U.S. patent application number 11/907242 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for navigation device and method for issuing warnings.
Invention is credited to Pieter Geelen, Mark Gretton, Rory Jones, Sven-Erik Jurgens, Robert Pocknell.
Application Number | 20080215238 11/907242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38753565 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080215238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geelen; Pieter ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
Navigation device and method for issuing warnings
Abstract
A method and device are disclosed for navigation. In at least
one embodiment, the method enabling a navigation device to output a
warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not
at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and
outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met. In at least one
embodiment, the navigation device includes a processor to enable
the navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within
the navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter
governing output of the warning is met; and an output device to
output the warning upon the processor determining that each at
least one parameter governing output of the warning is met.
Inventors: |
Geelen; Pieter; (Amsterdam,
NL) ; Gretton; Mark; (London, GB) ; Jones;
Rory; (Amsterdam, NL) ; Jurgens; Sven-Erik;
(Parls, NL) ; Pocknell; Robert; (Werwick,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOMTOM INTERNATIONAL B.V.
REMBRANDTPLEIN 35
AMSTERDAM
1017CT
NL
|
Family ID: |
38753565 |
Appl. No.: |
11/907242 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60879523 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879549 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879553 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879577 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879599 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879529 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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60879601 |
Jan 10, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/414 ;
707/E17.121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3697 20130101;
G08G 1/096741 20130101; G01C 21/3655 20130101; G08G 1/096716
20130101; G08G 1/096791 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/210 ;
701/200; 701/208; 701/211; 701/209 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/36 20060101
G01C021/36 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: enabling a navigation device to output a
warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not
at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and
outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning is enabled at least
one of automatically and upon receipt of an indication of a
selection.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a plurality
of selectable warnings on an integrated input and display device of
the navigation device and receiving an indication of at least one
selected warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently
enabled to output each at least one selected warning upon
determining that each at least one parameter governing output of
each at least one selected warning is met.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of warnings are
selectable and enableable together.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes at least one
of a speed warning, a relatively sharp turn warning, and a
proximity warning.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the proximity warning is one
regarding proximity to at least one of a church and school.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determining includes
determining whether or not the navigation device is within a
distance of at least one of a church and school.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising suppressing output of
the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter
governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising suppressing output of
the warning, upon determining that at least one other parameter
governing suppressing of the output of the warning is met.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the output of the warning is
suppressed based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the
navigation device is located is operating within a reference time
period.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the output of the warning is
suppressed based upon a determination that a vehicle in which the
navigation device is located is operating on a highway.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the outputting includes at least
one of a visual and an audible output.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein the outputting includes at least
an audible output.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a
plurality of selectable audible warnings on an integrated input and
display device of the navigation device and receiving an indication
of at least one selected audible warning, wherein the navigation
device is subsequently enabled to output the selected audible
warning upon determining that each at least one parameter governing
output of the selected audible warning is met.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a route
of travel, in a navigation device, based upon at least a received
destination location, wherein the determining of whether or not at
least one parameter governing output of the warning is met, takes
place subsequent to enabling the warning and determining the
route.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the determining of the at least
one parameter includes determining whether or not the determined
route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning, wherein
the warning is output subsequent to determining that the determined
route of travel includes an element to trigger the warning.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the element to trigger the
warning includes at least one of a determined speed, a relatively
sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one of a church
and school along the determined route of travel.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed
warning and wherein the outputting includes a change in color of at
least a portion of the display upon determining that each at least
one parameter governing output of the warning is met.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed
warning and wherein the outputting includes display of a symbol on
a portion of the integrated input and display device of the
navigation device, upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a speed
warning and wherein the outputting includes a first change of a
display characteristic of at least a portion of the display upon
determining that a first parameter governing output of the warning
is met and a second change of a display characteristic of at least
a portion of the display upon determining that a second parameter
governing output of the warning is met.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the warning includes a
relatively sharp turn warning and wherein the determining includes
determining whether or not a turn exists, along a planned route of
travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that
includes a change of direction greater than a threshold.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein, upon determining at least one
turn exists along the planned route of travel of a vehicle in which
the navigation device is located, that includes a change of
direction greater than the threshold, a location of the turn is
marked.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the sharp turn warning is
output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation
device is located, is within a threshold distance of the marked
location of any determined existing at least one turn.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sharp turn warning is not
output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation
device is located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold
speed.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the outputting includes an
audible output.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the audible sharp turn warning
is not output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the
navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a
threshold speed.
