EP3759433A1 - Navigation indicating device, navigation method and related computer program - Google Patents

Navigation indicating device, navigation method and related computer program

Info

Publication number
EP3759433A1
EP3759433A1 EP19708101.1A EP19708101A EP3759433A1 EP 3759433 A1 EP3759433 A1 EP 3759433A1 EP 19708101 A EP19708101 A EP 19708101A EP 3759433 A1 EP3759433 A1 EP 3759433A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
navigation
indicating device
portable electronic
electronic device
navigation indicating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP19708101.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Giorgio BERTOLOTTI
Alessandro BETTONAGLI
Sabrina SANVITO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Universita degli Studi di Milano Bicocca
Original Assignee
Universita degli Studi di Milano Bicocca
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Universita degli Studi di Milano Bicocca filed Critical Universita degli Studi di Milano Bicocca
Publication of EP3759433A1 publication Critical patent/EP3759433A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G01C21/34—Route searching; Route guidance
    • G01C21/36—Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
    • G01C21/3626—Details of the output of route guidance instructions
    • G01C21/3632—Guidance using simplified or iconic instructions, e.g. using arrows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J50/00—Arrangements specially adapted for use on cycles not provided for in main groups B62J1/00 - B62J45/00
    • B62J50/20—Information-providing devices
    • B62J50/28—Information-providing devices characterised by quick release, e.g. snap on connectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/20—Instruments for performing navigational calculations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G01C21/265—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network constructional aspects of navigation devices, e.g. housings, mountings, displays

Definitions

  • Document GB2538145 (A) relates to a navigation device for attachment to a bicycle, comprising: means for receiving data indicative of a compass bearing relative to the bicycle; means for processing positioning data to determine a direction relative to the navigation device that corresponds to the compass bearing; and a display for indicating the relative direction to a user of the bicycle.
  • the navigation device is able to indicate the direction to a destination by using the GPS information from a smartphone and an inner magnetometer to establish its own orientation.
  • the information about the GPS coordinates may be sent using wireless connection.
  • a computer program executable by the portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone
  • the program is configured to interface the portable electronic device with the navigation indicating device, so that the portable electronic device provides a position signal to the navigation indicating device, and wherein the navigation indicating device provides an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator based on the position signal
  • the computer program is further configured for visualizing information on a screen of the portable electronic device during the use of the navigation indicating device.
  • the navigation indicating device 100 is interfaceable with a portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone, as it will be hereinafter further described.
  • the navigation indicating device 100 preferably comprises a rubberized plastic body whose shape simulates the head of a cricket, having a housing 101 adapted to house a portable electronic device such as a cellphone or a smartphone, as it will be further described.
  • a light indicator of“informative” type is a light indicator which is adapted to signal an information of cognitive type, such as a qualification of a navigation checkpoint or destination, or supplemental information as an aid to navigation.
  • At least one pair of LED light indicators which are adapted to provide an indication of navigation of the left/ right/ forward type, is provided.
  • two pairs are provided: one on the left 104a and 105a, and one on the right 104b and 105b.
  • the navigation indicating device 100 further comprises a loudspeaker (not shown), which is configured to reproduce sound information.
  • the LEDs 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b are yellow-light LEDs and are useful to indicate the turning directions, whereas the three informative LEDs 102a, 102b and 106 may change in colour, are positioned centrally and indicate the typology of a place of interest.
  • the firmware of the microcontroller consists of an initial configuration step upon turning on and of a subsequent power-down status, awaiting a wake-up signal coming from the Bluetooth module. Upon awakening, the microcontroller receives the information from the Bluetooth module and sends the turning on commands to the LEDs and to the loudspeaker, and then returns to the power-down step until subsequent communications from a smartphone.
  • a button (not shown) allows keeping the Bluetooth module which is turned off when not in use.
  • the navigation indicating device 100 may be applied to different vehicles by means of proper brackets or even brought by hand.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a third screen 501 on the smartphone 201 associated with the navigation indicating device 100.
  • the portable electronic device 201 can be inserted in the housing 101 before, during or after interfacing of the two devices 100 and 201.
  • the indication of navigation provided by at least one light indicator LED, and the information visualized on a screen of the portable electronic device 201 can happen at the same time, or at different times before/after with respect to each other.
  • said App provides information about the places of interest based on the selected preferences.
  • the App has a graphic look which is coordinated with the design of the body of the navigation device 100, and such as to replicate the peculiarities of the material object in the techno/ virtual mode, thus merging the analogue with the digital dimension.
  • the App is configured to activate second light indicators of the informative type 102a, 102b and/or 106 of the navigation indicating device 100, to provide the indication of navigation when near a destination.
  • the App may also allow selecting a thematic route by a user, preferably of the artistic and/or architectonic and/or musical and/or cultural type, and thus it may build up the thematic route by suitably structuring the position signal and the indication of navigation. Finally, the App may further store preferred destinations of the user.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a navigation indicating device(100), interfaceable with a portable electronic device (201) such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone. The navigation indicating device (100) comprises at least one light indicator (102a, 102b, 104a, 104b, 105a, 5b, 106) configured to provide an indication of navigation based on a position signal provided by the portable electronic device (201).The navigation indicating device (100) further comprises a housing (101) for the portable electronic device (201), the housing (101) being adapted to allow the vision of a screen of the portable electronic device (201) during the use of the navigation indicating device (100). The present invention further relates to a navigation method. The present invention further relates to a computer program executable by a portable electronic device (201) such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone, said computer program being configured for interfacing said portable electronic device (201) with a navigation indicating device (100).

Description

Title: Navigation indicating device, navigation method and related computer program
DESCRIPTION
Technical field
The present invention relates to a navigation indicating device, to a navigation method and to a related computer program.
In general, the present invention finds its application in the field of the navigation of users, in particular for tourism, cultural, entertainment and/or leisure purposes, especially in situations in which a vehicle such as a bicycle is used.
Background art
There exist multimodal electronic devices, intended to be used in combination with cycles and motorcycles. In fact, if we are riding a bicycle through the streets of some city, we would realize how difficult it is, while cycling, to benefit from the precious information relating to route, traffic, quality of air, places of interest, ongoing cultural and artistic events, etc. made available by the computer technologies through portable electronic devices, such as cellphones, smartphones and tablets.
Document US2017082450 (Al) relates to an electronic device adapted to be installed on a handlebar of a vehicle, the electronic device comprising: a processor; a communication module; a display comprising a halo shaped display; a memory for storing executable instructions processed by the processor. The halo-shaped display can indicate an upcoming directional instruction and/or a distance between a current location and an upcoming location, by a circular visual signal indication on a portion of the halo-shaped display.
Document GB2538145 (A) relates to a navigation device for attachment to a bicycle, comprising: means for receiving data indicative of a compass bearing relative to the bicycle; means for processing positioning data to determine a direction relative to the navigation device that corresponds to the compass bearing; and a display for indicating the relative direction to a user of the bicycle. The navigation device is able to indicate the direction to a destination by using the GPS information from a smartphone and an inner magnetometer to establish its own orientation. The information about the GPS coordinates may be sent using wireless connection.
There is still the need for a device that makes navigation more practical and immediate.
In particular, there is still the need for a device that makes navigation intuitive and users’ involving.
Moreover, there is still the need for a device that spontaneously engages in dialogue with the surrounding environment.
Summary of the invention
An object of the present invention is to overcome prior art drawbacks.
A particular object of the present invention is to improve the intelligibility of an indication of navigation.
A further particular object of the present invention is to improve the interaction with navigation devices, in order to provide navigation indications in a more immediate manner.
A further particular object of the present invention is to improve the user’s involvement during the navigation.
These and other objects are attained by a navigation indicating device, a navigation method and a computer program according to the features of the enclosed claims, which form an integral part of the present disclosure.
An idea underlying the present invention is to provide a navigation indicating device, interfaceable with a portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the navigation indicating device comprises at least one light indicator that is configured to provide an indication of navigation based on a position signal provided by the portable electronic device. The navigation indicating device further comprises a housing for the portable electronic device, the housing being adapted to allow the vision of a screen of the portable electronic device during the use of the navigation indicating device.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a navigation method is provided, which comprises: interfacing the navigation indicating device with the portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone; inserting the portable electronic device in a housing of the navigation indicating device; providing a position signal from the portable electronic device to the navigation indicating device; providing an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator of the navigation indicating device, based on the position signal; visualizing information on a screen of said portable electronic device during the use of said navigation indicating device. Still according to an aspect of the present invention, a computer program executable by the portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone is provided, wherein the program is configured to interface the portable electronic device with the navigation indicating device, so that the portable electronic device provides a position signal to the navigation indicating device, and wherein the navigation indicating device provides an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator based on the position signal, and wherein the computer program is further configured for visualizing information on a screen of the portable electronic device during the use of the navigation indicating device.
Advantageously, the navigation indicating device, the navigation method and the computer program according to the present invention allow improving the intelligibility of an indication of navigation, thus making the navigation more effective and allowing the user to follow the indications more quickly and intuitively.
In fact, on one hand, the navigation indicating device provides basic indications of navigation by means of the at least one light indicator shown to the user, in a clear and direct manner. On the other hand, the screen of the portable electronic device remains visible during the use of the navigation indicating device, so that the further indications of navigation can be effectively provided to the user, thereby allowing intelligibility of more complex information. Furthermore, the present invention allows improving the interaction with the navigation device, providing the user with indications of navigation by means of the at least one light indicator, which are more immediate and easier to recognize. Also, the further indications of navigation provided to the user on the screen of the portable electronic device represents a further help, especially when the user is dedicated to tourist or cultural itineraries or is transported by a vehicle such as for instance a bicycle.
By providing indications of navigation, both by means of the at least one light indicator shown to the user and on the screen of the portable electronic device, the present invention helps improving the user’s involvement during the navigation, in particular by guiding the user towards destinations of interest in a more functional and pleasant way.
Furthermore, the housing of the navigation indicating device is adapted to hold, contain and protect the portable electronic device during use, so that a user can feel safe in leaving the portable electronic device out of the hands. Advantageously, the present invention may improve the use of a vehicle, in particular a two-wheeled vehicle such as bicycles or motorcycles, transforming them from mobility tools to original guides towards artistic and cultural attractions and, more generally, towards places of potential interest of a territory.
Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the present invention and from the dependent claims that outline preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention is illustrated with reference to the following figures, provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a navigation indicating device according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 illustrates the installation of the navigation indicating device of Figure 1 on a bicycle.
Figure 3 illustrates a first screen on a portable electronic device associated with the navigation indicating device of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 illustrates a second screen on a portable electronic device associated with the navigation indicating device of Figure 1.
- Figure 5 illustrates a third screen on a portable electronic device associated with the navigation indicating device of Figure 1.
- Figure 6 illustrates a fourth screen on a portable electronic device associated with the navigation indicating device of Figure 1.
In the different figures, analogous elements will be indicated with analogous reference numbers.
Detailed description
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a navigation indicating device 100 according to the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the navigation indicating device 100, this is provided with a design inspired by Collodi’s“Talking Cricket”, a figure that has become universal over time. Obviously, this shape is not limiting, and other shapes are equally possible.
The navigation indicating device 100 is configured for a double function: on the one hand for providing indications of navigation, for instance without having to take the hands off the handlebar and the eyes off the road; and on the other hand, for spontaneously suggesting itineraries, stops and information to a user in an intuitive and engaging manner.
For these functions, the navigation indicating device 100 is interfaceable with a portable electronic device such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone, as it will be hereinafter further described.
The navigation indicating device 100 preferably comprises a rubberized plastic body whose shape simulates the head of a cricket, having a housing 101 adapted to house a portable electronic device such as a cellphone or a smartphone, as it will be further described.
In particular, the housing 101 is adapted to allow the vision of the screen of the portable electronic device while using the navigation indicating device 100. The bottom of the housing 101 is coated with rubbery material that helps blocking cellphones, which may be of different sizes, while two transparent rubber laces (not shown) preferably act as“stops” and wrap the cellphone in the width of the body.
The navigation indicating device 100 comprises at least one light indicator that is configured to provide an indication of navigation, based on a position signal which is provided by the portable electronic device. Said one or more light indicators are thus adapted to provide the indications of navigation and of interest requested by a user.
For this purpose, the navigation indicating device 100 is configured to interface with a computer program, namely a dedicated “App” downloadable for instance on a smartphone (iOS and Android).
The navigation indicating device 100 and the computer program cooperate to provide the user with the indications of navigation: the directional and informative light indicators, as well as route maps, become available to the user, for instance without having to take the hand off the handlebar or to stop in order to consult the smartphone.
In particular, the navigation indicating device 100 comprises two hemispheric LEDs 102a and 102b in the upper part, which are moreover adapted to change colour being these LEDs of the“informative” type. Said hemispheric LEDs 102a and 102b simulate the eyes of the cricket.
In general, a light indicator of“informative” type is a light indicator which is adapted to signal an information of cognitive type, such as a qualification of a navigation checkpoint or destination, or supplemental information as an aid to navigation.
Still in the upper part of the navigation indicating device 100, on the sides, there are two projections 103a and 103b, which simulate the antennas of the cricket, in the shape of cylinders which are tapered upwards and projecting; the antennas 103a and 103b have the LEDs 104a and 104b in the base, and end in the upper part in second LEDs 105a and 105b, which are all LEDs of the“directional” type.
In general, a light indicator of“directional” type is a light indicator which is adapted to signal an information which is strictly of navigational nature, for example: go left, go right, keep straight, go back and so on.
The navigation indicating device 100 further comprises a second LED 106 of the informative type which changes colour. Said LED 106 is preferably inserted under the middle of the body that wraps the lower part, simulating a mouth of the cricket with a broad smile.
In the thickness of the case of the navigation indicating device 100 a card for the operation of the electronic part is housed.
The first light indicators of the directional type 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b, preferably high-luminosity LEDs, are adapted to provide an indication of navigation for reaching a destination.
In particular, at least one pair of LED light indicators, which are adapted to provide an indication of navigation of the left/ right/ forward type, is provided. In the preferred embodiment, two pairs are provided: one on the left 104a and 105a, and one on the right 104b and 105b.
According to different possible modes, when the left LEDs are active, a left turn is indicated; when the right LEDs are active, a right turn is indicated, when some of the LEDs, for instance only the LEDs 105a and 105b are active, it is indicated to continue straight, and so on. Obviously, other navigation modes would be possible.
The navigation indicating device 100, as said, also comprises a second light indicator LED 102a, 102b e 106 of the informative type, which is adapted to provide the indication of navigation near a destination.
In particular, the light indicators 102a, 102b and 106 of the informative type are configured to provide different chromatic indications, namely, to change in colour, based on a typology of the destination to be reached or reached. The typology of the destination could be categorized as “art”, “architecture”,“music”,“culture” and so on. In other words, the navigation indicating device comprises a range of chromatically differentiated light indicators 102a, 102b and 106.
In a preferred embodiment, the navigation indicating device 100 further comprises a loudspeaker (not shown), which is configured to reproduce sound information.
Preferably the LEDs 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b are yellow-light LEDs and are useful to indicate the turning directions, whereas the three informative LEDs 102a, 102b and 106 may change in colour, are positioned centrally and indicate the typology of a place of interest.
Preferably, the navigation indicating device 100 comprises a Bluetooth module (not shown), which is configured to interface with the portable electronic device.
More in detail, the electronic part (not shown) of the navigation indicating device 100 comprises a low-energy Bluetooth communication module, a microcontroller, drivers dedicated to drive the high-luminosity LEDs comprising power and protection resistance transistors; the loudspeaker is also driven by a dedicated driver managed by the microcontroller.
The electronic circuit of the navigation indicating device 100 is powered by a battery (not shown) .
The electronic part of the navigation indicating device 100 synchronizes with the dedicated App, which is downloadable on one’s smartphone and receives information relating to: a) turning direction (following the route chosen by the user), b) indication of proximity to places of interest of different type (according to the user’s choices).
The microcontroller of the navigation indicating device 100 synchronizes with the App and receives the data, interprets them and drives the connected peripherals, i.e. LEDs and loudspeaker.
The firmware of the microcontroller consists of an initial configuration step upon turning on and of a subsequent power-down status, awaiting a wake-up signal coming from the Bluetooth module. Upon awakening, the microcontroller receives the information from the Bluetooth module and sends the turning on commands to the LEDs and to the loudspeaker, and then returns to the power-down step until subsequent communications from a smartphone. A button (not shown) allows keeping the Bluetooth module which is turned off when not in use.
Figure 2 illustrates the installation on a vehicle of the navigation indicating device 100.
The navigation indicating device 100 is attached to a bicycle handlebar 200 by means of a mounting bracket.
Preferably, this mounting bracket is of the universal type, which forms a sort of S, forms a ring that hooks to the handlebar on one side and supports the plate where the navigation indicating device 100 rests on the other side. The ring with which it attaches to the handlebar of a bicycle 200 has the possibility to tighten and widen through a screw. Instead, the part acting as a support to the plate, contains a small cylinder thanks to which the plate may rotate on the frontal plane, by tilting the support plane of the navigation indicating device 100, thus avoiding reflections of sunlight.
Obviously, the navigation indicating device 100 may be applied to different vehicles by means of proper brackets or even brought by hand.
Preferably, power supply means associated with the vehicle 200 are provided, in particular a battery recharged by a generator.
A portable electronic device 201 such as a smartphone, inserted in the housing 101 as above described, is associated with the navigation indicating device 100.
Figure 3 illustrates a first screen 301 on the smartphone 201 associated with the navigation indicating device 100.
To set how to use the navigation indicating device 100, the App is activated, preferably by tapping a tactile search bar of the device at the LED 106, selecting the appropriate items from the screen that opens: icons relating to the type of route will appear: by way of example, a“logo + treble clef’ for the musical route, a“logo + brush” for the art one, a“logo + ruler and set- square” for the architectural one, and finally a “logo + explorer’s hat” for a casual route warning when approaching various sites of interest (for instance artistic/ cultural) though the directional and informative LEDs, any destination the user has set.
Figure 4 illustrates a second screen 401 on the smartphone 201 associated with the navigation indicating device 100. A proper icon“logo + globe” allows the access to the city map, and another icon“logo + compass” allows the access to a navigation with compass.
Near the place of destination, the screen of the portable electronic device 201 indicates how may meters are missing on arrival, and the directional LEDs 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b suitably light up.
On the App it is also possible to set some frequent destinations (home and work), some preferred destinations (for instance a cinema, a restaurant), the places where friends using the navigation indicating device 100 are located, and the destinations associated with a specific event present on the smartphone or Facebook calendar.
The navigation indicating device 100 is also preferably controllable by voice, by activating the voice commands of the App by tapping the search bar; from that moment on it is possible to interact with the navigation indicating device 100 through the voice (for instance“Go home”,“Go to ‘Teatro alia Scala’”, etc.).
Figure 5 illustrates a third screen 501 on the smartphone 201 associated with the navigation indicating device 100.
Near a place of interest, namely within a“position fence”, the App allows visualizing multimedia elements related to the place which is being visited, preferably through a proper icon visualized on the screen of the portable electronic device 201.
Figure 6 illustrates a fourth screen 601 on the smartphone 201 associated with the navigation indicating device 100.
During the route, the App retrieves info on the weather through an Internet connection, and if there is a chance that it rains a special icon “logo + umbrella” warns the user through a proper icon visualized on the screen of the portable electronic device 201.
According to what has been described, the navigation method according to the present invention comprises the tasks hereinafter illustrated.
The navigation indicating device 100 is interfaced with a portable electronic device 201 , such as a tablet or cellphone or smartphone, which is inserted in a housing 101 of the navigation indicating device 101 , approximately at the same time the two are interfaced; a position signal is provided from the portable electronic device 201 to the navigation indicating device 100; then an indication of navigation is provided by at least one light indicator LED of the navigation indicating device 100, based on the position signal; also, information is visualized on a screen of the portable electronic device 201 during the use of the navigation indicating device.
It is clear that the particular order in which each task of the method is presented above, shall not be limiting. For example, the portable electronic device 201 can be inserted in the housing 101 before, during or after interfacing of the two devices 100 and 201. Moreover, for example, the indication of navigation provided by at least one light indicator LED, and the information visualized on a screen of the portable electronic device 201 , can happen at the same time, or at different times before/after with respect to each other.
In other words, the navigation method according to the present invention comprises tasks which are not necessarily to be carried out strictly in the claimed order.
Preferably, in order to provide the indication of navigation for reaching a destination, light indicators of the directional type 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b of the navigation indicating device 100 are used.
Preferably, it is possible to provide an indication of navigation near a destination of interest by means of second light indicators of the informative type 102a, 102b and/or 106, of the navigation indicating device 100.
In particular, said second light indicators of the informative type 102 a, 102b and/or 106 provide different chromatic indications, in particular for destinations of the following typologies: art and/or architecture and/or music and/or culture.
The information is visualized on a screen of the portable electronic device 201 , during the use of the navigation indicating device 100, for providing further information of navigation. Preferably, when near a destination a zoom of a map visualized on the screen is provided. Furthermore, preferably, when near a destination, further descriptive information about the destination is shown. Still, preferably, supplementary meteorological and/or traffic information, obtained by means of an Internet connection of the portable electronic device 201 , is shown on the screen.
It is furthermore possible, according to the present invention, to select a thematic route, in particular of the artistic and/or architectonic and/or musical and/or cultural type, built up according to the position signal and to the indication of navigation. It is also possible to set destinations preferred by a user, which are stored.
Furthermore, according to what has been described, a computer program according to the present invention is executable by a portable electronic device such as a tablet or cellphone or smartphone.
Said computer program is configured to interface the portable electronic device 201 with the navigation indicating device 100, so that the portable electronic device 201 provides a position signal to the navigation indicating device 100. In this way, the navigation indicating device 100 provides an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator based on the position signal. The said computer program is further configured for visualizing information on the screen 301 , 401 , 501 , 601 of the portable electronic device 201 , during the use of the navigation indicating device 100.
Said computer program is in particular an App, for instance available both in the iOS version and in the Android version, which allows downloading city maps (or of the territory being crossed) so that they can be used offline, without consuming the internet traffic.
The map appearing on the App screen is detailed and complete, provides integrated and free information on the traffic, which the portable electronic device 201 considers in the calculation of the routes and of the estimated times of arrival at destination (traffic information, as a rule, requires an internet connection, so it is not available in the offline mode).
Furthermore, said App provides information about the places of interest based on the selected preferences. The App has a graphic look which is coordinated with the design of the body of the navigation device 100, and such as to replicate the peculiarities of the material object in the techno/ virtual mode, thus merging the analogue with the digital dimension.
Preferably, the App is configured to activate the light indicators of the directional type 104a, 104b, 105a and 105b of the navigation indicating device 100, to provide the indication of navigation for reaching a destination.
Furthermore, preferably, the App is configured to activate second light indicators of the informative type 102a, 102b and/or 106 of the navigation indicating device 100, to provide the indication of navigation when near a destination.
The App may change the chromatic indications of the second light indicators of the informative type 102a, 102b and/or 106, in particular for destinations of the following typologies: art and/or architecture and/or music and/or culture.
The App may further visualize information on the screen of the smartphone 201 during the use of the navigation indicating device 100, to provide further indications of navigation. In fact, the smartphone 201 is housed in a housing 101 of the navigation indicating device 100, such housing 101 being adapted to allow the vision of a screen of the portable electronic device 201 during the use of the navigation indicating device 100.
The App is then configured to provide a zoom of a map visualized on the screen, near a destination, and to show further supplementary descriptive information about the destination. The App is also configured to show supplementary meteorological and / or traffic information obtained through the Internet on the screen.
The App may also allow selecting a thematic route by a user, preferably of the artistic and/or architectonic and/or musical and/or cultural type, and thus it may build up the thematic route by suitably structuring the position signal and the indication of navigation. Finally, the App may further store preferred destinations of the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the device at issue is an artifact that primarily recalls, through its specific design, the appearance of a “Talking Cricket”, for that is what it is meant to be. The device is shaped in such a way as to house and lock a smartphone (of variable size), the housing being adapted to allow the vision of the smartphone’s display under different light conditions. The smartphone acts as the device’s brain; the device itself as the body, where a system of colored LEDs performs two functions: first, supplying directions, as is typical of all navigation devices, though in a particularly intuitive guise; second, alerting through a chromatic vocabulary to the presence in the surroundings of an object of a given category of interests for the user (the same function can be performed acoustically). Accordingly, the device comprises two kinds of indication: indication of navigation, and indication of categories of interests. Note that the second kind is autonomously supplied by the device, in accordance with preferences set up by the user.
Considering the description herein reported, the skilled person will be therefore able to conceive further changes and variants, in order to meet contingent and specific needs. The embodiments herein described are therefore to be intended as non-limiting examples of the invention.
For instance, the“cricket” shape, the number and positioning of the light indicators, the screens provided by the App, are to be considered as possible examples of changes.

Claims

1. Navigation indicating device (100), interfaceable with a portable electronic device (201) such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone, said navigation indicating device (100) comprising at least one light indicator (102a, 102b, 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b, 106) configured to provide an indication of navigation based on a position signal provided by said portable electronic device (201), said navigation indicating device (100) further comprising a housing (101) for said portable electronic device (201), said housing (101) being adapted to allow the vision of a screen of said portable electronic device (201) during the use of said navigation indicating device ( 100) .
2. Navigation indicating device according to claim 1 , comprising at least one first light indicator of the directional type (104a, 104b, 105a, 105b), preferably high-luminosity LED, adapted to provide said indication of navigation for reaching a destination.
3. Navigation indicating device according to claim 2, wherein said first light indicator of the directional type comprises at least one pair of light indicators (104a, 104b, 105a, 105b) adapted to provide an indication of navigation such as left/ right/ forward.
4. Navigation indicating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106), preferably high-luminosity LED, adapted to provide said indication of navigation when near a destination.
5. Navigation indicating device according to claim 4, wherein said second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106) comprises one or more light indicators configured to provide different chromatic indications, based on a typology of said destination.
6. Navigation indicating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a Bluetooth module configured for interfacing with said portable electronic device (201).
7. Navigation indicating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a bottom of said housing (101) is coated with rubbery material and wherein said navigation indicating device (100) further comprises transparent rubber laces configured for acting as stops by wrapping said portable electronic device (201) in the width of the body.
8. Navigation indicating device according to any one of claims from 1 to 7, further comprising a loudspeaker configured for reproducing sound information provided by said portable electronic device (201).
9. Navigation indicating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting bracket for application to a part of a vehicle (200), in particular for application to a handlebar of a bicycle.
10. Navigation indicating device according to claim 9, further comprising power supply means associated with said vehicle (200), in particular a battery recharged by a generator of said bicycle.
1 1. Navigation method comprising:
- interfacing a navigation indicating device (100) with a portable electronic device (201) such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone;
- inserting said portable electronic device (201) in a housing (101) of said navigation indicating device (100); - providing a position signal from said portable electronic device (201) to said navigation indicating device (100);
- providing an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator (102a, 102b, 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b, 106) of said navigation indicating device (100), based on said position signal; - visualizing information on a screen (301 , 401 , 501 , 601) of said portable electronic device (201) during the use of said navigation indicating device (100).
12. Navigation method according to claim 1 1 , further comprising providing said indication of navigation for reaching a destination, by means of at least one first light indicator of the directional type (104a, 104b, 105a, 105b) of said navigation indicating device (100).
13. Navigation method according to claim 1 1 or 12, further comprising providing said indication of navigation when near a destination, by means of at least one second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106) of said navigation indicating device (100).
14. Navigation method according to claim 13, further comprising providing different chromatic indications by means of said second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106), in particular for destinations of the following typologies: art and/or architecture and/or music and/or culture.
15. Navigation method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, further comprising visualizing further indications of navigation on said screen (301 , 401 , 501 , 601) of said portable electronic device (201) during the use of said navigation indicating device ( 100) .
16. Navigation method according to claim 15, wherein, when near a destination, a zoom of a map visualized on said screen (401) is provided.
17. Navigation method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, when near a destination, further information describing said destination is provided on said screen (501).
18. Navigation method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein supplementary meteorological and/or traffic information, obtained by means of an Internet connection of said portable electronic device, is shown on said screen (601).
19. Navigation method according to any one of claims from 1 1 to 18, further comprising selecting a thematic route (301), in particular of the artistic and/or architectonic and/or musical and/or cultural type, built up according to said position signal and to said indication of navigation.
20. Navigation method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 19, further comprising setting preferred destinations of a user.
21. Computer program executable by a portable electronic device (201) such as a tablet or a cellphone or a smartphone, said computer program being configured for interfacing said portable electronic device (201) with a navigation indicating device (100), so that said portable electronic device (201) provides a position signal to said navigation indicating device (100), and said navigation indicating device (100) provides an indication of navigation by means of at least one light indicator (102a, 102b, 104a, 104b, 105a, 105b, 106) based on said position signal, said computer program being further configured for visualizing information on a screen (301 , 401 , 501 , 601) of said portable electronic device (201) during the use of said navigation indicating device ( 100) .
22. Computer program according to claim 21 , configured for activating at least one first light indicator of the directional type (104a, 104b, 105a, 105b) of said navigation indicating device (100), for providing said indication of navigation for reaching a destination.
23. Computer program according to claim 21 or 22, further configured for activating at least one second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106) of said navigation indicating device (100), to provide said indication of navigation when near a destination.
24. Computer program according to claim 23, further configured for varying a chromatic indication of said second light indicator of the informative type (102a, 102b, 106), in particular for destinations of the following typologies: art and/or architecture and/or music and/or culture.
25. Computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further configured for providing further indications of navigation to be visualized on said screen (301 , 401 , 501 , 601).
26. Computer program according to claim 25, further configured for providing a zoom of a map shown on said screen (401), when near a destination.
27. Computer program according to claim 25 or 26, further configured for showing on said screen (501) further descriptive information of a destination, when near to said destination.
28. Computer program according to any one of claims 25 to 27, further configured for showing on said screen (601) additional meteorological and/or traffic information, obtained by the Internet.
29. Computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 28, further configured for allowing the selection (301) of a thematic route by a user, preferably of the artistic and/or architectonic and/or musical and/or cultural type, and for building said thematic route by suitably structuring said position signal and said indication of navigation.
30. Computer program according to any one of claims 21 to 29, further configured for storing favourite destinations of a user.
EP19708101.1A 2018-03-02 2019-03-01 Navigation indicating device, navigation method and related computer program Pending EP3759433A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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IT102018000003241A IT201800003241A1 (en) 2018-03-02 2018-03-02 A navigation indicator device, a navigation method and a related computer program
PCT/EP2019/055100 WO2019166609A1 (en) 2018-03-02 2019-03-01 Navigation indicating device, navigation method and related computer program

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US10704919B1 (en) * 2019-06-21 2020-07-07 Lyft, Inc. Systems and methods for using a directional indicator on a personal mobility vehicle
CN113147970B (en) * 2021-03-26 2022-06-03 上海七十迈数字科技有限公司 Display method and device for intelligent instrument panel of two-wheeled electric vehicle

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KR200354921Y1 (en) * 2004-02-27 2004-07-01 주식회사 카포인트 Navigation device having direction indicating lamp
JP2009222579A (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-10-01 Kyocera Corp Navigation apparatus and navigation method
GB201311001D0 (en) * 2013-06-20 2013-08-07 Lucabella Holdings Llc Lucabella
US20170334522A1 (en) * 2014-11-18 2017-11-23 Vanhawks Inc. Network-enabled bicycles, bicycles interconnected into a mesh network, electronic devices for bicycles and related methods
GB201504212D0 (en) * 2015-03-12 2015-04-29 Soto Javier Electronic navigation device for bicycle
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