DE102011105066A1 - Mobile outdoor navigation apparatus e.g. smartphone for e.g. pedestrian in large city, has navigation module implemented on computing unit and operated based on request of user without utilizing previous installation - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a navigation module implemented on a computing unit with data sets for creating vector representations on a predetermined map sections by a computer using an independent mass storage portion. The navigation module is operated without utilizing previous installation based on a request of a user from an operating system. A wireless communication unit is connected to an external data network. The navigation module is connected to the operating system. A processing unit is configured from the navigation module for processing navigation signals. An independent claim is also included for a method for performing navigation processes.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a means for outdoor navigation and a device for this purpose, in particular for pedestrians and cyclists with a computing unit, a display unit, a control unit, at least one mass memory formed from at least one mass storage part and a receiving and processing unit for navigation signals and on the computing unit running operating system for controlling this.

Mobile devices for navigation are known, for example, from applications in the automotive sector. In this case, by means of a processing unit for navigation signals, for example GPS data for satellite-supported position determination, a current position is determined and displayed in a graphic. By entering further positions, suitable driving routes can be determined and travel times can be calculated in advance. Such devices are adapted to this function, so that their operating system, operating unit and display unit are preset at startup.

Already on the market mobile devices such as smartphones or PDAs, for example, the manufacturers Nokia ^®, Sony Ericsson ^®, Motorola ^®, Samsung ^®, HTC ^®, Apple ^®, BlackBerry ^®, etc. have GPS receivers and large, suitable for displaying a map screen on , In parallel, there is now a wide range of software for mobile navigation on these devices. The application area ranges from outdoor to car navigation, the offer of proprietary hardware + software combinations to the free software that is available on the Internet.

The underlying map data distinguishes between raster and vector maps. Raster maps are only for display, and this only in certain, pre-fixed scales. It is not possible to use the data of a raster map to calculate a route between two points. Raster-based products typically include tools for the PC that you can use to stake out routes in advance. These routes can then be displayed on the mobile device, but not further modified.

In contrast, vector maps bring everything they need to calculate routes on the mobile device as well. In addition, vector maps allow stepless scale changes and free spins without sacrificing quality.

No matter if raster or vector map, every provider offers the map data in its own format adapted to the respective software. These data are essentially fed from three sources. On the one hand, the data is based on topographical maps, such as those issued by the Land Survey Offices. Topographical maps are offered as raster and vector maps; they are only updated at certain intervals.

On the other hand, the data can come from the map suppliers of the car navigation. These are vector maps. Also these maps are updated only at certain intervals; Since the main focus of the card suppliers is still on the car navigation, pedestrian and bicycle paths are insufficiently taken into account in the maps.

Finally, the data can also come from free sources such as the OpenStreetMap project. These data are supplemented daily by volunteers and improved. From this data raster and vector maps can be derived. As these data are collected by volunteers, the degree of coverage may vary widely from region to region. But the data has a level of detail that goes beyond all other sources.

The data can either be stored on the terminal such as a smartphone or PDA, or they are centrally located on a server of the navigation provider. In this case, a constant online connection is necessary to use the navigation, which can be very expensive without data flatrate or (even with flatrate) abroad. If the data is stored on the terminal itself, eliminating the need for an online connection. The navigation software can thus also be used on devices that can not be telephoned (eg PDAs).

If the navigation software is distributed on dedicated hardware as part of a complete package, no further configuration effort is required for the user. On the other hand, if the software is subsequently installed, at least the GPS receiver usually has to be explicitly configured.

Some manufacturers, such as Nokia ^® with Ovi Maps ^® and service providers, such as "Das Örtliche" ^® with O-Navi ^® offer free navigation for smartphones. The software must be explicitly installed on the phone. The vector map will be displayed via online connection. As a rule, the navigation is mainly aimed at motorists and is also based on the data of the vehicle data suppliers.

There are two serious disadvantages for outdoor use. On the one hand, the underlying maps do not take sufficient account of cycling and walking paths, and the maps are only used by the providers updated every six months. On the other hand, navigation through the need for an online connection does not work in areas with insufficient mobile coverage. In addition, due to the online connection when used abroad high roaming charges.

