U.S. patent application number 11/380545 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for navigation system, method and device with detour algorithm.
This patent application is currently assigned to Garmin Ltd.. Invention is credited to Michael Childs, Jay Dee Krull, Shane R. Runquist.
Application Number | 20070067101 11/380545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37769718 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070067101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krull; Jay Dee ; et
al. |
March 22, 2007 |
NAVIGATION SYSTEM, METHOD AND DEVICE WITH DETOUR ALGORITHM
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods are provided for an improved
navigational route planning device which provides more
understandable, accurate and timely route calculation capabilities.
The navigational aid device with route calculation capabilities
includes a processor connected to a memory. The memory includes
cartographic data and a desired destination, the cartographic data
including data indicative of thoroughfares of a plurality of types.
A display is connected to the processor and is capable of
displaying the cartographic data. The device is adapted to process
the device=s location and travel along a planned route. And, the
device is adapted to dynamically calculate a new route to the
desired destination with a preference for avoiding a particular
portion of a thoroughfare or one or more different thoroughfares in
a previous route.
Inventors: |
Krull; Jay Dee; (Olathe,
KS) ; Childs; Michael; (Olathe, KS) ;
Runquist; Shane R.; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARMIN LTD.;C/O GARMIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
ATTN: Legal - IP
1200 EAST 151ST STREET
OLATHE
KS
66062
US
|
Assignee: |
Garmin Ltd.
George Town
KY
|
Family ID: |
37769718 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380545 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11035243 |
Jan 13, 2005 |
7120539 |
|
|
11380545 |
Apr 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
10701771 |
Nov 5, 2003 |
6999873 |
|
|
11035243 |
Jan 13, 2005 |
|
|
|
10028343 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
6687615 |
|
|
10701771 |
Nov 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3415 20130101;
G01C 21/3461 20130101; G08G 1/096811 20130101; G08G 1/096844
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/209 ;
701/200 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/00 20060101
G01C021/00 |
Claims
1. A navigation system with route calculation capabilities,
comprising: a server having a processor and a memory, the memory
having cartographic data and a route stored therein to navigate
from a beginning position to a desired destination, the
cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a
plurality of types, the route including a number of decision
points; and wherein the processor operates on a route calculation
algorithm and user-selectable preference levels, including high,
medium, and low preference levels relating to a portion of a
particular thoroughfare in a route in order to calculate a new
route.
2. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein the system further
includes: a mass data storage adapted to store navigation data; and
a navigation device adapted to communicate with and retrieve the
route and the cartographic data from the server via a communication
channel, wherein the navigation device includes a display adapted
to display the new route.
3. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein the communication
channel includes a wireless channel.
4. The navigation system of claim 2, wherein the server includes a
processor adapted to respond to a request from the navigation
device by performing operations on the user-selectable preference
levels relating to the portion of the particular thoroughfare and
transmitting results to the navigation device.
5. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein the navigation device
adapted to communicate with and retrieve the route and cartographic
data from the server using cellular communication technology.
6. The navigation system of claim 1, wherein the server receives
data relating to at least a portion of a particular thoroughfare in
a route; and calculates a new route to the desired destination, in
view of a selection of the preference levels, wherein the
preference level selected is factored into whether a particular
portion of a route is selected.
7. A navigation system with route calculation capabilities,
comprising: a server having a processor and a memory, the memory
having cartographic data and a route stored therein to navigate
from a beginning position to a desired destination, the
cartographic data including data indicative of thoroughfares of a
plurality of types, the route including a number of decision
points; and wherein the processor receives data relating to at
least a portion of a particular thoroughfare in a route; and
calculates a new route to the desired destination based on integral
re-route distances.
8. The navigation system of claim 7, wherein the system further
includes: a mass data storage adapted to store navigation data; and
a navigation device adapted to communicate with and retrieve the
route and the cartographic data from the server via a communication
channel, wherein the navigation device includes a display adapted
to display the new route.
9. The navigation system of claim 7, wherein the communication
channel includes a wireless channel.
10. The navigation system of claim 8, wherein the server includes a
processor adapted to respond to a request from the navigation
device by performing operations on user-selectable preference
levels relating to the portion of the particular thoroughfare and
transmitting results to the navigation device.
11. The navigation system of claim 7, further including a
navigation device adapted to communicate with and retrieve the
route and cartographic data from the server using cellular
communication technology.
