U.S. patent application number 11/890532 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for system and method for delivering information at inaccessible locations.
Invention is credited to Kimberly H. Chandhok, Ravinder P. Chandhok, Glenn R. Toothman.
Application Number | 20080195720 11/890532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25111076 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080195720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toothman; Glenn R. ; et
al. |
August 14, 2008 |
System and method for delivering information at inaccessible
locations
Abstract
Systems and methods of using the systems for delivering
information related to an inaccessible location to individuals at
the inaccessible location are disclosed. The system comprises a
memory device affixed to the inaccessible location, the information
related to the inaccessible location residing on the memory device,
and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory
device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when
positioned at the inaccessible location and communicates the
information to a party located at the inaccessible location. The
system may further comprise a database wherein the information
residing on the memory device is replicated and the database can be
accessed by a user of the system via a suitable communications
medium or combination of mediums. The system may also comprise a
portable memory reading device having a GPS receiver positioned at
an inaccessible location and a database, such that the GPS
coordinates of the inaccessible location are determined by the
portable memory reading device and communicated to the database
over a communications link, and the database communicates the
information related to the inaccessible location back to the
portable memory reading device over the communications link.
Inventors: |
Toothman; Glenn R.;
(Waynesburg, PA) ; Chandhok; Ravinder P.;
(Waynesburg, PA) ; Chandhok; Kimberly H.;
(Waynesburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIBBONS P.C.
ONE GATEWAY CENTER
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
25111076 |
Appl. No.: |
11/890532 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09777729 |
Feb 6, 2001 |
7254666 |
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11890532 |
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09481577 |
Jan 12, 2000 |
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09777729 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 17/0022 20130101;
G06F 16/9537 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/216 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/167 20060101
G06F015/167 |
Claims
1. A system for providing and receiving instructions directly
relating to a stationary item positioned at a remote location,
comprising: at least one processor and memory device, wherein said
at least one processor and memory device is affixed to said
stationary item, the instructions residing on said memory device
and uniquely and directly relating to said stationary item to which
the memory device is affixed; a portable device for wirelessly
uploading and downloading the instructions to and from said affixed
memory device; wherein said at least one processor processes the
instructions to and from said memory device, including processing
for forwarding of the instructions from the associated memory
device to said portable device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one memory device
comprises a contact memory device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one memory device
comprises a programmable read only memory device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one memory device
comprises a weather resistant memory device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the information resides on said
at least one memory device in extensible markup language
format.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the information resides on said
at least one memory device in hypertext markup language format.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a database associated
with said at least one memory device, wherein the information on
said memory device is replicated; and wherein said memory device is
uniquely associated with an identifying code.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the replicated information is
accessed upon receipt of the identifying code the database.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the replicated information is
accessed through an internet.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the replicated information is
accessed through an internet.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the database is communicatively
connected to said memory device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the replicated information is
revised at the database, and wherein the revised replicated
information is communicated from the database to said memory device
via the communicative connection.
13. A system for providing information directly relating to a
stationary dedication at a remote location, comprising: at least
one spatially fixed processor and memory device affixed proximate
to said stationary dedication, the information uniquely and
directly relating to said stationary dedication; a portable device
for wirelessly uploading and downloading the dedication information
to and from said memory device; wherein said at least one processor
processes the information to and from the associated memory device,
including processing for forwarding of the information from the
associated memory device to said portable device.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality
of memory devices comprises a contact memory device.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein said memory device comprises a
weather resistant memory device.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the information resides on said
memory device in extensible markup language format.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein said information resides said
memory device in hypertext markup language format.
18. The system of claim 13, further comprising: a database wherein
the information residing on said memory device is replicated; and
wherein said memory device is uniquely associated with an
identifying code.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the replicated information is
capable of being accessed upon receipt of the identifying code by
the database.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the replicated information is
accessed through an internet.
21. The system of claim 29, wherein the replicated information is
accessed through a telephone network.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the database is communicatively
connected to said memory device.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the replicated information is
revised at the database, and wherein the revised replicated
information is communicated from the database to said memory device
via the communicative connection.
