Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 1 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156—ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 1 of 24
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT B
`EXHIBIT B
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 2 of 24
`Case 6:20'CV'00156'ADA DOC”WM|||fliiflliiWililllilllllflllllllllfilllllllllll
`
`U300680746482
`
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`Yu et al.
`
`{10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`{54} SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO AN
`OPERATOR ()er VEHICLE
`
`_
`_
`.
`._
`..
`_,
`(75) memo” PM"? SI", lung ¥"’('hdpp‘f‘i“?’NY
`(US): 93‘“ P‘ ('mm’ 03‘1”“3’ NY
`(U§}‘ ”m" H- Stem YWIEIW']
`Helghlsi NY (US); “a"! E- Wlllflcr.
`Briareliff Manor, NY (US)
`
`$2002 Berslis et ill.
`5,442,473 Bl *
`[(112002 Nomki
`6,470,267 Bl *
`6,473,?90 Bl "‘ 10.52002 'lhgi
`6,515,596 32 *
`212305 Awada
`5515.273 31 *
`212003 Pierowiez elal.
`5.525.351: 32 ==
`212303 Sekiyanta
`5,587.?55 31 *
`121.133 Smith et al.
`6.611.229 32 *
`312003 Mtirantalsu el al.
`2002101127511 A1 *
`312002 IIorila clal.
`
`
`
`TUIIII?
`Tnli'ztlg
`T091216
`3401305
`7011301
`711112119
`mm
`342135107
`3401088
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`International Business Machines
`Corporation, Armonk, NY (us)
`
`DE
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`il‘l‘ll " «initial or ‘(l'llsl’d und=r 35
`EISLC 1:5;(83 by 49 (1:3,:
`L
`L
`'
`'
`..
`
`'
`
`(21) APPl- ”"4 ”M40521
`(22
`Filed:
`Jiln.2,2002
`{65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2Uti3itll25846 AI Jul. 3. 2063
`7 u)-
`,
`~
`.
`7
`1
`Int. (J.
`(:06ll 17100, (301C -1143
`U.S. Cl.
`70111; 701211; 7011’117;
`
`{51}
`(52
`
`340303; 45554563
`(58} Field of Search 701.11,2.211.
`7011908, 209, 210, 201, 1.17, 118, 1:9;
`3401’902 995.13 995.25 995.27 992 994
`‘
`’
`’
`_’
`’
`’
`988, .990,
`.995; 45514143, 436.2, 456.3,
`4565
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PA'l'EN'l' DOCUMENTS
`
`..
`
`1301221
`5,172,286 A * 1211992 'I‘akahashi
`4551:3360
`9.214.793 A “
`511993 Conway e1 nl.
`3401823359
`3359735615 A * 1031999 Grebe 0| 3"
`
`31:32:23: 31 * @333? granohllllgtifigzzg
`i'
`_.
`-_.
`"
`:reen l eta.
`6,232,874 31 *
`512ml Murphy ................. 340142619
`6,246,948 BI *
`(JIZUIEJI
`'l'hakker
`fill/“)3
`5.246.954 Bl
`61’2le1
`Iiei'slis et al.
`'i‘tlliil’i
`6,317,058 31 * 11121101 Lemelson cl a].
`3401910
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8.!”1993
`“
`4142091
`O'I‘l-Il-ZR PUBLICATIONS
`
`("10861141962
`
`.
`.
`.
`Information Systems Usmg the
`“Developing Traveler
`National I'I'S Architecture," US. Department of 'I'ranspor-
`tation Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program
`Office, Sections 1 and 2 (Aug. 1993).
`the
`“Developing, Trailie Signal Control Systems Using,
`National [Tb- Architeetnre, U..b IIepartm-enl of [Eanspor-
`tation Intelhgent
`lransportalion Systems Joml Irogram
`Ofliee, Section 1 (Feb. 1998).
`
`(”81 continued on nexl page)
`
`Priiiirrry Exaiiiiner—Tan Q. Nguyen
`I74)Atmmefi Agent,
`01* Fina—Buckley, Maschofi' &
`Falwalkar LLC; Stephen C Kautman
`5?
`ABSTRACT
`
`)
`{
`Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a distribution
`of information. According lo one embodiment, vehicle eon-
`lrol information is determined, the vehicle conlrol informa-
`tion being dependent on time in Iormalion, operator
`inlormalion, androi' vehicle inlormation. For example, an
`intersection control signal may be determined. The vehicle
`control
`information is then transmitted to an automobile
`device, which in turn arranges for the vehicle control infor—
`malion lo be provided to an operator. For example, a
`-_
`,
`,
`,
`-
`-
`_
`.-
`,.
`c
`.
`graphl‘fiacli.r"fre’fi”m‘°" "fl an Swami”: Sign” “g“‘il
`may k lSP fly“ on an au “mane Swm S m ‘
`
`22 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`TM
`
`THIRD-Pl RTV '
`
`
`K
`
`
` I
`
`INFORMATION
`SCI-III '1 U LLER
`m
`DEN TRAL
`COMMUNICATION
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`NETWORK
`
`fl
`LE
`
`
`
`IM‘ ORMA‘IION
`CDNTEO LLEfi
`
`m
`
`’ATIIE NT
`DEVICE
`
`fl
`
`
`.._
`lDCATION
`DEVICE
`30
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 3 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 3 of 24
`
`US 6,807,464 32
`
`Page 2
`
`0T1 l ER PU El .1 CW” ()NS
`
`“Traveler Information Services ('I'IS) Executive Summary,”
`Loral AeroSys IBl Group (Dec. 15, 1995).
`“Electronic Highways," Racerchickscorrt (2000), (mortlh is
`not available).
`“GM’s OnStar to Offer Personalized Traflie Info," Info-
`World (Nov. 13, 2000).
`“Webraska‘s 'Artti—Traflic Jarn‘ Mobile Phone WAP Ser-
`
`Webraska Mobile Technologies Press Release (Oct.
`1999)
`David .I. Mulholland, “lntelligenl 'I'ransportalion Systems: A
`Traffic Incident Management Tool," [ntemational Associa—
`tion of Chiefs of Police (Apr. 13, 2001).
`
`1.2,
`
`“Dashboard Display that Tells You the Right Speed Limit,”
`GSM Services, Europolitan (Jan. 25, 2000).
`
`vices to be Olfered by KPN Telecom in the Netherlands,”
`
`* cited by examiner~
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 4 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 4 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 1 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`100
`
`INFORMATlON
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`VEHICLE
`
`DEVICE
`
`1000
`
`00
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 5 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 5 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 2 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`DETERMINE VEHICLE
`
`CONTROL INFORMATION AT AN
`
`INFORMATION CONTROLLER
`
`M
`
`204...._.._..
`
`TRANSMIT THE VEHICLE
`
`CONTROL INFORMATION TO A
`
`VEHICLE DEVICE
`
`FIG. 2
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 6 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 6 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`RECEIVE VEHICLE CONTROL
`
`INFORMATION AT A VEHICLE
`
`DEVICE
`
`PROVIDED TO AN OPERATOR
`
`ARRANGE FOR THE VEHICLE
`
`CONTROL INFORMATION TO BE
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 7 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 7 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 4 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`VEHICLE
`
`CONTROL
`
`1000
`
`INFORMATION
`CONTROLLER
`
`'NFORMAT'ON
`
`VEHICLE
`DEVICE
`
`30
`
`FIG. 4
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 8 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 8 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 5 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 32
`
` REG UEST
`
`INFORMATION
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`fl
`
`VEHICLE
`
`VEHICLE
`CONTROL
`
`INFORMATION
`
`FIG. 5
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 9 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 9 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 6 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 32
`
`REQUEST
`
`INFORMATiON
`
`RESPONSE
`
`VEHICLE
`
`DEVICE VEHICLE
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`CONTROL
`
`INFORMATION
`
`FIG. 6
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 10 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 10 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 7 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`700
`
`THIRD-PARTY
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER OI]
`
` INFORMATION
`
`
`
`CENTRAL
`COMMUNICATION
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`fl
`
`fl
`CONTROLLER
`INFORMATION
`
`30 PAYMENT
`
`
`80la:
`
`
`
`LOCATION
`DEVICE
`
`DEVICE
`
`40
`
`FIG. 7
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 11 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 11 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 8 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`
`DEVICE
`
`82
`
`600
`
`BACK-UP POWER
`
`SOURCE
`
`
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`m
`
`PROGRAM m
`
`
` 900
`
`
`INFORMATION
`
`CONTROLLER DATABASE
`
`FIG. 8
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 12 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 12 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`900
`
`_\‘
`
`
`
`INFORMATION
`INFORMATION
`INFORMATION
`
`
`INFORMATION RULE
`IDENTIFIER
`TYPE
`
`
` 9E!
`
`ggg
`994
`[)6
`
`3101-1
`:Zffiiflg;
`40 MPH
`SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
`
`
`3101.2
`
`5102-1
`
`Pun-1
`
`
`
`ISITISDSIIPMEI;
`
`
`
`
`:ifiit‘EmLE
`
`
`32::ng
`
`
`
`
`MEFNRE'TNR‘ET
`
`
`
`
`
`25 MPH
`
`MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
`
`55 MPH
`
`sow
`
`REGULAR LICENSE
`
`fflfiiififié‘éfié‘
`
`PERMITTED
`
`9:00 AM TD 5:00 PM
`
`
`
`FIG. 9
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 13 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 13 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`Sheet 10 of 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`
`
`
`DEVICE
`
`1020
`
`
`1000
`
`INPUT
`
`
`
`DEVICE
`PROCESSOR
`
`1 10
`
`OUTPUT
`I
`DEVICE
`1050 |
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROGRAM
`1015
`
`
`1200
`
`VEHICLE DEVICE
`
`DATABASE
`
`FIG. 10
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 14 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 14 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`Sheet 11 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`1053
`
`$00
`
`1054
`
`
`
`1055
`
`105?
`
`PARKING
`PERMITTED
`UNTIL 5 00 PM
`
`1052
`
`FIG. 11
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 15 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 15 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,2004
`
`Sheet 12 0f 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`1200 \‘
`
`
`AUTOMOBILE IDENTIFIER: MOUOI
`
`
`DRIVER IDENTIFIER: D1001
`
`
`LICENSE CATEGORY: REGULAR
`
`
`DAYI’DATEI'TIME' MONDAY 1‘ AUGUST 26. 21:11:12;f 11:45 AM
`
`
`
`CURRENT LOCATION: 101 MAIN STREET. NEW YORK. NY
`
`
`_. M _| O
`
`
`CURRENT
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`
`IDENTIFIER
`INFORMATION TYPE
`VALUE
`
`
`
`
`
`1 12
`12.1.6.
`
`
`
`
`S101
`SPEED LIMIT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`P101
`
`ICS101
`
`:
`
`I
`
`
`
`PARKING
`
`PERMITTED
`
`INTERSECTION CONTROL SIGNAL
`
`FIG. 12
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 16 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 16 of 24
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 2004
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`
`RECEIVE INTERSECTION
`
`
`
`CONTROL INFORMATION AT
`AUTOMOBILE DEVICE 1 02
`
`
`
`
`
`OPERATE IN
`
`ACCORDANCE ?
`
`
`
`
`
`1308
`
`DRIVER
`
`
`
`PREFERENCE =
`ALERT ?
`
`TRANSMIT AUDIBLE ALERT T0
`DRIVER
`
`
`1310
`
`
`FIG. 13
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 17 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 17 of 24
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO AN
`OPERATOR OF A VEHICLE
`
`FIELD
`
`2
`dependent on time information, operator information, andior
`vehicle information. The determined vehicle control infor-
`
`mation is then transmitted to a vehicle device. According to
`another embodiment,
`intersection control
`information is
`determined and transmitted to an automobile device.
`
`‘JI
`
`The present it'IVenlion facilitates a distribution of infor-
`mation.
`In particular, according to some embodiments.
`vehicle control information is provided to an operator of a
`vehicle.
`
`IU
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`An operator of a vehicle, such as a driver of an
`automobile, often needs to be made aware of vehicle control
`information. For example. a driver needs to know the speed
`limit of the road on which he or she is currently driving.
`Similarly, a driver approaching an intersection needs to
`know if he or she will be required to slow down or stop at
`the intersection.
`
`To provide this type of information, signs and traffic lights
`are typically placed along a road. For example, a town may
`post a number of speed limit signs along a street and place
`traflic lights at certain intersections. However, such an
`undertaking can be expensive (e.g., the town may need to
`pay a lot of money to install and maintain the signs and
`traffic lights). In addition, too many of these signs (e.g.,
`signs providing speed limits, street names, parking
`regulations, and directions to important locations such as
`hospitals, airports, and police stations) can present a con-
`fusing and unattractive appearance.
`Another disadvantage is that signs need to be replaced
`when information changes. For example, a large number of
`signs may need to be replaced when a city reduces a speed
`limit. Similarly, a town may find it impractical to install
`temporary traffic lights at intersections (e.g., during a parade
`or fair). In the case of tralfic lights, still another problem is
`that a power interruption or an equipment failure can prevent
`drivers from receiving information.
`Moreover, some kinds of information cannot be effec-
`tively provided in this way. For example, a sign indicating
`that one speed limit is in effect on weekdays while another
`speed limit is in efl'ect on weekends might confuse a driver.
`Similarly, a sign indicating that drivers must stop at an
`intersection between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on school days
`might not be understood (e.g., the driver may not know the
`time or whether it is a school day).
`Yet another problem is that the same information must be
`provided to all drivers and (to all vehicles). In some cases,
`however, it may be desirable to provide difl'erent informa—
`tion to diflerent drivers (e.g., a lower speed limit to a driver
`who is learning how to drive) andtor to diiIerent vehicles
`(e.g.,
`tractor trailers may need to yield at a particular
`intersection while automobiles do not}. Similarly, some
`drivers may prefer to receive different information andfor to
`receive information in different ways. For example, one
`driver may prefer to have a five—second “yellow“ traffic light
`indication while another prefers onlyr a three-second indica-
`tion.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`To alleviate problems inherent in the prior art, embodi-
`ments of the present invention introduce systems and meth-
`ods to distribute information, such as vehicle control infor—
`mation.
`
`According to one embodiment, vehicle control infon‘na-
`tion is determined,
`the vehicle control information being
`
`30
`
`4f]
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`no
`
`65
`
`According to another embodiment, vehicle control infor-
`mation is received at a vehicle device, the vehicle control
`information being dependent on time information, operator
`information, andfor vehicle information. It is then arranged
`for the vehicle control
`information to be provided to an
`operator. According to another embodiment,
`intersection
`control
`information is determined and transmitted to an
`automobile device.
`
`time-dependent
`According to another embodiment,
`vehicle control information is determined and transmitted to
`
`a vehicle device. According to still another embodiment,
`operator-dependent vehicle control
`information is deter-
`mined and transmitted to a vehicle device. According to yet
`another embodiment, supplemental vehicle information is
`determined and transmitted to a vehicle device.
`
`invontion comprises:
`One embodiment of the present
`means for determining vehicle control
`information,
`the
`vehicle control in formation being dependent on at least one
`of: (i) time information, (ii) operator information, and (iii)
`vehicle information; and means for transmitting the vehicle
`control information to a vehicle device.
`
`Another embodiment comprises: means for determining
`intersection control infon'nation; and means for transmitting
`the intersection control information to an automobile device.
`
`Another embodiment comprises: means for receiving
`vehicle control information at a vehicle device, the vehicle
`control information being dependent on at least one of: (i)
`time information, (ii) operator information, and (iii) vehicle
`information; and means for arranging for the vehicle control
`information to be provided to an operator.
`Another embodiment comprises: means for receiving
`intersection control information at an automobile device;
`and means for arranging to provide the intersection control
`information to an operator.
`Another embodiment comprises: means for determining
`time—dependent vehicle control information; and means for
`transmitting the time—dependent vehicle control information
`to a vehicle device. Still another embodiment comprises:
`means for determining operator-dependent vehicle control
`information; and means for
`transmitting the operator-
`dependent vehicle control information to a vehicle device.
`Yet another embodiment comprises: means for determining
`supplemental vehicle information; and means for transmit—
`ting the supplemental vehicle information to a vehicle
`device.
`
`With these and other advantages and features of the
`invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the inven-
`tion may be more clearly understood by reference to the
`following detailed description of the invention.
`the
`appended claims, and the drawings attached herein.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION 01" THE DRAWINGS
`
`I is a block diagram overview of an information
`FIG.
`system according to some embodiments of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a llow chart of an information controller method
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a vehicle device method
`according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 4 through 6 are information flow diagrams accord-
`ing to some embodiments of the present invention.
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 18 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 18 of 24
`
`US 6,807,464 B2
`
`3
`
`is a block diagram of an information system
`'7
`FIG.
`according to one embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information controller
`according to an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a tabular representation of a portion of an
`information controller database according to an embodiment
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a vehicle device according
`to an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 11 illustrates some ways in which vehicle control
`information might be provided to a driver.
`FIG. 12 is a tabular representation of a record in a vehicle
`device database according to an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method according to one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Some embodiments of the present invention are directed
`to systems and methods to distribute inforrnalion to an
`operator of a “vehicle.” As used herein, the term “vehicle"
`may be associated with any type of transportation. Examples
`of vehicles include automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles,
`bicycles, airplanes, and boats,
`According to some embodiments, “vehicle control infor-
`mation” is provided to an operator of a vehicle. As used
`herein, the phrase “vehicle control information” may refer to
`any information that can he used by an operator with respect
`to a vehicle. For example, vehicle control information may
`comprise a law, a regulation, or a rule that is applicable to
`an automobile or a driver. In this case, the information may
`be, for example, associated with a country, a state, a county,
`a town, or an employer (e.g., FEDERAL EXPRESS® may
`prevent employees from exceeding a predetermined speed
`limit when driving in New York city). As further examples,
`vehicle control
`information may simply be a suggestion
`{e.g.,
`indicating that an operator may want
`to take an
`alternate route to a destination) or a location (e.g.. the name
`of a street).
`Information System Overview
`Turning now in detail to the drawings, FIG. I is a block
`diagram overview of a information system 100 according to
`some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen,
`an information controller 800 communicates with a vehicle
`device 1000, such as a device mounted in an automobile,
`According to one embodiment, the information controller
`800 transmits vehicle control
`information to the vehicle
`device 1000. For example, the information controller 800
`may be located at an intersection and generate signals to
`control the movement of automobiles through the intersec-
`tion (e.g., as does a traffic light). In this case, the information
`controller 800 might transmit a “red,“ “green.“ or "yellow"
`indication to the vehicle device 1000. The vehicle device
`
`1000 may in turn provide the information to an operator
`(e.g., by displaying an image to a driver). In this way, a
`physical indication (e.g., a Irafiie light) does not need to be
`installed and maintained at the intersection. Note that both
`a physical
`indication and an information controller 800
`could be provided, if desired.
`Infomtalion Controller Method
`FIG, 2 is a llow chart of an information controller 800
`method according to some embodiments of the present
`invention. The flow charts in FIG. 2 and the other figures
`described herein do not imply a fixed order to the steps, and
`embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in
`any order that is practicable.
`
`‘JI
`
`IU
`
`30
`
`4f]
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`oil
`
`65
`
`4
`At 202, vehicle control information is determined. For
`example, the information controller 800 may determine an
`intersection control signal (e.g., as does a traffic light) or an
`applicable speed limit. Similarly, the vehicle control infor-
`mation may represent a stop sign, a yield sign, a railroad
`crossing, or a merge indication (e.g., a periodic signal that
`controls when automobiles are allowed to proceed from an
`entrance ramp to a highway).
`The vehicle control information determined at 202 may be
`associated with any vehicle action that
`is allowed (or
`prohibited). Consider, for example, a street on which traffic
`moves one direction in the morning and the opposite direc-
`tion in the evening (e.g., to accommodate commuters). In
`this case, the vehicle control information could indicate the
`appropriate direction of travel. According to another
`embodiment, the vehicle control information is associated
`with a parking regulation or location information (e.g., a
`street name or directions to the nearest hospital).
`According to some embodiments,
`the vehicle control
`information is “time-dependent.“ For example, the infonTta-
`tion controller 800 may determine vehicle control informa-
`tion associated with a periodic intersection control signal (or
`merge indication). Similarly, the vehicle control information
`maybe associated with a time ot‘day {e.g., a rush hour speed
`limit), a day of week (a "right on red” rule that only applies
`on weekends), andior
`a date (e.g., a holiday parking
`regulation). As one example, the vehicle control in l’onnation
`could indicate one speed limit within a school zone when
`school is in session and another speed limit when school is
`not in session.
`
`the vehicle control
`According to some embodiments,
`information is "operator-dependent." For example, the infor-
`mation controller 800 may determine vehicle control infor-
`mation associated with an operator identifier {e.g., a par—
`ticular driver who has previously ignored an intersection
`control signal may be given a longer “yellow” traflic tight
`indication). The operator identifier may be, for example.
`associated with a drivers license number, a Social Security
`number, a payment identifier, or a communication address
`(e.g., his or her electronic mail address).
`The vehicle control information may also be associated
`with an operator category (e.g., all drivers over a predeter-
`mine age maybe allowed to make a right turn after stopping
`at a “red" traffic light
`indication). The vehicle control
`information may also be associated with an operator license
`(eg. a leamer’s permit), insurance information (e.g., a type
`of insurance policy or how many insurance "points" are
`associated with a driver), andi’or subscription information
`(c.g., indicating that an operator has provided payment for a
`supplemental
`information service). According to one
`embodiment, the vehicle control information is associated
`with an operator’s employer (cg, only FEDERAL
`EXPRESS® drivers may be allowed to park on a particular
`street).
`the vehicle control
`According to some embodiments,
`information is “operator—dependent” because it is associated
`with an operator preference. For example, an operator may
`select a particular way in which he or she likes to receive
`vehicle control information (e.g.. as text, audio, or image
`information) andtor the types of information he or she wants
`to receive (e.g., indicating that intersection control signals
`and speed limits should be always be displayed, but street
`names should only be displayed when outside the driver‘s
`hometown).
`Similarly, an operator may define where a vehicle control
`image should be displayed (e.g., via a dashboard or a
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 19 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1—2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 19 of 24
`
`US 6,807,464 BZ
`
`5
`user~defined area on a windshield) andl’or an indication
`duration (e.g., how long a “stop sign” tone should provided).
`According to another embodiment. the operator defines a
`threshold level associated with the vehicle control informa-
`
`tion. For example, a driver may ask to receive alternate route
`suggestions only when a delay of more than ten minutes is
`predicted by the information system 100. As another
`example, one driver mayr receive all weather reports while
`another driver only receives hazardous weather alerLs.
`According to some embodiments,
`the vehicle control
`information is “vehicle-dependent.” For example, the infor-
`mation controller 800 may determine vehicle control infor-
`mation associated with a vehicle identifier (e.g., a particular
`vehicle may be subject to a reduced speed limit until it
`passes a safety inspection). The vehicle identifier may be, for
`example, associated with a Vehicle Identification Number
`(VIN), a license plate number, or a communication address
`(e.g., a wireless telephone number).
`The vehicle control information may also be associated
`with a vehicle category. For example, a commercial vehicle
`may receive information indicating that it is not allowed on
`a particular street. The vehicle control infon'nation may also
`be associated with, for example. a vehicle weight (cg, a
`vehicle that weighs more than a maximum amount may not
`be allowed on a bridge), a vehicle height (cg, a vehicle that
`is over a maximum height may be unable to pass through a
`tunnel), andt'or item information associated with the vehicle
`(e.g.,
`a
`truck carrying dangerous material may not be
`allowed in a residential neighborhood). According to other
`embodiments, the vehicle control information is "vehicle-
`dependent“ because it is associated with the vehicle‘s owner
`(e.g., the owner’s insurance or subscription information}.
`At 204, the vehicle control information is transmitted to
`a vehicle device. For example,
`the information controller
`800 may transmit
`the vehicle control
`information to a
`particular vehicle device 1000 or broadcast the information
`to a number of vehicle devices 1000. The vehicle control
`
`information may be transmitted, for example, periodically
`(e.g., every tenth of a second), when communication with a
`vehicle device 1000 is possible, based on a location of a
`vehicle device 1000 (e.g., when a vehicle is within five
`hundred feet of the information controller 800), andior upon
`a change in vehicle control information (e.g., when a traffic
`signal indication changes from "red“ to "green”).
`According to some embodiments,
`the vehicle control
`information includes a plurality of vehicle control values
`and associated rules. For example, the vehicle control infor-
`mation may indicate that the speed limit is fifty-five miles
`per hour for driver’s who have a regular driver’s license and
`fifty miles per hour for driver’s who have a learner’s permit.
`In this way, the information controller 800 does not need to
`know any information about a driver (e.g., to simplify the
`processing performed by the information controller 800
`andr'or to protect the privacy of drivers).
`According to one embodiment, the vehicle control infor—
`mation includes associated location information. For
`example,
`the information controller 800 may transmit a
`geographic location (eg, a latitude and longitude or map
`coordinates). a street identifier. or an intersection identifier
`to a vehicle device 1000. The vehicle device 1000 may then
`arrange to display the appropriate information to the opera-
`tor at the appropriate time.
`According to another embodiment, the information con—
`troller 800 also transmits the vehicle control information to
`another vehicle. For example, the fact that a first vehicle is
`subject to a reduced speed limit may be transmitted to other
`
`‘JI
`
`IU
`
`15
`
`3!]
`
`3U
`
`4U
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`oil
`
`65
`
`6
`drivers (e.g., to reduce the chance of an accident) or to a
`police vehicle (cg, to facilitate enforcement of the reduced
`speed limit).
`According to still another embodiment. the information
`controller 800 stores the vehicle control inl‘onnation that is
`
`transmitted to the vehicle device 1000. Such an approach
`may, for example, help with the enforcement of vehicle
`control information andlor a recreation of events that result
`in an accident.
`Vehicle Device Method
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a vehicle device 1000 method
`
`according to some embodiments of the present invention. At
`302, vehicle control information is received at a vehicle
`device 1000. [for example,
`the vehicle device 1000 may
`receive vehicle control
`information from an information
`
`controller 800. The vehicle control information may be, for
`example,
`time-dependent, operator-dependent, andlor
`vehicle-dependent as described in detail with respect to FIG.
`2.
`
`Note that a determination of a specific vehicle control
`value (e.g., a determination that takes into account a current
`time, an operator identifier, or a vehicle category) may be
`made by either the infomiation controller 800 or the vehicle
`device 1000. For example, the information controller 800
`may detect that a particular vehicle is a four-axle tractor-
`trailer {e.g., based on information transmitted by a device
`installed in the tractor—trailer). The information controller
`800 may then select an appropriate speed limit value and
`transmit that value to the vehicle device 1000 {e.g.,
`to a
`computer mounted in the tractor-trailer’s dashboard).
`In another embodiment, the vehicle device 1000 deter-
`mines the specific vehicle control value. For example, the
`information controller 800 may transmit the same set of
`vehicle control values and associated rules to all vehicle
`devices 1000.
`In this case,
`the vehicle device can then
`locally determine an appropriate value (e.g., a computer
`mounted in a tractor-trailer's dashboard may select the speed
`limit that is associated with four-axle tractor-trailers).
`According to one embodiment, the vehicle device 1000
`determines operator information. For example, the vehicle
`device 1000 may determine an operator identifier or cat—
`egory based on a vehicle key (e.g., dilferent electromagnetic
`keys may be associated with different operators), an operator
`license (e.g., inserted into a magnetic card reader mounted
`in the dashboard), andior a biometric identification (cg,
`using a facial recognition process). The vehicle device 1000
`may then transmit this information to the information con-
`troller 800 author use the information to determine an
`appropriate vehicle control value.
`According to another embodiment, the vehicle device
`1000 determines operator preference information. For
`example, an operator mayr configure the vehicle device 1000
`such that (i) intersection control signals are displayed via a
`Head Up Display {I-IUD) on the windshield and (ii) parking
`regulations are displayed via a dashboard panel.
`At 304, it is arranged for the vehicle control information
`to be provided to an operator of the vehicle. The vehicle
`control information may be provided, for example, via text
`information, image information, audio information, dash-
`board information, andi’or HUD information (eg, as defined
`by a manufacturer or a driver). According to one
`embodiment,
`the arranging is further based on location
`information, such as location information determined by a
`Global Positioning System (GPS) device.
`According to some embodiments, the vehicle device 1000
`also compares vehicle operation with the vehicle control
`
`

`

`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1-2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 20 of 24
`Case 6:20-cv-00156-ADA Document 1—2 Filed 02/28/20 Page 20 of 24
`
`US 6,807,464 BZ
`
`7
`the vehicle device 1000 may
`information. For example,
`transmit an alert to a driver when he or she exceeds an
`
`applicable speed limit by more than ten percent (or another
`value defined by the driver). The vehicle device 1000 may
`even arrange for the vehicle to operate in accordance with
`the vehicle control information. For example, the vehicle
`device 1000 may prevent some operators from exceeding a
`pre-determined speed limit (cg, a parent may configure a
`vehicle device 1000 such that his or her children cannot
`
`drive faster than sixty-five miles per hour).
`For reasons similar to those described with respect to FIG.
`2, the vehicle device 1000 may also transmit vehicle control
`information to another vehicle or operator (e.g., to notify
`other drivers or police offices of an operator-specific
`requirement). Note that the vehicle control information may
`also be "transmitted” to another operator, for example, by
`being displayed (e.g., via a display mounted outside of an
`automobile). Similarly, the vehicle device 1000 may store
`the vehicle control information.
`
`Information Flow Diagrams
`
`FIG. 4 is an information flow diagram according to one
`embodiment of the present
`invention.
`In this case,
`the
`information controller 800 transmits the vehicle control
`
`the
`information to a vehicle device 1000. For example,
`information contro