12. The navigation system of claim 7, wherein the server calculates
the new route to the desired destination, in view of a selection of
the preference levels, wherein the preference level selected is
factored into whether a particular portion of a route is selected.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional and claims priority benefit
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/035,243, filed Jan. 13,
2005, which is a divisional and claims priority benefit of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/701,771, filed Nov. 5, 2003, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,999,873, which is a continuation and claimed
priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/028,343,
filed Dec. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,615. Thus, this
application claims priority benefit of U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,615. The
above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to navigational
devices, and in particular to navigational devices with detour
route calculation capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Route planning devices are well known in the field of
navigational instruments. The method of route planning implemented
by known prior art systems depends on the capabilities of system
resources, such as processor speed and the amount and speed of
memory. As increased system capability also increases system cost,
the method of route planning implemented by a navigation device is
a function of overall system cost.
[0004] One feature of increased system capability involves detour
route calculation capabilities. Many conventional navigational
devices simply do not incorporate a detour route calculation
functionality in order to reduce system complexity and maintain a
low overall system cost. Some of these devices may alert the user
that they are off course when the user makes a detour, but they do
not perform any course or route recalculation to accommodate for
the intended or unintended detour in route. The intended or
unintended detour can be for reasons such as thoroughfare
conditions, thoroughfare congestion (e.g. rush hour or road
construction), check point delays and the like. Some navigational
devices include functionality which allows the device to calculate
a new route based on an in route decision to avoid one or more
thoroughfares, or sections, of a planned route. However, these
devices require the user to point to, highlight, or draw a box
around the segment which the user wants to avoid. That is, the
decision to calculate a new route is not dynamically tied to the
current route on which the user is traveling. Requiring the user to
point to, highlight, or draw a box around the segment which the
user wants to avoid is also distracting to do while the user is
driving or trying to navigate the route.
[0005] In conventional navigational methods and devices the user
may have to halt their journey in an attempt to decide upon a new
route, or course, and must rely on traditional navigational
methods, e.g. asking directions, following detour signs (in the
case of a forced detour) or using a conventional map. In some
devices, the user may still be able to see the previously planned
route, but they will have to employ their own decision making to
chart themselves around that portion of the previous route they
want to avoid and yet still be headed toward a desired destination.
This can be time consuming and provide frustration to a user who is
likely unfamiliar with the routes surrounding their current
location.
[0006] Clearly, in many cases halting travel to decide upon a new
route is not a viable alternative. For example, when the user is
traveling on an interstate it is entirely impossible to simply
stop. The alternative of pulling off on the shoulder is undesirable
and can be dangerous. Stopping travel is equally undesirable since
doing so increases travel time and provides an added inconvenience
to the user. In other instances, such as navigating downtown city
streets, the traffic issues alone may prevent the user from
stopping their vehicle to decide upon a new route. As mentioned
above, even if the user has the ability to safely stop their
vehicle, such as when traveling in a neighborhood, the
inconvenience factor is present.
[0007] Another problem is that when a device is used to perform a
new route calculation from a new position (off of the originally
planned route) to a desired destination, the calculation is not
going to take into account the reason for the intended or
unintended detour. As a result, the new route calculation will
often provide a route which includes travel on the thoroughfare
from which the detour was taken. Thus, the new route does not
provide any solution to the need for avoiding the thoroughfare from
which the detour was taken. As the reader will appreciate the
intended or unintended detour may be for reasons of traffic
congestion, road construction, the type of thoroughfare, and the
like.
[0008] In summary, current prior art systems have created a
spectrum of products in which the degree of navigational accuracy
is dictated primarily by the cost of the system. The lower cost
systems currently offer a low degree of accuracy and functionality
that is often inadequate for users. Therefore, there exists a need
for a navigational route planning device which is more efficient
and accurate than current low cost systems, without requiring more
expensive system resources. In addition, there is also a need for a
navigational route planning device which provides a user with more
dynamic route calculation capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The above mentioned problems with navigational devices, as
well as other problems, are addressed by the present invention and
will be understood by reading and studying the following
specification. Systems and methods are provided for a navigational
route planning device which is more user intuitive, efficient,
timely, and accurate than current low cost systems, without
requiring the more expensive system resources. The systems and
methods of the present invention offer an improved navigational
route planning device which provides a user with more dynamic route
calculation capabilities.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic
navigational aid device with improved route calculation
capabilities is provided. The navigational aid device includes a
processor with a display connected to the processor. A memory is
connected to the processor as well. The memory includes
cartographic data and a route to a desired destination stored
therein. The cartographic data includes data indicative of
thoroughfares of a plurality of types. The device processes travel
along the route. The device is capable of selecting a detour around
one or more portions of a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares,
or one or more sections in a network of thoroughfares. The device
calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination. In
order to calculate the new route, the device performs a route cost
analysis.
