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Description  |
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TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to position determining systems
and, more particularly, to a multi-media presentation system driven by a
position determining system.
BACKGROUND ART
Position determining systems typically provide geographic position
information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude. Unfortunately, for
many non-navigational applications, this geographic information is not, by
itself, of interest to a user. For example, a passenger in an automobile
would probably have little use for knowledge of his or her current
latitude, longitude, and altitude. Rather than being provided with
geographic position information in terms of latitude, longitude, and
altitude, a user often may prefer that additional information be made
available.
In an attempt to deliver geographic position information in a more
"user-friendly" manner, some position determining systems include
in-vehicle navigation systems. The in-vehicle navigation system converts
the geographic position information of the vehicle to a more familiar
format such as, for example, a street address or a distance to a desired
destination.
Although the use of an in-vehicle navigation system provides an added
degree of "user-friendliness", many users still find such geographic
position information to be of little interest.
Consequently, the need has arisen for a system which uses geographic
position information to provide a variety of non-navigational functions
which are useful and interesting to ordinary consumers.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system
which uses geographic position information to provide a variety of
non-navigational functions which are useful and interesting to ordinary
consumers. The above object has been achieved by a system which presents
position-related multi-media information to a user.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a position determining system
is located within a vehicle. A signal receiver of the position determining
system receives position signals indicative of the position of the
vehicle. A signal processor generates position information from the
signals received by the signal receiver. The position information is then
transferred to a multi-media system. The multi-media system presents audio
and video information to an occupant of the vehicle.
In the present embodiment, the audio and video information presented to the
vehicle occupant is directly related to the vehicle's geographic position.
For example, as the vehicle nears a feature or landmark, the multi-media
system automatically displays audio and/or video regarding the feature or
landmark.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is
employed on an aircraft. As the aircraft flies over certain features or
landmarks the multi-media system presents audio and video information
related to the feature beneath the aircraft. For example, as the aircraft
flies over the Grand Canyon a multi-media presentation related to the
Grand Canyon is presented to the aircraft occupant.
Thus, the present invention is able to use geographic position information
to provide a variety of non-navigational functions which are useful and
interesting to ordinary consumers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with
the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:
FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a position-related multi-media system
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present
invention including multiple video display units and multiple audio output
units in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle having seatback
video display units in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating processing steps in accordance with
the present invention.
FIGS. 5A-5F are examples of typical position-related views available to
aircraft occupants in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred
embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the
invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended
to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
With reference now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating the
position-related multi-media system of the present invention is shown. The
following description of the present invention will begin with a detailed
description of the structure of the position-related multi-media system.
This description will then be followed by a detailed description setting
forth the operation of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
present invention includes a position determining system 12 for
determining the position of a vehicle. In the present embodiment, the
vehicle is a ground-traveling vehicle such as an automobile, a commercial
bus, and the like. Although the position of a ground-traveling vehicle is
determined in the present embodiment, the present invention is also well
suited for use with aircraft, seacraft, or other vehicles which are not
ground-traveling.
Referring still to FIG. 1, position determining system 12 includes an
antenna 14, a receiver 16, a processor 18, and a communication line 20. In
the present invention, position determining system 12 is, for example, a
satellite-based radio navigation system. Satellite-based radio navigation
systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), or the Global
Orbiting Navigational System (GLONASS) are well suited for use with the
present invention. Although such systems are specifically mentioned in the
present embodiment, the present invention is also well suited to
land-based radio navigation systems such as, for example, LORAN, Shoran,
Decca, and TACAN.
Referring still to FIG. 1, system 10 of the present invention also includes
a multi-media system 22. Multi-media system 22 includes a
scheduler/controller 24 to which various multi-media components are
connected. In the present embodiment scheduler/controller 24 is, for
example, a microprocessor. A Video unit 26, a CD ROM unit 28, and an audio
CD unit 30 are connected to scheduler/controller 24 via lines 27, 29, and
31, respectively. Likewise, in the present embodiment, user input controls
32, a video display unit 34, and an audio component 36, are connected to
scheduler/controller 24 via lines 33, 35, and 37, respectively. Audio
component 36 has speakers 38a and 38b and headphones 40 coupled thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the
present invention including multiple video display units and multiple
audio output units is shown. Although only one video display unit 34 is
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the present invention is well suited to
having multiple video display units 34a-34n connected to
scheduler/controller 24 as shown in FIG. 2. The number of video display
units connected to scheduler/controller 24 can be varied as desired to
accommodate multiple users simultaneously. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 2,
the present invention is also well suited to having multiple audio output
units such as, for example, headphones 40a-40n to accommodate a plurality
of users simultaneously. As with the video display units, the number of
audio output units can be varied as desired. Although multiple headphones
40a-40n are depicted in the present embodiment, the present invention is
also well suited to the use of multiple stereo speakers and the like.
With reference now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the interior of a
vehicle having seatback video display units is shown. In the present
embodiment, the vehicle is a commercial aircraft, however, the present
invention is well suited to use in numerous other types of vehicles. As
shown in FIG. 3, each seat has a video display unit 34 disposed in the
back side thereof. Thus, each passenger has a video display unit 34
directly in front of them. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each
seat has an audio output connection such as a headphone jack built
directly into the armrest. Likewise, in the present embodiment, user input
controls are also provided at the armrest of each seat. Hence, each
passenger on the commercial aircraft has access to a video display unit
34, an audio output source 36, and to user input controls 32. Although
video display units 34 are disposed in the seatbacks in the present
embodiment, the present invention is also well suited to placing the video
display units in different locations. Likewise, the present invention is
also well suited to having the audio output sources 36 and user input
controls 32 placed in a location other than in the armrests.
IN OPERATION
The following is a detailed description of the operation of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 1, as a vehicle moves along its path antenna
14 of position determining system 12 receives position signals. The
position signals are transferred to processor 18 of receiver 16. Processor
18 processes the position signals to generate the geographic position
information of the vehicle. Typically, processor 18 generates the
latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. Time information signals
can also be provided from position determining system 12.
The geographic position information is transferred over line 20 to
scheduler/controller 24. The scheduler/controller 24 provides cueing
control signals for activating and controlling various multi-media
components which provide pre-recorded position-related multi-media
information for presentation to a vehicle occupant. That is,
scheduler/controller 24 accesses position-related multi-media information
stored in, for example, Video unit 26, CD ROM unit 28, and CD unit 30. In
the present embodiment, Video unit 26 is a unit which allows for random
access by multiple simultaneous users to pre-recorded video data. That is,
Video unit 26 is, for example, a laser disc or a digital video disk. By
using, for example, a laser disc or a digital video disk, multiple users
can simultaneously view different pre-recorded video images.
Scheduler/controller 24 then selects the multi-media information which is
relevant to the geographic position information of the vehicle. In the
present embodiment, scheduler/controller 24 provides multi-media
presentation options to occupants of the vehicle. Typically, the
multi-media options are displayed on the video display units. The options
include, for example, a listing or "menu" of available presentations on
features or sites related to the geographic position of the vehicle. For
example, as a vehicle passes nearby a National Park, using the user input
controls 32, a vehicle occupant may be able to select a pre-recorded
pictorial tour of the National Park stored on Video unit 26. The vehicle
occupant can choose to have the pictorial tour include narrative
commentary stored on CD unit 30. As another example, the occupant may
select to have the pictorial tour accompanied by park sounds such as
rushing streams, animal sounds, rain storms and the like stored on CD ROM
unit 28. In the present embodiment, CD unit 30 is a unit which allows for
random access by multiple simultaneous users to audio data. By using, for
example, a CD unit, multiple users can simultaneously listen to different
audio information.
In order to present pre-recorded position-related multi-media information,
it is first necessary to record the information and index the information
by its position. If the information has already been recorded, it may only
be necessary to index the information with a corresponding address. Thus,
each item of pre-recorded multi-media information has a corresponding
position or address at which it was recorded. The address of the
pre-recorded information is compared with the position information for the
vehicle in which the occupant is traveling to determine which pieces of
pre-recorded information are relevant at any given time.
In the present embodiment, after the selected multi-media presentation has
ended, the vehicle occupant is presented with choices for a new
multi-media presentation related to the new position of the vehicle. Also
in the present embodiment, the user is also provided with updates
informing the occupant when the vehicle approaches other features or sites
on which pre-recorded multi-media information is available. Thus, in the
present embodiment, the vehicle occupant can customize the multi-media
presentation as desired. Additionally, the user is able to abandon a
multi-media presentation on one feature or site in favor of a multi-media
presentation on a different feature or site.
With reference next to FIG. 4, a flow diagram illustrating steps used in
one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown in step 50, the
present invention determines whether or not the vehicle is operating. Once
the vehicle begins operating, as shown in step 52, the position
determining system 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is activated. In step 54 the
generated geographic position information is transferred to multi-media
system 22 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Next, as shown in step 56 the vehicle occupant
is presented with multi-media options related to the vehicle's geographic
position. Step 58 shows that the occupant selection is received at
scheduler/controller 24 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Finally, at step 60 the
occupant's selected pre-recorded position-related multi-media information
is presented to the occupant.
The present invention is also well suited to use in aircraft such as, for
example, commercial aircraft. As shown in FIG. 3, video display units 34
are well suited to being placed in seatbacks. Thus, each passenger on a
commercial aircraft has access to a video display unit of their own.
Likewise, by having the audio output sources 36 and user input controls 32
located in the armrests, the present invention is ideally suited for use
by commercial aircraft passengers. Furthermore, unless seated at a window,
many airline passengers have little or no view out of the aircraft. The
present invention provides views to airline passengers regardless of where
the passengers are seated. Additionally, unlike live video transmissions,
the present invention is able to provide a pre-recorded view which is
always clear and pleasant.
With reference next to FIGS. 5A-5F, examples of typical position-related
views available to aircraft occupants are shown. In the present
embodiment, scheduler/controller 24 of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides multi-media
presentation options to passengers on the aircraft. In this embodiment,
the multi-media options are displayed on the video display units. The
options include, for example, a listing or "menu" of available
position-related views from the aircraft. For example, as the aircraft
passes over the Rocky Mountains, using the user input controls 32,
passenger selects desired views of the Rocky Mountains. Likewise, the
aircraft passenger can choose to have narrative commentary stored on CD
unit 30 accompany the selected view. As another example, the aircraft
passenger may select to have the views of the Rocky Mountains accompanied
by music, or natural sounds and the like stored on CD ROM unit 28.
Referring now to FIG. 5A a "wing-man's" view of the aircraft in which the
occupant is flying is shown. By selecting such a view, the airline
passenger would see a digital image of the aircraft in which the passenger
is flying and would also see the position-related scenery below. In the
present embodiment, the passenger might select to have the wing-man's view
of FIG. 5A accompanied by audio information both on the features of the
aircraft as well as the scenery over which the aircraft is currently
flying.
With reference next to FIG. 5B, the aircraft passenger might also select to
have the "pilot's" view displayed on video display unit 34 of FIGS. 1 and
2. Therefore, in such an embodiment, as the aircraft travels along its
path the passenger is able to see the views similar to the actual views
seen by the pilot.
Referring now to FIG. 5C, the aircraft passenger may also select to have
the "over the pilot's shoulder" view displayed on video display unit 34 of
FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, in such an embodiment, as the aircraft travels
along its path the passenger is able to see digital simulations of
instrument panels and flight controls with typical values in addition to
the outside views. In the present embodiment, the passenger might select
to have the over the pilot's shoulder view of FIG. 5C accompanied by audio
information both on the aircraft instrumentation and piloting as well as
the scenery over which the aircraft is currently flying.
With reference now to FIG. 5D, a passenger may also choose a view showing a
"window" view from the aircraft. Position-related views are shown to the
passenger based upon the current position of the aircraft. That is, as the
aircraft passes over, for example the Great Salt Lake, the lake would be
visible to passengers with window seats. However, the present invention
would provide a pre-recorded multi-media presentation of the Great Salt
Lake to passengers as the aircraft passes over the lake. Hence, the
present invention provides a "window seat" to every passenger on the
aircraft. Once again, the passenger is also able to select various audio
programs to accompany the video presentation.
Referring next to FIG. 5E, the present invention is also well suited to
providing views which are unusual or different from those views available
to an airline passenger. As an example of a different view, FIG. 5E
represents a "glass-bottom plane" view. As the aircraft flies along its
path, topographical views of the features directly beneath the aircraft's
current position are shown to the passenger. That is, the present
invention determines the aircraft's geographic position and presents
pre-recorded multi-media information showing what is currently beneath the
aircraft. As with previous embodiments, the passenger is also able to
select various audio programs to accompany the video presentation.
Additionally, because the views of the features are pre-recorded, the
present invention is able to provide daytime views of features over which
the aircraft is flying even when it is dark. Likewise, the present
invention is also able to provide nighttime views of features over which
the aircraft is flying even when it is light.
With reference next to FIG. 5F, in addition to providing views from
different locations within the aircraft, the present invention is also
well suited to providing multi-media presentations on features or sites in
close proximity to the path over which the aircraft is flying. In this
embodiment, the multi-media options are displayed on the video display
units. For example, as the aircraft passes over or near the Statue of
Liberty, using the user input controls, the passenger selects a desired
pictorial presentation on the Statue of Liberty. Likewise, the aircraft
passenger can choose to have narrative commentary stored on the CD unit
accompany the pictorial presentation. As another example, the aircraft
passenger may select to have the pictorial presentation of the Statue of
Liberty accompanied by music, narration, and the like.
Thus, the present invention is able to use geographic position information
to provide a position-related multi-media presentation which is useful and
interesting to a vehicle occupant.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention
have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its
practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications
as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the
scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their
equivalents.
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