of interest. The IRMIS software further enables routing and the extraction or cutting of a route as well as area maps for downloading to the PDA. The IRMIS route map that is developed is essentially a larger scale map encompassing a start and a finish of the route. Included is at least one map of more detailed, greater resolution and/or higher magnitude maps of the start, the finish, and, possibly, other waypoints or POIs. That is, the present invention permits the user to select an area or route on the desktop computer-displayed maps and create PDA maps that are cut in accordance with that selection. This is an advantage over the prior art which was limited to pre-cut, one-size-fits-all maps for specific regions, areas, or cities.

The electronic maps, IRMIS database, and IRMIS software are typically stored on a CDROM and the digital computer incorporates a CDROM drive. The IRMIS software may include a replace function for updating the electronic maps and IRMIS database on the CDROM with replacement or supplemental information from another memory device. Additionally, the IRMIS database may be accessed via the Internet and other online sources.

Other features of the system and method are set forth in further detail in the following specification and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A presents a diagrammatic perspective view of home-based desktop IRMIS of the present invention linked to a PDA for downloading/uploading route, map, point-of-interest, and other information.

FIG. 1A1 is a schematic representation of the IRMIS of the present invention in context using a PDA with cradle in combination with a GPS receiver and a computer device.

FIG. 1A2 is a schematic representation of the IRMIS of the present invention showing a PDA used in conjunction with a paper map.

FIG. 1A3 is a schematic representation of the IRMIS of the present invention showing a GPS receiver device in relation to the database, a GPS, and peripheral wired and wireless communication systems.

FIGS. 1A4(a)-1A5(j) illustrative the observation interfaces for the PDA/GPS in relation to use of the IRMIS of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A6(1)-1A5(16) illustrate PDA output and interface displays and screens in regard to use of the IRMIS of the present invention.

FIGS. 1B-1M, 1O and 1P illustrate example desktop screen displays and user interfaces for IRMIS while FIG. 1N illustrates an example hard copy printout of a travel plan prepared by IRMIS, or alternatively, digital IRMIS travel plan output.

FIG. 2 is an overall block diagram of the interactive IRMIS system combining routing and travel operations with multimedia information operations.

FIG. 2A depicts IRMIS protocols for the automated cutting or extraction of one or more sets of point, route, map, textual, and/or multimedia information, based on user desktop selections, for downloading into PDA/GPS.

FIG. 2B illustrates uploading of location marks, GPS logs and other information from PDA/GPS into IRMIS desktop home base.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operational steps and user options available to multimedia users of IRMIS.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are assembled to form a flow chart showing the operational steps and user options available to travel planning and routing users of IRMIS. The flow chart assembled by FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C is referred to in the specification as FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is an example of a map display presented to the user on a monitor display by IRMIS.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are simplified screen displays showing alternative strategies and methodologies for circumscribing points of interest within respective defined areas of a selected travel route.

FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F illustrate configurations for cutting or extracting map/route/point information, prepared by the user on the IRMIS desktop, for downloading to PDA/GPS.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are assembled to form a flow chart showing the operational steps of IRMIS for transforming a routing waypoint list or list of nodes of a selected route into a list of points of interest within defined areas along the selected route.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are assembled to form the flow chart referred to in the specification as FIG. 7 showing the user controls and commands made available to the multimedia user of IRMIS.

FIGS. 8A-8E further illustrate the flexible user controls and commands for multimedia related operations of IRMIS.

FIG. 9 illustrates GPS controls for PDA display variables.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

An IRMIS 100 according to the present invention is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1A. A user 103 operates the software system 100, provided on CD-ROM, utilizing a desktop personal computer equipped for multimedia. In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1A, the desktop computer system 105 includes a 286, 386, 486, or Pentium (TM) Intel (TM) processor or equivalent, with typical memory devices, associated circuitry and peripheral devices including a monitor or cathode ray tube (CRT) 117, a speaker or audio system 107, a printer 125, a CD-ROM player 112, a mouse 115 or similar pointing device, and keyboard 110. Alternatively, the software for the desktop system 105 can be provided on diskette, run from a hard drive or central server (e.g., a local area network internally linked to a mainframe or externally linked to the Internet as shown at 109).

Included for use with IRMIS 100, the desktop computer 105 is integrated with a handheld or palmtop personal organizer PC, also known as a personal digital assistant or PDA, as shown at 102, in a cradle facilitating connection 106 with the desktop. This PDA, at 102, is detachable for portable use, typically in conjunction with a GPS or equivalent position information device as described hereafter. The "home-base" desktop personal computer system 105 and the detachable PDA communicate at
106 in FIG. 1A via plug-in wiring. The desktop/PDA interface 106 can be any means which facilitates data transfer including wireless infra-red, diverse kinds of wireless and other modems, and data transfer by various intermediate memory storage devices e.g. diskettes, PCMCIA cards and so forth. This communication interface between the portable PDA and home-base desktop facilitate transfer of a wide range of geographic data--including map, route, or point information--and other information. For example, maps of an area of interest to the user can be selected on the desktop and downloaded to the PDA for portable use. Information recorded on the detached PDA 102 at remote locations, including annotated location marks and recorded "breadcrumbs" or points along an actual path of travel for example, can be brought back to and then transferred into the desktop 105 via the data transfer interface 106.

Alternative embodiments could include other input devices e.g. voice recognition system, joystick, touch-screen, scanner for printed map input, simplified keypad, etc., not represented here. FIG. 1A discloses IRMIS 100 implemented on a single, stand-alone, desktop style, personal computer. The software technology, which facilitates interactivity between routing and multimedia, also works on a more portable laptop or notebook computer, a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA), embedded in a travel planning appliance or an in-vehicle navigation system, as well as on mainframes of various kinds, distributed work stations, or networked systems. Alternatively, users can also operate IRMIS 100 from a remote interface through wireless or hard-wire links connecting with a distant computer system or a central service bureau as shown at 109.

FIG. 1A shows a map book or set of printed maps typically on paper media 128 corresponding to the electronic or digital map 122 displayed on the screen or monitor 117. The printed maps 128 can be consulted as an aid in using the corresponding electronic or digital maps 122 displayed on screen, and the hardcopy travel plan printouts 126 derived from interactivity between the routing and multimedia elements of the invention. It is expected that users will printout such hardcopy travel plans
126 to guide and direct their journeys on foot, in vehicles, or by other means of travel. Alternatively, the IRMIS invention provides portable PDA/GPS capability to guide users and record information at remote locations as described hereafter.

The hardcopy travel plan 126 illustrated in FIG. 1A consists of a strip map noting points of interest, travel directions and critical turning points along the recommended route, described in more detail hereafter. Such hardcopy travel plans, typically printed on paper, comprise a portable and compact form of output from the system, useful and easily read in field situations, without the expense or burden of carrying even a small computer device. A variety of other forms of digital and printed media output can result from the combination of the software routing and multimedia processes, as described hereafter.

