TW200930982A - Improved navigation device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of operating a portable navigation device (PND) or navigation system is described, together, with a computer program and a PND and navigation system. The method includes the steps of providing a means by which a specific premises, location or location range, being identifiable with reference to map data locally stored in the device or system and optionally being or including the current location, can be at least temporarily stored in memory. The method is characterized by the further steps of presenting to the user at least one user-selectable option by means of which qualitative information pertaining to the said premises, location or range can be entered locally in the device or system, the selection of said option resulting in the immediate or subsequent recordal and storage of both the qualitative information and an association thereof with the identified premises, location or range, such being primary information, and further characterized in that the primary information is subsequently transmitted to a remote device, either wirelessly or over a physical connection between the navigation device or system and the remote device. Preferably, the qualitative information includes some form of rating indication over an integer scale, and optionally the method may include provision for entry and recordal of secondary information in the form of alphanumeric or verbal description capable of being locally entered in and stored by the device or system.

Description

200930982 IX. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved navigation apparatus and method. [Prior Art] A portable navigation device (pND) including a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiving and processing component is well known and widely used as an in-vehicle navigation system. 1 In essence, a modern PND includes: - a processing , © memory (at least - of the volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and usually both), - map data stored in the memory, • a software operating system and (as appropriate) Executing one or more additional programs thereon for controlling the functionality of the device and providing various features, a GPS antenna by which the satellite broadcast nickname including the location data can be received and the signals are processed therewith Determining the current position of the device, (depending on the condition) an electronic gyroscope (gyr〇sc〇pe) and an accelerometer, which can be processed to determine the current angular acceleration and linear acceleration, and in addition, The position information of the Gps signal is derived from the speed and relative displacement of the device and the vehicle in which the device is mounted. • Input and output components, examples include a visual display (which can be a touch Inductive display to allow user input), one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the device, a speaker for voice output, 127912.doc 200930982 - (as appropriate) one or more entities a connector by which the power and optionally - or multiple data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device and/or one or more data signals as appropriate, and - (as appropriate) One or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over mobile telecommunications and other signal and data networks (eg, Wi_Fi, Wi_Max GSM, etc.). The utility of the participating PND is primarily manifested in its ability to determine the route between the starting location or the current location/destination, and the destination can be entered by a wide variety of different methods by the user of the computing device (eg, by postal code, street Name and number) 'and can be stored in a well-known, favorite or recently arrived destination. Typically, the PND is enabled by the software used to calculate the "best" or "best" route between the location of the departure and the location of the destination based on the map data. ·, preferably " or &quot The "best" route is based on predetermined criteria and is not defined as the fastest or shortest route. The choice of the driver along the route can be selected (4), and the existing measurements and dynamics can be considered compared to the route. And/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about road speed, and driver's preferences for determining road alternatives: In addition, the device continuously monitors road and traffic conditions and travels the rest Based on various techniques = 1, the instant access technology of the advanced technology (for example, mobile phone call camera, GPS fleet tracking) is used to identify the traffic delay and inform the information to the system. It can usually be mounted on the instrument panel, but it can also be formed as part of the onboard computer or car radio of the 127912.doc 200930982 carrier. The navigation device portable system (part of), For example, a PDA (Personal Navigation Device), a media player, a mobile phone, or the like, and in such cases, by installing a soft camera on the device to perform route calculation and along the calculated route Extending the general functionality of the portable system. In any case, once the route is calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device (as appropriate, from the list of proposed routes) to select the desired route. Depending on the situation, the user Yes: Pre- or guidance route selection process 'for example' by specifying that for certain routes two lines should avoid or have to follow certain routes, roads' locations or standards. PND route calculations form a major function provided and along Navigation of this route is another major function. During navigation along the calculated route, the PND provides visual and/or voice commands to direct the user to the end of the route along the selected route. The desired destination. PND usually displays map information on the screen during navigation. This information is regularly updated on the screen so that the displayed map information indicates the device. The front position and hence the current position of the user or user's vehicle (if f is used for in-vehicle navigation). The icon displayed on the screen usually indicates when the 2 device position is 'centered' and also shows current and Map information and other map features of surrounding roads. In addition, depending on the situation, navigation information may be displayed in a state shed above, below or on one side of the displayed map information. Examples of navigation information include current roads selected by the user. The nature of the next deviation, the nature of the deviation, may be represented by a further representation of the particular type of deviation (eg, 'left turn or increase'). The navigation function also determines the content, duration, and timing of the voice command. The user is guided by the instructions 127912.doc 200930982. As you can see, such as "100 m after turning left, $ simple instructions require a lot of processing and analysis. As previously mentioned, the user and the action can be activated by the touch screen, or otherwise or by the driver's wheel, by singularly, or by any other suitable method. The more important function of Jin /! £ is the automatic recalculation under the following conditions:

