U.S. patent application number 11/712573 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for navigation device and method for storing and utilizing a last docked location.
Invention is credited to William Deurwaarder, Pieter Geelen.
Application Number | 20070265769 11/712573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38335541 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070265769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geelen; Pieter ; et
al. |
November 15, 2007 |
Navigation device and method for storing and utilizing a last
docked location
Abstract
A method and device are disclosed for storing and utilizing a
location at which a navigation device was last connected to a
vehicle and/or was disconnected from a vehicle. In one embodiment,
the method includes storing a positional location at which a
navigation device was last connected to a vehicle; and determining
a route to the vehicle based upon a current location of the
navigation device and the stored positional location at which the
navigation device was last connected to the vehicle. In another
embodiment, the method includes storing a positional location of a
navigation device upon disconnection from a vehicle; and
determining a route to the vehicle based upon a current location of
the navigation device and the stored positional location at which
the navigation device was disconnected from the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Geelen; Pieter; (Amsterdam,
NL) ; Deurwaarder; William; (Rotterdam, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jacob Eisenberg;c/o TomTom
Rombrandplein 35
Amsterdam
1017 CT
NL
|
Family ID: |
38335541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/712573 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/532 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/102 20130101;
H04L 63/12 20130101; H04L 67/325 20130101; G01C 21/367 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G01C 21/3697 20130101; G09B 29/102
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/200 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/00 20060101
G01C021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2006 |
GB |
0604709.6 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
GB |
0604708.8 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
GB |
0604710.4 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
GB |
0604704.7 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
GB |
0604706.2 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: storing a positional location at which a
navigation device was last connected to a vehicle; determining a
route to the vehicle based upon a current location of the
navigation device and the stored positional location at which the
navigation device was last connected to the vehicle.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prompting selection
of an option to access the positional location at which the
navigation device was last connected to the vehicle, the
determining of the route occurring in response to selection of the
option.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: displaying the
determined route to the vehicle on the navigation device.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting a
connection between the navigation device and the vehicle, wherein
the positional location is stored upon detecting the
connection.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the connection is detected upon
detecting an electrical connection between the navigation device
and the vehicle.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the connection is detected upon
detecting a physical connection between the navigation device and
the vehicle.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking device,
connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation
device.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the detecting includes detecting
a connection between the navigation device and the vehicle via a
docking device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the connection is detected upon
detecting an electrical connection between the navigation device
and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein the connection is detected upon
detecting a physical connection between the navigation device and
the vehicle, via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
11. The method of claim 4, wherein the connection is detected upon
detecting a physical connection between the navigation device and a
docking device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
12. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when
executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the
navigation device to implement the method of claim 1.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: detecting a
condition of the vehicle, indicating a connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, wherein the positional location
is stored upon detecting the condition.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the condition detected includes
movement of the vehicle.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the condition detected using
heuristics.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the condition is detected by
software.
17. The method of claim 5, wherein the electrical connection is
detected by a sensor.
18. The method of claim 6, wherein the physical connection is
detected by a sensor.
19. A navigation device, comprising: means for storing a positional
location at which the navigation device was last connected to a
vehicle; and means for determining a route to the vehicle based
upon a current location of the navigation device and the stored
positional location at which a navigation device was last connected
to a vehicle.
20. The navigation device of claim 19, further comprising: means
for prompting selection of an option to access the positional
location at which the navigation device was last connected to the
vehicle, the determining of the route occurring in response to
selection of the option.
21. The navigation device of claim 20, further comprising: means
for displaying the determined route to the vehicle on the
navigation device.
22. The navigation device of claim 19, further comprising: means
for detecting a connection between the navigation device and the
vehicle, wherein the positional location is stored upon detecting
the connection.
23. The navigation device of claim 22, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting an electrical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
24. The navigation device of claim 22, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
25. The navigation device of claim 19, wherein the connection
between the navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking
device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
26. The navigation device of claim 22, wherein the detecting
includes detecting a connection between the navigation device and
the vehicle via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
27. The navigation device of claim 23, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting an electrical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
28. The navigation device of claim 24, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
29. The navigation device of claim 22, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and a docking device, connected to the vehicle
and adapted to receive the navigation device.
30. The navigation device of claim 21, wherein the means for
prompting and the means for displaying are integrated.
31. The navigation device of claim 19, further comprising: means
for detecting a condition of the vehicle, indicating a connection
between the navigation device and the vehicle, wherein the
positional location is stored upon detecting the condition.
32. The navigation device of claim 31, wherein the condition
detected includes movement of the vehicle.
33. The navigation device of claim 31, wherein the condition
detected using heuristics.
34. The navigation device of claim 31, wherein the condition is
detected by software.
35. The navigation device of claim 23, wherein the electrical
connection is detected by a sensor.
36. The navigation device of claim 24, wherein the physical
connection is detected by a sensor.
37. A navigation device, comprising: memory to store a positional
location at which the navigation device was last connected to a
vehicle; and a processor to determine a route to the vehicle based
upon a current location of the navigation device and the stored
positional location at which the navigation device was last
connected to the vehicle.
38. The navigation device of claim 37, further comprising: a device
to prompt selection of an option to access the positional location
at which the navigation device was last connected to the vehicle,
the determining of the route occurring in response to selection of
the option.