The user 103, in FIG. 1A, is operating both the routing and related multimedia elements of the invention. The monitor 117 screen is filled with an electronic analog map (or digital map) display 122 on which departure points, destinations and other waypoints can be entered or deleted and the shortest, fastest or otherwise optimized routes calculated, as described in more detail below. At the same time, in a multimedia window 120 superimposed upon the map display, the user 103 is engaged in viewing, hearing, or responding to a selectable, multimedia presentation related to points of interest and locations displayed on the underlying map screen 122.

For purposes of this specification the term multimedia embraces all manner of graphics, text, alphanumeric data, video, moving or animated images, as well as still images, photographs and other audio or visual information in digital or analog formats. Multimedia also includes audio output options, voice, music, natural and artificial sound, conveyed to users through a speaker system 107 or earphones 108. As detailed hereafter, the invention stores, manages and retrieves a database of multimedia information in relation to specific places on or near the surface of the earth, referred to herein as points of interest (POIs), or geographical sites or locations. These are geographically locatable objects (loc/objects) for which multimedia information is available in the IRMIS database. Generally, POIs can be represented in both digital and print media cartography and are situated or described by standard geographic coordinates such as latitude and longitude, UTM, State Plane, or equivalent map location systems.

From the digital map and routing function shown in FIG. 1A at 122, the user 103 can select one or more particular geographic locations, or points of interest (POIs), in order to view, hear or manipulate related information in the multimedia dimension of the invention. FIG. 1A shows the multimedia element of the invention as an episode in a multimedia presentation comprised of graphics or text, shown in an on screen window 120, or audio output conveyed to the user 103 via a speaker 107 or earphones 108. For example, in the multimedia window 120, the user 103 can view and selectively respond to color photographic or video images or related textual information about a specific location, or group of locations. Locations are chosen by the user working within the underlying digital map and routing dimension of invention, illustrated at 122.

More specifically, FIG. 1A shows a scenario in which the user 103 has selected a particular lakeside location 124 on the underlying digital map, or in conjunction with a route or a waypoint along a route. The specific lakeside location 124 is shown as an "X" in a circle 124 on the simplified drawing of a typical digital map screen 122. The user 103 picked this point of interest located by a lake by means such as a mouse clicking operation at the location or placename as depicted on the digital map 122. The location can also be identified by words or symbols along a displayed route on the underlying digital map screen 122, by selection from a list of place names or from a list of types of locations, or by other routine or state of the art inputs.

The user's choice of a particular location prompts a multimedia presentation 120 of information related to the selected place e.g. stills or video pictures of the lake, local events, places to stay or eat, attractions and recreational opportunities, related text or audio narrative, local history, lore, even complex or extensive data on topographic, environmental, demographic, real estate or marketing information, etc. The multimedia presentation is illustrated by the graphic image of a view of the lake, sailboat and mountains on the far shore, in the window 120, accompanied by related audio output 107 or 108. IRMIS 100 enables a user to prompt a multimedia presentation 120 on a location 124, or group of locations, selected from within a digital or electronic mapping system 122, equipped to do routing functions and displays 123.

FIG. 1A additionally illustrates procedures whereby users can modify waypoints and other route parameters from within the multimedia element of the software invention. Typically, routes or waypoints are displayed as highlighted line segments or points 123 on the digital or electronic map 122. Routes and waypoints may also take the form of map symbols and annotations, or of ordered lists of place names, travel directions, geographic coordinates or various other location identifiers, as described hereinafter. IRMIS 100 combines routing and multimedia elements by enabling the user 103, to add, delete or insert one or more particular geographic locations or points of interest. This is achieved based upon the presentation of multimedia information about those locations, as new or modified input for additional processing of the route.

In FIG. 1A, the lakeside location 124 and the route 123 on the desktop digital map screen 122 could also include one or more points marked and/or actual travel routes recorded with the IRMIS portable PDA/GPS unit described hereafter. Thus, map, route, or point information recorded and/or recorded at remote locations on the PDA/GPS component of IRMIS can be displayed, incorporated and otherwise processed by the more fully articulated desktop GIS, or computerized geographic information system
105.

For example, in FIG. 1A, mouse manipulatable buttons along the bottom of the multimedia window 120 enable the user 103 to command IRMIS 100 to include the lakeside location 124, based on the multimedia presentation 120, as new input for routing. IRMIS 100 facilitates entry or deletion of locations, reviewed in multimedia subject matter, as new starting places, destinations, intermediate waypoints, or points of interest along the way as part of the user-selected route. FIG. 1A represents how user interactions with multimedia about locations can be used to change the route.

FIG. 1A further illustrates output from IRMIS 100, a hardcopy printout 126, typically a customized or individualized travel plan in the shape of a strip map annotated with travel directions and related information. Output from IRMIS 100 is produced by combined interaction between the routing functions and user responses to the multimedia information about particular geographic locations. Thus, for one example, the hardcopy travel plan 126 exhibits attached points of interest, typically in the form of annotations connected with graphic arrows or pointers to particular geographic locations which fall within a predetermined distance from a displayed route. The user attaches such points of interest to a digital map route display from a multimedia presentation on those locations. Alternative forms of digital, audio, text, graphical, hardcopy or multimedia output from IRMIS 100 are detailed later in this disclosure.

Output from the invention can result from a single, simple interaction between routing and multimedia elements. FIG. 1A illustrates a scenario whereby the user-selected only one point of interest, a place by a lake 124, close to a route 123
highlighted upon an electronic or digital map display 122. Next the user prompted the presentation of multimedia information in a window 120 concerning the lakeside point of interest. Prompted by the multimedia presentation, the user then pushed the "Attach" button in the command bar across the window bottom, or otherwise prompted IRMIS to include the lakeside location as an annotated point of interest within a specified distance from the highlighted route displayed upon the map screen or printed on a hardcopy travel plan.

In FIG. 1A,the hardcopy travel plan 126 output actually contains arrows or pointers from three annotation boxes to three corresponding points of interest attached to the strip route map output. Moreover, the highlighted route running up the center of the strip map format may reflect waypoints added or deleted over the course of a sequence of interactions between the multimedia and routing elements of the invention. Users can utilize the invention to attach multiple points of interest, or make many modifications of actual waypoints and highlighted routes, working interactively between the multimedia database and the routing function. The system, as described hereafter, is flexible, selective and capable of series of multiple interactions and repeated iterations in order for the user to develop, alter and refine an individualized or customized travel plan through varied operational cycles, combining routing and utilization of the multimedia database on locations.