During navigation along the previously calculated route, the user deviates from the route, the traffic condition indicates that the alternate route will be more advantageous, and the device is able to automatically recognize such conditions appropriately, or the right user actively initiates for any reason The device is caused to perform a route recalculation. It is also known to allow calculation of routes according to user-defined criteria; for example, users: prefer landscape routes calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any traffic jams that may occur, are expected to occur, or occur before ## the way. The device software will then calculate various routes and prefer routes that include the highest number of points of interest (known as p〇I) along their route, such as being marked, for example, with a view, or using an indication on a particular road. The stored information of the traffic conditions that are occurring is sorted by possible blockage or due to the delay of the blockage. Other route calculation and navigation standards based on ρ〇ι and traffic information are also possible. Although the route calculation and navigation functions are important to the _ effect, it is possible to use the device purely for information display or, free-driving ", only the map information related to the current device location is displayed in the basin, and the road has not been calculated yet. 1279l2.doc 200930982 Line and the device is currently not performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when the user is aware of the route along which the trip is to travel and does not require navigation assistance. More modern PNDs not only have the necessary GPS antennas to receive satellite signals, but also have secondary mobile telecommunications antennas that effectively enable the device to become part of the mobile telecommunications network. Typically, the device may additionally have an integrated or removable Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card provided with a means for identifying the device to the network and encoding and decoding signals suitable for the network to allow for Various materials required for communication on the road. It is also known to provide additional short-range wireless communication components, such as Bluet00th® or Wi_Fi antennas, to the PND and navigation system that facilitates the pairing of the device with other similarly enabled devices, most commonly mobile telecommunication handsets. Both of these techniques effectively permit the prior passive device (which is a device that provides in-vehicle navigation and route guidance functions based only on continuous and repeated determinations of the current position of the device based on the received GPS signal) to become able to pass through a wider The telecommunications network transmits information back to the active device of the centralized data processing service. In this regard, US6253151 describes a feature by which an end user of a navigation system using geographic data can easily and wirelessly report perceived errors or inaccuracies or other problems in geographic data, such as poor quality. Route calculation or guidance. The end user uses the user interface of the navigation system to indicate perceived errors, inaccuracies or other problems. The navigation system includes a reporting program that operates in response to instructions from the end user. The reporting program collects information indicating errors, inaccuracies or other issues 127912.doc • 10· 200930982 and sends a report including the collected information to the geodatabase developer. Geodatabase developers can use the information in the report to update the geodatabase. However, the above system is more about ensuring that the centralized geographic or map database of the map data provider is as current and accurate as possible, and providing information unrelated to the map (eg, temporary phenomena such as temporary diversion of road works and The relative ratio of road closures, traffic jams, accidents and other temporary events or events that affect traffic flow and movement but ultimately do not represent defects in the underlying map data. The Applicant has recognized that 'a facility for transmitting information for a particular local input of a location or location range provides a much greater range of possibilities than simple map data correction and enhancement, especially when subsequently re-transmitted to the device And a wider range of installed user libraries for the system to make this information available. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a PND or navigation system, a method of operating a PND or navigation system, and a computer program for controlling the PND or navigation system by means of the computer program, which provides for reporting a temporary Enhanced facilities for phenomena and user-specific information and/or local information' This information is information that is entered locally at the device or system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a method of operating a PND or navigation system is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing a component by which a particular location, location or range of locations can be at least temporarily stored in a memory The particular location, location, or location range is identifiable with reference to map data stored locally in the device or system and is or includes a current location, and the method is characterized by the method 127912.doc 200930982 An additional step of the user presenting at least one user selectable option by which qualitative information about the location, location or range can be entered locally in the device or system, the selection of the option causing the qualitative information and The recording and storage of the association with the identified location, location or scope is the primary information, and the method further consists in subsequently transmitting the primary information to the remote device. Preferably, the primary information is subsequently transmitted wirelessly, and preferably, the primary information is transmitted within only a few minutes of (d), but the present invention includes providing the user of the device or system with qualitative information and a particular location, The location or range is associated and the primary information is stored in the device or system for later transmission to the remote device by a physical connection (eg, a physical connection to a remote PC or a suitable or suitable device) In an embodiment, the physical connection is by USB or other type of cable that connects the device or system to the pc or a suitable or suitable device. Preferably, the information that can be entered by the user includes at least some indication of the user's subjective view of the location, location, and location range. Optimally, qualitative information includes some form of user rating based on predetermined local stored scales. In a preferred embodiment, the scale continues for a predetermined number of integers (and optionally zero), for example, from 5 to 3, including Bu 2, 3, and most preferably the qualitative information may additionally include alphanumeric data and digitization. At least one of the audio 5 data can be entered by the user via a touch sensitive screen of the device, and the latter is recorded via a microphone component provided as part of the device or system. In a preferred embodiment, when the primary information is presented by a subscriber associated with a particular venue, location 127912.doc -12. 