39. The navigation device of claim 38, further comprising: a
display device to display the determined route to the vehicle on
the navigation device.
40. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the processor is
further used to detect a connection between the navigation device
and the vehicle, wherein the positional location is stored upon
detecting the connection.
41. The navigation device of claim 40, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting an electrical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
42. The navigation device of claim 40, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
43. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the connection
between the navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking
device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
44. The navigation device of claim 40, wherein the detecting
includes detecting a connection between the navigation device and
the vehicle via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
45. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting an electrical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
46. The navigation device of claim 42, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
47. The navigation device of claim 40, wherein the connection is
detected upon detecting a physical connection between the
navigation device and a docking device, connected to the vehicle
and adapted to receive the navigation device.
48. The navigation device of claim 39, wherein the device to prompt
and the display device are integrated.
49. The navigation device of claim 37, further comprising: a device
to detect a condition of the vehicle, indicating a connection
between the navigation device and the vehicle, wherein the
positional location is stored upon detecting the condition.
50. The navigation device of claim 49, wherein the condition
detected includes movement of the vehicle.
51. The navigation device of claim 49, wherein the condition
detected using heuristics.
52. The navigation device of claim 49, wherein the condition is
detected by software.
53. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein the electrical
connection is detected by a sensor.
54. The navigation device of claim 42, wherein the physical
connection is detected by a sensor.
55. A method, comprising: storing a positional location of a
navigation device upon disconnection from a vehicle; and
determining a route to the vehicle based upon a current location of
the navigation device and the stored positional location at which
the navigation device was disconnected from the vehicle.
56. The method of claim 55, further comprising: prompting selection
of an option to access the positional location at which the
navigation device was disconnected from the vehicle, the
determining of the route occurring in response to selection of the
option.
57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: displaying the
determined route to the vehicle on the navigation device.
58. The method of claim 55, further comprising: detecting a
disconnection between the navigation device and the vehicle,
wherein the positional location is stored upon detecting the
disconnection.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein the disconnection is detected
upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the navigation
device and the vehicle.
60. The method of claim 58, wherein the disconnection is detected
upon detecting a physical disconnection between the navigation
device and the vehicle.
61. The method of claim 55, wherein the disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking device,
connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation
device.
62. The method of claim 58, wherein the detecting includes
detecting a disconnection between the navigation device and the
vehicle via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and adapted
to receive the navigation device.
63. The method of claim 59, wherein the disconnection is detected
upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the navigation
device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected to the
vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
64. The method of claim 60, wherein the disconnection is detected
upon detecting a physical disconnection between the navigation
device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected to the
vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
65. The method of claim 58, wherein the disconnection is detected
upon detecting a physical disconnection between the navigation
device and a docking device, connected to the vehicle and adapted
to receive the navigation device.
66. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when
executed on a processor of a navigation device, causing the
navigation device to implement the method of claim 55.
67. A navigation device, comprising: means for storing a positional
location of the navigation device upon disconnection from a
vehicle; and means for determining a route to the vehicle based
upon a current location of the navigation device and the stored
positional location at which a navigation device was last connected
to a vehicle.
68. The navigation device of claim 67, further comprising: means
for prompting selection of an option to access the positional
location at which the navigation device was disconnected from the
vehicle, the determining of the route occurring in response to
selection of the option.
69. The navigation device of claim 68, further comprising: means
for displaying the determined route to the vehicle on the
navigation device.
70. The navigation device of claim 67, further comprising: means
for detecting a disconnection between the navigation device and the
vehicle, wherein the positional location is stored upon detecting
the disconnection.
71. The navigation device of claim 70, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
72. The navigation device of claim 68, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
73. The navigation device of claim 67, wherein the disconnection
between the navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking
device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
74. The navigation device of claim 68, wherein the detecting
includes detecting a disconnection between the navigation device
and the vehicle via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
75. The navigation device of claim 71, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
76. The navigation device of claim 72, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
77. The navigation device of claim 68, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and a docking device, connected to the vehicle
and adapted to receive the navigation device.
78. The navigation device of claim 69, wherein the means for
prompting and the means for displaying are integrated.
79. A navigation device, comprising: memory to store a positional
location of the navigation device upon disconnection from a
vehicle; and a processor to determine a route to the vehicle based
upon a current location of the navigation device and the stored
positional location at which the navigation device was last
connected to the vehicle.
80. The navigation device of claim 79, further comprising: a device
to prompt selection of an option to access the positional location
at which the navigation device was disconnected from the vehicle,
the determining of the route occurring in response to selection of
the option.
81. The navigation device of claim 80, further comprising: a
display device to display the determined route to the vehicle on
the navigation device.
82. The navigation device of claim 79, wherein the processor is
further used to detect a disconnection between the navigation
device and the vehicle, wherein the positional location is stored
upon detecting the disconnection.
83. The navigation device of claim 82, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
84. The navigation device of claim 82, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle.
85. The navigation device of claim 79, wherein the disconnection
between the navigation device and the vehicle occurs via a docking
device, connected to the vehicle and adapted to receive the
navigation device.
86. The navigation device of claim 82, wherein the detecting
includes detecting a disconnection between the navigation device
and the vehicle via a docking device, connected to the vehicle and
adapted to receive the navigation device.
87. The navigation device of claim 83, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting an electrical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
88. The navigation device of claim 84, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and the vehicle, via a docking device, connected
to the vehicle and adapted to receive the navigation device.
89. The navigation device of claim 82, wherein the disconnection is
detected upon detecting a physical disconnection between the
navigation device and a docking device, connected to the vehicle
and adapted to receive the navigation device.
90. The navigation device of claim 81, wherein the device to prompt
and the display device are integrated.
Description
CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] The following applications are being filed concurrently with
the present applications. The entire contents of each of the
following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference:
A METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UTILIZING A SELECTABLE LOCATION MARKER FOR
RELATIONAL DISPLAY OF POINT OF INTEREST ENTRIES (Attorney docket
number 06P057US15) filed on even date herewith; A METHOD AND DEVICE
FOR MAP SWITCHING (Attorney docket number 06P057US14) filed on even
date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONVEYING
INFORMATION RELATIONSHIPS (Attorney docket number 06P057US20) filed
on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF UPDATING
INFORMATION ON A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number
06P057US18) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE,
SERVER, AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING THEREBETWEEN (Attorney docket
number 06P057US17) filed on even date herewith; A METHOD AND DEVICE
FOR PROVIDING PREFERENCES DURING ROUTE TRAVEL CALCULATION ON A
NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number 06P057US13) filed on even
date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF ACTIVATING
INFORMATION ON A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket number
06P057US12) filed on even date herewith; AUTOMATIC DISCOVERY OF
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SETTINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US04)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF
IMPLEMENTING AUDIO FEATURES IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket
number 06P057US21) filed on even date herewith; METHODS OF
CUSTOMIZING NAVIGATION SYSTEMS (Attorney docket number 06P057US03)
filed on even date herewith; and A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
SEQUENTIAL MAP DISPLAY (Attorney docket number 06P057US22) filed on
even date herewith.
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0002] The present application hereby claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 on each of Great Britain Patent Application
numbers 0604709.6 filed Mar. 8, 2006; 0604708.8 filed Mar. 8, 2006;
0604710.4 filed Mar. 8, 2006; 0604704.7 filed Mar. 8, 2006; and
0604706.2 filed Mar. 8, 2006, the entire contents of each of which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0003] The present application generally relates to navigation
methods and devices.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Navigation devices are known to be portable, and are further
known to be usable in conjunction with motorized vehicles such as
cars, boats, etc (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,980, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).
Although navigation devices allow a user to get from a particular
location to a travel destination, they typically begin from a GPS
detected location of the navigation device itself, and end at an
input/selectable location.
[0005] The travel destination is often selectable and thus is easy
to input to enable a user to arrive at the travel destination using
the navigation device. There are many methods which have been
developed for inputting/selecting travel destinations in known
navigation systems. However, there has not been much thought given
to an initial position of the navigation device, as this is
typically determined in a known manner using GPS location
technology.
SUMMARY
[0006] The inventors of the present application noticed that there
are times when initial position of the navigation device is
important. For example, in situations where the navigation device
is initially used in an automobile and is later utilized as a
handheld device, the user may want to return to the automobile, but
may not know its initial location. Further, the GPS location of the
navigation device will not help, as the navigation device has moved
from its initial location in the vehicle to a new location. Thus,
while the user can locate a plurality of selectable destinations,
the user cannot locate the original vehicle in which the device was
previously located.
[0007] With the above in mind, at least one embodiment of the
present application is directed to method which may be used, for
example, to aid a user in determining a route to a vehicle where
the navigation device was previously located or "last docked". In
at least one embodiment, the method includes storing a positional
location at which a navigation device was last connected to a
vehicle; and determining a route to the vehicle based upon a
current location of the navigation device and the stored positional
location at which the navigation device was last connected to the
vehicle.
[0008] In at least one other embodiment, a navigation device is
disclosed, including a memory to store a positional location at
which the navigation device was last connected to a vehicle, and a
processor to determine a route to the vehicle based upon a current
location of the navigation device and the stored positional
location at which the navigation device was last connected to the
vehicle.
[0009] In at least one other embodiment, a method includes storing
a positional location of a navigation device upon disconnection
from a vehicle, and determining a route to the vehicle based upon a
current location of the navigation device and the stored positional
location at which the navigation device was connected to the
vehicle.
[0010] In at least one other embodiment, a navigation device
includes a memory to store a positional location of the navigation
device upon disconnection from a vehicle, and a processor to
determine a route to the vehicle based upon a current location of
the navigation device and the stored positional location at which
the navigation device was disconnected from the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present application will be described in more detail
below by using example embodiments, which will be explained with
the aid of the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning
System (GPS);
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic
components of a navigation device of an embodiment of the present
application;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server,
navigation device and connection therebetween of an embodiment of
the present application;
[0015] FIG. 4a illustrates a navigation device 200, docked to an
example docking station 420;
[0016] FIG. 4b illustrates an example navigation device which has
been undocked from an example docking station of a vehicle; and
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an example display of a "last docked"
option.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "includes" and/or "including", when used
in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0019] In describing example embodiments illustrated in the
drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity.
However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not
intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific element includes all
technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.
