WO2010040405A1 - Appareil de navigation, serveur et procédé servant à indiquer des informations d’intérêt - Google Patents

Appareil de navigation, serveur et procédé servant à indiquer des informations d’intérêt Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010040405A1
WO2010040405A1 PCT/EP2008/063485 EP2008063485W WO2010040405A1 WO 2010040405 A1 WO2010040405 A1 WO 2010040405A1 EP 2008063485 W EP2008063485 W EP 2008063485W WO 2010040405 A1 WO2010040405 A1 WO 2010040405A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
interest
point
temporal
data
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2008/063485
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Erik Thomassen
Sjoerd Aben
Teun De Haas
Original Assignee
Tomtom International B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tomtom International B.V. filed Critical Tomtom International B.V.
Priority to PCT/EP2008/063485 priority Critical patent/WO2010040405A1/fr
Priority to TW097141058A priority patent/TW201017109A/zh
Publication of WO2010040405A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010040405A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G01C21/34—Route searching; Route guidance
    • G01C21/36—Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
    • G01C21/3679—Retrieval, searching and output of POI information, e.g. hotels, restaurants, shops, filling stations, parking facilities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G08G1/096805—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the transmitted instructions are used to compute a route
    • G08G1/096827—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where the transmitted instructions are used to compute a route where the route is computed onboard
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G08G1/096833—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where different aspects are considered when computing the route
    • G08G1/096838—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where different aspects are considered when computing the route where the user preferences are taken into account or the user selects one route out of a plurality
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0968—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle
    • G08G1/096833—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where different aspects are considered when computing the route
    • G08G1/096844—Systems involving transmission of navigation instructions to the vehicle where different aspects are considered when computing the route where the complete route is dynamically recomputed based on new data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a navigation apparatus of the type that, for example, is capable of providing point of interest information upon request.
  • the present invention also relates to a server apparatus of the type that, for example, is capable of generating point of interest information in response to a request therefor.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of providing point of interest information, the method being of the type that, for example, provides point of interest information in relation to a location of a navigation apparatus.
  • Portable computing devices for example Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • a modern PND comprises a processor, memory and map data stored within said memory.
  • the processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system is typically established, and additionally it is commonplace for one or more additional software programs to be provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.
  • these devices further comprise one or more input interfaces that allow a user to interact with and control the device, and one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user.
  • output interfaces include a visual display and a speaker for audible output.
  • input interfaces include one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the device (which buttons need not necessarily be on the device itself but could be on a steering wheel if the device is built into a vehicle), and a microphone for detecting user speech.
  • the output interface display may be configured as a touch sensitive display (by means of a touch sensitive overlay or otherwise) additionally to provide an input interface by means of which a user can operate the device by touch.
  • Devices of this type will also often include one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which power and optionally data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device, and optionally one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, GSM, UMTS and the like.
  • wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, GSM, UMTS and the like.
  • PNDs of this type also include a GPS antenna by means of which satellite- broadcast signals, including location data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current location of the device.
  • the PND may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted.
  • electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted.
  • location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted.
  • PNDs The utility of such PNDs is manifested primarily in their ability to determine a route between a first location (typically a start or current location) and a second location (typically a destination). These locations can be input by a user of the device, by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example by postcode, street name and house number, previously stored "well known” destinations (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as sports grounds or swimming baths) or other points of interest), and favourite or recently visited destinations.
  • the PND is enabled by software for computing a "best” or "optimum” route between the start and destination address locations from the map data. A “best" or “optimum” route is determined on the basis of predetermined criteria and need not necessarily be the fastest or shortest route.
  • the selection of the route along which to guide the driver can be very sophisticated, and the selected route may take into account existing, predicted and dynamically and/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about road speeds, and the driver's own preferences for the factors determining road choice (for example the driver may specify that the route should not include motorways or toll roads).
  • the device may continually monitor road and traffic conditions, and offer to or choose to change the route over which the remainder of the journey is to be made due to changed conditions.
  • Real time traffic monitoring systems based on various technologies (e.g. mobile phone data exchanges, fixed cameras, GPS fleet tracking), are being used to identify traffic delays and to feed the information into notification systems.
  • PNDs of this type may typically be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, but may also be formed as part of an on-board computer of the vehicle radio or indeed as part of the control system of the vehicle itself.
  • the navigation device may also be part of a hand-held system, such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant), a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the normal functionality of the hand-held system is extended by means of the installation of software on the device to perform both route calculation and navigation along a calculated route. Route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software.