The manufacturer Garmin ^® offers both smartphones with navigation functionality as well as explicit outdoor devices, which in addition to a GPS receiver also have other sensors for locating. The representation is made via a topographical vector map. The map data is stored in the device. A project independent of Garmin ^® also allows the integration of OpenStreetMap data. However, as Garmin ^® does not fully disclose its card format, not all features of this card are available. Furthermore, navigation software is bound to the devices of this manufacturer and can not be used on other devices.

The manufacturer MagicMaps ^® supplies MagicMaps2Go ^®, a product that can display topographic raster maps on smartphones and PDAs. The card blanks for this must be created on the PC and transferred to the terminal. Even routes can only be created on the PC. There is also a route calculation possible, but only on the route network of the ADFC ^® . All in all, this product is more intended to display pre-planned areas and routes. As soon as you are out in the open, you rely on the material transferred by the PC and have no way of calculating new or alternative routes at short notice, especially on the routes.

The manufacturer Navit ^® is a full-fledged open source navigation software for mobile devices based on OpenStreetMap data. However, this training is still ongoing. As a result, installation, configuration and commissioning require technical expertise.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a method, a means and a mobile device for the simple implementation of an outdoor navigation with easy and fast to update records for the creation of map material.

The object is achieved by a method and a device for a mobile device for outdoor navigation in particular for pedestrians and cyclists with a computing unit, a display unit, an operating unit, at least one mass memory formed from at least one mass storage part and a receiving and processing unit for navigation signals and a operating system for controlling this executed on the arithmetic unit, wherein a means such as navigation module is stored with at least one data set for generating vector representations of predeterminable map excerpts on a mass storage part using the arithmetic unit independent mass storage part and operated by the operating system at the request of a user without prior installation.

The device in conjunction with the navigation module is particularly suitable for hikers, bikers and other customers with other outdoor activities. It supports them in finding position and path in the field and replaces the classic hiking map. In addition, the mobile device offers through a detailed digitization of the maps, a good guide in big cities as pedestrians or cyclists.

Under device here is a mobile device such as a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a small computer such as PDA or the like to understand. By arithmetic unit is to be understood, for example, a microprocessor optionally with corresponding chips such as graphics and communication chips and the like. By display unit, for example, a monitor, for example, an LCD monitor to understand. Under control unit are controls such as switches, buttons and / or integrated into the display touch screen to understand. The mass memory may be formed as the sole electromagnetic, optical or similar memory and / or as a plurality of mass storage parts containing, for example exchangeable memory such as flash memory and / or a hard disk. These can be connected to the device by means of common interfaces such as USB, SD or the like. In this case, a part of the mass storage may be occupied by the operating system. The operating system configures the software of the device, specifies interfaces and contains necessary drivers for the peripheral units such as display unit, operating unit and the like. According to the invention, the navigation module is designed such that it is stored separately on another mass storage part and neither has to be configured by the operating system nor an installation has to be carried out. Rather, the navigation module is ready for use already when creating a connection with the device.

According to the inventive concept, the device can have a wireless communication unit for connection to an external data network, for example the Internet, so that updates of the data record for displaying map sections and / or program updates of the navigation module are loaded by a server and stored in the mass memory section associated with the navigation module can. An update of the data record can be automated by means of the communication device or on Request made by the user. For example, in the case of a possible connection to the data network, the navigation module can be automated or, at the request of the user, for example by actuating corresponding operating elements of the device, update a data record, load it for the first time and / or load an update of the software of the navigation module and install it automatically.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the processing unit for navigation signals, for example in the form of a GPS receiver, is configured by the navigation module.

According to an advantageous embodiment, an orientation and navigation system is provided for outdoor activists, which can be performed on existing terminals without unnecessary installation and configuration and relies on maps, which in addition to the normal road network also includes cycling and walking paths, to Route calculation in the terminal is suitable and also still updated continuously. In this case, a combination of a software and a data record is formed, which are delivered together on a data carrier. If the data carrier is connected to the GPS-enabled device such as the user's terminal device (eg smartphone), the latter can run the software on the data carrier directly without any installation process.

The software displays a zoomable vector map that follows the current position based on GPS data and map material on the media. In addition to paths and areas, this map also shows names and special points (points of interest, POI). After selecting a position in the map, the software can calculate a route to that position. It can be preselected whether the route should be optimized for pedestrians or for cyclists.