24. An information generator for use at a remote location,
comprising: at least one spatially fixed processor and memory
device affixed at least one remote location, wherein said at least
one memory device includes thereon information uniquely and
directly related to said at least one remote location; a portable
device for wirelessly connecting to said memory device; wherein
said portable device is capable of loading said information
directly related to the associated at least one remote location
onto the associated memory device; wherein, upon establishing a
wireless communicative connection with said associated memory
device, said portable device receives the information for display;
and wherein said associated processor processes the information to
and from said associated memory device, including processing for
forwarding of the information from the associated memory device to
said portable device.
25. The information generator of claim 24, wherein said at least
one memory device comprises a contact memory device.
26. The information generator of claim 25, wherein said at least
one memory device comprises a weather resistant memory device.
27. The information generator of claim 24, further comprising: a
database wherein the information residing on said at least one
memory device is replicated; and wherein said at least one memory
device is uniquely associated with an identifying code.
28. The information generator of claim 27, wherein the replicated
information may be accessed upon receipt of the identifying code by
the database.
29. The information generator of claim 28, wherein the replicated
information is accessed through an internet.
30. The information generator of claim 28, wherein the replicated
information is accessed through a telephone network.
31. The information generator of claim 27, wherein the database is
communicatively connected to said at least one memory device.
32. The information of claim 31, wherein the replicated information
may be revised at the database, and wherein the revised replicated
information is capable of being communicated from the database to
said at least one memory device via the communicable
connection.
33. A method for providing information related to a remote
location, comprising: storing and retrieving information directly
related to a remote location on at least one spatially fixed
processor and memory device uniquely and directly associated with
the remote location, such that said information can be wirelessly
written to and retrieved from said memory device associated with
said remote location at different points in time by a portable
device, and wherein the information is displayed by said portable
device; affixing said at least one memory device at said remote
location, wherein said at least one processor processes the
information to and from the associated memory device, including
processing for forwarding of the information from said at least one
memory device to said portable device.
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising the step of:
replicating the information stored on said at least one memory
device in a database.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of:
revising the replicated information at the database, and
communicating the revised replicated information to said at least
one memory device over a communicable connection between the
database and said at least one memory device.
36. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of:
providing the replicated information over a communication medium
upon receipt by the database of an identifying code, the
identifying code being uniquely associated with said at least one
memory device having the information stored thereon.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
application Ser. No. 09/777,729, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,666, filed
Feb. 6, 2001, entitled `System And Method For Delivering
Information At Inaccessible Locations`, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/481,577, filed on Jan. 12, 2000, the entire disclosure of patent
application Ser. No. 09/777,729 is hereby included by reference
herein as if being set forth in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the delivery of
information, and more particularly to a system and method for
delivering information related to an inaccessible location to
individuals at the inaccessible location.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In common occurrence, many notable locations are physically
removed from easily accessible sources of power and/or
communication, such as electrical outlets and wireline telephone
jacks.
[0004] This is particularly true in the case of cemeteries,
historically significant locations, dedication or donation plaques,
and outdoor, as well as some indoor, equipment. Consequently, it is
difficult to place information about the notable locations and/or
instructions in close proximity thereto and to revise that
information once so placed. In the case of cemeteries, friends and
loved ones typically place memorial and/or genealogical information
such as name, date born, date passed, notable accomplishments,
parents, siblings, children, etc., about the deceased party
directly on the tombstone or other graveyard marker. Friends and
loved ones also sometimes place photographs of the deceased and/or
the family of the deceased on or nearby the tombstone or other
graveyard marker that may or may not have been weatherized in some
form or another.
[0005] In the case of historically notable locations, interested
parties typically place signs, placards, photographs, artist's
renderings, etc., about the historically notable location, that may
or may not have been weatherized, in close proximity to the notable
location. Occasionally, interactive tape recordings and/or videos
are placed in close proximity to the notable location.
[0006] In the case of dedication or donation plaques, interested
parties typically place memorial and/or historical information such
as name, date of dedication, date of donation, notable
accomplishments, etc., about the donating party directly on the
plaque or other marker.
[0007] In the case of outdoor, and inaccessible indoor, equipment,
interested parties typically place manuals, warranties,
instructions, etc., about the equipment that may or may not have
been weatherized in some form or another, or that may or may not
have been treated for extreme indoor conditions, or that may or may
not have been, for example, sterilized for certain
applications.