  • the Royal Automobile Club provides an on-line route planning and navigation facility at http://www.rac.co.uk, which facility allows a user to enter a start point and a destination whereupon the server with which the user's computing resource is communicating calculates a route (aspects of which may be user specified), generates a map, and generates a set of exhaustive navigation instructions for guiding the user from the selected start point to the selected destination.
  • the facility also provides for pseudo three-dimensional rendering of a calculated route, and route preview functionality which simulates a user travelling along the route and thereby provides the user with a preview of the calculated route.
  • the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route, optionally from a list of proposed routes.
  • the user may intervene in, or guide the route selection process, for example by specifying that certain routes, roads, locations or criteria are to be avoided or are mandatory for a particular journey.
  • the route calculation aspect of the PND forms one primary function, and navigation along such a route is another primary function.
  • PNDs During navigation along a calculated route, it is usual for such PNDs to provide visual and/or audible instructions to guide the user along a chosen route to the end of that route, i.e. the desired destination. It is also usual for PNDs to display map information on-screen during the navigation, such information regularly being updated on-screen so that the map information displayed is representative of the current location of the device, and thus of the user or user's vehicle if the device is being used for in- vehicle navigation. An icon displayed on-screen typically denotes the current device location, and is centred with the map information of current and surrounding roads in the vicinity of the current device location and other map features also being displayed.
  • navigation information may be displayed, optionally in a status bar above, below or to one side of the displayed map information, examples of navigation information include a distance to the next deviation from the current road required to be taken by the user, the nature of that deviation possibly being represented by a further icon suggestive of the particular type of deviation, for example a left or right turn.
  • the navigation function also determines the content, duration and timing of audible instructions by means of which the user can be guided along the route. As can be appreciated a simple instruction such as "turn left in 100 m" requires significant processing and analysis.
  • user interaction with the device may be by a touch screen, or additionally or alternately by steering column mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method.
  • a further important function provided by the device is automatic route recalculation in the event that: a user deviates from the previously calculated route during navigation (either by accident or intentionally); real-time traffic conditions dictate that an alternative route would be more expedient and the device is suitably enabled to recognize such conditions automatically, or if a user actively causes the device to perform route re-calculation for any reason.
  • a route to be calculated with user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer a scenic route to be calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any roads on which traffic congestion is likely, expected or currently prevailing.
  • the device software would then calculate various routes and weigh more favourably those that include along their route the highest number of points of interest (known as POIs) tagged as being for example of scenic beauty, or, using stored information indicative of prevailing traffic conditions on particular roads, order the calculated routes in terms of a level of likely congestion or delay on account thereof.
  • POIs points of interest
  • Other POI-based and traffic information-based route calculation and navigation criteria are also possible.
  • one or more POIs can be selected by a user of the PND in respect of a journey to be embarked upon or during a journey.
  • a user typically negotiates a menu structure of a user interface of the PND in order to select a category of POI desired, for example a supermarket or a petrol station.
  • the application software of the PND identifies, using locally stored data, a number of POIs of the type selected by the user and presents the identified POIs to the user via the user interface.
  • the application software typically orders the POIs identified by distance from a current location of the PND and indicates an associated distance value adjacent the POI listed.
  • the user can then select one of the POIs identified by the user interface and the application software.
  • the application software either sets the POI selected as a waypoint or an ultimate destination and the PND then calculates a route either via the POI selected or to the POI selected, as appropriate.
  • the PND integrates the POI chosen into an existing route calculated, for example by recalculating the existing route to take into account the selection made by the user. On the whole, this technique works quite well and provides satisfactory results for the user.
  • a disadvantage of this technique is that a user, wishing to navigate to or via a given point of interest, can arrive at the given point of interest at a time that is incompatible with operating hours of the given point of interest. For example, it is conceivable that a user being navigated to a restaurant, the restaurant being a selected point of interest, can arrive after the restaurant has closed. Hence, it can be seen that a temporal mismatch can occur between an arrival time and the operating hours of the point of interest.
  • the user or another individual is charged with the responsibility of determining the operating hours of a point of interest and so has to undertake research into the operating hours, for example by telephoning the point of interest or using a research tool, for example an Internet search engine, in order to determine the operating hours, or use a priori knowledge of the operating hours.
  • a research tool for example an Internet search engine
  • Such enquiries can be made prior to departure or whilst en-route, but in both cases the user has to resort to manual activity in order to obtain the information required from a third party. This is, typically, time consuming and inconvenient.
