US5987377A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for determining expected time of arrival
Assignee: HM Holding Corp
•
Filing: 1998-03-02
•
Granted: 1999-11-16
•
Expires: 2018-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A system (10) for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle (40) equipped with a mobile unit (42) includes a dispatch (20) remotely located from the vehicle (40). The dispatch (20) generates destination information for the vehicle (40), the destination information specifying at least one destination. The mobile unit (42) includes a mobile communications device (90) to receive the destination information for the vehicle (40) generated by the dispatch (20). The mobile unit (42) also includes a positioning receiver (80) to determine a vehicle position. In response to the destination information received from the dispatch (20) and the vehicle position, the mobile unit (42) determines the expected time of arrival of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth R. Westerlage
- 👤 William C. Kennedy, III
- 👤 William C. Saunders
- 👤 Dale E. Beasley
- 👤 William L. Hoag
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:59
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/20; G08G1/202; G01; G01C; G01C21/00; G01C21/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the communications link comprises a cellular telephone network.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the communications link comprises a cellular telephone network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the communications link comprises a cellular telephone network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the destination information further comprises an expected travel speed along a predetermined route specified by the way points, the mobile unit further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the expected travel speed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the mobile unit further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile unit comprises a GPS receiver to determine the vehicle position for use in determining the expected time of arrival.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile unit is further operable to select a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 7, wherein the mobile unit is further operable to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile unit is further operable to display the way points on a map.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile unit is operable to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the mobile unit further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the communications device comprises a cellular telephone.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
114 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the communications device comprises a cellular telephone.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communications device comprises a cellular telephone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the destination information further comprises an expected travel speed along a predetermined route specified by the way points, the processor further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the expected travel speed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the processor further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the positioning device comprises a GPS receiver.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor selects a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a speaker to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a speaker to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a display to display the way points on a map.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the processor further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the step of transmitting the destination information to the vehicle is performed using a cellular telephone network.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the step of transmitting the destination information to the vehicle is performed using a cellular telephone network.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the step of transmitting the destination information to the vehicle is performed using a cellular telephone network.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the step of determining at the vehicle the vehicle position is performed using a GPS receiver.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 23, wherein: the destination information further comprises an expected travel speed along a predetermined route specified by the way points; and determining the expected time of arrival comprises determining the expected time of arrival in response to the expected travel speed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 23, wherein: the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points; and determining the expected time of arrival comprises determining the expected time of arrival in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of selecting a next way point if the vehicle reaches the way point.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising the step of communicating audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of communicating audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of displaying the way points on a map.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, and further comprising the step of comparing the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising: transmitting late information to the dispatch; generating updated destination information at the dispatch in response to the late information; and transmitting the updated destination information to the vehicle.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
143 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
143 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
179 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the mobile unit further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
179 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the mobile unit further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
167 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicles the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the mobile unit is further operable to select a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point and to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
167 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicles the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the mobile unit is further operable to select a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point and to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the mobile unit is operable to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicle, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the mobile unit is operable to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicles the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the mobile unit further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle equipped with a mobile unit, comprising: a dispatch remotely located from the vehicle, the dispatch operable to generate destination information for the vehicles the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a communications link coupled to the dispatch, the communications link operable to receive the destination information for the vehicle from the dispatch; and the mobile unit coupled to the communications link, the mobile unit operable to receive from the communications link the destination information for the vehicle generated by the dispatch, the mobile unit further operable to determine a vehicle position, the mobile unit further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the mobile unit further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
113 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points: a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the processor further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
148 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points: a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information further comprises traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the way points, the processor further operable to determine the expected time of arrival of the vehicle in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points, a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the processor selects a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points, a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the processor selects a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information, the processor operable to select a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point; and; a speaker operable to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information, the processor operable to select a next way point if the vehicle reaches a present way point; and; a speaker operable to communicate audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
118 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning devices the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning devices the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and further comprising a speaker to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
118 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning devices the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning devices the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and further comprising a speaker to communicate audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the processor further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
133 words
An apparatus on a vehicle for determining an expected time of arrival of the vehicle, comprising: a communications device operable to receive destination information from a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; a positioning device operable to determine a vehicle position; and a processor coupled to the communications device and the positioning device, the processor operable to receive destination information from the communications device and the vehicle position from the positioning device, the processor further operable to determine in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the destination information comprises an appointment time for each way point, the processor further operable to compare the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information and wherein the way points comprise highway crossings.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicles comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points and traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position, determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicles comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points and traffic or weather information associated with a predetermined route specified by the plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position, determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information in response to the traffic or weather information.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, selecting a next way point if the vehicle reaches the way point.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, selecting a next way point if the vehicle reaches the way point.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information selecting a next way point if the vehicle reaches the way point; and, communicating audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information selecting a next way point if the vehicle reaches the way point; and, communicating audibly information regarding the next way point.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, communicating audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
77 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, communicating audibly the expected time of arrival.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points and an appointment time for each way point, transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, comparing the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points and an appointment time for each way point, transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position; determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information; and, comparing the expected time of arrival to the appointment time.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position, determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information transmitting late information to the dispatch; generating updated destination information at the dispatch in response to the late information; and transmitting the updated destination information to the vehicle.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle, comprising: generating destination information at a dispatch, the destination information specifying a plurality of way points; transmitting the destination information to the vehicle; determining at the vehicle the vehicle position, determining at the vehicle in response to the vehicle position the expected time of arrival of the vehicle at a way point identified by the destination information transmitting late information to the dispatch; generating updated destination information at the dispatch in response to the late information; and transmitting the updated destination information to the vehicle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-05-17 | 2003-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-15 | 2007-05-17 | 2007-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-15 | 2011-05-17 | 2011-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |