TW201028658A - Navigation device & method - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system comprising at least one in-vehicle device (720, 820, 920) for determining a current location of a vehicle carrying the device and wirelessly transmitting data, characterised in that the in-vehicle device is arranged to determine the vehicle leaving a parking place and, in response, to transmit a message (725, 825, 925) indicating a location of the parking place; and at least one navigation device (731, 831, 931) comprising a parking place notification module (490), wherein the navigation device is arranged to wirelessly receive a message (730, 830, 930) indicating the location of the parking place and, in response, the parking place notification module (490) is arranged to either display on a display device (240) an indication of the location of the parking place, or to select as a destination location the location of the parking place.

Description

201028658 VI. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a navigation device and a method of displaying a navigation map. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), and more particularly, PNDs that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality. Other embodiments are more generally directed to any type of processing device configured to perform navigation software to provide route planning (and preferably navigation) functionality. φ [Prior Art] A broadcastable navigation device (PND) including GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality is well known and widely used as a navigation system for in-vehicle or other transportation tools. In general, modern PNDs include a processor, memory (at least one of volatility and non-volatile, and usually both) and map data stored in the memory. The processor cooperates with the memory to provide an execution environment in which a Soft Job system can be established and, in addition, usually - or a plurality of additional software programs are provided to enable control of the functionality of the PND and to provide various other functions. Usually, the steps of the device include allowing the user to interact with the device and control the device - or multiple input interfaces and __ or multiple output interfaces by means of the one or more output interfaces Pass to the user. Output = face, illustrative examples include a visual display and a speaker for the sound wheel. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include on/off operations of the control device or other features - or multiple singularities (if the device is built into the 137827.doc 201028658 tool, the buttons are not necessarily on the device itself) It can be on the steering wheel and a microphone for detecting the user's words. In a particularly preferred configuration, the output kneading display can be configured as a touch-sensitive display (by touch-sensitive overlay or other) to additionally provide an input interface through which the user can borrow The device is operated by touch. A device of this type will also include a plurality of physical connector interfaces, through which the power signal and the conditional data k can be transmitted to and received from the device. Depending on the situation data signal; and optionally, multiple wireless transmitters/connections (4) that allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Max GSM, and the like. Such a 5L 2PND device also includes a Gps antenna through which the satellite broadcast signal of the positional data is received' and the signals are subsequently processed to determine the current position of the device. The PND device can also include an electronic gyroscope that generates signals and an accelerometer that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in conjunction with position information derived from the GPSk number, the determining device and thus the device is mounted therein. The speed and relative displacement of the vehicle. Typically, these features are most commonly provided in the in-vehicle navigation system but can also be provided in the pND device (if this is advantageous, the utility of such PNDs is mainly manifested in their decision-of-position (usually, out of H) Μ position) and the ability of the route between the second location (usually the destination). These locations can be used by the device (4) by a wide variety of different methods, such as 'by postal code street Name and Door 137827.doc 201028658 Brand, previously stored "well-known" destination (such as famous location, municipal location (such as 'stadium or swimming pool) or other landmarks) and favorite destinations or destinations that have been recently visited. ' PND is initiated by the software to calculate the "best", or "optimal" road-line. "best" or " between the starting address location and the destination address location based on the mantle data. Most preferably, the route is determined based on predetermined criteria and may not be the fastest or shortest route. The choice of the route along which the driver is guided may be very complex and selected. The route can take into account existing, forecasted and dynamic and/or spring or wireless received traffic and road information, historical information about road speed and driver's own preferences for determining road alternatives (eg, driver-designated routes should not include In addition, the device can continuously monitor roads and traffic conditions, and provide or choose to change the route that will carry out the rest of the journey due to changing conditions. Based on various technologies (eg, mobile phone data) Instant traffic monitoring systems for switching, fixed cameras, 61>8 fleet tracking) are used to identify traffic delays and feed information into the notification system. 豢This type of PND can usually be installed on the shipboard or sowing of the transport guard. On the glass, but can also be formed as part of the onboard computer of the vehicle radio or actually formed as part of the vehicle's own control system. The navigation device can also be part of a palm-sized system, such as pDA (removable Digital assistant), media player, mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the handheld system The conventional functionality is extended by mounting the software on the device to perform route calculations and navigation along the calculated route. Route planning and navigation functionality can also be performed by a desktop meter that implements appropriate software 137827.doc 201028658 For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) ^c is available for online route planning and navigation facilities (http^y^yw.rac.co.uk), which allows users to enter and a destination, where the server connected to the user's PC calculates a route (which can be specified by the user), generates a map, and generates a user-selected starting point to the selected destination. A detailed set of navigation instructions. The facility also provides pseudo three-dimensional rendering and route preview functionality for the calculated route, the route preview functionally simulating a user traveling along the route and thereby providing the user with a preview of the calculated route . In the context of a PND, once the route is calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route from the proposed route list as appropriate. Depending on the situation, the user may intervene or direct the route selection process, such as specifying that certain routes, routes, locations, or guidelines should be avoided or must be followed for a particular journey. The route calculation aspect of the PND forms a major function, and navigation along this route is another major function. During navigation along a calculated route, such PNDs often provide visual and/or audio commands to direct the user along the selected route to the end of the route (ie, the desired destination). The PNd also often displays map information on the screen during navigation, which is periodically updated on the screen 'so that the displayed map information indicates the current location of the device and therefore the user or user's vehicle (if the device is being used Navigation within the vehicle). The icon displayed on the screen usually indicates the current device location and is centered, which is also showing the current and surrounding road map near the current device location. 137827.doc 201028658 Information and other map features "In addition, depending on the situation, navigation information can be Displayed in the state above, below or on one side of the displayed map information, examples of navigation information include the distance from the current road to the next channel that needs to be selected by the user, possibly by the particular type indicating the change of the channel ( For example, another illustration of a left turn or a right turn indicates the nature of the change in the course. The navigation function also determines the content, duration, and timing of the voice commands, which can be used to guide the user along the route. As you can see, simple instructions such as "100 m turn left require a lot of processing and analysis. As mentioned earlier, user interaction with the device can be by touch screen, or (in addition or alternatively) by driving Rod-mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method. Another important function provided by the device is automatic route recalculation in the following cases: the user navigates (4) away from the previously calculated route (accidental or intentional); it is more advantageous to specify an alternative route for immediate traffic conditions and the device can automatically recognize such conditions appropriately, or if the user actively causes the device to perform route recalculation for any reason. User-defined criteria to calculate the route; for example, the user may prefer to calculate one of the scenic routes by the device, or may wish to avoid any roads that may occur, are expected to occur, or are currently occurring. The device software will then calculate various Routes and favors: along the route, the largest number of places marked as (for example) beautiful scenery The route (known as ρ〇ι), or the stored information indicating the traffic conditions that are occurring on a particular road, will be based on the possible blockage or the level of delay based on the blockage. 1* The calculated route is sorted. Other line calculation and navigation guidelines based on p〇I and traffic information based 137827.doi 201028658 are also possible. Although the route calculation and navigation functions are important for the overall utility of the PND, the device can be used purely for information display or "Freedom Driving", which only displays map information related to the current device location, and where the route has not been calculated and the device is currently not performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when making the user known to travel along the route The route does not require navigation assistance. w Devices of the type described above (for example, the 720T model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International BV) provide a reliable way to enable users to navigate from one location to another. The navigation device can find the parking lot (which is often stored as a landmark in the map data or next to the map data), but the parking lot (especially In a busy city) may be full. In addition, the available parking spaces on the street are particularly difficult to find, especially in busy cities. One of the objectives of the present invention is to solve this problem, in particular to try to help users find parking spaces^ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the object, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system comprising: at least one in-vehicle device for determining a current location of a vehicle carrying the device And transmitting the data wirelessly, wherein the means in the vehicle is configured to determine that the vehicle leaves a parking place, and in response thereto, send a message indicating a location of the parking place; and at least one navigation device, including a parking space notification module, wherein the navigation device is configured to wirelessly receive a message indicating the location of the parking place' and in response thereto, the parking space notification module is configured with a 137827.doc -9- 201028658 - displaying on the display device a finger of the location of the parking place or selecting the location of the parking place as a purpose Location. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a navigation device including a processor, a receiver for wirelessly receiving data, and a display (24); wherein the receiver is configured to receive an indication a parking place available message at a location of the parking place; and the navigation device includes a parking place notification module 'configured to display an indication of the location of the parking place on the display device, or select the parking place The position as a destination position β. A further embodiment relates to a method for use in a navigation device, characterized in that n indicates a position of a location of a place to be placed; on-display device ( The position indicating the location of the parking place is indicated or the location of the parking place is selected as the destination location. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a computer software comprising one or more soft modules, the one or more software modules being operative to cause a processor to receive an indication when executed in an execution environment a message indicating the location of one of the parking places; and displaying an indication of the location of the parking place on a display device (240), or selecting the location of the parking place as a destination location" Advantages of the examples, and additional details and features of each of these embodiments are defined in the accompanying separate items and elsewhere in the following embodiments. [Embodiment] 137827.doc • 10· 201028658 Hereinafter, various aspects of the teachings of the present invention and configurations constituting the teachings thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. However, it should be borne in mind that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs, but are generally applicable to any type of processing device configured to execute navigation software such that route planning and navigation functionality are provided. Thus, it can be seen that in the context of the present application, the navigation device is intended to include, but is not limited to, any type of route plan and navigation device, and the device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into the vehicle. It is also practical to implement the routing plan and the computing resources of the navigation software (such as desktop or portable personal computers (PCs), mobile phones or portable digital assistants (PDAs). As will become apparent hereinafter, the teachings of the present invention also have utility beta in the case where the user does not seek guidance on the manner of navigation from one point to another and only wishes to have a view of a given location. The "destination" location selected by the user does not necessarily have one of the user's desire to start navigation corresponding to the departure location, and therefore, should not be in this article, the destination "location or actually the "destination, The reference to the view is interpreted to mean that the generation of a route must occur to the 'destination' of the trip, or indeed, the presence of a destination needs to indicate a corresponding starting position. Keeping the above conditions in mind, Figure 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 radio based navigation system that is capable of determining continuous position speed, time, and (in some cases) direction information for an unlimited number of users. The 137827.doc -11- 201028658 GPS, previously known as NAVSTAR, incorporates a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, the GPS satellite can pass its position 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 for money until it has obtained #at least three different satellite signals> (note that the position is usually not determined by using only two signals using other triangulation techniques, but So judged). 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 the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. The position and velocity data can be updated continuously and continuously by an unlimited number of users. As shown in FIG. 1, the GPS system is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit around the Earth 124. The track of each satellite is not necessarily synchronized with the orbits of other satellites 120, and is actually likely to be different. The display GPS receiver 140 receives the spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from various satellites. The spread spectrum satellite signal 16 continuously transmitted from each satellite 120 utilizes a highly accurate frequency standard achieved by an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120 (as part of its data transmission 16 发送) transmits a data stream indicating the particular satellite 120. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the GPS receiver device 137827.doc • 12· 201028658 140 typically obtains a spread spectrum Gps satellite signal 160 from at least three satellites 12 以 for the GPS receiver device 140 to be triangulated. Calculate its two-dimensional position. The acquisition of an additional signal (which produces a signal 160 from a total of four satellites 12 准许) permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three dimensional position in a known manner. Figure 2 illustrates, in block block format, an illustrative representation of an electronic component of a navigation device 200 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the block diagram of navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device, but only φ represents a number of example components. The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The external device typically includes a processor 21 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, a voice input device, a touch panel, and/or any other known input for inputting information. And the display screen 24 can include any type of display screen, such as an LCD display. In a particularly preferred configuration, the input device 220 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, so that the user only needs Touch one of the 24 screens to select one of the multiple display options or activate one of the multiple virtual presses. The navigation device can include an output device 260, such as an audio output device (e.g., a 'speaker). Since the output device 26 can generate audio information for the user of the navigation device 2, it should be equally understood that the input device 24A can include a microphone and also includes software for receiving input voice commands. In the navigation device 200, the processor 210 is operatively coupled to the input device 220 via connection 225 137827.doc -13 - 201028658 and is configured to receive input information from the input device 220 via connection 225 and to operate via output connection 245. The ground is connected to at least one of the display screen 240 and the output device 260 to output information to the at least one. Additionally, processor 210 is operatively coupled to memory resource 230 ′ via connection 235 and is further adapted to receive information from input/output (I/O) 埠 270 via connection 275 / to send information to the input/output (1) /〇)埠27〇, where 1/0埠270 can be connected to the I/O device 280 outside the navigation device 200. The memory resource 230 includes, for example, a volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (for example, a digital memory such as a flash memory) "> The 1/〇 device 28A may include, but is not limited to, an external listening device such as a headset. The connection to the 1/〇 device 28〇 may additionally be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device (such as a car audio unit) for hands-free operation and/or for voice-activated operation, for example to an earpiece or a connection of a headset and/or a connection to, for example, a mobile phone, wherein a mobile phone connection is available for use in the navigation device

(for example) establishing a data connection between the Internet or any other network, and/or establishing a connection to the server by, for example, the Internet or some other network. The progress of Figure 2 illustrates the operative connection between the processor 21A and the antenna/receiver via connection 255, where the antenna/receiver may be, for example, a GPS antenna/receiver. It will be understood that the antenna and receiver, indicated by reference numeral 250, are schematically combined for purposes of illustration, but the antenna and receiver may be <RTI ID=0.0>>> 137827.doc 201028658 Additionally, 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. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, it is believed that the different configurations of the components shown in Figure 2 are within the scope of this application. For example, the components shown in t'囷2 can communicate with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Therefore, 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 Figure 2 can be connected or docked to a vehicle in a known manner, such as a bicycle, machine pedal

Car, car or boat. This navigation device can then be removed from the docking location for portable or handheld navigation purposes. Referring now to Figure 3, the navigation device 200 can establish an "action" or telecommunications network with the server 302 via a mobile device (not shown such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology) a connection, which establishes a digital connection (such as via a digital connection such as the known Bluetooth technology, whereby the mobile device can establish a network connection with the word server 3 经由 2 via its network service provider (eg, via the Internet) Thus, the "action" network connection is established between the navigation device 2 (which can be and often acts when traveling alone and/or in the vehicle) Information provided "instant" or at least very "new" gateways. Mobile devices (via a service provider) can be used in a known manner using, for example, the Internet (such as the World Wide Web) The establishment of a network connection with another device, such as server 302. This may include, for example, the use of a TCP/IP layered protocol. The mobile device may utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GS. M, WAN, etc. 137827.doc 15· 201028658 Thus, an internet connection can be made, for example, via a data connection, via a mobile phone or a mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200. The Internet connection between the server 3() 2 and the navigation device fan. For example, it can be connected via a mobile phone or other mobile device: GPRS (Integrated Packet Radio Service) (GpRS connection is provided by the telecommunications operator) This is established by a high speed data connection for mobile devices; GPRS is a method for connecting to the Internet. The navigation device 200 can be further implemented in a known manner via, for example, existing Bluetooth technology. The data is connected and eventually completes the data connection with the Internet 2 and the server 302, wherein the data agreement can utilize any number of standards such as GSRM, the data protocol standard for the GSM standard. The navigation device 200 can be in the navigation device 2 〇 itself includes its own mobile phone technology (eg, including an antenna or, as appropriate, the internal antenna of the navigation device 200) The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 may include internal components as specified above, and/or may include an insertable card (eg, a user identity module or SIM card) that is provided with, for example, a necessary Mobile® technology and/or antenna. Thus, the mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 2 and the server 302 via, for example, the Internet. The way of establishing is similar to that of any mobile device. For GPRS phone settings, the Bluetooth enabled navigation device can be used to work correctly with the ever-changing frequency of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., for example, model/manufacturing The quotient specific settings can be stored on the navigation device 2〇〇. The information stored for this information can be updated. 