DE102008037882A1 - Navigation system for a complex menu-driven multi-function vehicle system - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a navigation system for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system is provided, which has a navigation unit and a man-machine interface, which are arranged separately from one another at different locations in the vehicle. There is a communication link between the two units that is bidirectional.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to navigation technology for vehicles. In particular, it concerns the invention is a navigation system for a complex menu-driven Vehicle multifunction system a vehicle with such a navigation system, the use of such a navigation system in a vehicle, a method to support a driver of a vehicle, a program element and a computer readable Medium.

Technological background

traditionally, Are in the vehicle functional components, such. B. on-board computer, Air conditioning, radio, navigation system, etc., as separate operated Individual components installed in the vehicle. Each individual component has its own control panel, so that the driver to the operating component turn or use the controls during of driving to operate the individual components. The driver is thus often distracted from the traffic.

Farther can selected Controls for Individual components, such as. B. the call acceptance of a mobile phone, the volume control and the program selection button of a radio, spatially separated from the individual components within reach of the driver, especially in the vicinity the steering wheel or the steering wheel itself, be arranged. This is, however often only with the original equipment of the vehicle makes sense. In addition, the effort is relatively large.

Farther can Individual components for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system be summarized. Here, the operation in a user interface of the vehicle multi-function system concentrated. In the field of conventional radio recording z. B. built such a multi-function system that the functions On-board computer, air conditioning, radio and navigation device in itself united. The display of the multi-function system can be considered more sensitive Input screen (touch screen display) accomplished be to input menu items through Touch of the display. Alternatively, you can Controls are placed directly adjacent to the display.

The increasing complexity such menu driven Vehicle multifunction systems requires a direct attention of the user to the operation user interface and thus involves the risk of distraction from driving.

Usually are in navigation devices both the actual navigation (map, map matching, routing, etc.) as well as the man-machine interface (the one for the representation, ie the graphic and acoustic output of the information, the user-side inputs, etc.) is combined in one device.

Summary of the invention

It It is an object of the invention to provide an improved navigation system to provide, which allows safe operation.

It are a navigation system for a complex menu-driven one Vehicle multifunction system a vehicle, a use, a procedure, a program element and a computer-readable medium according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The relate to described embodiments equally the navigation system, the vehicle, the use, the procedure, the program element and the computer readable medium.

According to one embodiment The invention is a navigation system for a complex menu-driven Vehicle multifunction system specified, the navigation system a navigation unit, a man-machine interface (MMS or HMI) and a communication connection. The communication connection is to provide bidirectional communication between the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are executed, wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit separate Are units that communicate with each other over the Communication connection executed are.

The both units (MMS and navigation unit) are in separate devices accommodated. According to one another embodiment of the invention are the man-machine interface and the navigation unit designed to be arranged at separate positions in the vehicle. By this resolved It is therefore possible construction, the Vehicle navigation and the MMS to develop separately and to install in the vehicle. In particular, it is this way possible, both equipment at different locations in the vehicle.

For example the human-machine interface is in the driver's field of vision installed and the navigation part (navigation unit) in the glove compartment of the vehicle.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the navigation unit for mobile communication with the man-machine interface via the communication link executed. Both units can So be connected by cable or by radio. About these Connection only the necessary data are exchanged.

The wireless transmission between the MMS and the navigation unit (and vice versa) for example via WLAN (eg 802.11p), Bluetooth, ZigBee or WiMax.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the navigation system for transmitting information from the navigation unit to the man-machine interface for controlling in the man-machine interface Data executed.

The MMS features for example about its own arithmetic unit and its own data memory. Consequently can process the information to be displayed within the MMS respectively. How this information is processed or presented can, for example, controlled by the navigation unit and controlled.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the navigation unit is a module of a driver assistance system. If in the following "navigation unit" is mentioned, this is a simple navigation module (see reference numeral 120 of the 1 ) or even a complex system (see reference numeral 130 of the 1 ), which has both a navigation module and corresponding computing units and sensors, possibly in combination with a driver assistance system (see reference numeral 125 of the 1 ).

