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Systems, methods and devices for trip management functionsRelated Patent Categories: Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, And Relative Location, Navigation, Employing Position Determining Equipment, For Use In A Map Data Base SystemSystems, methods and devices for trip management functions description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060089793, Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to the field of trip planning. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and devices for trip management functions. BACKGROUND [0002] Technology for geographical locating (in which a coordinate system such as latitude/longitude is employed, and hereinafter referred to as geo-locating) provides useful benefits to a host of persons including travelers, adventurers, outdoor activity enthusiasts and other professionals in geographical information systems mapping applications, and surveying. Such technology has made available, at affordable prices, reliable geo-locating and position indicating devices such as hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) devices such as the eTrex.TM. offered by the Garmin Corp. Such devices can dock with a personal computer (PC) and download therefrom a variety of data, e.g., via a serial cable, which can then be taken portably with the device. Such data can include maps, trip planning information, and the like. [0003] Web sites have been developed which feature trip reports and information. For instance, information relating to hikes, prospecting, fishing, hunting, and recreation spots are available on line. Such information can includes pictures, sounds, text based data such as notes, reports, memoranda, memoirs, etc., and the like. Maps, terrain contours, hazards, and other information can be of interest and value to a person planning or otherwise managing a trip. [0004] Conventionally, a person managing a trip can procure a hand-held GPS or other geo-location related device. Mapping software can be procured and loaded onto a PC. The hand-held GPS device can be connected, e.g., with a serial bus connector, to the PC and waypoints and/or other data downloaded thereto from the PC. Thus, the hand-held GPS device can be taken along on the trip loaded with valuable information relating thereto. Further, a cellular telephone can be taken along to provide communication, which can be important to trip management, or even crucial in an emergency. [0005] During the trip, a user can access data, e.g., by first determining their geo-location, and then finding and displaying a map or other data relevant to that position. Also during the trip, the user can add information, relating for instance to points of interest, to the device. Other information, such as digital photographs, can be recorded, e.g., with a digital camera and/or a tape recorder, etc. Upon return from the trip, the waypoints can be uploaded from the GPS, the photographs from the digital camera, etc., to the PC. This information can be made available to others interested in the trip, such as by emailing a text message and/or attaching a photograph. Alternatively, the information can be posted on a service website, such as Yahoo's photo posting service (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com) or www.Ophoto.com, etc. [0006] Such conventional trip management requires that a variety of different pieces of equipment be taken on the trip. However, this can be inconvenient, cumbersome, prone to loss, and expensive. During trip related travels, perhaps most particularly in an outdoors situation such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc., space, weight, and toting capacity can be at a premium. Thus, requiring multiple pieces of equipment can be burdensome. Uploading information related to trip management typically must await return therefrom, or establishing, e.g., on an ad hoc basis, a network to upload the information remotely. SUMMARY [0007] What is needed is a system, method, or device that reduces the equipment requirements associated with trip management functions, so as to ameliorate inconvenience, encumbrance, loss, and expense. Thus, what is needed is a system, method, or device for trip management functions that optimizes space, weight, and toting capacity, particularly in outdoors situations such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc. What is also needed is a system, method, or device for trip management functions that dynamically presents information to users based on their geo-location. Further, what is needed is a system, method, or device for trip management functions that readily allows remote uploading of information related to trip management. [0008] Accordingly, systems, methods, and devices for performing a trip management function are disclosed. The system, method, and device reduces the equipment requirements associated with trip management functions, thus ameliorating inconvenience, encumbrance, loss, and expense. Thus, the system, method, and device for trip management functions optimizes space, weight, and toting capacity, particularly for outdoors situations such as hiking, geo-caching, wilderness activities, etc. The system, method, and device for trip management functions also dynamically present information to users based on their geo-location. Further, the system, method, and device for trip management functions readily allow remote uploading of information related to trip management. [0009] In one embodiment, a client computer accesses a server networked therewith to retrieve and store data, such as Web documents, relating to the trip. A wireless device interface allows a portable device, wirelessly coupled with a cellular telephone system with the network, to download the Web document. The portable device has cellular telephone functionality, geo-locating functionality, such as GPS capability, for determining its geo-location, and a processor for processing the Web document to help manage the trip. The Web document can include a set of map tiles, which encompass a particular geo-location area, and which form a dynamic map display. As the geo-location of the device changes, the next sequential map tile is downloaded and processed for displayed thereon. Additionally, a variety of non-recreational activities can benefit from this trip planning, data collection, and reporting service. Utility or maintenance crews, or construction crews, performing installations, repairs, or upgrades to any such equipment or facility, whether in an urban location or a rural location, can benefit from use of these trip planning, guidance, and documentation collection and management tools. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary network environment upon which an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced. [0011] FIG. 2 FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary network based infrastructure upon which an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced. [0012] FIG. 3A depicts a portable device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0013] FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary circuit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a computer implemented process for managing a trip, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary network based computerized system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary map, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary Web-based, computerized application system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps in an exemplary computer implemented process for managing a trip, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 9 depicts exemplary data flow between a server and a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 10 depicts a screen shot of an exemplary display corresponding to the positions of GPS satellites (including any other GNSS such as Galileo.TM.), according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading about Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions... Full patent description for Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Abridged map generating apparatus, on-vehicle information terminal, abridged map distribution system and abridged map generating method Next Patent Application: Touch display fishing boat steering system and method Industry Class: Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Systems, methods and devices for trip management functions patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.56317 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry 174 |
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