TW201028666A - Navigation device & method - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (210) that is configured to access digital map data and calculate a route (404) to a destination, said route (404) comprising one or more manoeuvres; characterised in that the navigation device (200) further comprises: a store (230) for landmark data (402), which data indicates the position of landmarks in said digital map, a landmark data interrogator (414) that is configured to access said landmark data store (230) to determine whether there is a landmark located in the vicinity of a said manoeuvre, and a navigation instruction generator (416) operable in the event that said landmark data interrogator determines that a said landmark is located in the vicinity of said manoeuvre to generate for that manoeuvre an enhanced navigation instruction that refers to said landmark for provision to a user of said navigation device (200).

Description

201028666 VI. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a navigation device and a method of generating a navigation command. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), which in particular include PDNs for Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality. Other embodiments are more generally directed to any type of processing device configured to perform navigational software such that route planning (and preferably navigation is also provided) functionality is provided. • [Prior Art] Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functions are well known and widely used as navigation systems for in-vehicle or other vehicles. General, modern PND A processor, memory (at least one of volatile and non-volatile 1±, and usually both) and map data stored in the memory. The processor cooperates with the memory to provide an execution environment, and a software operating system can be set up in the φ 且 and additionally provides - or a plurality of additional software programs to enable control of the functionality of the PND and to provide various other generals. The device further includes allowing the user to interact with and control the device: or - or multiple input interfaces and/or multiple output interfaces, and the interface == interface can transmit the information to the user. Output; Acoustic 括 Includes a visual display and a loss or other illustrative example of the output for the audio including one or more of the on/off features of the control device (if the device is built in - LIGHT 137824.doc 201028666 In the tool, 'these are not necessarily on the device itself and can be on the steering wheel.' and - the microphone used to detect the user's words. In a particularly preferred configuration, the output interface 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: one or more physical connector interfaces through which power signals and conditional data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device and Depending on the situation, and, where appropriate, one or more wireless transmitters/receivers that allow communication over cellular networks and other signal and data networks, for example, in Wi-Fi, Wi-Max GSM and the like. Communication on the network. This type of PND device also includes a GPS antenna by which satellite broadcast signals including location data can be received and subsequently processed to determine the current location of the device. The PND device can also include an electronic gyroscope that generates a signal and an accelerometer that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in conjunction with position information derived from the GPS signal, 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 may also be provided in the PND device (if this is advantageous). The utility of such PNDs is primarily manifested in their ability to determine the route between the first location (usually, the origin 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, rushing name and door 137824.doc 201028666 grade, previously stored "well-known" Land (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as stadiums or swimming pools) or other landmarks) and favorite destinations or destinations that have recently been visited. Typically, the PND is initiated by the software to calculate the "best" or "best" route=best or best" between the outgoing address location and the destination address location based on the map data. The route is determined based on predetermined criteria and is not necessarily the most determined or shortest route. The choice of the route that guides the driver along the way can be very complicated. ^ ^ The selected route can take into account existing, system and dynamic and / or ..., traffic and road information received by the line, historical information about the speed of the road and the driver Self-preference for the factors of road alternatives (for example, the driver can specify a route that should not include a motorway or toll road. In addition, the device can continuously monitor roads and traffic conditions and provide or choose to change due to changing conditions The route for the rest of the journey will be carried out. An instant traffic monitoring system based on various technologies (eg, mobile phone data exchange, fixed camera, (4) fleet tracking) is used to identify traffic delays and feed the information into the notification system. This type of payment can usually be placed on the dashboard or windshield of the transport guard, but can also be formed as part of the onboard computer of the transport radio or as part of the control system of the transport itself. The navigation device can also be part of a palm-sized system, such as a pDA (portable digital assistant), a media player, Mobile phones or the like, and in such cases, the conventional functionality of the palm-type system 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 provided by a desktop meter that implements appropriate software, 137824.doc 201028666 computing resources or mobile computing resources. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides online route planning and navigation facilities that allow users to enter together Point and a destination, so that the server connected to the user's PC calculates a route (the aspect of which can be specified by the user), generates a map, and generates a starting point for guiding the user to the selected one. a detailed set of navigation instructions for the destination. 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 giving the use A preview of the calculated route is provided. In the context of the PND, once the route is calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to Select the desired route from the proposed route list, as appropriate, and the user may intervene or direct the route selection process, such as for a particular journey, specifying that certain routes, roads, locations, or Guidelines. The PND route calculations form a primary function, and navigation along this route is another major function. These navigations often provide navigational instructions (eg, visual) during navigation along a calculated route. And/or voice command) to direct the user to the end of the route along a selected route (ie, to the desired destination). PND also often displays map information on the screen during navigation. The screen is periodically updated so that the displayed map information represents the current location of the device and thus the user or user's vehicle (if the device is being used for navigation within the vehicle). The icon displayed on the screen usually indicates the current device location and is centered, and the map of the current and surrounding roads near the current device location is also displayed. 137824.doc 201028666 Information and other maps 乂w 乂 "Features. In the case, the navigation information may be displayed in the status bar above, below or on the side of the displayed map. The example of the guide includes the distance from the current road to the next channel that needs to be selected by the user. May be indicated by the type of teaching that indicates the change of the channel (for example, 'left turn or right turn one 芩 j 旳 other map does not show the nature of the change of the channel. The navigation function is also judged · Xin Yansheng afU day v valley, performance Time and timing, which can be used to refer to the user along the route. As you can see, simple instructions such as turning left after 100 m require a lot of processing and analysis. As mentioned earlier, use The interaction with the device can be by touch screen, or (in addition or alternatively via a joystick mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method.