137827.doc • 16 · 201028658 In FIG. 3, the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 302 via a general communication channel 3 is implemented by any of a number of different configurations. When the connection via the communication channel 318 is established between the server 302 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 server 302 It is communicable with the navigation device 200. The server 302 includes (in addition to other components not otherwise described) a processor 304 operatively coupled to a memory 306 and further operatively coupled to a bulk data storage device 312 via a wired or wireless connection 314. 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 system. In addition, it should be noted that the functions of the transmitter 3〇8 and the receiver 3 10 can be combined into a signal transceiver. The server 302 is further coupled to (or includes) a plurality of storage devices 312, noting that the ' mass storage device 312 can be coupled to the server 302 via the 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 servo 302. The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 3〇2 via the communication channel 318 and includes a processor, memory, etc. as described previously with respect to FIG. 2, and a transmitter 320 and a receiver 322 for transmission via the communication channel 318 and Receiving signals and/or data 137827.doc -17- 201028658, it is noted that such devices may be further utilized 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 transmission and reception. Device. The software stored in the server memory 306 provides instructions to the processor 3〇4 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 2〇〇. One of the services provided by the server 322 includes processing the request from the navigation device 2 and transmitting the navigation data from the mass data store 312 to the navigation device 2 . Another service provided by server 302 includes the use of various algorithms for processing the navigation data for the desired application and transmitting such calculated results to navigation device 200. The communication channel 3 1 8 generally represents a medium or path connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302. Both the server 302 and the 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 can include a number of communication links using a variety of different technologies. 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 cables, fiber optic cables, converters, radio frequency (RF) waves, atmosphere, white space ( Empty space) and so on. In addition, communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routing 137827.doc -18 - 201028658, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers. In an illustrative configuration, the communication channel 318 includes a telephone network and a computer network. In addition, the communication channel 318 can be capable of accommodating wireless communications such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, and the like. In addition, the communication channel Mg can accommodate satellite communication. • Communication signals transmitted via communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals that may be required or desired for a given communication technology. For example, such signals may be suitable for use in cellular communication technologies such as • Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). , Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Both digital and analog signals can be transmitted via communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals that may be ideal for communication techniques. The server 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. 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 2A. Alternatively, a mobile phone or other handheld device can establish a wireless connection to the Internet for connecting the navigation device 2 to the server 302 via the Internet » can provide navigation from the server via the information download 〇 137 137 137 137 827 827 827 doc 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 The connection device and the TCP/IP connection can be more dynamic after the connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is more constant or frequent. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 can be used to handle a large number 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. As indicated in Figure 2 above, the navigation device 2 includes a processor 21, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. The input device 22 and the display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information (e.g., via touch panel glory). For example, as is well known to those skilled in the art, this screen can be a touch input LCD screen. In addition, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input devices 22 and/or any additional output devices 241' such as 'audio input/output devices. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the navigation device 2〇〇. As shown in FIG. 4, the navigation device 200 can be an integrated input and display device 29 (eg, a touch panel screen) and other components of the circle 2 (including but not limited to an internal GPS receiver 250, micro A unit of the processor 21A, the power supply, the memory system 230, and the like. The navigation device 200 can be located on the arm 292, which can be fastened to the vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using the suction cup 294. This arm 252 is an example of a pair of docking stations to which the navigation device 200 can be docked. As shown in Figure 4B, for example, the navigation device 2 can be docked or otherwise coupled to the arm 292 of the docking station by attaching the navigation device 137827.doc • 20· 201028658 292 to the buckle of the arm 292. The navigation device 2 can then be rotated on the arm 292 as shown by the arrows in Figure 4B. For example, in order to release the connection between the navigation device 2 and the docking station, one of the buttons on the navigation device 2 can be pressed. Other equally suitable configurations for coupling the navigation device to the docking station and decoupling the navigation device from the docking station are well known to those skilled in the art. Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, a memory resource 23 stores a boot loader program (not shown) that is executed by processor 210 to load operating system 47 from memory resource 230 for use by The functional hardware component 46 executes the functional hardware component 460 to provide an environment for the application software to execute. The operating system 470 is used to control the functional hardware component 46 and resides between the application software 480 and the functional hardware component 46A. The application software 48 provides a working environment including a GUI, and the Gm supports the core functions of the navigation device (for example, a mantle view, a route plan, a navigation function, and any other functions associated therewith). In an embodiment, this functional component includes a parking notification module 49. The functionality will now be described in detail in conjunction with the following figures. In some embodiments, the parking notification module 490 operatively notifies the user of the available parking location. The parking notification module 490 is operable to provide a visual indication of the location of the recently vacated parking location on a map displayed on the display device 240. In some embodiments, the visual indication can include an indication of the extent to which the parking space is doubled. The indication may be in the form of a recent level of textual indication and/or color indicating that the parking location becomes available or alternatively the 'parking location notification module 490 may select the location of the parking space from the nearest empty 137827.doc 21 - 201028658 As the destination location. When the recently vacated parking place is within a predetermined distance of the current position of the navigation device, the parking place notification module can select the location of the recently vacated parking place as the destination location. The means within the vehicle is configured to determine that the vehicle in which it is located leaves the parking space. In response to this, the in-vehicle device notifies one or more navigation devices of the available parking space. In some embodiments, the in-vehicle device is a navigation device 200. However, the means within the vehicle may also be another type of device, such as a vehicle monitoring device, a road maintenance monitoring device, or any other device capable of monitoring the location of the vehicle and having access to communication resources. The parking notification module 490 is configured to determine whether the vehicle is vacated or has recently been vacated. When the parking place has been vacated, the parking notification module 490 is configured to notify at least the navigation device. The notification can be communicated to the server 3〇2 via the communication channel 318, or the notification can be communicated directly to one or more navigation devices 2GG. The notification can be sent via the feed a or directly to all of the navigation devices 200 in communication with the device that sent the notification. Alternatively, the notification can be sent to a subset of the communication navigation device 2〇〇. The subset may be a predetermined distance (4) of the navigation devices of the device transmitting the notification, or the subset may be one or more predetermined navigation devices 200. The operation of one embodiment of the parking notification module 490 will now be explained in detail. Referring to the display device of the navigation device 200 operating in the parking mode, the screen display indicates an indication of the available parking place. In the parking mode, the navigation device is finely configured to display map information 61 of the current location of the device on the display device 240. 〇 62〇 137827.doc • 22- 201028658 shows the current location of the navigation device 200 and is centered on the mantle information 61〇 (which is related to the current road and surrounding roads near the current device location, and also displays other map features). Navigation information 63〇 is displayed in the status bar below the displayed map information. The navigation information 630 includes the distance that needs to be changed by the user from the current road to the next channel, the specific type indicating the change of the channel (for example, 'left turn or right turn'), the name of the current road, and the current journey. And various other information indicative of the strength of the satellite broadcast signal being received by the navigation device 200. Display 240 further uses a plurality of symbols 64, 650, 660, 070 to indicate the location of an available parking location near the current location of navigation device 2A. Each symbol 64〇, 65〇, 660, 670 includes an indication that it is notifying the availability of a parking place (in this example, provided by the letter p), and an indication of the time since the parking place became available. . In Fig. 6, an indication of the time since the parking space became available is provided by identifying a textual period of time from when the parking space becomes available. However, it is contemplated to provide this indication in other ways, such as by 'changing the color of the symbol. For example, green can be used to indicate a parking place that has recently become available, and as time passes, the green fades or changes to red. The indication of the time since the parking space became available is used to help the user determine how likely his parking space is still available. A symbol indicating the availability of the parking place may be removed from the display 240 after a predetermined time to prevent the display from becoming cluttered, and also because it can be assumed that the parking place will no longer be available. The predetermined time may depend on the current location of the navigation device. For example, in a city, the predetermined time may be relatively low, such as 5 minutes, while in a small town, the predetermined time may be higher, such as 137827.doc -23-201028658 10 or 15 knives. The display is further shown in Figure 6 to provide visual instructions 680. - The route directs the user to one of the available parking spaces 64 (). The available parking spaces 64 of the route can be automatically determined by the parking notification module 490, or can be received by receiving appropriate user input. By using 胄>, the display device 24 is receiving a touch to select one of the displayed parking notifications 640, 650 ' 660, 670. Figure 7 illustrates a system 7A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a server 710 that is communicatively coupled to one or more additional navigation devices 731.736 via a communication channel communication coupling as described in detail above to a first navigation device 72 司M server 71. The navigation device 72G includes a __parking notification module 490 and may be the same as the navigation device 731736 forming the navigation device group. The parking notification module 490 of the navigation device 720 is configured to determine that the first navigation device 720 is about to leave. Or in a vehicle that has recently left the parking space. As will be described, the determination of the navigation device 72 in the vehicle that is about to leave the parking space can be achieved in a number of different ways. In one embodiment, when the location of the navigation device 720 is turned on and the location when the navigation device 720 is turned off, the parking notification module 々go can determine that the navigation device 720 is in a vehicle. This will indicate that the navigation device 72 is in a parked vehicle, the navigation device 72 is closed and then turned on at the same location before the vehicle begins its journey. In addition, the parking notification module 490 can support this by determining that the navigation device 72 has previously traveled to a location at a speed greater than a predetermined speed (e.g., '20 kmh·1, before being turned off). In another embodiment, the navigation device 72A may include a component such as a pressure 137827.doc • 24-201028658 switch that detects its arm docked to the docking station %, which indicates that the navigation device 720 is installed to the vehicle for broadcast Wind glass. In another embodiment, the parking notification module 49 can compare the current location of the navigation device with the stored map data to determine that its current location is in the parking area. In still another embodiment, the parking notification module 490 can determine that the navigation device 720 is powered by the external source. The navigation device 72 is installed in the transportation tool. In a further embodiment, the parking notification module 490 is configured to determine that a route has been scheduled by the user on the navigation device 720 and navigates at a speed greater than a predetermined speed φ (such as '20 kmh*) to leave the plan. Where the route is located, this indicates that the navigation device 72 is in a vehicle that has started the journey. In yet another embodiment, the parking notification module 490 is configured to enable the