EP1171755A1

EP1171755A1 - Method for reproducing position-correlated information with a portable data processing appliance

Info

Publication number: EP1171755A1
Application number: EP00938496A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Silvia Kienberger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-14
Filing date: 2000-04-14
Publication date: 2002-01-16
Also published as: AU5388300A; WO2000062018A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for reproducing position-related information with a portable data processing appliance (1) which is provided with a processor (2), an output unit (3) and an input unit (4). A GPS receiver (5) forming an appliance unit is connected to the processor (2). The processor (2) is connected to a data base (6) that contains position co-ordinates and information on locations. The steps of the inventive method are: a) a user activates the data processing appliance (1), b) the processor (2) activates the GPS receiver (5) which determines the current positions as current position co-ordinates of the data processing appliance (1) and reads out said co-ordinates to the data processing appliance (1), c) the processor (2) accesses the data base (6) and: 1) matches the information correlated with the current identical or similar position co-ordinates of the first data base with positions or 2) matches the information correlated with the current identical or similar position co-ordinates of the first data base with positions by means of references, d) the processor (2) transmits the information detected in c) to positions where they can be read out by the operator. Transmission is carried out by means of the output unit (3).

Description

Method for reproducing location-related information with a portable data processing device

description

The invention relates to a method for reproducing location-related information with a portable data processing device comprising a processor, an output unit and an input unit, with the processor being connected to a GPS receiver, forming a device unit, the processor being connected to a database, the Database contains a first data record with location coordinates and a second data record with information, and wherein the first data record is corrected with the second data record, with the following method steps: a) an operator activates the data processing device, b) the processor activates the GPS receiver, which then determines the current position as the current location coordinates of the data processing device and reads it out to the data processing device, c) the processor accesses the database and determines the location coordinates of the first data record which are identical to the current location coordinates n Information, d) the processor brings at least some of the information determined in stage c) via the output unit for reading out for the operator. The invention further relates to a portable data processing device for performing this method.

The term portable data processing device includes so-called hand-held devices, ie Devices that can be carried by an operator without significant comfort restrictions. In the broader sense, however, the term also includes data processing devices which are built into means of transport and which are not portable per se, but are therefore only mobile, ie can be moved (examples: wearable on the body, in a car, on a motorcycle or on a bicycle, and if necessary removable , fixed). The term portable data processing devices includes in particular the so-called smart phones, ie radio telephones, which also have other functionalities such as (small) computer functionalities via pure voice transmission, ie also via, for example, image reproduction and hardware and software for communication and data transmission in data networks, like internet or intranet. However, this also includes so-called communicators and laptops, which have the above functionalities and can be connected to radio telephones, for example of a conventional type, via an interface. With the possibility of communication in networks, for example, microbrowser can be set up to read content that is written in WML. It is understood that suitable operating systems, such as Windows CE or EPOC, are also provided. An output unit can optically, acoustically or haptically output information for immediate recording by an operator. Typical optical output units are displays or screens on which the information is output in writing and / or in image form. Acoustic output units work with electronic speech generators, which convert information to be output into speech and emit as sound using electroacoustic transducers. Blind and / or deaf operators can take information haptically and output units for Braille, for example, are known. An input unit can be a keyboard or a touch screen function. Other common forms of the input unit, such as voice control via microphone, are also possible. In the broadest sense, the term GPS receiver means location systems working via wireless connections. In closer

The meaning of this is the Global Positioning System, which works on the basis of a satellite system and can determine the current location coordinates of the GPS receiver with an accuracy of up to a few cm. In the definition used here, the position determination with a "GPS receiver" can also be carried out according to other methods, for example TOA, E-OTD, COO or combinations of the various methods. In this respect, the GPS receiver can also be set up virtually in the form of software. The GPS receiver can be set up directly in the housing of the data processing device. However, it is also possible for a device unit to be produced with the processor by a mechanical and / or electrical connection between different device units. In any case, the GPS receiver is in the immediate vicinity of the structural unit containing the processor. A database essentially consists of a storage medium with data records stored therein via a database program. Management and query is also carried out using a suitable program. The storage media include, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic data carriers and optical ones Data media, such as CD's, in question. Correlation of the data records means that links exist between the elements of the two data records as it were a table. The links are clear, if necessary partially or completely unambiguous.

A method of the type mentioned is known from practice. These are so-called navigation systems. The information in the second data set consists of cartographic information about the surroundings of the location coordinates of the first data set. This is satisfactory for finding the way from point A to point B. However, the cartographic information includes at most little information about the infrastructure of the environment and, if available, is also output as part of the map display. On the other hand, information about the infrastructure is not given directly to an operator, who must first identify the desired information himself and then read it off. This is cumbersome. In addition, only a small amount of information about the infrastructure can be integrated and stored in the cartographic information on a storage medium, which in the prior art is mandatory within the framework of the data processing device.

