A computing device for displaying directional information and method therefor

Abstract

A navigation system includes a processor configured to obtain identifying information from a user and determine a destination to send the user to based on the identifying information. A path from the user to the destination is determined based on the location of the user and a direction determined from the user to the destination based on the path. The direction is displayed 115. A further disclosure includes a computer to pair with a mobile device, generate a visual signal using at least one LED; and indicate the visual signal being displayed on the computer device on a screen of the mobile device. A yet further disclosure comprises providing passengers visual guidance information in order to help direct them to their intended destination by obtaining identifying information from a passenger thereby determining their intended destination within a transportation hub. A path from the passenger to the destination is determined based on the location. Also disclosed is a security gate for selectively allowing a user to pass through, including a projection display means 110 for projecting an image onto a first surface and a second surface.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a wayfinding device to provide a user with directional information. In particular, but not exclusively, it is concerned with providing directional instructions to a user passing through an airport, but can also be applied to other venues such as train stations, concert venues, hospitals, or more. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, there is a lack of tools necessary to ensure travellers passing through a location (e.g. on their way to a boarding gate for a flight) are provided with clear and accurate directions to their sought after destination.

[0003] With the number of travellers seeking to travel by plane having risen substantially in recent decades, older airports in particular struggle to contain the increasing numbers of passengers.

[0004] One particular issue which exacerbates this congestion is the lack of clear directions in many airports. Airports may have generic signs indicating the general directions of different gates, but this information may be difficult to see if the signs are small, or if the traveller is under particular stress due to time constraints. Additionally, this information is not tailored to a specific passenger.

[0005] In addition, whilst these signs may indicate direction, they often contain no information regarding how far away said gate is, thereby making it difficult for a traveller to know whether they risk running late. Additionally, there is no way for such static signs to account for queues ahead, which may increase the time a passenger takes to reach their gate.

[0006] One unwanted side-effect caused by this passenger confusion is the occurrence of so called “gate-huggers”. These are passengers who pass through the airport, go straight to their gate, and just wait there until they can board their plane. The result of such behaviour is that instead of having passengers spread evenly throughout the airport in shops, restaurants, and other spaces, many passengers instead congregate near their gate. The result is that the gates often become congested, leading to unnecessary queues and an overall unpleasant experience for passengers.

[0007] Additionally, passengers are less likely to spend money in the airports shops and restaurants if they are instead rushing through to their gate. This therefore reduces an important revenue stream for airports.

[0008] Many touchscreen systems to aid passengers in manoeuvring around an location are known. However, these are often lacking in features and unable to provide directions to a gate which are passenger specific, instead often only providing a digital map without passenger specific directions. These also require that the user seek them out, figure out how they work, and invest additional time when they may already be stressed and short for time.

[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide a system which provides a traveller with personalised directions to their destination, preferably as a function of existing passenger self-service processes and without requiring any additional effort from the passenger. This ensures that the traveller is aware of where they should go next, avoiding additional stress, traveller congestion, and loss of airport revenue.

[00010] Additionally, queuing issues may arise where passengers need to use a computing device (e.g. a ticket machine, self-service check-in machine, a kiosk). At peak times, the number of passengers required to use a computing device may outstrip the number of available computing device’s, leading to large queues forming. This can have the disadvantage of passenger’s needing to wait in large queues - which can lead to an unenjoyable experience - and also reduces the amount of time passengers can spend in the airport’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, leading to reduced airport revenues.

[00011] It is therefore also desirable to provide a system which can allow for passengers to queue for kiosks virtually and be alerted when a kiosk becomes available for their use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00012] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[00013] According to one aspect, there is computing device comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to execute instructions causing the computing device to perform the following steps: obtaining identifying information from a user; determining a destination to send the user based on the identifying information; determining a path from the user to the destination based on the location of the self-service device; determining a direction from the user to the destination based on the path; and displaying the direction to the user..

[00014] By providing a computing device able to determine a path from the user to their desired destination, a user can be provided with personalised instructions on reaching their destination. This can be advantageous when compared with standard static signs for many reasons; for example, a user may not be able to spot the sign pointing towards their destination. By displaying a personalised directional instruction to the user on how to reach their destination, the users ability to find their destination quickly and worry free is improved.

[00015] Additionally, the user may not even know what sign they should be looking for (e.g. they may not have spotted their destination on their ticket). By providing directional instructions based on identifying information obtained from the user, directional instructions can still be provided even if the user themselves does not know where they need to go next. This may be achieved in many different ways such as scanning the user’s ticket, boarding pass, passport, performing a biometric scan, or in any other such way. Airport passenger processing technologies are already aware of the linkages between tickets, forms of ID, and flight information. Providing any one of these, either directly, or via rapid identification tools like biometrics (which are linked to those forms of ID and tickets), makes it possible to proactively provide timely and accurate information about the next step in the passenger’s journey tailored to that passenger.

[00016] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise: a projection display; and the direction from the user to the destination is displayed via the projection display.

[00017] By providing a projection display to display directions to the users, the directions can be projected on any surface, including floors, e-gates, walls, and so forth. This can allow for a more interesting visual presentation to the user, but can also allow for more control over the display. For example, it may be more visually intuitive for an arrow to be projected onto the floor for a user to follow. Additionally, it can be easier to move where the directions are displayed if needed. For example, if a barrier is placed on the floor, the projection device can simply be turned to another location to allow the system to continue working; it is not difficult to relocate.

[00018] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise a flat panel display; and the direction from the user to the destination is displayed via the flat panel display.

[00019] By providing a flat panel display to display directions to the users, improved visual fidelity can be achieved. Flat panel displays may achieve higher visual contrast and fidelity. In places such as airports, which are often brightly lit, flat panel displays can provide the user with a clear display of their directional instructions. Additionally, many airports and train stations often already have numerous flat panel screens present on their premises. This can make it easier for the computing device to be integrated into existing infrastructure.

