TW201017129A - Navigation apparatus and method of route configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

A navigation apparatus (200) comprises a processing resource (202) arranged to support, when in use, a user interface. The user interface is arranged to permit selection of a location and comprises a view generation engine (268). The processing resource (202) is also arranged to query a database (228) comprising point of interest data in order to find a point of interest within a predetermined vicinity of the location selected. The view generation engine (268) is also arranged to generate a view (332) identifying the point of interest in response to the point of interest being found.

Description

201017129 IX. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a navigation device of the type that is capable of providing, for example, a point of interest near a selected location. The present invention is also directed to a method of configuring a path having, for example, a type of suggestion that provides information on points of interest in a vicinity of a selected location with respect to a path to be configured. [Prior Art] Portable® computing devices (eg, portable navigation devices (PNDs)) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and widely used as navigation in vehicles or other vehicles. system. In general, modern PNDs include a processor, memory, and map data stored in the memory. The processor cooperates with the memory to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system is typically established and, in addition, one or more additional software programs are often provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled' and provide various other functions. . Typically, such devices further include one or more output interfaces that allow the user to interact with the device and control one or more of the input interfaces and one or more of the physical buttons (if Equipment built into the vehicle

135359.doc This or these output interfaces can relay information to the user. Illustrative examples of output interfaces include visual displays and speakers for audio output. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include on/off operations to control the device 201017129 Inductive overlay or others) to provide an additional input interface through which the user can operate the device by touch. Devices of this type will also typically include: one or more physical connector interfaces through which the power signal and the conditional material signal can be transmitted to and from the device. Signals and conditions, and, where appropriate, one or more wireless transmitters/receivers that allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example, in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi' Wi_Max , GSM, UMTS and similar networks on the W letter. This type of PND also includes a Gps antenna through which the satellite broadcast signal including the location data can be received, and then the material signal is processed to determine the current location of the device. The PND may also include an electronic gyroscope (Μ.%) and an accelerometer that generate signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in conjunction with position information derived from the GPS signal to determine the device and Therefore, the speed and relative displacement of the vehicle on which the equipment is installed. Typically, these features are most commonly provided in the in-vehicle navigation system, but may also be provided in the pND (if this is advantageous). The utility of such PNDs is primarily manifested in their ability to determine the path between the first location (usually, the outgoing or current location) and the second location (usually the destination). Such locations may be entered by the user of the device by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example, by postal code, street name and house number, previously stored, known as "destination (such as famous bits) f, municipal location (such as 'body month or swimming pool) or other points of interest) and favorite destinations or 135359.doc 201017129 recent destinations.

Usually, you have the function of calculating the "best" or "best" path software between the starting address location and the destination address location based on the map data. "Best" or "Most The path is determined based on predetermined criteria and is not necessarily the fastest or shortest path. The choice of the route that guides the driver along the way can be very complicated, and the path can be considered existing, (4) and dynamic and / or wireless (4) traffic and road (four) news, historical information about road speed and driver's judgment Self-preferences for factors of road alternatives (eg 'driver-designated routes should not include highways or toll roads). The device continuously monitors road and traffic conditions and provides or chooses to change the path that will take the rest of the journey due to changing conditions. Instant traffic monitoring systems based on various technologies (eg, 'Mobile Phone Data Exchange, Fixed Camera, Gps Team Tracking') are used to identify traffic delays and feed information into the notification system. This type of PND can usually be mounted on the instrument panel or windshield of the vehicle, but it can also be formed as part of the carrier's onboard computer or actually as part of the vehicle's own control system. The navigation device can also be part of a handheld i system, such as a pDA (portable digital assistant), a media player, a mobile phone, or the like, and in this case, the conventional function of the handheld system is The software is installed on the device to perform path calculations and to extend along the calculated path navigation. Path planning and navigation functionality can also be provided by desktop or mobile computing resources that operate on appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) mentions the 'Online Road Planning and Navigation Facility (http://www.rac.co.uk), which sets the 135359.doc 201017129 to allow users to enter the starting point and destination. Thus, the server computing path with which the user's computing resources are communicating (the aspect of which can be specified by the user), generating a map, and generating a detailed set of navigation instructions for directing the user from the selected starting point to the selected one Destination. The facility also provides pseudo-three-dimensional rendering and path preview functionality for the calculated path, which simulates the user traveling along the path and thereby provides the user with a preview of the calculated path.

In the context of the cut, once the path is calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated path from the proposed route list as appropriate. Depending on the situation, the user may intervene or direct the route #selection process, for example, for a specific journey, specifying that certain paths, routes, locations or guidelines should be avoided or must be followed. The path calculation aspect of the PND forms the main function, and the navigation along this path is another main function. During the navigation of a calculated path, such pnds often provide visual and/or audible commands to direct the user along the selected path to the end of the way & (also destined for the desired destination). PND is also often used during navigation: map information is displayed on the screen. 'This information is updated regularly on the screen, so that the displayed maps are 矣-< ω , Μ Λ 不 不 不 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备 设备刖 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的 的Map information of current and surrounding roads near the location of the equipment and other maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Examples of navigation information include the distance from the current channel change that needs to be selected by the user, and the ability to indicate the change of the channel, such as a left turn or a right turn, $_图_I _ dust (example will be 穹) The other figure does not indicate the quality of the channel. The navigation function also determines the content, duration and * of the voice command, which can be used to guide the user along the path. If you know, such as "100 m turn left" simple The instructions require a lot of processing and analysis. As mentioned earlier, the interaction between the user and the device can be initiated by touch (four), or by a driver-mounted remote control, by voice activation, or by any suitable method. Another important function provided by the device is the automatic path recalculation in the following cases: the user deviates from the previous calculation of the <path (accident or intentional) during navigation; the instant traffic condition indicates that the alternative path will be more advantageous and the device The conditions can be automatically recognized automatically, or if the user actively causes the device to perform path recalculation for any reason. It is also known to allow the path to be calculated according to user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer the scenery calculated by the device Path, or may wish to avoid any roads where traffic jams may occur, are expected to occur, or are currently occurring. "The device software will then calculate various paths and prefer to include the most number of points of interest marked as beautiful along its path (known a path that is ρ〇Ι), or use a traffic condition that indicates that a particular road is occurring The stored information is sorted according to the degree of possible blockage or delay based on blockage. Other path calculations and navigation criteria based on traffic information are also possible. Although path calculation and navigation functions are for PND The overall utility is important, 135359.doc • 10· 201017129 but the device can be used purely for information display or "free driving", where only map information related to the current device location is displayed, and the path has not been calculated and The device is currently not performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when the user knows the path along which the trip is going and does not require navigation assistance. Devices of the above type (for example, by TomTom lnternati() nal Bv, ^ and supply The (9) 930 traffic model provides a reliable means for enabling the user to navigate from one to the other. These devices are extremely useful when the user is unfamiliar with the path of the destination to which they are directed.

As indicated above, - or a plurality of users of (10) are available for selection during a journey or during a journey. In order to select a POI' during the journey, the user interface of the user interface of the PND is usually handled properly in order to select a type of desired P0I' for example, a supermarket or a gas station. The pnd application software then uses the locally stored material to identify a number of POIs of the type of user (4) and presents the identified ρ〇ι to the user via the user interface. To assist the user, the application software typically sorts the POI identified by the distance from the current location of the PND and indicates the associated distance value for the adjacent listed POI. The user can then select -I in the POI identified by the user interface and the application software. In response to selection of one of the P0Is, the application software sets the selected P0I as the en route or final destination' and the PND then appropriately calculates via the selected p〇I or to the selected path. The POI can be similarly selected as a destination or en route site with respect to the functionality of the PND preparation path or route. Of course, if the user is already on the way and the PND is already providing navigation assistance, then? 1^〇 Integrate the selected ροι into the calculated existing path, for example, by recalculating the existing path to consider the choice made by the user 135359.doc •11 - 201017129. Overall, this technique works well. Act and provide results that satisfy the user. However, the disadvantage of this technique is that the user who wishes to navigate the interesting point or navigate through a given point of interest must properly dispose of the menu structure and experience it. 01 selection procedure, which usually includes the selection of a class of ρ〇ι. This procedure is time consuming than a simple path selection procedure in which the user selects only one destination, and possibly a starting point and/or a waypoint ', without properly handling the menu structure dedicated to the POI selection. In addition, when navigating to a selected location, the user may be unaware of the p0I of interest or usefulness to the user at the selected location, which results in the missed opportunity to navigate to a more convenient or appropriate location. Further, when a p 〇 I is selected and the selected POI has another position to go to the vicinity, it is not easy for the user to determine the relative position of the POI to the nearby position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a navigation apparatus is provided, comprising: a processing resource configured to support a user interface at a usage time, the user interface configured to permit a a location selection; wherein the user interface includes a view generation engine; the processing resource configured to query a database containing points of interest data to find a point of interest within a predetermined proximity of the selected location; and The view generation engine is configured to generate a view identifying the point of interest in response to the point of interest being found. The view generation engine can be configured to generate the view such that both the selected location and the point of interest are identified. The identification of the selected location and the point of interest may include visually identifying the location of the selected location and the point of interest. The user interface can be configured to provide a path establishment procedure that permits the selection of the location. The selected position may be - the path to be calculated (four) - the destination f may be an intermediate position in a path to be calculated. The processing resource can be configured to support a path computation program; the path computation program can include the path establishment procedure.

The path calculation program may be initiated in response to a request to navigate to a location to be selected or via a location to be selected for navigation; the request to navigate to or via the location to be selected may be received via the user interface. The processing resource can be configured to support a path planning program; the path planning program can include the path establishing program. The path planning procedure can be initiated in response to preparing a request to include a path to be selected as a destination; the request to prepare the path can be received via the user interface. The path planning procedure can be initiated in response to a request to establish a route via which the request to establish the route can be received. The user interface can be configured to support the display of the optional user interface element in response to the processing resource finding the point of interest; the identification of the point of interest can include the provision of the optional user interface element. The path establishment procedure can be configured to replace the selected location with respect to the location of the point of interest and the location associated with the point of interest. The reference to the selection of the interesting point can be made by interacting with the optional element. "® i35359.doc _ J3· 201017129 In response to the indication of the selection of the point of interest, the path calculation program Or the path planning program can use the point of interest to replace the selected location. The selection can be a user selection. The optional user interface element can be a button or a selectable icon indicating the point of interest. The generation engine can be configured to generate another view in response to the selection indication, the other view including the point of interest. The other view can be substantially centered on the point of interest.

The graph can be a rendered three-dimensional view. This other view can be another rendered three-dimensional view. The three-dimensional view and/or the other three-dimensional view can be a static bird map. A magnification level can be used with respect to the view such that both the selected location and the interest point are visible on the screen showing the view when in use. The user interface can be configured to permit user selection of one of the points of interest to be found, which can be a parking facility. The Hai processing resource can be configured to calculate a measure of the spacing between the selected location and the point of interest. The measurement can be estimated. This measurement can be - distance. This measurement can be a straight line distance. This measurement can be - travel time. The measurement can be such that upon arrival the user's face can be configured to display the calculated measurements in the resulting view. The user interface can be configured to permit selection of the predetermined subscriber. Blade according to the second aspect of the present invention provides a portable navigation device, 135359.doc -14·201017129, = navigation device according to the first aspect of the present invention. A third aspect of the 'providing a path configuration method, the user's permission to use the user-facing face-to-position use query 4 database containing the point of interest data to find a predetermined close in the selected one a point-of-interest point; and a view generation engine responding to the point of interest being found to produce a view of the point of interest ___. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer program component is provided

Included is a computer program component that causes the computer to perform the U method as described above with respect to the k-mode of the present invention. The computer program component can be embodied in an electric moon readable medium 1. The advantages of such embodiments are set forth below, and further details and features of each of these embodiments are defined in the scope of the accompanying claims and somewhere in the following embodiments. Thus, a configuration-path navigation device and method can be provided that eliminates the need for a user to perform a POI-specific search, thereby simplifying user interface interaction. Providing an indication of the PC) I within the pre-t proximity of the selected location: the number of gestures from the user required to select the POI. In this regard, the user has a mechanism for selecting the P0I that is more convenient than having to specifically handle a portion of the user interface provided for the P0I selection. User interface interaction time is therefore reduced. The apparatus and method also enable the user to have an overview of the environment at the selected location. With regard to parking facilities, the identification of parking facilities near selected locations saves the user the time to find parking facilities near the selected location or another less suitable parking facility. Therefore, the most appropriate path from the beginning of the journey is calculated. 135359.doc 15 201017129

The calculated road control may therefore be more effective than the path along which the POI is selected when the user arrives at the destination. In the context of traveling by road vehicles, the user may therefore reduce fuel consumption and thus save money. In addition, the incentives for illegal parking are reduced. The apparatus and method thus provides an improved user experience with respect to the navigation device as well as the possibility of saving user time, saving money and eliminating inconvenience. [Embodiment]

