U.S. patent application number 12/311106 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for portable navigation device with wireless interface.
Invention is credited to Jochem De Jong, Martin Siereveld, Serhiy Tkachenko.
Application Number | 20090240427 12/311106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38895741 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090240427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Siereveld; Martin ; et
al. |
September 24, 2009 |
Portable navigation device with wireless interface
Abstract
A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising
processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in
said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for
receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the
processor can determine a present location of the device and in
conjunction with user input desired destination information, and
perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such
being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is
additionally provided with one or more wireless signal transceivers
capable of establishing wireless communications with third party
devices or systems having corresponding signal transceivers. In
accordance with the invention, the software on said PND is adapted
to establish a wireless communication with a third party device
being a node having a corresponding wireless signal transceiver and
being part of a vehicle controller area network (CAN) consisting of
a plurality of nodes, each of said nodes having functionality
represented by one or more signals distributed around said
controller area network and received by at least said third party
device, and further characterized in that said PND software
includes one or more routines specific to the functionality of one
or more of said nodes so as to effectively communicate with said
node and utilize its functionality. Examples of third party devices
include hands-free communications modules, gateway nodes, and
indeed any vehicle subsystem which provides some function within
the vehicle. Further examples include the stereo systems, engine
management system, seat position controllers, multifunction
steering wheel, dashboard and console displays, integrated
navigation systems, and the like. The invention allows the PND
either to interrogate the controller area network and retrieve
information from one or more devices forming nodes on that network
for display on the PND or improved operation thereof, or to cause
control or state change of one or more of the devices forming nodes
on the controller area network. Voice control of the PND is also
possible in the case a voice recognition system is provided within
the controller area network, and additionally, the vocal
instructions issued by the PND can be caused to be replayed through
the car stereo, if such is also connected to the controller area
network within the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Siereveld; Martin; (Den
Haag, NL) ; De Jong; Jochem; (Enkhuizen, NL) ;
Tkachenko; Serhiy; ( Gelderop, NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
38895741 |
Appl. No.: |
12/311106 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
September 27, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2007/008421 |
371 Date: |
March 19, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/533 ;
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/306 20130101;
H04W 4/02 20130101; G01C 21/3682 20130101; H04L 67/12 20130101;
G01C 21/3453 20130101; G01C 21/3469 20130101; H04L 67/18 20130101;
H04W 4/20 20130101; H04W 4/024 20180201; G01C 21/367 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/201 ;
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G01C 21/36 20060101
G01C021/36; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619054.0 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619055.7 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619057.3 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619058.1 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619065.6 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619075.5 |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
GB0619081.3 |
Claims
1. A personal navigation device (PND) comprising: a processor; a
graphical display; memory including map data stored in said memory;
user-input device; signal reception device to receive one or more
wireless signals by which a present location of the PND is
determinable by the processor, in conjunction with user input,
desired destination information, the processor being further
capable of performing route calculation and subsequent navigation
functions, wherein the location determination, route calculation
and navigation functions performed by software installed on the
PND; and one or more wireless signal transceivers capable of
establishing wireless communications with third party devices or
systems having corresponding signal transceivers, the software on
said PND being adapted to establish wireless communication with a
third party device being a node having a corresponding wireless
signal transceiver and being part of a vehicle controller area
network including a plurality of nodes, each of said nodes having
functionality represented by one or more signals distributed around
said controller area network and received by at least said third
party device, said PND software further including one or more
routines specific to the functionality of one or more of said nodes
so as to effectively communicate with said node and utilize its
functionality.
2. A PND according to claim 1 wherein one of the routines is a
vehicle fuel level measurement routine.
3. A PND according to claim 2 wherein the route calculation
function thereof interacts with the vehicle fuel level measurement
routine to provide a modified calculated route based on the fuel
remaining in the vehicle.
4. A PND according to claim 1, wherein the third party device is a
gateway module effecting a protocol translation between that used
on said controller area network and that used in the wireless
communication with said PND.
5. A PND according to claim 1, wherein one routine is specific to a
hands free module (HFM) being a node on the controller area
network, said routine effectively communicating with said HFM to
both receive and act on signals representative of
navigation-specific user spoken commands recognized and processed
by said HFM, and to transmit audio data from said PND to said
HFM.
6. A PND according to claim 5 wherein the audio data transmitted by
the PND to the HFM are voice navigation instructions generated by
the PND, and the HFM causes audible broadcast of such instructions
by one or more in-vehicle speakers to which appropriate audio
signals are deliverable by the HFM.
7. A PND according to claim 1, wherein one routine is specific to
an audio reproduction system being a node on the controller area
network, said routine effectively communicating with said audio
reproduction system to allow for the transmission of audio data
from said PND thereto for audio playback therethrough.
8. A PND according to claim 7, wherein the transmission of audio
data over the wireless communication is achieved by way of the A2DP
streaming protocol.
9. A PND according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication
is a short range wireless link.
10. A PND of claim 1, wherein one routine is specific to a voice
recognition engine being a node on the controller area network and
capable of recognizing PND-specific verbal instructions and
conversion thereof into signals distributed on said controller area
network, said routine recognizing interpreting said signals as
PND-specific instructions and causing an alteration in the current
operation of said PND.
11. The portable navigation device of the claim 10, wherein the
routine is capable of interpreting signals representative of one or
more of the following commands: start slideshow mode; change the
current view to a navigation mode screen; mute voice guidance;
unmute voice guidance; activate day mode; activate night mode; zoom
in to a map; zoom out of a map; show pre-selected points of
interest POIs; and hide POIs
12. The PND of claim 1, wherein one routine is specific to a video
display device being a node on the controller area network, said
routine enabling the streaming of video content extant within the
memory of said PND.
13. The PND of claim 1, wherein the user input device is embodied
in the graphical display, which is a touch sensitive touch
screen.
14. The portable navigation device of claim 13, wherein the
establishment of the wireless communication with the third party
device, and enablement of the one or more routines specific to the
third party device and other nodes on the controller area network
is achieved by the user interacting with menu items shown on the
touch screen.
15. A PND according to claim 1, wherein a software routine within
the PND receives signals from a management system being a node on
the controller area network, said routine causing the periodic or
snapshot storage of one or more parameters representative of at
least one of vehicle operation and user control thereof.
16. A PND according to claim 15 wherein the management system is a
vehicle engine management system and the one or parameters stored
by the routine are engine operating characteristics.
17. A PND according to claim 1, wherein the routine stores data
that uniquely identifies the vehicle.
18. A PND according to claim 17, wherein the routine causes the
wireless transmission of stored data for at least one of road
pricing, toll road access, and congestion zone access.
19. A PND according to claim 1, wherein a routine is capable of
upgrading the operating software of one of the nodes which together
make up the controller area network.
20. A PND according to claim 1, wherein the one or more routines
utilizes the functionality of one or more of the nodes, and
receives information therefrom, such being passed to the route
calculation function of the PND to provide enhancement
therefor.
21. A PND according to claim 20, wherein the information is one or
more of: relevant to a possible new destinations; related to an
engine warning; related to engine diagnostic information; related
to gyro/speed pulse information, optionally used in a dead
reckoning software routine provided as part of at least one of the
route calculation and navigation functions of said PND; related to
outside air or road temperature; indicative that the vehicle has a
major fault and a routine is provided within the PND causes the
user to be advised at least one of visibly and audibly that
re-routing to a garage is appropriate; and indicative that the
external temperature is below a defined threshold and the PND
includes a routine to cause on of (a) recalculation of an
estimation of travel time on account of lower speed of travel, (b)
recalculation of the route to avoid potentially icy roads, and (c)
the wireless transmission of ambient temperature a remote
server.
22-30. (canceled)
31. A PND according to claim 1, wherein a routine is provided which
interacts with the route calculation and navigation functions of
the PND to determine when the PND is within a threshold distance of
a home location, and wherein said routine communicates, over said
wireless communication, with a remote control device being a node
on said controller area network within the vehicle to cause
operation thereof thereby issuing a wireless signal to appropriate
equipment disposed at said home location to cause operation
thereof.
32.-33. (canceled)
34. A PND according to claim 1, wherein a user profile routine is
provided in the PND to interact with a module capable of storing
one or more user--specific settings and being a node on the
controller area network, the interaction being such that selection
of a particular user profile stored in one of the PND and the
vehicle user settings module causes one or more of the various
settings stored in the profiles on both the PND and the user
settings module to be applied.
35. A PND according to claim 34, wherein one or more of the
following apply: a setting in the user settings module profile of
the vehicle is a seat position memory function; the module is a
biometric user identification function capable of identifying
particular users; he module is a key or key fob recognition module;
the module is a code entry module; one of user settings in a
profile stored in the PND defines a particular map color scheme;
one of user settings in a profile stored in the PND defines a
particular navigation guidance voice; one of user settings in a
profile stored in the PND defines a particular welcome greeting;
one of user settings in a profile stored in the PND defines a
particular set of user-defined favorite destinations; and the last
active user profile is automatically loaded by the device on
start-up.
36.-43. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a portable navigation device; in
particular, it defines a portable navigation device that can
interface wirelessly with systems in a motor vehicle.
[0002] A portable navigation device (`PND`) is a device that
provides route guidance based on location data derived from
satellite signals (e.g. GPS or Galileo) and route finding
algorithms running on the device. The device can be readily mounted
in, and taken from, a vehicle. It is therefore unlike an embedded
navigation device that is installed as part of the factory build of
the vehicle and is meant to be a permanent system within the
vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable navigation devices, such as the GO.TM. and ONE.TM.
devices from TomTom International B.V., are increasingly popular
for in-vehicle navigation. Embedded in-vehicle navigation systems,
by contrast, are falling in overall market share. There are several
reasons for this. First, embedded in-vehicle navigation systems are
significantly more costly for the end-user. Secondly, they
generally do not include the latest technology: when designing a
highly complex product such as a motor vehicle, the design of the
in-vehicle navigation systems has to be frozen typically 3 years
before the vehicle is launched. This is to give enough time for the
complex integration and testing that needs to be done for a system
embedded into a vehicle, and the long lead times of setting up
manufacturing assembly lines for motor vehicles. So an expensive
motor vehicle, 5 years after launch, may be offered with an
embedded navigation system that is at least 8 ears old, and
possibly older. By contrast, portable navigation devices tend to be
updated at least yearly: new models may have more sensitive GPS
chipsets, better maps, faster processors, as well as improved
functionality such as real time traffic data. And they are
generally far cheaper than embedded navigation systems.
[0004] Portable navigation devices have in the past generally had
no ability to interface with factory installed equipment or systems
in the vehicle, such as the embedded factory-fitted vehicle stereo.
One limited exception is that it is possible to connect the TomTom
GO wirelessly to a Bluetooth.TM. interface box that is installed
into a vehicle, behind the dashboard, as an after-market accessory
(i.e. it is not factory fitted); the interface box is then
connected by wires by a skilled installer to the in-vehicle stereo.
One interface product that does this is the TomTom Car Connect.TM..
The TomTom Car Connect system, released on late 2006 and hence not
necessarily relevant prior art, whilst allowing the PND to
wirelessly connect to an interface box, still required the
interface box itself to be professionally installed behind the
vehicle dashboard. However, take up of this is likely to be quite
limited because most ordinary users do not want the trouble or cost
of professionally installing a dedicated interface box behind their
vehicle dashboard for their GO portable navigation device.
[0005] Another solution has been used in the Toyota Aygo; this
motor vehicle required the GO dock to be permanently hard wired to
an interface box, in turn hard wired to the radio/speakers of the
vehicle. This was done as part of the factory build. The user could
then simply mount the GO onto the dock whenever needed. But again,
the cost and trouble of installing a dedicated interface box is
considerable. A permanently installed dock for the portable
navigation device can also require adaptation of the dashboard.
[0006] It is however known to provide a wireless interface
connected to the in-vehicle stereo to enable mobile telephones to
be used in a hands-free mode. The Parrot.TM. Bluetooth handsfree
vehicle kits are well known examples. But, as with the TomTom Car
Connect.TM. device, these kits require careful installation, which
limits their appeal.