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 1.
28. 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 15.
29. A navigation device, comprising: a processor to enable the
navigation device to output a warning and to determine, within the
navigation device, whether or not at least one parameter governing
output of the warning is met; and an output device to output the
warning upon the processor determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
30. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning is
enabled at least one of automatically and upon receipt of an
indication of a selection.
31. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the output device
includes an integrated input and display device to display a
plurality of selectable warnings, the processor being further
useable to receive an indication of at least one selected warning,
wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to output
each at least one selected warning upon determining that each at
least one parameter governing output of the each at least one
selected warning is met.
32. The navigation device of claim 31, wherein a plurality of
warnings are selectable and enableable together.
33. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes
at least one of a speed warning, a relatively sharp turn warning,
and a proximity warning.
34. The navigation device of claim 33, wherein the proximity
warning is one regarding proximity to at least one of a church and
school.
35. The navigation device of claim 34, wherein the determining by
the processor includes determining whether or not the navigation
device is within a distance of at least one of a church and
school.
36. The navigation device of claim 29, further comprising
suppressing output of the warning, upon determining that at least
one other parameter governing suppressing of the output of the
warning is met.
37. The navigation device of claim 35, wherein the processor is
further useable to suppress output of the warning, upon determining
that at least one other parameter governing suppressing of the
output of the warning is met.
38. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the output of the
warning is suppressed by the processor based upon a determination
that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is
operating within a reference time period.
39. The navigation device of claim 37, wherein the output of the
warning is suppressed by the processor based upon a determination
that a vehicle in which the navigation device is located is
operating on a highway.
40. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the output device
includes at least one of a visual and an audible output device.
41. The navigation device of claim 35, wherein the output device
includes at least an audible output device.
42. The navigation device of claim 41, wherein the output device
includes an integrated input and display device to display a
plurality of selectable audible warnings and the processor is
useable to receive an indication of at least one selected audible
warning, wherein the navigation device is subsequently enabled to
output the selected audible warning upon the processor determining
that each at least one parameter governing output of the selected
audible warning is met.
43. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the processor is
further useable to determine a route of travel, in the navigation
device, based upon at least a received destination location,
wherein the determining of whether or not at least one parameter
governing output of the warning is met, takes place subsequent to
enabling the warning and determining the route of travel.
44. The navigation device of claim 43, wherein the determining of
the at least one parameter by the processor includes determining
whether or not the determined route of travel includes an element
to trigger the warning, wherein the warning is output subsequent to
determining that the determined route of travel includes an element
to trigger the warning.
45. The navigation device of claim 44, wherein the element to
trigger the warning includes at least one of a determined speed, a
relatively sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one
of a church and school along the determined route.
46. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes
a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a change in
color of at least a portion of the display upon the processor
determining that each at least one parameter governing output of
the warning is met.
47. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes
a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes display of a
symbol on a portion of the integrated input and display of the
navigation device, upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
49. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes
a speed warning and wherein the outputting includes a first change
of a display characteristic of at least a portion of the display
upon determining that a first parameter governing output of the
warning is met and a second change of a display characteristic of
at least a portion of the display upon determining that a second
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
50. The navigation device of claim 29, wherein the warning includes
a relatively sharp turn warning and wherein the determining
includes determining whether or not a turn exists, along a planned
route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is
located, that includes a change of direction greater than a
threshold.
51. The navigation device of claim 50, wherein, upon the processor
determining at least one turn exists along the planned route of
travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device is located, that
includes a change of direction greater than the threshold, a
location of the turn is marked.
52. The navigation device of claim 51, wherein the sharp turn
warning is output upon the processor determining that a vehicle, in
which the navigation device is located, is within a threshold
distance of the marked location of any determined existing at least
one turn.
53. The navigation device of claim 52, wherein the sharp turn
warning is not output upon determining that a vehicle, in which the
navigation device is located, is traveling at a speed below a
threshold speed.
54. The navigation device of claim 52, wherein the output device
includes an audible output device.
55. The navigation device of claim 54, wherein output of the
audible sharp turn warning is stopped upon the processor
determining that a vehicle, in which the navigation device is
located, is traveling at a speed below a threshold speed.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0001] The present application hereby claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) on each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Nos. 60/879, 523 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879, 549 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879, 553 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879, 577 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879, 599 filed Jan. 10, 2007, 60/879, 529 filed Jan. 10,
2007, 60/879, 601 filed Jan. 10, 2007, the entire contents of each
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0002] The following applications are being filed concurrently with
the present application. The entire contents of each of the
following applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference:
A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EARLY INSTRUCTION OUTPUT
(Attorney docket number 06P207US01) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AND USING PROFILES
(Attorney docket number 06P207US02) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED MAP DISPLAY (Attorney
docket number 06P207US03) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD RELATING TO AN AUDIBLE RECOGNITION MODE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US04) filed on even date herewith; NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POINTS OF INTEREST (Attorney docket
number 06P207US05) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR FUEL PRICING DISPLAY (Attorney docket number
06P057US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR INFORMATIONAL SCREEN DISPLAY (Attorney docket number
06P207US06) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR DEALING WITH LIMITED ACCESS ROADS (Attorney docket
number 06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
DRIVING BREAK WARNING (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on
even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY OF
POSITION IN TEXT READIBLE FORM (Attorney docket number 06P207US08)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
EMERGENCY SERVICE ACCESS (Attorney docket number 06P057US08) filed
on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
REGIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE (Attorney docket
number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE
AND METHOD FOR USING SPECIAL CHARACTERS IN A NAVIGATION DEVICE
(Attorney docket number 06P207US09) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A PERSONAL AREA NETWORK
(Attorney docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A
NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD USING A LOCATION MESSAGE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US10) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING POWER (Attorney docket number
06P207US11) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL (Attorney docket number
06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR USING A TRAFFIC MESSAGE CHANNEL RESOURCE (Attorney
docket number 06P207US13) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR QUICK OPTION ACCESS (Attorney docket number
06P207US15) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A RICH CONTENT DOCUMENT (Attorney docket
number 06P207US27) filed on even date herewith.
FIELD
[0003] The present application generally relates to navigation
methods and devices.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Navigation devices were traditionally utilized mainly in the
areas of vehicle use, such as on cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats,
etc. Alternatively, if such navigation devices were portable, they
were further transferable between vehicles and/or useable outside
the vehicle, for foot travel for example.
[0005] These devices are typically tailored to produce a route of
travel based upon an initial position of the navigation device and
a selected/input travel destination (end position), noting that the
initial position could be entered into the device, but is
traditionally calculated via GPS Positioning from a GPS receiver
within the navigation device.
SUMMARY
[0006] The inventors discovered that on such long routes of travel,
certain problems can occur if a driver is driving too fast. Thus,
the inventors of the present application discovered that it would
be desirous to warn a driver when certain situations are
determined. They developed a warning method and a warning
implementation on a navigation device, to warn users of the
navigation device of potential speed related problems including but
not limited to speeding, and recognition of approaching low speed
zones such as areas with churches and schools and areas with sharp
turns.
[0007] In at least one embodiment of the present application, a
method includes enabling a navigation device to output a warning;
determining, within the navigation device, whether or not at least
one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and
outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
[0008] In at least one embodiment of the present application, a
navigation device includes a processor to enable the navigation
device to output a warning and to determine, within the navigation
device, whether or not at least one parameter governing output of
the warning is met; and an output device to output the warning upon
the processor determining that each at least one parameter
governing output of the warning is met.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning
System (GPS);
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic
components of a navigation device of an embodiment of the present
application;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server,
navigation device and connection therebetween of an embodiment of
the present application;
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an implementation
of an embodiment of the navigation device 200;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the
present application;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the
present application relating to proximity warnings;
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of flow chart for proximity
warning output;
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the
present application relating to sharp turn warnings;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of flow chart for sharp turn
warning output;
[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a speed warning
suggestion menu of an embodiment of the present application;
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of flow chart for speed
warning.
[0021] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of speed warning
outputs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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, touch panel 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.
[0032] In addition, other types of output devices 250 can also
include, including but not limited to, an audible output device. As
output device 241 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.
[0033] 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 241, 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.
[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] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.).
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] As indicated above in FIG. 2 of the application, a
navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application
includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen
240. In at least one embodiment, the input device 220 and display
screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display
device to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu
selection, etc.) and display of information through a touch panel
screen, for example. Such a screen may be a touch input LCD screen,
for example, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Further, the navigation device 200 can also include any
additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device
241, such as audio input/output devices for example.
[0058] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of an implementation
of an embodiment of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 4A,
the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes an integrated
input and display device 290 (a touch panel screen for example) and
the other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to
internal GPS receiver 250, microprocessor 210, a power supply,
memory systems 220, etc.).
[0059] The navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 292, which
itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a
large suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one example of a docking
station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked
or otherwise connected to an arm 292 of the docking station by snap
connecting the navigation device 292 to the arm 292 for example
(this is only one example, as other known alternatives for
connection to a docking station are within the scope of the present
application). The navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on
the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of FIG. 4B. To release the
connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking
station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for
example (this is only one example, as other known alternatives for
disconnection to a docking station are within the scope of the
present application).
[0061] In an example embodiment, a method of the present
application includes enabling a navigation device to output a
warning; determining, within the navigation device, whether or not
at least one parameter governing output of the warning is met; and
outputting the warning upon determining that each at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met.
[0062] In an example embodiment, a navigation device of the present
application includes a processor to enable the navigation device to
output a warning and to determine, within the navigation device,
whether or not at least one parameter governing output of the
warning is met; and an output device to output the warning upon the
processor determining that each at least one parameter governing
output of the warning is met.
[0063] The inventors discovered that on such long routes of travel,
certain problems can occur if a driver is driving too fast. Thus,
the inventors of the present application discovered that it would
be desirous to warn a driver when certain situations are
determined. They developed embodiments of warning methods and
warning implementations on a navigation device 200, to warn users
of the navigation device 200 of potential speed related problems
including but not limited to speeding, and recognition of
approaching low speed zones such as areas with churches and schools
and areas with sharp turns.
[0064] FIG. 5 of the present application is a flow chart
illustrating a method of an example embodiment of the present
application. Initially, in step S2, it is determined, by processor
210 for example, whether or not an option to enable a warning has
been selected, or whether or not all warnings should be enabled
automatically. For example, a user may be initially be displayed a
plurality of warnings for selection on an integrated input and
display device 290 of the navigation device 200 for example, and/or
the user may further be displayed with an option to set the
navigation device 200 initially to enable all warnings
automatically. It the answer to step S2 is no, a typical navigation
view is displayed to a user, and the user can further proceed with
entry of desired travel destination and use of the navigation
device 200.
[0065] If the answer to step S2 is yes, then in step S4 a processor
210 may enable the navigation device 200 to output a warning, such
as a selected warning for example. It is noted that this enablement
can take place as soon as a selection is received from a user to
enable a warning, or it can take place subsequent to determination
of a route of travel on a navigation device 200, based at least
upon a received destination location for example. For example, once
an indication of selection of a warning is received by the
processor 210, a flag may be set such that once a route is
determined, a warning may be enabled.
[0066] Thereafter, in step S6, it is determined, by processor 210
for example, whether or not at least one parameter governing output
of the warning is met. The parameter can include an element to
trigger the warning, such as at least one of predetermined speed, a
relatively sharp turn along the determined route, and at least one
of a church and school along the determined route of travel, for
example. The parameter can further include being a certain speed
over a speed limit, being within a certain distance of a relatively
sharp turn, and/or being within a certain distance of a church or
school.
[0067] If the answer to step S6 is no, the process cycles back to
repeat step S6. If the answer to step S6 is yes, or if a plurality
of parameters need to be met and each has not been met, the system
proceeds to step S8.
[0068] In step S8, the warning is output upon determining at least
each one parameter governing the output of the warning is met. The
warnings can include at least one of a speed warning, a relatively
sharp church warning, and a proximity warning for example, wherein
the proximity warning may be one regarding proximity to at least
one of a church and school for example. As previously indicated, a
plurality of selectable warnings may be displayed on an integrated
input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200, wherein
the navigation device 200 is subsequently enabled to output each of
the at least one selected warning upon the processor 210
determining that each at least one parameter governing output of
each one selected warning is met. Further, a plurality of warnings
may be selectable and enableable together, such that when
parameters governing a particular warning are met, such a warning
may be output.
[0069] It should be further noted that output of a warning may be
suppressed prior to output of the warning, upon the processor 210
determining that at least one other parameter governing suppressing
of the output of the warning is met. This can include, for example,
the processor 210 determining that a user of the navigation device
200 is traveling along the highway when the processor 210
determines that the user of the navigation device 200 is within a
distance of at least one of a church and school for example.
Although being within a distance of at least one of the church and
school would normally trigger output of the warning, recognition
that the navigation device 200 is operating on a highway can be
used to suppress output of the warning. Further, the output of the
warning may be suppressed based upon the determination, by the
processor 210 for example, that a vehicle in which the navigation
device 200 is located is operating within a referenced time period,
such as late at night when the church and school are not open for
example.
[0070] It should be noted that the output of the warning in step S8
can be at least one of visual and audible output via output device
241, wherein it is preferable that regarding proximity warnings
such as being within a distance of at least one of a church and
school, the output should preferably include an audible output.
[0071] The present application discusses enablement and outputting
of warnings generally relating to speed conditions during travel
along a route, such as speed warnings, warnings if approaching a
relatively sharp turn too fast, and proximity warnings wherein low
speed limits should be observed, such as in the areas of churches
and schools for example. However, the present application is not
limited as such and can include enablement of output of other types
of warnings such as, for example, A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD
FOR DEALING WITH LIMITED ACCESS ROADS (Attorney docket number
06P057US07) filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND
METHOD FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS (Attorney docket number 06P057US07)
filed on even date herewith; A NAVIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
DRIVING BREAK WARNING (Attorney docket number 06P057US07) filed on
even date herewith, the entire contents of each which are
incorporated herein by reference; and other types of warnings not
specifically discussed herein, but within the content of the
subject matter of the present application.
[0072] Initially, examples of the present application will be
discussed regarding proximity warnings such as church and school
locations for example, in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7 of the
present application. As shown in FIG. 6 for example, an initial
screen may be displayed to a user in step S12 regarding various
safety preferences, including whether or not the user wishes to be
warned when near a place of worship (a church for example) or
school. Although these and other options may be automatically
enabled in the navigation device 200, the options may further be
displayed on an integrated input and display device 290 of the
navigation device 200 to a user, for subsequent selection thereof.
Thereafter, in step S14, the processor 210 determines whether or
not the option has been selected, namely has the option been set to
"On." If not, in step S16, the proximity warning for places of
worship and schools is turned to "Off," an the process proceeds to
a normal navigation view, awaiting input of a route for example.
However, if the option is set to "on," the process then proceeds to
step S18, where the proximity warning for place of worship and
school is set to "on." Thereafter, the process proceeds to the
navigation view.
[0073] FIG. 7 describes one example embodiment of a process flow
for the church and school warning example embodiment of the present
application. Initially, in step S20, a route of travel is
determined by a processor 210 in a navigation device 200, based
upon at least a received destination location (noting that a
current GPS location of a navigation device 200 is typically
received via a GPS receiver within the navigation device 200,
wherein from the received current GPS location and the received
destination location, the route of travel can be calculated in a
known manner). Thereafter, in step S22, it is determined, by the
processor 210 for example, whether or not the proximity warning for
the church/school is on. It should be noted that this can be
determined based upon a selection made in step S12 of FIG. 6 for
example, or could be automatic if the system is preset, such as by
a user for example, to have all warnings automatically enabled. If
the answer is no, the process proceeds to the normal navigation
view and the navigation device 200 displays the route of travel
determined.
[0074] If the answer is yes, the process moves to step S24 wherein
the church/school proximity warning is enabled. It should be noted
that this enablement can take place before the processor 210
determining a particular route of travel, or subsequent thereto,
noting that if the option is turned on, a flag may merely be set
such that when a route of travel is determined, the warning is
enabled.
[0075] Thereafter, in step S26, it is determined whether or not a
church or school is approaching on the determined route of travel.
For example, areas such as churches or schools can be marked or
flagged on a map such that if they are encountered by the processor
210 in determining a route of travel, the locations can be cached
for future recall so that it can be determined, by the processor
210 for example, whether or not a church or school is approaching
during the determined route of travel.
[0076] If the answer is no, the process feeds back to step S26
where the question is repeated. If the answer is yes, the process
proceeds to step S28 where it is determined, by the processor 210
for example, whether or not the route of travel is on a highway. In
such situations, slow speed zones will not be enforced and as such,
output of the warning is essentially suppressed, and the process
moves back to repeat the question asked in step S26. Thus, upon
determining that a parameter governing suppressing of the
outputting of the warning is met, such as that the route of travel
is along a highway, the warning is essentially suppressed and will
not be output.
[0077] If the answer in step S28 is no, the method moves to step
S30, wherein another parameter governing suppressing of the output
is determined, in conjunction with whether or not such a parameter
is met. Specifically, in step S30, it is determined, by the
processor 210 for example, whether or not the time of day is within
a referenced time period, such as 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for example,
wherein a church or school will not be operational. In such a
situation, output of a warning will again be suppressed, and the
process will move back to repeat the question in step S26. It
should be noted that steps S28 and S30 can be determined in any
order.
[0078] If the answer to step S30 is no, the processor 210 then
determines whether or not the church or school is in a defined
distance, such as 250 meters for example. It should be noted that
the referenced time period of step S30 and the defined distance of
step S32 can be set by the navigation system 200, to be any
particular value, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art. Thus, the use of 250 meters and a referenced time
period of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. is merely for example purposes.
[0079] If it is determined that the church or school is not yet
within 250 meters, or any designated distance, the process moves
back to repeat the question in step S32. However, if the answer to
the question of step S32 is yes, the system moves to step S34
wherein a warning can be output.
[0080] Such a warning can be at least one of an audible and a
visual output. However, it is preferred that the warning include at
least an audible output to easily warn the user of the navigation
device 200 of the approaching church or school. In at least one
embodiment of the present application, a plurality of selectable
audible warnings may be displayed on an integrated input and
display device 290 of the navigation device 200, and a processor
210 of the navigation device 200 may receive an indication of at
least one selected audible warning. Thereafter, the navigation
device 200 is subsequently enabled to output the selected audible
warning in step S34 upon determining that each of at least one
parameter governing output of the selected audible warning is
met.
[0081] FIGS. 8 and 9 of the present application illustrate an
example embodiment of methodology for outputting a warning, wherein
a warning concerns a relatively sharp turn warning. As shown in
FIG. 8 for example, the warning may be initially displayed to a
user on a display screen 900 of an integrated input and display
device 290 as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the user can be prompted to
select a relatively sharp turn warning. The warning can be
selectable from the list of a plurality of warnings, and/or can be
automatically selected in the manner discussed previously. Once the
warning is selected, it can later be enabled and thereafter output,
upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter
governing the output of a warning is met.
[0082] FIG. 9 includes a flowchart of an example embodiment of
process for output of a sharp turn warning. In such embodiment, a
route of travel is first determined in step S42 by processor 210
and thereafter, in step S44, the processor 210 determines whether
or not the sharp turn warning preference has been turned on or
otherwise selected. If so, the sharp turn warning may be enabled in
step S46, noting that the enablement may occur subsequent to
determining the route of travel and/or may occur prior to selecting
a route of travel, in a manner similar to that previously
described.
[0083] Thereafter, the process may optionally proceed to step S48,
where it is determined, by processor 210, whether or not a vehicle,
in which the navigation device 200 is located, is traveling at a
speed below a threshold speed, such as 8 miles per hour for
example. By use of such a threshold speed, this is one way to stop
the navigation system 200 from outputting sharp turn warnings when
the vehicle is already traveling very slowly, wherein the need for
such a warning may not be necessary (such as in a traffic jam for
example). If not, the system proceeds back to step S48 until the
threshold speed is reached in step S48 (again noting that this step
is optional and need not be included in the process).
[0084] If the answer to the question posed in step S48 is yes,
and/or if the question in step S48 is not presented, the process
then moves to step S50 where it is determined, by the processor
210, whether or not an approaching corner on a current road is a
relatively sharp corner. For example, the determining can include
determining whether or not a turn exists, along the planned route
of travel in the vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is
located, that includes a change of direction greater than a certain
threshold. In one example, a relatively sharp turn can be defined
as a turn changing direction at more than 25 degrees per second
(wherein the number can be defined as a change in angle along a
distance based on a legal road speed which is known to the
navigation system 200). Thus, if such "sharp turns" can be so
defined, they can be marked or flagged. Accordingly, upon
determining at least one turn exists along the planned route of
travel of the vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is
located, that includes a change of direction greater than the
threshold, a location of the turn may be marked.
[0085] If the answer is no to the question posed in step S50, then
the process loops back until the answer to the question is yes.
[0086] Thereafter, in step S52, the processor 210 determines
whether or not a vehicle, in which the navigation device 200 is
located, is within a threshold distance of the marked location of
any determined existing each one turn (where that is within a
certain distance from the relatively sharp turn which was
determined to exist along the planned route of travel of the
vehicle. As indicated in step S54, it may be asked whether or not
the identified relatively sharp turn is within x meters of the
relatively sharp turn.
[0087] Thereafter, if the answer is yes, the sharp turn warning may
be output in step S60. Such an output is preferably an audible
output, but can be at least one of a visual and audible output. If
step S48 is included in the process, then the audible sharp turn
warning will not be output upon determining that a vehicle, in
which the navigation device 200 is located, is traveling at a speed
below the threshold speed.
[0088] The process can further include the optional steps of Step
S52, S56, S58, and S62. In this process, it may be determined, by
processor 210, whether or not a second relatively sharp turn is
within x meters of the first relatively sharp turn in step S52. If
so, the process may proceed to step S56, where it is determined
whether or not this second turn is also a relatively sharp turn. If
so, the system may proceed to step S58 where it is determined
whether or not the vehicle is within x meters or some designated
threshold distance of the second relatively sharp turn, and if so,
both the relatively sharp first turn and the relatively sharp
second turn shortly thereafter can be jointly warned to the user in
step S62. If the second turn is not a relatively sharp turn, as
determined in Step S56, then the system merely proceeds to step S54
to determine whether or not the first relatively sharp turn is
within a threshold distance of the vehicle.
[0089] In one example embodiment, the start of a relatively sharp
turn may be defined as the first piece of road that bends more than
25 degrees per second. Thereafter, the end of the bend may be
defined as a location where the curvature of the bend is decreased
below 15 degrees per second for example. Further, the distance at
which the user is warned, namely the threshold distance, may be
determined dependent upon the known legal speed limit applicable to
the current stretch of road. For example, roads with speed limits
less than 50 kilometers per hour can include a threshold distance
of 100 meters before the start of the bend and roads with speed
limits greater than 50 kilometers per hour can include a threshold
distance of 200 meters before the start of the bend.
[0090] Regarding suppressing of an output of a warning, upon the
processor 210 determining that a driving speed is slower than 8
miles per hour for example, it may be desirable to suppress the
output warning for a particular amount of time. For example, a
warning may be suppressed when it is determined that the relatively
sharp turn already has instruction within the system, indicating
that the relatively sharp turn exists. This check may be done
during an analysis of the curvature of the bend in the road, for
example. As the curvature of the road may be based on all known
types on that particular stretch of road, a quick check can be made
by the processor 210 if one of the nodes is an instructional node.
If so, the sharp turn warning may be suppressed. Further, the
warning may be suppressed when driving slower than a threshold
speed, such as 8 miles per hour for example, in order to reduce the
number of warnings which are to be output when a user of the
navigation device 200 is stuck in traffic. However, if the speed
later increases before the relatively sharp turn is reached, the
suppression can be lifted.
[0091] FIG. 10A provides an example embodiment of the present
application dealing with speed warnings. Thus, the warning output
upon the processor 210 determining that each at least one parameter
governing the output of the warning is met, subsequent to its
enablement, may include a speed warning. Enablement of a speed
warning may be done via a display 900 in a manner somewhat similar
to that previously described, wherein at least one warning 1002 is
selectable 1004. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, some type of
menu may be displayed to a user, including a speed warning 1006,
safety screen 1008, etc., displayable on an integrated input and
display 290 as shown in FIG. 10B for example.
[0092] Alternatively, as a speed warning may be displayed in a
status bar of an integrated input and display device 290 of the
navigation device 200 for example, such a speed warning may be
selectable and subsequently enabled via a screen display of FIG.
10A for example. As shown in FIG. 10A, a screen 900 is displayed,
including a plurality of items to be shown on a status bar of the
navigation device 200. The speed warning may be displayed as
element 1002 for example, and may be selectable as shown by the
checkmark in element 1004. Alternatively, of course, the speed
warning can be enabled via a display along with a plurality of
other selectable warnings, and/or may be automatically enabled in a
manner previously discussed.
[0093] FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment for outputting the
speed warning. Initially, in step S70, a route of travel is
determined by processor 210. Thereafter, it is determined in step
S72, whether or not the speed warning is on. If not, the process
moves to the navigation view, and if so, the speed warning is
enabled in step S74, noting that, similar to the other embodiments
of the present application, the speed warning may be enabled before
or after determination of the route of travel in Step S70.