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the man-machine interface to partial integration in a windshield of the vehicle or in front of a speed indicator of the vehicle. In In this case z. B. the graphic information on the windshield displayed. The acoustic output can be arranged by otherwise Speakers are made. The input of control commands is done by Voice control or over a mechanical input device, the z. B. on the center console of the vehicle or in a mobile device (PDA, Mobile phone, etc.) is integrated.

On this way it is possible that the driver picks up the graphic information without too much to be distracted from the traffic.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the navigation system further comprises a sensor device for determining a head position of the driver or the passenger relative to a display unit of the man-machine interface.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the navigation system includes a computing unit for distorting of information to be displayed on the display unit. The Distortion occurs in the way that the information to be displayed with the environment of the vehicle perceived by the driver or passenger from the point of view of the driver or co-driver. The distortion is based on the determined by the transmitting device Head position. Also, the distortion can be adjusted manually by the user be operated by using a corresponding adjustment device. In this way, the user can manually view the information displayed with the perceived environment of the vehicle reality overlay.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the navigation system has a laser projector for projecting the data to be displayed on a windshield of the vehicle on. The windshield in this case can be a laser display on which the impinging laser beam even better visualized as on a normal windshield.

Also can be a head-up display as an alternative to a laser projector and laser display be provided in which a graphic from a monitor via a mirror assembly is projected onto the windshield.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the navigation system, a mobile navigation unit to provide maps to the (permanently installed in the vehicle) Navigation unit on.

As already executed can, according to another embodiment invention, this mobile navigation unit also for control the installed navigation unit.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the mobile navigation unit for transmitting a selected part of the map material stored in the mobile navigation unit executed.

In this way, the data traffic can be minimized since only the currently required part of the digital map is transmitted to the navigation unit (which is installed in the vehicle). in this connection It can be provided that the transmitted map section has a definable size, which is based, for example, on the average vehicle speed, so that the vehicle is within the map section for at least one minute (or at least over another user-selectable period of time).

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the navigation system for using a screen the mobile navigation unit to display such data, the not shown by the MMS. In other words, the Screen of the mobile navigation unit as a supplement to the MMS of the vehicle can be used. For example, on the Mobile navigation unit installed software that the fixed installed navigation unit or MMS is not available. Thus, therefore, the mobile navigation unit can be permanently installed Complete navigation unit and MMS.

According to one another embodiment of the The invention is a vehicle with a navigation system described above specified.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the navigation system in the vehicle is designed so that the MMS and the navigation unit in separate locations are arranged in the vehicle.

On This way can be achieved in the navigation unit stored and processed data are highly protected against damage, whereas the MMS meets less stringent security requirements. It can So for safety-critical and less safety-critical Data, components, etc., which are then either be housed in the navigation unit or in the MMS.

On this way can be saved in the production costs, as the less safety critical components manufactured with less high effort Need to become.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the use of a navigation system described above indicated in a vehicle.

According to one another embodiment of the The invention is a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle specified in which a bidirectional communication link between a human-machine interface and a navigation unit for a complex menu-driven Vehicle multifunction system provided. Furthermore, there is a control of in the man-machine interface data over the communication connection, the human-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units that are used for communication over each other the communication connection is executed.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is a program element specified, which, if it is on a Processor executed will instruct the processor to perform the steps described above.

there For example, the computer program element may be part of a software which is stored on a processor of vehicle management. Likewise, the computer program element in an electronic Brake assistants are used. The processor can do the same Be the subject of the invention. Furthermore, this embodiment includes the invention of a computer program element, which from the beginning used in the invention, as well as a computer program element, which by an update an existing program for use the invention causes.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is given a computer readable medium on which a Program element is stored that when on a processor accomplished will instruct the processor to perform the steps described above.

Under the term "digital Cards are also cards for advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to understand without a navigation takes place.

at the vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle, such as car, bus or truck, or even a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, such as a helicopter or airplane.

Farther It should be noted that in the context of the present invention GPS representative of all Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (Russia), Compass (China), IRNSS (India), ...

in the The following will be preferred embodiments with reference to the figures of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

1 shows a schematic representation of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a schematic representation of a sensor for detecting a relative position of the head of the driver according to an embodiment of the invention.

3 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

The Representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

In The following figure description will be for the same or similar Elements use the same reference numbers.

1 shows a schematic representation of components of a navigation system 100 for installation in a vehicle. The navigation system 100 has a navigation unit 130 , a man-machine interface 140 over the communication link 150 with the navigation unit 130 connected, as well as a sensor 201 and a mobile navigation unit 160 on.

The from the navigation system 100 data to be sent, which from the control unit 140 , which is implemented, for example, in the form of a CPU, to the communication unit 122 can be transmitted via an encryption device 121 be encrypted. Similarly, the received data sent by the communication unit 122 to the control unit 140 transmitted by the encryption unit 121 be decrypted. The communication unit 122 has an antenna for data transmission 123 on.

In principle, the navigation unit 130 about this antenna 123 and the communication device 122 wireless with the MMS 140 communicate. This is indicated by the MMS 140 also a corresponding antenna 141 on.

Also, for communication between the MMS 140 and the navigation unit 130 a separate wireless communication link may be used, in which case the navigation unit 130 another additional communication unit (not shown in 1 ) having.

The MMS 140 has an input unit 126 , an acoustic output unit 127 as well as a graphical output unit 128 , for example in the form of a monitor.

The communication connection 150 between the MMS and the navigation unit 130 can be either wired or wireless. Also, both a wireless and a wired connection can be provided side by side.

About the input unit 126 can different settings of the navigation unit 130 as well as the MMS are made.

About the optical output unit (for example in the form of a monitor) 128 route guidance information can be output. In addition, the route guidance information can also be transmitted via the acoustic output unit 127 be issued. The output via the acoustic output unit 127 has the advantage that the driver is less distracted from the current traffic.

In a memory element 124 that with the control unit 140 is connected or in the control unit 140 is integrated, the digital map data (eg as navigation map data) are stored in the form of data records. For example, in the memory element 124 also stored additional information about traffic restrictions, infrastructure facilities and the like and associated with the records.

Furthermore, a driver assistance unit 125 provided which is supplied with the digital map data or other information (for example, sensor or measurement information).

To determine the current vehicle position, the navigation unit has a navigation module 120 with a satellite navigation receiver 106 which is designed to receive positioning signals from, for example, Galileo satellites or GPS satellites. Of course, the satellite navigation receiver can also be designed for other satellite navigation systems.

The satellite navigation receiver 106 is with the control unit 140 connected. Also is the navigation module 120 with the control unit 140 connected. Furthermore, there is a direct connection between the navigation module 120 and the satellite navigation receiver 106 , Thus, the GPS signals can be sent directly to the CPU 140 be transmitted.

Since the positioning signals are not always receivable, for example, in the inner city area, the sensors 119 of the navigation system 100 for performing a dead reckoning also a direction sensor 107 , a distance sensor 108 , a steering wheel angle sensor 109 , a spring travel sensor 102 , an ESP sensor 103 and optionally an optical detector 104 in the form of a camera, for example. Also, a beam sensor 105 (Radar or Lidarsensor) may be provided. Furthermore, the sensors 119 a speedometer 101 on.

The signals of the GPS receiver 106 and the other sensors are in the control unit 140 processed. The vehicle position determined from these signals is matched via map matching by means of road maps. The route guidance information thus obtained becomes the MMS 140 transmitted and, for example, on the monitor 128 (which can also be designed as a laser display or head-up display) output. Also, the editing or part of the editing of the signals can be done directly in the MMS 140 be made. If, for example, an improved evaluation or presentation software is available, it can be uploaded to the MMS or installed together with a new (replacement) MMS. In this way, a quick and inexpensive retrofitting is possible.

Furthermore, the system points 100 a sensor 201 , for example in the form of a camera or a laser scanner. The sensor 201 is able to detect the relative head position of the driver or the passenger relative to the windshield. The sensor unit 201 is over the data line 202 to the navigation unit 130 or their arithmetic unit 140 connected. This connection can be wired or wireless.

Furthermore, a mobile navigation unit 160 with an antenna 161 provided via the wireless communication link 162 with the navigation unit 130 can communicate. Also, the mobile communication unit 160 via a data cable to the fixed navigation unit 130 be connected.

The The navigation system described above is a complex menu-driven one Vehicle multifunction system, which has several functional components having.

Due to the separate arrangement and distribution of the human-machine interface 140 and the navigation unit 130 It is possible to connect navigation software, which belongs to a permanently installed driver assistance system, with a transportable man-machine interface. The navigation software remains unchanged, whereas the human-machine interface can be improved in short cycles and thus can be more and more realistic in the presentation. Thus, it is possible to enable a high safety standard in the navigation software, which is necessary for driver assistance systems, without sacrificing a current graphical representation.

For example, the MMS has a small screen 128 mounted in front of the fulcrum of the speedometer needle of the speedometer of the vehicle. Overall, it is possible to perform the MMS much slimmer than an integrated solution. Especially with regard to a possible impairment of sight and safety in case of an accident this can be an advantage.

Instead of a navigation device 120 can also be used a map software. In this case, route guidance via the man-machine interface is not possible. However, current traffic signs, speed limits, etc. can be displayed. In this case, the route guidance could also be from the mobile navigation device 160 be taken over.

By separating navigation and MMS, it is possible to develop both parts according to different security criteria. For example, the MMS can be implemented with a lower security standard, whereas the navigation unit 130 a high safety standard is enough. In addition, both units can be independently replaced, maintained or renewed.

Also, the display device 128 the MMS be designed in the form of a windshield laser display. Here, the real environment of the vehicle, which is perceived by the driver, z. B. superimposed with the representation of a road map. In this way, the driver can capture important information when he just looks through the windscreen. For example, determines an extra dedicated sensor 201 the driver's head position relative to the display 128 , In this way, the system can detect how the information to be presented to the driver (for example, in the form of a vector graphic) must be distorted, so that graphics and reality overlap as well as possible.

Around not to obscure the reality and the energy requirement low the graphic is preferably not a bitmap image, but rather a vector graphic, as with a laser or a biaxial Deflection unit can be projected. Thus, the projector as well the sensor retrofitted become. Also, the integration of the projector in a mobile device is possible. For example The projector can be integrated into a mobile phone, then is positioned at a suitable location in the vehicle. For positioning For example, a correspondingly adjusted holding device be provided.

The on the display device 128 (Wind Protective cover) shown information may include so-called comfort information, such as the path to be taken, cross street, possibly street names, house numbers, gas stations, mailboxes, restaurants, attractions, the selected radio channel u. ä.

Also, safety-relevant information can be superimposed. So z. For example, the laser display may be combined with a location system so that a pedestrian, obstacle or oncoming vehicle is marked on a collision course in the field of view, after being detected by a suitable sensor 119 was detected.

Also can the for the operation of the vehicle important information, such as speed, gear, Engine speed, tank, temperature, time and warning lights when needed to be displayed. Here is only on a placement too pay attention that does not bother the driver.

The Laser display (or the laser) can be used for precise overlapping to be set manually from reality and picture. A head sensor is not required in this case. When the position is in the direction of view the eyes are not detected, the driver puts the display of Hand it so that it turns from an average head position to a good coverage achieved by map and reality.

2 shows a head sensor according to an embodiment of the invention. The sensor 201 is designed for example in the form of a CCD or CMOS head sensor. For communication with the arithmetic unit 140 is for example an antenna 203 intended. Also, a data line may be provided.

In 2 is the head of the driver with the reference number 205 and the image area of the detector 201 captured image by the dashed lines 204 . 206 symbolizes.

The sensor 201 For example, it consists of a simple stereoscopic infrared digital camera and essentially detects the head position of the driver or passenger and the distance to the head. It can help a marker (marker), which is executed for example as a red dot that sticks to the forehead.

With Help the detected head position and possibly an additional Manual adjustment (adjustment) of the position of the projector relative to the windshield, the card being projected remains over one wide range of head movement congruent with reality.

In a further embodiment, the head sensor 201 As a laser scanner executed (in the form of, for example, an "off position" laser scanner) Hello Mr. Stählin: What is meant by this? An infrared laser scans for the driver invisibly the interior of the vehicle and determined from a transit time difference and direction the head position of the driver.

advantageously, the driver is less affected by the distance in front of him distracted. Furthermore, can be conventional through the illustrated solution Save display instruments. Many different information can be found at Need to be presented so that the display is not overloaded with ads and thus the driver's attention could be overwhelmed.