Another important function provided by the device is the automatic route recalculation in the following cases: the user is navigating „offset from the previously calculated route (accident or deliberately wide-time traffic conditions specify an alternative route would be more advantageous and the device The conditions can be automatically recognized automatically, or if the user actively causes the device to perform route recalculation for any reason. It is also known to allow the user to calculate the route according to user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer one of the devices to calculate Scenic routes, or you 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 routes and prefer: the largest number along the route is marked as (eg) beautiful The route of the landmark (usually known as ΡΟΙ), or the stored information indicating the traffic conditions occurring on a particular road, sorts the calculated routes by possible blockage or level based on the delay of the blockage. .doc 201028666 Other POI-based and traffic-based route calculation and navigation guidelines For example, it has been previously proposed to provide for many other types of POIs (such as 'airports, gas stations, transportation points, train stations, places of worship (eg, 'chapels), automated teller machines, and the like) Location information and providing the user with the option to selectively display some or all of these P0Is on a digital map, and as appropriate, notify the user when the user approaches a given POI, or actually use the user For example, from the current position to the selected P0J. 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 "free driving", which only shows the current Map information related to the location of the device, and the route has not been calculated and the device is currently not performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when the user knows the route along which the trip is traveling and does not require navigation assistance. For example, 'the 720T model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International BV' provides a means for enabling users to navigate from one location A reliable way to another location. If you know 'when the user is unfamiliar with the route to the destination they are navigating to,' these devices have a specific utility. However, although these devices are usually very good in these situations Useful, but if the user does not know the destination and the route to the destination, the navigation process may become complicated. The user's unfamiliarity with the route may create uncertainty. Inaccuracy is not convenient for the user of the device and puts pressure on the user. For example, 'as mentioned above' has previously proposed to provide the user with a "200m left turn" type of voice navigation finger + If there is a 137824.doc 201028666 dry left turn before the latter, it may be difficult for the user to determine which of the first, second, and third left turns is in front of its current position. Glutinous rice, and which one should be chosen to continue along the calculated route. This question is further aggravated by the fact that there is usually a margin of error associated with the navigation system, and thus even a user who is good at judging the distance may find it difficult to immediately understand which of the various available turns should be selected. To keep 'on the calculated route. In an attempt to resolve this issue, a more detailed navigation command has been previously proposed to be provided to the user. For example, it has been previously suggested that the user should be redirected to be able to maintain the name of the street on the calculated route, for example, "200 meters and then turn left to StationR〇ad". Although this is actually an improvement on the simple turn command, there are often cases where the street name is missing or not easily visible. Thus, the user may not be able to determine whether the street to which it is approaching is actually the street to which it should be steered, or at most only when it is very close to the street under consideration or is about to be tuned to determine that it is actually Turn to the street. As should be appreciated, in such cases, the user is confused as to which appropriate street to pick to continue on the route, and this confusion can cause the user to be distracted from the task at hand. Such distractions can be dangerous when the user is driving a vehicle, and it would be advantageous to avoid such distractions by providing the user with navigational instructions that may be easily followed. One of the objects of the present invention is to solve such problems, and in particular, to solve such problems by providing navigational instructions to the user of the navigation device that are easily compliant. 137824.doc 201028666 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the object, a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a navigation device that includes a processor configured to access digital map data and calculate one to one destinations Route, the route comprising one or more schedules 'characteristically' that the navigation device further comprises: a store for landmark information 'the data indicating the location of the landmark in the digital map; a landmark information interrogator' It is configured to access the landmark data store to determine if there is a landmark located near the dispatch; and a navigation command generator that can determine that the landmark is located near the dispatch at the landmark information interrogator The operation is performed to generate an enhanced navigation instruction for the landmark for the user to be provided to one of the navigation devices. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a navigation method including the steps of accessing digital map data and calculating a route to a destination, the route including one or more schedules; accessing a landmark data Determining whether there is a landmark located in the vicinity of the dispatch, the landmark data indicating a location of the landmark in the digital map; and generating a reference to the landmark for the dispatcher if it is determined that the landmark is located near the dispatch The enhanced navigation command is provided to a user of a navigation device. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a computer software comprising one or more software modules operable to perform a processor for accessing digital map data and calculating one to one destinations when executed in an execution environment a route comprising one or more schedules; accessing a store for landmark data to determine whether there is a landmark located near a schedule, the landmark data indicating a location of the landmark in the digital map; and determining One of the landmarks is located at 137824.doc -11 - 201028666. The situation near the dispatching sink generates a reference navigation instruction for the landmark to be provided to a user of a navigation device. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a format for representing a digital map comprising: (a) a road information component representing at least one location of the road in the map; and (b) a landmark information component representing a location of the map in the map; wherein the information component can be interpreted by a processor of a navigation device to generate an enhanced navigation command with reference to the landmark Associated with a calculated schedule. The advantages of the embodiments are set forth below, and additional details and features of each of these embodiments are defined in the accompanying separate items and elsewhere in the following embodiments. [Embodiment] The various aspects of the teachings of the present invention and the configuration of the teachings of the present invention are described by way of example. The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. However, it should be noted 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 to provide route planning and navigation functionality. 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 metering and navigation device that is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into the vehicle, or an actual device. The computing resources on the implementation of the route plan and navigation software (such as 'desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile phone or portable digital assistant (PDA)) are irrelevant. 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 137824.doc 201028666. 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 GPS previously known as NAVSTAR incorporates a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can transmit their position to any number of receiving units. The GPS system is implemented when a device specially equipped to receive GPS data starts scanning for a radio frequency for a GPS satellite. After receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the exact location of the satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. In most cases, the device will continue to scan the signal until it has obtained at least three different satellite signals (note that the position is usually not determined by using only two signals using other triangulation techniques) but can be determined as such 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 two-dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. An unlimited number of users can continuously update location and speed data in real time. As shown in Figure 1, the GPS system is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1〇〇. A 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 likely to be different. The display GPS receiver 140 receives the spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from various satellites 120. 137824.doc -13- 201028666 The spread spectrum satellite signal 160 continuously transmitted from each satellite 120 utilizes a highly accurate frequency standard achieved by an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120 (as part of its data signal transmission 160) transmits a data stream indicative of its particular satellite 120. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the GPS receiver device 140 typically obtains a spread spectrum GpS satellite signal '160 from at least three satellites 12' for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. . The acquisition of an additional signal (resulting in a total of four satellites 12 160 signal 160) permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner. 2 illustrates an illustrative representation of an electronic component of a navigation device 200 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device. It is representative of only a number of example components. The navigation device 200 is located in a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 21 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen.

The device 220 can include a keyboard device, a voice input device, a touch panel, and/or any other known input device for inputting information; and the display screen can include any type of display screen, such as an LCD display. In a particularly preferred configuration, the 'input device 22' and the display screen 24 are integrated into an integrated input and display device. The integrated input and display device includes a touch pad or touch screen input terminal to enable the user Simply touch one of the display screens 240: one of a plurality of display options or one of the start complex buttons can be selected. An audio output of the navigation device may include an output device 26, I37824.doc · ί4· 201028666 device (eg, speaker) β because the output device 26 产生 can generate audio information for the user of the navigation device 2 所以It is understood that the input device 24A can include a microphone and also includes software for receiving input voice commands. In navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively coupled to input device 220 via connection 225 and is configured to receive input information from input device 220 via connection 225 and is operatively coupled to display screen 240 and output via output connection 245. At least one of the devices 26〇 outputs information to the at least one

By. 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) 270 via connection 275/to send information to input/output (〗 /〇), where the I/O port 270 can be connected to a device external to the navigation device 2. The memory resource 230 includes, for example, a volatile memory (such as random access, hidden body (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (eg, digital memory, such as flash memory external The 1/〇 device 28〇 may include, but is not limited to, an external listening device, such as 'headphones. The connection to the 1/〇 device 28〇 may additionally be used for hands-free operation and/or for voice-activated operation. A wired or wireless connection of any other external device, such as a car audio unit, such as for a JL handset or headset connection and/or for connection to, for example, a mobile phone. The device 2 establishes a data connection with, for example, the Internet or any other network, and/or establishes a connection to the server using a network such as the Internet or a network. Figure 2 further illustrates the operative connection between processor connection 255, via 2iO and antenna/receiver 250 via antenna/receiver 250, which may be a GPS antenna/receiver (e.g., 137824.doc • 15· 201028666). 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 separately positioned components, and the antenna may be, for example, a Gps patch antenna or a helical antenna.

Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic components illustrated 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 Figure 2 can be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Accordingly, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device. Furthermore, the portable or handheld navigation device 2 of Figure 2 can be connected or connected to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a bicycle, a car or a ship in a known manner. 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 be connected to the server 302, the action" or the telecommunications network via a mobile device (not shown, such as a 'mobile phone, PDA, and/or device with mobile phone technology'). Establishing a digital connection (such as ', via a digital connection such as the known Bluetooth technology', the mobile device can establish a network connection with the feeder via its network service provider (eg, via the Internet) Thus, in navigation, when it travels alone and/or in transit, it can establish an "action with the server 302, and the network connection provides information for the "instant"; or at least very "new" gateway. The mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 3〇2 can be used, for example, by the Internet (the world), with the known party 137824.doc 201028666. The establishment of a network connection. This may include, for example, the use of a TCP/IP layered protocol. The mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards, such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, and the like. Thus, an internet connection can be made, for example, via a data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within navigation device 200. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 3〇2 and the navigation device 2〇〇 is established. For example, it can be connected via a mobile phone or other mobile device and GPRS (Integrated Packet Radio Service) (GpRs connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by the telecom operator; that is, for connecting to the Internet The method) to make this establishment. The navigation device 200 can further complete the data connection with the mobile device in a known manner via, for example, the existing Bluetooth technology and ultimately complete the data connection with the Internet and the server 302. The data protocol can utilize any number of standards. 'such as 'GSRM, the data agreement standard for the GSM standard. ❹ The navigation device 200 can include its own mobile phone technology (including an antenna or, optionally, an internal antenna of the navigation device) within the navigation device 2 itself. 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 equipped with, for example, necessary Action = technology and / or antenna. Thus, the mobile phone technology within the navigation device (4) can similarly be established via, for example, the Internet to establish a navigation device with the server wire # in a manner similar to the any-action device. I37824.doc 201028666 For GPRS telephony settings, Bluetooth enabled navigation devices can be used to work correctly with changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., for example, model/manufacturer specific settings can be stored in navigation devices 200 on. The information stored for this information can be updated. In FIG. 3, navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with server 302 via a general communication channel 3 18, which may be implemented by any of a number of different configurations. When a 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 feeder 322 includes (in addition to other components not otherwise described) a processor 304' operatively coupled to a memory 306 and further operatively coupled to a mass data storage device via a wired or wireless connection 314 312. The processor 304 is further operatively coupled to the transmitter 308 and the receiver 310 for transmitting information to the navigation device 2 via the communication channel 318 and transmitting information from the navigation device 200. The transmitted and received signals may include data, overnight s, and/or other propagating signals. The transmitter 308 and the receiver 310 can be selected or designed in accordance with the communication requirements and communication techniques used in the navigation system. In addition, it should be noted that the functions of the transmitter 3 〇 8 and the receiver 301 can be combined into a signal transceiver. The server 302 is further coupled to (or includes) a plurality of storage devices 312. Note that the plurality of storage devices 312 can be coupled to the server 302 via the communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a storage device for navigation data and map information, and may also be a device separate from the server 3〇2 or may be incorporated into the server 137824.doc

IS 201028666 server 302. The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 3〇2 via the communication channel 3 18 and includes the processor, memory, etc. as described previously with respect to FIG. 2, and the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 to transmit via the communication channel 318 and Receiving signals and/or data, it is noted that such devices can 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 techniques used in the communication design of the navigation device 2, and the functions of the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 can be combined into a single transceiver. . The software stored in the server memory 306 provides instructions to the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 2A. One of the services provided by the server 302 includes processing the request from the navigation device 2 and transmitting the navigation data from the mass data store 312 to the navigation device 2 . Another service provided by the server 302 includes the use of various algorithms for processing the navigation data for the desired application and transmitting the calculated results to the navigation device 200. The communication channel 318 generally indicates the connection to the navigation device 2〇〇 Propagation media or path with server 3〇2. Both server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data via the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted by the communication channel. Communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, channel 318 can include a number of communication keys that use a variety of different technologies. For example, the communication channel 3 18 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical communication, optical communication, and/or electromagnetic communication, etc. 137824.doc 201028666 is limited to one of the following electrical conductors, fiber optic cables path. Thus, communication channel 318 includes (but is not a combination thereof: circuits, such as wires and coaxial cables, converters, radio frequency (RF) waves, atmospheric 'blank offices', (ii) empty spaces, etc. In addition, communication channels 318 may include intermediate seedlings such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers. In an illustrative configuration, 'communication channel 318 includes a telephone network and a computer network. Additionally, communication channel 318 Can accommodate such as RF, microwave frequency

Wireless communication such as rate and infrared communication. Additionally, communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communications. 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, the numbers may be suitable for use in cellular communication technologies, such as 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 the active channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted, and/or compressed for the desired technique. . The server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 2 via a wireless channel. The server 302 can include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc. The server 302 can include, for example, a desktop or laptop computer. The personal 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 137824.doc -20- 201028666 between the server 3〇2 and the navigation device 2〇〇. 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. The information from the server 302 can be provided to the navigation device 200 via the information download. The information download can be periodically updated after the user connects the navigation device 2 to the server 3〇2, and/or via (For example) Wireless Actions • Connections and TCP/IP Connections After a more constant or frequent connection between the server 3〇2 and the navigation device 2〇〇, the information download can be more dynamic. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 3〇4 in the server 3〇2 can be used to handle a large amount of processing needs, however, the processor 21 of the navigation device 200 can also be handled from time to time independently of the connection to the server 3〇2. Many processing and calculations. As indicated in FIG. 2 above, the navigation device 2 includes a processor 21, an input device 220, and a display screen 24 (the input device 22 and the display screen 24 are integrated into an integrated input and display device. Information input (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information (for example, via touch panel). For example, as is well known to those skilled in the art, this screen can be touch. The input device LCD can be screened. In addition, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input device 22, or any additional output device 241, such as an audio input/output device. Figure 4b is a perspective view of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 4a, the navigation device 200 can be an integrated input and display device (4) (such as a touch panel screen) and other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to an internal GPS receiver 250, Ke Xiaoli crying) Unit of n _ microprocessing 210, power supply 'memory system 230, etc. 137824.doc 201028666 The navigation device 200 can be located on the arm 292, which can be fastened to the vehicle dashboard using the suction cup 294 The window 292 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 coupled to the arm by the navigation device 292 The buckle of 292 is docked or otherwise connected to the arm 292 of the docking station. The navigation device 200 can then be rotated on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of Figure 4b. For example, to release the navigation device 2〇〇 With the connection between the docking station, one of the buttons on the navigation device 200 can be pressed. The other suitable configuration for transferring the navigation device to the docking station and consuming the navigation device from the splicing station is generally familiar with the technology. Referring now to Figure 5, as previously discussed, the memory resource 23 of the navigation device is configured to store map data defining a digital map of an area, and the processor 210 can reference the stored The map data is used to calculate the route and generate, for example, a view of the local environment in which the navigation device is currently located for display on the display screen 240. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory resource 23〇 also includes a landmark Material 402, that is, information relating to features that are more easily noticed by users of the navigation device than street signs carrying road names. Such landmarks may include, for example, prominent buildings (eg, churches, train stations, or brand names) Hotels), geographic features (eg, bridges, rivers, viaducts, railroad crossings, etc.), prominent trees, monuments, or larger, contain any significant or conspicuous that may be more noticeable to users of navigation devices than street signs Features. As shown in Figure 5, the landmark data can be kept from the digital map data 137824.doc • 22- 201028666 for example, to keep it in a dedicated data store, in another contemplated implementation, Landmark information can include portions of digital map data. In either case, the landmark information stored for a given landmark includes the geographic location of the landmark (eg, latitude and longitude) and an indication of the identity of the landmark (eg, a characteristic type of building (eg, it is a church) Still a train station), a brand-name restaurant (for example, McDonaldsTM restaurant), a river or a bridge). In a particularly preferred configuration, the landmarks can be classified (in a manner similar to the current classification of POIs) to facilitate the determination of the identity of a given landmark. >> previously described 'Previously proposed to the navigation device to provide relevant information about the landmark (POI) of the prominent location of interest to the user of the device. The POIs are typically grouped by category, and the user typically has the ability to select which POI categories to display in the digital map representation displayed on the display device 240 of the navigation device 200. Right · POI data is provided, and there are usually POI categories that include a number of discrete p〇I intervention definitions. The user may also have the ability to create a p〇I category and add φ P〇1 to any of the established categories and optionally to a predefined POI category. The POI information maintained in the memory resource 230 may contain portions of the digital map data, or in another configuration, the P0I information may be maintained separate from the digital map data, for example, in a dedicated P0I data store. In either case, the information stored for a given 5 > 01 includes an indication of the geographic location (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the peer and the ρ〇ι category to which the peer belongs. Other information related to p〇I (such as address information, phone number, image or open time) can also be stored. 137824.doc -23- 201028666 Referring now to Figures 6a through 6d, several Venn diagrams are shown that schematically illustrate the relationship (if any) between a POI data set and a set of landmark data. In one embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in Figure 6a, the navigation device can include a discrete set of data for POI data and landmark data. The set of landmark data in this embodiment does not include any features that are POIs. In another embodiment, shown in Figure 6b, the set of landmark data and the set of data includes a number of features common to both sets of data (i.e., for example, a building (such as a church) is both p〇I and Information for a landmark (for example, because of its conspicuous minaret). In another embodiment, shown in Figure 6c, the set of landmark data includes all sets of data, and in another embodiment not shown schematically in Figure 6d, the set of data sets includes all sets of landmark data. As will be apparent from the following, the navigation device of the present invention does not necessarily include any P1 data. However, if such information is provided, the POI and landmark data will likely have relationships such as those depicted in Figure 6b or Figure 6d of the accompanying drawings. Moreover, since a relatively large number of 卩(7) categories are typically provided, the number of features in the P(1) data set may be much larger than the number of features in the landmark data set. The POI data set and/or the data in the landmark data set may be configured in any suitable manner, but in a preferred implementation, the related P01 data, which is also a feature of the landmark, may include a data category, The data category (if populated) indicates to the processor of the navigation device 200 that the POI is also a landmark. In another contemplated implementation, navigation device 200 may include a pre-defined list of __pC)I that is generally relatively easy to notice in a city environment. In a description of 137824.doc -24 - 201028666, the list may include a subset of the POI categories in the device, and may include, for example, refueling, station supermarkets, brand hotels, and designer hotels. , transportation distribution points, rich end τ n • 'transportation rental agency, cinema, concert hall, conference center, hospital, pharmacy, teaching, police station / fire station / ambulance station, post office and railway station. In another case, it is a user who provides a reference to a user who wishes to store a POI in his device.

The ability to identify the identifier (for example, 'by selecting the category to which the landmark belongs). A person skilled in the art can immediately understand other configurations that are functionally equivalent. Referring now to Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings, in a very general sense, one aspect of the present invention embodies the following meaning: The scheduling, determining whether there is a landmark near the dispatcher and if the determination is affirmative, the navigation command for the user provided to the navigation device can be significantly enhanced by referring to the relevant landmark to enhance the navigation command. The main reason is that the user of the device wishes to be able to identify the landmark more easily than, for example, the street name. Referring to Figure 7, the user of the prior art navigation device along the calculated route 4〇4 (including from "Main Street" right turn to "Church Street") will typically be at a point before the dispatch position (say, 100 m) is provided with the navigation command "100 m then turn right " or "100 melon and turn right to Church Street", and in either case 'will be judged by the user that the vehicle has traveled 1 〇〇m And the time to turn, it may be at the same time trying to determine whether the street to which it is heading is actually "Church Street" (of course, remember that the display name "Church Street" is identified by the user at Main Street and 137824 .doc -25- 201028666

It is highly probable that the intersection of Church Street is very close to the fork. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processor 21 of the navigation device 2 is configured to interrogate the landmark data 402 at a point prior to scheduling to determine if there are any landmarks in the vicinity of the schedule. If the determination is positive, the processor 210 constructs or retrieves an enhanced navigation command that references the type of landmark that is determined to be in the vicinity of the dispatch. In this particular example, 'because the church is adjacent to the right turn of Church Street, the processor 210 constructs a navigation command that includes a message (and/or text message) that directs the user to "turn right after the church to Church Street". )message. In this way, the user is guided to find a landmark that is easier to see than the road sign with the street name "Church Street". Thus, the user can identify the turn he needs to make more confidently and at an earlier point in time to keep traveling along the calculated route. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the display is configured to provide the user with an indication that a landmark is in the vicinity of the schedule (and also in this example also indicates the type of landmark) (in this case, the church Graphic icon). If the processor 210 determines that there are multiple landmarks between the current location of the vehicle and the schedule, the processor can (in a particularly preferred embodiment) be configured to select the landmark closest to the schedule in question. Any of the previously proposed techniques may be used to generate enhanced navigation instructions of the aforementioned type. For example, in the case of a voice command, an enhanced navigation command can be constructed by combining a plurality of pre-recorded voice command components to provide a desired navigation command for the split-pass delivery to the user. For example, 137824.doc -26- 201028666, the above navigation instructions can be constructed by combining the following: "After the church, turn right to Church Street": Pre-recorded dispatching instructions "turn right" Pre-recorded landmark location indicator relative to the location of the landmark (" after ", pre-recorded landmark identity indicator "chapel" (which may include landmark categories to which this particular landmark is grouped), Pre-recorded pre-recorded ''to'' and pre-recorded track name components "Church Street". In another configuration, the artificial navigation speech can be used again to generate enhanced navigation instructions in a known manner. Referring now to Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings, memory resource 230 stores a boot loader program (not shown) (and stores digital maps, landmark data, and optionally POI data) that are executed by processor 210 for self-memory. The volume resource 23 is loaded into the operating system 41 8 for execution by the functional hardware component 420, and the functional hardware component 420 provides an environment for the application software 422 to execute. The operating system 418 is used to control the functional hardware component 420 and reside between the application software 422 and the functional hardware component 420. The operating system 418 can provide general service to the application software', for example, including maintaining current time and date information. The application software 422 provides a working environment that implements the core functions of the navigation device 2 (e.g., ground view, route plan, navigation functions, and any other functions associated therewith). Application software 422 can include one or more of the software modules described below. Although the modules are represented separately, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Functionality may overlap between modules, and/or one module may include another module, and/or more modules may be provided. The modules may include one or more of the following: 137824.doc • 27· 201028666 A graphical user interface (GUI) module 406 that supports other modules by providing a unified input/output interface, and Providing an image shader for a map view; a clamping system (eg, 'GPS' module 408) for implementing an instant location determination to generate current location information 'as appropriate to interact with an external positioning system as described above; A route planning module 410 is configured to calculate a navigation route from the departure location to the destination location in response to the information contained in the digital map and the information input by the user of the navigation device 2. As previously mentioned, the digital map 400 is stored by the memory resource 230. A navigation module 412' is responsive to (1) current location information from the location system module 4〇8, (Π) a digital map 400, and (iii) from The calculated route of the route planning module 410 implements an instant navigation guide for directing the vehicle driver to navigate along the calculated route. The landmark data interrogator module 414 is responsive to (1) the current location information from the location system module 408, and (Η) the calculated route from the route planning module 4' to the landmarks of the landmarks that are very close to the dispatch. The data 402 'the closest dispatch is a schedule that the user needs to continue along the calculated route; and a navigation command generation module 416 that is responsive to (1) calculated from the route planning module 410 Route, and (ii) landmark data interrogator module 4M, generating an enhanced navigation command of the type described above with reference to the landmark (in the case where it is determined that the landmark is very close to a given schedule) and generating, for example, a previously proposed A standard navigation instruction of the type (in the case where it is determined that no landmark is very close to a given schedule 137824.doc -28- 201028666). Referring now to Figure 9, an illustrative flow chart depicting the steps of a method by which the teachings of the present invention can be implemented is depicted. In a first step 424 of the method, the user interacts with the navigation device 2 (in the I-known manner) to input the destination location and the situation-based departure location ❶ in the case of the appointment to the departure location, the navigation device is grouped The state assumes that any navigation route to be calculated begins at the location where the device is currently located.

- The user has specified the location of the destination to which he wishes to be directed. The device calculates the route from the point of departure to the destination of the destination in step 426. The device then begins the directing process in step 428 and provides the user with a graphical table (4) of their local environment and navigation commands to enable the user to proceed along the route calculated in step 426. During the course of the process, the device (detailed processor (4)) dies its position in step (eg, via GPS), and then determines whether its current position matches in the step in the step If the destination of the input is set to i, then the determination is affirmative, then the guidance is stopped in step 434 = the destination has not yet arrived. Then the device determines its current position in step ... (calculated in the sheet metal in step 430) The road... The pointing device is still along the 2nd private, 仃 仃. If the device determines that it (and concludes that its travel tool) has deviated from the calculated route, then at step _ two to the destination The route is forwarded and the process returns to step 430. If the decision is made to be on the appropriate route, then at step 440, the device is approaching to maintain the schedule on the route J37824.doc • 29- 201028666. In a particularly preferred configuration, this determination can be made based on the speed at which the device is moved, such that at a higher speed, the scheduling relative to the current position of the device (as determined in step 430) is also considered close. At a lower speed, scheduling is not considered a close schedule. In a simpler implementation, the device can be configured to determine if the calculated route includes X meters at the current location of the device (eg, 5 Any schedule within the quaternary, if the device determines that there are several schedules, it can be configured to select the schedule closest to the current location of the device. If the device determines that no schedule is approaching ' then the process returns to the previous step 430. On the one hand, if the device determines that it is approaching a schedule, it interrogates the landmark data 4〇2 held in the memory 23〇 in step 442 to determine in step whether a landmark is in close proximity to the proximity schedule. Where, if a landmark is within a predetermined distance of the scheduled dispatch, for example, up to 50 meters (preferably up to 30 meters), it can be considered as being in close proximity to a proximity schedule. In another contemplated implementation, if The landmark is between the scheduled dispatch and the next dispatch closest to the vehicle, or if there is no similar dispatch closer to the vehicle (if it is in the current location of the vehicle) Considering between the schedules, it is considered to be in close proximity to a proximity schedule. In the case of a specific utility with specific utility in the case of detecting multiple landmarks, the landmark information may include the prominence of each landmark. An indicator, and where there are several landmarks in the vicinity of the schedule, the processor can be configured to select the most significant landmark of the group of landmarks for generating enhanced navigation instructions. 137824.doc -30- 201028666 402 indicates that there is no landmark near the approaching schedule, then processing continues to step 446 and a conventional navigation command is generated (eg, "Right turn right after 100 meters or right turn to ChurchStreet „Type in step paste t '(10) For example, the command is sent to the user of the navigation device by voice or X-word command and the process returns to the aforementioned step 430. If the landmark material 402 indicates that a landmark is in the vicinity of the proximity schedule, then processing continues to step 450 and an enhanced navigation command is generated for transmission to the user in step 448 before processing returns to the aforementioned step 430. In a preferred embodiment, by comparing the stored location information (eg, stored latitude/longitude data) of a given landmark with the location information of the upcoming schedule (eg, latitude/longitude), To locate landmarks near the upcoming schedule. In a preferred implementation, once the appropriate landmark has been identified, the type of landmark (e.g., landmark type) is retrieved from the landmark data and an appropriate navigation command is generated that suggests to the user the proximity and type of the landmark. In another contemplated implementation with specific utility in the case of detecting multiple landmarks, the landmark material may include an indicator of the prominence of each landmark, and in the presence of several landmarks near the schedule, the processor It can be configured to select the most prominent landmark in the group of landmarks for generating enhanced navigation instructions. Figure 10 is an illustrative flow chart depicting the steps of a modification of the method described above in connection with Figure 9. The method depicted in FIG. 10 is similar to the method depicted in FIG. 9, and in fact the only difference between these methods is that in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the processor is configured to be in step 444 once it is in step 444 It is determined that 137824.doc 31 201028666 there is a landmark near the dispatch, and in step 452 the user is asked if the landmark being considered is actually visible. Λ For example, in the above navigation scenario, the processor can be configured to exist in the vicinity of the schedule - the church (in this case) will be " Can you see the church on the right? "Types of message splits are passed to the user of the device = for example, the message can be displayed on the display screen of the navigation device, and / or transmitted to the user by voice splitting" by touch-sensitive Appropriate virtual buttons on the screen provide the user with the opportunity to answer "yes" or "no" by issuing an appropriate answer, the processor is configured to be visible only to the user The ground considered is a step-by-step instruction in step 450. If the user cannot go to the landmark under consideration (for example, because the landmark is ambiguous (for example, because the large vehicle is parked outside, or because the seasonal growth of the leaves temporarily makes the landmark ambiguous)) '< If no answer occurs within the predetermined time period, then processing continues to step 446 and a conventional navigation command is generated. • This configuration has been devised to address the fact that referencing an invisible landmark can cause confusion and thus hinder the navigation process. This problem can be alleviated by checking whether the landmark in question is actually visible to the user. In the envisaged implementation, the processor may be configured to log in with respect to whether the given landmark should continue to be used for navigation purposes after the user indicates the target, and the particular landmark is determined to be invisible when logged in. In the appropriate data storage. In one configuration, the PND user can invoke the functional functionality of the known (four) kb known MapShareTM software to upload the landmarks to the operator of the navigation system. This information may then be inspected by the operator of the navigation system 137824.doc -32- 201028666 and may be suitably made permanent or temporary (eg, if the landmark is blurred due to seasonal plant growth), the considered consideration is removed from the landmark data. Landmark decision. In another contemplated configuration, untested data can be transmitted to other navigation device users. Another modification of the method disclosed herein (in detail, the method described above in connection with Figure 9) is depicted with reference to Figure 11'. As should be appreciated, in the method, when the user travels along the generated route, "in the fly" generates navigation instructions, and although this is a preferred configuration, it is not The only way to teach. In the case where the computing power of the device operating the navigation software is greatly limited (for example, if the navigation device includes a mobile phone that executes the navigation software) has a specific utility, the other configuration is conceived. The navigational benefit of the navigation system may pre-generate navigation instructions for all or part of a route, and then before the user begins the route (usually for routes with a small number of navigation commands) or as the user calculates along the route The route progresses piece by piece (for routes with large navigation commands) and downloads their instructions to the navigation device, which can be wirelessly accomplished via a wired connection to the server or, for example, via a mobile phone empty interfacing plane. Referring to Figure 11, in step 454, the user accesses, for example, a navigation website two and enters details of the journey he or she wishes to make. In the case where the user has pre-stored their home location, they may only need to enter the details of the destination they wish to travel to. In other cases, for example, if the user does not start traveling from their home location, use You can enter both the departure and destination locations. 137824.doc -33· 201028666 Once the user has entered the details of the journey they wish to perform, in step 456, the server of the website with which the user is interacting is maintained. Calculating an appropriate route for the journey to be performed by the user. The server then interrogates the stored landmark information in step 458 and generates a series of navigation instructions in step 46, including (where appropriate) An enhanced navigation command and/or a conventional navigation command. The server then transfers some or all of the calculated route details and the generated navigation commands to the navigation device in step 462, for example, via A wired link between the feeder and the computer to which the navigation device is connected via the Internet or via a wireless interface (eg, a mobile phone empty interfacing). It should be understood that the amount of memory available in the navigation device will determine the number of navigation commands that can be transferred to the device at this time. In the case where the route has associated with it and the device has relatively small memory. The feeder can be configured to transfer the first batch of instructions to the device - as the device advances 11 • the calculated route, download the instructions of the subsequent batch. The route has fewer f-destination instructions and/or devices In the case of larger memory, all navigation commands for the route can be downloaded at this stage. In step 464, the user begins indexing, and then the device determines its current location in the step. The device then proceeds in step If it is determined whether the ground has reached 1 or if (4) is Μ, then the navigation process is determined by the step that the device is not yet in the destination, then in step 472: check to determine if the device is still calculating On the route. If it is determined that the device has deviated from the calculated route, a message of 137824.doc • 34- 201028666 is sent to the server in the financial step... for example, via the action of the mine, and the 4 server is § The {calculation route' produces a set of revised pointing gossip and transfers at least some of their instructions to the device. If it is determined that the navigation device is on the calculated route, then a check is made in step 476 to determine if the current location of the device is associated with the downloaded navigation command, and if the navigation command is associated with the device location, then The split is passed to the user of the device.

Next, in step 478, a check is made to determine if the device has stored sufficient instructions therein to enable the user to be directed to the destination, and if the check indicates that more instructions are needed, then in step 48 Sending a request for the next batch of instructions to the server (eg, via a mobile phone empty media plane), and in step 482, transferring the next batch of instructions to the navigation device (eg, also via the mobile phone empty mediation) Next, the process then returns to the aforementioned step 466 » As will be apparent from the foregoing, the teachings of the present invention provide a configuration whereby the user can be provided with a particular schedule that enables the user to more easily identify the need to proceed in order to remain in the calculation. The navigation instructions on the route are 'and thus reduce the likelihood of user confusion. It should also be understood that although various aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described so far, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific configuration set forth herein. And, in fact, the scope of the present invention is extended to include all configurations belonging to the scope of the attached patent application. And modifications and changes thereto. For example, although the embodiments described in the foregoing detailed description refer to S but should be considered, the navigation device can utilize any position sensing technology for '37824.doc • 35- 201028666 Alternative to GPS (or indeed, including Gps). For example, the navigation device may utilize other global navigation satellite systems, such as the European Galileo system. Again, this is not limited to satellite-based, but can be easily used based on the ground. A beacon or any other system that enables the device to determine its geographic location. It will be well understood by those skilled in the art that although the preferred embodiment implements certain functionality by software, The properties can equally be implemented only in hardware (for example, by one or more ASICs (Special Application Integrated Circuits)) or actually by a mixture of hardware and software. Therefore, the present invention should not be The description is limited to implementation in software. Finally, it should be noted that although the scope of the appended claims clarifies a particular combination of features described herein, the scope of the invention is The invention is not limited to the specific combinations set forth below, but the scope of the present invention is extended to include any combination of features or embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not the specific combination is specifically recited in the appended claims. [Simple description of the map]