[00020] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise a self-service device at which the passenger data is being processed; wherein the computing device uses components of the self-service device to execute the instructions; and wherein the self-service device may optionally be one of a security gate, a ticket scanning entry gate, an e-gate, a kiosk, or an agent workstation.

[00021] It can be beneficial to integrate the computing device with a self-service device such as a security gate, a ticket scanning entry gate, a kiosk, or an agent workstation. These devices may already be located at airports, making integration easy to achieve. Additionally, the computing device, as well as its needed power and data, can be supplied by the device at which the passenger data is being processed, negating the need for external screens or computers.

[00022] One particular advantage is that these self-service devices may already require the user to provide some identifying data (e.g scanning a boarding pass to get through a security gate). This can allow the provision of directional instructions to be seamlessly integrated into a user’s passage through an airport. Instead of the user waiting until they are lost before finding a computing device to provide directions, the device can be placed alongside self-service devices the passenger will need to pass through anyway. This can help guarantee directional instructions are provided to the passenger at timely intervals.

[00023] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise the computing device displaying one or more of directional arrows, walking distances, gate numbers, and current flight status.

[00024] It can be beneficial to display one or more of directional arrows, walking distances, gate numbers, and current flight status to a passenger. Directional arrows can provide a passenger with clearer, more intuitive directional instructions to follow. The advantages of this can be increased further when combined with 4 projection display, which can be used to display directional arrows that the user may walk across to follow.

[00025] Walking distances can provide a user with an estimate of how far they need to travel to reach their flight, and therefore gives the passenger an idea of how much free time they have before their flight leaves. If time is short, then the passenger knows they must hurry to their gates, thereby reducing the risk the passenger misses their flight. If the passenger has lots of time then they are more likely to visit shops and attractions, thereby spending more money at their airport.

[00026] Informing a user of their gate may be beneficial, as this information is often not included on their ticket or boarding pass.

[00027] Informing a user of the current flight status is also beneficial in allowing the user to know whether their flight is delayed or cancelled, and therefore whether they have free time, or need to rush to their gate. This can avoid the passenger needless stress of rushing through the airport unnecessarily.

[00028] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise displaying an estimated walk time for the user to reach their destination.

[00029] Informing a user of the estimated walk time to reach their gate can also be beneficial. This gives the passenger an idea of how much free time they have. If time is short, then the passenger knows they must hurry to their gates, thereby reducing the risk the passenger misses their flight. If the passenger has lots of time then they are additionally more likely to wander around the airport and visit shops and attractions, thereby spending more money at their airport.

[00030] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise the estimated walk time being updated using queue data.

[00031] Updating the estimated walk time using queue data can beneficially provide more accurate information for a passenger to determine how long they have to reach their gate. The time it takes to pass through the airport and reach a gate can be heavily dependant on how busy the airport is and the size of queues at particular chokepoints (e.g. at security gates). By collecting data relating to queue sizes and updating estimated walk times based on this information, a passenger can be provided with more accurate timing information, and are therefore less likely to miss their flight. Additionally, if the passenger is more sure of the accuracy of the time estimate, they are also more likely to spend some of their additional time in shops and attractions.

[00032] According to another aspect, the computing device may further comprise the queue data being obtained using at least one camera placed along the path 5 from the user to the destination, which is used to estimate the number of people in queues along the path; and using the number of people in queues to estimate the walk time.

[00033] Obtaining this queue data can beneficially allow for real time estimates of passenger numbers to be obtained, thereby making for more accurate estimates.

[00034] According to another aspect, if an estimated walk time along a first path if larger than a threshold, the user is directed down a second path with an estimated walk time less than a threshold.

[00035] A particular issue for passenger travelling through an airport is that they may risk missing their flight due to the time burden associated with checking bags, passing through security, finding their gate, etc. If the device determines that the estimated time for a passenger to reach their destination exceeds a threshold (resulting in the user having a small or no amount of time to reach their flight) then the device may redirect the passenger to an alternative route which is quicker to potentially help the passenger reach their flight in time.

[00036] According to another aspect, if the difference between flight departure time and passenger walk time is less than a certain threshold, the displayed graphic may indicate urgency, preferably by flashing and / or changing colour to red.

[00037] Providing a visual indication that a passenger is at risk of missing their flight can also be beneficial, and reduces the risk of the passenger actually missing their flight.

[00038] According to another aspect the computing device may further comprise determining what attractions the user will pass following the directions provided; and displaying an advertisement associated with the attraction to the user.

[00039] It can be advantageous to display advertising information based on the attractions the user will pass along the path to their next destination. This can help encourage the passenger to visit certain shops or restaurants, and thereby increase the likelihood of them spending money at the airport.

[00040] According to another aspect the destination is an airport gate or train station platform.

[00041] The invention is particularly advantageous when used to direct a passenger to an airport gate or train station platform. These locations are often close to a number of other gates I platforms, which can make it difficult for a passenger to find their gate / platform. Additionally, airports and train stations typically have many of the features discussed above, such as chokepoints in the form of security gate and ticket gates.

[00042] According to another aspect the destination is a seat.

[00043] It can also be advantageous to direct a passenger to a seat. This may be a particular seat in the airport lounge for them to wait at whilst waiting for their plane to begin boarding, or alternatively might be directions to their assigned seat on the plane. This can have the benefit of allowing the airport to spread passengers around, avoiding congestion and overcrowding at certain points.

[00044] Additionally, whilst the aforementioned discussion has focussed on airports, such as device could also be used at live music or sports venues. These venues often have many of the aforementioned beneficial features (e.g. security and ticket gates). Providing a system which can direct a user directly to their seat could be beneficial in ensuring that users can find their seats quickly and easily, reducing the time for people to find their seats.

[00045] According to another aspect the identifying information is obtained from one or more of a boarding pass, a passport, or a biometric scan.