At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. However, the teachings herein should not be limited to pND, but are generally applicable to any type of processing configured to perform navigation software in a portable and/or mobile manner to provide path planning and navigation functionality. device. Thus, it can be seen that in the context of the embodiments set forth herein, the navigation device is intended to include, but is not limited to, any type of path planning and navigation device that is embodied as a PND, such as a vehicle for a vehicle. It is also practical to implement path planning and navigation software for configurable computing resources (for example, portable personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, or personal digital assistants (PDAs). It should be understood that in some cases, the "destination" location selected by the user does not necessarily have the corresponding departure location where the user wishes to start navigation and therefore, the "destination" location or actually The reference to the , destination, and view is interpreted as meaning that the generation of the initial path is necessary, must occur to, the destination, or, in fact, the existence of the destination needs to be specified to 135359.doc _ 16 - 201017129 The starting position should be remembered. Remember the above conditions, use the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the like in Figure 1 for various purposes... In general, Gps is a satellite-based radio system, and the first August is enough. An unlimited number of users determine continuous position, speed, time, and (in some instances) direction information. GPSs previously known as NAVSTAR incorporate a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth in extremely precise orbits. For precise orbit, the satellite can relay its position to any number of receiving units. When a device specially equipped to receive Gps data begins to scan the radio frequency of GPS satellite signals Implementing a GPS system. After receiving a radio signal from a (10) satellite, the device determines the exact location of the satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. In most instances, the device will continue to scan. Signal until it has obtained at least three different satellite signals (note that ' > ί 立 can be judged by only two signals using other triangulation techniques, but this is quite an example). After performing geometric triangulation The receiver uses a known position 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 allows the receiving device to calculate its three dimensions in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. The location and speed data can be continuously updated in real time by an unlimited number of users. As shown in Figure 1, the GPS system 100 includes a plurality of satellites 102 that orbit around the earth 104. The GPS receiver 106 receives from a plurality of satellites 102. Frequency GPS satellite data signal 1〇8. Spread spectrum data signal 1〇8 is continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, and the spread spectrum data signal transmitted is 1 8 each containing a "data stream" that includes information identifying a particular illuminating 135359.doc 201017129 star 102 from which the data stream originated. GPS receivers 1 通常 6 typically require spread spectrum data signals from at least three satellites 102 1〇8, in order to be able to calculate the two-dimensional position. The reception of the fourth spread spectrum data signal enables the GPS receiver 1 6 to be able to vent the two-dimensional position using known techniques. In this example, the navigation device 200 is provided with blue The navigation function of the bud function is such that the setting of the wireless communication terminal to which the navigation device 200 can communicate with the navigation device 200 is unknown, thereby enabling the navigation device 2 to enable the mobile phone to change the spectrum without interrupting Correct operation in the case of type, brand, etc. For example, the model/label specific settings can be stored on the navigation device 2〇〇. The information stored for this information can be updated. Although not shown, to replace the need for wireless communication terminals to provide access to the communication network, the navigation device 200 can include mobile phone technology, including, for example, an antenna, or selectively use an internal antenna of the navigation device. The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can also include an add-in card (e.g., a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card). Similarly, the mobile phone technology in the navigation device 2 can be used to establish a navigation device 2 and a server (not shown) via, for example, the Internet in a manner similar to any terminal having a wireless communication function. Network connection between. The software stored in the server memory provides instructions to the processor of the server to allow the server to provide services to the navigation device. One of the services provided by the server includes processing the request from the navigation device 2 and transmitting the navigation data to the navigation device 20 (the other service that can be provided by the server includes using various algorithms to handle the navigation in response to the desired application) The data and the results of these calculations are sent to the navigation device 2. 135359.doc -18- 201017129 You can use, for example, the Internet to perform actions in a known manner by a service provider and such as a server The other is the establishment of a network connection between devices. In this regard, any number of suitable data communication protocols may be used, for example, a TC simplified layered agreement. In addition, mobile devices can utilize (iv) a number of communication standards, such as CDMA2000, GSM, 芘 〇 〇 & &   a/b/c/g/n, and the like. It can thus be seen that an internet connection can be utilized, which can be achieved via a data connection using a mobile phone or a mobile phone technology. Alternatively, a personal computer can be connected between the navigation device 2 and the server to establish an internet connection between the server and the navigation device 200. The information from the server may be provided to the navigation device via the information download, the information download may be automatically updated periodically, or may be updated after the user connects the navigation device 200 to the server, and/or may be via, for example, wireless The connection device and the TCP/IP connection are updated in a more dynamic manner after establishing a more persistent or frequent connection between the server and the navigation device. For many dynamic calculations, the processor of the server can be used to handle a large amount of processing needs, however, the processor of the navigation device 200 can also handle a large amount of processing and calculations from time to time independent of the connection to the server. Referring to Figure 2, it should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device and represents only a number of example components. The navigation device is located in a housing (not shown). The navigation device includes a processing resource G3, for example, the processor 2〇2 mentioned above, and the processor 2〇2 is coupled to the input sigh 204 and the display device (e.g., 'display screen 2〇6). Although the singular form of input device 204 is referred to herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that input 135359.doc _ 19· 201017129 device 204 represents any number of input devices, including keyboard devices, voice input devices, touch panels, and / or any other known input device used to enter information. Likewise, display screen 206 can include any type of display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). In one configuration, the input device 2〇4, the touch panel, and one of the display screens 2〇6 are integrated to provide an integrated input and display device, including a touch pad or touch screen input terminal 250. (Fig. 3) The input of the enable information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and the information display via the touch panel screen enable the user to touch only one of the display screens 206 to select one of the plurality of display options. Or start one of a number of virtual or •, soft " buttons. In this regard, the processor 2〇2 supports a graphical user interface (GUI) that incorporates touch screen operations. In the navigation device 200, the processor 202 is operatively coupled to the input device 204 via connection 21 and is capable of receiving input information from the input device 2〇4 via connection 21, and the processor 202 operates via a respective output connection 2丨2 Optionally, at least one of display screen 206 and output device 208 is coupled to output information to the at least one. The navigation device 200 can include an output device 2〇8, such as an audio output device (e.g., a speaker). Since the output device 2〇8 can generate audio information for the user of the navigation device 200, it should also be understood that the input device 204 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands. Additionally, the navigation device 2A can also include any additional input device 204 and/or any additional output device, such as an audio input/output device. The processor 202 is operatively coupled to the memory 214 via a connection 216 that stores the identity and location of the different categories of p〇I (eg, store, museum I35359.doc •20·201017129, and parking facilities). Details of the POI database 228. The processor 202 is further adapted to receive information/information from the input/output (1/〇) iteration 218 via the connection 22 to the input/output (1/〇) 218, where 1/〇埠 218 can be connected to The external device 1/〇 device 222 of the navigation device 2 may include, but is not limited to, an external listening device such as an earpiece. The connection to the I/O device 222 may additionally be ( For example) a wired or wireless connection for hands-free operation and/or any other external device (such as a car stereo unit) for voice-activated operation, such as a connection to an earpiece or headset and/or to action A telephone connection in which a mobile telephone connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the server via, for example, the Internet or any other network. Figure 2 further illustrates the processor 202 via the connection 226. With antenna/receiver 'where antenna/receiver 224 can be (example)

An operational connection between 224, such as a GPS antenna/receiver. Should be s Tian Ran, generally familiar with the technology will understand the electrons shown in Figure 2