[0020] Referencing the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several
views, example embodiments of the present patent application are
hereafter described. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning
System (GPS), usable by navigation devices, including the
navigation device of embodiments of the present application. Such
systems are known and are used for a variety of purposes. In
general, GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable
of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some
instances direction information for an unlimited number of
users.
[0022] Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the GPS incorporates a plurality
of satellites which work with the earth in extremely precise
orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay
their location to any number of receiving units.
[0023] 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 determines the precise location of that
satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods.
The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals
until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals
(noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with
only two signals using other triangulation techniques).
Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the
three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position
relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner.
Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the
receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the
same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and
velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by
an unlimited number of users.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS system is 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 140, usable in
embodiments of navigation devices of the present application, is
shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from the
various satellites 120.
[0025] 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 is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that
the GPS receiver device 140 generally acquires 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, resulting in
signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GPS
receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in
a known manner.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic
components of a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the
present application, in block component format. It should be noted
that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not
inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only
representative of many example components.
[0027] The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not
shown). The housing includes a processor 210 connected to an input
device 220 and a display screen 240. The input device 220 can
include a keyboard device, voice input device, and/or any other
known input device utilized to input information; and the display
screen 240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD
display, for example. In at least one embodiment of the present
application, the input device 220 and display screen 240 are
integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a
touchpad or touchscreen input wherein a user need only touch a
portion of the display screen 240 to select one of a plurality of
display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual
buttons.
[0028] In addition, other types of output devices 250 can also
include, including but not limited to, an audible output device. As
output device 250 can produce audible information to a user of the
navigation device 200, it is equally understood that input device
240 can also include a microphone and software for receiving input
voice commands as well.
[0029] In the navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively
connected to and set to receive input information from input device
240 via a connection 225, and operatively connected to at least one
of display screen 240 and output device 250, via output connections
245, to output information thereto. Further, the processor 210 is
operatively connected to memory 230 via connection 235 and is
further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output
(I/O) ports 270 via connection 275, wherein the I/O port 270 is
connectible to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device
200. The external I/O device 270 may include, but is not limited to
an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The
connection to I/O device 280 can further be a wired or wireless
connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit
for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for
example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for
connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone
connection may be used to establish a TCP/IP connection between the
navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for
example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the
internet or some other network for example.
[0030] FIG. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between
the processor 210 and an antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255,
wherein the antenna/receiver 250 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for
example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver
designated by reference numeral 250 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 helical antenna for example.
[0031] Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art that the electronic components shown in FIG. 2 are powered
by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different
configurations of the components shown in FIG. 2 are considered
within the scope of the present application. For example, in one
embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 2 may be in communication
with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the
like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present
application includes a portable or handheld navigation device
200.
[0032] In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200
of FIG. 2 can be connected or "docked" in a known manner to a
motorized vehicle such as a car or boat for example. Such a
navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location
for portable or handheld navigation use.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server 302
and a navigation device 200 of the present application, via a
generic communications channel 318, of an embodiment of the present
application. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 of the
present application can communicate when a connection via
communications channel 318 is established between the server 302
and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be
a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via
personal computer via the internet, etc.).
[0034] The navigation device 200, in at least one embodiment, may
establish a "mobile" network connection with the server 302 via a
mobile device 400 (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device
with mobile phone technology) establishing a digital connection
(such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for
example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the
mobile device 400 can establish a network connection (through the
internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a "mobile"
network connection is established between the navigation device 200
(which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or
in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a "real-time" or at
least very "up to date" gateway for information.
[0035] The establishing of the network connection between the
mobile device 400 (via a service provider) and another device such
as the server 302, using the internet 410 for example, can be done
in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol
for example. The mobile device 400 can utilize any number of
communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
[0036] As such, an internet connection may be utilized which is
achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone
technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this
connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the
navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for
example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS
(General Packet Radio Service)-connection (GPRS connection is a
high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom
operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the internet.
[0037] The navigation device 200 can further complete a data
connection with the mobile device 400, and eventually with the
internet 410 and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for
example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize
any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol
Standard for the GSM standard, for example.
[0038] The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone
technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an
antenna for example, wherein the internal antenna of the navigation
device 200 can further alternatively be used). The mobile phone
technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal
components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable
card, complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an
antenna for example. As such, mobile phone technology within the
navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection
between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the
internet 410 for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile
device 400.
[0039] For GRPS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled device may be
used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile
phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific
settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example.
The data stored for this information can be updated in a manner
discussed in any of the embodiments, previous and subsequent.
[0040] The server 302 includes, in addition to other components
which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected
to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or
wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The
processor 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308
and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from
navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals
sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other
propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be
selected or designed according to the communications requirement
and communication technology used in the communication design for
the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the
functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into
a signal transceiver.
[0041] Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass
storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be
coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass
storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map
information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302
or can be incorporated into the server 302.
[0042] The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the
server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes
processor, memory, etc. as previously described with regard to FIG.
2, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive
signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting
that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices
other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver
322 are selected or designed according to communication
requirements and communication technology used in the communication
design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the
transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single
transceiver.
[0043] Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions
for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services
to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server
302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and
transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the
navigation device 200. According to at least one embodiment of the
present application, another service provided by the server 302
includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms
for a desired application and sending the results of these
calculations to the navigation device 200.
[0044] The communication channel 318 generically represents the
propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200
and the server 302. According to at least one embodiment of the
present application, both the server 302 and navigation device 200
include a transmitter for transmitting data through the
communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has
been transmitted through the communication channel.
[0045] The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular
communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel
318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is,
the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a
variety of technology. For example, according to at least one
embodiment, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide
a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic
communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318
includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the
following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires
and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, converters, radio-frequency
(rf) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore,
according to at least one various embodiment, the communication
channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers,
repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
[0046] In at least one embodiment of the present application, for
example, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and
computer networks. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the
communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless
communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency,
infrared communication, etc. Additionally, according to at least
one embodiment, the communication channel 318 can accommodate
satellite communication.
[0047] The communication signals transmitted through the
communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals
as may be required or desired for 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), etc. Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted
through the communication channel 318. According to at least one
embodiment, these signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or
compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication
technology.
[0048] The mass data storage 312 includes sufficient memory for the
desired navigation applications. Examples of the mass data storage
312 may include magnetic data storage media such as hard drives for
example, optical storage media such as CD-Roms for example, charged
data storage media such as flash memory for example, molecular
memory, etc.
[0049] According to at least one embodiment of the present
application, the server 302 includes a remote server accessible by
the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. According to at
least one other embodiment of the application, the server 302 may
include a network server located on a local area network (LAN),
wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
[0050] According to at least one embodiment of the present
application, the server 302 may include a personal computer such as
a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may
be a cable connected between the personal computer and the
navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be
connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to
establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the
navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other
handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the
internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server
302 via the internet.
[0051] The navigation device 200 may be provided with information
from the server 302 via information downloads which may be
periodically updated upon a user connecting navigation device 200
to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant
or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and
navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and
TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the
processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of
the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device
200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes
independent of a connection to a server 302.
[0052] The mass storage device 312 connected to the server 302 can
include volumes more cartographic and route data than that which is
able to be maintained on the navigation device 200 itself,
including maps, etc. The server 302 may process, for example, the
majority of the devices of a navigation device 200 which travel
along the route using a set of processing algorithms. Further, the
cartographic and route data stored in memory 312 can operate on
signals (e.g. GPS signals), originally received by the navigation
device 200.
[0053] FIG. 4a illustrates a navigation device 200, docked to an
example docking station 420. The docking station 420 is mountable
and/or connectable to a vehicle 400, for mounting the navigation
device 200 in a vehicle and for electrical connecting the
navigation device 200 to the vehicle 400. The docking station 420
is adapted to receive the navigation device 200, and may provide
one or both of a physical connection and an electrical connection
between the navigation device 200 and the vehicle 400. Thus, upon
the docking station 420 receiving the navigation device 400 and
upon the docking station 420 providing both of a physical
connection and an electrical connection, the navigation device 200
may switch from a supply of power from an internal power supply (9
volt for example) to a supply of power from the vehicle (6 volt for
example). The docking station 420 may be any kind of docking
station for at least one of physically and/or electrically
connecting the navigation device 200 to the vehicle 400; and the
vehicle 400 can include any type of vehicle such as a car,
motorcycle, truck, boat, etc., wherein the embodiments of the
present application are not limited to the type of vehicle and
include any vehicle 400 to which a navigation device 200 can be
attached via a docking station 420. Further, embodiments of the
present application are not limited to any type of docking station
420.
[0054] In FIG. 4b, an illustration is provided of a navigation
device 200 which has been undocked (losing at least one or both of
an electrical and/or physical connection from the vehicle 400, for
example) from a docking station 420 of the vehicle 400 and thus
which is shown separately from the vehicle 400 including the
docking device 420.
[0055] In one example embodiment of the present application, a
positional location at which the navigation device 200 was last
connected to a vehicle 400 is stored. Thereafter, upon the
navigation system 200 being removed from the vehicle 200, a route
to the vehicle can be determined based upon a current location of
the navigation device 200 and the stored positional location at
which the navigation device 200 was last connected to the vehicle
400. Thus, if the user forgets where his/her car is parked, for
example, he/she can easily find the car via the determined
route.
[0056] As the navigation device 200 is placed in the docking device
420 of the vehicle 400, the navigation device 200 may be triggered
store the GPS positional location of the navigation device 200 as
measured while the navigation device 200 is in the docking device
420. This can occur, for example, upon detecting a connection
(physical, electrical, etc.) between the navigation device 200 and
the vehicle 400, via docking station 420 for example.
[0057] With regard to docking, for example, two kinds of docking
may be used, for example: active and passive. Active docking
includes a docking station 420 that includes electrical circuits
that trigger, in an electrical way, the navigation device 200, when
docked, so that the navigation device 200 always knows if it is
docked or not by way of an electrical signal. Thus, detection of a
docked (connected) or undocked (disconnected) state can be done
using detection of these electrical signals, and/or detection of a
lack thereof.
[0058] Passive docking includes docking the navigation device 200
to the vehicle 400 in a way that does not include any electrical
circuits (it may not even include use of a docking station 420). It
is just a way to firmly attach the navigation device 200 to the
windscreen, dashboard, etc. of a vehicle 400. Still there are ways
to detect a docked or undocked state (and thus trigger storage of a
last docked location for example) in these passive docking systems
as well.
