U.S. patent application number 11/712571 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for navigation device and method of updating information on a navigation device.
Invention is credited to Ivo Kendra, Shay Poristoin.
Application Number | 20080005734 11/712571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38335541 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080005734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poristoin; Shay ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Navigation device and method of updating information on a
navigation device
Abstract
A method and device are disclosed for updating information on a
navigation device. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting
a connection with a remote navigation device; automatically
providing information to update the navigation device upon
detecting the connection; and varying a display of the navigation
device upon completion of a successful automatic update of
information on the navigation device. In at least one other
embodiment, the method includes establishing a connection with a
remote server; automatically receiving updated information from the
remote server upon establishing the connection; and displaying an
indication of a successful update on the navigation device upon
successfully receiving the updated information. Finally, in at
least one other embodiment, the method includes establishing a
connection between the navigation device and a remote server;
requesting information to update the navigation device after the
connection to the remote server is established; and updating
information of the navigation device upon receiving the requested
information from the remote server.
Inventors: |
Poristoin; Shay; (Amsterdam,
NL) ; Kendra; Ivo; (Amsterdam, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jacob Eisenberg c/o TomTom
Rembrandplein 35
Amsterdam
1017 CT
NL
|
Family ID: |
38335541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/712571 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
717/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/325 20130101;
G01C 21/3697 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G01C 21/367 20130101;
G09B 29/102 20130101; H04L 63/12 20130101; G06Q 20/102
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
717/168 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/00 20060101
G06F013/00 |
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 of updating information on a navigation device,
comprising: detecting a connection with a remote navigation device;
automatically providing information to update the navigation device
upon detecting the connection; and varying a display of the
navigation device upon completion of a successful automatic update
of information on the navigation device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection is achieved via
the Internet.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a message
during the updating of the information.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the updated information includes
specifically formatted remote pages from the server.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a software browser is included in
the navigation device for connecting to the remote server and for
receiving information from the remote server to update information
on the navigation device.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the updated information includes
extended ephemeris data.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the information includes map
information.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the varying of the display
includes displaying a message upon completion of a successful
update.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the varying of the display
controlling the display to vary a color of the display upon
completion of a successful update.
10. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when
executed on a processor of a server, causing the server to
implement the method of claim 1.
11. A method of updating information on a navigation device,
comprising: establishing a connection between the navigation device
and a remote server; requesting information to update the
navigation device after the connection to the remote server is
established; and updating information of the navigation device upon
receiving the requested information from the remote server.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the received information
includes extended ephemeris data.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying a message
upon completion of a successful update.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising varying a color of a
display of the navigation device upon completion of a successful
update.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the requesting includes
selecting, from a plurality of selections displayed on the
navigation device, information to download.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the selections include at least
one of an updated map, a new map, and a new voice.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein further selections are
displayed upon selections of at least one of a map and new map,
including selections of at least one of a region, a country and a
city.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying on the
navigation device, selectable options to purchase or not purchase
the requested information.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising displaying on the
navigation device, a request for information to complete the
purchase upon selection of the option to purchase.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising displaying on the
navigation device, selectable options to purchase or not purchase
the requested information.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising displaying on the
navigation device, a request for information to complete the
purchase upon selection of the option to purchase.
22. 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 11.
23. A method of updating information on a navigation device,
comprising: establishing a connection with a remote server;
automatically receiving updated information from the remote server
upon establishing the connection; and displaying an indication of a
successful update on the navigation device upon successfully
receiving the updated information.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the received information
includes extended ephemeris data.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the displaying of an indication
of a successful update includes displaying a message upon
completion of a successful update.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the displaying of an indication
of a successful update includes varying a color of a display of the
navigation device upon completion of a successful update.
27. 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 23.
28. A navigation device, comprising: means for establishing a
connection between the navigation device and a remote server; means
for requesting information to update the navigation device after
the connection to the remote server is established; and means for
updating information of the navigation device upon receiving the
requested information from the remote server.
29. The navigation device of claim 28, wherein the received
information includes extended ephemeris data.
30. The navigation device of claim 28, further comprising means for
displaying a message upon completion of a successful update.
31. The navigation device of claim 28, further comprising means for
varying a color of a display of the navigation device upon
completion of a successful update.
32. The navigation device of claim 28, wherein the means for
requesting includes means for selecting, from a plurality of
selections displayed on the navigation device, information to
download.
33. The navigation device of claim 32, wherein the selections
include at least one of an updated map, a new map, and a new
voice.
34. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein the means for
displaying is further for displaying further selections, upon
selections of at least one of a map and new map, the further
selections including selections of at least one of a region, a
country and a city.
35. The navigation device of claim 28, further comprising means for
displaying on the navigation device, selectable options to purchase
or not purchase the requested information.
36. The navigation device of claim 35, further comprising means for
displaying on the navigation device, a request for information to
complete the purchase upon selection of the option to purchase.
37. The navigation device of claim 32, further comprising means for
displaying on the navigation device, selectable options to purchase
or not purchase the requested information.
38. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the means for
displaying is further for displaying, on the navigation device, a
request for information to complete the purchase upon selection of
the option to purchase.
39. A navigation device, comprising: means for establishing a
connection with a remote server; means for automatically receiving
updated information from the remote server upon establishing the
connection; and means for displaying an indication of a successful
update on the navigation device upon successfully receiving the
updated information.
40. The means for of claim 39, wherein the received information
includes extended ephemeris data.
41. The means for of claim 39, wherein the means for displaying is
further for displaying a message upon completion of a successful
update.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the means for displaying is
further for varying a color of a display of the navigation device
upon completion of a successful update.
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 NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING AND UTILIZING A LAST
DOCKED LOCATION (Attorney docket number 06P057US16) filed on even
date herewith; 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, 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 and methods are known to aid users in
determining a route of travel between a current location of the
navigation device and an input/selected travel destination. The
navigation device stores information in memory including map
information and route of travel calculation algorithms to aid the
navigation device in determining an appropriate route of
travel.
[0005] A problem facing navigation devices is that routes of travel
are constantly changing. New roads are being built, roads are being
torn down and alternative routes of travel are constantly being
provided. Further, a user typically purchases a navigation device
with the software regarding not only map information which needs to
be updated at a later date to account for new road construction,
etc., but map information which further typically includes only
geographic information for one area such as the United States and
Europe. While a user can decide to purchase information for a
different area if the user moves from the United States to Europe
for example, it is difficult, tedious, and expensive for a user to
constantly purchase the latest updated algorithmic and map
information to constantly update his/her navigation device.
SUMMARY
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the present application is
directed to a method of updating information on a navigation device
in an automatic manner. In at least one embodiment, the method
includes detecting a connection with a remote navigation device;
automatically providing information to update the navigation device
upon detecting the connection; and varying a display of the
navigation device upon completion of a successful automatic update
of information on the navigation device.
[0007] In at least one other embodiment, the present application is
directed to a method of updating information on a navigation device
in an automatic manner. The method includes establishing a
connection with a remote server; automatically receiving updated
information from the remote server upon establishing the
connection; and displaying an indication of a successful update on
the navigation device upon successfully receiving the updated
information.
[0008] In at least one other embodiment, the present application is
directed to a method of updating information on a navigation device
in a non-automatic manner. The method includes establishing a
connection between the navigation device and a remote server;
requesting information to update the navigation device after the
connection to the remote server is established; and updating
information of the navigation device upon receiving the requested
information from the remote server.
[0009] In at least one other embodiment, the present application is
directed to a navigation device. The navigation device includes
means for establishing a connection between the navigation device
and a remote server; means for requesting information to update the
navigation device after the connection to the remote server is
established; and means for updating information of the navigation
device upon receiving the requested information from the remote
server.
[0010] In at least one other embodiment, the present application is
directed to a navigation device. The navigation device includes
means for establishing a connection with a remote server; means for
automatically receiving updated information from the remote server
upon establishing the connection; and means for displaying an
indication of a successful update on the navigation device upon
successfully receiving the updated information.
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. 4 illustrates an example of a message display after
navigation device/server connection is established;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an example main menu for display;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an "options" display;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a display of a list of
regions;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a display of a list of
countries;
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an alphabetical entry
display;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a list of selectable
options;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an example display;
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a message display;
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a request to purchase;
and
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an alphabetical entry
display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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 data 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.).
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, from the
perspective of the server 302 for example, a method of updating
information on a navigation device 200 includes detecting a
connection with a remote navigation device 200; automatically
providing information to update the navigation device 200 upon
detecting the connection; and varying a display on the display
screen 240 of the navigation device 200 upon completion of the
successful automatic update of information on the navigation device
200. Further, in an embodiment of the present application directed
to automatic updating from the perspective of the navigation device
200, a method includes establishing a connection with a remote
server 302; requesting information to update the navigation device
200 after the connection to the remote server 302 is established;
and updating information of the navigation device 200 upon
receiving the requested information from the remote server 302. In
another embodiment, from the perspective of the navigation device
200, a method of updating information on a navigation device 200
includes establishing a connection with a remote server 302;
automatically receiving updated information from the remote server
302 upon establishing the connection; and displaying an indication
of a successful update on the navigation device 200 upon
successfully receiving the updated information.
[0062] In a first embodiment of the present application, the server
302 can be configured to communicate information automatically to
navigation device 200, through an established communications
channel or connection 318. By doing so, updated information can
easily and automatically be provided to a navigation device 200 in
an easy and efficient manner. Further, as will be discussed in a
later embodiment, the server 302 can distinguish between
information to be automatically sent (such as update, including
extended ephemeris data for example) and information which is new
information and available for purchase by a user of the navigation
device 200.
[0063] Ephemeris data is used by the GPS receiver (the navigation
device 200) to calculate the positions of the satellites. This data
can be received from the satellites themselves but that is a long
and slow process (it can take up to 10 minutes) because of the very
low bandwidth between the receiver and the satellites. To speed
this process up, this data can be calculated off board for about a
week in advance and stored on a server. This pre-calculated data is
then sent from the server to the navigation device that will use
this data instead of downloading it from the satellites. The whole
purpose of this data is to shorten the time the navigation device
200 needs to obtain its current position after power on.
[0064] By providing updated information automatically to a
navigation device 200, only a centrally located server 302 need be
updated to provide information to a plurality of navigation devices
200. As such, a user of a navigation device 200 does not need to
constantly replace software on their device, and instead need just
establish a communications channel 318 with a server 302 to add
updated information to their navigation device 200. From the
perspective of the server 302, again only one centrally located
device, namely server 302, need be updated to send updated
information to a plurality of navigation devices 200.
[0065] In at least one embodiment of the present application, no
user interaction need be involved in the process, as information to
update the navigation device happens automatically. For example,
upon detecting a connection with a remote navigation device 200,
and using received handshake information received from the
particular navigation device 200 connected to the server 302, the
server 302 may then identify the particular navigation device 200
from previously stored information regarding a plurality of
navigation devices 200 (stored in memory 306 or mass data storage
312 for example). The processor 504 server 302 can then determine
which information (map information for example) is stored on that
particular navigation device 302, and can then determine whether or
not such map information (for example) stored on the particular
navigation device 200 is the most recently updated version of
information (such as map information for example) currently stored,
in mass data storage 312 for example (further or alternatively, the
processor 504 of the server 302 can determine if particular stored
information, such as map information for example, has been recently
updated and thus is marked, in some manner, for download). If such
map information (for example) stored on the particular navigation
device 200 is not the most recently updated version of information,
then the server 302 can begin the automatic download process.
[0066] As indicated above, in one example embodiment, the automatic
update process may be implemented for the ephemeris data. However,
this is merely exemplary, and the automatic update process of the
embodiment described above should not be so limited.
[0067] In addition, in at least one embodiment, an expiry date may
be associated with the data, wherein the user of the navigation
device 200 may begin the download process if the data has expired,
for example. In this case, the server 302 always sends the latest
version without checking databases.
[0068] In another example embodiment, the process is used whenever
a user of the navigation device 200 has bought a new map, or more
generally may be entitled to some new content. In such an instance,
the server 302 may download this data automatically upon detection.
For this, the whole described procedure is used: handshaking,
checking databases, downloading data, activation of data, maybe
even installing of data (for example, activating the newly
downloaded voice or automatically showing new POI on map).
[0069] Thereafter, a message can be sent to and displayed on the
navigation device 200 as shown in FIG. 4 for example (from server
302), indicating the automatic providing of an information update
to the navigation device 200, such as downloading information from
remote server 302 for example, is about to occur. This will permit
the automatic downloading of information to the navigation device
200 in a quick and efficient manner.
[0070] The information can include but is not limited to extended
ephemeris (EE) to Extended ephemeris data may contain, for example,
pre-calculated ephemeris for GPS satellites in view to allow GPS
receivers such as antenna/receiver 250 within navigation device 200
for example, to operate with enhanced performance (e.g. to
calculate its current position faster). This is only one example of
the type of information that can be automatically downloaded to the
navigation device 200 upon detecting a connection between the
server 302 and a remote navigation device 200. Alternatively, other
types of information can be updated. For example, this can include
but is not limited to specifically formatted pages from the remote
server 302.
[0071] Before the download process starts for providing information
to update the navigation device 200, a message may be displayed on
the navigation device 200, displaying the file size of the file
that will be added. Further, there can also be an error message if
the navigation device 200 does not have enough space to store the
data in memory 230. Once the information is provided, a display 240
of the navigation device 200 can be varied to display a message
during the updating of the information, and/or upon completion of a
successful automatic update. For example, a change in color, such
as a blue screen for example, may be displayed on the display 240
of the navigation device 200 to indicate a successful update.
Further, the blue screen may include a display of a message upon
completion of a successful update, announcing a successful download
for example.
[0072] It should be noted that connection of the remote navigation
device 200 with a server 302 can be established in any number of
ways, including but not limited to a connection via the internet.
The connection can further be a data connection utilizing a mobile
phone or other mobile device for example.
[0073] Further, the updating method of the present application can
be in the form of a subscription service that a user signs up for.
For example, a software browser may be included with or added to
the navigation device 200, for connecting to the remote server and
for receiving information from the remote server to update
information on the navigation device 200. Again, the updated
information can include extended ephemeris data, map information,
etc. Unlike known map updating or map downloading services, the
flow of providing information to update the navigation device can
be controlled at the server 302, which opens the possibility for
additional changes/additions without having to contact the
user.
[0074] For example, this may be implemented in any number of ways.
In a first embodiment, as soon as the user of the navigation device
200 opens a connection, a background process on the navigation
device 200 queries the server 302 if there is new data (this is
done for ephemeris, for example, but could be implemented more
generally for all data). In another embodiment, the navigation
device 200 tries to be connected continuously by opening a push
channel, and whenever the server 302 wants to send information to
the navigation device 200, it sends a notification to the
navigation device 200 (e.g. an indication that there is data to
download) and again, the navigation device 200 starts downloading
the available data. This may be done for server messages, traffic
information, etc. Server messages can include, but are not limited
to notifications to the customers of the navigation devices 200
(like an SMS) sent by the server 302 to a specific customer, a
specific type of navigation device 200, to all customers, etc.
[0075] From the perspective of the navigation device 200, an
embodiment of the present application is directed to a method of
updating information on the navigation device 200. The method of
this embodiment includes establishing a connection with a remote
server 302 (via the internet, TCP/IP, etc.); automatically
receiving updated information from the remote server 302 upon
establishing the connection; and displaying (via display 240 for
example, which may be integrated with input device 220) an
indication of a successful update on the navigation device 200 upon
successfully receiving the updated information. Again, the received
information can include extended ephemeris data, and the display
can include varying the color of the display upon completion of a
successful update and/or displaying a message upon completion of a
successful update.
[0076] It should be noted that the method of any of the embodiments
of the present application can be implemented in the form of a
navigation device 200 itself, and/or in the form of a computer
readable medium including program segments for, when executed on
the processor of a navigation device, causing the navigation device
to implement an embodiment of any of the aforementioned
methods.
[0077] From the perspective of the navigation device 200, another
embodiment of the present application is directed to a method of
updating information on the navigation device 200. The method of
this embodiment includes establishing a connection between the
navigation device 200 and a remote server 302; requesting
information to update the navigation device 200 after the
connection to the remote server 302 is established; and updating
information of the navigation device 200 upon receiving the
requested information from the remote server 302.
[0078] By control of download information from the server 302,
additional optional information can be provided to a user of the
navigation device 200, for purchase, for example. FIG. 5 provides
an example of a display screen 240 of a main menu which can be
displayed on a navigation device 200 upon establishing a connection
between the navigation device 200 and a remote server 302. The
display screen 240 of FIG. 5 includes an option for selecting
"TomTom Plus Services," which can include additional services or
additional information which can be provided to the user for an
additional charge, for example.
[0079] Upon selecting the displayed "TomTom Plus Services" of FIG.
5 (via selection of a touch screen of an integrated input and
display device, integrating display screen 240 and input device 220
of the navigation device 200, for example), another display screen
can be presented on the navigation device 200 as shown in FIG. 6
for example. This display screen provides the user with a plurality
of options from which to select, including a plurality of options
to download a map, an update, a new map, a new voice, etc.
Therefore, upon establishing a connection between the navigation
device 200 and a remote server 302 (via communications channel 318
for example), the navigation device 200 can request information to
update the navigation device 200. This request can include
selecting, from a plurality of selections displayed on navigation
device 200 such as those shown in FIG. 6 for example, information
to download.
[0080] Upon the user then selecting a particular option shown in
FIG. 6 for example, such as "new map download" for example, a list
of regions may be displayed as shown in FIG. 7 for example. Once a
region is displayed such as North America or Europe for example, a
list of countries may then be displayed as shown in FIG. 8.
Thereafter, once a country is selected, a city may be selected via
alphabetical entries shown in FIG. 9 and/or selection as shown in
FIG. 10. Once this occurs, information in the navigation device 200
may be updated upon receiving the requested information from the
remote server 302. It should be noted that the sequence of FIGS.
5-10 is merely exemplary, as any type of selection process for
selecting a map or any other information download can be used and
is encompassed within at least one embodiment of the present
application.
[0081] In addition, by establishing this connection with the server
and this ability to request information, the server 302 is also in
a position to provide new services, new maps, new voices, etc. to
the navigation device 200. The displayed upon selections can
include at least one of a map and new map, including selections of
at least one of a region, country, and a city, for example. Thus,
in the case that the server 302 detects that the user of the
navigation device 200 owns a particular map as selected in FIG. 10,
the map can be updated on the navigation device for "no charge." As
such, information on the navigation device 200 can be updated upon
receiving the requested new map or other information from the
remote server 302.
[0082] However, in another embodiment of the present application, a
display on the navigation device 200 can include selectable options
to purchase or not purchase the requested information. For example,
if the server 302 detects that the user of the navigation device
200 wants a map which was not previously owned, a message can be
sent to the user requesting the user of the navigation device 200
to purchase the new map.
[0083] For example, in an embodiment of the present application,
FIG. 11 illustrates a situation where the server 302 detects that
the map information requested is a map which was previously owned.
As shown in FIG. 11, the display can indicate "city map download"
and can further provide an indication that the map is owned. The
display can provide the size of the map to download, a prompt to
the user indicating whether or not the user would like to download
the map, etc. If the user would like to download the map, the user
can select yes, and if not, the user can select no. If the user
decides the select yes, and decides to receive the city map
download, navigation device 200 can be updated by downloading the
map. A message can be displayed during the download and/or after
completion of a successful update as shown in FIG. 12 for example.
Further, a color of the display of the navigation device 200 can be
varied upon completion of a successful update in a manner similar
to that previously described. Further, the received information can
include an updated map, a new map, a new voice, extended ephemeris
data, etc.
[0084] Alternatively, if the server 302 determines that the user of
the navigation device 200 does not own the map, selectable options
to purchase or not purchase the information can be displayed on the
navigation device 200, as shown in FIG. 13 for example. The display
can indicate that the map is not previously owned, and can provide
a request to purchase the map as shown in FIG. 13. If the user
decides that he or she would like to purchase the map, then the
navigation device 200 can further display a request for information
to complete the purchase upon selection of the option to
purchase.
[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, if a user selects yes, the
user may be prompted for a password to confirm the purchase.
Thereafter, if the password fails for some reason, and/or if
payment cannot be received in any other matter, an indication can
be provided to the user. Similarly, if the password is successful
and if payment is successful, an indication can be provided to the
user prior to proceeding with the download of information.
[0086] As previously described, in any of the embodiments of the
present application, a software browser may be included in the
navigation device 200, for connecting to the remote server 302 and
for receiving information from the remote server 302 to update
information on the navigation device 200. The software browser can
be used to control one or both of automatic providing of
information to update the navigation device 200 upon detection of a
connection between a navigation device 200 and a server 302; and/or
for requesting information to update the navigation device 200
after connection to a remote server 302 is established, based upon
payment for new information and/or receipt of an update of existing
information at "no charge," for example.
[0087] 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.
[0088] Further, any of the above-described example embodiments of
methods of the present invention may be embodied in the form of an
apparatus. For example, any of the aforementioned methods may be
embodied in the form of a navigation device, including, but not
limited to, any of the structure for performing the methodology
illustrated in the drawings.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
* * * * *