Abstract: Provided is a distributed and decentralized location-aware system. The system includes a number of peers, each in communication with other peers and adapted to communicate PING, PONG, and ALERT messages. Each of the messages has a header that includes location information. Also provided is a method of communication between two peers in the system. In addition, the present invention includes a method of rendering the system. In the method, a communication link between an electronic map and a number of peers is provided. The location information and the covering distance of each of the peers is obtained and used to plot the location and render the covering distance of each peer on the electric map. A communication link between an electronic control device and the electronic map is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated trip-purpose detection method that utilizes GPS Data collected by GPS-enabled devices. The GPS data is compared against a GIS map to obtain various spatial and location characteristics of the surrounding area. This information is then used to derive a traveler's trip purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive method is implemented automatically without any needed manipulation of GIS data. Additionally, the method integrates location information as defined by the user for critical locations such as home and work. These personalized locations allow the method to immediately identify the two most common types of trips: work-related trips and trips returning home.

Abstract: Provided is a distributed and decentralized location-aware system. The system includes a number of peers, each in communication with other peers and adapted to communicate PING, PONG, and ALERT messages. Each of the messages has a header that includes location information. Also provided is a method of communication between two peers in the system. In addition, the present invention includes a method of rendering the system. In the method, a communication link between an electronic map and a number of peers is provided. The location information and the covering distance of each of the peers is obtained and used to plot the location and render the covering distance of each peer on the electric map. A communication link between an electronic control device and the electronic map is also provided.

Abstract: This present invention is a spatial data processing system and method that allows the automatic, rapid, scalable analysis and transformation of large amounts of travel behavior data (e.g., tracking data points) into individual “points-of-interest” and discrete trips stored in a spatial database. Each trip has a point-of-interest as a starting and ending location, and contains multiple positions (e.g. latitude and longitudes) which define the travel path of the user/device during that time period.

Abstract: A prediction method that estimates the real-time position of a mobile device based on previously observed data is provided. The present invention can be used in real-time navigation, including providing real-time alerts of an upcoming destination and notifications of emergency events in close geographic proximity. The prediction method utilizes neural networks and/or functions generated using genetic algorithms in estimating the mobile device's real-time position. The prediction method provides reliable Location-Based Services (LBS) in events where traditional positioning technologies become unreliable. It is also seamless, as the user remains unaware of any interruption in accessing the positioning technology.

Abstract: A two-layer communication protocol that supports efficient real-time location-aware application on multiple mobile devices that must communicate with each other and/or a centralized server. The two-layer protocol includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the communication of the data. The two-layer communication protocol also includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the connection between the two devices. The communication of data occurs directly between the two mobile devices. Each method uses reliable, connection-oriented protocols to exchange application-level information and control signals while utilizing unreliable, connection-less protocols to communicate real-time location data. Also provided are architectures implementing these methods.

Abstract: A method of buffering location data on a mobile device. The method transmits location data packets via an unreliable protocol to a receiving device and buffers a copy of the location data packet. Periodically, the method also transmits a location data packet via a reliable protocol to the receiving device. When no acknowledgement is received from the receiving device, the location data sent via the reliable protocol is buffered to memory. Once an acknowledgement is received from the receiving device, all of the buffered location data is sent to the receiving device via an unreliable protocol.

Abstract: A prediction method that estimates the real-time position of a mobile device based on previously observed data is provided. The present invention can be used in real-time navigation, including providing real-time alerts of an upcoming destination and notifications of emergency events in close geographic proximity. The prediction method utilizes neural networks and/or functions generated using genetic algorithms in estimating the mobile device's real-time position. The prediction method provides reliable Location-Based Services (LBS) in events where traditional positioning technologies become unreliable. It is also seamless, as the user remains unaware of any interruption in accessing the positioning technology.

Abstract: A path prediction method that uses a commuter's travel patterns to predict their route and destination, and transmit road advisories via a GPS-enabled device. Once the user's location data is transmitted via a GPS-enabled device it is then catalogued and stored in a GIS database. The user's current travel path is then compared to their path history and statistics and a destination is determined based on related spatial and time properties. A warning is then automatically delivered to the user if there is an accident along their predicted path, without requiring any request or input form the user.

Abstract: Provided is a critical point method used to determine the points of a real-time stream of location data, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) data, that should be retained based on their importance in reconstructing the travel path of a mobile device. The method may run on a mobile device or on a server. When run on a mobile device, the method reduces the amount of data transferred between mediums by only transferring points that are critical to reconstructing the path of travel of the mobile device. This reduction saves power used in the wireless transmission and reception of the non-critical data and the bandwidth used while transmitting non-critical data. The method may be run every time a new position is calculated. When a new position is determined to be a critical point, the point is transmitted. If the new position is not a critical point, then the point is discarded.