[0059] For example, this can be done, in one example embodiment, by
using a "push" sensor that is switched by a mechanical connection
of the docking when the navigation device 200 is attached and/or
removed. In such a manner, the navigation device 200 may be
mechanically connected to the vehicle 400, via a passive docking
station 420 for example. For such a "push" sensor, a small switch
may be automatically activated by a connection mechanism when the
navigation device 200 is connected to a docking station 420, for
example.
[0060] In another embodiment, "passive" docking can be detected
using a magnet, in the docking station 420 for example. Such a
magnet can be sensed electrically by a sensor in the navigation
device 200, for example.
[0061] A "last docked" position may be stored, in one example
embodiment, by: storing the current position as long as the system
is "docked" in the docking station 420, for example. In this way,
the navigation device 200 does not need to detect any actual
connection/disconnection from the docking station 420, for example.
Thus, instead a condition of the vehicle 400 can be detected,
indicating a connection between the navigation device 200 and the
vehicle 400, wherein the positional location is stored upon
detecting the condition. That can be beneficial because, in most
cases, the navigation device 200 may be switched off before
disconnection from the docking station 420 (and when in a
switched-off state, there may be no way to store current
position).
[0062] In at least one embodiment, a connected condition is
determined, to determine "docked" state via software, i.e. without
sensors or mechanical/electrical switches. The software can
determine whether the navigation device 200 was used in a different
location before. This algorithm can use to detect a condition for
example, including movement of the vehicle such as speed, for
example. Driving with the navigation device 200 occurs at a much
higher speed than walking with the navigation device 200, for
example.
[0063] The algorithm can use, but is not limited to heuristics to
detect a condition for example. This can be done, for example, by
detecting that the navigation device 200 has moved more than a
certain distance, for example one km before it was switched off. If
the navigation device 200 is now switched on again, the location
where it was switched off may be stored as a "last docked"
location. This one km barrier is an example of a barrier which can
be used to prevent the navigation device 200 from overriding a
"last docked" position with current GPS location.
[0064] In one example embodiment, an electrical connection between
the navigation device and the vehicle 400, via docking station 420
for example, may be monitored. Upon detecting an electrical
connection between the navigation device 200 and the vehicle 400,
via docking station 420 for example, the positional location of the
navigation may be stored as a last docked location and a route can
be determined based upon the stored last docked location. One
example embodiment of this is as follows.
[0065] In one example embodiment of detecting electrical
connection, voltage/current supply from a battery of the vehicle in
which the navigation device 200 is docked, for example, can be
monitored. For example, the processor 210 can monitor the
voltage/current supply to the navigation device 200. Thereafter,
upon detecting a voltage/current supply change upon connection of
the navigation device 200 to the docking station in a known manner
for example, wherein an automatic switch occurs from a 9 volt
internal supply to a 6 volt supply from the battery of the vehicle
in which the navigation device 200 is now docked for example, the
processor 210 can then request a GPS position signal from
antenna/receiver 250. Upon receiving this position signal, it can
then store this "last docked" location in memory 230. Thus, for
example, when the navigation device 220 is locked or "docked" in
the docking device 420 of the vehicle 400, a "last docked position"
may be stored in a memory 230 of the navigation device 220 (and a
route can thereafter be determined based upon the stored last
docked location).
[0066] Alternatively, other types of triggers for storage of a
"last docked" position can be used and are within the scope of the
embodiments of the present application. In one example embodiment,
a physical connection between the navigation device and the vehicle
400, via docking station 420 for example, may be monitored. Upon
detecting a physical connection between the navigation device 200
and the vehicle 400, via docking station 420 for example, the
positional location of the navigation may be stored as a last
docked location (and a route can thereafter be determined based
upon the stored last docked location).
[0067] In one example embodiment of detecting physical connection,
a physical sensor may be used (not shown), to sense that a
connection between the docking device 420 and the navigation device
200 (via physical connectors of the navigation device 200 being
connected to physical connectors of the docking device 420, for
example). The processor 210 can then monitor or await a signal from
the sensor, upon the sensor detecting a physical connection between
the docking device 420 and the navigation device 200. Upon the
processor 210 receiving a signal or detecting a signal from the
sensor indicating a physical connection between the docking device
420 and the navigation device 200, the processor 210 can then
request a GPS position signal from antenna/receiver 250. Upon
receiving this position signal, it can then store this "last
docked" location in memory 230 and a route can be determined based
upon the stored last docked location. Thus, at the time of docking
or connecting the navigation device 200 to the vehicle 400, via the
docking device 420 for example, a positional location of the
navigation device may be stored in memory 230 of the navigation
device 200 for example.
[0068] Thereafter, when a user undocks or removes the navigation
device 200 from the docking station 420 and takes the navigation
device 200 with him or her, the user may forget where the vehicle
400, including the docking station 420 and previously connected to
the navigation device 200, was located. This could happen, for
example, when a user parks his/her vehicle in a mall, airport
parking lot, parking garage, etc. and cannot remember where the car
is located. However, as the "last docked" location is now stored
(in any manner of the aforementioned embodiments for example), the
method of an embodiment of the present application can now
determine a route to the vehicle in a known manner, based upon a
current GPS location of the navigation device 200 (determined in a
known manner) and based upon the stored positional location at
which the navigation device 200 was last connected to the
vehicle.
[0069] In one example embodiment of the present application, as
shown in FIG. 5 for example, the navigation device 200 of the user
can further be prompted (via display of the "@ last docked" option
510 of FIG. 5 for example) to select an option to access the
positional location at which the navigation device 200 was last
connected to the vehicle 400. In response to selection of this
option, the navigation device 200 can then determine, in a known
manner, a route to the vehicle based upon a current location of the
navigation device (which is always known based upon the GPS antenna
receiver 250 of the navigation device 200 receiving signals to
determine a current GPS location of the navigation device 200) and
the stored positional location at which the navigation device 200
was last connected to the vehicle 400 (namely the "last docked"
location which has been stored in memory 230). Once the route is
determined, it may then be displayed on the navigation device and
can then be used to aid the user in reaching the vehicle 400. As
such, the user can use the navigation device itself to find the
vehicle at which it was last docked.
[0070] It should be noted that the device prompt and the display
device may be, and typically is, an integrated input and display
device. However, the prompt may occur in other ways, such as via
other types of visual prompts, an audible prompt, a physical
flashing prompt prompting selection of a physical button and/or a
"home" option which may be permanently displayed on the device,
etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to
the particular prompt which is used, and/or the method used to
select a particular option to access the positional location at
which the navigation device was last connected to the vehicle.
[0071] An embodiment of the present application may further be
present in the form of the navigation device 200 itself. The
navigation device 200 can include a memory 230 to store a
positional location at which the navigation device 200 was last
connected to a vehicle 400; and a processor 210 to determine a
route to the vehicle based upon a current location of the
navigation device 200 and the stored positional location at which
the navigation device was last connected to the vehicle 200.
Further, the navigation device 200 may further include a device
(including but not limited to display 240 for example) to prompt
selection of an option to access the positional location at which
the navigation device 200 was last connected to the vehicle 400,
wherein the processor 210 can determine the route to the vehicle
400 in response to selection of the option, based upon a current
location of the navigation device 200 and the stored positional
location at which a navigation device 200 was last connected to the
vehicle 400. The navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the
present application may further include a display device to display
the determined route to the vehicle 400 on the navigation device
200. The device to prompt and the display device may further be
integrated.
[0072] In another example embodiment of the present application, a
positional location at which the navigation device 200 was last
disconnected from a vehicle 400 is stored. Thereafter, upon the
navigation system 200 being removed from the vehicle 200, a route
to the vehicle can be determined based upon a current location of
the navigation device 200 and the stored positional location at
which the navigation device 200 was last disconnected from the
vehicle 400. Thus, if the user forgets where his/her car is parked,
for example, he/she can easily find the car via the determined
route.
[0073] In an embodiment of the present application, instead of
storing a positional location at which a navigation device 200 was
last connected to a vehicle 400, a positional location of a
navigation device 200 may be stored at which a navigation device
200 was last disconnected from a vehicle 400, for example, upon
disconnection from a vehicle 200 (such as upon disconnection of the
navigation device 200 from a docking device 420 of the vehicle 400,
for example). This can occur in a manner similar to that regarding
connection to the vehicle, wherein disconnection is detected
instead of connection, and wherein the disconnection can be a
disconnection which is physical, electrical, etc. For example, the
disconnection detected may be electrical, upon detecting a switch
from the voltage supply from a battery of the vehicle in which the
navigation device 200 is docked, for example, to a voltage supply
of the navigation device 200 itself.
[0074] In one example embodiment, an electrical connection between
the navigation device and the vehicle 400, via docking station 420
for example, may be monitored. Upon detecting an electrical
disconnection between the navigation device 200 and the vehicle
400, via docking station 420 for example, the positional location
of the navigation may be stored as a last docked location and a
route can be determined based upon the stored last docked location.
One example embodiment of this is as follows.
[0075] In one example embodiment of detecting electrical
disconnection, voltage/current supply from a battery of the vehicle
in which the navigation device 200 is docked, for example, can be
monitored. For example, the processor 210 can monitor the
voltage/current supply to the navigation device 200. Thereafter,
upon detecting a voltage/current supply change upon disconnection
of the navigation device 200 to the docking station in a known
manner for example, wherein an automatic switch occurs from a 6
volt supply from the battery of the vehicle in which the navigation
device 200 is now docked for example, to a 9 volt internal supply,
the processor 210 can then request a GPS position signal from
antenna/receiver 250. Upon receiving this position signal, it can
then store this "last docked" location in memory 230. Thus, for
example, when the navigation device 220 is remove or "undocked"
from the docking device 420 of the vehicle 400, a "last docked
position" may be stored in a memory 230 of the navigation device
220 (and a route can thereafter be determined based upon the stored
last docked location).
[0076] Alternatively, other types of triggers for storage of a
"last docked" position can be used and are within the scope of the
embodiments of the present application. In one example embodiment,
a physical disconnection between the navigation device and the
vehicle 400, via docking station 420 for example, may be monitored.