[0007] Reference may be made to WO 00/72463, which discloses a
wireless communication system for use in a vehicle. It enables
notebooks computers, cellphones, and pagers to communicate over a
short range wireless network with factory-installed subsystems in
the vehicle, such as an on-board navigation system. But, it does
not describe enabling a portable navigation device to communicate
with the factory installed subsystems at all. The same can be said
of WO 2005/024781; this describes connecting various wireless
enabled devices, such as mobile phones, to a voice recognition
engine. Although it does describe connecting a GPS device to the
voice recognition engine, the GPS device is not described as having
any kind of wireless interface; the reasonable inference is that it
is an embedded navigation device and not a portable navigation
device.
[0008] Reference may also be made to US 2006/0140210: this
describes an automotive data bus that enables devices such as cell
phones, garage door openers etc. to be wirelessly connected to an
in-vehicle data bus and hence to the factory-fitted items that are
connected to that data bus, such as the CD player, multi-function
steering wheel etc. It does suggest that an external GPS receiver
can be connected to the data bus, but adds that one of the existing
devices on the data bus that the GPS receiver can connect with is a
navigation system. This disclosure hence appears to contemplate
being able to enhance the performance of a factory-fitted, embedded
navigation system by connecting it to an external GPS receiver over
the data bus. Again, this document does not deal with interfacing a
portable navigation device to the factory fitted systems of a motor
vehicle.
[0009] In US 2002/0140548, an in-vehicle wireless network is
described; the GPS navigation system is not a portable navigation
device but an embedded device built into the trunk. US 2004/0133319
describes how a portable digital assistant with no navigation
capability can be used to interface with systems in a vehicle, and
again does not relate to a portable navigation device. US
2003/0212485 also deals with enabling a portable computing device,
which is explicitly distinguished from autonomous route guidance
systems like portable navigation devices, to interface with vehicle
systems. In WO00/74019, a PDA is linked to an embedded navigation
system.
[0010] US2003/0114980 discloses a method and system for a wireless
interface to the electronics of an automotive vehicle for a remote
application in the vehicle or within communication range of the
vehicle. The remote application may be a navigation system using
vehicle motion sensor data to provide or improve a navigation
solution for the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the remote
application is diagnostic software running on a handheld computer
that evaluates vehicle systems in a diagnostics procedure. This
document also describes a system for navigating a vehicle including
a vehicle sensor connected to a vehicle bus connected to a gateway
node, and a processor in the vehicle communicating wirelessly with
the gateway node and connected to a vehicle positioning system. The
sensor measures a value and then transmits the value over the
vehicle bus to the gateway node using a network protocol. The
gateway node then wirelessly transmits the value to the processor
using a wireless communication protocol. The processor receives an
initial position from the positioning device and calculates a
current position using a former position, the initial position, and
the sensor value. A protocol translation device is disclosed that
may include two different protocols and an intermediate,
network-independent protocol. In one embodiment of the invention,
an emerging worldwide standard, Bluetooth, created by the Wireless
Personal Area Network (WPAN) Working Group (IEEE 802.15), provides
a wireless interface to the electronics in the vehicle via a
Controller Area Network (CAN). CAN is an international standard
documented in ISO 11898 (for high-speed applications) and ISO 11519
(for lower-speed applications). A remote application, such as a
navigation system or a hand-held computer running navigation
software, can connect to this interface via a host inside the
vehicle or within communication range of the vehicle.
[0011] Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/687,181
describes a system for providing short-range wireless access to
data on vehicle buses and data in the memory of electronic control
units (ECUs) via a wireless link. This application discusses
interfacing a CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol on the vehicle
bus communicating with a gateway node and Bluetooth hardware
set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention is as described in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a vehicle data transfer network and
of devices which may communicate via the data transfer network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The present invention will be described with reference to an
implementation of a portable navigation device that can be used in
a motor vehicle. The PND implementation includes a number of key
features:
[0015] The PND is adapted to interface with a data bus that is
factory installed in a motor vehicle and that transmits data
between factory installed subsystems of the vehicle.
[0016] The PND is adapted to exchange data with a data bus factory
installed in a motor vehicle, in which the device is automatically
sent information over the data bus and that information is used in
route guidance by the device.
[0017] The PND is adapted to interface with an interactive voice
recognition subsystem that is in communication with a factory
installed data bus in a motor vehicle and which enables hands free
calling, the voice recognition subsystem processing voice
navigation instructions from a user.
[0018] The PND is adapted to generate voice guidance instructions
and to send data encoding those instructions over an open,
standards based audio streaming protocol, via a factory installed
vehicle data bus, to a communications module/subsystem that is
factory installed in a motor vehicle to enable the voice guidance
to be output from speakers that are also factory installed in the
motor vehicle
[0019] The PND is adapted to be automatically customised to a given
user when that user uniquely identifies himself or herself by using
a function of an embedded, factory fitted subsystem of a motor
vehicle in communication with a factory installed data bus.
[0020] The PND is adapted to connect with a factory installed data
bus in a vehicle and to provide a touch screen operable to display
controls or menu items that enable a user to select, control or
receive and/or display information from a factory installed
subsystem that is also connected to the data bus.
[0021] An example of an embodiment of the invention is shown in
FIG. 1. The system of FIG. 1 is present in or on a vehicle. The
vehicle may be an automobile, a van, a truck, a motorbike, a
vehicular bus or coach, a mobile home, a recreational vehicle, a
tank, an armoured personnel carrier, an off-road vehicle, a ship, a
boat or any other kind of known motor vehicle. In FIG. 1 the
portable navigation device 11 is connected via a short range
wireless connection 17, such as Bluetooth.TM., to network data bus
12. Wireless connection 17 may comprise a connection through which
the portable navigation device 11 is able to send or receive data
via a module which is connected to the network data bus 12; the
module is factory installed hands free module (HFM) 102, for
example, or another kind of interface box or unit. The module 102
is provided with an appropriate wireless signal transceiver so as
to be capable of establishing a communication with the PND 11 and
additionally, the device 102 will be provided with some means of
translating between signals proprietary to the PND 11 and signals
proprietary to data bus 12. The module 102 need not be a HFM and
indeed may be any of the more conventional devices provided in the
vehicle, enhanced by the addition of a wireless transceiver and a
protocol translation facility. Further examples include the stereo
system head unit within the car, a voice recognition engine, or a
vehicle engine or system management controller. Said module 102
thus effectively acts as a gateway and protocol translator between
the PND 11 and the vehicle data bus 12, said HFM effectively
converting signals in one type of proprietary format, that is of
the vehicle data bus 12, to those of a second type recognizable by
the PND, and vice versa, so as to create effective two-way
communication between the PND and the vehicle data bus and the
controller area network in general.
[0022] Devices 13, 14 and 15 are also connected via wireless
connections to the data bus 12. Devices 16, 100, 101, 104 and 105
are connected to the data bus 12 via non-wireless connections which
could be electrical connections, for example. 18 is an example of a
wireless connection. 19 is an example of a non-wireless connection.
Examples of devices 13, 14 and 15 are a garage door opener, a
security gate opening and closing device and a device which enables
connection to the internet, respectively. Examples of devices 16,
100, 101, 104 and 105 are a fog light, an on-board computer, a
vehicle audio and speaker system, a voice recognition interface and
system, and a fuel level sensor in a fuel tank, respectively. An
example of network bus 12 is a CAN bus, with the devices 13, 14,
15, 16, 100, 101, 104, 105 being generically termed subsystems or
nodes under the control of said bus 12. Many other examples of
embodiments of the invention will be evident to those skilled in
the art. FIG. 1 shows that apart from the portable navigation
device 11, three other devices 13, 14 and 15 are connected
wirelessly to the network data bus 12, and five other devices 16,
100, 101, 104 and 105 are connected to the network data bus 12 via
non-wireless connections, but those skilled in the art will
appreciate that any number of devices may be connected to network
data bus 12 through wireless or non-wireless connections.
[0023] Furthermore it is to be mentioned that the controller area
network (CAN) comprises both the bus 12 and the various nodes
connected thereto. In FIG. 1, the topology of the network is a star
topology, but other topologies are possible, in particular a ring,
mesh, tree, line or fully connected topologies are possible and
contemplated within this invention.
[0024] Here is an example of the effects which may be realized by
the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. A driver of a
vehicle in which the system shown in FIG. 1 is present approaches
his home which is protected by a security gate. The portable
navigation device 11 recognizes that the vehicle's position and
trajectory and determine that it is a short time from arriving at
the destination security gate. The portable navigation device 11
instructs the security gate opening and closing device 14 through
bus 12 to open the security gate. When the portable navigation
device 11 recognizes that the vehicle's position and trajectory
mean that it has passed through the security gate, the portable
navigation device 11 instructs the security gate opening and
closing device 14 through bus 12 to close the security gate. The
portable navigation device 11 then instructs the garage door opener
13 through bus 12 to open the garage door. Note these opening and
closing operations are achieved without the driver having to issue
any verbal instructions or press any buttons. Some vehicle drivers
may find this reduction in exertion to be of benefit. The above
functions will have been set up using a menu on the portable
navigation device 11 which enables the relevant data packets to be
transmitted to the relevant devices as the vehicle arrives within a
defined distance of a particular map location, such as the location
of the security gate at the entrance to the driver's home.
[0025] A further example of an embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 1 is of a driver in her vehicle in which the system shown in
FIG. 1 is present. The vehicle is in motion and is shortly about to
enter a stretch of the journey where visibility is poor due to fog
and it would be safety enhancing if the vehicle fog light were
switched on. At suitable times the portable navigation device 11
searches the internet via device 15 for data on which regions in
the country are considered to have levels of fog which pose a
hazard to drivers. Such data could be provided by a national
meteorological office, for example. Based on the position of the
vehicle and its intended journey as known by the portable
navigation device 11, the portable navigation device 11 turns on
the fog light 16 through bus 12 shortly before the vehicle enters
the area which is forecast to have fog. The portable navigation
device 11 turns off the fog light 16 through bus 12 shortly after
the vehicle exits the area which is forecast to have fog. The
greater the number of vehicles in which connectivity is implemented
to allow illumination of fog lights as a result of a decision taken
by the portable navigation device 11 based on information which can
be obtained from the internet used in conjunction with information
which is known by a portable navigation device 11, the greater will
be the contribution to improved road safety. Advantageously, such
connectivity reduces the risk that drivers with a low level of
alertness or with a low level of safety awareness will be
responsible for causing traffic accidents due to the lack of use of
fog lights, for example. Advantageously, some multiple vehicle
pileups on busy roads in foggy weather may thereby be avoided, for
example, which would be of benefit to the individuals who would
have been inconvenienced by such events.
[0026] A further example of an embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 1 is of a driver in her vehicle in which the system shown in
FIG. 1 is present. The vehicle is in motion but is currently on a
journey path which will take it through a place where traffic
congestion has recently arisen, such as due to a recent traffic
accident. At suitable times the portable navigation device 11
searches the internet via device 15 for data on places where
congestion has recently arisen. Alternatively, traffic data could
be sent to the device using some other mechanism (e.g. the device
could itself have a communications capability, such as an internal
GPRS or GSM chipset; the device could connect to a nearby mobile
telephone over the local piconet, and the phone could then connect
to a remote traffic data server. In any event, such data could be
provided by an internet data provision service on a subscription
basis, for example. Such data could also be used in planning the
journey prior to departure, for example. Based on the position of
the vehicle and its intended journey as known by the portable
navigation device 11, the portable navigation device 11 searches
for the optimal route under the new circumstances. If the optimal
route differs from the originally planned route, the portable
navigation device 11 advises the driver through the portable
navigation device 11 screen and/or through the vehicle speakers 101
that the originally planned route is now no longer optimal, and
requests permission to switch to a new route which is optimal under
the new circumstances. The driver may accept or decline the
request, such as by using the touch screen of the portable
navigation device 11 or by issuing a verbal command which is
processed by voice recognition interface and system 104. The driver
of the vehicle may benefit from a reduced journey time if
connectivity is implemented to allow a change in the previously
selected vehicle route as a result of a decision taken by the
vehicle driver after being offered the choice of a new route by a
portable navigation device 11 based on information which can be
obtained from the internet used in conjunction with information
which is known by a portable navigation device 11.
[0027] A further example of an embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 1 is of a driver in her vehicle in which the system shown in
FIG. 1 is present. Prior to departure, the temperature outside the
vehicle is measured to see if there may exist a hazard. The
portable navigation device 11 may obtain temperature data via the
network data bus 12 from a thermometer on the vehicle or from a
device which enables connection to the internet 15. For example, if
the temperature is below or near to the freezing point of water,
the portable navigation device 11 may offer the driver the option
of selecting a route which is considered to be safer on the basis
that there is a reduced probability of encountering patches of ice
on the road in the course of using such a route. Alternatively, on
the basis of the temperature data, the portable navigation device
11 may report an increased estimated journey time because slower
driving speeds are advisable if the road may contain patches of
ice. Alternatively the temperature data measured at the vehicle
position may be reported by the portable navigation device 11 via
the network data bus 12 to a server, such as via a device which
enables connection to the internet 15.
[0028] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. The interface between the
portable navigation device 11 and the network bus 12 is a short
range wireless link 17 such as a Bluetooth.TM. link. The operation
of the interface between the portable navigation device 11 and the
network bus 12, such as setting up or shutting down the interface,
may be controlled by a user, who may control the interface by
interacting with menu items shown on the portable navigation device
screen. The interface may use the advanced audio distribution
profile (A2DP) to stream audio for distribution to one or more
devices connected to the network bus 12, for example a hi-fi or
stereo subsystem including loudspeakers for audible music
reproduction, such being digitally achieved by the PND 11. The
streamed audio may be in the form of MP3 files, or some other known
format. The network bus 12 may be a controller area network (CAN)
bus. The vehicle driver selects the journey destination using the
portable navigation device 11, and the portable navigation device
11 generates a planned route for the journey. Based on the journey
progress, the portable navigation device 11 sends voice navigation
instructions which are transmitted in data packet form to the
network bus 12. The network bus 12 may also supply these
instructions for display on the vehicle dashboard. The network bus
12 then supplies these instructions to the in-vehicle speakers 101.
An advantage of the invention is that the driver may then perform
navigational actions, such as turning the vehicle left or right
when required, without the need to consult the portable navigation
device 11 screen: consulting the screen may be inconvenient upon
occasions such as when there is a great deal of traffic on the
road.
[0029] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. Voice navigation instructions
from a user, such as "Road ahead blocked. Find alternative route,"
are processed by an on-board voice recognition interface and system
104. The on-board voice recognition interface and system 104
recognizes the command as pertaining to a function which is
performed by the portable navigation device 11. The voice
recognition interface and system 104 then sends an instruction to
the portable navigation device 11 via the network bus 12 to perform
the required task. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that any available function of the portable navigation device
11 may be accessed by a user through issuing a suitable verbal
instruction to the voice recognition interface and system 104. For
example, functions of the portable navigation device 11 may include
performing a slideshow of stored images, changing the screen mode
to a navigation mode, disabling recognition of verbal instructions,
enabling recognition of verbal instructions, disabling navigation
instructions which are sent via the in-vehicle speakers 101,
enabling navigation instructions which are sent via the in-vehicle
speakers 101, activating a day mode of the device, activating a
night mode of the device, zoom in to a map, zoom out from a map,
showing points of interest in the vicinity of the vehicle, not
showing points of interest in the vicinity of the vehicle,
performing handsfree telephone calling, or any known function of
the portable navigation device 11. In a video mode, the portable
navigation device 11 may stream video data to the network bus 12
for storage in a data storage medium or for display on a display
screen in the vehicle. The portable navigation device 11 can be
adapted to dock with an internet connected PC (the TomTom Home.TM.
service enables this); movies can hence be readily transferred from
the PC to the device 11; the device 11 can then be taken to the
vehicle and different movies can then be readily streamed to the
in-vehicle entertainment system (which may have display screens for
all passengers). This approach enables movies to be viewed in a car
without the need to purchase and load a DVD into the in-vehicle
entertainment system: as internet distribution of movies (and any
other kind of video content; we will refer to them generically as
`movies`) becomes the norm, being able to use movies already
downloaded to your home PC in your vehicle will become very
important: but even the most modem vehicle today is unable to
download a movie directly from the internet; it will be many years
before cars have embedded systems that enable them to do so. But
with this implementation, the PND itself becomes the carrier and
mechanism to allow current generation in-vehicle entertainment
systems to show movies downloaded to a domestic PC. Likewise, where
movies are distributed on portable memory media, it is far quicker
and easier to modify a PND to read that media and stream the
content out than it is to modify an embedded system.
[0030] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that in
order for the portable navigation device 11 to interact
successfully with the voice recognition interface and system 104,
the voice recognition interface and system 104 should be programmed
to identify commands which are intended for the portable navigation
device 11. During the vehicle manufacturing process the voice
recognition interface and system 104 may be programmed to identify
verbal commands which are intended for the portable navigation
device 11. Alternatively, the voice recognition interface and
system 104 may have software which enables a set of commands and
their respective voice signatures represented in some data format
to be downloaded from the portable navigation device 11 to the
voice recognition interface and system 104 when the portable
navigation device 11 and the voice recognition interface and system
104 are first in communication. If the portable navigation device
11 is upgraded with additional features, the full set of commands
and their respective voice signatures or the additional set of
commands and their respective voice signatures will be downloaded
from the portable navigation device 11 to the voice recognition
interface and system 104 when the portable navigation device 11
signals to the voice recognition interface and system 104 that a
feature upgrade has taken place. In a further alternative, after
the portable navigation device 11 model number is transmitted by
the portable navigation device 11 to the voice recognition
interface and system 104, or the portable navigation device 11
model number is supplied to the voice recognition interface and
system 104 by data entry at some data entry point, the voice
recognition interface and system 104 may download the data
incorporating the set of commands and their respective voice
signatures represented in some data format via the network bus 12
from an internet site using device 15 or from a local area network,
where the data transmission method is wireless or non-wireless such
as via a USB connector, a FireWire connector or any other desired
interface, after supplying the internet site or the local area
network with the portable navigation device 11 model number. The
data on the internet site, or on the local area network, may be
maintained by the manufacturer of the portable navigation device
11, or by the manufacturer of the voice recognition interface and
system 104, or by cooperation between both manufacturers.
[0031] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. The volume of fuel remaining in
the vehicle is calculated by the on-board computer 100 based on
data obtained via the network data bus 12 from a fuel tank sensor
105. The data on volume of fuel remaining in the vehicle is
accessed from the on-board computer 100 by the portable navigation
device 11 via the network data bus 12. Based on the journey
selected, the portable navigation device 11 calculates the volume
of fuel required to complete the journey. Factors which may be
taken into consideration in performing such a calculation include
the forecast travel speed on the roads or waterways in the journey,
the degree of congestion on the roads or waterways in the journey
based on factors such as the time during the day and the day of the
week of the intended journey, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle,
where the fuel efficiency may be a factor that is supplied by the
on-board computer 100 or which may be derived from the recent data
on fuel consumed and distance travelled, and the forecast road or
waterway conditions such as if the roads are likely to be wet or
dry, or if the water on waterway is likely to be rough or calm. If
the forecast fraction of the volume of the fuel tank which will
contain fuel at the end of the journey is less than some
pre-selected amount, such as 20%, then a warning message may be
given, such as on the portable navigation device 11 display or via
the vehicles speakers 101. Such a message may be similar to
"Forecast remaining fuel volume at the end of the journey is eleven
percent." If the forecast is that the fuel present will be
insufficient for the journey, a warning message may be given, such
as on the portable navigation device 11 display or via the
vehicle's speakers 101. Such a message may be similar to "Present
fuel is forecast to run out after 57% of your journey distance." A
series of options could be offered by the portable navigation
device 11 such as a revised route where one passes by the nearest
fuel station to the journey start point, a revised route which
enables one to fill up with fuel with the minimum deviation from
the originally planned route, a route which enables one to fill up
with fuel as far as possible into the originally planned route
without running out of fuel, or an unchanged route. The options
could be offered on the portable navigation device 11 display or
via the vehicle's speakers 101, or both; the preferred option could
be selected via the portable navigation device 11 touch screen or
by a verbal command which is processed by the vehicle's voice
recognition interface and system 104. Once the option is selected,
the selected option may be confirmed by being briefly displayed on
the portable navigation device 11 display or by announcement via
the vehicle's speakers 101, or both. A simpler embodiment of the
above would be to alert the driver during the journey if the volume
of the fuel tank which contains fuel falls below some pre-selected
amount, such as 20%, and to allow the driver the possibility of
selecting a revised journey route in order to reach a nearby fuel
station. Possible advantages of this embodiment of the invention
are that it may enable the vehicle to reduce or to minimize the
number of visits to fuel stations required during the life of the
vehicle, thereby reducing time wasted, or to reduce or to minimize
the distance travelled to fuel stations during the life of the
vehicle, thereby reducing fuel wasted in travelling to fuel
stations.
[0032] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. Performance indices relating to
the performance of the vehicle are calculated by the on-board
computer 100 based on data obtained via the network data bus 12
from sensors in the vehicle, such the fuel tank sensor 105, amongst
others. Such performance indices might relate to the vehicle fuel
efficiency, the engine temperature, the oil pressure variation
rate, the number of engine revolutions per minute, the current
flowing from the vehicle battery, the vehicle battery voltage, or
the water level, for example. If any performance index relating to
the performance of the vehicle calculated by the on-board computer
100 falls outside a range of acceptable values, or is varying at a
rate which falls outside a range of acceptable values, an alert may
be given, such as on the portable navigation device 11 display or
via the vehicle's speakers 101. A series of options could be
offered by the portable navigation device 11 such as a revised
route where one passes by the nearest vehicle service station to
the journey start point, a revised route which enables one to visit
a vehicle service station with the minimum deviation from the
originally planned route, a route which enables one to visit a
vehicle service station as far as possible into the originally
planned route before the extrapolated value of a performance index
will be in a range which gives grounds for serious concern, or an
unchanged route. The options could be offered on the portable
navigation device 11 display or via the vehicle's speakers 101, or
both; the preferred option could be selected via the portable
navigation device 11 touch screen or by a verbal command which is
processed by the vehicle's voice recognition interface and system
104. Once the option is selected, the selected option may be
confirmed by being briefly displayed on the portable navigation
device 11 display or by announcement via the vehicle's speakers
101, or both. An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is
that it may enable a problem with the vehicle to be rectified by a
vehicle service station or by a user of the vehicle before it turns
into a more serious problem.
[0033] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. If the portable navigation
device 11 is unable to receive a signal from the global positioning
system, the portable navigation device 11 may be able to estimate
the vehicle position through the use of vehicle speed and direction
data accessed via the network data bus 12. Direction data could be
accessible from a gyroscope or from a compass, for example.
[0034] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. The portable navigation device
11 may be used to import data files, such as audio data files or
video data files, from outside the vehicle for use in the vehicle.
The portable navigation device 11 may be removed from the vehicle
and taken to another environment such as the home environment. In
the home environment, the portable navigation device 11 may receive
certain files such as audio data or video data files, via a
wireless connection or via a non-wireless connection. When the
portable navigation device 11 is returned to the vehicle, the audio
or video data files may be used to play preferred music in the car,
or to show a movie on an in-car screen, for example. These files
may be streamed via the network data bus 12.
[0035] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. A state body with legal
authority may interface with the portable navigation device 11,
such as via the network data bus 12 and the internet connection 15,
or through a mobile communications connection. Upon determining the
vehicle's position by using data obtained from the portable
navigation device 11, the state body with legal authority may take
a variety of actions. For example, if the vehicle is in an area
with significant fog levels, the state body with legal authority
may turn on the vehicle's fog lights by issuing an appropriate
command to the network data bus 12. Upon calculating the vehicle's
speed using a series of position readings obtained from the
portable navigation device 11 and with reference to a clock, a
speeding ticket may be issued by the state body with legal
authority if the speed limit has been exceeded by the vehicle. Upon
obtaining a unique vehicle identification signature, such as a
chassis number, from data obtained from the network data bus 12,
data obtained from the portable navigation device 11 with regard to
the vehicle's position and with reference to a clock, a journey
pricing system may be operated by the state body with legal
authority such as by debiting a bank account which is associated
with the vehicle based on the travel performed by the vehicle.