In contrast, the invention is based on the technical problem of specifying a method for reproducing location-correlated information which is easy to use and which immediately provides an operator with the desired information. To solve this technical problem, the invention teaches a method for reproducing location-related information with a portable data processing device having a processor, an output unit and an input unit, the processor being connected to a GPS receiver, forming a device unit, the processor being connected to is connected to a database, the database containing a first data record with location coordinates and a second data record with information about locations or references to information about locations, and wherein the first data record is correlated with the second data record, with the following method steps: a) an operator activates the data processing device, b) the processor activates the GPS receiver, which then determines the current position as the current location coordinates of the data processing device and reads it to the data processing device, c) the processor accesses the database and determines the data with the ac current location coordinates of identical or similar location coordinates of the first data record correlated information about locations, or c ') the processor accesses the database and uses the references to determine the information about locations that are correlated with the current location coordinates or similar location coordinates of the first data record , d) the processor brings (at least) part of the information determined in stage c) or c ') to locations via the output unit for reading out for the operator.

In essence, the invention works with a database with two columns, as it were. A column contains location coordinates. The second column contains information about the infrastructure at the respective (linked) location coordinates of the first column. In other words, pairings are formed from infrastructure information and location coordinates of the relevant infrastructure. The basic function of the invention is that the data processing device first determines its own location via GPS and then immediately outputs the information stored in the database for the location or makes it available for output. Infrastructure information refers in an exemplary and non-exhaustive list to banks, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, event locations such as cinema, theater and opera, advice centers, authorities, institutions, museums, sights and the like.

In principle, the database does not have to be (completely) integrated in the data processing device. Rather, the database as a whole can be formed in a stationary memory or in an information network, for example the Internet or an intranet. The processor then accesses the database in stages c) or c ') via wireless telecommunication connections by transmitting the current location coordinates, whereupon the information in the database which is identical or similar to the current location coordinates is determined and is correlated with the information of the first data record Processor are queried.

The database can also be only partially integrated into the data processing device. For example, the second data record can be formed in a stationary memory or in an information network. Then step c) or c ') provides access to the second data set by establishing a wireless telecommunication connection with the stationary memory or the information network. In this respect, a reference can consist of information about under which storage element of a stationary storage or under which information carrier of an information network the correlated information can be called up. Such references are also called addresses.

The term similar location coordinates means differences in location coordinates, based on a coordinate value in each case, in the range up to 500 m, preferably up to 100 m, most preferably up to 50 m.

With the invention, an operator who is, for example, in front of a monument can easily output all information relating to the monument stored in the second data record (e.g. available via the Internet). This function is that of an automatic travel guide.

It is preferred if the second data record is divided into data record sub-groups that can be selected by an operator. Data record subgroups can be formed, for example, by the above groups of infrastructure ^information . Then, for example, an operator can select restaurants as a data subset. Subgroups and other (sub) subgroups of various structures are possible (e.g. only Italian restaurants of a certain quality or price level). It can be provided that, before or after stage b), a position window (perimeter or environment) can be defined as the current location coordinate area around the current location coordinates, wherein in stage c) or c ^' ) with location coordinates of the first data record lying within the current location coordinate area - Relative information on locations or references to them are determined. This is expediently also provided without definition by an operator, since the current location coordinates do not lead to a "match" with information from the second data record if the operator or the data processing device is not already directly at the location coordinates of the first data record correlated with the information located. By defining the window, an operator can also define a surrounding area in which to search for any selected information in the second data record. For example, you can search for restaurants within a radius of 500 m of the current location coordinates.

If a selectable data record subgroup can be specified by an operator before stage c) or c '), and one or more information of the subgroup relating to locations are determined, which information is correlated with location coordinates of the first data record that are closest to the current location coordinates, one becomes similar function achieved. Then, for example, a search is made for the closest restaurant to the current local coordinates.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data processing device has a routing function, by means of which a path connection between the current location coordinates and the location coordinates of the first data record correlated with the possibly selected information is calculated and output on the output unit. In this respect, an operator can not only receive information about a desired infrastructure, but can also be shown the way there. In this respect, this additional function corresponds to the known navigation systems.

The database can form a device unit with the processor. Then it is not necessary to set up a telecommunications connection. However, it is then necessary for an operator to have the database updated after some time. It is therefore preferred if the processor and at least part of the database are connected to one another via a wireless telecommunications connection. Because the part of the database that is outsourced, as it were, is mostly stationary and can be updated continuously by an operator, so that the operator is always supplied with current information. It is particularly preferred if the references of the second data record are Internet addresses or links, the database forming a device unit with the first data record and the second data record with the processor, and wherein the information about locations about the second data record from the Internet, preferably via a wireless telecommunications connection, retrieved and fed to the output unit. In other words, the data processing device looks for the information linked to the current location coordinates via the references from the Internet for example from home pages of the operator of a facility located at the location coordinates or the like. For example, if an operator asks for the nearest Italian restaurant, their homepage is displayed as information.

In principle, it is of course possible to design the second data record in such a way that information is output both with and without telecommunications. In the latter case, the information will be less extensive.

The invention also relates to a portable data processing device for carrying out the method according to the invention, with a processor and with an output unit and input unit connected to the processor, with a GPS receiver which is connected to the processor and forms a device unit with it, with a database containing a first Data set with location coordinates and a correlated second data set with information about locations or with references to information about locations. An embodiment with a database containing a second data record with references to information about locations and with a wireless telecommunication module which is set up for the targeted access to information services, in particular Internet services, using the references is preferred.