[0011] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and
features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by reference to the following description
of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the
invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention
are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities,
procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a representative view of a Global Positioning
System (GPS);
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of an
electronic navigational device according to the teachings of the
present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views for another embodiment of an
electronic navigational device according to the teachings of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of one embodiment for the
electronic components within the hardware of FIGS. 2A-2B according
to the teachings of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of one embodiment for the
electronic components within the hardware of FIGS. 3A-3C according
to the teachings of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a navigation system according
to the teachings of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a navigation
aid method according to the teachings of the present invention;
and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a
navigation aid method according to the teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The
embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined
only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0021] The present invention is drawn to navigational systems and
devices having route calculation capabilities. One type of
navigational system includes Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Such
systems are known and have a variety of uses. In general, GPS is a
satellite-based radio navigation system capable of determining
continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances
direction information for an unlimited number of users. Formally
known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites
which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these
precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any
number of receiving units.
[0022] The GPS system is implemented when a device specially
equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for
GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS
satellite, the device can determine the precise location of that
satellite via one of different conventional methods. The device
will continue scanning for signals until it has acquired at least
three different satellite signals. Implementing geometric
triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to
determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the
satellites. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will
allow the receiving device to calculate its three-dimensional
position by the same geometrical calculation. The positioning and
velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by
an unlimited number of users.
[0023] FIG. 1 is representative of a GPS denoted generally by
reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit
about the Earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not
necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 120
and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver device 140 of
the present invention is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS
satellite signals 160 from the various satellites 120.
[0024] The spread spectrum signals 160 continuously transmitted
from each satellite 120 utilize a highly accurate frequency
standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each
satellite 120, as part of its data signal transmission 160,
transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite
120. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art
that the GPS receiver device 140 must acquire spread spectrum GPS
satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the
GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position
by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal 160,
resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120,
permits GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional
position.
[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views for one embodiment of an
electronic navigational device 230 according to the teachings of
the present invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure, the device can be portable
and can be utilized in any number of implementations such as
automobile, personal marine craft, and avionic navigation. In the
embodiment of FIG. 2A a front view of the navigational device 230
is provided showing the navigational device has a generally
rectangular housing 232. The housing 232 is constructed of
resilient material and has been rounded for aesthetic and ergonomic
purposes. As shown in FIG. 2A, the control face 234 has access
slots for an input key pad 238, other individual keys 239, and a
display screen 236. In one embodiment, the display screen 236 is a
LCD display which is capable of displaying both text and graphical
information. The invention, however, is not so limited. Audio
information can likewise be provided in one embodiment.
[0026] In FIG. 2B, a side view of the navigational device 230 is
provided. FIG. 2B illustrates that the device's housing 232 is
defined by an outer front case 240 and a rear case 242. As shown in
FIG. 2B, the outer front case 240 is defined by the control face
234. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the outer front case 240
and the rear case 242 are made of one molded piece to form the
device housing 232 and support input key pad 238, other individual
keys 239, and display screen 236 in respective access slots shown
in the control face 234 of FIG. 2A.
[0027] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate views for another embodiment of an
electronic navigational device 310 according to the teachings of
the present invention. The navigational device 310 shown in FIGS.
3A-3C includes a personal digital assistant (PDA) with integrated
GPS receiver and cellular transceiver according to the teachings of
the present invention. The GPS integrated PDA operates with an
operating system (OS) such as, for example, the well-known Palm or
Pocket PC operating systems, or the lesser-used Linux OS. As shown
in the top view of FIG. 3A, the GPS integrated PDA 310 includes an
internal integrated GPS patch antenna 314 and a cellular
transceiver 316 contained in a housing 318. The housing 318 is
generally rectangular with a low profile and has a front face 320
extending from a top end 322 to a bottom end 324. Mounted on front
face 320 is a display screen 326, which is touch sensitive and
responsive to a stylus 330 (shown stored in the side view of FIG.