FIG. 1A therefore illustrates but one episode in a potential series of interactions between the routing and multimedia sides of the system, for producing a customized travel plan output, as exemplified by the annotated hardcopy travel plan 126
and further detailed in FIG. 1N. In the alternative, such customized travel plan output(s) may be incorporated into one or more digital route, map, and/or point information "packages," i.e., specialized data sets prepared on the IRMIS desktop computer
105 for use in the portable IRMIS PDA 102, typically in conjunction with GPS, at remote locations--as detailed hereafter. Such a travel plan, and alternative forms of output can result from attaching multiple points of interest, waypoints, and route modifications based upon a succession of multimedia presentations of information on many locations to generate a custom travel plan tailored to the user's personal preferences, as expressed throughout the whole sequence of interactions.

FIG. 1A1 illustrates the portable PDA component of IRMIS at 01 as used apart from its cradle at 02 or data transfer connection at 03 to the desktop component of IRMIS (not shown). The portable or handheld component of IRMIS is implemented on a variety of state-of-art handheld or palmtop portable "personal organizer" devices as shown in FIG. 1A1. For example, IRMIS is embodied in SOLUS.TM. software provided by DeLorme a.k.a. DeLorme Publishing Co. Inc. of Yarmouth, Me. (www.delorme.com), assignee of this IRMIS patent application and its parent applications. DeLorme's SOLUS program is compatible with the following portable platforms: (1) PalmPilot Personal, Palmpilot Professional. Palm III.TM., or the PalmPilot 1000 or 5000 with 1 MB upgrade--using Palm OS.TM. version 2.0 or later--from the 3COM Palm Computing Platform family (formerly a U.S. Robotics product line); (2) various Microsoft.TM. Windows.TM. WIN CE compatible devices, working with Windows.TM. CE 2.0, including NEC.TM. MobilPro.TM.700/750C, Compaq.TM. 810/200C, Sharp.TM. HC-4000/4100/45000, Phillips Velo.TM. 500, Casio.TM. Cassiopeia A-20 and Hewlett-Packard HP 360LX & 620LX. FIG. 1A1 at 01 shows a 3COM PALM III being used in a handheld mode, apart from its cradle connector at 02.

Generally, such PDAs, handhelds or "palmtops" are provided with user alphanumeric input means such as a miniature keyboard, the Palm Computing Platform "graffiti" language for handwritten stylus or pen-point input, and so forth. Hardware and software buttons provide for menus, paging, and other user selection and manipulation means. These portable devices are also typically equipped with gray-scale "touch-screens" for text/graphic display. Such "touch-screens" can be actuated at particular points and/or series of points by touching, tapping, or sliding on the screen with a stylus, or the equivalent of a pen or pencil point.

The IRMIS invention--for example as embodied in Delorme's SOLUS.TM. software--provides a mapping or geographic information system application and data, for use on such PDAs, handhelds or palmtops and equivalent devices, as described hereafter. IRMIS or SOLUS map displays, as shown in FIG. 1A1, can be controlled, queried and manipulated by use of a stylus at 05, managing the virtual equivalent of typical computer mouse commands and manipulations. Alphanumeric text input, handwritten with stylus, is enabled at 06. For example, DeLorme's SOLUS is programmed so that, in a certain mode, the user can "mark" particular locations, recording exact geographic coordinates (e.g. lat/long), and make related notes or text annotations using the stylus or equivalent. By means well-known in the art of programming such portable devices, IRMIS in the form of the DeLorme SOLUS software also facilitates stylus on touch screen operations as follows: (1) the user "picking" points for additional information (e.g., a place name, lat/long, or other text or graphic information associated with the point); and (2) estimating distances by "sliding" the stylus between locations or points on the map display, or along a path or route or user-drawn pattern on the touch-screen map display--prompting an estimated distance readout in feet, kilometers or miles according the scale of the current map display.

As embodied in DeLorme's SOLUS.TM. for example and implemented on state-of-the art PDAs or palmtops, the IRMIS invention further enables the user--by means of menus, toolbars, and the like--to select, alter and move between alternate screens, displays or output modes, as described in more detail hereafter particularly relative to FIGS. 1A4 and 1A5.

FIG. 1A1 also shows connection of a portable IRMIS device to a GPS or Global Positioning System peripheral device. DeLorme Publishing Company, Inc., for example, provides GPSTRIPMATE.TM. and EARTHMATE.TM. GPS receiver accessories for personal computers that provide data on current position, altitude based on radio signals from a set of satellites. The GPS receivers further provide very exact date/time information and compute information including the direction and rate of travel, time and distance to and from start or finish or intermediate waypoints along a planned travel route or course. Alternative position-sensing devices include loran, other radio location, dead-reckoning, and hybrid systems.

As shown in FIG. 1A1, IRMIS facilitates use of the PDA to display map, route and point information with or without the GPS or equivalent real-time position detection. Illustrated in the foreground at 01 is a 3 COM Palm III.TM. in hand and capable of use as a digital improvement on conventional paper maps and maps, travel plans and itineraries printed out from computer mapping programs, even without GPS attached. As detailed hereafter, such PDAs or handheld devices provide added functionality when coupled with a GPS receiver, such as DeLorme's EARTHMATE or equivalent. FIG. 1A1, too, also illustrates a Phillips Velo.TM. "palmtop" at 07 with a small keyboard, connected to an EARTHMATE.TM. GPS receiver at 08, also implementing the SOLUS embodiment of the IRMIS invention. As detailed hereafter, the addition of GPS provides enhanced capabilities including exact location "marks", GPS logs or "breadcrumbs", real-time information on the current position, speed, elevation, time and distance to destination, as well as user-friendly automated adjustments of display variables on the PDA or handheld--including variables such as map scale, level of detail, additional information about points ahead along the expected direction or route of travel, and so forth. PDAs may also be equipped for communications, as show by the antenna at 09 in FIG. 1A1.

FIGS. 1A2 and 1A3 are derived respectively from FIGS. 3 and 3A from the parent/grandparent U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 08/265,327 titled COMPUTER-AIDED MAP LOCATION SYSTEM (CAMLS) filed Jun. 24, 1994 by inventors David DeLorme and Keith Gray--assigned to DeLorme Publishing Co., Inc., which is also owner of the instant IRMIS application. IRMIS FIGS. 1A2 and 1A3 depict an alternative portable platform at 15 including built-in GPS, a display screen 18 for map information like vector data or routes at 35 and 36. Also displayed are point information at 38 and/or a moving arrow at 32 that indicate current position and travel direction of the user on the map display as detected by the GPS. As shown under the enlarged map screen view in FIG.
1A2, IRMIS portable PDAs or handheld devices can display information on the national edition, regional volume, page number and alphanumeric map grid indicators--e.g. "US-NE-41-C3" meaning United States map books, Northeast volume, page 41, grid C3. Such information aids the user 12 in locating and interpreting corresponding maps printed on paper in book form. The IRMIS invention can be used in conjunction with map books and/or printouts from map software; however, as described hereafter, IRMIS also provides intelligent digital alternatives to conventional kinds of map, route and/or point information pre-printed or printed-out on paper and other sheet media.