[00046] It can be advantageous to obtain the identifying information from one or more of a boarding pass, a passport, or a biometric scan. Firstly, there may be situations where the passenger is unaware of what gate they need to go to - having the ability for their destination to be determined automatically by scanning a document or performing a biometric scan can ensure the passenger is still provided with accurate directions. Additionally, in certain advantageous embodiments the wayfinding kiosk is located alongside a check-in kiosk, where the passenger is already required to scan a document (e.g. a boarding pass to get through security). Using this already supplied information to determine directions can save time for the passenger.

[00047] According to another aspect determining the destination to send the user comprises: determining a flight the passenger is booked on using the identifying information; retrieving information regarding the flight from an Airport Operational Data Base.

[00048] The use of an Airport Operational Data Base allows the wayfinding kiosk to access various up to date information regarding flights in the airport, and allows for accurate information to be provided to the passenger.

[00049] According to another aspect the direction is displayed in response to the user scanning a boarding pass, a passport, or a biometric scan.

[00050] When passing through an e-gate, a user may let the device know that they wish to pass through by performing a scanning process (e.g. scanning their passport to allow the system to verify their identity). The device may use this as a trigger to begin displaying directions to the user before they pass through the gate and need to find their next destination.

[00051] According to another aspect the direction is displayed in the form of an arrow, and the arrow is configured to point in the direction the user should travel in.

[00052] It may be intuitive to display directions to the user in the form of an arrow to follow. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when used with a projection display unit, as the arrow can be displayed on the floor for a passenger to directly follow.

[00053] According to another aspect a nationality of the user is determined based on the identifying information, and the direction is displayed in a language chosen based on the nationality of the user.

[00054] Passengers travelling through an airport will often come from all over the world, and therefore have varying abilities in different languages. By obtaining information from the passenger it is possible to determine their nationality automatically, without requiring them to manually select their nationality I known languages. The device can then display information to the user based on their nationality. This is both convenient for the user but also improves the speed with which passengers can be processed (as they do not have to manually select anything).

[00055] According to another aspect a nationality of the user is determined based on the identifying information, and the direction is determined based on the nationality of the user.

[00056] Similarly, the determined nationality of the user can be used for other purposes. For example, airports often have separate passport control areas depending on the nationality of the passenger (e.g. an EU passport control area and a “rest of the world” passport control area). The device can determine which of these areas a user should be sent to based on their nationality I passport information. This can improve passenger throughput and can help avoid passenger from being sent to the wrong area of the airport accidentally.

[00057] According to another aspect a computer device may be provided, configured to: pair with a mobile device; generate a visual signal using at least one LED; and indicate the visual signal being displayed on the computer device on the screen of the mobile device.

[00058] It can be advantageous to provide a user with the ability to identify a kiosk they have been assigned without needing to be physically located at the kiosk. This is particularly beneficial if there is a backlog of customers waiting to use a kiosk. 8 Instead of having the passengers form a physical line, they may form a digital line by pairing their phone with a kiosk, which may then call the passenger to use the kiosk when it is their turn. This has the added benefit of allowing the passenger to walkaround the airport during their wait, making them more likely to spend money at their airports restaurants and shops.

[00059] According to another aspect the computing device is located alongside at least one other computing device.

[00060] It can be advantageous for the kiosk to be located alongside at least one other kiosk device. By having a bank of kiosk devices, the user may have a number of kiosk that they may be paired with. For example, a group of users may form a digital waitlist, and are then assigned a kiosk in order when a kiosk from the bank of kiosks become available. This can help reduce time spend waiting and improve passenger throughput.

[00061] According to another aspect the computing device includes at least two coloured LEDs.

[00062] It can be advantageous to include at least two coloured LEDs. This can allow a more visually striking pattern to be generated making it more likely a user spots the kiosk they have been assigned, reducing wait times. Additionally, including more coloured LEDs increase the number of unique patterns which can be created, increasing the number of kiosks that can be kept in close proximity without risk of passenger confusion.

[00063] According to another aspect the two coloured LEDs flash in a repeating pattern.

[00064] Including the ability for the LEDs to flash in a repeating patterns also provides advantages. As above, the flashing pattern can allow for a more visually striking pattern to be created, and increases the number of unique patterns which can be generated.

[00065] According to another aspect the mobile device screen is configured to display the colours and flashing pattern associated with the computing device.

[00066] By displaying the colours and flashing patterns used by the paired kiosk, it is easier and more visually intuitive for a user to determine which kiosk they have been assigned. This is particularly important when flashing patterns are used to distinguish between kiosks using the same colour scheme.

[00067] According to another aspect the computing device sends a signal to the mobile device causing the mobile device to vibrate when the computing device is available for use.

[00068] The addition of vibrations to the users mobile device can help to indicate that a kiosk has now become available for the user. This can reduce the need for the user to continually look at their mobile device screen in.

[00069] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a security gate for selectively allowing a user to pass through which varies a projection display to display on a first and second surface.

[00070] The use of a projection display adapted to adjust focal distance between a first and second surface is beneficial as it allows the projection display to automatically adjust and transition between surfaces as a user passes through the security gate.

[00071] According to another aspect the gate includes two barriers which are spaced apart and a blocking means in the form of a gate panel. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface is located on the blocking means and the second surface on the floor.

[00072] This is a typical form of a gate which is particularly beneficial as the use of a gate panel provides a good surface for projecting an image onto - it is in front of the viewer in a clear, visible place. As the gate panel is moved out of the way to allow the user to pass through, the image can then be displayed on the floor in front of the user. This beneficially helps the user to see that the gate has been opened, whilst continuing to display the image clearly in the user’s line of sight.

[00073] According to another aspect the projection display is configured to move the image along the second surface such that whilst the image is displayed on the second surface it is always visible and in focus to the user.

[00074] The benefit of this is that the user can walk through the gate without needing to wait in place to read the image, thereby holding up the line. Instead, the user can begin walking through the gate and the image will follow the user and remain in focus for them, giving them time to read the image as they pass through the gate.