3B) or a finger touch. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate the stylus 330 nested
within housing 318 for storage and convenient access in a
conventional manner. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3A illustrates a
number of control buttons, or input keys 328 positioned toward the
bottom end 324. The invention, however, is not so limited and one
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the input keys
328 can be positioned toward the top end 322 or at any other
suitable location. The end view of FIG. 3C illustrates a map data
cartridge bay slot 332 and headphone jack 334 provided at the top
end 322 of the housing 318. Again, the invention is not so limited
and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a map
data cartridge bay slot 332 and headphone jack 334 can be provided
at the bottom end 324, separately at opposite ends, or at any other
suitable location.
[0028] It should be understood that the structure of GPS integrated
PDA 310 is shown as illustrative of one type of integrated PDA
navigation device. Other physical structures, such as a cellular
telephone and a vehicle-mounted unit are contemplated within the
scope of this invention.
[0029] FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3C are provided as illustrative examples
of hardware components for a navigational device according to the
teachings of the present invention. However, the invention is not
limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3C. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other suitable designs
for a hardware device which can accommodate the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of one embodiment for the
electronic components within the hardware of FIGS. 2A-2B, such as
within housing 232 and utilized by the electronic navigational
device. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the electronic
components include a processor 410 which is connected to an input
420, such as keypad via line 425. It will be understood that input
420 may alternatively be a microphone for receiving voice commands.
Processor 410 communicates with memory 430 via line 435. Processor
410 also communicates with display screen 440 via line 445. An
antenna/receiver 450, such as a GPS antenna/receiver is connected
to processor 410 via line 455. It will be understood that the
antenna and receiver, designated by reference numeral 450, are
combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and
receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna
may be a GPS patch antenna or a helical antenna. The electronic
components further include I/O ports 470 connected to processor 410
via line 475.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of one embodiment for the
electronic components within the hardware of FIGS. 3A-3C and
utilized by the GPS integrated PDA 310 according to the teachings
of the present invention. The electronic components shown in FIG.
4B include a processor 436 which is connected to the GPS antenna
414 through GPS receiver 438 via line 441. The processor 436
interacts with an operating system (such as PalmOS; Pocket PC) that
runs selected software depending on the intended use of the PDA
310. Processor 436 is coupled with memory 442 such as RAM via line
444, and power source 446 for powering the electronic components of
PDA 310. The processor 436 communicates with touch sensitive
display screen 426 via data line 448.
[0032] The electronic components further include two other input
sources that are connected to the processor 436. Control buttons
428 are connected to processor 436 via line 451 and a map data
cartridge 433 inserted into cartridge bay 432 is connected via line
452. A serial I/O port 454 is connected to the processor 436 via
line 456. Cellular antenna 416 is connected to cellular transceiver
458, which is connected to the processor 436 via line 466.
Processor 436 is connected to the speaker/headphone jack 434 via
line 462. The PDA 310 may also include an infrared port (not shown)
coupled to the processor 436 that may be used to beam information
from one PDA to another.
[0033] As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art,
the electronic components shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are powered by a
power source in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the
components shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are considered within the scope
of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the
components shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are in communication with one
another via wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of
the navigation device of the present invention includes a portable
electronic navigational aid device.
[0034] Using the processing algorithms of the present invention,
the device is capable of dynamically selecting a detour around one
or more portions of a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares, or
one or more sections in a network of thoroughfares. The device
calculates a new route to navigate to the desired destination. In
order to calculate the new route, the device performs a route cost
analysis. The device then uses those electronic components to
calculate a new route to navigate to the desired destination.
According to the teachings of the present invention, the device
incorporates these and other functions as will be explained in more
detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a navigation
system which can be adapted to the teachings of the present
invention. The navigation system includes a server 502. According
to one embodiment, the server 502 includes a processor 504 operably
coupled to memory 506, and further includes a transmitter 508 and a
receiver 510 to send and receive data, communication, and/or other
propagated signals. The transmitter 508 and receiver 510 are
selected or designed according to the communication requirements
and the communication technology used in the communication design
for the navigation system. The functions of the transmitter 508 and
the receiver 510 may be combined into a single transceiver.
[0036] The navigation system further includes a mass data storage
512 coupled to the server 502 via communication link 514. The mass
data storage 512 contains a store of navigation data. One of
ordinary skill in the art will understand, upon reading and
comprehending this disclosure, that the mass data storage 512 can
be separate device from the server 502 or can be incorporated into
the server 502.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the navigation
system further includes a navigation device 516 adapted to
communicate with the server 502 through the communication channel
518. According to one embodiment, the navigation device 516
includes a processor and memory, as previously shown and described
with respect to the block diagram of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Furthermore,
the navigation device 516 includes a transmitter 520 and receiver
522 to send and receive communication signals through the
communication channel 518. The transmitter 520 and receiver 522 are
selected or designed according to the communication requirements
and the communication technology used in the communication design
for the navigation system. The functions of the transmitter 520 and
receiver 522 may be combined into a single transceiver.
[0038] Software stored in the server memory 506 provides
instructions for the processor 504 and allows the server 502 to
provide services to the navigation device 516. One service provided
by the server 502 involves processing requests from the navigation
device 516 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data
storage 512 to the navigation device 516. According to one
embodiment, another service provided by the server 502 includes
processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a
desired application, and sending the results of these calculations
to the navigation device 516.
[0039] The communication channel 518 is the propagating medium or
path that connects the navigation device 516 and the server 502.
According to one embodiment, both the server 502 and the navigation
device 516 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the
communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has
been transmitted through the communication channel.
[0040] The communication channel 518 is not limited to a particular
communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel
518 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is,
the channel 518 may include several communication links that use a
variety of technology. For example, according to various
embodiments, the communication channel is adapted to provide a path
for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications. As
such, the communication channel includes, but is not limited to,
one or a combination of the following: electrical circuits,
electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic
cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waveguides, the
atmosphere, and empty space. Furthermore, according to various
embodiments, the communication channel includes intermediate
devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and
receivers, for example.
[0041] In one embodiment, for example, the communication channel
518 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, in
various embodiments, the communication channel 518 is capable of
accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency,
microwave frequency and infrared communication, and the like.
Additionally, according to various embodiments, the communication
channel 518 accommodates satellite communication.
[0042] The communication signals transmitted through the
communication channel 518 include such signals as may be required
or desired for a given communication technology. For example, the
signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication
technology, such as time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency
division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access
(CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), and the
like. Both digital and analog signals may be transmitted through
the communication channel 518. According to various embodiments,
these signals are modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as
may be desirable for the communication technology.
[0043] The mass data storage includes sufficient memory for the
desired navigation application. Examples of mass data storage
include magnetic data storage media such as hard drives, optical
data storage media such as CD ROMs, charge storing data storage
media such as Flash memory, and molecular memory, such as now known
or hereinafter developed.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the navigation system, the
502 server includes a remote server accessed by the navigation
device 516 through a wireless channel. According to other
embodiments of the navigation system, the server 502 includes a
network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN) and server
farms.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the navigation system,
the server 502 includes a personal computer such as a desktop or
laptop computer. In one embodiment, the communication channel 518
is a cable connected between the personal computer and the
navigation device. According to one embodiment, the communication
channel 518 is a wireless connection between the personal computer
and the navigation device 516.
[0046] FIG. 5 presents yet another embodiment for a collective set
of electronic components adapted to the present invention. As one
of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading and
comprehending this disclosure, the navigation system of FIG. 5 is
adapted to the present invention in a manner distinguishable from
that described and explained in detail in connection with FIGS. 4A
and 4B.
[0047] That is, the navigational system 500 of FIG. 5 is likewise
adapted to provide an electronic navigational aid device 516 with
improved, dynamic route calculation capabilities. In this
embodiment, the processor 504 in the server 502 is used to handle
the bulk of the system's processing needs. The mass storage device
512 connected to the server can include volumes more cartographic
and route data than that which is able to be maintained on the
navigational device 516 itself. In this embodiment, the server 502
processes the majority of a device's travel along the route using a
set of processing algorithms and the cartographic and route data
stored in memory 512 and can operate on signals, e.g. GPS signals,
originally received by the navigational device 516. Similar to the
navigational device of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the navigation device 516
in system 500 is outfitted with a display 524 and GPS capabilities
526.
[0048] As described and explained in detail in connection with
FIGS. 4A and 4B, the navigation system of FIG. 5 uses processing
algorithms. In the invention, the device is capable of selecting a
detour with a preference for avoiding one or more portions of a
thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares, or one or more sections in
a network of thoroughfares. The device calculates a new route to
navigate to the desired destination. In order to calculate the new
route, the device performs a route cost analysis. The system uses
the processing algorithms and the electronic components shown in
FIG. 5 to calculate a new route for navigating the device 516 to
the desired destination. As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, a user
of the navigation device 516 can be proximate to or accompanying
the navigation device 516. The invention however, is not so
limited.
[0049] According to the teachings of the present invention, the
device is capable of selecting a detour around one or more portions
of a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares, or one or more
sections in a network of thoroughfares. The device calculates a new
route to navigate to the desired destination. In order to calculate
the new route, the device performs a route cost analysis. In one
embodiment, based on the route cost analysis, the new route avoids
the one or more portions of a thoroughfare, a group of
thoroughfares, or one or more sections in a network of
thoroughfares. In one embodiment, based on the route cost analysis,
the new route at least partially avoids the one or more portions of
a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares, or one or more sections
in a network of thoroughfares. In still another embodiment, based
on the route cost analysis, the new route does not avoid the one or
more portions of a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares, or one
or more sections in a network of thoroughfares. The navigation
device 516 of the present invention includes a portable electronic
navigational aid device. In one embodiment, the portable electronic
navigational aid device includes a personal digital assistant
(PDA). In one embodiment, the portable electronic navigational aid
device includes a wireless communications device.
[0050] The features and functionality explained and described in
detail above in connection with the device of FIGS. 4A and 4B are
likewise available in the system 500 of FIG. 5. That is, in one
embodiment the navigation device 516 further provides audio and
visual cues to aid the navigation along the route.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a navigation
aid method according to the teachings of the present invention. The
navigation aid method includes a method for performing a route
calculation within a navigation device or navigation system as
described and explained in detail above in connection with FIGS.
4A, 4B, and 5. And, as described above, a processor is used for
processing signals which include input data from input devices,
e.g. keypads or other input keys, GPS signals from GPS components,
and data received from I/O ports in order to perform the methods
described herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the navigation
aid method for performing a route calculation includes dynamically
receiving data in block 610. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,
dynamically receiving data 610 includes dynamically receiving data
relating to a portion of a particular thoroughfare in a route. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the method includes calculating a
new route to a desired destination with a preference for avoiding
the particular portion of the thoroughfare in the route in block
620. In one embodiment, the method further includes performing a
route cost analysis in order to calculate the new route to the
desired destination. And, in one embodiment, the method further
includes displaying the new route.
[0052] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, in some embodiments the new route, based
on a performed route cost analysis, avoids the particular portion
of the thoroughfare in the route. In some embodiments, the new
route, based on a performed route cost analysis, partially avoids
the particular portion of the thoroughfare in the route. And, in
some embodiments, the new route, based on a performed route cost
analysis, does not avoid the particular portion of the thoroughfare
in the route.
[0053] As shown in block 630 of FIG. 6, the method includes a
determination of whether the new route is acceptable. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this
disclosure, the determination of whether the new route is
acceptable can be based upon additionally received dynamic data. By
way of example and not by way of limitation, the additionally
received dynamic data can include dynamic data input by a user of
the device indicating that the user is not satisfied with the new
route in which case the method returns to block 610 to dynamically
receive data. In one embodiment, the additionally received dynamic
input can include instructions to calculate yet another new route
using additional data for avoiding a portion of a thoroughfare in a
previous route, one or more thoroughfares in the previous route,
and/or one or more sections in the previous route. As used herein,
the previous route can include a previous detour route and/or an
earlier planned route. Additionally, the additionally received
dynamic input can include instructions to continue navigating an
original route and/or previously planned route.
[0054] As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon
reading and understanding this disclosure the method sequence shown
in blocks 610-630 can be repeated as many times as necessary,
without limitation, in order to achieve a desired route. According
to one embodiment of the teachings of the present invention, all of
the dynamically received data is stored in the memory of the device
and is operable upon each time the sequence in blocks 610-630 is
repeated. Thus, the present invention provides a system, device and
method by which information received between re-route, new route,
or detour route calculations is maintained.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, if the new route is acceptable, or once
a desired route is attained, then the method proceeds to block 640
and navigates the new route.
[0056] In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present
invention, the method for calculating a new route in block 620 to a
desired destination includes calculating a second new route
different from a first new route, wherein the first new route is a
first detour route. And, calculating the second new route includes
calculating the second new route with a preference for avoiding a
particular portion of a thoroughfare in the first detour route and
the particular portion of the thoroughfare in the route. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading and
understanding this disclosure that other variations on the above
scenario are included within the scope of the present invention.
That is, calculating the second new route can include calculating
the second new route with a preference for avoiding one or more
thoroughfares in any previous route, and/or one or more sections in
any previous route.
[0057] Thus, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand
upon reading this disclosure, the present invention provides a
method by which one or more detours, new route calculations, or
re-route calculations can avoid generating a route which
re-includes that portion, thoroughfare, or section of a route which
is sought to be avoided.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, dynamically
receiving data relating to the portion of the particular
thoroughfare in the route in block 610 includes dynamically
receiving data defining a distance along the portion of the
particular thoroughfare. In one embodiment, dynamically receiving
data relating to the portion of the particular thoroughfare in the
route in block 610 includes assigning a preference for avoiding the
portion of the particular thoroughfare. In one embodiment, the
dynamically received data includes data relating to a preference
level for avoiding the portion of the particular thoroughfare. By
way of example, this preference level data can include a high,
medium, or low preference level which can be operated upon in a
route cost analysis.
[0059] As mentioned above, in one embodiment the method further
includes dynamically receiving data relating to one or more
thoroughfares in the route and calculating a new route to a desired
destination with a preference for avoiding the one or more
thoroughfares in the route. In one embodiment, dynamically
receiving data relating to one or more thoroughfares in the route
includes dynamically receiving data relating to the group
consisting of a thoroughfare name, a thoroughfare classification,
and a thoroughfare type. As used herein, thoroughfare
classification can include a speed classification, e.g. a 25, 55,
or 75 mph speed classification. And as used herein, thoroughfare
type can includes a designated thoroughfare type such as an
interstate, county road, state road, state highway, and the like
classification. The invention is not so limited.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a
navigation aid method according to the teachings of the present
invention. As shown the embodiment of FIG. 7, the method begins in
block 710 by determining a current position of the navigation
device along a route. As one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand upon reading this disclosure, determining or calculating
a position of the navigation device is achieved in some embodiments
using a GPS. The invention, however, is not so limited. It is
further readily appreciated that the current position of the
navigation device may be displayed on cartographic data and that
the current position can be on a previously planned route.
[0061] In block 720, the method includes retrieving a re-route, new
route, or detour route data structure based on input data. As one
or ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this
disclosure, one embodiment for retrieving a re-route, new route, or
detour route data structure based on input data 710 can include
receiving user input data which selects a re-route, new route, or
detour route menu option.
[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in block 730 of FIG. 7, the
method includes determining a distance to avoid for a particular
portion of a thoroughfare in a route which is currently provided
for the device. In one embodiment, determining a distance to avoid
for a particular portion of a thoroughfare in a route which is
currently provided for the device includes a user selecting a
distance to avoid in a current route from among a number of options
in a detour route menu. For example, determining a distance to
avoid can include determining a distance from a number of integral
distances, e.g. 1, 5, 10, and 20 miles. Likewise, determining a
distance to avoid can include a user inputting a distance value.
The invention, however, is not so limited. One of ordinary skill in
the art will further understand that in some embodiments the method
includes determining one or more thoroughfares to avoid in a route
which is currently provided for the device, and/or determining one
or more sections to avoid in a route which is currently provided
for the device. As used herein, one or more sections can includes
one or more portions of a thoroughfare, one or more portions of one
thoroughfare and one or more portions of another thoroughfare, one
or more portions of one thoroughfare and one or more other
thoroughfares, or any combinations thereof for a route which is
currently provided for the device. The invention is not so
limited.
[0063] In block 740, the method includes calculating a new route
based on the determination made in block 730. Thus, by way of
example and not by way of limitation, the method embodiment shown
in FIG. 7 includes calculating a new route in block 740 based on
the device's determined position and the distance determined in
block 730. However in other embodiments, calculating the new route
can be performed based on the determined one or more thoroughfares
and/or the determined one or more sections to avoid in a route
which is currently provided for the device.
[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention,
calculating the new route in block 740 based on the determination
made in block 730 includes dynamically calculating the new route
based on the determination in block 730 and based on a route cost
analysis. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading and understanding this disclosure, the manner in which a
new route can be calculated using the determination made in block
730 and factoring that determination in to a route processing
algorithm which performs a route cost analysis. That is, in one
embodiment, such as that described in FIG. 7, the present invention
is operable to perform a route calculation which strongly avoids
the distance along a particular portion of a thoroughfare
determined in block 730, or in other embodiments strongly avoids
one or more particular thoroughfares and/or more sections in a
route which is currently provided for the device.