FIG. 1A3 shows a generic feasible IRMIS portable platform with built-in GPS, wireless and hard-wire communication options, tangible supplemental applications and/or data in the form of one or more PCMCIA cards, and a CPU link for connecting to home-base desktop or other computers. Preferred IRMIS portable platforms, shown previously in FIG. 1A1, have a detachable GPS accessory, which is not needed when the PDA or handheld is "docked" in its "cradle" or connected to the home-base desktop for data transfer and/or synchronization. Such IRMIS PDAs can be used in the field without GPS, or used in conjunction with GPS receivers built into a vehicle or other appliance. The alternative IRMIS PDA, shown in FIG. 1A3 has the advantage (plus extra cost) of an integral GPS receiver--for example, avoiding the awkwardness in certain situations of two devices, the PDA and accessory GPS, connected with a cable.

FIG. 1A3 further illustrates a connection or link between the PDA/GPS 15 and another device at 13 such as a digital camera. As described hereafter, the IRMIS invention is adaptable for use in conjunction with other such devices. For example, IRMIS can be used to provide location and/or time/date "stamps" on digital photos, which in turn can be imported and processed by the IRMIS desktop multimedia functionality.

FIG. 1A4 illustrates typical IRMIS PDA screen displays--depicting user controls and IRMIS outputs. At a is "Directions" screen comprising a text list of directions and turning points. The "Directions" screen may be used with or without GPS. In the absence of GPS, this screen provides a substitute or complement for printed travel information such as paper maps or itineraries. With GPS, the "Directions" screen highlights the next turn, and provides graphic representation of the user's progress along the bar at right. GPS also provides real time rather than estimated information on time and distance to next turn in the readouts at the bottom of the "Directions" screen.

As presented herein, a HELP docs or user manual for SOLUS.TM. Pro 1.0 as provided with DeLorme Topo USA.TM. by DeLorme Publishing Co. Inc. of Yarmouth, Me., assignee of the present application, provides an aid to the understanding of the PDA representations shown in FIGS. 1A3-1A5. The contents of that manual are presented on the following pages.

Handheld Computer Support

You can send your maps and Route Directions from Topo USA to a handheld computer to take with you as you travel. The same maps and directions that appear in Topo USA will be displayed on your handheld computer in DeLorme's Solus.TM. Pro.

You can also combine DeLorme's GPS receiver with your handheld computer to monitor your position, heading, speed and elevation as you travel. You can follow your Route Directions as you travel and your handheld computer will beep 60 seconds before your next turn. And the maps ensure that you'll never get lost again.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems of for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Solus Pro

Solus.TM. Pro is a separate application that allows you to integrate features of Topo USA with a handheld computer. You can send your maps and Route Directions from Topo USA to a handheld computer to take with you as you travel. The same maps and directions that appear in Topo USA will be displayed on your handheld computer.

You can also combine DeLorme's GPS receiver with your handheld computer to monitor your position, heading, speed and elevation as you travel. You can follow the map or Route Directions as you travel and your handheld computer will beep 60
seconds before your next turn.

Installing Solus Pro on Your Handheld Computer

During the Topo USA installation, you were asked if you wanted to install the Solus.TM. Pro application. If you can't remember whether you chose to have Solus Pro installed, choose Start . . . Settings . . . Control Panel . . . Add/Remove Programs to see if Solus Pro is installed on your computer. If the application is not listed, follow the directions below to install Solus Pro.

To Install Solus Pro

1. Insert any Topo USA CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. Choose Start . . . Run from the task bar, browse to the CD, open the Solus Pro folder found in the Utilities and select either the 3Com Palm Computing or Windows CE folder. Double-click Setup.exe to install Solus Pro to your hard drive. Click OK.

3. Follow the screen directions to complete installation.

4. Transfer the Solus Pro application to your handheld computer according to the protocol outlined in its user's guide.

Sending to a Handheld Computer

You can send your maps and Route Directions from Topo USA to a 3Com.RTM., Palm Computing.RTM. or Windows.RTM. CE handheld computer to take with you as you travel. The same maps and directions that appear in Topo USA will be displayed on your handheld computer in DeLorme's Solus.TM. Pro application.

To send a route 1. Be sure that the Solus Pro application is installed on both your desktop computer and your handheld computer. 2. Create your route in Topo USA. 3. Click the Send Route button in the Advanced Routing dialog box. 4. The Send Route dialog box appears. 5. Select the desired options (i.e., current map view, route map and Route Directions) and the type of platform. 6. Click the Preferences . . . button to set your preferences for the individual devices. 7. Click OK.
8. Topo USA creates the appropriate files and displays a message box telling you where they were saved. The default location is C:.backslash.DeLorme Mobile Maps. 9. Transfer the files to your handheld computer according to the protocol outlined in its user's guide. 10. When the transfer is complete, open the Solus Pro application on your handheld computer by tapping its icon. NOTE: You can send the current map view without creating a route. Adjust the map view to the desired location and click the Send Route tool. NOTE: If you open a previously saved route to send to a handheld computer, you must be using the appropriate CD for the region containing the route.

Solus Pro Help in a Palm Computing Organizer

After you've installed Solus.TM. Pro to your 3Com.RTM. Palm Computing.RTM., organizer, you can access the Solus Pro Help to learn how to use the program.

To Open Help

1. Tap the Solus icon to open the program.

2. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen.

3. Tap the Tools menu and then tap the Help option. A Help topic specific to the current mode appears.

Viewing the Route Directions in Your Palm Computing Organizer

Downloaded to a Palm Computing.RTM. organizer, you can take your Topo USA maps and Route Directions with you when you travel. Your entire route is spelled out in the palm of your hand with DeLorme's Solus.TM. Pro.

To View Your Route Directions

1. After you have sent your route to the Palm Computing organizer, turn it on and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker.

2. Tap the Solus icon to open the application.

3. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen.

4. Tap the Tools menu and then tap the Select Route option.

5. Tap the desired route to select it and then tap OK.

6. The Directions mode displays the Route Directions that you created in Topo USA.

The Directions include your Start, the road name and type for each leg of your journey, the cumulative elapsed time and distance after each leg, the general heading for each leg, any Stops you have added, and your Finish. Tap the scrollbar arrows on the right to move up and down through the Directions or use the organizer's scroll buttons.

Symbols appear along the left side of the Directions. Solid circles represent your Start, Stops and Finish. A dotted single line indicates a local road or ferry; a solid double line indicates a US highway or interstate; a single solid, thick line indicates a state route or major connector; a single solid, thin line indicates a forest road; and a solid double line with a dollar sign indicates a toll road.