[0008] In any event, whether the inaccessible location is a
cemetery location, historically notable location, dedication or
donation plaque, indoor or outdoor equipment, or some other notable
but remote or inaccessible location, the need for the information
and any equipment necessary for accessing that information to both
withstand the weather conditions likely encountered at the location
and any attempts to remove them from the location without
authorization severely limits both the amount and types of
information that may be placed at the remote location with current
systems.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of
placing and communicating large quantities and varied types of
information at inaccessible locations that can withstand the
conditions and attempts to remove that information likely to be
encountered at the remote location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a system and method for
delivering information related to a remote and/or inaccessible
location at the inaccessible location. In one embodiment, the
invention comprises a system for providing information related to
an inaccessible location comprising a memory device affixed to the
inaccessible location, the information residing on the memory
device; and a portable memory reading device, separate from the
memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory
device when positioned at the inaccessible location, wherein the
portable memory reading device communicates the information to a
party located at the inaccessible location. In another embodiment,
the invention comprises a system for providing information related
to an inaccessible location comprising a memory device affixed to a
physical object at the inaccessible location, the information
residing on the memory device; a portable memory reading device,
separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information
from the memory device when positioned at the inaccessible location
and communicates the information to a party located at the
inaccessible location; and a database wherein the information
residing on the memory device is replicated; and wherein the memory
device is uniquely associated with an identifying code.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a system
for providing historical information about a historically notable
location comprising a memory device affixed to a physical object
positioned at the historically notable location, the historical
information residing on the memory device; and a portable memory
reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the
historical information from the memory device when positioned at
the historically notable location and communicates the historical
information to a party located at the historically notable
location. In a still further embodiment, the invention comprises a
system for providing memorial information about a deceased party
interred at a cemetery location comprising a memory device affixed
to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location, the
memorial information residing on the memory device; and a portable
memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that
retrieves the memorial information from the memory device when
positioned at the cemetery location and communicates the memorial
information to a party located at the cemetery location.
[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention
comprises a system for providing dedication or donation information
for a substantially complete explanation about the reasons for the
gift at any location, such as a hospital, comprising a memory
device affixed to a physical object positioned at the location, the
dedication or donation information residing on the memory device;
and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory
device, that retrieves the dedication or donation information from
the memory device when positioned at the location and communicates
the dedication or donation information to a party located at the
location. In a still further embodiment, the invention comprises a
system for providing instructions, manuals, and/or warranty
information about indoor or outdoor equipment, such as a lawn
tractor, at any location, comprising a memory device affixed to the
equipment positioned at any location, the instructions, manuals,
and/or warranty information residing on the memory device; and a
portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device,
that retrieves the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty
information from the memory device when positioned at the location
and communicates the instructions, manuals, and/or warranty
information to a party located at the location.
[0013] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention
comprises a method for providing information related to an
inaccessible location, comprising the steps of storing the
information on a memory device, the information being stored in a
format that can be retrieved from the memory device and displayed
to a party with a portable memory reading device, separate from the
memory device, when the portable memory reading device is in close
proximity to the memory device; and affixing the memory device to a
physical object positioned at the inaccessible location. Additional
steps in the method may include replicating the information stored
on the memory device in a database; revising the replicated
information at the database, and communicating the revised
replicated information to the memory device over a communicable
connection between the database and the memory device; and/or
providing the replicated information over a communications medium
upon receipt by the database of an identifying code, the
identifying code being uniquely associated with the memory device
having the information stored thereon.