200930982 or location range, a secondary descriptive resource is included: Descriptive information at least temporarily, an additional step, the /, μ location, location or scope and the primary asset "end:: associated and stored, and then wirelessly transmitted to the option of the step: centered The '5 hai method includes a presentation-entry audio recording mode step, and the selection of this option causes the device or system to activate the ❹ : :::2, the digitization of the audio signal received from the microphone, the signal signal The stream is stored in a digital audio file. Optimally: before, during or after the digital audio slot and at least one of the main information and the location, location or range in which the part is formed. In the preferred configuration, the method includes the step of presenting an option to cause the device or system to enter the input mode. In the digital input mode, the virtual key in the job or the system And simultaneously or subsequently create a text file in the memory that captures the alphanumeric characters entered by the user via the displayed virtual keyboard. Optimally 'textual reference to the main information and the location, bit or The association of at least one of the ranges occurs during, during or after the article. Creation of a Case In a preferred embodiment, 'qualitative information includes any subjective information that the user can select to record, such as a user visiting or Traveling to or passing through - a specific location to experience the fun, excitement or sobriety or benefit or injury: for example, the user may wish to share a specific route (most 127912.doc • 13- 200930982 for portability) Whether the user of the device walks or rides a bicycle) or whether a particular restaurant, theme park or other POI has fun and the reason for this fun. The present invention provides this facility in a simple, fast and substantially effortless manner. In another aspect of the present invention, a computer program for implementing the above method, which is embodied on a computer readable medium, is provided. Provided is a PND and/or navigation system adapted to perform the described method. In an alternative aspect, the PND or navigation system may not have a mobile telecommunications antenna, the mobile telecommunications antenna being enabled by local mobile phones or others Provided by a device for communication over a telecommunications network. In this regard, the pND or navigation system may have a short range wireless antenna with which the communication with the local mobile device is established such that primary and secondary information is first transmitted to The local mobile device then subsequently transmits it over the wireless telecommunications network. In yet another aspect of the invention, the pND or navigation system can be based on rating values previously associated with the venue, location or range. A hierarchical or hierarchical list of POIs, places, locations, or range of locations is created and displayed for selection by the user as the desired destination, and the PND or system will then perform navigation to the destination. As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention provides a means for instant or quasi-instant reporting of a type of qualitative information that can be usefully shared between installed user libraries of devices. For example, optimally, the qualitative information can be transmitted to the remote device or system by the radio network' for verification, verification, and subsequent transmission back to other suitably enabled devices. 127912.doc -14- 200930982 [Embodiment] FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (Gps) that can be used by a navigation device. These systems are known and used for a variety of purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite-based radio-based navigation system that can be an unlimited number of users. The user determines continuous position, speed, time, and (in some cases) direction information. The GPS previously known as NAVSTAR incorporates a plurality of satellites that operate with the Earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can pass their positional splits to any number of receiving units. A GPS system is implemented when a device that is specifically equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. After receiving a radio signal from a gps satellite, the device determines the exact location of the satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. In most cases, the device will continue to scan the signal until it has obtained at least three different satellite signals (note that it is generally not only possible to use other triangulation techniques to determine position by only two signals). After performing the geometric triangulation, the receiver uses three known locations to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellite. This determination can be made in a known manner. In addition, obtaining a fourth satellite signal will allow reception. The device calculates its three-dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. Location and speed data can be continuously updated in real time by an unlimited number of users.

As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS system is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit around the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronized with the orbits of other satellites 120 and is in fact likely to be different. The GPS receiver 140 is shown to receive the spread spectrum GPS 127912.doc 200930982 satellite signal from various satellites 12 。. The spread spectrum satellite signal 160 continuously transmitted from each satellite 120 utilizes a highly accurate frequency standard achieved by an extremely accurate atomic clock. "Every satellite 120 transmits as part of its data signal transmission 160 and indicates that it is a particular satellite. Data stream. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the GPS receiver device 140 typically obtains a spread spectrum GPS satellite signal 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. The acquisition of an additional signal, which causes the signal sigma 160 from a total of four satellites, permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three dimensional position in a known manner. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic component of the navigation device 2 in the form of a block component. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device, but rather represents only a number of example components. The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 coupled to an input device 220 and a display screen 24A. The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, a sound input device, a touch panel, and/or any other known input device for inputting information; and the display screen 24 can include any type of display screen, such as an LCD display. The input device 22 and the display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device. The integrated input and display device includes a touch pad or a touch screen input terminal, wherein the user only needs to touch one of the display screens 240. One of a plurality of display options can be selected or one of a plurality of virtual buttons can be activated. In addition, other types of output devices 250 may also include, but are not limited to, arpeggio output devices. Since the output device 241 can generate voice information to the user of the navigation device 2 127912.doc -16 - 200930982, it should be equally understood that the input device 220 can also include a microphone and include software for receiving input voice commands.

In navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively coupled to input device 220 via connection 225 and is configured to receive input information from input device 220 via connection 225 and is operatively coupled to display screen 240 and output via output connection 245. At least one of the devices 241 outputs information to the at least one other processor 210 operatively coupled to the memory 230' via the connection 235 and further adapted to self-input/output (1/〇) via the connection 275. 1 270 receives information/sends information to an input/output (I/O) port 270, wherein the I/O port 270 can be connected to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device 200. External I/O device 280 can include, but is not limited to, an external listening device, such as an earpiece. The connection to I/O device 280 may additionally be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device, such as a car stereo unit, such as for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation, for access to an earpiece or The connection of the headset and/or the connection to, for example, a mobile phone, wherein the mobile phone connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and, for example, the Internet or any other network door, and/or Or to establish a connection to a server via, for example, the Internet or some other network. The navigation device 200 can establish an 'action' or telecommunications network connection with the server via a mobile device 4, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with a snoring phone technology, which establishes a digital connection (such as via a digital connection such as the known Bluetooth technology). Thereafter, the mobile device can be connected to the feeder (e.g., the Internet) via its network service provider. Thus, an "action" is established between the navigation device 2 (when it is alone and/or 127912.doc 17-200930982 or when traveling in a vehicle) which can be and often acts) with the feeder 302. The Internet connection provides information for the "free" "or at least very" new "gateway. The establishment of a network connection between the mobile device 400 (via the service provider) and another device such as the server 3 〇 2 can be performed in a conventional manner using, for example, the Internet 41. This may include, for example, the use of a TCp/ip layered protocol. Mobile device 400 can utilize any number of communication standards, such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, and the like. Thus, an internet connection can be made, for example, via a data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within navigation device 200. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 2 is established. For example, it can be connected via a mobile phone or other mobile device and GpRs (Integrated Packet Radio Service) ((}1>118 is connected to a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by a telecom operator; GpRS is used to connect to the Internet The method is to perform the setup. The navigation device 200 can further complete the data connection with the mobile device 400 and finally complete the data connection with the Internet 410 and the server 302 in a known manner via, for example, existing Bluetooth technology. Where the data agreement can utilize = a number of criteria, such as GSRM, a data agreement standard for the GSM standard. The navigation device 200 can include its own mobile phone technology (eg, including an antenna) within the navigation device 2 itself. The internal antenna of the navigation device 200 can be further used instead. The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card (eg, 127912.doc -18- 200930982) For example, a subscriber identity module or SIM card, the pluggable card is equipped with, for example, the necessary mobile phone technology and/or antenna. However, the mobile phone technology in the navigation device 2 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 via, for example, the Internet 41, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device 400. Mode. For GPRS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled device can be used to work correctly with the constantly changing spectrum of the mobile phone model, manufacturer, etc., for example, model/manufacturer specific settings can be stored on the navigation device 2 The information stored for this information can be updated. Figure 2 further illustrates the operative connection between the processor 21A and the antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255, where the antenna/receiver 25 can be, for example, a GPS antenna / Receiver. It should be understood that the antenna and receiver represented by reference numeral 250 are schematically combined for illustrative purposes, but the antenna and receiver may be separately positioned components, and the antenna may be, for example, a Gps patch antenna. Or a helical antenna. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic components shown in Figure 2 are powered by a power source (not shown) in a conventional manner. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the 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 via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Communicating with each other. Accordingly, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device. In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 2 of FIG. 2 can be connected in a known manner or "docking" to electric vehicles, such as cars or boats. The navigation device can then be removed from the docking position for portable or handheld navigation purposes. 