Data from the OpenStreetMap project has proved to be advantageous as a basis for the map material. These data meet the requirements for high refresh rate, inclusion of bike and footpaths as well as routing capability. From the raw data of OpenStreetMap a data set is derived, which is optimized for the presentation and the route calculation of the navigation module.

• – durch Einlegen eines Datenträgers und Starten der darauf enthaltenen Software wird das Gerät in Verbindung mit dem Navigationsmodul ohne Installationsprozess zum Outdoor-Guide,
• – das Navigationsmodul leitet eine automatische Konfiguration der Verarbeitungseinheit für Navigationssignale wie GPS-Empfängers ein,
• – gegebenenfalls wird auf dem mobilem Gerät eine Online-Verbindung geschaltet und der Datensatz des Kartenmaterials und/oder des Programms des Navigationsmoduls geladen und aktualisiert,
• – aus Rohdaten des OpenStreetMap-Projekts wird ein Datensatz für die Darstellung einer Vektorkarte ermittelt,
• – optional können vom Benutzer eingegebene Routenwünsche ermittelt und gegebenenfalls mit eigenen textuellen Zusatzinformationen verknüpft werden,
• – weiterhin können vom Benutzer Marken wie „Points of Interest” in der Kartendarstellung eingegeben, ausgewählt und gegebenenfalls gespeichert werden,
• – zu den Marken können optional multimediale Informationen, beispielsweise in Form von Text und/oder Bildern eingegeben, über die Kommunikationseinrichtung geladen, über Schnittstellen auf das Gerät beziehungsweise das Navigationsmodul übertragen und gegebenenfalls anschließend gespeichert werden,
• – optional kann die Darstellung der Karten, beispielsweise die Farbgebung, ein Tag- und Nachtmodus und dergleichen vom Benutzer eingestellt werden.

An advantageous method for carrying out navigation processes with the mobile device embodied according to the invention can comprise the following method steps:

• - by inserting a data carrier and starting the software contained on it, the device becomes an outdoor guide in connection with the navigation module without installation process,
• The navigation module initiates an automatic configuration of the navigation signal processing unit such as GPS receiver,
• - where appropriate, an online connection is switched on the mobile device and the data record of the map material and / or the program of the navigation module is loaded and updated,
• - raw data from the OpenStreetMap project is used to determine a data set for the representation of a vector map,
• Optionally, route requests entered by the user can be determined and optionally linked with additional textual information of the user,
• Furthermore, the user can enter, select and if necessary store marks such as "Points of Interest" in the map display,
• For the brands optionally multimedia information, for example in the form of text and / or images, can be loaded via the communication device, transmitted via interfaces to the device or the navigation module and optionally subsequently stored,
• Optionally, the representation of the maps, for example the coloring, a day and night mode and the like can be set by the user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the mobile device is a mobile phone, an organizer (PDA) or the like with integrated GPS receiver and touch screen. If the GPS receiver is missing, a commercially available processing component for navigation signals can be provided, for example in the form of a GPS receiver connected to the device via USB or Bluetooth. The operating unit of the device supports inputs for the navigation module in addition to the usually existing controls advantageously by further controls such as softkeys or a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore, the navigation module for hardware platforms of mobile navigation devices (PND, Portable Navigation Device) may be provided. For a device with a card slot, such as a Secure Digital Memory Card (SD) card, the navigation module can be stored on a memory card such as an SD card. Alternatively, other storage media may be used, for example, the navigation module on the internal mass storage, which is provided for describable stored.

The navigation module accesses the already existing in the device hardware-related devices and system functions of the operating system in an advantageous manner. These include, for example, the interface functions to the target hardware, as well as the provided by the system input dialogs such as display and input windows, text boxes, file selection dialogues and the like. The navigation module is designed in such a way that the program contained in it does not need to be specially installed in the form of implemented software. It can be started directly from the memory card without manipulating data within the device. All configuration data is written by the software of the navigation module to the memory card or the mass memory part occupied by it as stored. In this case, the navigation module is designed so that after terminating the software and possibly removing a removable mass storage device such as memory card, the device is in the same state as before connecting the navigation module with the device.

According to the inventive idea map data come from the open source project "openstreetmap.org" and are prepared by an appropriate editing specifically for use in the navigation module and in the form of a data carrier or as a download via a communication device of the device or a stationary computer such as PC Provided. In this case, for example, different country blanks and map data of tourism regions and the like can be purchased individually or in packages. The country cuts can be a true-to-life image of the OpenStreetMap data. The map excerpts of a tourism region can, for example, be compiled in cooperation with the local tourism association or other competent institutions. Additional information included with this map may include, for example, tourist attractions, hiking trails and / or bike paths. Alternatively or additionally, marks, so-called POIs (points of interest), as provided by OpenStreetMap, map sections are already attached, so that they can be displayed next to any added by the user POI. The POIs and other information, especially of special maps of tourism regions, can be managed and processed separately from the POI inserted by OpenStreetMap.

By starting the program of the navigation module, the maximum possible screen area on the display device of the device is advantageously occupied. In the interest of ease of operation and avoidance of configurations by the software of the device, changing the main window size or minimizing the display of the map sections can be prevented. In this case, a map section around the current location is advantageously displayed on the entire display surface of the display device. If the navigation module has not yet determined a current location, a predefined location, for example the last saved location, is displayed. The marking of the current location takes place in the displayed map section, for example by means of a position pointer such as cursor. In this case, essential, preferably all necessary for the configuration and control of the navigation module controls can be displayed on the displayed map section. Upon actuation of these operating elements, preferably via the display unit, which is preferably designed as a touchscreen, dialog windows are optionally superimposed on the map section, in which further subfunctions are offered.

In addition, the map section can be overlaid with an information window in which information about the current data of the processing device for navigation signals such as GPS receiver are displayed. In addition, the navigation module can determine routes that have already been traveled and / or still to be covered, which routes can be continuously updated, for example, in the information window. Furthermore, the currently selected scale of the displayed map section and similar information can be displayed.

The map section can be moved by the strip with a finger, stylus or the like on the touch screen. It can be changed from the navigation module in a north orientation of the map and set a special destination cursor at the end of the shift position.

A coloring of the map excerpts may be based on the representation of known paper maps, for example the German General Map, and be based on them. Labels and names of objects in map sections can advantageously be detached from the objects and be detached with regard to the orientation of the objects and, depending on the resolution of the map section, can be provided with a white background, in particular for better readability. The user has the opportunity to customize the color of the map sections according to his wishes and, for example, to mark favorite map sections in relation to others in color.

If in the device, for example due to a position sensor switching the Display format (portrait / landscape) is provided, the representation of a map section can be automatically switched to the current format. For this purpose, a change of format between operating system and navigation module is exchanged via an interface.

Information contained in the navigation module about a position, such as text information, images, and the like, and / or POI displayed as marks, and the like can be displayed by pressing the touch screen at the corresponding position of the displayed map section, for example, by opening an additional information window is displayed. In this information window, you can also display the distance, such as the distance from the selected position to the current location. If, for example, a marker is selected for a point of interest (POI), then, if available, the type and name (if available) can be displayed next to the distance, for example. If multimedia information is available for the POI, these can also be displayed.

A position selected, for example, by finger pressure can be explained as the home position or to a target position. A set home position may be set or resistant to a restart of the navigation module. Successively selected positions in this way can be provided in an advantageous embodiment with a route planning as starting positions for direct route calculation.

In the navigation module, according to the inventive concept, a serial interface with the given transmission rate for a data stream of the navigation signals, for example a GPS data stream, can be defined. Furthermore, this interface can be searched by means of a search function. When the search function is activated, the program of the navigation module scans all available interfaces with different transmission rates and records for a defined time at the interface to be tested for a possible navigation signal stream such as GPS data stream. If such a data stream is detected, the navigation module locks on this interface and remembers the successful setting in a configuration file. This automatic search takes place without user intervention even when the software is started for the first time on a new device. Normally, the user does not have to worry about the GPS setting.

When the navigation module is started for the first time, its program independently searches for the record of map sections, so that a map can also be displayed without user interaction. In addition, the user can also explicitly select a data record with a predetermined or specifiable map section. The program remembers the (automatically or explicitly) selected record, so that after restarting this record will continue to be used.

The orientation of a map section can be configured in different directions, for example north or in the direction of movement. Switching between these orientations can be done user-defined. In addition, an autozoom may be provided in which a map scale is adapted to a travel speed of the user. For example, at low speeds, zooming continues into the map. The scale value is therefore designed correspondingly smaller than at higher speeds. Thus, at higher speeds the user gets a better overall view around the current position and at decision points where the speed is usually reduced, a more detailed representation of the indicated position, for example a way intersection.