When tracking with a GPS receiver, Solus Pro highlights the next leg in your Directions list and beeps 60 seconds before your next turn or route change. Use the arrows in the output boxes to select from a variety of options that you can display in the Directions mode while tracking (average speed, battery voltage, bearing, course, distance to Finish, etc.).

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Viewing Maps in Your Palm Computing Organizer

Downloaded to a Palm Computing.RTM. organizer, you can take your Topo USA maps and Route Directions with you when you travel. Your entire route is spelled out in the palm of your hand with DeLorme's Solus.TM. Pro.

To View Your Map

1. After you have sent your route to the Palm Computing organizer, turn it on and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker.

2. Tap the Solus icon to open the application.

3. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen.

4. Tap the Tools menu and then tap the Select Map option.

5. Tap the desired map to select it and then tap OK

6. The Map mode displays the map that you created in Topo USA. Tap the map to pan around.

There are two types of maps that you can send from Topo USA--map views and route maps.

The map view is a black-and-white map of what was displayed in Topo USA on your desktop computer's screen. The rectangle on the map represents your map view and contains greater detail than the outlying map area. When centered within the rectangle, you can use the organizer's scroll buttons to zoom in and out for greater or lesser detail. Tap the map to pan in different directions.

The route map provides a bird's-eye overview of your route from your Start to your Finish. On the map, you'll notice two rectangles--one around the area of your Start and one around the area of your Finish. These rectangles provide street-level detail. When the map is centered within either of these rectangles, you can use the organizer's scroll buttons to zoom in and out for greater or lesser detail. You cannot zoom outside of the rectangles.

When connected to a GPS receiver, your position appears as a gray crosshair on the map and updates as you travel. When your position is within either of the rectangles, use the organizer's scroll buttons to zoom in for greater detail. When your position reaches the edge of a rectangle, use the organizer's scroll buttons to zoom out. The black dot within the crosshair indicates the direction of your current heading.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Configuring Solus Pro in a Palm Computing Organizer

Solus.TM. Pro allows you to select the information displayed in the output boxes in the Directions, Navigate and Position modes. Tap the arrows in each box and select the desired option (described below).

Average Speed--when tracking, displays your average speed

Battery Voltage--displays the current voltage of your organizer's batteries

Bearing--when tracking, displays the direction of travel between your next waypoint and your current position, relative to true North

Course--when tracking, displays the direction of travel between your next waypoint and the previous waypoint, relative to true North

Date--when connected to DeLorme's GPS receiver, displays the current date

Dist to Finish--when tracking, displays the distance from your current position to your Finish

Dist to Next Turn--when tracking, displays the distance from your current position to your next turn or route change Elevation--when tracking, displays your current elevation (Due to Selective Availability, this can vary as much as 512 feet (156
meters); however, 95 percent of the time you can generally expect much greater accuracy.)

Heading--when tracking, displays your current direction of travel, relative to true North

Maximum Speed--when tracking, displays your maximum speed

PDOP--when tracking, displays the Position Dilution of Precision, the effect of the combined errors of latitude, longitude and elevation in determining a position

Speed--when tracking, displays your speed as you travel

Time--when connected to DeLorme's GPS receiver, displays the Greenwich Mean Time

Time to Finish--when tracking, displays the time from your current position to your Finish

Time to Next Turn--when tracking, displays the time from your current position to your next turn or route change

Tripometer--when tracking, displays the mileage traveled (Select Tools . . . Preferences . . . Reset Tripometer to reset the value to zero.)

Choose Tools . . . Preferences . . . from the Solus Pro menu to access the Preferences mode. You can choose which mode to display when the program starts, whether or not you want Solus Pro to beep 60 seconds before your next turn and whether or not you want Solus Pro to log your trip as you travel. You can also reset the Tripometer and clear the Log file.

Initializing DeLorme's GPS Receiver with a Palm Computing Organizer

Connected to DeLorme's GPS receiver, you can use your Palm Computing.RTM. organizer to monitor your position, heading, speed and elevation as you travel. Follow along on the map or with the Route Directions as you travel and Solus.RTM. Pro will beep 60 seconds before your next turn.

To initialize DeLorme's GPS receiver: 1 Connect your organizer to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Palm Computing adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme). 2. After you have sent your route to the handheld, turn on your organizer and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker. 3. Tap the Solus icon to open the application. 4. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen. 5. Tap the Mode menu option and then tap Initialize to access the Initialization mode. 6. Tap the Device drop-down list and use the up and down arrows to select your GPS receiver. 7. Tap the State drop-down list and use the up and down arrows to select your current location. You can also use the organizer's scroll buttons to move through the state list. NOTE: After the first initialization, the State drop-down list defaults to Last (representing your last location or fix). If you are within the same vicinity as your last fixed position, you should use the Last option to speed up the initialization process. If you have a map loaded in Solus, you can select the Map Center option to use the map's center coordinates to initialize. 8. A stream of data at the bottom indicates that you are receiving satellite information. The symbol in the upper right corner indicates your GPS status. A circle with a line through it means that DeLorme's GPS receiver has not been detected or you are not receiving enough information to determine a fix. The transmitting symbol indicates that DeLorme's GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while DeLorme's GPS receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2-D" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix. 9. Tap the DST option if daylight saving time is currently in effect where you are. The second line displays the offset for your time zone from the Greenwich Mean Time. 10. A stream of data at the bottom of the screen indicates that you are receiving signals from satellites. 11. When the status is "3-D", tap the OK button to close out of the Initialization mode. 12. Tap the Menu button on your organizer. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen. 13. Tap the Mode menu option and select which mode (i.e., Directions, Position, Navigate or Map) you want to view. 14. When you want to stop tracking, tap the Stop button in the Position mode (this will help save your organizer's batteries). A solid circle in the upper right corner indicates that you are not tracking. You can tap the Start button in the Position mode to resume tracking. NOTE: In order to conserve batteries, be sure to disconnect the adapter cable when not using DeLorme's GPS receiver with your organizer.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Tracking with a Palm Computing Organizer

Combining your Palm Computing.RTM. organizer with DeLorme's GPS receiver gives you dynamic maps and Route Directions that you can follow as you travel. As you progress from your Start to Finish, your position is indicated on the map and the next road you'll be traveling is highlighted in the Directions list. In addition, Solus.TM. Pro displays your next route change and indicates how far away it is in distance and time--your organizer will even beep 60 seconds before your next turn.