[00075] According to another aspect, the content of the image displayed is chosen based on the identifying information obtained from the user.

[00076] This beneficially allows the displayed information to be targeted to the user. For example, if the user scans their ticket, the image displayed can be tailored to direct the user to their destination. Alternatively, the image displayed may be an advertisement for a shop next to the user’s destination. Alternatively, if the information includes a user’s nationality, the image may be displayed in a language likely to be understood by that person. The benefits of doing this are that the image displayed can be better suited to target the particular user, and provides a beneficial mechanism for deciding what information should be displayed.

[00077] According to another aspect, the image displayed on the first surface is different to the image displayed on the second surface.

[00078] Changing the image displayed to the user can be beneficial. For example, the first image displayed whilst the gate is closed may include instructions for the user on how to use the security gate, and may be coloured red to indicate the user cannot pass through the security gate yet. Once the user has scanned their passport and is allowed to pass through the gate, the image may switch to green to indicate the user can now walk through the security gate, and display information such as directions to the user’s destination. Switching the image displayed in this way can beneficially tailor the image to the user’s current situation, allowing more relevant information to be displayed to the user.

[00079] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the one or more embodiments of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments can be employed and the described embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00080] The following description is made with reference to airports, airport departure gates, and passengers by way of example only. However, embodiments may advantageously be used in any venue including and not limited to train stations, concert venues, hospitals, and so on. Further, embodiments of the invention may be used in any other setting where a user wishes travel to a particular location.

[00081] In order to best describe the manner in which the above-described embodiments are implemented, as well as define other advantages and features of the disclosure, an exemplary detailed description is provided below and is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[00082] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an e-gate including a projection display unit.

[00083] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of a wayfinding kiosk alongside a check-in kiosk.

[00084] Figure 3 shows schematically illustrates an example of a wayfinding kiosk which includes projection equipment.

[00085] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of units comprising an e-gate or wayfinding kiosk.

[00086] Figure 5 shows a schematic example of a map of an airport which may be displayed to a user, e.g. via wayfinding kiosk.

[00087] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating steps which may be performed to generate a display to a passenger.

[00088] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of band of devices (such as kiosks) and an associated mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00089] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods and arrangements are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components, configurations, and steps may be used without parting from the scope of the disclosure.

[00090] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a passenger processing station in the form of a e-gate.

[00091] Within an airport, in order for a passenger to reach their plane, they will need to pass through many different areas of the airport such as a parking area, a baggage check-in, a security area, a concourse including shops and restaurants, and a terminal which includes departure gates.

[00092] Passage through these areas can be difficult for passengers. Airport signage is often non-existent, poorly placed, or passengers just don’t see it. They also may not know, or may have forgotten their exact gate. These issues can be emphasised by the stress if a passenger is at risk of missing their flight.

[00093] Existing e-gates may be found within airports, for example in passport security areas, to check if a user is allowed access to a certain part of the airport before admitting them. The e-gate may use a passport scanner, biometric scanner (for example voice recognition, fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or iris recognition), or other method for identifying the user.

[00094] Often, once a user has passed through an e-gate, it is not always evident where they next need to go.

[00095] As a solution to this problem, an e-gate may be provided for customer use which uses a projector or other device to display directional instructions to the user. This solution can give them wayfinding information tailored to their exact needs at that moment in their journey.

[00096] The e-gate may include some or all of a projection system 110, a display screen, means for connecting to an intranet or the internet, and a power supply.

[00097] The projection system 110 can be used to display useful information to a passenger travelling through an airport. This can be used to project timely, dynamically personalized text and visual information 115 on a visible surface as they proceed through these the airport. This may be done automatically as a passenger passes through a checkpoint or e-gate 100, or may require a passenger to manually interact with a wayfinding kiosk 200 to request information.

[00098] The language the information is displayed in may be set depending on the country the device is located in. Alternatively, the display language may be customised based on the nationality of the user. Such information may be obtained via the users passport or in any other suitable way. For example, the user may scan their passport when passing through an e-gate device. The device may recognise that the passport in a British passport, and choose to display the information in English.

[00099] Figure 2 displays a related wayfinding kiosk 200, which a user may manually request information from. [000100] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the projections system which may be used in wayfinding kiosk 200. [000101] A wayfinding kiosk may be placed throughout the airport. Unlike the e-gate example provided above, the wayfinding kiosk may be an optional device for a passenger to use. For example, the wayfinding kiosk may be placed in an airport terminal. If a passenger is having difficulty finding their gate, they may interact with the wayfinding kiosk to have it provide directional instructions. [000102] It may be advantageous to place the wayfinding kiosk near features or devices which see heavy foot traffic, to make it easier for lost passengers to easily find and interact with the wayfinding kiosk. [000103] For example, a wayfinding kiosk 200 may be attached (or located near) to a check-in kiosk 250 of some sort. Such check-in kiosks may be used to check in bags, or take the form of security or border control gates. [000104] The e-gate and / or wayfinding kiosk and / or the check-in kiosk may include a scanner capable of scanning a bar code, QR code, or other symbols from a 13 boarding pass or other document. This may be used to provide the device with identifying information from the passenger. [000105] In order for the e-gate or kiosk to display personalised information to the passenger, it must be supplied with identifying information to allow it to determine the passengers destination. This may be achieved in many ways: by presenting one’s face to a biometrics camera to the e-gate or kiosk, by scanning a boarding pass via an attached e-gate, by a local peer-to-peer electronic transaction using a mobile phone, for example using Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth radio data exchange, device visual read or display of QR Code, or other means. It may also be accomplished by the passenger manually typing in their destination (e.g. their gate number). In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the e-gate or wayfinding kiosk may obtain the identifying information from a nearby check-in kiosk. For example, as a passenger passes through the airport, they may be required to scan identifying documents (e.g. passport, boarding pass, and so on) in order to pass through to the next section of the airport. [000106] The e-gate or wayfinding kiosk may be placed alongside other such devices in a cluster, and connected to any of the others (physically through wiring or wirelessly such as over the internet). When the passenger scans their identifying documents to pass through the e-gate or check-in kiosk, identifying information data may automatically be passed to other e-gate or wayfinding kiosk devices in their expected path, allowing directional information to be displayed to the passenger without them needing to explicitly request it. [000107] Such a system has the benefit of allowing directional information to be displayed to the passenger before a problem arises (e.g. before they become lost in the airport) thereby helping to reduce passenger time spent lost and improving passenger throughput. [000108] Information may be displayed to the passenger via a projection display unit 110, 210, or via a display screen 220. [000109] In certain embodiments, it is preferred for the computing device to display the instructions via the screen of a mobile device, such as a user’s mobile phone. This may be achieved via a connection using an app downloaded to the users phone, via Bluetooth, or any other such suitable method. Directional information can then be displayed directly onto the user’s phone. This is beneficial in may ways - by displaying the information on a mobile device, the user is able to carry the directional instructions around with them which can be updated as the passenger moves through the airpot, reducing the frequency with which a user must find a 14 kiosk or computing device. Additionally, the screen of a mobile device is typically more private than a computer display screen, and therefore aids in protecting user privacy. [000110] The information displayed 115, 215 may include content such as directional arrows, walking distances / times, gate numbers, current flight status, advertising, and so on. [000111] This information could be projected on any surface, including floors, e-gate surfaces, walls, and so forth. The projection device, as well as its needed power and data, can be supplied by the device at which the passenger data is being processed, negating the need for external screens or computers. [000112] In the event that difference between a passenger’s flight departure time and passenger walk time is less than a certain threshold (e.g. the difference is less than ten minutes), the wayfinding kiosk may be configured to indicate this to the passenger in some way. For example, the wayfinding kiosk display may change colour (e.g. the display may become red) or flash to highlight to the passenger that they are at risk of missing their flight. [000113] Figure 4 provides an illustrative diagram of the various component parts and units which may be found within an e-gate 100, wayfinding kiosk 200, or other such device. [000114] As discussed above, the device may include a projector 310 or display 320 to display information to the user. [000115] The device may include a processor 330 capable of running computations. The device may include a memory 360 storing instructions 365. The processor 330 may execute the instructions 365 stored on memory 360 in order to cause the device to perform the methods and processes described within this application. [000116] The device may further include a transmission unit 350, capable of connection the device to external data sources. For example, the transmission unit may connect the device to a local device such as a check-in kiosk or e-gate, or may connect the device to a database stored on the cloud, such as a an airport operational database (AODB). [000117] An Airport Operational Database (AODB) is a system that collects some or all of the flight-related data of an airport. It is typically positioned as the main data storage to supply consistent and reliable information to airport stakeholders. [000118] The transmission unit 350 may achieve these connections physically through wiring or wirelessly such as over the internet, Bluetooth, NFC, or any other suitable medium. [000119] A central databus 360 may be used to connect the various units described herein and allow them to exchange data. [000120] Whilst not shown in figure 4, the device may also include a scanning device (such as a bar code scanner, QR code scanner, or other scanner relying on visual detection) suitable for scanning tickets or boarding passes. The device may use the scanner to obtain information from the user in order to determine their destination when calculating directions. [000121] Whilst the components displayed in figure 4 may be found in a single device, they may alternatively be spread across two or more connected devices. In one example, a wayfinding kiosk 200 may be connected to a check-in kiosk 250 as shown in figure 2. In this example, parts of the memory 360, processor 330, display 320, and projector 310 may be part of the check-in kiosk 250, but that the wayfinding kiosk 200 is able to communicate with and use. [000122] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of a wayfinding kiosk display screen. [000123] The wayfinding kiosk may display a schematic map of the airport for the passenger. This may include showing where the passenger and wayfinding kiosk currently are, any relevant security checkpoints the passenger will need to pass through, shops and attractions that the passenger may pass along their way, and the location of their final destination / gate. [000124] At particular chokepoints - areas where the passenger will need to pass through - such as a security checkpoint, the wayfinding kiosk may also display queue information (e.g. how long it estimates the passenger will need to wait in the queue). [000125] Information such as estimated walk time and queue wait times may be updated using queue data obtained from the airport. Such data may be obtained live, or may be based on historical data or known queue time trends. [000126] Live queue information may be obtained using camera systems throughout the airport. These cameras may take images or videos which can be analysed to estimate the number of passengers in a queue. This can then be used to estimate the wait time, for example based on a known average wait time per passenger. [000127] This data may be pre-processed at a location outside of the device to generate the estimated queue wait time before being provided to the device. Alternatively, the data processing may be performed by a processor 330 of the device. [000128] This queue wait time data may be used to update the path the user should take. For example, a device may initially send a user towards a first security check point. As the user gets closer to the security check point, the device may determine that a second security check point has a shorter wait time which will reduce the time the user spends at security. A device may then begin providing the user with an alternative set of directions towards the second security check point. [000129] Whilst providing directions to the passenger, the wayfinding kiosk (or an associated system) may determine what shops, restaurants, or attractions the passenger is likely to pass by on their way to their destination. For example, as shown in figure 5, a passenger trying to reach gate A415 will need to pass by Shop A and Shop B, but are unlikely to pass by Shop C. [000130] This information can be used to personalise advertisement information to the passenger. For example, it may be advantageous to display advertisements relating to Shop A and / or Shop B to the passenger in order to encourage them to visit as they pass by. [000131] For example, a personalised voucher code for Shop A and / or Shop B could be displayed to a user via the device projector or display to further incentivise the user to visit the store. [000132] Advertisements may be display to the passenger via the projection system, a wayfinding kiosk flat panel screen, or any other display system available in the airport. [000133] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating steps which may be performed to generate a display to a passenger. The instructions 365 stored on memory 360 may be executed by processor 330 to cause the device to perform the following method steps. [000134] At step 1100, a user may interact with a device - this may be the wayfinding kiosk of a related check-in kiosk, for example the user may directly request directions by interacting with the wayfinding kiosk. Alternatively, the user may interact with the check-in kiosk, for example by scanning their boarding pass or requesting their boarding pass be printed off. These steps may provide the wayfinding kiosk with passenger identifying information which can be used to determine their final destination. [000135] Alternatively, the device may be an e-gate which the user interacts with when passing through a security area. For example, the user may scan their passport, boarding pass, debit or credit card, or perform a biometric scan in order to be allowed to pass through the e-gate. 17 [000136] The user may alternatively scan a debit or credit card to confirm their identity. For example, they may scan the card used to purchase their ticket, which can be used to ascertain the user’s identity. More broadly, it is envisaged that any document containing a user’s name and I or date or birth could be used to ascertain the user’s identity in this step. This information could then be cross checked with passenger information stored on an AODB to determine the passenger’s destination (e.g. their gate number). [000137] At step 1200, wayfinding software can be used to determine relevant information for the passenger. This software may be stored on memory 360 of the device. The information displayed may include the positioning of a directional arrow to point the passenger to their gate, towards a subsequent wayfinding kiosk, or some other destination. This information may be displayed via a screen display 120, 220 and / ora projection display 110, 210. [000138] The wayfinding software may also calculate information such as walking distances, walk time, gate numbers, and current flight status, some or all of which may be displayed to the user. [000139] This may be achieved using the passenger identifying information obtained in step 1100. This information may be used to look up a flight logged in an Airport Operational Data Base (AODB), which may collect all the flight-related data of an airport. The device may obtain this information using transmission unit 350 to connect to the AODB, for example over the internet. This may provide the wayfinding software with the gate the flight is to board from. This allows the wayfinding software to determine what directions the passenger would need to travel from the wayfinding kiosk to the gate, and thereby determine what initial direction the wayfinding kiosk should display to the passenger. [000140] Alongside this, data such as departure times and flight status can be obtained from the AODB and used to determine relevant information to display to the passenger. [000141] Optionally, at step 1250, queue monitoring systems may be used to collect data relating to queue sizes. For example, the system may use a live feed enabled by cameras or other sensors placed within the airport to estimate passenger numbers within a queue. This data, or a processed form of the data, may then be passed to the processor 330 and wayfinding software to be used to update values such as walk and wait times. [000142] At step 1300, a rendering engine determines how the relevant information should be displayed. This rendering may be performed by processor 330. Optionally, at step 1350, this may involve the use of graphical templates with predetermined colours, shapes, and sizes, which are updated to display the specific data and numerical values associated with a passenger. [000143] At step 1400, the device 100, 200 displays the information to the passenger. This may involve the use of projection equipment 110, 210, a display screen integrated into the device 120, 220, or any other suitable display. [000144] Whilst the present application focusses discussion of the use of the device to direct a user around an airport, the device should not be considered limited to this scenario. In alternative embodiments, the device may be used in any transport hub, such as a train station, or in a venue such as a concert or at a stadium. The device may direct a user towards their seat, for example based on a scan of their ticket. [000145] A preferred embodiment of the claimed invention is considered to consist of a computing device intended to reside within a transport hub and provide passengers with visual guidance information in order to help direct them to their intended destination, typically a gate corresponding to their booked flight. The computing device comprising: a processor; the processor being configured to execute instructions causing the computing device to perform the following steps: obtaining identifying information from a passenger which allows the computing device determine the passenger destination within the airport, preferably a terminal or gate; determining a destination to send the passenger to based on the identifying information; determining a path from the passenger to the destination based on the location of the computing device; determining a direction from the passenger to the destination based on the path, corresponding to a first portion of the path; and providing the information to a display, preferably a screen or a projection apparatus. [000146] Another important aspect of the invention comprises the ability of the device to autofocus a projection display. As shown in figure 1, a particular embodiment is envisaged in which the a computing device in the form of a security gate is used. [000147] The security gate has two states - the obstructing state (i.e. the state in which the gate panel is across the security gate in order to stop a user from passing through the gate) and the open state (i.e. in which the gate panel pivots out of the way to allow the user top pass through the security gate). [000148] When the gate transitions between these two modes, it can be beneficial to alter where the projected image is displayed, which requires the ability to vary the focal distance of the projection device. Variation of the focal distance can be achieved using a motor to vary the position of lenses within the projection device. [000149] The information to be displayed to the user can be information regarding flight times, directions to a location (e.g. their flight gate or their assigned seat), or advertisements for shops. Alternatively, the image displayed may provide the user with instructions on how to . The various information which can be displayed to the user is described in more detail throughout this application. [000150] Initially, the image may be displayed on a portion of the gate, such as gate panel. Beneficially, positioning the image in this way helps to draw the user’s attention to the information displayed there. [000151] The user may then interact with the gate in order to pass through it. For example, the user may scan one or more of a ticket, boarding pass, a credit or debit card, a passport, or perform a biometric scan. This information is used to verify that the user has permission to pass through the gate, and can be used to transition the gate between the obstructing state and the open state. [000152] This information can also be used to determine relevant information to display to the user, as described further throughout this application. [000153] The image may then be displayed on a different, second surface. For example, the first surface may be the gate panel, which moves out of the way and is therefore no longer suitable for displaying the image. The first and second surfaces may be located at different distances. Therefore in order for the image to be properly displayed to the user (e.g. in focus, at the proper size), the projection device may need to adjust the focal length of the projector to accommodate for this. [000154] In response to this determination, the projection device may alter the focal distance in order to display the image on a second surface, such as the floor. This can be beneficial as it draws the users attention to the fact the gate has opened. [000155] The position of the user may be tracked, for example using cameras connected to the security gate. This allows the projection device to vary the positioning and focal point of the image as the user moves around to ensure the image is always displayed in the users and always in focus. [000156] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of band of devices (such as kiosks) and an associated mobile device. [000157] In certain scenarios, a user may wish to preselect a kiosk (e.g. a baggage check in kiosk) before the passenger physically arrives at the kiosk. [000158] This preselection ability can have many advantages - the user may begin exchanging information (e.g. boarding pass information) with the kiosk before arriving at the kiosk, which can help to reduce user wait times when at the kiosk. [000159] Additionally, if there is a backlog of customers waiting to use a kiosk, the passengers may not wish to wait in line. Instead, they may form a digital line by pairing their phone with a kiosk, which may call the passenger to use the kiosk when it is their turn. This has the added benefit of allowing the passenger to walkaround the airport during their wait, making them more likely to spend money at the airport’s restaurants and shops. [000160] Initially, the passenger may pair their device 3000 with a computer device 3100. It may be that the user pairs their mobile device 3000 with a single kiosk, or they may instead be assigned to a waiting list and assigned to a single kiosk out of a group of potential kiosks once a kiosk becomes available and the user is at the top of the waitlist. [000161] The system may comprise a mobile application on, for example, a smartphone, a processing unit (controller) connected to the kiosk, and a cloud based API service which mediates, or “proxies” the interaction between the mobile application and the kiosk. [000162] The kiosk may have some or all of the component units as shown in figure 4. The kiosk may communicate with the mobile device using transmission unit 350. [000163] The system may use Bluetooth to pair a mobile device with the kiosk, although other types of pairing such as Near Field Communication (NFC), WIFI or BLE beacons could be used or a manual method such as a QR or another barcode which is scanned by the mobile device owner to launch the application. [000164] In order to inform the user that their kiosk is available, the passenger’s phone 3000 may be configured to vibrate. This vibration may be triggered by a signal sent from the kiosk. [000165] In order to identify which kiosk the passenger has been assigned, an LED system 3110 attached to the kiosk 3100 may be used. The LED system may include a plurality of coloured LED displayed on the exterior of the kiosk so that they are visible to people. [000166] The kiosk may generate a particular visible light pattern using the LEDs. This visible light pattern may be communicated to and displayed on the mobile device. [000167] The kiosk may communicate with other nearby kiosks to ensure the visible light pattern generated is unique. Alternatively, the kiosk may be assigned a single visible light pattern different from the visible light pattern of nearby kiosks to avoid user confusion. [000168] The LED system may also be configured to flash in a particular pattern. This has two main advantages: firstly, the flashing may help draw the eye of a user, showing that the kiosk has become available. Secondly, the flashing pattern may also help to distinguish the kiosk over other nearby kiosks (e.g. the same visible light pattern may be used for two kiosks, but one may have a different flashing pattern to the other in order for the user to distinguish them) thereby increasing the number of kiosks which can be kept together in close proximity. [000169] It will be appreciated that the system, device and method may include a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile telephone, a smartphone. [000170] The device may comprise a computer processor running one or more server processes for communicating with client devices. The server processes comprise computer readable program instructions for carrying out the operations of the present invention. The computer readable program instructions may be or source code or object code written in or in any combination of suitable programming languages including procedural programming languages such as C, object orientated programming languages such as C#, C++, Java, scripting languages, assembly languages, machine code instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, and state-setting data. [000171] The wired or wireless communication networks described above may be public, private, wired or wireless network. The communications network may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a mobile telephony communication system, or a satellite communication system. The communications network may comprise any suitable infrastructure, including copper cables, optical cables or fibres, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and edge servers. [000172] The system described above may comprise a Graphical User Interface. Embodiments of the invention may include an on-screen graphical user interface. The user interface may be provided, for example, in the form of a widget embedded in a web site, as an application for a device, or on a dedicated landing web page. Computer readable program instructions for implementing the graphical user interface may be downloaded to the client device from a computer readable storage medium via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and / or a wireless network. The instructions may be stored in a computer readable storage medium within the client device. [000173] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the invention described herein may be embodied in whole or in part as a method, a data processing system, or a computer program product including computer readable instructions. Accordingly, the invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software, hardware and any other suitable approach or apparatus. [000174] The computer readable program instructions may be stored on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium. The computer readable storage medium may include one or more of an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk. [000175] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a circuit board which may include a CPU, a bus, RAM, flash memory, one or more ports for operation of connected I / O apparatus such as printers, display, keypads, sensors and cameras, ROM, a communications sub-system such as a modem, and communications media.

Claims

1. A computing device comprising:a processor;the processor being configured to execute instructions causing the computing device to perform the following steps:obtaining identifying information from a user;determining a destination to send the user to based on the identifying information;determining a path from the user to the destination based on the location of the computing device;determining a direction from the user to the destination based on the path;anddisplaying the direction.

2. The computing device of claim 1, further comprising:a projection display; andthe direction is displayed via the projection display.

3. The computing device of any previous claim, further comprising:a flat panel display; andthe direction is displayed via the flat panel display.

4. The computing device of claim 3, wherein the flat panel display is the screen of a mobile device.

5. The computing device of any previous claim, further comprising:a self-service device at which the passenger data is being processed;wherein the computing device uses components of the self-service device to execute the instructions; andwherein the self-service device may optionally be one of a security gate, a ticket scanning entry gate, an e-gate, a kiosk, or an agent workstation.

6. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein the computing device displays one or more of directional arrows, walking distances, gate numbers, and current flight status.

7. The computing device of any previous claim, further comprising:displaying an estimated walk time for the user to reach their destination.

8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein:the estimated walk time is updated using queue data.

9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the queue data is obtained using at least one camera placed along the path from the user to the destination, which is used to estimate the number of people in queues along the path; andusing the number of people in queues to estimate the walk time.

10. The computing device of claim 9, wherein if an estimated walk time along a first path if larger than a threshold, the user is directed down a second path with an estimated walk time less than a threshold.

11. The computing device of any previous claim, further comprising:wherein if the difference between flight departure time and passenger walk time is less than a certain threshold, the displayed graphic may indicate urgency, preferably by flash and / or changing colour to red.

12. The computing device of any previous claim, further comprising:determining what attractions the user will pass following the directions provided; anddisplaying an advertisement associated with the attraction to the user.

13. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein the destination is an airport gate or train station platform.

14. The computing device of any claim 1 to 12, wherein the destination is a seat.

15. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein the identifying information is obtained from one or more of a ticket, boarding pass, a credit or debit card, a passport, or a biometric scan.

16. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein determining the destination to send the user comprises:determining a flight the passenger is booked on using the identifying information;retrieving information regarding the flight from an Airport Operational Data Base.

17. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein the direction is displayed in response to the user scanning a boarding pass, a passport, or a biometric scan.

18. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein the direction is displayed in the form of an arrow, and the arrow is configured to point in the direction the user should travel in.

19. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein a nationality of the user is determined based on the identifying information, andthe direction is displayed in a language chosen based on the nationality of the user.

20. The computing device of any previous claim, wherein a nationality of the user is determined based on the identifying information, andthe direction is determined based on the nationality of the user.

21. A computer device, configured to:pair with a mobile device;generate a visual signal using at least one LED; andindicate the visual signal being displayed on the computer device on the screen of the mobile device.

22. The computing device of claim 21, wherein the computing device is located alongside at least one other computing device.

23. The computing device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the computing device includes at least two coloured LEDs.

24. The computing device of claim 23, wherein the two coloured LEDs flash in a repeating pattern.

25. The computing device of claim 24 wherein the mobile device screen is configured to display the colours and flashing pattern associated with the computing device.

26. The computing device of any claim 21 to 25, wherein the computing device sends a signal to the mobile device causing the mobile device to vibrate when the computing device is available for use.

27. A computing device for a transport hub to provide passengers with visual guidance information in order to help direct them to their intended destination, the computing device comprising:a processor;the processor being configured to execute instructions causing the computing device to perform the following steps:obtaining identifying information from a passenger which allows the computing device determine the intended destination within the transportation hub;determining the intended destination to send the passenger to based on the identifying information;determining a path from the passenger to the destination based on the location of the computing device;determining a direction from the passenger to the destination based on the path, corresponding to a first portion of the path; andproviding the information to a display, preferably a screen or a projection apparatus.

28. The computing device of claim 27 wherein the transportation hub is an airport or railway station or maritime port.

29. The computing device of any one of claims 27 to 28 wherein the computing device is a terminal or gate.

30. A security gate for selectively allowing a user to pass through, comprising:an identifying means for obtaining identifying information from a user;a blocking means being configurable into an obstructing state and an open state, the obstructing state being suitable for stopping the user from passing through the security gate, and the open state being suitable for allowing the user to pass through the security gate;a projection display means for projecting an image onto a first surface and a second surface;wherein the blocking means is configured to transition from the obstructing state to the open state based on the identifying information obtained from the user; andwherein the projection display means is configured to focus the image on a first surface at a first focal distance when the blocking means is in the obstructing state, and configured to focus the image on a second surface at a second focal distance when the blocking means is in the obstructing state.

31. The security gate of claim 30, further comprising:two barriers which are spaced apart;the blocking means comprising a gate panel;wherein in the obstructing state, the gate panel is positioned to substantially block the space between the two barriers, and wherein in the open state the gate panel is substantially removed from the space between the two barriers.

32. The security gate of any previous claim, whereinthe first surface is located on the blocking means; andthe second surface is not located on the blocking means.

33. The security gate of claim 32, wherein the second surface is located on the floor.

34. The security gate of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the projection display is configured to move the image along the second surface such that whilst the image is displayed on the second surface it is always visible and in focus to the user.

35. The security gate of any of claims 30 to 34, wherein the identifying means comprises a scanner suitable for scanning one or more of a ticket, boarding pass, a credit or debit card, a passport, or for performing a biometric scan.

36. The security gate of any of claims 30 to 35, wherein the image displayed includes one or more of directional arrows, walking distances, gate numbers, current flight status, or advertisements.

37. The security gate of any of claims 30 to 36, wherein the content of the image displayed is chosen based on the identifying information obtained from the user.

38. The security gate of any of claims 30 to 37, wherein the image displayed on the first surface is different to the image displayed on the second surface.Application No: GB2319560.5Claims searched: 1-20 and 27-29Examiner: Dr Michael CollettDate of search: 8 February 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-7, 12- 19, and 27-29 DE102009031019A KLEIN and LINNHOFF-POPIEN see paragraphs 8, 32 and 35 X 1, 3-7, 12, 13, 15-19 and 27-29 CN111854734 A ZHOU, Ye and LI see Examples 1, 2 and 3Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if combined with one or more other documents of same category. P Document published on or after the declared priority date but before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC____________G01C___________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search reportWPI, EPODOC, Patent FulltextInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From G01C 0021 / 20 01 / 01 / 2006Application No: GB2319560.5 Examiner: Dr Michael CollettClaims searched: 21-26 and 30-38 Date of search: 17 September 2024Patents Act 1977Further Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance v A 21-26 US 10416947 B2 ZENOFF see figures 12-15, 21 and 24 X 21-26 US2019 / 012885 Al KASHAR see paragraphs 3, 30, 37, 45-47 and 81 X 21-24 and 26 US2021 / 020395 Al ODEGARD &WANG see paragraphs 5, 6, 14 and 16 X 30-38 US2018 / 0182213 Al OSUMI et. al. see paragraphs 12, 30, 99, 105 and 170-172 X 30-38 JP2017217214 A MIZUTANI see paragraphs 14 and 15, and figure 4 X 30-33 and 35-38 CN112037399 A WANG et. al. see figure 5Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority' date but combined with one or more other documents of same category'. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From G01C 0021 / 20 01 / 01 / 2006

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