[0014] Therefore, the present invention provides a system and
method of placing and communicating large quantities and varied
types of information at inaccessible locations, that can withstand
the conditions and attempts to remove that information likely to be
encountered at the inaccessible location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] The invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by
way of example only, in the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a second preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a third preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a fifth embodiment of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system for providing
information related to an inaccessible location in accordance with
a sixth embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other
elements found in a typical information delivery system. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are
desirable and/or required in order to implement the present
invention. However, because such elements are well known in the
art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of
the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not
provided herein.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of an
information generator 1 for providing information related to
inaccessible locations in accordance with preferred embodiments of
the invention. A number of locations 2-3 in a cemetery 10 have
memory devices 2B-3B permanently affixed to tombstones 2A-3A at
locations 2-3 respectively. Cemetery 10 may comprise a catacomb,
cinerarium, crypt, mausoleum, ossuary, sepulcher, tomb, vault, or
any other location where a deceased party may be laid to rest
either temporarily or permanently. A deceased party may comprise
any living organism that has passed, including but not limited to
human beings that have passed. Tombstones 2A-3A may comprise any
type of physical object used to mark the locations 2-3 of deceased
parties within cemetery 10. Memory devices 2B-3B have memorial
and/or genealogical information about the deceased party interred
at locations 2-3 stored therein or thereon. This information may
comprise any information related to the deceased party that a
friend or loved one may find interesting including, but not limited
to the name, date born, date passed, notable accomplishments,
parents, siblings, children, etc., of the deceased party as well as
photographic and artistic images of or relating to the deceased
party.
[0024] In preferred embodiments of the invention, memory devices
2B-3B comprise contact memory devices, and each memory device may
be uniquely associated with an identifying code. Contact memories
generically comprise physical devices that attach directly to an
object and can be read through active or passive contact with a
reading device. Typically contact memories are approximately the
size of a clothing button, and comprise a stainless steel container
housing a small memory chip inside. Information can usually be
written to the contact memory through temporary active or passive
contact with the contact memory as well. In preferred embodiments
of the invention, memory devices 2B-3B comprise an iButton.RTM.
contact memory device, the mechanical and technical standards for
which are available at
http://www.ibuttom.com/ibuttons/stan-dard.pdf, and are incorporated
herein by reference. Memory devices 2B-3B may also comprise, in
addition to contact memories, read only memory (ROM) devices,
electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)
devices, electronically programmable read only memory (EPROM)
devices, random access memory (RAM) devices, static random access
memory (SRAM) devices, static bar codes, or any other device that
is small in size, can be easily and permanently attached to a
physical object, can store large quantities and varied types of
information, and can withstand extreme weather conditions without
losing or damaging the information stored therein and/or thereon.
The information is stored in and/or on the memory device in a
format suitable for the type of memory device used, extensible
markup language or hypertext markup language comprising the
preferred format.
[0025] Referring still to FIG. 1, system 1 further comprises a
portable memory reading device 5. Portable memory reading device 5
may comprise a special purpose computer, a portable general purpose
computer such as a laptop computer, or any other type of portable
computerized device, including a hand-held portable computer, a
wireless communications device, and/or a smart wireless
communications device, that has the ability to read, receive,
and/or display all or a portion of the information stored on memory
devices 2B-3B when placed at locations 2-3 or in close proximity to
memory devices 2B-3B. Typically, portable memory reading device 5
will have an integrated means of reading, receiving, and/or writing
information from or to memory devices 2B-3B. In other cases,
portable memory reading device 5 may have a hand-held probe
attached thereto through some type of serial and/or parallel
electrical connection for reading, receiving, and/or writing
information from and/or to memory devices 2B-3B. The precise means
of reading, receiving, and/or writing of the information employed
is a matter of design choice and will necessarily depend on the
type of memory device 2B-3B employed. Where the memory devices
2B-3B employed are contact memories, a preferred means of reading
and/or writing comprises a single signal plus ground probe, whether
integrated or hand-held, configured to an input/output line of a
microcomputer.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 20 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 21 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the
invention. System 20 comprises a memory device 2B permanently
affixed to post 21 A located at historically notable location 21,
and portable memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B and portable
memory reading device 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1
described above, except that the information stored in and/or on
memory device 2B comprises historical information about
historically notable location 21. Post 21A comprises a stake
anchored to the ground at historically notable location 21, but may
also comprise a sign, lamppost, doorframe, fencepost, cannon, or
any other physical object, whether stationary or movable and
whether permanent or temporary, located at or near historically
notable location 21. Historically notable location 21 comprises any
location physically removed from convenient access to electrical
and/or wireline telephone service that a person may find
historically interesting because of events that have occurred, are
occurring, or may be occurring in the future, and historically
notable information comprises any information about the events that
have occurred, are occurring, or may be occurring at inaccessible
location 21 in the future.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 300 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 340 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the
invention. An inaccessible location is a location that cannot
easily be wired for electricity and/or electronic communication.
System 300 comprises a memory device 2B affixed, such as
permanently affixed, to equipment 320, such as an automobile or a
lawn tractor, or indoor equipment, such as a television or a
stereo, located at any inaccessible location 340, and portable
memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B and portable memory
reading device 5 preferably comprise the same elements as in system
1 described above, except that the information stored in and/or on
memory device 2B includes, but is not limited to, instructions,
such as manuals, and/or warranty information, about the equipment
320. As shown, equipment 320 comprises, for example, outdoor
equipment in the form of a lawn tractor at location 340, but may
also comprise, for example, snow blowers, mulchers, tillers, or any
other physical object, whether stationary or movable, and whether
permanent or temporary, located at or near location 340. Location
340 comprises any location physically removed from convenient
access to electrical and/or wireline telephone service, and
instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information comprises any
information about the equipment at inaccessible location 340.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 400 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 440 in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of
the invention. System 400 comprises a memory device 2B affixed,
such as permanently affixed, proximate to, i.e. on or near, a
dedication or donation plaque 420 or art piece 420 located at any
inaccessible location 440, and portable memory reading device 5. As
used herein, plaque includes any device, item, piece, or mechanism
capable of signifying, for example, a donor's donation, and, as
used herein, a dedication or donation would include the generator
of the dedication, such as the painter of a painting, or the
donator of a painting. Memory device 2B and portable memory reading
device 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1 described above,
except that the information stored in and/or on memory device 2B
comprises dedication or donation information, including a
substantially complete story about why the gift was given by the
donating party to location 440, such as a hospital, or how a gift
was created, such as the artist who created artwork. A dedication
or donation plaque 420 comprises a sign at location 440 as
illustrated, but may also comprise a photograph, engraving,
drawing, painting, or any other physical object, whether stationary
or movable and whether permanent or temporary, located at or near
location 440. Location 440 comprises any location physically
removed from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline
telephone service, and dedication or donation information comprises
any information about the donating party at inaccessible location
440.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 30 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 21 in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the
invention. System 30 comprises memory device 2B, 3B, and 2B'
permanently affixed to tombstones 2A and 3B and post 21A
respectively, tombstones 2A-3A located in cemetery 10 and post 21A
located at historically notable location 21, portable memory
reading devices 5 and 5', and database 31 communicably connected 32
to memory devices 2B, 3B, and 2B'. Memory devices 2B, 3B, and 2B',
tombstones 2A-3A, post 21A, historically notable location 21, and
portable memory reading devices 5 and 5' comprise the same elements
as in systems 1 and/or 20 described above. Database 31 comprises a
single or central database wherein the information stored in and/or
on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' is replicated in whole or in
part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the
information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B'
is replicated in whole or in part.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of
a system 300 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 340. System 300 may comprise memory device 2B permanently
affixed to equipment 320, such as a lawn tractor, portable memory
reading devices 5, and database 31 communicatively connected 32 to
memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B, equipment 320, location
340, and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the same
elements as in the systems described hereinabove. Database 31
comprises a single or central database wherein the information
stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in whole or in
part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the
information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B is replicated in
whole or in part.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 400 for providing information related to an inaccessible
location 440. System 400 may comprise memory device 2B permanently
affixed to plaque 420, plaque 420 located in an inaccessible
location 440, such as a hospital or any other building, portable
memory reading device 5, and database 31 communicatively connected
32 to memory device 2B. Memory device 2B, plaque 420, inaccessible
location 440, and portable memory reading device 5 comprise the
same elements as in the systems described hereinabove. Database 31
comprises a single or central database wherein the information
stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in whole or in
part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein the
information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in
whole or in part.
[0032] In the case where database 31 comprises a plurality of
distributed databases, the plurality of databases may be connected
to one another via an internet connection, limited or wide area
network connection, or some other type of suitable communicable
connection or combination of connections as would be known in the
art, and the information stored in and/or on memory devices 2B, 3B,
and/or 2B' may be replicated on each or some lesser number of the
databases in the plurality. The communicable connection 32 to
memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' may comprise an internet
connection, a limited and/or wide area network connection, a
wireless communications connection, a wireline telephone
connection, or some other type of suitable communicable connection
or combination of connections as would be known in the art. The
replicated information residing on database 31 may be revised at
database 31 and the revised replicated information communicated to
memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' over communicable connection
32.