127912.doc 200930982 200 ° Figure 3 illustrates the ability to communicate via the general communication channel 3 18 is an example block diagram of the server 3 〇 2 and the navigation device 200 for communication. When a connection via the communication channel 318 is established between the server 3〇2 and the navigation device 200 (note that the connection may be a data connection via a mobile device, a direct connection via a personal computer via the Internet, etc.), the servo The device 302 is communicable with the navigation device 2A. The server 322 includes (in addition to other components not otherwise described) a processor 304 operatively coupled to a memory 3 〇 6 and further operatively coupled to via a wired or wireless connection 314 A large amount of data storage device 312. The processor 304 is further operatively coupled to the transmitter 308 and the receiver 310 to transmit information to and from the navigation device 200 via the communication channel 318. The transmitted and received signals may include data, communications, and/or other propagating signals. Transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed in accordance with communication requirements and communication techniques used in the communication design of navigation device 200. Additionally, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 can be combined into a signal transceiver. Server 302 is further coupled to (or includes) a plurality of storage devices 312. Note that a plurality of storage devices 312 can be coupled to server 3〇2 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a storage of navigation data and map information, and may also be a separate device from the server 302 or may be incorporated into the server 3〇2. The navigation attack 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 3〇 via the communication channel 3 18 and includes the processor, memory, etc. as described previously with respect to FIG. 2, and the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 to communicate via the communication channel 318. Send and receive 127912.doc 20· 200930982 signals and/or data, note that 'these devices may be further used to communicate with devices other than server 302. In addition, the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 are selected or designed according to the communication requirements and communication technologies used in the communication design of the navigation device 2, and the functions of the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 can be combined into a single transceiver. . The software stored in the server memory 306 provides instructions to the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One of the services provided by the server 302 includes processing the request from the navigation device 2 and transmitting the navigation data from the mass data storage 3 12 to the navigation device 200. Another service provided by the server 302 includes the use of various algorithms for processing the navigation data for the desired application and transmitting the results of such calculations to the navigation device 200. The communication channel 318 generally indicates the propagation of the connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302. Media or path. Both server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data via the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted by the communication channel. Communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, 'channel 318 may include several communication links using various techniques. For example, communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communication, and the like. Thus, communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial electron microscopes, fiber optic cables, converters, radio frequency (rf) waves, atmosphere, blank spaces ( Empty space) and so on. In addition, communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers 127912.doc - 21 · 200930982. For example, communication channel 318 includes a telephone network and a computer network. In addition, communication channel 318 can be capable of accommodating wireless communications such as radio frequency, microwave frequencies, infrared communications, and the like. In addition, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communications. Communication signals transmitted via communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals that may be needed or desired as a given communication technology. For example, the signals may be suitable for use in cellular communication technologies such as time division multiple access i (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), global mobile communications. System (GSM), etc. Both digital and analog signals may be transmitted via communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted, and/or compressed signals as may be desired for communication techniques. The feeder 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 2 via a wireless channel. Server 302 can include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (vpn), and the like. • The server 302 can include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer and the communication channel 318 can be a cable that is connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer can be connected between the navigation device 2 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a 'mobile phone or other palm-sized device can establish a wireless connection to the Internet' for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the Internet. The information from the server 3〇2 can be provided to the navigation device 2〇〇 via the information download. After the user connects the navigation device 200 to the server 3〇2, the information download can be updated periodically by the period 127912.doc -22-200930982. And/or after a more constant or frequent connection between the server 〇2 and the navigation device 200 via, for example, a wireless mobile connection device and a TCP/IP connection, the information download can be more dynamic. The processor 304 in the plurality of dynamic computing servers 302 can be used to handle a large amount of processing needs, however, the processor 210 of the navigation device 200 can also handle many of the processing and calculations from time to time independent of the connection to the server 302. The navigation device 2 includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen 240 as indicated in Fig. 2 above. The input device 220 and the display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable input of information (via direct input, early selection, etc.) and display of information (for example, via a touch panel screen). For example, as is well known to those skilled in the art, the screen can be, for example, a touch input LCD screen. Additionally, the navigation device 2A can also include any additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device 241, such as an audio input/output device. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 4A, the navigation device 200 can include an integrated input and display device 29 (eg, a touch panel screen) and other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to the internal receiver 250, the microprocessor 210, Unit of power supply, memory system, etc.). The navigation device 200 can be located on the arm 292, which can be fastened to the carrier dashboard/window/etc. using the large suction cup 294. The arm 292 is a pair of docking stations - for example, the navigation device 200 can be docked to the docking station. As shown in FIG. 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to the docking station arm 292' by a buckle. The buckle, for example, connects the navigation device 2 to the arm, thereby: 127912. Doc •23· 200930982 The iron example is for the purpose of connecting to other known alternatives to the docking station within the scope of this application. The navigation device 200 can then be rotated on the arm 292 as shown by the arrows in Figure 4B. In order to release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, for example, the button on the navigation device 2 can be pressed (this is only a real one [J because of other known alternatives for disconnecting from the docking station in the present application) Within the scope). Referring to Figures 5 through 7, a series of schematic flow diagrams are shown which illustrate how the invention may be practiced in an embodiment. In FIG. 5, a destination input routine is schematically illustrated in which the device is turned on at 5 ,, and then a main menu screen is presented on the display screen of the device at 5 , 2, after which the appropriate one is selected. After the menu item is displayed, the ρ〇ι menu is displayed at 5〇4, and at 5〇6, the user selects a specific type of ρ〇ι from the P〇I menu. At this stage of the routine, at 508, the user is asked if he or she knows the specific name or address of the p〇I to which he wishes to navigate. In the event that a known ρ〇ι name or address is not available, the device presents at 510 a list of the particular type of ρ〇ι selected earlier, as described below, based on the stored rating information. Sorting, the stored rating information was previously entered by the group of device users and has been previously downloaded into the device's memory. In this phase, the user may select one of the listed p〇I at 512, or may choose to review more detailed grading and qualitative information (such as a particular rating value), or may also be stored in More detailed audio or text information in the device memory (if the information has been downloaded or formed as part of the body of the map information, even if it is installed in a separate file in the device memory). In the illustrated embodiment, the particular p〇I reviewed and selected is a hotel, 127912.doc •24·200930982 is ultimately selected by the user at 516, but of course, the invention is applicable to a variety of classified POIs. Any of the different types. Examples include restaurants' parks and other leisure facilities, pubs or bars, theatres and other venues for art performances, etc. Once the user selects the P〇I as the navigation destination at 516, the device can provide the pair selection at 518. 〇1 The option to make a phone call is the same, the restriction is that you can get it! > phone number information of 〇1 and the device is equipped with an integrated mobile telecommunication facility or paired with the mobile phone used for this purpose (for example, using a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth®, whether or not the user selects this particular option, the device The navigation mode is entered in a conventional manner at 52 使用 using the previously selected POI and its corresponding geospatial coordinates identified in the map data. The name of the p〇I that the user wants to navigate to is known and/or In the case of an address, it may indicate this to the device at 508, after which the device allows the information to be entered in the device at 522. Of course, although the figure indicates that it can be typed (usually in the form of a virtual keyboard) The digital element displayed on the screen of the device to physically input this information, but if the device is properly enabled by the microphone and the spatial processing software, then this information can also be entered verbally. How does this achieve this input? The input of the information causes the selection of p(7) at 524, after which the device can present an option to make a telephone call to the p〇I (as previously described at 518). Finally, at 52 ,, navigation can begin. Referring to Figure 6, a routine is schematically illustrated by which the user can enter a rating or other qualitative information for a particular Ροι, location or location range. This particular POI, location or range of locations may form a route 127912.doc -25.200930982 that has been navigated by the device and the user has found it beneficial for some description (eg, because it is already particularly enjoyable or unpleasant). For example, usually, after navigating to the destination of the first input, the device will be turned off, depending on the location. After the start, the software can determine one or more of the following: - the purpose of the previous input of the previous navigation The location is POI, - the device successfully navigates to the completion of the device, - at startup, the current location of the device is consistent with the previous navigation destination for the particular p〇I, and

• When the unit has previously completed its navigation, turn off the unit and turn it back on again.

Based on this information, the device can speculate that the user has experienced the visit Ροι and can thus form a point of view. Thus, at 532, the device can present the user with an option to enter ratings or other qualitative information. Thereafter, if this option is selected, (4) indicated by λ to 534 - or a plurality of data submission screens to guide the user to the information input process, the information input at 536 is combined with the specific can with the basis of the previous navigation. The association of location, location or location range - starting, and returning the device operation to the normal m via the display of the main menu at 538. The device may preemptively determine that the user has recently visited - P0I or performed a navigation (may be considered When this qualitative description of P01 or navigation is useful for a broader user group system, this is not the root of the invention. In fact, the present invention extends to the input of any of the POIs identified as part of the map data stored in the device towel (not previously navigated to this (10)). In addition, it is possible to attribute specific information to specific locations (such as 'landscapes or locations that are black spots for accidents, or 127912.doc •26 · 200930982, especially those that are fun to drive or are known for driving danger or difficulty) its. Referring now to Figure 7, a possible embodiment of the stored transmission of qualitative and grading information is illustrated. For example, as indicated at 540, the PND entity can be connected to the user's home PC via a USB cable. Appropriate applications, such as the TomTom HOMEtm software available from the applicant, will typically be installed on the PC. This software provides a variety of different functions, such as facilitating the transfer of information between the PND and the PC (which is desirably connected to the Internet). In this way, map data update files, P〇I update files, speed camera update files, and updates to the device core navigation application software can be uploaded. Additionally, previously installed additional features may be removed from the navigation device memory, including any of the above. Thus, once the PC software recognizes the connection at 542, the user is presented with a on-screen (pc) option to edit the qualitative information previously entered locally, at 544, due to the use of a touch-sensitive screen and is typically provided on the device. It is relatively difficult to input a long text description on the displayed on-screen keyboard in the software routine, and this editing may be greatly limited. If this option is selected, prior to any information upload at 548, at 546, the pc user can edit the rating and descriptive text using the local PC keyboard (and possibly using other locally connected peripherals). In this way, user-initiated qualitative information including any audio and text descriptive information can be simply transferred from the device to the PC, and finally forwarded to the backend processing, verification and/or money pair via the internet connection. The facility allows for the final repackaging of this information for subsequent distribution to the device user's entire 127,912.doc • 27- 200930982 community. Referring to Figure 8 'which provides an example screen shot of some aspects of the process illustrated in Figure 5 and, where appropriate, using a corresponding reference number, the main navigation menu is displayed at 5 〇 2, from which the user selects , navigate to... " icon 503. The follower displays a subsequent screen 505 from which the screen is selected to navigate to the POI near the current location, indicated by the circle icon 507. Thereafter, another screen is displayed which allows selection of a particular type of P〇I 5〇6, circle "hotel/hotel" icon 509 indicating the user's choice. The option screen 508 is then displayed, and after selecting the "No" option in the circle in the figure, the device performs various levels of processing applied to the POI of the type in the indicated region, such as Directed at 51〇. Of course, there may be no grading P0I of its type in the indicated area, in which case a common list of non-grading information is displayed. The selection of one of the items in the list results in a display of more detailed information at 514, which includes additional selectable options 514A, 514B, 5UC, which respectively provide for the selected POI (in Figure 5 518) a member for making a telephone call, a member for displaying further detailed information, and a member for starting navigation from the current position to ρ〇ι (520 in FIG. 5). In Fig. 9, an example screen screen is provided by which qualitative and grading information items can be locally input in the device, exemplifying the routine illustrated in Fig. 6. For example, after performing navigation to the selected p(1) in Figure 8, the device is able to recognize that it has been turned off or is stationary for a predetermined distance within the associated POI for a predetermined period of time. Once the device is turned on, left in standby mode, or otherwise restarted after this time period, 127912.doc •28- 200930982 displays a screen such as the one shown at 531, which provides the user with a device Indicates the opportunity to leave the previously identified p〇I. The selection of a positive indication of this fact causes the display of the grading and qualitative information item screen 534 to be seen, and in this screen, basic information can be quickly entered. Thereafter the device returns to the display of the main menu. Finally, referring to FIG. 10, which provides a schematic diagram based on a PC and a screen screen illustrating the routine illustrated in FIG. 7, the PND 5 50 is connected to a laptop or a personal computer by a USB thin wire. 52. Of course, if both δ records are properly enabled, the connections between these devices can be made wirelessly. From the computer-installed software application (the connection of the identification device), in the screen 544, the user is prompted to edit the rating and other qualitative information of the previous device local input in the screen S46 and add it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (GPS); FIG. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device; FIG. 3 illustrates an example block of a manner in which a navigation device can receive information over a wireless communication channel. Figure 4 and Figure 4 are perspective views of an embodiment of a navigation device; Figures 5 through 7 show a basic flow chart providing an indication of one possible implementation of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows various screens from a PND. The description shows how the navigation to a POI can be achieved and how the previously entered rating information (if available) can be displayed for selection. Figure 9 shows a number of honor screens from the PND, the description of which can be found in the device 127912. Doc • 29· 200930982 How to locally enter qualitative rating information, Figure 10 schematically shows how the previously entered rating information can be edited after connecting the device to a suitable enabled PC. [Main component symbol description] 100 Global Positioning System (GPS) 120 Satellite 124 Earth 140 GPS Receiver / GPS Receiver Device ❹ 160 Satellite Signal 200 Navigation Device 210 Processor 220 Input Device 225 Connection 230 Memory 235 Connection 240 Display Screen / Extra Output Unit w 241 Output Unit 245 Connection 250 Antenna/Receiver/GPS Receiver 255 Connection 270 Input/Output (I/O) 埠 275 Connection 280 I/O Unit 290 Integrated Input and Display Unit 127912.doc • 30- 200930982

292 294 302 304 306 308 310 312 314 318 320 322 502 503 505 507 508 509 509 510 514 514A 514B 514C Arm large suction cup servo processor memory transmitter receiver large data storage device / mass storage device / mass data storage Wired or Wireless Connection/Communication Link Communication Channel Transmitter Receiver Screen Icon Screen Icon Screen Icon Screen Options Selectable Options Optional Options 127912.doc -31 · 200930982 531 534 538 544 . 546 550 552 ❹ Screen display of the main screen of the screen

PND Personal Computer φ 127912.doc •32·

Claims (1)

200930982 X. Patent Application Range: 1. A method of operating a PND or navigation system, the method comprising the steps of providing a component by which a specific location, location or location range can be at least temporarily stored in a memory The specific location, location, or location range is identifiable with reference to locally stored map data stored in the device or system, and optionally includes or includes a current location, and the method is characterized in that the method includes presenting to a user An optional step of at least one user selectable option by which qualitative information about the location, location or range can be entered locally in the device or system, the selection of the option causing the qualitative information And its record and storage associated with the identified location, location or range, this is the primary information and the method is further characterized by the subsequent transmission of the primary information to the remote device. The method of claim 1 wherein the primary information is subsequently transmitted wirelessly. The method of claim 1 wherein the primary information is stored in the device or system for later transmission to a remote device by a physical connection. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3 wherein the qualitative information input by the user comprises at least some indication of a subjective opinion of the user of the venue, location or range of locations. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the qualitative information comprises some form of user rating based on a predetermined local storage scale. 6. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the qualitative information comprises at least one of a text number and a digitized audio material, the former being capable of being operated by the user & The input is entered and the latter is recorded via a microphone component provided as part of the device or system via 127912.doc 200930982. The method of claim 2 or 3, comprising the step of presenting to the user another option for recording secondary descriptive information, the information being at least temporarily associated with the location, location or range and the primary information The persons are associated and stored together and then transmitted to the remote device. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the method comprises the step of presenting - an option to enter an audio recording mode - the selection of the option causes the device or system to activate the microphone and immediately begin the audio signal received from the microphone. Digitally, the audio signals are stored in a digital audio file via a stream. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the association of the digital audio file with the primary information and at least one of the location, location or range forming part of the audio file occurs before, during or after the digitizing procedure is completed. 1) The method of claim 2, wherein the method comprises the step of rendering the device or system into an option of a mode input mode, in the digital element input mode, In the job or line - the display screen displays the keyboard 'and simultaneously or subsequently creates a text slot in the memory' that captures the alphanumeric characters entered by the user via the displayed virtual keyboard. 11. The method of claim 1G, wherein the association between the textual reference and the primary information and at least a portion of the location, location or range forming part of the textual representation occurs in the textual file The system is built, during or after. 12. If the claim 1, 2 or 3, the law 'the _ is in the user has entered the place, location or range - as a navigation destination and the device or 127912.doc 200930982 system ^ After the navigation to the destination has been completed, a step of presenting at least a user selectable option to the user is triggered, by which qualitative information about the location, location or range can be entered locally. 13. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the occurrence occurs after the device or system determines that the user is entering a location, location or range that was previously entered as a desired destination for navigation to The user presents at least a user selectable option by which qualitative information can be stored. 14. A computer program that includes computer code components that are adapted to perform all the steps of any of the claims when operating on a computer. When it is embodied in a computer readable medium 15 or on the computer program of claim 14. 16. A PND that includes at least a Gps signal receiving member, a processing member, a memory, and a display. The pND provides a component by which a specific location, location, or location range can be at least temporarily associated with the map. The material is stored separately in the memory, the specific location, location or location range is identifiable with reference to the map data stored locally in the memory and optionally includes or includes the anterior position s, and the pND The feature is that the PND is adapted to cause the display of information, and the information may be displayed locally and stored in a qualitative description of the location, location or range, and the identified location, location or The ranges are associated, which together form the primary information, and the pND is further characterized in that the PND includes means for subsequently transmitting the primary information to a remote device 127912.doc 200930982. 17. 18. ❹ 19. ❹ If the request is as ugly as it is, and it is adapted to implement the method of any one of the items 2 to 13. a navigation system comprising at least one Gps signal receiving member, processing member, memory and display, the system providing a component by which at least a temporary location, location or location range can be temporarily associated with the map material Separately stored in the memory, the specific location, location or location range is identifiable with reference to the map data stored locally in the memory and optionally or includes the current location, and the navigation system is characterized by The system is adapted to cause display of information by which a qualitative description of the location, location or range can be locally entered and stored, the qualitative description being associated with the identified location, location or extent Together, the main information is formed, and the navigation system is further characterized in that the system includes means for subsequently transmitting the primary information to a remote device. The navigation system of claim 18, and adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 13. 127912.doc