Recreational vehicle interactive telemetry, mapping and trip planning system
Inventors
Koenig, David J. • Herman, Daren W. • Callahan, John W. • Frostad, Todd L. • Wolf, Christopher G. • Fisher, William C. • Weckert, Kim A. • Tharaldson, Joseph D. • Koosmann, Adam C. • Gustafson, Gary L.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12038301-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
An interactive system for use in connection with recreational vehicle usage includes a server system, including an off-road trail database containing trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information, as well as a trip mapping system accessible by any of a plurality of riders, allowing a rider to create a route based on the data in the off-road trip database. The server system further includes a trail maintenance interface accessible by users affiliated with an authorized group to edit the trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information associated with the authorized group. The server system includes a location data management system configured to receive location data, allowing a rider to publish location information to one or more other riders, and a user feedback interface configured to receive trip data from riders for publication, including information describing an actual route and user data associated with that route.
Core Innovation
An interactive recreational/off-road vehicle system is described that includes a server system and an off-road trail database with trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information. Riders interact through mobile and web interfaces to plan routes that consider ride parameters, and the system provides passability confirmations and route variations.
During a trip, the system supports trip mapping and navigation on a multi-function gauge/display, including overlay information such as hazards and weather overlays. The system can publish rider location and support buddy tracking, and it can provide ride feedback/reviews and ratings back through the rider interfaces.
Authorized club members and third-party data providers can update and edit trail data and points-of-interest information via a trail maintenance interface. The system further integrates vehicle telemetry through a mobile device/gauge connected to vehicle control hardware such as an ECU and CAN, and it uses remote connectivity to provide vehicle fault descriptions with remote dealer assistance content displayed to the operator.
Remote connectivity management is discussed in connection with vehicle maintenance/service data, including communications fallbacks. The platform is also described in terms of reservation/check-in/out and fleet/shared-transport concepts, such as fleet maintenance/service alerts and communications that can include vehicle-to-vehicle networking.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 covers a method for facilitating usage of an off-road vehicle by displaying map information for the vehicle and another off-road vehicle/operator, communicating locations and operator information via a communication link, and displaying a vehicle fault description with at least one of text and an image to assist in correcting the fault in a location remote from a dealer. The provided partial claim set identifies multiple dependent refinements associated with map overlays, communication-link type, collision-course notification, remote routing using desired trail parameters with route options, and enhanced second-operator display details.
Remote dealer fault display with second-vehicle operator context
Sending through the communication link of the off-road vehicle information regarding a first location of the off-road vehicle and operator information regarding an operator of the off-road vehicle; receiving through the communication link a second location of a second off-road vehicle and second operator information; displaying on the display a map with the first location, the second location, and the second operator information; displaying a description of a vehicle fault; and displaying at least one of text and an image to assist in correcting the fault in a location remote from a dealer.
Weather-overlay map for selected trail inclement weather
Displaying weather data on a map showing a portion of the selected trail that is experiencing inclement weather.
Satellite communication link
Implementing the method using a satellite communication link.
Collision-course notification for operator safety
Notifying the operator that the off-road vehicle is on a collision course with a second off-road vehicle.
Remote route options based on desired trail parameters
Using the off-road vehicle user interface and a communication link to send desired trail parameters to a remote computer, receive a plurality of route options based on those parameters, display the options on a map on the vehicle display, and receive a user selection of one route.
Enhanced second-operator display details
When displaying information about the second operator on a display, showing the second operator’s name, a photograph, and a ride statistic related to the second operator.
The claim coverage in the provided material centers on a remote-dealer-oriented vehicle fault display combined with map-based display of two off-road vehicles and operator information, communicated through a communication link. Additional refinements identified include weather/inclement-weather map overlays, specifying satellite communication, collision-course notification, remote route generation from desired trail parameters with multiple route options, and expanded second-operator information display including name, photograph, and ride statistics.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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