Farther the driver can get additional functions display and arrange, and these ads and the layout adjust as needed. Certain ads may be the same for all drivers (for example important information, such as speed, distance, warning lights). Other settings and displays can be defined as "Style" depending on the driver.

This universal indicating instrument is by its simple construction also in a mobile device integrable and thus even for older vehicles retrofitted. In particular, you can Both the driver and the passenger each have their own ad get, for example, contains different information. This is especially for Driving schools of interest.

at Today's vehicles exist regarding the Navigation two solutions: On the one hand, there are mobile navigation devices that are brought into the vehicle can, but not on in-vehicle resources (except electricity) can access. Also can other navigation devices be integrated into the vehicle. So they are good for the vehicle customizable and can on all existing information (sensors, etc.) and input / output options access. These are fixed, integrated navigation devices but quickly outdated.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the navigation system additionally has a mobile navigation device 160 on.

3 shows a vehicle with a navigation system described above including a mobile navigation device 160 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the vehicle 301 is an integrated navigation 130 installed, which, however, no maps or inadequate or obsolete Kar tenmaterial has. Will now be a mobile navigation device 160 connected, the map data from the mobile navigation device 160 in the integrated navigation 130 transfer. The transmission takes place via a radio interface or wired.

in this connection Only the excerpts of the card are transferred for the current one Driving situation are relevant, for. So cover the next ten minutes, as well as the planned route. These data are still integrated navigation device saved when the connection to the mobile device is aborted. Thus, will Ensures that data remains available even then if once no mobile navigation device is connected.

• – Die komplette Umwandlung der Daten findet im mobilen Gerät 160 statt. Dies stellt eine flexible Variante dar.
• – Das mobile Gerät wandelt die Daten in ein Rohformat um und das integrierte Gerät 130 wandelt dieses Rohformat in das intern verwendete Format um.
• – Die komplette Umwandlung findet im integrierten Gerät 130, 140 statt. Hierzu ist es notwendig, dass die Konvertierungsroutinen auch nachträglich noch aktualisiert werden können, um eine Anpassung an neue Generationen von mobilen Geräten zu ermöglichen.

For this it is important that the data from the mobile navigation device be converted into the data format of the integrated device. There are three methods for this:

• - The complete conversion of the data takes place in the mobile device 160 instead of. This represents a flexible variant.
• - The mobile device converts the data into a raw format and the integrated device 130 converts this raw format into the internally used format.
• - The complete conversion takes place in the integrated device 130 . 140 instead of. For this, it is necessary that the conversion routines can also be subsequently updated to allow adaptation to new generations of mobile devices.

functions that are not included in the integrated navigation software, be through the mobile device additionally (eg as second screen or split-screen). Also can the mobile device for the Presentation of the menu whereas, on the integrated navigation only the navigation instructions are displayed. Thus arise each after used mobile device different additional Functions and thus differentiation possibilities for the respective ones Manufacturer of the systems.

• – mobilem System (also getrennt für jedes System A, B, C ...),
• – Kombination von Systemen (also für jede Kombination A + B, B + C, A + C, ...),
• – genereller zusätzlicher Funktion unabhängig vom System. Hierunter ist zu verstehen, dass z. B. eine spezielle Funktion weder bei A noch bei B oder C verwendet wird oder dass eine andere spezielle Funktion immer verwendet wird oder dass eine Kombination an Funktionen ausgewählt wird.

If multiple mobile devices are used, eg. As a mobile navigation device and a smartphone with navigation software, it is selected based on predetermined criteria, which map data are loaded into the integrated navigation unit. Such criteria may, for. B. the timeliness of the map data, accuracy, compatibility, etc. be. When presenting additional functions on the mobile devices, either the user can decide which function is displayed on which device, or one of the systems (preferably the integrated one) decides this. This selection of functions is stored, for example (especially if the user has selected it), so that it is available again the next time it is used. The storage of the configuration can be differentiated according to

• - mobile system (ie separate for each system A, B, C ...),
• - combination of systems (ie for each combination A + B, B + C, A + C, ...),
• - general additional function independent of the system. This is to be understood that z. For example, a special function is not used on either A or B or C, or any other special function is always used, or a combination of functions is selected.

By the buffering of the data of the mobile device and the completely existing ones Navigation software in the integrated system is navigation even then possible, if there is currently no connection to a mobile device. Using the mobile device screen for additional information increases the size of the mobile device for the actual navigation usable area on the screen of the integrated navigation.

4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. In step 401 A bi-directional communication link is provided between a man-machine interface and a navigation unit for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system. Furthermore, a communication link between the installed navigation unit and a mobile navigation unit is established. In step 402 a transfer of map data from the mobile device to the installed navigation unit takes place. In step 403 the map data is buffered in the installed navigation unit. In step 404 The screen of the mobile device is used to display additional information or functions not covered by the integrated software. In addition, additional information can be stored. In step 405 the control of the data located in the MMS takes place via the corresponding communication connection.

In addition to that noted that "comprising" and "having" no other elements or excludes steps and "one" or "one" does not exclude a multitude. Further It should be noted that features or steps with reference to one of the above embodiments have been described, also in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above can. Reference signs in the claims are not limitations to watch.

Claims (18)

Navigation system ( 100 ) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system, the navigation system comprising: a navigation unit ( 130 ); a man-machine interface ( 140 ); a communication connection ( 150 ) for providing bidirectional communication between the human-machine interface and the navigation unit; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link. Navigation system according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface ( 140 ) and the navigation unit ( 130 ) are designed for arrangement at separate positions in the vehicle. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation unit for mobile communication with the man-machine interface via the communication link ( 150 ) is executed. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, designed to transmit information from the navigation unit ( 130 ) to the human-machine interface ( 140 ) for controlling in the man-machine interface ( 140 ) data. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation unit ( 130 ) is a module of a driver assistance system. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the human-machine interface ( 140 ) for integration in a windshield of the vehicle or in front of a speed indicator of the vehicle. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor device ( 201 ) for determining a head position of the driver or the passenger relative to a display unit of the man-machine interface ( 140 ). The navigation system of claim 7, further comprising: a Arithmetic unit for distorting to be displayed on the display unit Information, so that the information to be displayed with the environment of the vehicle perceived by the driver or passenger correctly overlay from the driver or passenger's point of view; being the distortion based on the head position determined by the sensor device he follows. Navigation system according to one of claims 7 or 8, further comprising: a laser projector to project the data to be displayed on a windshield of the vehicle. Navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a mobile navigation unit ( 160 ) for providing map material to the navigation unit ( 130 ). Navigation system according to claim 10, wherein the mobile navigation unit ( 160 ) for transmitting a selected part of the in the mobile navigation unit ( 160 ) stored map material is executed. Navigation system according to Claim 10 or 11, designed to use a screen of the mobile navigation unit ( 160 ) for displaying data from the man-machine interface ( 140 ) are not shown. Vehicle with a navigation system ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the human-machine interface ( 140 ) and the navigation unit ( 130 ) are arranged at separate locations in the vehicle. Use of a navigation system ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12 in a vehicle. A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bidirectional communication link ( 150 ) between a human-machine interface ( 140 ) and a navigation unit ( 130 ) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system; Control of in the man-machine interface ( 140 ) data via the communication link; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link. Program element that when on a processor ( 101 ) is executed, the processor ( 101 ) to perform the following steps: providing a bidirectional communication link ( 150 ) hiss a human Maschi ne interface ( 140 ) and a navigation unit ( 130 ) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system; Control of in the man-machine interface ( 140 ) data via the communication link; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link. Computer-readable medium on which a program element is stored which, when stored on a processor ( 101 ) is executed, the processor ( 101 ) to perform the following steps: providing a bidirectional communication link ( 150 ) hiss a human-machine interface ( 140 ) and a navigation unit ( 130 ) for a complex menu-driven vehicle multifunction system; Control of in the man-machine interface ( 140 ) data via the communication link; wherein the man-machine interface and the navigation unit are separate units configured to communicate with each other via the communication link.