WO1997041513A1

WO1997041513A1 - Geographical exploration system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1997041513A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/006080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce E. Stuckman; William L. Reber; Dale B. Halling; Steven D. Leeke
Original assignee: Motorola Inc.
Priority date: 1996-05-01
Filing date: 1997-04-11
Publication date: 1997-11-06
Also published as: AU2457697A

Abstract

A geographical exploration system has a location server (16) associated with a geographical location. The location server (16) has a communication port (17) for receiving and transmitting a plurality of signals. The location server (16) transmits a signal containing a home page (40) upon receiving an initial query containing a uniform resource locator associated with the location server (16). A postcard generator (60) is coupled to the location server (16). The postcard generator (60) has a number of post cards relevant to the geographical location. The postcard generator (6) transmits a signal containing information on the postcards (76) upon receiving an initial query containing the postcard generators address.

Description

GEOGRAPHICAL EXPLORATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to remote geographical exploration systems and more particularly to a geographical exploration system and method.

Background of the Invention

Mankind has always placed a high priority on travel and geographic exploration. The advent of the modern automobile and airplane have greatly increased the access to travel for the majority of people. Despite this, the time and expense of traveling still limit many people to exploring geographic areas relatively near where they live. A common method of overcoming these limitations has always been to read about the geographic explorations and travel adventures of others. Reading books cannot capture the spontaneity or the visual beauty that makes traveling so exciting. Video documentaries of travel or geographic explorations greatly increase the visual beauty for the viewer, but do nothing to solve the lack of spontaneity. In addition, the viewer cannot control the experience and is forced to travel along the path that the camera chooses for him.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a geographic exploration system; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a geographic exploration system home page;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a post card generator;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multimedia shopping generator;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multimedia tour generator;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a geographical video data generator; FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of geographical exploration; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of operating a post card generator.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a method for a user to explore a variety of geographic locations through a user interface. The user interface provides access to a geographic home page where the user can select from a number of options. The user can purchase and write out a post card from the geographic location. The user can view live video from a camera at the geographic location. The user can choose between numerous multimedia tours related to the geographic location or the user can go on a multimedia shopping expedition.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a geographic exploration system 10. The geographic exploration system 10 has a user interface 12, that in one embodiment includes a computer and a graphics tablet 13. The user interface 12 is connected by a communication system 14 to a destination server (location server) 16 through a communication port 17. The communication system 14 carries a plurality of signals between the user interface 12 and the destination server 16. In one embodiment, the communication system 14 consists of a dial up internet access provider. The user interface 12 is connected to a telephone line (either a POTS line or an ISDN line) that is connected to an internet service provider. The internet service provider then connects the telephone line to the internet communication system.

The destination server 16 is connected to the internet communication system by a high speed line, such as a TI telephone line.

The communication system 14 in another embodiment is a private wide area network using a frame relay or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocol to provide bandwidth on demand. The communication system can be implemented as a switched high speed telephone line over the public switched network (PSTN). Alternatively, a high-speed cable communications network could likewise provide some or all of the functionality ascribed to the communication system 14. Further, any of a wide variety of wireless communication systems are also contemplated in the invention.

The destination server 16 includes a multimedia tour generator 18. The multimedia tour generator 18 is connected to the user interface 12 when the destination server 16 receives one of plurality of signals associated with the multimedia tour generator 18. The multimedia tour generator 18 provides the user with access to a plurality of tours related to the geographic location of the server 16.

The destination server 16 also provides access to a plurality of video data (for instance live camera, video data stream) 20 from the geographic location upon receiving one of the plurality of signals associated with the plurality of video data. A camera 22 is setup at a strategic location at the geographic location. For instance, the camera 22 might be setup to view the Eiffel Tower 24 for a server associated with Paris. Or the camera 22 could be setup in London to view Big Ben. The user can control the camera through the user interface to pan and zoom throughout the area. This viewing coupled with the interactivity of panning and zooming on portions of the image of interest allow the user a greater feeling of "being there" than non -interactive media displays. The use of live video images allows the user to "be there n ow" visually experiencing the sight in a fashion that approximates what he or she would see if they were actually at the geographical location.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera 22 is equipped with one or more actuators that physically manipulate the viewing angle of the camera 22 and selectively adjust the zoom of a zoom lens. In a preferred embodiment, the camera 22 is equipped with a wide-angle lens such as a fish-eye lens and includes a controller in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,185,667, "Omni view Motionless Camera Orientation System" issued February

9, 1993. This system allows users to individually and independently manipulate the video signals produced therefrom so as to electronically pan and zoom etc the video image so that it can be viewed by each user at his or her own perspective. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the video data is a stored video stream produced by the wide-angle system discussed above. In this fashion, a user may have the option of experiencing an event specific to the geographical location that occurred at an earlier time. Even though the user is viewing stored data, the interactive nature of the viewing is not lost. The viewer may still electronically pan and zoom on portions of the video data stream to emphasize the imagery that interests the user. A post card generator 24 is connected to the user interface

12, when the destination server 16 receives one of the plurality of signals (initial query) associated with the post card generator 24 (containing a post card generator address). The post card generator 24 is coupled to a printer 26, and optionally to a postage machine 28 and a delivery system 30. The post card generator 24 allows the user to generate a post card from the geographic location that can be sent anywhere in the world. By use of the user interface, the user can select a desired post card and have his handwritten message printed on the card. Th i s feature allows the virtual traveller to "bring something back" from a trip to remind themselves (or others) that they have been to the faraway place. He or she can send a postcard to himself or herself or to friends and family in order to memorialize his trip.

A multimedia shopping generator 32 is connected to the user interface 12, when the destination server 16 receives one of the plurality of signals associated with the multimedia shopping generator 32. The multimedia shopping generator 32 provides access to a plurality of shops corresponding to the geographic location. Many travelers feel an urge to bring something back from a trip to remind themselves (or others) that they have been to the faraway place. These reminders could be in the form of souvenirs such as t-shirts and mugs that proudly proclaim their location of origin. These souvenirs can also be much more subtle reminders such as expensive site-specific goods, for instance: Irish linens, Shetland wool sweaters, Persian rugs, Colombian emeralds,

Chinese tea, Japanese cameras and electronics, etc. The present invention facilitates such a transaction.

The user transmits a signal (initial query) from the user interface 12 containing a uniform resource locator associated with the location server 16 to receive and display a home page associated with the location server 16. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a home page 40 of the destination server 16. The home page 40 can be displayed on a monitor of a computer. The home page 40 provides a visual representation of the services provided by the destination server 16. The home page 40 announces to the user the geographic location 42 associated with the destination sever 40. The home page 40 provides a plurality of inputs (hypertext markup language icons) 44-50 that are associated with the plurality of signals that connect the user interface 12 to one of the services provided by the destination server 16. When a user activates one of the icons 44- 50, a signal containing a uniform resource locator associated with the service is transmitted. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a post card generator 60. The post card generator 60 is coupled to the destination server 16 by a communications port (I/O port) 62. The communications port 62 transmits and receives a plurality of signals. A controller 64 is coupled to the communications port 62 and controls a printer 66, and optionally a postage machine 68 and a delivery system 70.

The printer 66 has a plurality of input trays 68 each having a separate style of post card. In a preferred embodiment, the user is presented with a visual image of a plurality of postcards and selects the card he or she wants to send by means of the user interface that generates a signal. The printer 66 selects one of the post cards based upon one of the plurality of signals received by the controller 64. The printer 66 prints a handwritten note 72 upon receiving a signal containing a handwritten note from the user interface 12. The user interface 12 in one embodiment includes a graphics tablet 13 for accepting handwritten inputs. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the user enters the note via a keyboard and the printer prints the postcard with a font that simulates handwritten text. The printer 66 also prints an address 74 based on a signal containing the address in either a selected font or in a similar handwritten format.

The post card 76, once printed, can optionally be passed to the postage machine 68 that calculates a correct postage based upon the address. The postage machine 68 then places the correct postage 78 on the post card 76. The post card 76 can then be passed to the delivery system 70, that moves the post card 76 from the postage machine 68 to a place designated for mail pick up. In one embodiment of the present invention, the postage machine and the delivery system are fully automated devices that prepare and transport the postcard to the point of mail pick-up.

This point of mail pick-up could be a box or similar receptacle that collects a plurality of postcards for transportation to a post office. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the steps of applying the correct postage and the delivery to the place designated for mail pick-up are manually performed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the multimedia shopping generator 80. The multimedia shopping generator 80 has a mall page 82 that appears at the user interface 12 and displays a plurality of shops 84-90. A user selects one of the plurality of shops 84-90 by activating (clicking on) a hypertext markup language icon 84-90 on his user interface 12. Once the user selects one of the plurality of shops 84-90, the user can view a plurality of items 92-102. In one embodiment, an audio description 104 of the items 92-102 is provided and background music 106 is also provided. In another embodiment, a video presentation of the items is provided. The user can purchase one of the plurality of items 92-102 by transmitting a signal containing an indication of the selected item and an account information. In one embodiment, the user's account information is encrypted before transmission. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the multimedia tour generator 1 10. The user receives an aerial photograph (photographic image) 112 of the geographic location at the user interface 12 upon the user activating the icon 48 associated with the multimedia tour generator. The multimedia tour generator 110 has a pan feature and a zoom feature that allows the user to navigate through the aerial photograph(s) 1 12. In one embodiment, a plurality of photographs are used to provide adequate detail as the user navigates through the geographic location. A plurality of balloon labels 114, 1 16 are associated with geographically significant sights. In addition, a hyper link hot spot (plurality of hypertext links) 114, 116 is associated with each balloon label. In one embodiment, the balloon labels 1 14, 116 pop up as the user navigates through the aerial photograph 1 12 with a cursor, controlled by a mouse or track ball. The user activates a multimedia tour (multimedia presentation) associated with one of the balloon labels 1 14, 116 by clicking on the hyper linked hot spot. This starts a multimedia presentation of the geographically significant sight. In one embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia tour generator includes links to the video shots, shopping locations and postcards, in a similar fashion. In this manner the user can select shopping and souvenirs, video shots and postcards based upon their association with points of interest within the geographical location.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a geographical video data generator 120. The geographic video data generator 120 has a camera 122 that the user can control through the user interface 12. The user can use the pan feature and the zoom feature to view various parts of the geographic location. A photograph generator 124 allows a user to select a view from the video camera (such as a live video camera) 122 to capture as a photograph (snapshot) 126. An image superimposer 128 allows the user to super-impose an image 128 in the photograph 126. For instance, the user can impose an image of himself or herself in the photograph.

In one embodiment the plurality of video data is compressed before transmission over the communication system 14. The video data is compressed using one of the standard video data compression techniques, such as H.320 or MPEG II. The compressed video data is decompressed at the user interface 12. In one embodiment the user interface 12 is connected to the communication system by an ISDN line, that allows the user to see several frames of video per second. In another embodiment, the user interface is coupled by ethernet-coaxial cable connection. The user interface has cable modem allowing the user to receive the plurality of video data real time.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of geographical exploration. The process starts, step 150, by the user transmitting the uniform resource locator associated with the location server at step 152. The user interface receives and displays the home page associated with the location server at step 154. The user then selects one of the plurality of exploration options at step 156. The plurality of exploration options include a post card generator at step 158. The post card generator 158 allows the user to view and select a plurality of post cards related to the geographic location. A live camera shot can be selected by the user at step 160. A multimedia tour generator can be selected by the user at step 162. A multimedia shopping generator can be selected by the user at step 164.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of operating a post card generator. The process starts, step 180, by the user receiving views of the post card at step 182. The user then selects one of the post cards (a plurality of selection signals) by transmitting a signal associated with the selected post card at step 184. The post card is addressed using a signal containing the address at step 186. A handwritten note received in a signal from the user is printed on the post card at step 188. The post card is then placed for delivery with a mail or delivery service at step

190 and the process ends, step 192, when the post card is received.

A typical geographic exploration using the invention disclosed above allows a visitor to navigate in a virtual environment of actual city such as London. The visitor is presented an image of London from the air. The visitor can pan and zoom in a wide-angle image. A small mouse-controlled arrow is used to designate parts of the city and to control the pan and zoom. As the arrow is swept across the image, labels appear that indicate the arrow's proximity to specific landmarks in the image such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the House of Parliament, the Tower of London, St. Paul's, The Old Bailey, Trafalgar Square, etc. Upon selecting the House of Parliament, the visitor can access a live compressed video from a camera on top of Big Ben that presents a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. By panning and zooming, the visitor can view what is happening — at the moment — in the courtyard in front of the House of Parliament, at Trafalgar Square and the adjacent bridge over the Thames. The visitor then, for a nominal charge, experiences a 10 minute multimedia tour of the House of Parliament that includes such high points as tours and descriptions of the workings of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and a brief story of Guy Fawke. After similar tours of Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of

London, the visitor decides on some shopping. The visitor selects Harrod's department store. He selects and orders a Paddington Bear and Scottish wool cap that looks like it has come from a novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He ventures across the road to the Savoy Tailor's Guild to purchase a white button-down shirt and a regimental tie.

The visitor then rushes to Buckingham Palace for a live feed of the changing of the guard. Unfortunately, the guard had finished their ceremony about 15 minutes ago so he must settle for downloading a recorded version of the ceremony.

Before leaving the city tour, the visitor selects three postcards. The first card, a "Bobby" in full regalia, is sent to his mother and a second card with "beefeaters" and a raven at the Tower of London is sent to his sister. Both postcards have notes that say he is enjoying himself. The third postcard he selects and addresses to himself.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the various methods and systems described herein can be implemented with the aid of a programmed computer system.

This programming and associated computer system including peripheral devices attached thereto can perform the functionality described herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred form specifically set out and described above.

Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A geographical exploration system comprising: a user interface having a plurality of user inputs associated with a plurality of signals; a communication system coupled to the user interface for carrying the plurality of signals; a destination server corresponding to a geographical location, coupled to the communication system and receiving at least one of the plurality of signals; a multimedia shopping generator having a plurality of shops corresponding to the geographical location, coupled to the destination server and the multimedia shopping generator being connected to the user interface upon one of the plurality of signals associated with the multimedia shopping generator being received by the destination server; a postcard generator having a plurality of post cards corresponding to the geographical location, coupled to the destination server and the postcard generator being connected to the user interface upon the destination server receiving one of the plurality of signals associated with the post card generator; a multimedia tour generator having a plurality of tours related to the geographical location, coupled to the destination server and the multimedia tour generator being connected to the user interface upon the destination server receiving one of the plurality of signals associated with the multimedia tour generator; and a plurality of video data of the geographic location, coupled to the destination server and the plurality of video data being connected to the user interface upon the destination server receiving one of the plurality of signals associated with the plurality of video data.

2. The geographical exploration system of claim 1 , wherein a user accesses the destination server by transmitting a signal including a universal resource locator associated with the destination server.

3. The geographical exploration system of claim 1 , wherein the multimedia shopping generator is connected to the user interface upon a user activating a hypertext markup language icon on a home page of the destination server that transmits a signal containing a universal resource locator associated with the multimedia shopping generator.

4. The geographical exploration system of claim 1 , wherein the multimedia shopping generator provides access to one of the plurality of shops by a user activating a hypertext markup language icon associated with the one of the plurality of shops.

5. A method of geographical exploration comprising the steps of:

(a) transmitting a uniform resource locator associated with a location server;

(b) receiving and displaying a home page associated with the location server; (c) selecting one of a plurality of exploration options corresponding to a geographical location;

(d) when a post card generator is selected, receiving an image of a plurality of selectable post cards;

(i) selecting one of the plurality of post cards; (ii) addressing the one of the plurality of post cards; a nd

(iii) preparing the one of the plurality of post cards for delivery.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of addressing the one of the plurality of postcards further includes the step of entering a handwritten note on the one of the plurality of post card.

7. The method of claim 5, further including the steps of:

(e) when a live video camera is selected, receiving a video data stream from a video camera at the geographical location.

8. A geographical exploration system, comprising: a communications port for receiving and transmitting a plurality of signals; a controller coupled to the communications port, responding to and generating the plurality of signals; a printer coupled to the controller, having a plurality of input trays, the printer selecting a post card from one of the plurality of input trays based upon one of the plurality of signals received by the controller; a postage machine coupled to the controller, receiving the post card from the printer, the postage machine calculating a correct postage based on one of the plurality of signals received by the controller containing an address and placing the correct postage on the post card.

9. A geographical exploration system comprising: a location server associated with a geographical location, having a communication port for receiving and transmitting a plurality of signals, the location server transmitting a signal containing a home page upon receiving an initial query containing a uniform resource locator associated with the location server; a postcard generator having a plurality of postcards relevant to the geographical location, the postcard generator being coupled to the location server and transmitting a signal containing information on the plurality of postcards upon receiving an initial query containing a postcard generator address .

10. The geographical exploration unit of claim 9, wherein the postcard generator comprises: an input/output port for receiving and transmitting a plurality of signals; a controller coupled to the input/output port, responding to and generating the plurality of signals; a printer coupled to the controller, having a plurality of input trays the printer selecting a postcard from one of the plurality of input trays based upon one of the plurality of signals received by the controller; a postage machine coupled to the controller, receiving the postcard from the printer, the postage machine calculating a correct postage based on one of the plurality of signals received by the controller containing an address and placing the correct postage on the postcard.