To track: 1. Connect your organizer to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Palm Computing adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme). 2. After you have sent your route to the organizer, turn it on and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker. 3. Tap the Solus icon to open the application. 4. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen. 5. Tap the Mode menu and then tap the Initialize option to initialize DeLorme's GPS receiver 6. If you want to track using your Route Directions, tap the Directions menu option to view the route that you created in Topo USA. As you travel, Solus Pro highlights the next road you will use and beeps 60 seconds before your next route change. The Directions include your Start, the road name and type for each leg of your journey, the cumulative elapsed time and distance after each leg, the general heading for each leg, any Stops you have added, and your Finish. Tap the scrollbar arrows on the right to move up and down through the Directions or use the organizer's scroll buttons. Symbols appear along the left side of the Directions. Solid circles represent your Start, Stops and Finish. A dotted single line indicates a local road or ferry, a solid double line indicates a US highway or interstate, a single solid, thick line indicates a state route or major connector, a single solid, thin line indicates a forest road, and a solid double line with a dollar sign indicates a toll road. Your GPS status is displayed in the upper right corner. A circle with a line through it means that DeLorme's GPS receiver has not been detected or you are not receiving enough information to determine a fix. The transmitting symbol indicates that DeLorme's GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while DeLorme's GPS receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2-D" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix. 7. You can also track in the Navigate mode. Tap the Navigate menu option to view your current route status. The instructions for your next route change appear at the top of the screen and update as you travel. Use the arrows in the output boxes to select from a variety of options that you can display in the Navigate screen. 8. Tap the Map menu option to view your current position on the map. NOTE: In order to conserve batteries, be sure to disconnect the adapter cable when not using DeLorme's GPS receiver with your organizer.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Logging with a Palm Computing Organizer

While tracking in Solus.TM. Pro, you can log your travels and then HotSync.TM. them to Topo USA to play back on topographical maps.

To Log a Route

1. Connect your organizer to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Palm Computing adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme).

2. Turn on the organizer and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker.

3. Tap the Solus icon to open the application.

4. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen.

5. Tap the Initialize menu option and initialize your GPS receiver.

6. Tap the Menu button and select Tools . . . Preferences to open the Preferences window.

7. Tap the Logging option and then select the desired length of time you want to track from the drop-down list. The approximate amount of memory required is indicated beside each time option. Tap the Clear Log button to clear any previous logs.

8. Tap the OK button.

Using Marks in a Palm Computing Organizer

While tracking, SOLUS.TM. Pro lets you add Marks to indicate specific places along your route. These Marks can then be HotSynced to Topo USA to indicate their locations on topographical maps.

To Add a Mark

1. Connect your organizer to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Palm Computing adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme).

2. Turn on the organizer and tap the Applications button on the screen to access the application picker.

3. Tap the Solus icon to open the application.

4. Tap the Menu button. The Solus Pro menus appear at the top of the screen.

5. Tap the Initialize menu option and initialize your GPS receiver.

6. Solus Pro switches to the Position mode.

7. When you are at the desired spot, tap the Mark button. The Mark List opens and your position is added as a new Mark. The latitude/longitude of the Mark is displayed. You can change the name of the Mark in the text field. Tap the New button to add a new Mark. Select a Mark and tap the Delete button to delete the selected item.

8. Tap the OK button when you are done adding Marks.

Solus Pro Help in a Windows CE Device

After you've installed SOLUS.TM. Pro to your Windows.RTM. CE handheld computer, you can access the Solus Pro Help to learn how to use the program.

To Open Help

1. Tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.

2. Tap the Help icon (question mark) in the upper right corner of the title bar.

3. Tap a topic to open it.

You can press ALT+H on your keyboard to access the Solus Pro Help at any time.

Viewing Your Route Directions in a Windows CE Device

Downloaded to a Windows.RTM. CE device, you can take your Topo USA Directions with you when you travel. Your entire route is spelled out in the palm of your hand with Solus.TM. Pro.

To View Your Route Directions:

1. After you have sent your route to the H/PC, tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.

2. Tap the Route Directions tool on the command bar. The Route Directions dialog box appears on the screen.

3. Tap the Select button to select the desired route (that you calculated in Topo USA and downloaded). Solus Pro route files for Windows CE have .ITN extensions and are saved in the DeLorme folder by default.

The Directions include your Start, the road name and type for each leg of your journey, the distance of each leg, the cumulative elapsed time and distance, the general heading for each leg, any Stops you have added, and your Finish. Tap the scrollbar arrows on the right to move up and down through the Directions.

Symbols appear along the left side of the Directions. Solid circles represent your Start, Stops and Finish. A dotted, single line indicates a local road or ferry, a solid double line indicates a US highway or interstate, a single solid, thick line indicates a state route or major connector, a single solid, thin line indicates a forest road, and a solid double line with a dollar sign indicates a toll road.

Select the Track Directions option to follow along in the Directions as you travel.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Viewing Maps in a Windows CE Device

Downloaded to a Windows.RTM. CE device, you can take your Topo USA maps and Route Directions with you when you travel. Your entire route is spelled out in the palm of your hand with DeLorme's Solus.TM. Pro.

To View a Map

1. After you have sent your maps to the H/PC, tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.

2. Tap the Map tool and select the desired map. Solus Pro map files have .RI extensions and are saved in the DeLorme folder by default.

3. The map appears in the main window.

4. The latitude and longitude of the map's center are displayed on the command bar, along with the magnitude of the map.

There are two types of maps that you can send from Topo USA--map views and route maps.

The map view is a black-and-white map of what was displayed in Topo USA on your desktop computer's screen. The rectangle on the map represents your map view and contains greater detail than the outlying map area. Press ALT+PAGE DOWN/PAGE UP respectively to zoom in and out for greater or lesser detail. Tap the map (or use the arrow keys) to pan/recenter to different areas.

The route map provides a bird's-eye overview of your route from your Start to your Finish. On the map, you'll notice two rectangles--one around the area of your Start and one around the area of your Finish. These rectangles provide street-level detail. Press ALT+PAGE DOWN/PAGE UP to zoom in and out for greater or lesser detail.

When connected to a GPS receiver, your current position appears as a white arrow on the map as you travel and your GPS status appears on the right of the command bar. When your position is within either of the rectangles, Solus Pro automatically zooms in for greater detail. When your position reaches the edge of a rectangle, Solus Pro zooms out.

Press the X key to recenter the map on your current position. Press the K key on your keyboard to add a Mark at the map center. See Solus Pro Shortcuts for additional shortcuts and functions.

Initializing DeLorme's GPS Receiver with a Windows.RTM. CE Device

Connected to DeLorme's GPS receiver, you can use your Windows.RTM. CE device (H/PC) to monitor your position, heading, speed and elevation as you travel. You can also follow along on a map or with the Route Directions as you travel and Solus.TM. Pro will beep 60 seconds before your next turn.