_ - 砍 旱 上 上 导航 导航 导航 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 135 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至 至The navigation device 200 can then be removed from the articulated location for portable or handheld navigation purposes. Referring to FIG. 3, the navigation device 200 can be an integrated input and display device 206 and other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to The 7G of the internal gPS receiver 224, the microprocessor 202, the power source (not shown), the memory system 2丨4, etc.). The navigation device 200 can be located on the arm 252, which can be fastened to the carrier dashboard/window/etc. using the suction cup 254. This arm 252 is an example of one of the docking stations to which the navigation device 2 can be coupled. For example, the navigation device 2 can be coupled or otherwise coupled to the arm 252 of the docking station by snapping the navigation device 200 to the arm 252. The navigation device 200 can thus rotate on the arm 252. In order to release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, for example, one of the buttons on the navigation device 200 can be pressed (not shown for coupling the navigation device 2 to the docking station and connecting the navigation device 2 Other equally suitable configurations for desk decoupling are well known to those skilled in the art. Turning to Figure 4, processor 202 cooperates with memory 214 to support BI〇s (Basic Input/Output System) 262, which acts as navigation device 2 The interface between the functional hardware component 260 and the software executed by the device. The processor 202 is loaded from the memory 214 into the operating system 264, which provides the application software 266 (implementing the path planning and navigation described above). Some or all of the functionality) " Operating environment. The application software 266 provides an operating environment that includes a user interface that supports the core functions of the navigation device, such as map viewing, path planning, navigation. The function and any associated with it 135359.doc -22- 201017129 Other functions 'includes the method of path configuration as explained below. In this regard, the user interface The sub-view includes a view generation engine 268. The operation of the above navigation device 2 will now be described in the context of a user of the navigation device 200 wishing to travel between two locations in the Netherlands. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that Other equally applicable examples are contemplated and the choice of location is not intended to be limiting. In operation (Figure 5), the user (a visitor at the Hague European Patent Office) needs to be located in Amsterdam.

Navigation help for the office of TomTom International BV at Rembrandtplein 35. In order to use the navigation device 2 to perform navigation to the p〇I, the user configures a path to be calculated as follows. Referring to Figures 6 through 16, the user takes (step 4) an illustrative destination location input process as described below, which uses a location viewer function supported by the user interface. Although not shown, the user uses one of the application menu options supported by the application software 266 to select the view of the three-dimensional mode. When the user powers the navigation device 2, the device 2 takes a Gps position and performs a self-position determination by calculating (in a known manner) the current position of the navigation device; t. As shown in FIG. 6, the user is then presented with a display in a pseudo three-dimensional manner: navigation 1 is set to 200; local environment 302 where t is located; and 3 is displayed below the local environment 3〇2 A set of control and status messages in the area. By touching the display at the local environment 302, the navigation device 2 updates the display 300 via a user interface by displaying (as shown in FIG. 7) a series of virtual or soft button fans I35359.doc • 23- 201017129, By means of the virtual or soft buttons 3〇6, the user can enter the destination to which the user wishes to navigate. The navigation device 200 initiates a path calculation program by touching the "Navigate to" virtual button 3〇8, and a part of the program includes a path establishment program. According to the path establishment program, the navigation device 200 displays (shown in Figure 8) a plurality of virtual buttons each associated with a different category of selectable destinations. In this example, the display shows a "home (h〇me)" press ^ button, if pressed When this button is pressed, the destination is set to the stored home location. The "favourite" button, when pressed, displays a list of destinations that have been previously stored by the user in the navigation device 200, and if one of the destinations is subsequently selected, the path to be calculated The destination is set to the selected previously stored destination. "Recent destinati〇n" The soft button, when pressed, displays a list of selectable destinations that remain in the memory of the navigation device and that the user has recently navigated to. The selection of one of the destinations populated in this list sets the destination location of the path to the selected (previously visited) location. The "point of interest" button, when pressed, presents a number of options by which the user can choose to navigate to any of a plurality of locations, such as an automated teller machine (ATM), a gas station. Or a tourist attraction, such points of interest have been previously stored, for example, in the navigation device 200 as a location to which the user of the navigation device 2 may wish to navigate. The triangle "arrow" shape virtual button provides access to additional sub-menu options for the "Navigate to..." menu option, and the "address" button 31 begins The process by which the user can enter the address 135359.doc -24· 201017129 of the destination to which the user wishes to navigate. Since the user knows the street address of the destination to which the user wants the navigation device 200 to navigate in this example, it is assumed that the "address" button 3 10 is operated (by touch on the touch screen) Button) to select (step 402) - location as destination, then (as shown in Figure 9) present a series of address input options to the user, in detail "city center (city

Centre)","postcode","crossing or intersection" (for example, the meeting point of two roads) and "street number and house number (street And house number)" address input. In this example, the user knows the street address and house number of the destination, and therefore selects the "street ancj house number""virtual button 312, and then presents it to the user (as shown) Shown in the middle): a prompt 314 for entering the name of the city to which navigation is desired; a flag button 316 by which the user can select the country in which the city is to be visited; and a virtual keyboard 3 18, which can The user operates to enter the name of the destination city when needed. In this example, the user begins typing the word "Amsterdam" and the navigation device 2 responds by providing the user with a list 320 of selectable cities. In this case, the user wants to navigate to Amsterdam and is in the self-list. After selecting Amsterdam, the navigation device 2 is displayed again (as shown in the figure "). The virtual keyboard 318 for the user to enter the name of the track, for the street name. In this example, the money user starts typing the destination. The ^ ^ ' and the navigation device respond by providing the user with a list 324 of selectable street names. Street Selection I35359.doc -25· 201017129 In this example, the user wishes to travel to the street Rembrandtplein, and thus the user selects "Rembrandtplein" from the displayed list 324. Once the street is selected, the navigation device 200 then displays (Fig. 12) a virtual keypad 326 that is mostly numerically defined and prompts by means of a prompt 328. The user enters the selected street and city that the user wishes to navigate to. Chongdao number. If the user has previously navigated to a building number in this street, then the number is displayed at the beginning. As in this example, if the user wishes to navigate to Rembrandtplein 35, the user only needs to type the street number ("35") using the virtual keypad 326, and then touch the display at the bottom right corner of the display 3〇〇. "Done" virtual button 330. If the user wishes to navigate to one of the Rembrandtplein different building numbers, all actions the user needs to perform are to operate the virtual keypad 3 26 to enter the appropriate building number or track number. Once the building number is entered or selected, the application software 266 searches (step 404) the database 228 to find a defect that is a predetermined proximity to the location selected in the manner described above. In this regard, the application software 266 is configured to search for defects in a particular category. In this example 'this category is a parking facility. The predetermined proximity is set to a radius of 1 km with respect to the selected position. However, if desired, the application software 266 can be configured to allow the user to specify the predetermined proximity. Therefore, the application software 266 searches for parking facilities within 1 km of Rembrandtplein 35. Referring to Figure 13, in the case where the application software 266 finds a parking facility within a predetermined proximity, the view generation engine 268 135359.doc of the application software 266 • 26 - 201017129 reproduction (step 408) is found in the main display grid 332. The selected position 333 and the parking β are applied to the 2D preview of 3 3 5 and the virtual sister 334 (or other optional element or illustration) is displayed in the sidebar 3 3 6 . In this example, the 3D view is a bird's eye diagram. The virtual button 334 is an example of a user interface element and can be selected by the user. The virtual button 334 has a label: "Navigate to car park" and specifies the distance between the selected location and the pI (in this example, parking facility) in parentheses, for example, 1 50 m The user therefore has a suggestion for a potentially suitable parking facility "or 'in the event that the application software is unable to find a POI that meets the criteria mentioned above, inactivating or ashing the virtual button 3 34 to prevent the user from proceeding The choice of virtual button 334. In this example, the 'virtual button is not available when the target is no parking nearby (No parking nearby). However, in the current example, 'in the POI database The POI is found in 228, and the application software 266 monitors (step 410) the virtual button 334 "actuate" and in the case where the user touches the virtual button 3 3 4 to select the navigation to the parking facility functionality, View generation engine 268 reproduces (step 412) another preview (Fig. 14), which in this example 'shows the parking facility found as described above. The second preview is centered on the POI, but the degree of zoom used to generate the view is set such that the selected position (Rembrandtplein 35) is also visible in the second preview. In the event that the user does not wish to be navigated to the suggested P〇I, the user may simply touch the "Done" button 338 (FIG. 13). The application software 266 then uses the selected location as the path calculation. The path calculation program continues with the destination destination. When the application software 266 does not find any parking facility as described above, the application software 266 similarly continues the path calculation after the user confirms. Referring to Figure 14, and assuming that the user has found and selected a parking facility, once the second preview is generated, the preview displays the p〇I in the main cell while the view is in the POI (in this example, parking) The resulting preview also provides additional information about the POI, such as the phone number and identity of the pI. In this example, the phone number is shown as a selectable virtual button 340 that can be selected. The virtual button 34 can be selected to "actuate" to permit the use of a voice communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) that communicates with the navigation device 200 or via The cellular communication hardware (if present) incorporated in the navigation device 2 automatically initiates the voice call initiation process. The identity of the POI is identified in the area 342 below the primary grid 332. In this example, the parking facility is identified :

Rembrandtplein-Bakkerstraat, Amsterdam". In addition, a measurement is indicated in area 342 below the main grid 332 to assist the user in deciding whether to select the P() I suggested by the application software 266. The measurement can be for the selected location. The user may find any suitable measure of the spacing between the useful P〇I's such as 'distance (such as straight-line distance), travel time, or time to reach. In Figure 14, the tag of the measurement is identified as " distance (4), m (Dmance%s: xmetres)., In this example, the measurement system estimates that ^ is determined by the user; t needs to navigate to the suggested p〇I, the user touches "select" (Select), virtual button 344, ::, an application soft second is replaced by the location of the selected (in this example, the parking facility) (step: 6), first select the location as the destination to respond. The application software 135359.doc -28 - 201017129 266 then presents the user interface - asking the user if he needs - a specific arrival time interrogation message 346 (Fig. 15). If the user touches the "yes" virtual button, the time required to estimate the trip to the destination is invoked and the user is advised to leave their current location in order to arrive at their destination on time (or if the user walks late) The case of the case, it should leave the time) function frustration. In this example, the user does not care to arrive at a particular time and therefore selects "no"" virtual button 348. Select No (no) " virtual button 348 to cause the navigation device 2 to calculate the path between the current location and the selected replacement destination (in this example, p〇I), and to display the relatively low path of the entire path The calculated path 350 is displayed on the map of magnification (as shown in Figure 16). The user is also provided with a "Done" virtual button 352, which the user can press to "Done""virtual button 352 to indicate that the calculated path is acceptable;" Looking for a find alternative "virtual button 354, the user can press the "find alternative" virtual button 354 to cause the navigation device 200 to calculate another path to the selected destination; and "details The "details" "virtual button 356, the user can press the "details" virtual button 356 to present selectable options for displaying more detailed information about the currently displayed path 35〇. In the example 'provided that the user considers the displayed path to be acceptable, and once the "done" button 352 is pressed, the user is presented with a three-dimensional view of the current starting position of the navigation device 200 (not shown). The user then begins (step 418) his journey, and the navigation device 2 guides the user in a known manner by using the determined navigation settings 135359.doc -29- 201017129 The change is updated to update the map and is provided by providing the user with visual and (optional) audio navigation commands until the destination is reached (ie, the selected parking facility). In another embodiment, the category of the POI can be selected. As an alternative or in addition to the option to provide a POI to navigate to the pre-configured categories mentioned above. In an example, use the "Navigate to POI" virtual button (not shown) Replace the "Navigate to car park" "virtual button 334 (Fig. 13). After selecting the "Navigate to POI" virtual button, the application software 266 causes the view to be generated. The engine 268 presents the user with a number of POI categories for selection and/or an option to specify a POI category via the virtual keypad. Once the user has selected the POI category in this manner, the application software 266 continues in the manner described above. Find the P0I of the selected category in the P0I database 228 and replace the above mentioned "Navigating to POI (Navigate to P0I)" or • Navigate to car park&q Uot; button, and generate a " navigate to [POI category] (Navigate to [POI Category])" virtual button, "[POI category] ([POI Category])" indicates the selected POI category, for example, ' 'Shop' " or "Museum". As in the previous embodiment, the "Navigate to [POI Category]" button may be supplemented with additional information (e.g., to the linear distance to the POI found in the POI repository 228). In this and previous embodiments, the P0I is selected by the user to replace the previously selected location and the list of databases or "recent destinations" is maintained by the application software 266. Next, the location of the previously selected location and the selected POI may be updated to "Recent Destination 135359.doc -30- 201017129 (recent destinations)". In the above embodiment, the application software 266 finds the distance initiated by the user. The selected location is the nearest P〇I, which meets the predetermined proximity criterion. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be other P01s that follow the predetermined proximity criteria. In another embodiment, the programming software 266 can be provided by the View Generation Engine 268 to allow the user to select an interactive selection screen for one of a number of P0s found to comply with a predetermined proximity criterion. In this regard, the database 228 contains additional information about the selected p〇I, and the identified p〇I can be classified according to one or more classification criteria, for example, at the best, lowest cost, and/or The user needs (eg, a good wheelchair access) to assess. The user then chooses freely! One of > 01 (e.g., a parking facility) may then list and select a POI for the generated second preview view as described above, and then may select the POI as a new destination, reject or reject the POI altogether. However, the user is provided with another opportunity to select another p〇I, such as by means of the "Back" virtual button. It should be understood that various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been described so far. The invention is not limited to the specific configuration set forth in this document, and

If the scope of the present invention is extended to include all configurations and modifications and variations thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although the above embodiments have been extensively described in the context of a process for setting a destination, the above example can be used with respect to setting one or more pis along the path that has been calculated by the navigation device. . Similarly, any of the above embodiments may be used with respect to setting an intermediate position (eg, a so-called "way point" "). 135359.doc 201017129 to understand 'although in the context of simple path selection and calculation The above examples are described, but the above embodiments can be implemented with respect to other functional aspects of the application (4) software 266. For example, the application software 2 "supports allowing the user to permit the path before the start and/or the route is established. Path planning procedure. In this kind of real money, the user can request the preparation route (4) via the user interface, and establish the route with respect to the previous embodiment.

