Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present.

Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present.

Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present. An enhanced user-interface data-entry feature is provided that anticipates data being entered by users to minimize the data-entry process.

Abstract: An improved method for physical site promotion is provided. The method includes capturing personal user preferences; determining time of day and current geographic location of the user, and then based also upon the projected travel route—making recommendations based for intermediate stops, which make available significant discounts and savings to the user for accepting the promotional offers at the recommended stop locations. A computer program product which incorporates this method increases effectiveness of advertising of physical retail and attraction sites beyond conventional means. Benefits are widespread as coupon publisher benefits through reduction in paper based publication costs, retailer experiences increased usage of promotional products, and the user enjoys limits on their cost of system operation by distribution of savings between the user and the system provider.

Abstract: Techniques for efficiently entering data with a progressively reduced key set are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, an emulated key set is used for entering data within some criteria or confined measures. A key set is generated dynamically each time in accordance with preceding entries. An example of one of the confined measure is a geographic area. Only a set of keys corresponding entries of which are likely to follow the already received entries is provided. Because each time the key set presents fewer and fewer choices, it is therefore easier and more efficient for a user to select and enter data.

Abstract: Techniques for efficiently entering data with a progressively reduced key set are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, an emulated key set is used for entering data within some criteria or confined measures. A key set is generated dynamically each time in accordance with preceding entries. An example of one of the confined measure is a geographic area. Only a set of keys corresponding entries of which are likely to follow the already received entries is provided. Because each time the key set presents fewer and fewer choices, it is therefore easier and more efficient for a user to select and enter data.

Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present. An enhanced user-interface data-entry feature is provided that anticipates data being entered by users to minimize the data-entry process.

Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and stop specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is independent from the local mapping database software on the client and includes a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping database and reconstructs the optimal route using a mapping reconstruction algorithm. The route is displayed on the client navigation system using whatever mapping database is present. An enhanced user-interface data-entry feature is provided that anticipates data being entered by users to minimize the data-entry process.