Furthermore, it has proved to be advantageous if, depending on the scale of a displayed map section, the density of the displayed streets and paths is varied, with large map scales for clarity, for example, provided with lower priority roads or paths are hidden.

In the navigation module, a pedestrian and a cyclist mode can be distinguished. For example, it can be determined whether a route is optimized for pedestrians or for cyclists. This optimization can be provided, for example, based on different average speeds, which are set for the individual road classes and / or by a special treatment of pedestrians, for example in pedestrian areas and one-way streets.

In the navigation module raw data stream of navigation signals can preferably be recorded and stored in a file. For example, after a start of the program, the data received from a GPS receiver can be regularly written to a file. The recording can be explicitly terminated by the user and will be completed automatically when exiting the program. Several recordings can be made consecutively. For each record a separate file can be created. With a search function can be For example, in the stored files or in the data contained by the record, for example, the OpenStreetMap data. In addition, certain coordinates can be selected to represent a desired position in a map section. Furthermore, a position can be found by means of a location search. For this purpose, sub-strings of locations, brands, streets and the like can be searched optionally taking into account the uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, if the text "sprin" is entered, you will get all the names in which the string "sprin" occurs, in a place search for example "Hamelspringe", "Ispringen", etc. If you look for "Sprin" with a leading capital letter, the desired appears Place "jump" on. The search results can be displayed in a list from which a desired entry can be selected. After the selection, a pointer will jump to the corresponding position in a correspondingly displayed map section. If necessary, it is possible to jump back to the hit list in the case of a faulty selection. In a coordinate search, latitude and longitude of the desired position can be entered. Subsequently, a pointer jumps to the corresponding displayed map section to the desired position. Furthermore, a home or a destination position can be set, by means of which a map section is selected and the pointer is guided to the map section centered on the home or destination position. In order to be able to jump back to the current position or to the correct map section after a search operation or moving a map section, a control element can be provided in the display device with a touchscreen, which displaces the pointer to a predetermined position and displayed map section when actuated. In order to perform a location search, the complete data record of a memory of the device and / or navigation module or a predetermined or specifiable perimeter bounded by a current location can be searched. In addition, you can search for objects such as names (eg, streets or stores) or POI categories within a certain radius of a given location such as the current location or another predeterminable location.

To prevent misuse of the navigation module, the controls such as touch screen can be locked. In this state, some or all functions may be disabled, for example, zooming of the map section may remain enabled.

In the navigation module, control commands are provided to display a plurality of fixed map scales on the display device of the device. In this case, by means of, for example, two operating elements, the scale of a displayed map section can be increased and reduced. Optionally, the map scale can also be adjusted automatically depending on the speed. During such zooming intermediate stages are visualized, which can be fixed. The map sections, which in the meantime are displayed between two map sections of different mass bars to be switched over, merely serve to display a fluid impression until the map section is reached to the target scale.

To display tours with given routes, the navigation module can support data formats such as GPX and CSV. Here, a tour can be represented on the basis of the coordinates of which it is composed, as a polyline in its own layer above the displayed map section by placing the files of said format over the map section. In a separate file additional information about a tour can be stored and displayed if necessary. For example, prefabricated tours may be provided by a provider as part of the map excerpt record, such as special maps for specific tourism regions. Alternatively or additionally, the user may select self-procured or manufactured tours. For example, you can create your own GPX files for display at a later date or exchange them with other interested parties. After starting a recording to produce such files, the navigation signals, such as the data received from the GPS receiver, are regularly written to a file. unlike GPS recording, not every new GPS position is stored here. New positions are advantageously detected and stored at a sufficiently large deviation from the previous position. A predetermined or predefinable deviation can be set depending on a current speed of the user or a time interval between two positions. Such a record can be explicitly terminated by the user. It will be completed automatically when you quit the program. Several recordings can be made consecutively. For each record a separate file is created. The recording of tours and GPS tracks can be made possible at the same time.

A given route can be calculated within the existing road and road network. If, for example, a start and / or destination coordinate are outside this road and road network, a suitable landing point can be searched within the road network. As suitable Aufsetzpunkte can thereby Crossing points of roads or paths as well as selected points within a street are selected. If no suitable attachment point is found near the current position, the user is informed of this circumstance and no route calculation is started. If the start and end points are not connected to each other via the road network, for example, when trying to calculate a route from an island to the mainland, the route calculation stops and the user is informed.

At a large distance between the start and end point, the route calculation can be divided into several, for example, two sub-steps to avoid large calculation times. Here, first a short part of the route can be calculated in the direction of the final destination point. Once this section is calculated, it will be displayed and can be used by the user. Meanwhile, the calculation of the complete route is running in the background. As soon as the complete route is finished, it will be displayed. Once the route has been calculated, it can be displayed in the displayed map section. Already covered parts of the route are removed from the presentation or displayed changed, so that the remaining part is displayed well recognizable. As long as the route guidance is active, the route in the background can be continuously recalculated and updated. If you too much distance from the calculated route, it can be automatically adapted to the current location. The invention is based on the 1 to 9 explained in more detail. Showing:

1 a map display of a touchscreen with controls,

2 a selection window for GPS configuration,

3 a selection window of a search dialog for a location search,

4 a selection window for position search by means of coordinate input,

5 a selection window for selecting Points of Interest (POI) to be displayed,

6 an information window for displaying stored data of a POI,

7 an information window for text display and / or graphical representation of extended data of a POI,

8th a map representation of a selected and calculated route and

9 an information window for displaying data of a selected route

The in the 1 to 9 in the form of non-limiting and non-exclusive representations of a touch-screen display presented function of the proposed product is aimed at hikers, bikers and other customers with other outdoor activities. It supports the customer in positioning and path finding in the field. Here, for example, replaced the 1 and 8th for example, a classic hiking map. In addition, the system provides a good orientation aid in large cities as pedestrians or cyclists through the detailed digitization of the maps.

The proposed functions in the form of navigation modules can be used for example in devices such as mobile phones and organizers (PDA) with integrated GPS receiver and touch screen. If these do not have a GPS receiver, this required functionality can be retrofitted by an external standard component, which is connected via USB or Bluetooth. As far as available on the device, inputs are also supported by further operating elements such as softkeys or a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore, the functions can be executed on numerous hardware platforms of the manufacturers of mobile navigation devices (PND, Portable Navigation Device). The navigation module can be stored, for example, in the form of an SD card (Secure Digital Memory Card), which is inserted into a corresponding card slot of the device. Other forms of transmission of the navigation module may be provided, for example by data download and the like. In this case, corresponding configuration data are written to a storage medium of the device.

The functions in the form of example in the 1 to 9 illustrated functional examples are displayed by means of the existing on-board means and system functions of the operating system of the device. These include, for example, the interface functions to the target hardware as well as the input dialogs provided by the system (windows, text boxes and file selection dialogs). Furthermore, as far as supported by the device, an installation of the navigation module in the form of software can be dispensed with and started directly from the memory card without changing data and / or settings within the device. All configuration data is also written to the memory card by the software. After completing the software and removing the memory card, the device is in the same state as before the memory card was inserted.

The example in the 1 and 8th displayed map data come from the open source project "openstreetmap.org" and are prepared by the navigation module for use and provided in the form of a data carrier or as a download in the online store. Here, various country blanks as well as map data of tourism regions can be loaded. The country cuts are a true-to-life image of the OpenStreetMap data. Furthermore, for example, in the 1 and 8th illustrated maps of a region such as tourist region in collaboration with local resident associations such as tourism or other competent institutions revised or created. Such revised maps contain additional information about tourist attractions, hiking trails and / or cycling routes ( 1 ).

Furthermore, the example in the 7 and 9 In the case of maps provided by tourism regions, it is possible to include additional POIs in the data provided by the tourism association.

By starting the navigation module advantageously the maximum possible screen space is occupied on the device. On the entire display area, the map ( 1 . 8th ) at the current location. If the device does not have a GPS position, this location will be set arbitrarily. The marking of the current location takes place in the map of 1 . 8th through a position cursor.

All controls required to configure and control the program are displayed above the map. If these control elements are pressed, dialog boxes may appear in which further subfunctions are offered. For example, the card is the 1 . 8th the selection window of 2 superimposed, in which information about the current data of the GPS receiver can be displayed and corrected if necessary. If the recording of the current tour has been activated, the distance traveled in km will also be output. Finally, in the map of the 1 . 8th currently selected scale displayed.

The map of 1 . 8th can be moved by the strip with your finger or stylus over the touch screen. This automatically switches to the north orientation of the map and sets a special destination cursor at the end point of the move position. The color scheme of the map objects is based on that of a German general map. Labels are not aligned with the objects and, depending on the resolution of the edge representation, are provided with a white background for better readability. The user has the opportunity to customize the color scheme of the card according to his wishes.

If the target hardware has an interface for switching the display format (portrait / landscape), the display automatically changes to the current format. This is done z. B. in smart phones or PDAs with hidden QWERTY keyboard by postponing. By pressing the card, an information window appears to the selected position, for example in the form of 6 and 7 , I'm in the 6 shown information window appears, for example, the air line distance of the selected point from the current position. The selected point can be declared home or to a target position. A set home position is retained beyond the restart of the software. Furthermore, the calculation of routes can be supported by directly triggering a route calculation to the selected point. If the icon of a Point of Interest (POI) has been selected, the type and name (if available) are displayed in addition to the distance. If multimedia information is available for the POI, these can also be displayed.

The user can do it accordingly 2 set the serial interface with the given transmission rate for the GPS data stream. If this interface is not known, the function "AutoSearch" is available. When activated, the program goes through all available interfaces with different transmission rates and listens for a defined time at the interface to be tested for a possible GPS data stream. If the GPS data stream was detected, the navigation module locks on this interface and remembers the successful setting in a corresponding configuration file. This automatic search takes place without user intervention even when the software is started for the first time on a new device. Normally, the user does not have to worry about the GPS setting.

When starting for the first time, the navigation module automatically searches for map data so that a map can be displayed even without user interaction. In addition, the user can also explicitly select a record. The navigation module automatically or explicitly saves a selected data record, so that after a restart this data record is used further. The map may vary between the northward orientation and the inward orientation Direction of movement can be configured. For example, when the auto zoom is on, the map scale will be between the maps of the map 1 and 8th adapted to the speed of movement. At low speeds, zooming into the map continues, the scale value is correspondingly smaller than at higher speeds. Thus, at higher speeds the user gets a better overall view around the current position and at decision points where the speed is usually reduced, a more detailed representation of the way intersection. It can be set whether the map represents all roads and paths in all scales, or whether the road network is to be thinned out at higher map scales.

For each supported POI type can be set separately whether he should be displayed in the map or not. In addition, you can set whether the name of a POI is also displayed in the map. Furthermore, it can be determined whether a route for pedestrians or for cyclists is optimized. This optimization takes place on the basis of different average speeds, which are applied for the individual road classes, as well as the special treatment of pedestrian zones and one-way streets.

In the navigation module can be provided to record the GPS raw data stream and store it in a file. This function is intended for users who themselves want to contribute to the development and improvement of the OpenstreetMap card and to record GPS data. After starting the recording, the data reported by the GPS receiver is regularly written to a file. The recording can be explicitly terminated by the user. It will be completed automatically when you quit the program. Several recordings can be made consecutively. For each record, a separate file is preferably created.

With the search function accordingly 3 You can find place names if they are available in the OpenStreetMap data. In addition, given coordinates based on figure of the input window of the 5 be selected. The search is case-sensitive and works with substrings. If the text "sprin" is entered, one receives all names in which the character string "sprin" occurs, with a place search for example "Hamelspringe", "Ispringen" etc. If one looks for "Sprin" with leading capital letters also the desired place dives "Jump on." The search results are displayed in a list from which you can select an entry. After selection, the card jumps to the corresponding position. Here you can choose whether the search should end immediately or not; in the latter case, the list of search results remains available. With this, the user can orient himself with several similar hits, which hit is actually sought, without having to repeat the search completely. The search can alternatively or additionally be carried out as follows: If the search term contains at least one capital letter, the search is case-sensitive as described above. On the other hand, if the search term consists exclusively of lower-case letters, the search is not case-sensitive. In this case the location "Springe" (next to "Hamelspringe" and "Ispringen") is also found when searching for "sprin". The location search always searches the entire data record. In addition, you can also search for names (eg, streets or stores) or POI categories within a certain radius around a position.

In the coordinate search according to 4 latitude and longitude of the desired destination coordinate can be entered. Then the map jumps to this coordinate. If a home or target position has been set, the map can be centered on that position. In order to prevent incorrect operation of the navigation module, it is possible to lock the touch screen. In this state, only zooming and unlocking are possible. To jump back to the current position after a search operation or moving the map, a separate control element is inserted into the map.

The navigation module supports the display of several fixed map scales. The scale can be increased and decreased via two controls in the map. Optionally, the map scale can also be adjusted automatically depending on the speed. During the zoom process intermediate stages are visualized, which are not directly adjustable by the user. The intermediate values are only meant to give a smoother impression until the target zoom level is reached.

For the presentation of tours the program supports the formats GPX and CSV. A desired tour is represented by the coordinates of which it is composed, as a polyline in its own layer above the map. In a separate file, additional information about a tour can be stored. These can be displayed by the navigation module as far as desired. Prefabricated tours can already be delivered by service providers such as FootMap as part of the data set of the navigation module (eg for special maps for specific tourism regions). The user can also select self-procured tours. For this purpose, the user with the navigation module has the opportunity to create their own GPX files to bring them back at a later date to display or exchange them with other interested parties.

After starting the recording, the data reported by the GPS receiver is regularly written to a file. Unlike GPS recording, not every new GPS position is stored here. New points are recorded only if the deviation from the previous point is sufficiently large; the necessary deviation depends on the current movement speed. The recording can be explicitly terminated by the user. It will be completed automatically when you quit the program. Several recordings can be made consecutively. For each record a separate file is created. The recording of tours and GPS tracks is possible at the same time. 9 shows additional information about a self-made tour.

Routes can be calculated from the current position to a user-selected target position. The route is calculated as part of the existing road network. If the start or destination coordinates are outside the road network, a suitable landing point is searched within the road network. Suitable points of intersection are the intersection of roads and selected points within a road train. If no suitable attachment point is found near the current position, the user is informed of this circumstance and no route calculation is started. If the start and end points are not connected via the road network (eg when trying to calculate a route from one island to the mainland), the route calculation stops and the user is informed. If the distance between the start and end points is long, the route calculation can take a relatively long time. Therefore, in this case, the calculation of the total route is made in two steps. First, a short part of the route is calculated towards the final destination point. Once this section is calculated, it is displayed and can be used by the user. Meanwhile, the calculation of the complete route is running in the background. As soon as the complete route is finished, it will be displayed.

Once the route is calculated, it will be displayed in the map. Already traveled parts of the route are removed from the display, so that only the part still to be covered is displayed. As long as the route guidance is active, the route in the background is continuously recalculated. Removing too much from the calculated route will automatically adjust it to the current location.

Claims (10)

Device for outdoor navigation, in particular for pedestrians and cyclists, having a computing unit, a display unit, an operating unit, at least one mass memory formed from at least one mass storage part and a receiving and processing unit for navigation signals and an operating system for controlling the same, characterized in that a navigation module with at least one data record for generating vector representations of predefinable map sections is stored on a mass storage part independent of the arithmetic unit and operated by the operating system at the request of a user without prior installation. Device in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a wireless communication unit for connection to an external data network. Device in particular according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the navigation module is stored on a connectable to the operating system, separate mass storage part. Device in particular according to claim 2, characterized in that the navigation module is loaded by means of the communication unit on the device and stored on a separate mass storage part. Device in particular according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the data set is automated by means of the communication device or updated at the request of the user. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the processing unit for navigation signals is configured by the navigation module. Navigation module, in particular for use in a device according to one of claims 1 to 6. Method for carrying out navigation operations with the device and the associated navigation module in particular according to one of claims 1 to 7 with at least one of the following method steps: - by inserting a data carrier and starting the software contained therein, the device is in Connection to the navigation module without the installation process to the outdoor guide, - the navigation module initiates an automatic configuration of the processing unit for navigation signals such as GPS receiver, - if necessary, an online connection is switched on the mobile device and the record of the map material and / or the program of the navigation module is loaded and updated, - raw data from the OpenStreetMap project is used to determine a data record for the representation of a vector map. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a location search in a data memory can be limited to a predetermined radius around a current or otherwise predefinable position. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that an object search in a data memory can be limited to a predetermined radius around a current or otherwise predefinable position.

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