Abstract: Provided is a detection method used to alert a rider of a transit system that his or her upcoming destination location is approaching. The method detects upcoming transit stops and alerts the transit rider to prepare to depart the transit vehicle. Another alert to request a stop at the appropriate time may also be given. The detection method detects a destination location when the transit vehicle is not going to stop and service the second-to-last, or triggering, stop and when the transit vehicle stops at the triggering location and then resumes travel towards the destination location. The detection method establishes a triggering location, two regions about the triggering location, a destination location, a destination region about the destination location, and a current location and speed from available location data. The method then triggers alerts based on the current speed and the current location's position within or without the established regions.

Abstract: Provided is an emergency locator system adapted for GPS-enabled wireless devices. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is and Location Based Services (LBS) are used to determine the exact location of a user and communicate information relating to the emergency status of that location. The user initiates the locator application via a wireless device and their physical location information is automatically transferred to a server. The server then compares the user's location with Geographic Information System (GIS) maps to identify the emergency status associated with their location. Once the server has calculated the current emergency status, the information is automatically returned to the user, along with emergency instructions.

Abstract: A travel assistant device to help individuals use transit systems. The device is particularly suited to help individuals with special needs (i.e. physical or mental disabilities) successfully navigate the transit system through cues that are delivered through the device. In certain embodiments the device utilizes a global positioning system (GPS)-enabled cell phone. The GPS features of the cell phone enable the location of a transit rider to be identified. The wireless communication features of the device allow positional data to be transmitted from the device to a geographic information system and to one or more interested parties to track the location of the transit rider. The device can be integrated with vehicle location systems of a transit system to coordinate the transit of the transit rider.

Abstract: A method of buffering location data on a mobile device. The method transmits location data packets via an unreliable protocol to a receiving device and buffers a copy of the location data packet. Periodically, the method also transmits a location data packet via a reliable protocol to the receiving device. When no acknowledgement is received from the receiving device, the location data sent via the reliable protocol is buffered to memory. Once an acknowledgement is received from the receiving device, all of the buffered location data is sent to the receiving device via an unreliable protocol.

Abstract: A method of providing emergency related information to and from a centralized location over a wireless network. The method utilizes cellular phones in emergency communications and entails two embodiments that employ location-aware technologies, in portable form, in security applications. One embodiment serves as a modern high-tech “neighborhood watch,” enabling law enforcement access to the many “eyes and ears” of the public simultaneously via available cell phones. Cell phones with embedded digital cameras allow the instant capture and remote submission of suspicious circumstances to law enforcement through pictures or video.

Abstract: A location-aware method that dynamically adjusts software parameters in Location-Based Service (LBS) applications in real-time based on environmental conditions and application requirements. The invention saves power expended during position calculations while increasing application performance, optimizes settings for the application based on real-time conditions, and reduces bandwidth used. In an embodiment, the present method comprises a state machine or a plurality of state machines.

Abstract: A two-layer communication protocol that supports efficient real-time location-aware application on multiple mobile devices that must communicate with each other and/or a centralized server. The two-layer protocol includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the communication of the data. The two-layer communication protocol also includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the connection between the two devices. The communication of data occurs directly between the two mobile devices. Each method uses reliable, connection-oriented protocols to exchange application-level information and control signals while utilizing unreliable, connection-less protocols to communicate real-time location data. Also provided are architectures implementing these methods.

Abstract: A path prediction method that uses a commuter's travel patterns to predict their route and destination, and transmit road advisories via a GPS-enabled device. Once the user's location data is transmitted via a GPS-enabled device it is then catalogued and stored in a GIS database. The user's current travel path is then compared to their path history and statistics and a destination is determined based on related spatial and time properties. A warning is then automatically delivered to the user if there is an accident along their predicted path, without requiring any request or input form the user.

Abstract: Provided is an emergency locator system adapted for GPS-enabled wireless devices. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is and Location Based Services (LBS) are used to determine the exact location of a user and communicate information relating to the emergency status of that location. The user initiates the locator application via a wireless device and their physical location information is automatically transferred to a server. The server then compares the user's location with Geographic Information System (GIS) maps to identify the emergency status associated with their location. Once the server has calculated the current emergency status, the information is automatically returned to the user, along with emergency instructions.

Abstract: A travel assistant device to help individuals use transit systems. The device is particularly suited to help individuals with special needs (i.e. physical or mental disabilities) successfully navigate the transit system through cues that are delivered through the device. In certain embodiments the device utilizes a global positioning system (GPS)-enabled cell phone. The GPS features of the cell phone enable the location of a transit rider to be identified. The wireless communication features of the device allow positional data to be transmitted from the device to a geographic information system and to one or more interested parties to track the location of the transit rider. The device can be integrated with vehicle location systems of a transit system to coordinate the transit of the transit rider.