[0094] Thereafter, in step S76, it is determined, by processor 210,
whether or not at least one parameter governing the output of the
warning is met, namely whether or not the speed is above the limit.
Such a determination can be made in step S76 regarding whether or
not the speed is above the limit or whether or not the speed is
within a particular threshold above the limit. If the answer is no,
the process cycles back, and if the answer is yes, the process
moves to step S78.
[0095] In step S78, the processor 210 may determine whether or not
the speed is above a threshold over the limit. Step S78 is an
optional step, as will be explained as follows.
[0096] As stated above, the determination is made as to whether or
not at least one parameter governing the output of the speed
warning is met. This parameter could include whether or not the
speed is above a limit as set forth in step S76, and alternatively
can include another step S78, wherein it is determined whether or
not the speed is above a threshold over the limit. If step S78 is
eliminated, and the answer is yes to step S76, a warning may be
output in Step S82, which may include a change of a display
characteristic, such as a red display for example. However, if the
threshold example is utilized in step S78, and the answer is no, a
warning can be output including a different display characteristic,
such as a yellow display for example, in step S80.
[0097] Accordingly, the output warning can be output upon
determining that each at least one parameter governing output of
the warning is met. Further, if the output warning is a speed
warning, the outputting may include a change in color of at least a
portion of the display upon determining that the at least one
parameter governing output of the warning is met, noting that the
speed warning may be displayed in a first color such as yellow for
example, if a threshold over the speed limit is not met in step
S78, and can be displayed in a second color such as red, for
example, if a speed is above a threshold over the limit (such as 10
miles or 10 kilometers an hour over the speed limit for
example)
[0098] An example of a changing color of the speed display is shown
in FIG. 12. A display 900 is presented to the user via the
integrated input and display device 290 for example, wherein the
speed warning is displayable in the status bar of a navigation
display, and is illustrated by element 1004, in reference to the
speed limit 1002. As can be seen, if the speed limit is exceeded,
the display 1004 can be differentiated, such as by color for
example, from the speed limit displayed 1002. Any type of
differentiation can be used, such as blinking, etc. Further, a
warning can include an audible warning as well. Any combination
thereof can also be included wherein if the speeding is greater
than the speed limit, the red display can be used. Further, if the
speeding is greater than a certain threshold, such as 10 miles an
hour over the speed limit for example, blinking can be used.
[0099] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the warning may be
output in the form of the symbol on a portion of the integrated
input and display device 290 of the navigation device 200, upon
determining that the at least one parameter governing output of the
warning is met. An example is shown on the display 900 of FIG. 12,
wherein the symbol 910 illustrates the speed warning.
[0100] It should be noted that the warning can be displayed in a
number of fashions, wherein FIGS. 12 and 13 are merely exemplary of
this. Thus, the speed warning can include a change of color of at
least a portion of the display upon determining that the at least
one parameter governing the output of the warning is met, can
include display of a symbol, can include a first change in color
upon determining the first parameter governing the output of the
warning is met in the second changing of color of at least a
portion of the display upon determining that a second parameter
governing output of the warning is met, can include at least one of
a visual and audible warning, etc. Further, the warning may or may
not be displayed in the status bar, in a certain location as shown
in FIG. 13, etc. Additionally, it should be noted that the speed
can be determined in a conventional manner, wherein the thresholds
or parameters governing output of the warning may be set during
manufacture of the device, and/or may be set by the user if an
option to set these warnings is presented thereto. Further, a red
color typically significantly signifies some type of violation, it
may be desirable to display the warning in a different color, such
as orange or yellow, which improve contrast and are more easily
noticeable. Again, flashing or otherwise distinguishing or
differentiating at least one of the message and/or icon from that
previously displayed and/or an audio warning can accompany the
change in color as well.
[0101] It should be noted that each of the aforementioned aspects
of an embodiment of the present application have been described
with regard to the method of the present application. However, at
least one embodiment of the present application is directed to a
navigation device 200, including a processor 210 to enable the
navigation device 200 to output a warning and to determine, within
the navigation device 200, whether or not at least one parameter
governing output of the warning is met; and an output device 241 to
output the warning upon the processor 210 determining that each at
least one parameter governing output of the warning is met. Thus,
such a navigation device 200 may be used to perform the various
aspects of the method described with regard to FIGS. 5-13, as would
be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, further
explanation is omitted for the sake of brevity.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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 210). 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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 COBOL, 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
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