[0033] In certain embodiments of the invention in system 30, 300,
and 400, communicative connection 32 need not comprise a permanent
communicative connection, as in the case where the information
residing on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B' may be overwritten
with portable memory reading device 5 and/or 5'. In those
embodiments, revised replicated information may be transferred from
database 31 to portable memory reading device 5 and/or 5' over a
suitable connection and subsequently read to memory devices 2B, 3B,
and/or 2B' when memory reading device 5 and/or 5' is placed in
close proximity to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B'.
[0034] In still further embodiments of system 30, 300, and 400,
users of the system may utilize the identifying codes that are
uniquely associated with memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 3B' to
access the replicated information residing on database 31 either
with or without the use of memory reading device 5 and/or 5',
depending on the type of devices employed as memory reading device
5 and/or 5'. A user of the system accesses database 31 through an
internet with a browser or some other suitable form of software, a
telephone connection, including wireless telephone connections, or
any other type of suitable communications medium or combination of
mediums as would be known in the art, provides the identifying code
for the inaccessible location 2, 3, and/or 21 he or she is
interested in receiving information about, and database 31 provides
the replicated information corresponding to inaccessible location
2, 3, and/or 21 to the user over the communication medium employed
upon receipt of the identifying code.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a block diagram of a
system 40 for providing information relate to inaccessible
locations in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention.
System 40 comprises locations 2 and 3 within cemetery 10,
historically notable location 21, plaque location 440, equipment
location 340, memory reading devices 5 and 5', database 32,
communication links 42 between memory reading devices 5 and 5' and
database 32, the Global Positioning System (GPS) infrastructure 41,
and GPS signals 43. Locations 2 and 3, cemetery 10, historically
notable location 21, plaque location 440, equipment location 340,
memory reading devices 5 and 5', and database 32 comprise the same
elements as in systems 1, 20, and/or 30 described above. In system
40 though, memory reading devices 5 and 5' also comprise GPS
receivers, and preferably wireless communications devices or smart
wireless communications devices with GPS receivers integrated
therein. Communication links 42 comprise the same types of
connections a user would employ to access database 32 in system 30,
300, and 400. When memory reading device 5 or 5' is positioned near
cemetery location 2 or 3, historically notable location 21, plaque
location 440, or equipment location 340, memory reading device 5 or
5' determines its position on the surface of the earth through the
use of GPS signals 43 transmitted by GPS system infrastructure 41,
accesses database 32 via communication links 42, and communicates
its GPS position to database 32. Database 32 determines the
inaccessible location associated with the GPS position received
from memory reading device 5 or 5' via communication links 42, in
this case cemetery location 2 or 3 or historical location 21, and
communicates the information related to inaccessible locations 2,
3, and/or 21 to memory reading device 5 or 5' over communication
links 42. The information may then be displayed or communicated to
a user of system 40 located at or near inaccessible location 2, 3,
and/or 21. In some embodiments of the invention, a user of system
40 may be required to initiate access to database 32 over
communication links 42, and/or may be required to provide an
identification number, code or password before the information
related to inaccessible location 2, 3, and/or 21 can be accessed by
and/or communicated to memory reading device 5 or 5'.
[0036] In any embodiment of the invention, including the
embodiments shown and described above, the information related to
an inaccessible location may also comprise, in addition to
information specifically related to the inaccessible location,
data, symbols, codes, and/or other information not specifically
related to the inaccessible location that may be used to access the
information specifically related to the inaccessible location,
whether resident on a memory device at an inaccessible location or
a database located somewhere other than the inaccessible location.
Moreover, the inaccessible locations where the invention may be
employed are not limited to cemetery and historically notable
locations, but may comprise any location that a person may find
notable that is physically removed from easily accessible sources
of power and communication, regardless of whether the climatic
conditions likely encountered would be considered extreme. Thus,
systems and methods for providing information related to an
inaccessible location have been shown and described. Users of the
systems and methods have the ability among other things to store,
receive, and/or revise the information related to the inaccessible
location in a number of ways.
[0037] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present invention. Various modifications to the embodiments
described above however will be readily apparent to those skilled
in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be
applied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
specific systems and methods shown herein but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the claims set forth below.
* * * * *
References