Abstract: A method for “team tracking” delivers position updates for multiple team members using a telecommunications network. Each team member/user carries a handheld and field-portable tracking and messaging device (TMD) that is used to send the current position of the device user to a networked server. The TMD has a built-in GPS receiver which provides the current position coordinates of the user. This position data is periodically transmitted via the telecommunications network to a central server. Team Status Messages (TSM) are sent regularly to each team member, the TSM containing the last known position of each team member. The position data are displayed over a map background, so that each member can see the positions of the other members. When tracking a target, a route is mapped to the target. If the target changes location, the next TSM that is sent indicates a re-calculated map to the target.

Abstract: A substantially transparent map holder or envelope for retaining therein a composite map. The holder includes a plurality of compartments spaced between two layers of material connected together. Each compartment has at least one opening for insertion and removal of a printed map that may be a section of a composite map, and/or other related text or graphic travel information such as point information, route maps, travel directions, tickets, reservations, discount coupons, and so forth. By using mapping software and a printer, a user may create a large, composite, custom map that is put together like a quilt or a mosaic made up of individual pieces of printable paper. The individual pieces are inserted into the compartments to create a large-sized map for easier overall visualization—made using preferably a conventional printer and standard-sized (e.g. 8.5″×11″) sheets of paper—rather than large-format printers or plotters and oversized paper.

Abstract: An Integrated Routing/Mapping Information System (IRMIS) links desktop personal computer cartographic applications to one or more handheld organizer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or “palmtop” devices. Such devices may be optionally equipped with, or connected to, portable Global Positioning System (GPS) or equivalent position sensing device. Desktop application facilitates user selection of areas, starts, stops, destinations, maps and/or point and/or route information. It optionally includes supplemental online information, preferably for transfer to the PDA or equivalent device. Users' options include route information, area, and route maps. Maps and related route information are configured with differential detail and levels of magnitude. Used in the field, in conjunction with GPS receiver, the PDA device is configured to display directions, text and map formats, the user's current position, heading, speed, elevation, and so forth.

Abstract: A computer aided map location system (CAMLS) provides correlation and coordination of spatially related data between a computer (PDA/PC/EC) and a set of printed maps typically printed on paper depicting surface features at desired levels of detail. A first set of constant scale printed maps substantially coincides with or is overprinted with equal area grid quadrangles of a first scale grid. The first scale grid quadrangles are identified by a first set of unique names. The PDA/PC/EC has a computer display or other computer output, a first database, and display subsystem. The first database includes the first set of unique names of the grid quadrangles of the first scale grid. The boundary lines of the respective first scale grid quadrangles are identified in the first database by latitude and longitude location. The display subsystem causes the display of a selected grid quadrangle or gridname on the PDA/PC/EC display in response to a user query.

Abstract: A Computer Aided Routing and Positioning System (CARPS) determines a route along selected waypoints that include a travel origin and a travel destination and intermediate waypoints therebetween. The selected waypoints may be uploaded to or downloaded from various geocoding devices that utilize the Global Positioning System (GPS). A CARPS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARPS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user-defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identifiable in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system.

Abstract: A package for a disk product has an inner box formed with outer and inner surfaces spaced from each other for presenting a disk product. The outer surface is composed of substantially transparent material so that the disk product is visible through the outer surface. The box is formed with at least one hub on the inner surface with a free end extending toward the outer surface. The free end of the hub is constructed to pass through the center hole of the disk product. The hub is formed with a holding surface for holding a disk product suspended on the hub so that it does not contact the inner surface. An outer box encloses the inner box. The outer box is composed of material bearing printing and graphics and is formed with inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface of the outer box is formed with a window for visibility of the disk product through the window and outer surface of the inner box. The outer box may be formed with a frame around the window.

Abstract: A computer aided routing system (CARS) determines a travel route between a user selected travel origin and travel destination following user selected waypoints along the way. A CARS database incorporates travel information selected from a range of multimedia sources about the transportation routes, waypoints, and geographically locatable points of interest (POIs) selected by the user along the travel route. The CARS software permits user selection of specified POI types within a user defined region of interest and user selection of particular POIs from the selected types within the region of interest. The transportation routes, waypoints, POIs and region of interest are identified in the computer by coordinate locations of a selected geographical coordinate system. The CARS software is constructed to present a user customized travelog for preview on the computer display of the user defined travel route.