DE102008011290A1 - Updating system for a map on demand vehicle navigation unit gives a proactive display to show the next stage on a planned route from a remote central server - Google Patents

Abstract

The updating unit for a digital card, for a motor vehicle satellite navigation system, has a proactive action on the current display to show the next stretch to be traveled, taken from a complete map stored in a remote central server.

Description

Field of the invention

The The invention relates to the updating of digital maps for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to an updating unit for a vehicle, an update system for a vehicle, a method for updating a digital map, a computer program product and a computer readable medium.

Technological background

The rapid increase in vehicle traffic on the roads and the associated traffic jams and travel time extensions lead to increased efforts worldwide, traffic conditions to recognize and this with a route choice or with a route calculation in navigation systems.

If the geographic coordinate measured by a location method imaged directly into the coordinate system of a digital map is, so can the true position of the object in the map of the shown position of the object in the map. The reason lies on the one hand in measurement errors in locating method, on the other hand inaccuracies of the map. As for a navigation system the true map position, map matching is similar Method the measured position with the map information on the Location and geometry of objects in the map, so the most likely Position of the object in the map is determined.

at Vehicle navigation systems will determine the position of the vehicle mostly with support of the satellite positioning system GPS. The correctness of the measured and the actual Position is given at GPS with about 15 m. Likewise, the digital Map have tolerances in the meter range. For the navigation device must now determine the position of the vehicle in the digital map, thus z. B. a meaningful route calculation from the current point of view can be determined to the destination. Without the comparison of the measured Position with the card information could be the vehicle outside the digitized street or on the wrong street in the map. Therefore the navigation device the location of the vehicle in the digital map is crucial the measured position is compared with the map information so that the most likely location of the vehicle in the map for navigation is determined. For this the map matching the knowledge about the Exploited movements of the vehicle.

digital Cards are usually obsolete when they are shipped. Due to this An update of the card is essential if the digital card agree with the current circumstances should. These updates, however, involve large amounts of data, as always the complete map is updated.

Summary of the invention

It An object of the invention is an improved updating of a digital map for to indicate a vehicle.

It are an updating unit for a vehicle for updating a digital map, an updating system for a vehicle to update a digital map, a process of updating a digital map for a vehicle, a computer program product and a computer readable Medium according to the characteristics the independent one claims specified. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The relate to described embodiments equally the updating unit, the updating system, the procedure, the computer program product and the computer readable medium.

According to one embodiment The invention relates to an updating unit for a vehicle for updating a navigation map indicated which a map unit with a digital map for displaying a route on the map, the updating unit for proactively determining a indeed required Part of the card executed and wherein the updating unit continues to receive a restricted Updated the map which is on the actual required Part of the card relates.

In In other words, the updating unit is able to do each Time to display the current route of the vehicle on the map. The actual needed for presentation Part of the map becomes proactive by the update unit determined.

"Proactive" means the Update unit or the system center early takes an initiative to clarify whether and, if so, when, the part actually needed the map should be updated. Proactivity in the sense of the invention means early Action, even before the environment, the system to (reactive) action forces. In contrast, in the so-called "hybrid approach" a waiting, reactive action.

According to the invention the map update in a proactive way, without the need for a permanent or at least regular network connection between the server and the on-board update unit necessary, namely by actually needed Part of the map proactive, possibly based on user interaction, is determined.

On This way, the between the server and the update unit exchanged amount of data.

The Update of the card is only for the parts of the map made, which are also used or the be taken into account when planning a trip. For example, only this route will be updated as often as possible brought up to date. There are different ways with whose help the actual needed Part of the map estimated or is determined.

at the digital map is for example a digital one Navigation map. The vehicle is for example to a motor vehicle, such as car, bus or truck, or else also about a rail vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, like Helicopter or plane, or a bike.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention, the determination of the actually required part of the card takes place Base of a user input.

For example is the possibility for the driver before the start of the journey or while driving given the system its normal routes. These can z. B. be the normal commute to and from work. The system checks this Track in regular sections after changes and then provide an update if necessary. According to a further embodiment of the Invention, the determination of the actually required part of the card takes place Basis of a detection of a driven route.

Write for this for example a software the actual driven routes with and creates a profile of the typical movement area of the vehicle (movement profile). This area will be followed by the system Updates checked and this possibly available posed.

According to one another embodiment of the In the invention, the updating unit has a communication unit for communication with a system center.

In The system center stores the complete, up-to-date map. Parts of this map can then on demand or at the initiative of the system center to the update unit transmitted in the vehicle become.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the update unit for retrieving the limited update from the system center. For example, the driver enters a new route into the navigation unit On, a request can be sent to the system center. The system center then checks if an update is required. The update can also be done at regular intervals.

The Input of the new route can be done on the one hand in the vehicle. On the other hand, it is also possible make this input at home on, for example, a computer which then communicates with the system center. The update can be over a wireless network connection between the system center and the Navigation unit. The transmission protocol is based for example, on GSM, UMTS, WLAN or WiMax. Also, the update can be over a Email with file attachment or a personalized website with download option respectively. Thereupon can for example, the data from the PC via a mobile storage medium, such as a Memory Stick or USB stick, transferred to the navigation unit become.

Over a The user can e-mail or SMS the system's central office Received information that an update can be downloaded, whereupon the user can transfer the update from the system center to its storage medium.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the update unit for retrieving a limited update from the system center. This polling can be triggered by the user or automatically at regular intervals respectively.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the updating unit for creating a profile a typical movement area of the vehicle carried out, wherein the updating unit continues to transmit data to the System Center, which correspond to the typical movement area, accomplished is.

Becomes entered a route that does not match the normal route and not by the typical range of movement of the vehicle is covered, so will the need for an update for this Route checked. One reason for such an "unusual" route could be one Holiday trip, a business trip, etc.

According to one another embodiment of the The invention is an updating system for a vehicle for updating a navigation map is given, which one described above Update unit and a system center for transmission the restricted Updated to the navigation unit.

at For example, the system center is an external, central server connected to a data network, such as the Internet, connected.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the system center as a central server system executed the outside of the vehicle is arranged and with the navigation unit via a wireless communication network communicates.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the system center for a cyclic verification of indeed required Part of the map for changes executed.

The System checks so the selected route or the selected ones Stretching in regular sections on changes of the part actually needed the card and notes upon detection of a certain degree of change an update available.

On This way you can avoid having an update even then is provided, if only insignificant changes of the actually required part the card. In this way, the to be transmitted Amount of data to be further reduced.

Of the Threshold when exceeded Update available can, according to one another embodiment of the invention to be preset by the user. The user can So control how often and under what circumstances he will receive an update would like to.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is the system center for initiating the retrieval of the restricted update executed.

provides For example, the system central office determines that the changes of the map material to a certain extent (threshold value), the user is asked if he wants an update. Of the So users have the option to reject such an update to the to be transferred To further reduce the amount of data.

As well the user will be able to do an update on their own to retrieve without this a threshold of changes are exceeded would.

According to one another embodiment of the Invention is stored in the system center a full map, wherein the system center for creating and transmitting updates to the Card executed is.

The All map material is managed in the system center and regularly on brought up to date. The system center is in this case executed that it makes a filtering, whether the changes of the card important are enough that an update should be initiated.

According to one another embodiment of the The invention is a method for updating a digital map for a Vehicle, in which a proactive determination of a actually needed part the card is done by an updating unit. Continue to take place a cyclical review of the indeed required Part of the map for changes as well as a transmission the restricted Updating, which refers to the actually needed part of the map, to the update unit by a system center. The limited update the card is received by the update unit.

The limited Update can be transferred directly from the Control Center to the update unit be, for example, over a wireless communication connection. It is also possible that the limited Update from the Control Panel to a PC and then transferred from there to a portable storage medium becomes. The storage medium can then be sent to the update unit be connected to play the limited update. Furthermore, it is possible the storage medium communicates with the communication unit via a wireless connection, for example Bluetooth, communicates.

According to one Another embodiment is a computer program product specified that when on a processor accomplished instructing the processor to proactively identify an actual needed part a digital map for a Vehicle, receiving a limited update of the map, which is on the actual required Part of the map, as well as an update of the map Base of the restricted Update.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium is indicated on which a computer pro stored program that, when executed on a processor, instructs the processor to perform the steps described above.

A basic consideration The invention resides in that an updating of the card only for certain Parts of the digital map is required, which also drive be considered when planning a route become. These specific subareas are determined proactively. In this way, the amount of data for such an update can be reduced become.

Farther may be the time for such an update on a cheap Time to be determined.

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

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

2 shows a schematic representation of a map section according to an embodiment of the invention.

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

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

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 an update unit in the form of a navigation unit according to an embodiment of the invention. The navigation unit 100 is installed in a vehicle and is used to update a digital navigation map. The navigation unit 100 has an arithmetic unit 1 which also contains the memory elements (RAM / ROM) required for its operation. With the arithmetic unit 1 is an input unit 2 connected. About the input unit 2 Various settings of the navigation system can be made and a destination and possibly the location can be selected. The input of the destination is, for example, by entering the full name of the destination or by selecting from a list on an optical output unit, such as a monitor 3 , is possible. On the monitor 3 the route guidance information is also output. In addition, the route guidance information can also be transmitted via an acoustic output unit 4 be issued. The output via an acoustic output unit 4 has the advantage that the driver is less distracted from the current traffic. In a memory element 5 that with the central processing unit 1 is connected, the map data are stored in the form of records. For example, in the memory element 5 also stored additional information about traffic restrictions and the like and associated with the records.

To determine the current vehicle position, the navigation unit 100 a GPS receiver 6 on which is designed to receive navigation signals from GPS satellites. Of course, the navigation unit can also be designed for other satellite navigation systems.

However, since the GPS signals are not always receivable, for example, in the inner city area, the navigation unit also has a direction sensor for performing dead reckoning 7 , a distance sensor 8th and a steering wheel angle sensor. The signals of the GPS receiver, the odometer sensor and the direction sensor are processed in the central processing unit. The vehicle position determined from these signals is compared with the road maps via the known map matching. The route guidance information obtained in this way is transmitted via the monitor 3 finally spent.

The map unit can, for example, in the computer unit 1 and / or in memory 5 be integrated. Furthermore, a communication unit is provided (see reference numeral 303 in 3 ).

2 shows a schematic representation of a map section, such as the monitor 3 is issued.

It is possible, not to swap all the cards when updating, but only the data concerned. These are the cards, for example divided into many small tiles. For an update will be only those Transfer tiles to the terminal and exchanged in which changes since the last update have resulted.

One Central server sends the map data to the vehicle while driving. As soon as a new map area is needed, the server delivers automatically this area to the vehicle system.

This Update mode becomes "Map On Demand "mode called.

In order to This procedure works, is a constant or at least regular communication between vehicle system and external server necessary.

alternative to or in addition The map update can be done in a proactive way without having to connect in the form of a permanent or at least regular network connection between the server and the integrated navigation unit in the vehicle necessary is.

The map section 201 of the 2 shows a selected route or route 202 which is a starting place 203 and a destination 204 combines. At the starting point 203 For example, it is Wiesbaden and at the destination 204 For example, it is Frankfurt. The driver has specified this commuter route, for example, on the website of his vehicle manufacturer and provided the times 7.30 am and 5.00 pm. The system validates the typical route from Frankfurt to Wiesbaden (direct line connecting 208 between Frankfurt 204 and Wiesbaden 203 ), Detour routes (for example, the route 210 over the place 205 ), Construction sites, typical traffic jams at that time and the evasive routes (like the track 209 over the place 206 ). Updates for these routes can be made available each morning. As soon as the driver starts his vehicle in the morning, a GSM connection to the central system is made, the update is downloaded and installed.

The box 207 indicates the actually required part of the ticket for the commuter line Wiesbaden - Frankfurt.

at the review of For example, the track will always be the actual route as well official detour routes, typical alternative routes and routes in the next Environment of the planned route. In addition, still can Construction sites, traffic jams (current and / or empirical values), speed limits, Weather information, hazard warnings and other peculiarities in the investigation be included in the route to be examined, which via TMC can be communicated.

3 shows a schematic representation of an overall system (navigation system) according to an embodiment of the invention. The overall system 300 includes a map unit 301 in the vehicle 302 , a communication unit 303 in the vehicle as well as a system center 304 on which the current version of the complete map is available.

The system center 304 compiles the updates and sends the updates to the appropriate communication unit 303 or an intermediate addressee 306 like a user's PC.

The system center 304 is able to communicate with many different communication units (ie with many different navigation units) and provide each individual navigation unit with an individual update, if one is needed.

The communication between the system center 304 and the communication unit 100 finds, for example, wirelessly via a radio link 305 a communication network. These are, for example, a mobile radio network or even data connections by means of short-range communication devices, such as Bluetooth.

The communication unit 303 can also be used to receive emails with attachments or other electronic attachments. Furthermore, the communication unit can be designed to carry out an Internet Protocol (IP) -based communication with corresponding data exchange in order, for example, to obtain updated data for the digital map from a personalized Internet page by means of a download mechanism.

The communication unit 303 has, for example, a GSM module or a UMTS module or another radio module. The communication unit is installed in the navigation unit. The communication unit and the card unit can also be connected to each other via a short-range communication connection, for example via Bluetooth.

He follows the update over Email with file attachment or via a personalized website with download option, is in the communication unit a transfer possibility the file to the vehicle z. B. a USB stick or other portable storage medium intended.

For the transmission via GSM / UMTS / WLAN / WiMax ... at the beginning of each journey Communication to the system center is set up to check for updates and to load these into the vehicle.

An update includes, for example, changes in routing, new or changed Points of Interest (POIs), or even construction site information. Thus, an update can include all changes that affect the traffic can be.

4 shows a flowchart of a method for updating a navigation map for a vehicle. In step 401 there is a proactive determination of an actually required part of the map by a navigation unit. In step 402 a cyclical check of the actually required part of the map is made on changes and in step 403 a transmission of the limited update, which relates to the actually required part of the map, to the navigation unit by a system center. This update will be in step 404 received from the navigation unit.

In addition to that to point out 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 (15)

Updating unit for a vehicle for updating a digital map, comprising the updating unit: a Map unit with a digital map for displaying a driving route on the map; wherein the updating unit is proactive Determining an actual required Part of the card executed is; and wherein the updating unit continues to receive a restricted Updated the map which is on the actual required Part of the card relates. Updating unit according to claim 1, wherein the Determination of the actual required Part of the card based on a user input. Updating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination of the actual required part the map based on a detection of a driven route he follows. Update unit after one of the previous ones Claims, further comprising: a communication unit for communication with a system center. Update unit after one of the previous ones Claims, wherein the updating unit for retrieving the restricted update of the system center is. Update unit after one of the previous ones Claims, in which the update unit to create a profile of a typical Movement area of the vehicle is executed; the updating unit continue to transfer of data to the system center, with the typical movement area correspond, executed is. Update system for a vehicle for updating a digital map, having the update system: a Update unit according to one of claims 1 to 6; a system center for transmission the restricted Update to the update unit. An update system according to claim 7, wherein said System center is designed as a central server system, the outside the vehicle is arranged and with the update unit via a wireless communication network communicates. Update system according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the system center to a cyclic verification of the actual required part the card on changes accomplished is. Update system according to one of claims 7 to 9, the system center continues to determine a degree the changes of fact required Part of the card executed is. Update system according to one of claims 7 to 10, the system center continues to initiate the poll the restricted Update executed is. Update system according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein a complete card is stored in the system center; and wherein the system center is for creation and transmission of map updates. Method for updating a digital map for a Vehicle having the method comprising the steps: proactive Determining an actual required part the card by an updating unit; cyclical review of the indeed required part the card for changes; transmission the restricted Updating, which refers to the actually needed part of the map, to the update unit by a system center; reception the restricted Update of the map by the update unit. Computer program product that, if it is on one Processor executed will guide the processor to perform the following steps: proactive Determining an actual required part a digital map for a vehicle; Receiving a limited update of the card, which is on the actual required Part of the card; Update the map based on the restricted Update. Computer readable medium on which a computer program product which, when executed on a processor, is stored instruct the processor to perform the following steps: proactive Determining an actual required part a digital map for a vehicle; Receiving a limited update of the card, which is on the actual required Part of the card; Update the map based on the restricted Update.