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a Global Positioning System (GPS); Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an electronic component configured to provide a navigation device; Figure 3 is a diagram of a manner in which a navigation device can receive information via a wireless communication channel 4a and 4b are explanatory perspective views of a navigation device; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a navigation device memory module; and FIGS. 6a to 6d illustrate the relationship between landmark information and POI data. Possible relationship 137824.doc -36· 201028666; Figure 7 is a graphical representation of a portion of the calculated route; Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the software used by the navigation device; Figure 9 is a depiction of Illustrative flowchart of the steps of a method of the present teachings; Figure 10 is an illustrative flow chart depicting another method by which the teachings of the present invention can be implemented; and Figure 11 is a depiction of the present invention An illustrative flow chart of the steps of yet another method of teaching. [Main component symbol description] 120 Satellite 124 Earth 140 GPS receiver device 160 Spread spectrum GPS satellite signal 200 Navigation device / Navigation system 210 Processor 220 Input device 225 Connection 230 Memory / memory system / storage 235 Connection 240 display screen / display device 245 output connection 250 receiver / antenna 255 connection 137824.doc -37· 201028666

260 Output Device / Audio Output Device 270 Input / Output (I / O) 埠 275 Connection 280 I / O Device 290 Integrated Input and Display Device 292 Arm 294 Sucker 302 Server 304 Processor 306 Memory 308 Transmitter 310 Receiver 312 Massive data storage device/mass storage device/large data storage device 314 Wired or wireless connection/communication link 318 Communication channel 320 Transmitter 322 Receiver 400 Digital map 402 Landmark data 404 Route 406 Graphical user interface (GUI) module 408 Positioning System (eg, GPS) Module 410 Route Planning Module 412 Navigation Module 137824.doc -3δ - 201028666 414 Landmark Data Interrogator Module 416 Navigation Command Generation Module 418 Operating System 420 Functional Hardware Component 422 Application software

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Claims (1)

201028666 VII. Patent Application Range: 1. A navigation device (200) comprising: a processor (2 1 0) 'configured to access digital map data and calculate a route to a destination (404), The route (4〇4) includes one or more schedules; the characteristic is that the navigation device (200) further comprises: a storage (230) for landmark information (4〇2) indicating the landmark in the A location in the digital map, a landmark data interrogator (414) configured to access the landmark data store (230) to determine if there is a landmark located near the schedule, and a navigation command generator (416), operable to determine, when the landmark information interrogator determines that the landmark is in the vicinity of the schedule, to generate, for the scheduler, an enhanced navigation command with reference to the landmark, for use by one of the navigation devices (200) By. 2. The navigation device of claim 2, wherein the navigation command generator is configured to generate a non-reference-landmark navigation command for use in the navigation device if it is determined that no landmark is in the vicinity of the schedule By. 3. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein if the location of the landmark is within the scheduled-predetermined distance, then the landmark is determined to be in the vicinity of the schedule. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the location of the landmark is within 50 meters of the schedule, wherein within 3 millimeters, the landmark is determined to be near the schedule. 137824.doc 201028666 5. If requested 1 or 2, wherein the navigation command generator is configured to select one of the plurality of landmarks closest to the one of the plurality of landmarks if the plurality of landmarks are determined to be in the vicinity of the schedule by the landmark information interrogator . 6. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the landmark material includes an indication of one of the prominence of each of the landmarks. 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the navigation command generator is configured to determine each of the plurality of landmarks if the plurality of landmarks are determined by the landmark data interrogator to be in a dispatch proximity The prominence of one and the most prominent of the plurality of landmarks is the landmark to which the enhanced navigation command will reference. 8. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the navigation command generator (416) is configured to ask the user if the landmark is visible if the landmark is determined to be in the vicinity of a schedule, and only The enhanced navigation command is generated when the user indicates that the landmark is visible. 9. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the landmark data store includes information about one or more landmarks. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the landmark material contains information regarding a predetermined landmark category. U. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the landmark material includes, for each of the landmarks, an indication of the location of the landmark in the digital map and an indication of the identity of the landmark. 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the navigation command generator is configured to generate an enhanced navigation command that references the identity indication. 137824.doc 201028666 13. The request item lsil2 is located, wherein the destination is user selectable and the navigation device includes a user interface operable by a user to select the destination. 14. The navigation device of U 1 or 2, comprising an antenna (25〇) and a receiver (250) for receiving a data signal via the antenna, wherein the processor (210) is configured to The received data signal determines the position of one of the navigation devices (200), and sets the determined current position as a starting position for the calculation of the route. 15. The navigation device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21A) is configured to generate a navigation map depicting a local environment around the current location, and with the current location along with the navigation The navigation of the device (2〇〇) changes to update the navigation map. 16. A navigation method comprising the steps of: accessing digital map data and calculating a route to a destination (4〇4), the route (404) comprising one or more schedules; a storage (230) of the data (402) indicating the location of the landmark in the digital map; determining whether there is a landmark located near the dispatch; and in the case of determining that the landmark is located near the dispatch, The dispatcher generates an enhanced navigation command with reference to the landmark to be provided to a user of a navigation device (200). 17. A computer software comprising one or more software modules operable to cause a processor (210) to: access digital map data and calculate one to one destination route when executed in an execution environment (404), 137824.doc 201028666 The route (404) includes one or more schedules; accessing a store (230) for landmark information (402) indicating location of the landmark in the digital map; Determining whether there is a landmark located near the dispatch; and in the case of determining that the landmark is located near the dispatch, generating an enhanced navigation command with reference to the landmark for the dispatch to be provided to one of the navigation devices (200) By. 18. A format for representing a digital map comprising: (a) a road information component (4〇〇) indicating at least one location of a road in the map; and (b) a landmark information component (4〇2) indicating that for the map, a landmark is located at a location in the map; wherein the landmark information component can be interpreted by a processor (210) of a navigation device (2) And generating an enhanced navigation instruction with reference to the landmark for association with a calculated schedule. 137824.doc