As an optional additional function, it can also be provided that, in stage b), instead of determining current location coordinates, an input of "virtual" current location coordinates is made by an operator. Then the operator can travel "virtually" for travel preparation or advance information.

It is possible within the scope of the invention that the data processing device and / or the database (possibly stationary) has a learning function which the serving individual (who may identify himself via the input device) and his history with regard to previous queries or Uses taken into account. Such learning functions can be implemented, for example, with simple neural networks. In practice, this will have the effect, for example, that an operator who has previously favored the output of high-priced Italian restaurants is given priority to such restaurants in the event of further output queries. This learning function can be very advanced if it is set up, for example, in the area of a stationary database. In these contexts, it is also possible for the individual query behavior of an operator to be stored in the context of a database or data network and to be evaluated in order to obtain customer profiles.

In principle, all the usual multimedia functionalities, including, for example, video and DVD, can of course be provided in a data processing device according to the invention. Appropriate information can then be called up and output.

In the following, the invention is based on an exemplary embodiment of an inventive one Figure representing data processing device explained in more detail.

In the single figure, a portable data processing device (1) with a processor (2) and an output unit (3) and input unit (4) connected to the processor (2) can be seen. A GPS receiver (5) is set up, which is connected to the processor (2) and forms a device unit with it. In the exemplary embodiment, the GPS receiver (5) can be connected to the processor (2) as an independent unit via an electrical plug connection. The device (1) comprises a database (6) containing a first data record with location coordinates and a correlated second data record with references to information about locations. In particular, a wireless telecommunications module (7) is also provided, which is set up for targeted access to information services, in particular Internet services, using the references.

An operator who is traveling in a city for tourism can now use the method according to the invention, as explained in the general part of the description, for example to carry out the following functions with the device. First of all, the operator is interested in the historic building in front of which he is standing. For this purpose, the data processing device is activated, a position window is narrowed if necessary and the data subgroup "historic buildings" is selected. When activated, the current position of the operator is determined via GPS and then this with the information (available on the Internet) of the selected one "Matched" data subgroup. The operator then receives all available information about the historical building in front of which he is standing. The operator, who has become hungry, can now use the method according to claim 4 to dispense the nearest restaurant and have it pointed there, possibly with a detour via an ATM.

Claims

Claims:

1) Method for reproducing location-related information using a portable data processing device (1) comprising a processor (2), an output unit (3) and an input unit (4), with the processor (2) being a GPS receiver (5), forming a device unit, the processor (2) being connected to a database (6), the database (6) containing a first data record with location coordinates and a second data record with information about locations or references to information about locations, and the first data record being correlated with the second data record, using the following method steps:

a) an operator activates the data processing device (1),

b) the processor (2) activates the GPS receiver (5), which then determines the current position as the current location coordinates of the data processing device (1) and reads it out to the data processing device (1),

c) the processor (2) accesses the database (6) and ascertains the information about locations corrected or similar to the current location coordinates of the first data record, or

c ") the processor (2) accesses the database (6) and determines the information on locations correlated with the current location coordinates which are identical or similar to location coordinates of the first data set,

the processor (2) brings at least some of the information about the locations determined in stage c) or c ') to read out for the operator via the output unit (3).

2) Method according to claim 1, wherein the second data set is divided into data set sub-groups that can be selected by an operator.

3) Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein before or after step b a position window as the current location coordinates of the area around the current location coordinates can be defined) and wherein Reich past location coordinates of the first in stage c) or c ^') with within the current Ortskoordinatenbe ^¬ Correlated information on locations or references to it can be determined.

4) Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a selectable dataset subgroup c by an operator before stage) or c ^'can be predetermined), and wherein a plurality of information of the subgroup or determined to places which infor ^¬ mation with location coordinates of the first Record are correlated that are closest to the current location coordinates.

5) Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the data processing device (1) has a routing function, by means of which a path connection between the current location coordinates and the location coordinates of the first data record correlated with the optionally selected information is calculated and on the output unit (3) is issued.

6) Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the database forms a device unit with the processor (2).

7) Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor (2) and at least part of the database are connected to one another via a wireless telecommunication connection.

8) Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the references of the second data set are Internet addresses or links, wherein preferably the database with the first data set and the second data set forms a device unit with the processor (2), and wherein the Information on locations via the second data record from the Internet, preferably via a wireless telecommunications Connection, retrieved and fed to the output unit (3].

9) Portable data processing device (1) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8,

with a processor (2) and with an output unit (3) and input unit (4) connected to the processor (2),

with a GPS receiver (5), which is connected to the processor (2) and forms a device unit with it,

with a database (6) containing a first data record with location coordinates and a correlated second data record with information about locations or with references to information about locations.

10) Data processing device (1) according to claim 9, with a database (6) containing a second data set with references to information on locations and with a wireless telecommunications module (7), which is set up for targeted access to information services, in particular Internet services, using the references is.