Integrated system and method for centralized transit information handling

Abstract

A centralized information center is disclosed. The centralized information center includes a plurality of source information inputs. The centralized information center disclosed also includes a central processor configured to receive information from the source information inputs and a memory coupled to the processor. A program runs on the central processor. The program organizes information, prioritizes information and generates information flows. Selective information flows are provided to a central office for a transportation system and to a transportation vehicle. The plurality of source information inputs includes vehicle-related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A centralized information center, comprising: 
 a plurality of source information inputs;    a central processor, configured to receive information from the source information inputs;    a memory coupled to the processor;    a program running on the central processor and the program organizing information, prioritizing information and generating information flows, selected information flows being provided to a central office for a transportation system, and to a transportation vehicle; and    the plurality of source information inputs includes vehicle related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information.    
     
     
         2 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein the central processor is a server computer.  
     
     
         3 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein the central processor is a server computer.  
     
     
         4 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein selected information flows are provided to a transportation access point.  
     
     
         5 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein selected information flows are provided to an external stationary information point.  
     
     
         6 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein selected information flows are provided to an external service provider.  
     
     
         7 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle related information includes vehicle location information.  
     
     
         8 . The centralized information center of  claim 1 , wherein the external service provider information includes advertising information.  
     
     
         9 . A method of managing information for a transportation system, comprising: 
 receiving, by an information center, information from a plurality of information sources, the information including vehicle related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information;    recording, by the information center, the received information;    processing, by the information center, the received information such that the information is organized and prioritized; and    distributing, by the information center, the information to transportation vehicles, external service providers, and external access points.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein processing includes combining the received information.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein processing includes prioritizing the received information.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein processing includes organizing the information.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the vehicle related information includes vehicle location information.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the external service provider information includes advertising information.  
     
     
         15 . A method of managing information for a transportation system, comprising: 
 receiving, by an information center, information from a plurality of information sources, the information including vehicle related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information;    recording, by the information center, the received information;    processing, by the information center, the received information such that the information is selected, organized, and combined; and    distributing, by the information center, the information to transportation vehicles, external service providers, and external access points.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein processing includes combining the received information.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein processing includes prioritizing the received information.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein processing includes organizing the information.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the vehicle related information includes vehicle location information.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the external service provider information includes advertising information.  
     
     
         21 . An information management system for a transportation system, comprising: 
 means for receiving, by an information center, information from a plurality of information sources, the information including vehicle related information, operations-related information, and external service provider information;    means for recording, by the information center, the received information;    means for processing, by the information center, the received information such that the information is selected, organized, and combined; and    means for distributing, by the information center, the information to transportation vehicles, external service providers, and external access points.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the means for processing includes combining the received information.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the means for processing includes prioritizing the received information.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the means for processing includes organizing the information.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vehicle related information includes vehicle location information.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the external service provider information includes advertising information.