To Initialize: 1. Connect your H/PC to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Windows CE adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme). 2. After you have sent your route to the H/PC, tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program. 3. Tap the GPS button and select Initialize . . . to access the Initialize GPS dialog box. 4. Tap the State drop-down list and use the up and down arrows to select your current location. For the first initialization of your receiver, select the state/province where you are located from the State drop-down list. The latitude and longitude are automatically entered. After your first initialization, the State drop-down list defaults to Last Location and indicates the latitude and longitude of your last fixed position. Unless your position has changed more than a few miles, you should use Last Location in order to decrease the amount of time it takes for your receiver to acquire a fix on your position. If the area in which you are located is not listed or if you need more precise coordinates, enter the exact latitude and longitude of your location in the appropriate text boxes. Knowing your initial coordinates decreases the amount of time it takes for your receiver to acquire a fix on your position. If you have a map downloaded, you can use its coordinates to initialize. After selecting the desired map, select the Map Center option from the State drop-down list. 5. From the Device drop-down list, select the type of GPS receiver you are using. If your device is not listed, select NMEA183. (Use the keyboard arrow keys to scroll through the options.) 6. From the Port drop-down list, select the communications port that you are using to attach the GPS receiver to your computer (see your computer manual for further information). 7. The GPS Status box on the right indicates whether or not you are receiving satellite information. "No Fix" means that the GPS receiver has not been detected or you are not receiving enough information to determine a fix. "Acquiring Satellites" indicates that the GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while the receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix. 8. A stream of data in the center of the screen indicates that you are receiving signals from satellites. 9. Select the Log option if you want to log your GPS route as you track. 10. Use the slider to change the GPS log rate (2-10 seconds). This determines the rate at which the satellite information is updated in the program. 11. Tap the OK button to close out of the Initialize GPS dialog box. NOTE: In order to conserve batteries, be sure to disconnect the adapter cable when not using DeLorme's GPS receiver with your H/PC.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Tracking with a Window CE Device

Combining your Windows.RTM. CE device (H/PC) with DeLorme's GPS receiver gives you dynamic Directions that you can follow as you travel. The next road you'll be traveling is highlighted on the screen as you progress from your Start to Finish. In addition, Solus Pro displays your next route change and indicates how far away it is in distance and time--your H/PC will even beep 60 seconds before your next turn. Add a map and you're ensured of always knowing where you are and where you're going.

To track: 1. Connect your H/PC to DeLorme's GPS receiver with DeLorme's Windows CE adapter cable (available separately from DeLorme). 2. After you have sent your route to the H/PC, tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.
3. Tap the Connect tool on the command bar or choose GPS . . . Connect . . . to begin communication between Solus Pro and your GPS receiver. A message appears at the top of the screen indicating the status of your GPS connection. "Connecting" indicates that Solus Pro is attempting to communicate with the GPS receiver. "Acquiring Satellites" indicates that the GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while the receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix. 4. After achieving 3-D Nav status, you have three tracking options: if you want to track using your Directions, tap the Route Directions tool to view the Directions that you calculated in Topo USA. As you travel, Solus Pro highlights the next road you will use and beeps 60 seconds before your next route change. If you want to track using a map, tap the Map tool to view the map that you created in Topo USA. Your position is indicated on the map by crosshair as you travel. You can also track in the Navigate mode. Tap the Navigate tool to view your current route status. The instructions for your next route change appear at the bottom of the screen and update as you travel. The time and distance to your Finish appear above. 5. Choose GPS . . . Disconnect to stop displaying your route on the screen. NOTE: In order to conserve batteries, be sure to disconnect the adapter cable when not using DeLorme's GPS receiver with your H/PC .rect-hollow.

Safety Warning: Bring a passenger along to serve as GPS operator while you are driving a vehicle. Solus Pro should not be used in automatic navigation or guidance systems or for any purpose requiring precision measurement of distance or direction. See GPS Position Accuracy for additional information.

Monitoring Your GPS Status in a Windows CE Device

Solus.TM. Pro lets you monitor the status of the satellites in the sky as you are receiving data,

To Monitor the Satellite Status

1. Tap the solu Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.

2. Tap the Satellites tool on the command bar.

3. The Monitor Satellite Status dialog appears listing the satellites that are currently visible in the sky.

4. As the GPS receiver acquires data from the satellites, information appears in the columns. Each satellite's ID number, elevation, azimuth and sound-to-noise ratio are displayed on the left. The right window displays the GPS receiver's channels, the corresponding satllite ID and the status of the signal. "T" indicates the number of satellites in the receiver's track or view of the sky, "E" indictes the acquisition of ephemeris data and "N" indicates the number of satellites being used by your receiver for navigation.

5. The GPS Status box on thee right indicates whether or not you are receiving satellite information. "No Fix" means that the GPS receiver has not been detected or you are not receiving enough information to determine a fix. "Acquiring Satellites" indicates that the GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while the receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2D Nav" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix.

6. Use the slider to change the update rate of the satellite status display.

Tap the Sky View button to open thee Satellite sky View dialog box to see the current positions of the satellites.

Monitoring Your GPS Position in a Windows CE Device

Connected to DeLorme's GPS receiver, you can use your Windows.RTM. CE device (H/PC) to monitor your position, heading, speed and elevation as you travel.

To Monitor Your Position

1. Tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open the program.

2. Tap the Position tool to open the Position dialog box.

3. Your current latitude/longitude, the time an date, your current heading, the GPS status, and your current speed are displayed.

4. Tap the Close button to close the Position dialog box.

Satellite Sky View in a Windows CE Device

When tracking with a GPS receiver, you can monitor thee positions of the satellite.

To Monitor the Sky View

1. Tap the Solus Pro icon on the desktop to open program.

2. Tap the Sky View tool. The sky view diagram indicates the locations of visible satellites in the sky relative to your current position. White symbols show the satellites' positions in the sky.

A black symbol indicates that your GPS receiver is tracking the satellite, ephemeris data is available an the satellite is being used for navigation. When using DeLorme's GPS receiver, a gray symbol indictes that your GPS receiver is tracking the satellite and ephemeris data is available, but the satellite is not being used for navigation. Two pound symbols indicate that your GPS receiver is tracking the satellite, but it is not receiving data from it.

3. The GPS Status box on the right indicates whether or not you are receiving satellite information. "No Fix" means that the GPS receiver has not been detected or you are not receiving enough information to determine a fix. "Acquiring Satellites" indicates that the GPS receiver is acquiring satellite information, but is not yet receiving sufficient satellite data to determine your position. This message is displayed while the receiver is acquiring satellite data and can take several minutes. "2-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving data, but it is not sufficient to determine your elevation. "3-D Nav" indicates that you are receiving ample data and have a good fix.

4. Tap Close to exit from the dialog box and continue tracking.

Logging in a Windows CE Device

Once you begin tracking with your GPS receiver, Solus.TM. Pro automatically logs your route as you travel. When you stop tracking, Solus Pro prompts you for a filename and path in which to save this information. Log files have .gpl extensions and are saved to the DeLorme directory by default.

Choose GPS . . . Disconnect to discontinue tracking and logging your route.

Using Marks in a Windows CE Device

As you are tracking, Solus.TM. Pro lets you indicate specific positions on you maps by using Marks.

To Add a Mark

1. Connect your GPS receiver, open Solus Pro and begin tracking.

2. Tap the Map tool and select the desired map.

3. When at the desired location, press the K key on your keyboard to place a Mark on the map.

To Manage Marks

1. Tap the Marks tool to open the Marks dialog box.

2. Your current Marks are displayed in the list box along with the latitude/longitude of each.

3. Tap a mark to select it.

Tap it again to rename it.

Tap the Go To button to find the selected Mark on the map.

Tap the Delete button to delete the selected mark from the marks list and the map.

4. Tap OK to close the Marks dialog box.

Solus Pro Shortcuts in Windows CE

When in the Map mode you can access other dialog boxes by clicking the appropriate tools or through the following keyboard shortcuts.

Arrow Keys

Pan the map in the corresponding direction (i.e., up, down, left and right)

ALT+PG UP Zooms out from the map

ALT+PG DN Zooms In on the map

K key When tracking, adds a Mark at the map center

X key When tracking, recanters the map on your current position

ALT+H Opens the Help system

CTRL+K Opens Marks dialog box

CRTL+L Opens Locate dialog box

CTRL+N Opens Navigate dialog box

CTRL+P Opens the Position dialog box

CTRL+R Opens the Route directions dialog box

CTRL+S Opens the Monitor Satellite Status dialog box

CTRL+V Opens the Sky View dialog box

When in any mode other than the map mode, you can access the map by pressing ALT+M.

As described above, the user can re-configure screens on the PDA. For example, in FIG. 1A4(a), "Time to Next Turn" and "Distance to Next Turn" as shown, may be replaced with "Speed" and PDA "Battery Voltage." Other PDA screens may also be re-configured. FIG. 1A4(b) shows the "Navigate" screen, used with GPS, and showing text directions to the next turn above one configuration of time and distance read-outs. The "Position" screen shown in FIG. 1A4(c) gives the PDA/GPS user's current latitude and longitude--along with a selection of information such as speed and election derived from the GPS; the user can "mark" or record the geographic coordinates of his/her current location at the bottom of the "Position" PDA screen. "Mode" and "Tools" shown in FIG. 1A4(d) enable to user to navigate, or page, among the PDA screens. The "Mark List" screen shown in FIG. 1A4(e) allows the user to page through and annotate "marks" which are records of particular location lat/longs. "Mark List" entries can relate to another device, such as a digital camera e.g. for purposes of recording and stamping the date, time and exact lat/long at which one or more digital photos are taken. As shown in FIG. 1A4(f), the "initialize" PDA screen facilitates setup of the gps--receiving, processing and recovery of GPS satellite signals.

As shown in FIG. 1A5(a), the "Preferences" PDA screen facilitates user adjustments including start mode, route warning (e.g., audio "beep" one minute before next turn), and logging, or laying down "breadcrumbs" with the GPS (i.e., recording a series of positions, or geographic coordinates, at selected or pre-set time/distance intervals along a route or path actually traveled). Map screens of three different scales or magnitudes are shown in FIGS. 1A5(b)-1A5(d). The IRMIS invention is preferably implemented so that maps and related digital information, utilized in the PDA, comprises plural map scales or magnitudes and levels of detail. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A5(b) the PDA displays a map of a geographic area on the order of
50-100 miles square encompassing a planned route of travel. FIG. 1A5(d) displays a map scale of 1-3 miles square or a closer view of one route destination. Much greater detail of an exit, turn, waypoint, POI and/or destination is shown in FIG. 1A5(c) on the order of a map screen showing an area of 0.10 to 0.75 square miles. Further details of how IRMIS displays map, route and point information at multiple scales on PDAs, and how IRMIS maps are selected by the user, and automatically extracted or cut, at plural scales, around user selected points or routes, appears hereafter--with particular reference to FIGS. 5D, E, and F.

The user can pan or move laterally within a map scale and/or magnitude on the PDA display, for example, by touching the screen that re-centers on the geographic point touched by the PDA user. The PDA user can also or additionally zoom or change map scales, or magnitudes, to a more distant or a closer view--for example, using the "page-up/page-down" buttons provided on the PDA. With GPS, the map display is further programmed to scroll or pan over the map in order to follow the moving cursor or other symbol that represent the user's current position, heading, and/or speed of travel. Alternatively, the map display is programmed to shift or move under a fixed cross-hair in order to track a user's current position as detected by the GPS. More capabilities for the GPS to provide controls or contingencies which modify the PDA output of display of map, route, and/or point information are disclosed hereafter--particularly relative to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 1B-1P

FIGS. 1B through 1P are screen captures from MAP`N`GO (TM) 0.1 by DeLorme Mapping, Freeport, Me. 04032. MAP`N`GO 1.0 includes an auto road atlas of North America both on CD-ROM and printed in a companion paper map book. The MAP`N`GO 1.0 CD-ROM contains a travel planning software utility embodiment of the present IRMIS invention. This utility enables users to generate digital or hardcopy travel plans from routing operations and selected audio, text and pictorial information on hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and tourist attractions.

FIG. 1B reveals the basic user interface, including a map display, and diverse user options for manipulating the electronic maps. Three buttons with diagonal arrows in a row at 130 enable the user to zoom in or out among map scales. Nine buttons in the form of a compass rose at 131 cause the electronic map display to shift or pan to center on a new latitude and longitude. At 134, an overview screen shows the area depicted on the main map in a rectangle in relation to surrounding geography. Mouse clicks in the rectangle further enable the user to shift or pan the center of the map to a different location on the earth's surface. Page numbers and grid identifiers are indicated at 132 for coordinated use of companion paper maps. At 133, the main map scale is shown in terms of "mag" or "magnitude" such that mag 10 offers a closer typically more detailed view than mag 8 or 6, which each present increasingly distant perspectives of larger parts of the earth's surface.

FIG. 1C also reveals the basic user interface, including a higher magnitude or closer scale map, as shown at 135. Compared to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C offers a main electronic map display with more detail including geometric symbols in small rectangles under "Seattle" for example. These symbols represent the availability of supplemental travel information on specific types of locations e.g. Hotels, Campgrounds, Restaurants and Points of Interest. One such symbol indicating a realtime or recorded location as sensed by a GPS receiver interfacing with IRMIS is shown at 136a. As disclosed hereafter, the user can access and manipulate the added multimedia travel information by various mouse or keyed commands.

FIGS. 1D, 1E and 1F illustrate assorted locating tools for finding geographic locations, recentering the electronic maps, and selecting specific places or geographic loci as input for routing or multimedia operations. Three buttons in the row at
136 prompt the dialog boxes for "Locate Place Name" at 137, "Locate Zip Code" in FIG. 1E