The functionality can be used to select the part of the path planning or route building function mentioned above for the POI material near the selected location. The embodiment described in the foregoing detailed description refers to Gps, but the navigation device can utilize any of the position sensing techniques as the generation of Gps: (or indeed 'covers Gps'). For example, a navigation device may utilize, his global navigation satellite system, such as the European Galileo (GaHie) system. Similarly, it is not limited to satellite-based, but can be easily implemented using a ground-based :: or any other system that enables the device to determine its geographic location. Brain replacement: Embodiments may be implemented as a computer for use in a computer system. The program product is, for example, stored in a tangible data recording medium 0#, such as a magnetic disk, a CD, a _ or a fixed magnetic column computer command, or It is embodied in the meridian.., ^, in computer data signals transmitted by tangible media or wireless media (for example, wave or infrared). The _7 may constitute all or part of the functionality described above and in a memory device (volatile memory or non-volatile memory, :: semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory device). 4 For example, those who are familiar with the technology will also fully understand that although it is better to implement some work by software (for example, by -, , the functionality can be equally hard only In the body, ^, or a plurality of ASICs (special application integrated circuits) are implemented or a mixture of real =::: bodies is implemented. Also, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to being implemented in software. Finally, Also, :, t, w, although the scope of the accompanying claims clarifies the specific combination described herein: the subject matter of the invention is not limited to the following claims, and the scope of the invention is extended to include Any combination of features or embodiments, whether or not the specific combination has been specifically enumerated in the scope of the accompanying claims at this time. [Simplified Schematic] The figure shows a Global Positioning System (GPS) that can be used by a navigation device. - exemplifying BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the electronic components of the navigation device of the circle 1 or any other suitable navigation device; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one configuration of the installation and/or connection navigation device; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a method of constructing a path used by the navigation device of Figure 3 and constituting an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 6 through 16 are from The screen of the navigation device during the execution of the method of Fig. 5. [Key element symbol description] 100 GPS system 102 Satellite 104 Earth 135359.doc -33- 201017129 GPS receiver spread spectrum GPS satellite data signal navigation device / navigation device processor Input device display / integrated input and display device / display device output device connection connection memory connection input / output (I / O) 埠 connection I / O device

106 108 200 202 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 220 222 224 226 228 250 252 254 Antenna/receiver connection POI library touch pad or touch screen input arm suction cup 260 Function hardware component 262 BIOS (basic input / Output system) 264 operating system 135359.doc -34- 201017129

135359.doc 266 Application Software 268 View Generation Engine 300 Display 302 Local Environment of the Navigation Device 304 Area 306 Below the Local Environment 302 Virtual or Soft Button 308 Virtual Press ifi 310 Virtual Button ά 312 Virtual Button 314 Tip 316 Flag Button 318 Virtual Keyboard 320 Optional City List 322 Tip 324 Optional Street Name List 326 Virtual Keypad 328 Tip 330 Virtual Press 332 Main Display/Main 333 Selected Position 334 Virtual Button 335 Parking Facility 336 Side 338 Button _35 - 201017129 340 Optional virtual button 342 Area under the main grid 344 Virtual press 4s 346 Interrogation message 348 Virtual button 350 Path 352 Virtual press 4$ 354 Virtual press ίδ w 356 Virtual press άδ 135359.doc -36-

Claims (1)

201017129 X. Patent Application Range: 1. A navigation device comprising: a processing resource configured to support a user interface when in use, the user interface configured to permit selection of a location; The user interface includes a view generation engine; the processing resource configured to query a database containing the point of interest data to find a point of interest within a predetermined proximity of the selected location; and the view generation engine is configured to respond A view identifying the point of interest is generated by finding the point of interest. 2. The device of claim i, wherein the view generation engine is configured to generate an X view for identifying both the selected location and the point of interest. 3. The selected location in the device of claim 2 and the identification of the point of interest includes a location that visually identifies both the selected location and the point of interest. ^ 4. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the user interface is configured to provide a path-creating procedure to allow the selection of the location. 5. A device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the selected location is a destination of a path to be calculated. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the selected location is an intermediate location in a path to be calculated. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processing resource is configured to support a one-way juice calculation program, the path calculation program including the path establishment program. 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processing resource is configured to support a 135359.doc 201017129 program that includes the path establishment procedure. The device of the long distance item 1, 2 or 3, wherein the user interface is configured to support the display of an optional user interface element by the search for the point of interest in the processing resource. Contains the optional user, the interface element provided. 10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the path establishment procedure is configured to be associated with the point of interest in response to an indication of the selection of the point of interest: ❶ replacing the selected location with a location " A device for requesting an item, wherein the view generation engine is configured to generate another view in response to the selection indication, the other view including the point of interest. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim U wherein the other view is substantially centered at the point of interest D13. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the generated view is a reproduced two-dimensional view. ❹ 14. The device of claim 1 wherein the other view is another rendered three-dimensional view. A device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a magnification level used relative to the view is such that both the selected location and the point of interest are visible on a screen displaying the view while in use . 16. The device of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the user interface is configured to permit user selection of a category of the point of interest to be sought. 17. As requested in item i, 2 or 3, where the point of interest is a parking facility. 135359.doc 201017129 18. The apparatus of claim 2, 2 or 3, wherein the processing resource is configured to calculate a measure of a distance between the selected location and the point of interest. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the user interface is configured to display the calculated measurement in the generated view. 20. The device of claim 2, wherein the user interface is configured to permit user selection of the predetermined proximity. 21'-portable navigation device' which comprises any of the navigation devices of the preceding claims. 22. A method of path configuration, the method comprising: permitting a (four) selection via a user interface; querying, a database containing points of interest data for finding an approximate proximity within the selected location a point of interest; and a view generation engine responsive to the view sought to identify the point of interest. Generated by the point of interest 23. A computer program component 'which contains a computer program component that causes the computer to perform the method of claim 22. Call this item U 24. The computer program component of claim 23, above. Computer readable media 135359.doc