[0036] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. It may be more practical to
achieve an upgrade to the vehicular electronic systems as a whole,
including those items which have been post-factory installed such
as a portable navigation device 11, if the upgrade is achieved via
an upgrade to the portable navigation device 11 rather than as an
upgrade to some other part of the vehicular electronic systems. For
example, added functionality for the portable navigation device 11,
which involves improved exploitation of data available through the
network data bus 12, may be generated by new software. Such
software could be installed in the portable navigation device 11 by
a device which interfaces with the network data bus 12, or from a
local area network or internet site which interfaces with the
network data bus 12. Such an upgrade capability may be of benefit
to the portable navigation device 11 manufacturer, as it may mean
that a portable navigation device 11 may be released for sale, with
planned software upgrades which enable enhanced vehicular
electronic systems functionality to be made in the future, rather
than having to write and release for sale all software prior to
portable navigation device 11 product release.
[0037] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. Various devices within the
vehicle may be configured according to parameters which are stored
with respect to a defined user profile denoted by a unique user
number or a unique user name, where the user is a user of the
vehicle. For example, vehicle user profile "Fred" may comprise the
driver seat being set at a distance of 10 cm from its closest
distance of approach to the driver pedals, the driver seat back
tilted at 10 degrees from the vertical in the direction opposite to
that of the windscreen, the seat base tilted towards the driver
pedals by 5 degrees from the horizontal, the radio set to FM
frequency 89.0 MHz at volume level seven, and the air flow
temperature set to 20 degrees Celsius, at the minimum non-zero air
flow rate, for all air emitting apertures in the vehicle cabin. For
example, the vehicle user profile "Fred" may have been configured
using an in-vehicle data entry and data recordation system, or it
may have been configured by data entry at the portable navigation
device 11, where the portable navigation device 11 is able to
access the vehicle data entry and recording system via the network
data bus 12. A user of the portable navigation device 11 may be
able to configure the portable navigation device 11 according to a
user profile denoted by a unique user number or a unique user name,
where the user is a user of the portable navigation device 11. A
user profile for the portable navigation device 11 may enable the
user to record parameters such as the preferred level of portable
navigation device screen brightness, a preference for routes
comprising express roads over routes comprising non-express roads,
a preference for routes comprising toll roads over routes
comprising non-toll roads, a preferred zoom level for map display,
a preferred map colour scheme, a preferred instruction voice, a set
of preferred destinations, and a preferred welcome greeting, for
example. The user profile for the portable navigation device 11 may
allow the user to enter a set of parameters which indicate the
required settings for various devices within the vehicle, where the
portable navigation device 11 is able to access the vehicle data
entry and recording system via the network data bus 12.
Alternatively, the user profile for the portable navigation device
11 may allow the user to select a user profile for the vehicle
which is to be used in conjunction with the user profile for the
portable navigation device 11, where the portable navigation device
11 is able to access the vehicle data entry and recording system
via the network data bus 12. For example, user profile "Fred" for
the portable navigation device 11 may be set up so as to include
vehicle user profile "Fred" for the in-vehicle device settings. A
particularly preferred method for recording the configuration of
the vehicle and of the portable navigation device 11 according to
parameters which are thereby stored with respect to a defined user
profile denoted by a unique user number or a unique user name,
where the user is a user of the vehicle and of the portable
navigation device 11, is as follows. The user sets the vehicle
parameters and the portable navigation device 11 parameters to the
preferred state. This could include, for example, adjusting the
driver seat to its preferred position, adjusting the vehicle
mirrors to their preferred positions, selecting vehicle sport mode
when the vehicle enters a road with a high speed limit, tuning the
radio to the preferred station, setting the audio system 101 to the
preferred volume, and setting the portable navigation device 11 to
the preferred map colour scheme. The user then selects a function
on the portable navigation device 11, such as through the touch
screen or through the vehicle's voice recognition interface and
system 104, which is the function for recording a new user profile
or an updated user profile. Performing the function may require the
entry of a personal identification number, or passing some other
security procedure. It is possible that the function could be
selected in some other way, such as through pressing a button in or
on the vehicle or on a key fob, for example. Under the user profile
name or user profile number defined by the user, the portable
navigation device 11 then records its internal parameters, as well
as the parameters of the vehicle, where the parameters of the
vehicle are determined via network data bus 12 by accessing device
parameter settings data stored in the on-board computer 100, or by
interrogating the various devices connected to the network data bus
12 to determine their parameter settings. The defined user profile
for the portable navigation device 11 and for the vehicle may be
used to enable the parameters for the portable navigation device 11
and for the vehicle to be adjusted to their preset values when a
given user selects their user profile, such as via a menu item on
the portable navigation device 11 touch screen. Alternatively, the
preferred internal parameters of the portable navigation device 11
and of the vehicle may be stored in the on-board computer 100; on
selecting a defined user name or number, such as by pressing an
appropriate button in the vehicle, the on-board computer 100 then
sets up the required parameters of the vehicle and of the portable
navigation device 11 by sending instructions over the network data
bus 12. It is preferred that editing a particular profile may only
be done after that profile has been selected by the vehicle user.
It is preferred that it should be possible to delete a user profile
if that is desired. It is preferred that when a vehicle is started
after some period of non-use, the most recently utilised user
profile is automatically selected by the vehicle.
[0038] A further example of an embodiment of the invention
according to FIG. 1 is as follows. The portable navigation device
11 has a menu option which allows telephone numbers to be stored in
the device memory. The portable navigation device 11 has a further
menu option which allows the user to initiate a call to a telephone
number which is stored in the portable navigation device 11 memory,
or to a telephone number which may be entered prior to calling.
User interaction with the portable navigation device 11 may be via
the touch screen or via the vehicle's voice recognition interface
and system 104, for example. When the user selects the portable
navigation device 11 option in order to make a call, and has
specified the telephone number, the portable navigation device 11
communicates via the network data bus 12 with a device with mobile
phone capability, where the device with mobile phone capability is
connected to the network data bus 12. After the telephone number
has been dialed by the device with mobile phone capability, a
communication to this effect is sent to the portable navigation
device 11 to enable the portable navigation device 11 to inform the
user as such. If the call is answered, a communication to this
effect is sent to the portable navigation device 11 to enable the
portable navigation device 11 to inform the user as such. The call
may proceed by the call recipient's speech being transmitted
through the vehicle audio system 101, while the vehicle driver's
speech is recorded by the vehicle's voice recognition interface and
system 104 and transmitted to the call recipient via the device
with mobile phone capability. The call may be terminated by the
vehicle driver touching the relevant menu item on the portable
navigation device 11 touch screen, for example. Incoming calls may
lead to a message such as "Incoming call" being displayed on the
portable navigation device 11 touch screen and/or being announced
over the vehicle audio system 101. The call may be accepted or
rejected by the vehicle driver touching the relevant menu item on
the portable navigation device 11 touch screen, for example. If the
incoming call is accepted by the vehicle driver, the call may
subsequently be terminated by the vehicle driver by touching the
relevant menu item on the portable navigation device 11 touch
screen, for example.
[0039] Other embodiments of the invention enable the transmission
and receipt of information packets to and from a network data bus
that provides connectivity between a portable navigation device
which is not on the network data bus and a set of one or more other
devices which may all be on the network data bus, or may all not be
on the network data bus, or some of which may be on the network
data bus, with the remaining other devices not being on the network
data bus. A device is defined as being on a network data bus if it
is connected to the data bus by a set of electrical conductors such
as by a set of wires or cables, or by one or more optical fibres or
by a set of data transmitting media such that information packets
may be transmitted and received between the device and the data bus
via the media.
[0040] A device is defined as being connected to the data bus and
not on the data bus if information packets may be transmitted and
received between the device and the data bus in some manner such as
involving the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves
such as radio waves, micro-waves, infra-red waves, ultra-violet
waves or optically visible radiation while the device and the data
bus are not connected electrically or through an optical fibre or
through any other non-wireless data transmitting medium. An
intermediary communication device such as a hands free module may
be present to enable communication between the portable navigation
device and the network data bus.
[0041] Devices which may or may not be on a network data bus but
which may be connected to a network data bus include but are not
limited to a hands free module, a hands free telephone module, a
speech recognition interface and system, a cell phone, a garage
door opener, a radar detector, a digital music player, an alarm
system, a stereo, a portable computer, a portable digital
assistant, a digital camera, a video camera, a device enabling
connection to the internet, a compact disc player, a security gate
opening and closing device or any other electronic device. Devices
which may be on a network data bus include multi information
display buttons, a menu screen, multi-function steering wheel
buttons, a parking distance control, a radio, a digital music
system, a digital sound processor, instrument control electronics,
a light control module, a telephone, an integrated liquid crystal
display, an on-board computer, an on-board computer text bar,
external vehicle lights, vehicle cabin lights, wipers, seat
positioning systems, a seat position-recording memory system, a
speedometer, a meter to record distance travelled, a vehicle active
suspension system, an engine revolutions per minute counter, a
handbrake sensor, a vehicle turning indicator light control system,
a vehicle turning mechanism which may include a steering wheel or
handlebar, an oil pressure sensor, one or more fog lights, a door
opening and closing mechanism, a storage space opening and closing
mechanism, a window opening and closing mechanism, an air flow
control system, an air conditioning unit, a thermometer, and any
other device originally installed in a vehicle or which may be
installed in a vehicle post manufacture.
[0042] The portable navigation device may be adapted to be secured
to the inside of the cabin of the motor vehicle, or to some other
part of the vehicle such as the handlebars in the case of a
motorbike or a bicycle, but to be readily capable of removal if
desired. The portable navigation device may be a handheld one piece
unit, as described in WO 2005/088254, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference.
[0043] The portable navigation device may include a touch-sensitive
screen. The portable navigation device may transmit and receive
data packets which conform to the communications protocol of the
network data bus. Alternatively the portable navigation device may
transmit and receive data packets via a suitable intermediary
device between the portable navigation device and the network data
bus, for example the HFM 102, said intermediary device converting
data to or from the communications protocol of the portable
navigation device from or to the communications protocol of the
network data bus, respectively. Any device which is not on the
network data bus but which is connected to the network data bus or
in direct or indirect communication therewith, may also utilize a
suitable intermediary device in order to effect conversion between
different communications protocol standards. In converting between
different communications protocol standards, the intermediary
device may utilize a microprocessor in order to convert between
different communications protocol standards. Conversion may be
achieved in real time or in an approximation to real time.
[0044] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a
vehicle may not possess a single data bus, but may instead possess
a plurality of data buses which are interconnected to permit data
flow between the data buses. But where a vehicle possesses a
plurality of data buses which are interconnected, the data buses
can generally be considered to be a single data bus for the
purposes of this invention. The term "data bus" as used herein
includes one or more data buses. Vehicular data buses comprise a
communications protocol and a physical layer upon which data
packets are transmitted. Existing vehicular data buses include a
controller area network (CAN) bus, SAE J1850 bus, MOST bus,
byteflight, OBDII, FlexRay, D2B, SMARTwireX, IDB-1394, IEBus,
Intellibus, LIN bus, among others.
[0045] For cases in which a device is connected to the data bus but
is not on the data bus, information packets may be transmitted and
received between the device and the data bus in some manner such as
by wireless transmission and reception. An example of a wireless
transmission and reception standard is Bluetooth.TM..
[0046] If audio data is streamed between the portable navigation
device and the network data bus, the audio data may be streamed in
the form of MP3 audio files, or audio files of any known
format.
[0047] Where the vehicle includes a speech recognition interface
and system, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the device which receives sound waves, such as a microphone, may be
mounted anywhere in the vehicle, such as on the dashboard or on the
steering wheel, or it may be mounted on a device such as a set of
headphones. Likewise, if sound waves are to be transmitted to the
vehicle driver or occupants, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that this may be accomplished via the vehicle
speakers, or via an earpiece which forms part of a set of
headphones, for example. Many systems within a vehicle may form
part of the controller area network, or be in communication
therewith, examples including a vehicle man machine interface (MMI)
system, a vehicle radio, CD, or DVD player, a vehicle ventilation
or AC system, a vehicle diagnostics, service or error reporting
system, a vehicle trip computer, a lane departure warning system, a
park distance control system, a cruise control system, a suspension
mode control system, central locking system, a seat preset system,
a mirror positioning system, a vehicle gearbox, an engine
management system. Of course, the PND may include one or more
routines specific to these systems so as to interact with and
control them, or receive pertinent information from them so as to
enhance the operation of the PND, its calculation or navigation
functions, or simply to provide a simple means of providing more
information to the user regarding their operation.
* * * * *