[0065] In one embodiment, in order to achieve the above result, the
method of the present invention assigns a greater cost to
particular nodes in a network of thoroughfares based on the
determination made in block 730. As used herein, every places two
thoroughfares intersect is termed a node. Thus, every node on a
given thoroughfare connects one thoroughfare to another
thoroughfare, which can be referred to as an adjacency, or adjacent
thoroughfare. The term adjacency information, or adjacencies, is
intended to include any thoroughfare which intersects another
thoroughfare in a network of thoroughfares which are available for
use in a potential route. According to the teachings of the present
invention adjacency criteria includes, but is not limited to, the
degree of turn angles between one thoroughfare and another,
connected by a node in a network of thoroughfares which are
available for use in a potential route. The term adjacency can
further include can information relating to the thoroughfare on
which the device is located and adjacent thoroughfares connected
thereto by a node, thoroughfare names, thoroughfare
classifications, speed classification of the thoroughfares, and
other criteria of the like.
[0066] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, data representing the cost assigned to a
given node between a given thoroughfare and an adjacency, as well
as data representing adjacency criteria are used in performing a
route cost analysis. Thus, in one embodiment of the present
invention, assigning a greater cost to one or more particular nodes
in a network of thoroughfares based on the determination made in
block 730 reduces the likelihood of a given portion, thoroughfare,
or section being chosen as part of the route from among the network
of thoroughfares in cartographic data which are available for use
in a potential route.
[0067] Finally, as shown in FIG. 7, once the new route has been
calculate in block 740, the method proceeds to block 750 and
navigates the new route. It is will readily be appreciated that the
new route for the device can be navigated for the device according
to the methods described herein. However, the invention is not
limited to a single particular method of navigating the route in
block 750.
[0068] In some embodiments, the methods provided above are
implemented as a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave or
propagated signal, that represents a sequence of instructions
which, when executed by a processor, such as processor 410 in FIGS.
4A and 4B or processor 504 in FIG. 5, cause the processor to
perform the respective method. In other embodiments, methods
provided above are implemented as a set of instructions contained
on a computer-accessible medium, such as memory 430 in FIGS. 4A and
4B or mass storage device 512 in FIG. 5, capable of directing a
processor, such as processor 410 in FIGS. 4A and 4B or processor
504 in FIG. 5, to perform the respective method. In varying
embodiments, the medium is a magnetic medium, an electronic medium,
or an optical medium.
[0069] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading this disclosure, the electronic components of device 400
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and components of the system 500 shown in
FIG. 5 can be embodied as computer hardware circuitry or as a
computer-readable program, or a combination of both. In another
embodiment, system 500 is implemented in an application service
provider (ASP) system.
[0070] The system of the present invention includes software
operative on a processor to perform methods according to the
teachings of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the
art will understand, upon reading and comprehending this
disclosure, the manner in which a software program can be launched
from a computer readable medium in a computer based system to
execute the functions defined in the software program. One of
ordinary skill in the art will further understand the various
programming languages which may be employed to create a software
program designed to implement and perform the methods of the
present invention. The programs can be structured in an
object-orientation using an object-oriented language such as Java,
Smalltalk or C++, and the programs can be structured in a
procedural-orientation using a procedural language such as COBOL or
C. The software components communicate in any of a number of means
that are well-known to those skilled in the art, such as
application program interfaces (A.P.I.) or interprocess
communication techniques such as remote procedure call (R.P.C.),
common object request broker architecture (CORBA), Component Object
Model (COM), Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM), Distributed
System Object Model (DSOM) and Remote Method Invocation (RMI).
However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
upon reading this disclosure, the teachings of the present
invention are not limited to a particular programming language or
environment.
CONCLUSION
[0071] The above systems, devices and methods have been described,
by way of example and not by way of limitation, with respect to
improving accuracy, processor speed and ease of user interaction
with a navigation device. That is, the systems, devices and methods
provide for a navigational route planning device which is more
efficient and accurate than current low cost systems, without
requiring the more expensive system resources. The systems, devices
and methods of the present invention offer an improved navigational
route planning device which provide dynamic route calculation
capabilities. The device is capable of selecting a detour around
one or more portions of a thoroughfare, a group of thoroughfares,
or one or more sections in a network of thoroughfares. Thus in
instances where a thoroughfare may be less desirable for travel,
such as for reasons which include accidents, thoroughfare
conditions, thoroughfare types, checkpoints and the like, the
device calculates a new route to navigate to the desired
destination. In order to calculate the new route, the device
performs a route cost analysis.
[0072] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the
same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above
description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will
be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. The scope of the invention includes any other
applications in which the above systems, devices and methods are
used. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *