GB2494649A

GB2494649A - Selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2494649A
Application number: GB1115824.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kewal Singh Shienmar; Gerardus Johannes Carlier; Joost Voogt; Hayley Louise Gaulton; Michel Alders; Hendrik Ziezold; Dalila Szostak
Original assignee: TomTom International BV
Current assignee: TomTom International BV
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2011-09-13
Publication date: 2013-03-20
Also published as: GB201115824D0; WO2013037852A2; WO2013037852A3

Abstract

A method is provided for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, the apparatus comprising an electronic map. The method comprises: receiving an input (402,404,fig.5) which causes the selection of an intermediate location 406; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected intermediate location 406, the portion including the intermediate location (these two steps can be repeated once or more as desired); receiving a further input which causes the selection of a destination location 414 on or using the displayed portion of the map; and calculating a route from a start point, which can be the current location of the navigation apparatus, to a point associated with the selected destination location 414.

Description

Navigation Method and Apparatus for Selecting a Destination

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, and a navigation apparatus arranged to carry out such methods.

IHustrative embodiments of the itwention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), in particular PNDs that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality. The invention is also applicable to a navigation apparatus, and methods for operating such JO apparatus, which forms part of an integrated navigation system, e.g. an in-vehicle navigation system.

Other embodiments relate, more generally, to any type of processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide navigation functionality, and methods of operating such devices.

Background to the Invention

The present invention is directed to a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, and to a navigation apparatus arranged for carrying out the steps of the methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The navigation apparatus may comprise navigation apparatus of any suitable form as discussed above, and in more detail below. One illustrative embodiment of the apparatus is a portable navigation device. Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.

In general terms, modern PNDs comprise a processor, memory (at east one of volatile and non-volatile, and commonly both), and map data stored within said memory. The processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established.

and additionally it is commonplace for one or more additional software programs to be provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.

Typically these devices further comprise one or more input interfaces that allow a user to interact with and control the device, and one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user. Illustrative examples of output interfaces include a visual display and a speaker for audible output. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the device (which buttons need not necessarily be on the device itself but could be on a steering wheel if the device is built into a vehicle), and a microphone for detecting user speech. In a particularly preferred arrangement the output interface display may be configured as a touch sensitive display (by means of a touch sensitive overlay or otherwise) to additionally provide an input interface by means of which a user can operate the device by touch.

Devices of this type will also often include one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which power and optionally data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device, and optionally one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Wi-Fi, Wi-Max OSM and the like.

PND devices of this type also include a GPS antenna by means of which satellite-broadcast signals, including location data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current location of the device.

The PND device may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted. Typically such features are most commonly provided in in-vehicle navigation systems, but may also be provided in PND devices if it is expedient to do so.

The utility of such PNDs is manifested primarily in their ability to determine a route between a first location (typically a start or current location) and a second location (typically a destination). These locations can be input by a user of the device, by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example by postcode, street name and house number, previously stored "well known' destinations (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as sports grounds or swimming baths) or other points of interest), and favourite or recently visited destinations.

Typically, the PND is enabled by software for computing a "best" or "optimum" route between the start and destination address locations from the map data. A "best" or "optimum" route is determined on the basis of predetermined criteria and need not necessarily be the fastest or shortest route. The selection of the route along which to guide the driver can be very sophisticated, and the selected route may take into account existing, predicted and dynamically and/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about toad speeds, and the driver's own preferences for the factors determining road choice (for example the driver may specify that the route should not include motorways or toll roads).

In addition, the device may continually monitor road and traffic conditions, and offer to or choose to change the route over which the remainder of the journey is to be made due to changed conditions.

Real time traffic monitoring systems, based on various technologies (e.g. mobile phone data exchanges, fixed cameras, GPS fleet tracking) are being used to identify traffic delays and to feed the information into notification systems.

PNDs of this type may typically be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, but may also be formed as part of an on-board computer of the vehicle radio or indeed as part of the contrd system of the vehicle itself. The navigation device may also be part of a hand-held system, such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant) a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the normal functionality of the hand-held system is extended by means of the installation of software on the device to perform both route calculation and navigation along a calculated route.

Route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software. For example, routes,tomtom.com provides an on-line route planning and navigation facility, which allows a user to enter a start point and a destination whereupon the server to which the user's PC is connected calculates a route (aspects of which may be user specified). generates a map, and generates a set of exhaustive navigation instructions for guiding the user from the selected start point to the selected destination.

In the context of a PND, once a route has been calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route, optionafly from a list of proposed routes. Optionafly, the user may intervene in, or guide the route selection process, for example by specifying that certain routes, roads, locations or criteria are to be avoided or are mandatory for a particular journey. The route calculation aspect of the PND forms one primary function, and navigation along such a route is another primary function.

During navigation along a calculated route, it is usual for such PNDs to provide visual and/or audible instructions to guide the user along a chosen route to the end of that route, i.e. the desired destination. It is also usual for PNDs to display map information on-screen during the navigation, such information regularly being updated on-screen so that the map information displayed is representative of the current location of the device, and thus of the user or user's vehicle if the device is being used for in-vehicle navigation.

An icon displayed on-screen typically denotes the current device location, and is typically centred with the map information of current and surrounding roads in the vicinity of the current device location and other map features also being displayed. Additionally, navigation information may be displayed, optionally in a status bar above, below or to one side of the displayed map information, examples of navigation information include a distance to the next deviation from the currant road required to be taken by the user, the nature of that deviation possibly being represented by a further icon suggestive of the particular type of deviation, for example a left or right turn. The navigation function also determines the content, duration and timing of audible instructions by means of which the user can be guided along the route. As can be appreciated a simple instruction such as "turn left in lOOm" requires significant processing and analysis.

As previously mentioned, user interaction with the device may be by a touch screen, or additionally or alternately by steering column mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method.

A further important function provided by the device is automatic route re-calculation in the event that: a user deviates from the previously calculated route during navigation (either by accident or intentionally); real-time traffic conditions dictate that an alternative route would be more expedient and the device is suitably enabled to recognize such conditions automatically, or if a user actively causes the device to perform route re-calculation for any reason.

It is also known to allow a route to be calculated with user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer a scenic route to be calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any roads on which traffic congestion is likely, expected or currently prevailing. The device software would then calculate various routes and weigh more favourably those that include along their route the highest number of points of interest (known as POls) tagged as being for example of scenic beauty, or, using stored information indicative of prevailing traffic conditions on particular roads, order the calculated routes in terms of a level of likely congestion or delay on account thereof, Other P01-based and traffic information-based route calculation and navigation criteria are also possible.

Although the route calculation and navigation functions are fundamental to the overall utility of PNDs, it is possible to use the device purely for information display, or "free-driVing", in which only map information relevant to the current device location is displayed, and in which no route has been calculated and no navigation is currently being performed by the device. Such a mode of operation is often applicable when the user already knows the route along which it is desired to travel and does not require navigation assistance.

Devices of the type described above, for example the GO LIVE 1005 model manufactured and supplied by TomTom international By., provide a reliable means for enabling users to navigate from one position to another.

While navigation methods and apparatus previously proposed are of great utility in guiding a user along a determined route, the Applicant has reahsed that there remains scope for improvement in the way in which a user selects a destination to which they wish to be guided. Currently, selection of a destination in navigation devices is realised, for example, by entering a city, street name, postcode, and/or house number of a desired address. Categorized map data such as points of interests can also be used in selecting a destination. However, in certain situations these standard ways of selecting a destination do not give satisfactory results, and sometimes they are not useful at all. By way of example, in countries where house numbers are not available and/or not the preferred way of finding a destination and giving directions, a different approach for selecting a destination is required. The present application.

accordingly, seeks to provide improved methods and apparatus for a faster and more intuitive way of selecting destinations by interacting with an electronic map.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, wherein the navigation apparatus comprises an electronic map, the method comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of an intermediate location; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected intermediate location, said portion including said intermediate location; receiving a further input which causes the selection of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map; and calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a navigation apparatus comprising: a display for displaying information to a user and input means h inputting information to the navigation apparatus; the apparatus further comprising: means for detecting the selection, using the input means, of an intermediate location; means for accessing digital map data and, based on the selected intermediate location, causing a portion of an electronic map to be disp'aying to a user on the display, said portion including said intermediate location; means for detecting the selection, using the input means, of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map: and means for calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location.

The present invention thus also extends to a navigation apparatus arranged to carry out a method in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments. It will be appreciated that any of the method steps of the invention described herein may be carried out by the navigation apparatus, and the method may comprise causing the navigation apparatus to carry out any of the steps described. The apparatus may comprise a set of one or more processors arranged to carry out any or all of the steps mentioned. Any step may be carried out by any one of the processors, or by multiple processors. Different steps may be carried out by the same or different sets of processors.

The present invention further extends to a computer program prDduct comprising computer readable instructions executable to perform a method in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments.

As will be seen, the invention relates to using an initial input from a user on a navigation device.

e.g. a selection of an area, a point of interest (PCI) or other point location, on an electronic map (as will be discussed in more detail below), to display a portion of an electronic map on the navigation device.

This portion of the electronic map, which includes the location selected by the user, and which is typically a more detailed view of a smaller geographic area than that previously seen by the user, is utilised by the user in selecting a final destination location. A route is then calculated by the navigation apparatus to the destination location from the current location of the apparatus or from any other origin desired by the user, and, for example, suitable navigation instructions provided to the user based on the determined route.

Accordingly, unlike in conventional navigation systems where a user is required to input a desired destination essentially in a single step, the present invention allows the user to enter a more general destination and then refine their choice using a map of this general destination. Selecting a destination in this manner had numerous advantages, particularly in countries, such as India, China, Mexico and South America, where, for example, buildings often do not have numbers associated with them and navigation is typically performed in relation to important landmarks within an area, e.g. markets, major road intersections, river crossings, well known buildings, etc. In other words, the method of the present invention allows a user to select a destination in a stapwise manner such that the user can browse the map down to a destination area, and select a point within the area as a destination to which a route is to be calculated.

The present invention accordingly involves an input being made, e.g. by a user, to the navigation apparatus using suitable input means which causes selection of an intermediate location. As will be discussed in more detail below, the term "intermediate location" is used herein to refer to any location that is used to subsequently arrive ata final, different, location or destination. The intermediate location can for example be an area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (P01), landmark, road crossing, etc). It will therefore be appreciated that the term "location" in the context of this invention refers to any one of a point feature, a linear feature or a map area feature for which a set of corresponding map data is stored in storage means of a navigation apparatus.

The input causing the selection of an intermediate location can be made in any suitable and desired manner. For example, the input or selection of a location can comprise typing information, e.g. one or more alphanumeric characters, representative of the location into the navigation apparatus. The information can be. for example, a city name, street name, postcode, house number or landmark or P01 name (or a portion thereof, such as the beginning portion of a city name, street name, postcode, house number or landmark or P01 name). Inputting alphanumeric characters to cause the selection of an intermediate location can be made, for example, by means of any real or virtual buttons! or real or virtual keyboards, external to or integrated with a navigation apparatus. Similarly! and in embodiments where the navigation apparatus comprises a touchscreen, touching and/or tapping on the screen can be used as a means of input, either alone or in combination with other means for input. The input means on the touchscreen can be, for example, a name, position, or icon on the map or any user interface screen.

Thus, in the present invention, the user may input a character or string of characters using any combination of real or virtual buttons! icons! etc! which are representative of: a type of map feature, street name, P01 name, area name, house number or the like. The user may alternatively or additionally cause the selection of the intermediate location by selecting a portion of an electronic map! e.g. where the navigation apparatus comprises a touchacreen by touching a certain area of the screen representative of a desired point or area.

In an embodiment, wherein the intermediate location is selected by touching or choosing an area of a displayed electronic map, the electronic map is preferably divided into a plurality of regions or map areas. The map areas can be predefined based, for example, on natural or geographic borders. in other words, the map areas can be representative of continents! countries, states, provinces, cities! localities or the like, Alternatively, the map areas can be defined based on map features, e.g. landmarks, cities, points of interest! etc, such that there is a particular type of map feature in each region (e.g. using Voronoi tessellation techniques). For example! a map containing a group of landmarks can be divided into regions such that each region contains one or more! but preferably only one, of the landmarks. Each region can therefore be said to be representative of the landmark within the region. It will be appreciated! however, that if a region contains two or more landmarks (or other similar map features) in close vicinity to each other, then a region may be defined such that the region is representative of the two or more landmarks within the region. In such embodiments, the map features used to divide the map into regions can be individually selected, e.g. by a user, or can be selected based on matching one or more criteria, e.g. entered by a user. For example! a user may input one or more alphanumeric characters that are used to filter features of the electronic map! and the regions are defined such that each region includes at least one, and preferably only one! of the filtered map features. In such embodiments, regions can be defined and displayed to a user concurrently with the input or selection of the filter parameters, thereby improving the user experience when selecting a desired region, i.e. the intermediate location.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment! the step of receiving an input which causes selection of an intermediate location comprises: receiving an input indicating at least one map feature; displaying the map divided into regions in accordance with map features matching the input; and receiving a selection of one of the regions. The selected region or a point within the selected region can form the intermediate location as desired.

Once a intermediate location has been selected, a portion of an electronic map is! preferably automatically! displayed to the user on the display. The portion of the electronic map displayed is based on the intermediate location, and includes the intermediate location. As will be appreciated, the portion of the electronic map should be understood as representing a part of the electronic map stored on the navigation apparatus or that is available for use by the user. Typically, the map portion will be of a lamer scale or higher zoom level that a map previously viewable by the user.

The portion of the electronic map displayed to the user is dependent on the type of the selected intermediate location. For example, the map portion can be a map of the selected intermediate location (e.g. when the intermediate location is a region), or the map porlion can be a map displaying the selected intermediate location with its surroundings (e.g. when the intermediate location is a linear or point map feature). Thus, in an embodiment, the map portion will comprise an area, such as a 1km by 1km area, centred around a point map feature, e.g. P01 or landmark, selected by a user.

The portion of the electronic map can be displayed to the user in any suitable form, e.g. as a two or three dimensional representation. The navigation device may also further comprise means for switching between two dimensional and three dimensional map representations, e.g. based on an input from a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the steps of receiving an input which causes selection of an intermediate location and displaying a portion of the map based on the selected intermediate location are repeated twice or more. In some embodiments, a map is displayed for and after every intermediate location is selected, such that further repeating of these steps yield a larger scale and/or more detailed map when compared to the previously displayed map.

Accordingly, the user can browse down in a map from a level of zoom or detail covering a relatively larger area to a level of zoom or detail covering a relatively smaller area. In other words, a user can search the electronic map on the navigation apparatus down to a desired zoom level or scale by making consecutive selections of intermediate locations. After each selection of a new intermediate location, the user is provided with a smaller and/or more detailed portion of the previously displayed map.

This allows the user to access a sufkiently detailed map and select a destination even when they do not know the address details of the destination but only have a rough idea, for instance with reference to a nearby location. Hence, according to this embodiment, the steps of selecting an intermediate location and displaying a more detailed and/or smaller portion of the map corresponding to the most recent selection are repeated more than once for a series of intermediate locations, until the user wants to make a selection of a destination location with the help of the latest portion of the map displayed.

In embodiments where multiple intermediate locations are selected by a user, the intermediate locations and selection methods can be any combination of the methods and types discussed above. For example, a user may input one or more alphanumeric characters to identify a first intermediate location and a subsequent intermediate location is selected by touching an appropriate region of the displayed map portion.

In the present invention, a further input is received on the navigation apparatus that causes the selection of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map. As will be appreciated, in embodiments in which multiple intermediate locations have been selected and thus multiple map portions displayed, the selection of the destination location is made in respect of the last displayed map portion (e.g. the largest scale or most detailed map portion).

The destination location once selected, ora point associated therewith, is then used in a route calculation algorithm to determine a navigable route from an origin, e.g. the current position of the navigation apparatus, to the selected point. In other words, a "destination location' can be distinguished from an "intermediate location in that the destination location is used to determine the destination point used in the route calculation algorithm, whereas the intermediate location is not used in the route calculation algorithm but in the selection of a further location (i.e. either another intermediate location or the destination location).

The destination location, as described above in connection with the intermediate location, can be an area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (P01), landmark, road crossing, etc).

Similarly, the destination location can be selected by the user in any suitable and desired manner, e.g. using one or more of the techniques described above in relation to selecting an intermediate location using an electronic map. For example, in embodiments where the navigation apparatus has a touchsoreen, the user may touch the part of the touchscreen associated with the desired destination location.

The displayed portion of the electronic map that is used in the selection of the destination location may be a static map. Alternatively, the displayed map portion may be modified, e.g. by being panned or zoomed. The term "panning herein takes on its usual meaning, and refers to shifting or translation of the displayed map up, down, sideways or along another line.

For example, in many embodiments, the destination location is chosen by selecting a desired point or region on the initially displayed portion of the electronic map (that is generated in view of the or the last selected intermediate location). For example, in a preferred embodiment, a user touches or selects a point on the displayed map portion to choose the selected point as the destination location. In such embodiment, the displayed map portion may be static or variable.

It is also contemplated, however, that the destination location is chosen by selecting a desired point or region using the displayed portion of the electronic map. In other words, the step of selecting a destination location may involve the user first manipulating the displayed portion of the electronic map, e.g. panning and/or zooming, and then selecting a desired point or region on the manipulated, e.g. moved and/or enlarged, displayed portion of the electronic map. In such embodiments, the input means of the navigation apparatus, e.g. touchscreen, one or more real and/or virtual buttons, icons, etc, is preferably configured to allow a user to pan and/or zoom the displayed portion of the electronic map. This allows a user to manipulate the displayed map portion as desired such that a suitable destination location can be selected. For example, the or each intermediate location selected by a user may be associated with a particular zoom level, degree of detail or area in the map portion to be displayed on the navigation apparatus. A user wishing to select a destination location at an intermediate zoom level or in a region outside that currently shown can do so by panning or zooming the displayed map portion as necessary.

(As will be appreciated, the actions of manipulating a displayed digital map by "panning" and "zooming" do not directly result in a location being selected. and are thus different from, for example, a zooming action that is caused by selecting an intermediate location to display a larger scale version of a previously displayed map portion.) As discussed above, once the destination location has been selected, a point associated with the destination location, which is referred to herein as the "destination point", is used in a route calculation algodthm. The route may be calculated automaticafly, e.g. by the navigation apparatus, and, for example, may take into account user specified criteria, historical traffic data, live traffic data and/or predicted traffic data.

The destination point can be automatically determined once the destination location has been selected.

Alternatively, the destination point can be determined only after a further input, e.g. from the user using the input means, is provided to the navigation apparatus that a route is to be calculated. The input to begin a route calculation can be of any suitable and desired form. For example, the input may involve touching or pressing a real or virtual button or icon. Alternatively, a characteristic of the input used to select the destination location can be used to infer that this input should cause the destination point to be determined and a route calculated, The characteristic can be, for example: the number of touches on the portion of the displayed map portion representative of the destination location (e.g. two or more touches within a certain time period); the duration of the touch on the portion of the displayed map portion representative of the destination location (e.g. a touch of a first duration represents the selection of a destination location, whereas a touch of a second, longer duration will also result in the destination point being determined and a route calculated).

In an embodiment of the invention, the destination location itsef can be used as the destination point, e.g. when the destination location is a point location, such as a P01, landmark, etc. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the destination point is a point associated with or derived from the destination location. For example, if the destination location is a linear map feature, such as a street, then a point associated with the linear map feature is preferably used as the destination point, e.g. the midpoint of the street or the point on the street closest to the current position of the navigation apparatus. Similarly, if the destination location is an area, such as a city, then a point associated with the area is preferably used as the destination point, e.g. the city centre or the point on the city boundary closest to the current position of the navigation apparatus.

A destination location may have only one associated destination point, e.g. a city will have associated city centre that is used as the destination point.

In other embodiments, a destination location may have a plurality of associated destination points, and, for example, a further input, e.g. from a user, is required to select a desired destination point from the plurality of options. For example, a destination location can be associated with a plurality of map features, such as a P01, landmark, street, junction or the like, that are within a certain area around the destination location (when the destination location is a point or linear map feature) or within the destination location (when the destination location is an area of the map). In other words, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the associated destination points represent POls, landmarks, etc that are nearby or within a selected destination location.

The plurality of destination points can be displayed to the user on the display of the navigation apparatus in list or on the displayed portion of the electronic point (e.g. at positions corresponding to their real positions). In some embodiments, the distance to each of the listed destination points to the current position of the navigation apparatus is also displayed.

The plurality of destination points may be limited to a certain threshold number, which may be predefined or selected by a user, with, for example, only the closest destination points to the current position of the navigation apparatus or the highest user-rated points being shown. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the closest twelve map features to the destination location may be listed or displayed. The threshold number may be fixed, or in some embodiments can be varied by the user.

For example, the user may wish to increase the number of destination points associated with the destination location, e.g. by increasing the size of the area around the destination location (when the destination location is a point or linear map feature).

Accordingly, in embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: receiving a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the destination location; displaying the one or more map features on the navigation apparatus in response to said request and receiving a further input which causes the selecton of one of the displayed map features. The selected map feature, in such embodiments, is used as the destination paint when calculating a route.

It has been recognised by the Applicant, albeit in less preferred embodiments of the invention, that the concept of displaying or listing a plurality of destination points could be utilised with an intermediate location, i.e. instead of in relation to a destination location. For example, a user may select an intermediate location thereby causing a portion of the electronic map to be displayed, and immediately request that a plurality of destination points associated with the intermediate location to be displayed.

Thus, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for s&ecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, wherein the navigation apparatus comprises an electronic map, the method comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of a location; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected location, wherein said portion includes said location; receiving a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the selected location; displaying the one or more map features on the navigation apparatus in response to said request; receiving a further input which causes the selection of one of the displayed map features; and calculating a route from a start point to the selected map feature.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a navigation apparatus comprising: a display for displaying information to a user; and input means for inputting information to the navigation apparatus; the apparatus further comprising: means for detecting the selection of a location using the input means; means for accessing digital map data and, based on the selected location, causing a portion of an electronic map to be displaying to a user on the display, said portion including said location; means for detecting a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the selected location using the input means and, in response to said request, causing the one or more map features to be displayed on the display; means for detecting the selection of one of the displayed map features using the input means; and means for calculating a route from a start point to the selected map feature.

The present invention in accordance with these further aspects may include any or all of the features described in relation to other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not inconsistent therewith.

For example, the location can be, for example, area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (P01), landmark, road crossing, etc). Similarly, the input causing the selection of a location can comprise typing information representative of the location into the navigation apparatus and/or touching a portion of the touchscreen associated with the location.

Similarly, the plurality of map features can be displayed to the user on the display of the navigation apparatus in list or on the displayed portion of the electronic map (e.g. at positions corresponding to their real positions).

The methods of the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments may further comprise the step of providing navigation instructions to guide a user along the calculated route. Thus the invention may comprise navigation along a determined route. References to "travel along a route" herein refer to any time during which travel occurs with the aim of moving from an origin to a destination taking into account of or, preferably, following the determined route. For example, there may be periods of deliberate or unintentional deviations from the determined route.

Although it is primarily envisaged in the present invention that the destination point selected by a user, and to which a route is calculated, is their final desired destination, it is also contemplated that the user may first choose and travel to a location in the vicinity of their desired final destination (i.e. an approximate destination), and then choose and travel to a second destination closer to their desired final destination, and so on as necessary until they finally reach their desired destination. For example, a user may select a region as their destination location and begin travelling to the destination point associated with that region. When having reached the destination point, or at a certain point before reaching the destination point, referred to hereafter as the "first destination point", the user may select a new destination location, e.g. based on new information obtained whilst travelling to the first destination point, and then travel to the destination point associated with this new location, i.e. a "second destination point".

The new information might be obtained fron road signage, by asking locals for directions, or the like.

Accordingly, in such embodiments, one or more intermediate points on the calculated route between the start point and the destination point may be stored on the navigation device, and preferably a warning is output by the navigation device when one of these intermediate points is reached.

Alternatively, a warning may be output when the navigation device is determined to be a certain distance or time from the destination point. The warning may be in the form of one or more of an audio, visual or haptic alert, and the navigation apparatus is provided with means for generating and outputting such a warning. The user is therefore reminded to decide or ask for their next destination area and/or point as there are close to or have arrived at their previous destination area and/or point.

The principles of the present invention are applicable to any form of navigation apparatus. In accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention the apparatus comprises a display for displaying a digital map to a user and a processor configured to access digital map data and cause a digal map to be displayed to a user via the display. The apparatus further comprises a user interface operable by a user to enable the user to interact with the apparatus.

One particular area of utility is in relation to portable navigation devices (PNDs). In embodiments, therefore, the navigation apparatus is an apparatus of a portable navigation device (PND). in accordance with a further aspect, the navigation apparatus referred to in the aspects and embodiments of the invention above is a portable navigation device.

The invention is also applicable to navigation apparatus which is provided as part of an integrated navigation system. For example, the apparatus may form part of an in-vehicle integrated navigation system.

Regardless of its implementation, as discussed above a navigation apparatus used in accordance with the present invention may comprise a processor and memory. Digital map data accessed and used by the digital map data may be obtained from any source or sources, local or remote, accessible to the navigation apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, however, the digital map data is stored within said memory of the navigation apparatus. The processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established. One or more additional software programs may be provided to enable the functionality of the apparatus to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.

A navigation apparatus of the invention may preferably include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality for determining the current location of the navigation apparatus using satellite-broadcast signals. The apparatus may comprise one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user. The output interface(s) may include a speaker for audible output in addition to the visual display. The apparatus may comprise input interfaces including one or more physical buttons to control onfoff operation or other features of the apparatus.

In other embodiments, the navigation apparatus may be implemented by means of an application of a processing device which does not form part of a specific navigation device. For example the invention may be implemented using a suitable computer system arranged to execute navigation software. The system may be a mobile or portable computer system, e.g. a mobile telephone or laptop, or may be a desktop system.

The present invention extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable to perform a method according to any of the aspects and embodiments of the invention, or to cause a navigation apparatus to perform such methods.

The present invention extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable when run on a navigation apparatus in accordance with any of the embodiments of the invention to cause a set of one or more processors of the navigation apparatus to perform the steps of a method according to any of the aspects or embodiments described above.

It will be appreciated that any of the further aspects of the invention may include any or alt of the features of the invention described in relation to any other aspects and embodiments of the invention to the extent they are not mutually inconsistent therewith, Although the present invention has been described in respect of selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, e.g. a processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning and navigation functionality, and includes a step of calculating a route to the selected destination, it is also contemplated that similar methods and techniques could be utilised to search for specific places, points of interest, etc within a digital map. In other words, instead of calculating a route to a selected location, in such embodiments, a different action is performed such as returning or displaying information concerning the selected location to a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa schematic illustration of a Global Positioning System (GPS); Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of electronic components arranged to provide a navigation device; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which a navigation device may receive information over a wireless communication channel; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a navigation device; Figure 6 is an exemplary screen for inputting a desired intermediate location according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a map portion displayed to a user once an intermediate location is selected on the screen of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows the displayed map portion of Figure 6, but where the user has selected a different location; Figure 8 shows the displayed map portion of Figure 6, together with details of the selected location; Figure 9 shows a list of destination points displayed to a user when the "What's nearby icon in Figure 8 has been selected; Figure 10 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a map portion displayed to the user based on the information input in Figure 10; Figure 12 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figures 13 to 15 show map portions displayed to the user based on the information input in Figures 12 to 14, respectively; and Figure 16 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. It should be remembered, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs but are instead universally applicable to any type of processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning and navigation functionality. It follows therefore that in the context of the present application, a navigation device is intended to include (without limitation) any type of route planning and navigation device, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into a vehicle, or indeed a computing resource (such as a desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile telephone or portable digital assistant (POA)) executing route planning and navigation software.

Figure 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices. Such systems are known and are used for a variety of purposes. In general. GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users. Formerly known as NAVSTAR, the OPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.

The GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for OPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a OPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.

As shown in Figure 1, the GPS system is denoted generally by reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 102 are in orbit about the earth 104. The orbit of each satellite 102 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 102 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. A GPS receiver 106 is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 108 from the various satellites 102.

The spread spectrum signals 108, continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 102, as part of its data signal transmission 108, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 102. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the GPS receiver device 106 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 108 from at least three satellites 102 for the GPS receiver device 10 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 108 from a total of four satellites 102, permits the GPS receiver device 106 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner, Figure 2 is an illustrative representation of electronic components of a navigation device 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.

The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 202 connected to an input device 204 and a display screen 206. The input device 204 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information: and the display screen 206 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In a particularly preferred arrangement the input device 204 and display screen 206 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input so that a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 206 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.

The navigation device 200 may include an output device 208, for example an audible output device (e.g. a loudspeaker). As output device 208 can produce audible information for a user of the navigation device 200, it is should equally be understood that input device 204 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.

In the navigation device 200, processor 202 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 204 via a connection 210, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 206 and output device 208, via output connections 212, to output information thereto.

Further, the processor 202 is operably coupled to a memory resource 214 via connection 216 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to inputloutput (I/O) ports 218 via connection 220, wherein the I/O port 218 is connectible to an I/O device 222 external to the navigation device 200. The memory resource 214 comprises, for example, a volatile memory, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory, for example a digital memory, such as a flash memory. The external I/O device 222 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device such as an earpiece for example. The connection to I/O device 222 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some other network for example.

Figure 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 202 and an antenna/receiver 224 via connection 226, wherein the antenna/receiver 224 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 224 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a OPS patch antenna or helical antenna for

example.

Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in Figure 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by one 0f ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in Figure 2 are considered to be within the scope of the present application. For example, the components shown in Figure 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like.

Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.

In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Figure 2 can be connected or "docked" in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorbike. a car or a boat for example.

Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handhelcl navigation use. As an example, Figure 4 shows a navigation device 200 that may sit on an arm 252, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard, window, etc using a suction cup 254. This arni 252 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked. The navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to the arm 252 of the dDcking station by snap connecting the navigation device to the arm, for example. To release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example. Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation device to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring now to Figure 3, the navigation device 200 may establish a "mobile or telecommunications network connection with a server 302 via a mobile device (not shown) (such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology) establishing a digital connection (such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the mobile device can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a mobile network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a "real-time" or at least very up to date gateway for information, The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using an internet (such as the World Wide Web) for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as COMA, GSM, WAN, etc. As such, an internet connection may be utilised which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established.

This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)-connection (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; (3PRS is a method to connect to the internet).

The navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the internet and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the OSM standard, for example.

The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, or optionally using the internal antenna of the navigation device 200). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card (e.g. Subscriber Identity Module or SIM card), complete with necessary mobile phone technology end/or an antenna for example.

As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device.

For GPRS phone settings, a Bluetooth enabled navigation device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc; model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200, for example. The data stored for this information can be updated.

in Figure 3 the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 302 via a generic communications channel 318 that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc).

The server 302 includes1 in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connecbon 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The processor 304 is further operauvely connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200, Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver.

Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302.

The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes processor, memory, etc as previously described with regard to Figure 2. as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.

Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. Another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.

The communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. Both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.

The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology.

Additionally, the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore. the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmifters, and receivers, for example.

JO In one illustrative arrangement, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication. etc. Additionally.

the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication.

The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to. signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology. For example, the signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication technology such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (COMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.

The server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel, The server 302 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc. The server 302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet.

The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting navigation device to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.

The present invention provides improved techniques for selecting a destination on an electronic map for navigation purposes. The method allows a user to select a destination on a navigation apparatus, such as the navigation device 200 described above, in a stepwise manner such that the user can browse the map down to a desired destination location, upon which a route is calculated to a point associated with said destination location.

A first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 toB. in this embodiment, the electronic map comprises a database of point address data. Whereas typically each point address in an electronic map comprises an address number, a street name and a geographical region; thereby allowing a user to find and select a desired point destination by entering a building number, street name and city (or other geographical region), such a map format becomes substantially less useful in countries where buildings are often not numbered, such as Japan, India, Turkey, etc. Accordingly, in this embodiment, whilst the electronic map continues to comprise a database of point address data, the point addresses preferably now comprise: a building/house number, a street name and a city/region; or a first street name, a second street name (crossing the first) and a city/region. The point addresses may also represent named nodes, such as landmarks, points of interest (POls), market places, etc. end wherein the point address comprises a node name and a city/region.

When a user, in this embodiment, wishes to input a destination into the navigation device, he or she is first taken to a screen on the navigation device 200 having a virtual keyboard 400 on which they enter the name of the locality, city or postcode of their desired destination. The user is next taken to a screen. as shown in FigureS, where they enter the name of either a landmark or street 404 using the virtual keyboard 400, and are shown a list of streets or landmarks 402 (in the locality or city matching the term entered on the previous screen) that begin or include the entered name. For example, and as shown in FigureS, the user enters the phrase "Mutha 1" (in Puna, India), and is shown two possible selectable landmarks: "Mutha Tower' and Mutha Apartment".

In the illustrated example where the user enters and selects a landmark, the next screen displayed on the device 200 is a portion of the electronic map centred at the point address 406 associated with the selected landmark. For example, the map may show a 1km by 1km area around the landmark. This is shown in FigureS, where the user has selected the landmark Mutha Tower from the displayed list. The point address 406 in this context would be an "intermediate location".

Alternatively, if the user enters the name of a street in the screen shown in Figure 5, a determination is made by the navigation device 200 if there are any house numbers available for the selected street. If house numbers are available, then the user is shown a screen where they can enter a desired house number. However, if there are no house numbers available, the user is shown a screen (similar to that of Figure5) where they can again enter the name of a landmark or street/crossroad (as the street must cross the previously selected street). Once a house number of landmark/crossroad is selected, and thus sufficient information has been input to identify a point address in the electronic map, then the next screen displayed on the device 200 is a portion of the electronic map centred at the point address.

As shown in Figure 6, the displayed map portion also shows any landmarks 408 or POls 410, e.g. restaurants, shops, etc, in the vicinity of the selected intermediate location 406. The user can also pan the map, e.g. by dragging a finger across the screen, and/or zoom the map, e.g. by using the slider icon 412, to show adjacent areas of the map.

-20 -The user can select another landmark, P01 or Street on the displayed map portion as desired, e.g. by tapping the screen at an appropriate location. For example, in Figure 7, the user has selected a new position on the map-shown by the pushpin 414-which in this instance is a new position to the west of the Mutha Tower along the Don Bosco Road. When a new position is selected, an information panel can be displayed on the screen showing the selected street, landmark, or P01 name, and if applicable the P01 category, e.g. in a similar way to panel 420 in Figure 8. The distance between the selected intermediate location and the new position, or the distance from an origin/current location of the navigation device 200 to the new position, can also be shown in or along with the panel 420.

In relation to the intermediate location 406 or a subsequently position 414 selected by the user, a panel 420 (see Figure 8) can be shown giving the user the option to touch an icon named "What's nearby". When this function is selected, a list of landmarks, streets and POIs 422 within the vicinity of the currently selected position is shown to the user. Any number of map features can be included in the list, although in a preferred example the twelve (12) nearest streets, P01 and landmarks are displayed. An exemplary screen showing such a list can be seen in Figure 9. The list may also include the distance from the selected position to each of the named map features in the list. If a user selects one of the named map features, he or she is returned to the map screen, e.g. that of Figure 6, but with the map now being centred on the position of the selected map feature.

Once the user is satisfied with a selected position on the map, e.g. the position 406 of Figure 6, the position 414 of Figure? or a position selected using the sWhats nearby" function, they can touch the Done" icon 409 on the bottom of the screen (as shown in Figures Band 7) and the point address associated with the position is selected as the destination. A route from an origin position, which can be the current position of the navigation device 200, to the destination is subsequently calculated, and navigation instructions given to the user to direct them to the destination.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in relation to Figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the user is presented with a screen having virtual keyboard 500, and on which a desired destination region 502 can be input, e.g. a city or postal area. As the user types the name of their destination, a list of cities or areas 504 beginning with the input alphanumeric characters is shown to the user. This list is continually refreshed as the user continues to type new characters in the search box 502. In the specific example shown in Figure 10, the user has entered the search term "80" into the box 502 (which is configured to search cities in Germany) leading to the search results "Bobeck" and "Bobing".

Based on the returned search results, a map is displayed to the user in which the search results are shown in their appropriate geographic location. For example, and as shown in Figure 11, a map 505 of Germany is displayed showing only cities starting with the characters "Do".

Individual areas are defined around each of the cities to create a selectable areas. These areas could be defined using any suitable techniques. For example, the areas could be defined by official country, state, etc borders. Preferably, however, and as is the case in the example shown in Figure 11, the areas are delined by Voronoi cells. As known in the art, a Voronoi cell associated with a particular location, e.g. the city shown by point 506, consists of all points closer to that location than to any of the other locations in the area, e.g. the other displayed cities in Germany.

A user can then select one of the defined areas, e.g. by tapping the screen within the area, and is taken to a subsequent screen (not shown) displaying a portion of the electronic map, e.g. including the city within the selected area and its surrounding region. This screen could, for example, be similar to that of Figure 6. The user can use this screen to select a final destination, e.g. as discussed above in relation to the first embodiment. As will be appreciated, selecting a defined area in this manner means that a user no longer needs to manually zoom the map to a desired level of detail, A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described using Figures 12 to 15. In this embodiment, which again allows the user to select a search for a destination may selecting a series of defined areas. For example, and as shown in Figure 12, a user is firstly shown a map of Europe on the navigation device 200, wherein each country can be individually selected by tapping the screen at the appropriate position, In the specific example, the user selects the region 600 indicative of Germany.

Once a country is selected, and as shown in Figure 13, the map is automatically panned and zoomed to show only the selected country on the screen. The country is again divided into individually selectable areas representing the counties or states, and the user can select the appropriate area containing their desired destination. For example, in the specific example shown in Figure 13, the user selects the Hessen area 602 of Germany.

The map is again automatically zoomed and panned based on the selection made by the user, e.g. as shown in Figure 14. In this instance, the selected region is shown to the user with the main cities being highlighted and individual areas are defined around each city. e.g. as discussed above in relation to Figure II. The user then selects one of the defined areas, e.g. by tapping the screen within the area, and is taken to a subsequent screen, e.g. as shown in Figure 15, displaying a portion of the electronic map, e.g. including the city within the selected area and its surrounding region. In this instance, the user has selected the area 604 containing the city Darmstadt. The user can use this screen to select a final destination, e.g. as discussed above in relation to the first embodiment.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described using Figure 16. In this embodiment a user has selected the city of Paris as a destination city, e.g. using any suitable method, such as one of those described above. A map of Paris is displayed to the user showing landmarks, major tourist attracUons or the like within the city. For example, the P01 marked as 2' represents the location of the Eiffel Tower. Individual areas 700 are defined around each of the landmarks, e.g. using the Voronoi techniques detailed above, and displayed to the user. The user, by tapping one of the areas, selects this area and the associated landmark is used as the final point address to which a route is to be calculated. Although not shown, it is contemplated that each of the areas (or at least all neighbouring areas) could be coloured differently or be have different levels of transparency to make it easier for a user to select a desired area.

In each of the above embodiments of the invention, the point address to which a route is calculated will typically be the user's final destination. However, in other embodiments, it is also contemplated that the user may ask for a route to be calculated to a point address associated with a region, and then select a refined destination once have reached or be in the vicinity of the original destination. To facilitate this type of travel, where the user travels first to an approximate location before selecting a final precise location, e.g. because they have asked a local about the actual location of their -22 -desired destination, the navigation device 200 can issue a warning, e.g. a visuaL audio and/or haptic alert, to let them know they are nearing their destination.

In summary, an exemplary case of selecting a destination can be as follows: -The user either does not know the exact address of his destination but vaguely knows a P01 nearby the address; or he does not have an exact destination in mind but wants to go to the vicinity of the P01, e.g. for sightseeing.

-They first select a city either by typing the name of the city or tapping on a position corresponding to said city on the map displayed on the touchscreen of his navigation apparatus.

-Upon selection of the city, they are provided with a map of the city. The selected city, in this case, is the destination location and the city map includes POls located in the city for selecting the destination location.

-Finally, the user, by tapping on a point on the map (e.g. the P01 he had in mind), can select this point as the destination location and a route from his current location to the selected point is calculated.

Another exemplary case of selecting a destination can be as follows: -To start, the user is presented with a map on a high zoom level, wherein country borders are highlighted and clearly defined.

-Once the user selects a country of interest, they are led to a map with a zoom level such that the selected country is shown with borders of all contained cities.

-The interaction continues going down one level as the user selects further desired areas down to the street level, where the user can select a location as the destination location.

-Once the destination location is selected in line with any one of the embodiments of the method as described above, a route is calculated from user's current location to the selected address (i.e. the destination location or a point associated with the destination location).

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, whilst embodiments described in the foregoing detailed description refer to OPS, it should be noted that the navigation apparatus may utilise any kind of position sensing technology as an alternative to, or indeed in addition to, GPS. For example, the navigation apparatus may utilise other global navigation satellite systems, such as the European Galileo system. Equally, it is not limited to satellite-based systems, but could readily function using ground-based beacons or other kind of system that enables the device to determine its geographic location.

It will also be well understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that whilst the preferred embodiment may implement certain functionality by means of software, that functionality could equally be implemented solely in hardware (for example by means of one or more SlOe (application specific integrated circuit)) or indeed by a mix of hardware and software.

Lastly, it should be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations -23 -hereafter claims, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features or embodiments herein disclosed irrespective of whether or not that particular combination has been specifically enumerated in the accompanying claims at this time.

Claims

<claim-text>-24 -CLAIMS: 1. A method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, wherein the navigation apparatus comprises an electronic map, the method comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of an intermediate boston; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected intermediate location, said portion including said intermediate location; receiving a further input which causes the selection of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map; and JO calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of: receiving an input which causes the selection of an intermediate location; and displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected intermediate location, are repeated twice or more.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of receiving an input which causes the selection of an intermediate location comprises at Feast one of: (F) typing one or more alphanumeric characters into the navigation apparatus: wherein the characters are representative of intermediate location to be selected; and (ii) touching or tapping an area on a touchscreen of the navigation apparatus, wherein said area is associated with the intermediate location to be selected.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the displayed portion of the map is divided into a plurality of selectable regions, optionally separated by visible borders.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of selectable regions are created based on an input received from a user indicative of at least one map feature: such that each region contains a map feature corresponding to the input.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of receiving a further input which causes the selection of a destination location comprises touching or tapping an area on a touchscreen of the navigation apparatus, wherein said area is representative of a desired destination.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the selected destination location corresponds to a destination point or has a single associated destination point, the step of calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location comprising: calculating a route from a start point to the destination point.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The method according to any one of claims Ito 6, wherein the selected destination location has a plurality of associated destination points, and the method further comprises: -25 -receiving a request to display one or more map features within a vicinfty of the destination ocation, each map feature corresponding to a destination point; displaying the one or more map features on the navigation apparatus in response to said request; and receiving a further input which causes the selection of one of the displayed map features, the step of calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location comprising: calculating a route from a start point to the destination point corresponding to the selected map feature.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, wherein the navigation apparatus comprises an electronic map, the method comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of a location; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected location, wherein said portion includes said location; receiving a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the selected location; displaying the one or more map features on the navigation apparatus in response to said request; receiving a further input which causes the selection of one of the displayed map features; and calculating a route from a start point to the selected map feature.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. The method according to claimS or 9, wherein the one or more map features are selected from the group consisting of: (i) points of interest (POls); (ii) landmarks; (Hi) streets; and (iv) crossings or junctions.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. The method according to any one of claims B to 10, wherein the one or more map features are displayed to the user on the display of the navigation apparatus in a list.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: providing navigation instructions to guide a user along the calculated route.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A navigation apparatus arranged to perform the method of any one of the preceding claims.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A navigation apparatus comprising: a display for displaying information to a user and input means for inputting information to the navigation apparatus; the apparatus further comprising: means for detecting the selection, using the input means, of an intermediate location; means for accessing digital map data and, based on the selected intermediate location, causing a portion of an electronic map to be displaying to a user on the display, said portion including said intermediate location; -26 -means for detecting the selection, using the input means, of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map; and means for calculating a route from a start point to a point associated with the selected destination location.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A navigation apparatus comprising: a display for displaying information to a user and input means for inputting information to the navigation apparatus; the apparatus further comprising: means for detecting the selection of a location using the input means; means for accessing digital map data and, based on the selected location, causing a portion of an electronic map to be displaying to a user on the display, said portion including said location; means for detecting a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the selected location using the input means and, in response to said request, causing the one or more map features to be displayed on the display; means for detecting the selection of one of the displayed map features using the input means; and means for calculating a route from a start point to the selected map feature.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. The navigation apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: the navigation apparatus is a portable navigation device (PND); or the navigation apparatus is configured to or forms part of an integrated navigation system.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 when said program is run on a computer.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A computer program as claimed in claim 17 embodied on a computer readable medium.</claim-text>