navigation device 720 to be associated with the electronic system of the vehicle (the >; the Bluetooth audio device of the vehicle or the information bus of the vehicle, for example, a CAN bus, determines that the navigation device 72 is in a vehicle when communicating. In the case of the information bus, the parking notification module 49 can receive information from the CAN bus (such as information indicating engine start/stop, door lock/door unlock, hand brake connection/disconnection, etc.) It is determined that the navigation device is located in the parked vehicle. This information can be used to distinguish between parking vehicles or just stopping, etc. Waiting (for example, in traffic or in traffic lights, bridges, etc., in yet another embodiment, the microphone 22 from the navigation device 2 receives The audio data is analyzed to determine that the navigation device is located in a vehicle having a running engine. Any of the above embodiments may be combined to increase the confidence that the navigation device 720 is in the vehicle. Advantageously, the parking notification module 490 determining that the navigation device 200 is about to leave or has left the parking space, considering the availability of the parking space of the physical sensor that is not equipped with 137827.doc -25 - 201028658, the physical sensors are used to determine the to be notified to the user The presence of a transport in the parking bay. Once the parking notification module 490 determines that the navigation device 720 is in the vehicle and the current location of the navigation device 720 begins to change, the parking notification module 49 is configured to make the indicated parking location available The parking place available message - 725 is sent to the word server 71. The message 725 can contain the location of the available parking place. For example, The notification module 49 determines the location at which the navigation device 72 is located in the parked vehicle, and the message 725 may also refer to the time at which the parking space becomes available. The parking is received from the navigation device 720. After the venue available message 725, the server 710 is configured to notify the parking location where the group navigation device 731_736 has become available by transmitting the parking place available message 730 to each navigation device 731 736 via the communication channel 318. The notification message may be a copy of the message generated by the first navigation device 720 and received by the server 71. The parking place sent to the navigation device 73 1-736 may indicate the location of the parking location by the message 73, and may also indicate parking The time when the place becomes available. In response to receiving the parking place available notification message 73, the navigation devices 731-736 cause each of the information contained in the received parking place notification message to be stored in the memory 230. In some embodiments, if the location of the parking place is greater than a predetermined distance from the current position of the navigation device 731_736, the parking place available message 73〇 can be discarded by the navigation device. If the user subsequently activates the parking mode of the navigation device 731·736, the parking notification module 490 is configured to display an indication of available parking locations near the navigation device, as described with reference to FIG. Description: If the parking notification module 49 passes the group 137827.doc -26· 201028658 state to display only the indication of the parking place that becomes available within the predetermined amount of time, then the parking location available message indicates that each parking place changes The available time information can be used to identify the parking places to be indicated on the display device 240. Although the embodiment described with reference to Figure 7 includes a servo for distributing the parking place available messages to the navigation devices 73 1-736 710, but embodiments of the invention that do not require server 710 are contemplated. In these embodiments, each navigation device 720, 731-736 can wirelessly transmit data to other navigation devices 720, 731-736 and from other navigation devices 72, 731_736. For example, each navigation device can include a WiMax transmitter/receiver unit. In this case, the first navigation device 72 is configured to use the transmitter/receiver unit to send parking place available messages directly to other navigation devices 731-736 in the local area. Advantageously, this ensures that the parking field available message 730 is only passed to the local navigation device 731-736 relative to the parking location. 8 shows a system including a server 81A, a first navigation device β 820, a communication channel 825 between the server and the first navigation device 820, and a plurality of communication with the server via the communication channel 830. Other navigation devices 831-836 are as previously described with reference to FIG. As previously described, the parking location notification module 490 of the first navigation device 820 is configured to determine that the navigation device 820 is located in a vehicle that is away from the parking space and to send a parking space available message to the server 810. However, in such embodiments, only some of the navigation devices 83 1-836 that are communicatively coupled to the server 810 are notified of the available parking place" 137827.doc • 27· 201028658 In one embodiment, the server 810 determines which of the plurality of navigation devices 83 1-836 to send the parking place available message 830 based on the current location of each navigation device 831_836. Each of the group of navigation devices 831-836 is configured to periodically communicate location information indicative of its current location to the server 810 to, for example, enable provision of proximity to each navigation device 83 丨 836 Father information. Using the location information, the server 8 is configured to determine that each of the navigation devices 8 3 1 - 8 3 6 is parked in the parking location available message received by the server from the first navigation device 820. The relative distance between the locations of the places. If the distance is less than a predetermined distance, the server 810 is configured to transmit the parking place available message to the navigation device such that only the navigation devices within a predetermined distance of one of the parking places are notified. As shown in FIG. 8, the navigation devices 831, 834, and 835 have been determined by the server 810 to be within a predetermined distance of the available parking place, and thus the server 810 transmits the parking place available message 83 to only the navigation devices. Instead of other navigation devices 832, 833, 836 that are greater than the predetermined distance from the available parking space. Still another embodiment 0 of the present invention, which is still described with reference to FIG. 8 describing a parking place available message 83, sent by the server 81A to only a subset of the navigation devices 831-836, is transmitted by the first navigation device 820 in an embodiment. The parking place available message 825 to the server 81A further includes a private parking group identification number (PPGID). The PPGID is used by the server 810 to identify one or more navigation devices to which the parking location available message 830 should be sent by the server 810. The server 810 stores a navigation device group database whose identification has one or 137827.doc -28- 201028658 multiple navigation devices. Upon receiving the parking place available message 825 from the first navigation device 820, the server 810 is configured to determine the navigation devices belonging to the PPGID from the navigation device group repository and to send the parking place available message to only the navigation Devices 831, 834, 835. This is useful, for example, in the case where the parking place is a private parking place used by a plurality of users. Once a user leaves the private parking place, their availability is only passed to other legitimate users of the parking place. The map material stored in the first navigation device 820 can identify the parking place as private, and the parking place notification module 490 is configured in response to the transportation device where the first navigation device 82 is located away from the private parking place. To send a parking place available message containing a PPGID suitable for the parking place. In an alternate embodiment, the first navigation device 820 is configured to transmit the parking place available message 825 to the server 810 regardless of whether the parking place is private, as in the previous embodiment. The server 810 stores in the memory 3〇6 the location indicating the location of the private parking place and the map material corresponding to one of the parking places or the plurality of navigation devices 831, 834, 83 5 . Upon receiving the parking place available message 825 from the first navigation ® device 820, the server 810 is configured to determine from the stored map data whether the location indicated in the message 825 is • corresponds to a private parking place. If the location is a private parking location, the parking location available message 825 is only sent by the server 810 to the navigation devices 83i, 834, 835 corresponding to the private parking location. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 7. System 900 includes a server 91, an in-vehicle device 92, and a plurality of navigation devices 93 1-936. The in-vehicle device 920 is a device capable of determining the current position of 137827.doc -29- 201028658 and transmitting the parking place available message to the server 9 1 . The means within the vehicle may, for example, be a vehicle safety device, such as a device for alerting a vehicle owner or a security service to a vehicle location or a device for road toll purposes when the vehicle is stolen. . The device 920 is configured to determine that the vehicle in which the device is installed leaves the parking place and transmits the parking place notification message 925 to the server 910 in the same manner as the previously described parking notification module 49. Upon receipt of the notification message 925 from the device 92, the server 910 is configured to transmit the parking venue notification message 930 to all of the communication-coupled navigation devices 931-936 as shown in FIG. 9, or as previously seen Figure 8 depicts only some of the information sent to the navigation device. Figure 10 shows a method in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. A user wishing to park in this embodiment activates the parking mode on their navigation device 200. In response, the navigation device 200 is configured to notify the reporter 3 that the parking mode is activated, signaling the navigation device by transmitting a parking request message including the current location of the navigation device 2 to the servo 302. The user's parking intention. As in the previously described embodiment, the reporter 3〇2 is configured to receive the parking place available message from the navigation device 2〇〇. However, in this embodiment, the servo 302 is configured to select a parking location to be notified to the user of the general device 200 that the user desires to park. That is, the reporter π] selectively notifies the navigation device 200 that the parking place is available, and therefore does not notify each parking device 200 of each parking place. The reporter 3〇2 selects the parking place to be notified to avoid the convergence of many vehicles in a single parking place. That is, the reporter 302 is configured to select a parking location to be notified such that the vehicle parked in a geographic area is dispersed over the available parking space. The method begins at step 1000, and in step 1010, the servo 032 receives a parking place available message from a navigation device that has left the parking space. In step 1020, the servo 302 receives a parking request message from another navigation device 200 that the user wishes to park. In step 1030, the reporter 302 determines whether a certain parking location is to be notified to a certain navigation device 200. If the navigation device 200 is within a predetermined distance of the parking place, the navigation device 2 is notified of the available parking place. If a plurality of Lu navigation devices within a predetermined distance of the parking place have sent the parking place request message to the servo device 3〇2, the servoizer 302 may only notify one of the subsets of the navigation devices 2 (also That is, less than a predetermined number based on a first-com-first served decision, in order to prevent too many vehicles from reaching the parking place. The method ends at step 1050 » Since the month! I will be apparent that the teachings of the present invention provide a configuration whereby the user is provided with information about the most recently vacated parking spaces and/or automatically directs the user to an available parking location. It should also be understood that 'the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration described herein and the scope of the present invention extends to include the accompanying patent application. All configurations of the scope of the scope and modifications and changes thereto. For example, although the embodiments described in the foregoing detailed description refer to GPS, it should be noted that 'the navigation device may utilize any type of position sensing technology as an alternative to GPS (or indeed, including GPS). For example, a navigation device Other global navigation satellite systems are available, such as the European Galileo 137827.doc • 31· 201028658 (Gahleo) system. Also, it is not limited to satellite-based, but can be easily implemented using a ground-based target or any other system that enables the device to determine its geographic location. It will also be well understood by those skilled in the art that while the preferred embodiment performs some functions by software, it is steep, but the functionality is equally only in hard ships (e.g., by one or more ASICs) (Special application integrated circuit)) Implementation or f is a mixture of hardware and software. Because of A, the scope of the invention should not be construed as being limited to implementation in software. In the end, it should be noted that although the scope of the appended claims is intended to identify a particular combination of the features described herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific combinations set forth below, but the scope of the invention is extended to include Any combination of features or embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not the specific combination has been specifically recited in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a global positioning system (GPS); FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an electronic component configured to provide a navigation device; FIG. 3 is a navigation device Figure 4A and Figure 4B are explanatory perspective views of a navigation device; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a software used by the navigation device; Figure 6 is a self-contained representation of the software; An example screen screen is displayed for display of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a system and its operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 137827.doc -32 - 201028658 is not intended, FIG. 8 is an illustration BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system and its operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 illustrates a method in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. . [Main component symbol description] 120 satellite

124 Earth 140 GPS Receiver Unit 160 Spread Spectrum GPS Satellite Signal 200 Navigation Device / Navigation System 210 Processor 220 Input Device 225 Connection 230 Memory / Memory System 235 Connection 240 Display / Display Unit 245 Output Connection 250 Receiver / Antenna 255 Connection 260 Output / Audio Output 270 Input / Output (I / O) 埠 275 Connection 137827.doc -33- 201028658 280 I / O device 290 integrated input and display device 292 arm 294 suction cup 302 server * 304 processing 306 Memory 308 Transmitter 310 Receiver 312 Massive Data Storage Device/ Mass Storage Device/Large Data Storage 314 Wired or Wireless Connection/Communication Link 318 Communication Channel 320 Transmitter 322 Receiver 460 Functional Hardware Component 470 Operating System 480 Application Software 490 Parking Location Notification Module/Parking Notification Module 610 Map Information 620 Graphical representation of the current location of the navigation device 630 Navigation information 640 Notification of parking location availability symbol 650 Notification of parking location availability symbol 137827.doc -34 - 201028658 660 Symbols for parking space availability 670 Symbols for parking space availability 680 Visual commands 700 System 710 server 720 according to an embodiment of the present invention First navigation device 725 Parking place available message 730 Parking place available message 731 Navigation device 732 Navigation device 733 Navigation device 734 navigation device 735 navigation device 736 navigation device 810 server 820 first navigation device 825 parking place available message 830 parking place available message 831 navigation device 832 navigation device 833 navigation device 834 navigation device 835 navigation device 836 navigation device 137827.doc • 35- 201028658 900 System 910 according to an embodiment of the present invention Server 920 In-vehicle device 925 Parking place notification message 930 Parking place notification message 931 Navigation device 932 Navigation device 933 Navigation device 934 Navigation device 935 Navigation device 936 Navigation device ❹ 137827.doc -36-

Claims (1)

201028658 VII. Application for Patent Park: 1. A system comprising: at least one in-vehicle device (72〇, 820, 920) 'which is used to determine the current location of one of the vehicles carrying the device and to transmit wirelessly The data 'characterized' is that the means within the vehicle is configured to determine that the vehicle leaves a parking place and, in response thereto, sends a message indicating a location of the parking place (725, 825, 925); and at least one The navigation device (731, 831, 931) includes a parking place • notification module (490), wherein the navigation device is configured to wirelessly receive a message indicating the location of the parking place (73〇, 83〇, 93) In response to this, the parking space notification module (49〇) is configured to display an indication of the location of the parking location on a display device (240) or select the location of the parking location as a Destination location. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the in-vehicle device (72〇, 82〇, 92〇) is configured to transmit the message indicating the location of the parking place and to indicate that the vehicle leaves the &gt Information of a time of the parking place; and the at least one navigation device is configured to display the indication of the location of the parking place on the display device (24〇) and one of the times when the parking place becomes available . The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one navigation device is configured to display only one or more indications on the display device that have become available for use less than a predetermined duration. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising a server (71〇, 81〇, 137827.doc 201028658 910) configured to receive the message indicating the location of the parking place (725, 825) And 925) and transmitting the message indicating the location of the parking place to the at least one navigation device (731, 831, 931). 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one in-vehicle device is configured to transmit a message including a parking group ID indicating the location of the parking location; and the server (810) includes a storage park a parking group ID database of the group ID and information identifying at least one corresponding navigation device (831, 834, 835), wherein the server (810) is configured to send the message indicating the location of the parking place to The at least one navigation device (831, 834, 835) corresponding to the parking group ID. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the server (81A) stores information identifying one of the at least one private parking location and one or more corresponding navigation devices' and is configured to determine the received message Whether the location of the parking place indicated in the location corresponds to a location of a private parking place, and the message is sent to the one or more corresponding navigation devices (83丨, 834, 835). 7) The system of claim 4, wherein the server (81〇) is configured to receive information indicative of a current location of one of the navigation devices from the at least one navigation device and when the navigation device is less than one of the parking locations Sending a message indicating the location of the parking place to the at least one navigation device when the distance is predetermined. 8. A navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210); and 137827.doc 201028658 a receiver (322) 'for wirelessly receiving data; and a display (240); characterized by: - The receiver is configured to receive a parking location available message (730, 830, 930) indicating a location of an available parking location; and the navigation device (200) includes a parking location notification module (49A) It is configured to display an indication of the location of the parking location on a display device (240) or to select the location of the parking location as a destination φ location. 9. The navigation device of claim 8, comprising: a transmitter (320) for wirelessly transmitting data; wherein the parking place notification module (490) is configured to determine that one of the navigation devices (200) is installed The vehicle leaves a parking place of the vehicle and, in response thereto, sends a message (725, 825, 925) indicating the location of one of the parking places. The navigation device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the parking place notification module (490) is configured to display on the display (24〇) one of a duration from when the parking place becomes available Instructions. 11. The navigation device of claim 9, wherein the parking place notification module (49A) is configured to transmit the message indicating the time when the vehicle leaves the parking place. 12. The navigation device of claim 9, wherein the parking place notification module (49A) is configured to determine whether the location of the parking place corresponds to a location of a private parking place and the transmission includes a private parking Location Group ID News 137827.doc 201028658 Interest. 13. A method for use in a navigation device (200), characterized by: receiving a message indicating a location of an available parking place; displaying the parking location on a display device (240) A position of the location or a location of the parking place is selected as the A-destination location. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising: notifying a location of an available parking location by: • determining that one of the vehicles in which the navigation device 200 is located leaves a parking location; and wirelessly transmitting - indicating the parking location A message is available at a parking place in one location. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, comprising: determining whether the location of the parking place corresponds to a location of a private parking place and in response thereto, transmitting a parking place available message including a parking place group ID. 137827.doc •4