Upon detecting a physical disconnection between the navigation
device 200 and the vehicle 400, via docking station 420 for
example, the positional location of the navigation may be stored as
a last docked location (and a route can thereafter be determined
based upon the stored last docked location).
[0077] In one example embodiment of detecting physical
disconnection, a physical sensor may be used (not shown), to sense
that a disconnection between the docking device 420 and the
navigation device 200 (via physical connectors of the navigation
device 200 being connected to physical connectors of the docking
device 420, for example). The processor 210 can then monitor or
await a signal from the sensor, upon the sensor detecting a
physical disconnection between the docking device 420 and the
navigation device 200. Upon the processor 210 receiving a signal or
detecting a signal from the sensor indicating a physical
disconnection between the docking device 420 and the navigation
device 200, the processor 210 can then request a GPS position
signal from antenna/receiver 250. Upon receiving this position
signal, it can then store this "last docked" location in memory 230
and a route can be determined based upon the stored last docked
location.
[0078] Accordingly, in one embodiment, upon a disconnection from a
vehicle 200, such as from a docking device 420 of a vehicle 200, a
positional location of the navigation device 200 may be stored.
Thereafter, a route to the vehicle 200 may be determined based upon
a current location of the navigation device 200 and the stored
positional location at which the navigation device 200 was
disconnected from the vehicle 400. In a further embodiment, a
selection of an option to access the positional location may be
prompted, and in response to selection of the option, a route to
the vehicle 200 may be determined based upon a current location of
the navigation device 200 and the stored positional location at
which the navigation device 200 was disconnected from the vehicle
400. Such methods of embodiments of the present application, once
the positional location is stored in memory 230, can operate in a
manner similar to that of the previously described embodiments.
[0079] Further, an embodiment of the present application may be
directed to a navigation device 200, including a memory 230 to
store a positional location of the navigation device 200 upon
disconnection from the vehicle 400; and a processor 210 to
determine a route to the vehicle 400 based upon a current location
of the navigation device 200 and the stored positional location at
which the navigation device 200 was disconnected from the vehicle
400. In a further embodiment, a device (including but not limited
to display 240 for example) may be included to prompt selection of
an option to access the positional location, the processor 210
determining, in response to selection of the option, a route to the
vehicle 400. Further, a display device to display the determined
route to the vehicle 400 on the navigation device 200 can also be
included, noting that the device to prompt and the display device
may be integrated.
[0080] The methods of at least one embodiment expressed above may
be implemented as a computer data signal embodied in the carrier
wave or propagated signal that represents a sequence of
instructions which, when executed by a processor (such as processor
304 of server 302, and/or processor 210 of navigation device 200
for example) causes the processor to perform a respective method.
In at least one other embodiment, at least one method provided
above may be implemented above as a set of instructions contained
on a computer readable or computer accessible medium, such as one
of the memory devices previously described, for example, to perform
the respective method when executed by a processor or other
computer device. In varying embodiments, the medium may be a
magnetic medium, electronic medium, optical medium, etc.
[0081] Even further, any of the aforementioned methods may be
embodied in the form of a program. The program may be stored on a
computer readable media and is adapted to perform any one of the
aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device
including a processor). Thus, the storage medium or computer
readable medium, is adapted to store information and is adapted to
interact with a data processing facility or computer device to
perform the method of any of the above mentioned embodiments.
[0082] The storage medium may be a built-in medium installed inside
a computer device main body or a removable medium arranged so that
it can be separated from the computer device main body. Examples of
the built-in medium include, but are not limited to, rewriteable
non-volatile memories, such as ROMs and flash memories, and hard
disks. Examples of the removable medium include, but are not
limited to, optical storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs;
magneto-optical storage media, such as MOs; magnetism storage
media, including but not limited to floppy disks (trademark),
cassette tapes, and removable hard disks; media with a built-in
rewriteable non-volatile memory, including but not limited to
memory cards; and media with a built-in ROM, including but not
limited to ROM cassettes; etc. Furthermore, various information
regarding stored images, for example, property information, may be
stored in any other form, or it may be provided in other ways.
[0083] As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon
reading the disclosure, the electronic components of the navigation
device 200 and/or the components of the server 302 can be embodied
as computer hardware circuitry or as a computer readable program,
or as a combination of both.
[0084] The system and method of embodiments of the present
application include software operative on the processor to perform
at least one of the methods according to the teachings of the
present application. 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
found 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 at least one of the methods of the present application.
[0085] The programs can be structured in an object-orientation
using an object-oriented language including but not limited to
JAVA, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and the programs can be structured in a
procedural-orientation using a procedural language including but
not limited to COBAL, C, etc. The software components can
communicate in any number of ways that are well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to by
application of program interfaces (API), interprocess communication
techniques, including but not limited to report procedure call
(RPC), 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 the present application
disclosure, the teachings of the present application are not
limited to a particular programming language or environment.
[0086] 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,
etc. with a navigation device 200.
[0087] Further, elements and/or features of different example
embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for
each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended
claims.
[0088] Still further, any one of the above-described and other
example features of the present invention may be embodied in the
form of an apparatus, method, system, computer program and computer
program product. For example, of the aforementioned methods may be
embodied in the form of a system or device, including, but not
limited to, any of the structure for performing the methodology
illustrated in the drawings.
[0089] Example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious
that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not
to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious
to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *