Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for allowing user to track path of travel over extended period of time

US7123189B2 · kind B2 · utility

135Cited by
12References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 30, 2004
Grant dateOct 17, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 28, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02D10/00
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus (10) and method for allowing a moving user to automatically determine and store locations (11) over an extended period of time, to display the series of such locations (11), and to actively assist in returning to an earlier location. The apparatus (10) includes an antenna (16) for facilitating satellite lock, a fastening mechanism (18) for positioning the antenna (10) for best reception, and a satellite lock indicator (20) for communicating loss of satellite lock. The apparatus (10) also includes a timer (26) for measuring an interval during which the apparatus (10) is in a power-conserving sleep mode, and after which the user's current location is automatically determined. Active assistance in returning to an earlier location, either by traveling back along the path earlier traveled or by traveling along a more direct route, is accomplished by warning the user whenever the user's course deviates from the path or route.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.