Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: A method for distributing locating-relevant information includes providing a GPS position of a client to a server on a data network, and returning location-relevant information by the server based on the specified GPS position. Such location-relevant information include travel or tourist information (e.g., locations of tourist attractions, hotels, or restaurants). Commercial information such as discount coupons or advertising selected based on the Client's GPS position can also be provided. Financial or business transactions can be conducted using the GPS position for authentication or identification.

Abstract: Presented are a method and a system by which an individual can obtain usage information of a vehicle. A mobile unit, which may be located inside a vehicle, receives data from a part of the vehicle (e.g., the odometer) and/or Global Positioning System satellites and derives parameters such as the velocity and the travel distance from the received data. Using these parameters, the mobile unit may determine time information such as the amount of time the vehicle is traveling, in idle, or in a parked state within a given time period. Alternatively, the mobile unit may transmit the parameters to a remote computer, which then determines the time information. When a user submits a query requesting a parameter or a mathematical operation on a parameter, either the mobile unit or a remote computer prepares a response and transmits the response to the appropriate user interface.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for selectively using a local area network and a wide area network in a hybrid network system. A mobile unit receives information, for example positioning information from Global Positioning System satellites. Upon receiving information, the mobile unit associates the information with either a WAN category or a LAN category. Information in the WAN category are transmitted to a WAN computer via a wide area network and information in the LAN category is transmitted to a LAN computer via a local area network. A user may specify which network he wants to use. Alternatively, the mobile unit may be programmed with criteria by which it can categorize the received information. The WAN computer and the LAN computer may be coupled, allowing a user to access the LAN computer via the WAN or the WAN computer via the LAN.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining and disseminating current traffic information is presented. A traffic data compilation computer linked to a data network collects location data from mobile units, each of which is associated with an identification number. The computer compiles the location data, calculates the velocity of each mobile unit, compares the velocity of each mobile unit against speed limit data stored in a memory, and stores the difference. The traffic data compilation computer determines the traffic condition based on the difference between the velocity of each mobile unit and the speed limit. In addition, traffic data compilation computer may determine the fastest route between point A and point B under the current traffic conditions. Traffic data compilation computer determines the possible routes between point A and point B, retrieves the velocity data from a database, and derives the estimated travel time for each of the possible routes.

Abstract: A method for distributing locating-relevant information includes providing a GPS position of a client to a server on a data network, and returning location-relevant information by the server based on the specified GPS position. Such location-relevant information include travel or tourist information (e.g., locations of tourist attractions, hotels, or restaurants). Commercial information such as discount coupons or advertising selected based on the Client's GPS position can also be provided. Financial or business transactions can be conducted using the GPS position for authentication or identification.

Abstract: A method for distributing locating-relevant information includes providing a GPS position of a client to a server on a data network, and returning location-relevant information by the server based on the specified GPS position. Such location-relevant information include travel or tourist information (e.g., locations of tourist attractions, hotels, or restaurants). Commercial information such as discount coupons or advertising selected based on the Client's GPS position can also be provided. Financial or business transactions can be conducted using the GPS position for authentication or identification.

Abstract: A system and method for voice interaction for location-relevant mobile resource management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network server transmits a voice message to a voice device at a mobile unit upon detection that the mobile unit is within a predetermined distance of a certain location. Pursuant to another embodiment, the network server receives a voice request for location-relevant information from a user at a mobile unit and transmits responsive location-relevant information to the user as a voice message. The network server may also conduct certain actions responsive to voice requests received from users at mobile units. Users may receive information from the server via voice devices even when not located at a mobile unit.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining and disseminating current traffic information is presented. A traffic data compilation computer linked to a data network collects location data from mobile units, each of which is associated with an identification number. The computer compiles the location data, calculates the velocity of each mobile unit, compares the velocity of each mobile unit against speed limit data stored in a memory, and stores the difference. The traffic data compilation computer determines the traffic condition based on the difference between the velocity of each mobile unit and the speed limit.

Abstract: A method and a system using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to detect and report vehicle accidents are presented. GPS, which is currently used primarily for vehicle positioning, can be combined with wireless technology to automatically report accidents to third parties. A mobile unit placed or installed in a vehicle receives code sequences from the GPS satellites, converts the code sequences to positional information, and transmits the positional information to a server. The server derives the acceleration of the mobile unit from the positional information and compares the acceleration with a threshold value. In one embodiment, a microprocessor included in the mobile unit derives the acceleration and compares the acceleration with a threshold value. The threshold value represents acceleration that can be achieved only with an external force such as a collision.

Abstract: A position determination method in a mobile unit uses the telephone number of a wireline telephone and a reverse phone-book operation for determining the location of a mobile unit. In one embodiment, a method for determining the location of a mobile unit using a telephone number of a wireline telephone in the vicinity of the mobile unit includes receiving at a server the telephone number transmitted from the mobile unit using wireless communication through a data network, retrieving an address associated with the telephone number in the server, and retrieving a location of the mobile unit based on the address. The server may provide location-relevant information using the location information. The system and method of the present invention provides a low cost solution to position determination in wireless hand-held devices and can be used to supplement the conventional positioning systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an instant distance and path information report on an electronic map using linked display lines from a selected point on a map to one or a plurality of preselected position markers on the map. The distance and path information are displayed adjacent to the linked lines. A global position satellite receiving circuit 50 is used to obtain the current position using ranging signals received from satellites 55, 60, and to place a current position marker on the electronic map. A computer processor 35 is utilized to perform distance calculation and to perform coordinate transfer for the electronic display 10. An external interface port 40 allows external input of preselected locations to be displayed on the electronic map. Computer memory 30 is utilized be the computer processor to perform calculations and display processing. In one embodiment, the current position marker is included as one of the preselected position markers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining attitude information using a down conversion reference and a carrier phase and code phase generator. The apparatus uses individual phase registers for signal received from each antenna to solve the phase difference concurrently. The invention also discloses an attitude sensing method where only one receiving antenna is required. A method and structure for using variable correlation width is also disclosed to optimize noise cancellation under different noise environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing position and travel related information through a data processing station on a data network. In one embodiment, a GPS receiver is used to obtain a measured position fix of a mobile unit. The measured position fix is reported to the data processing station which associates the reported position to a map of the area. Typically, the measured position of the mobile unit is marked and identified by a marker on the map. The area map is then stored in the data processing station and made available for access by authorized monitor units or mobile units. An authorized monitor unit may request for a specific area map by sending a request through the data network. Upon receiving a request, the data processing unit sends the area map to the monitor unit. Data processing station may also perform a database search for travel-related information, such as directions to a gasoline station.