  • telephoning the point of interest relies upon someone being available to respond, and private research is not always successful and reliant upon the searching skills of an individual.
  • a priori knowledge is not always completely accurate and sometimes prone to imperfect recollection.
  • research results are sometimes prone to error.
  • the information required may not be in a language with which the user is familiar.
  • a navigation apparatus comprising: a processing resource arranged to support a user interface, the user interface supporting, when in use, user selection associated with a point of interest; and a data store operably coupled to the processing resource and arranged to store point of interest data according to a data structure, the data structure supporting recordal of an identity of the point of interest and temporal data associated therewith; wherein the processing resource is arranged to retrieve, when in use, from the data store a point of interest data entry stored in accordance with the data structure in response to the user selection associated with the point of interest; and the processing resource is arranged to determine whether a temporal measure conforms to a predetermined temporal criterion, the predetermined temporal criterion being assessed with respect to at least part of a temporal data component of the point of interest data entry retrieved.
  • temporal measure is intended to embrace any suitable measure and/or calculation relating to time, which can include without limitation: a journey time, an arrival time, a current or proposed date and/or a current or proposed time.
  • the temporal measure can be estimated.
  • the user selection associated with the point of interest may be a selection of a category of point of interest; and the processing resource may be arranged to output at least part of the point of interest data retrieved in response to the temporal measure conforming to the predetermined temporal criterion.
  • the user selection associated with the point of interest may be a selection of a category of point of interest; and the data store may further comprise: a plurality of point of interest data entries comprising the point of interest data entry; the processing resource may be arranged to select from the plurality of point of interest data entries a number of point of interest data entries where the temporal measure conforms to respective predetermined temporal criteria respectively associated with the number of point of interest data entries.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to output at least part of each of the number of point of interest data entries.
  • the user selection associated with the point of interest may be a selection of a point of interest in a category of points of interest.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to generate an alert in response to a determination that the temporal measure fails to conform to the predetermined temporal criterion.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to make the point of interest data entry unavailable for user selection for route calculation in response to a determination that the temporal measure fails to conform to the predetermined temporal criterion.
  • the temporal data component may identify a temporal limit associated with the point of interest; and the processing resource may be arranged to determine whether a calculated arrival time precedes the temporal limit.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to determine whether the calculated arrival time precedes the temporal limit by a predetermined temporal margin.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to permit, via the user interface, the user to set the predetermined temporal margin.
  • the data store may be arranged to store a first predetermined temporal margin associated with a first point of interest category and a second predetermined temporal margin associated with a second point of interest category.
  • the temporal limit associated with the point of interest may be a closing time.
  • the temporal data component may identify a temporal range comprising the temporal limit; the temporal range may constitute an opening time range associated with the point of interest.
  • the temporal limit associated with the point of interest may relate to an expiry date and/or time of the point of interest.
  • the temporal limit associated with the point of interest may relate to a period of validity of the point of interest data entry associated therewith.
  • the point of interest data entry may be made unavailable by deletion thereof in response to a determination that the temporal measure fails to conform to the predetermined temporal criterion.
  • the calculated arrival time may be estimated.
  • the calculated arrival time may be calculated using traffic data.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to detect an en-route delay and determine whether a re-evaluation of the temporal measure conforms to the predetermined temporal criterion.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to calculate a route comprising the point of interest selected; the en-route delay may be in respect of the route calculated.
  • the temporal data component may comprise temporal data associated with an age of the point of interest data entry.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to calculate a reliability factor based upon the temporal data associated with the age of the point of interest data entry.
  • Each of the number of point of interest data entries may comprise a respective temporal limit associated therewith and may correspond respectively to a number of points of interest; and the processing resource may be arranged to calculate a relative time in respect of arrival at each of the number of points of interest relative to the respective temporal limit, and to order output of at least part of each of the number of point of interest data entries by calculated respective relative times. The calculated respective relative times may be estimated.
  • a navigation device comprising the navigation apparatus as set forth above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the navigation device may be portable.
  • a server apparatus comprising: a processing resource operably coupled to a data store and arranged to store point of interest data according to a data structure, the data structure supporting recordal of an identity of a point of interest and temporal data associated therewith; wherein the processing resource is arranged to retrieve, when in use, from the data store a point of interest data entry stored in accordance with the data structure in response to the user selection associated with the point of interest; and the processing resource is arranged to determine whether a temporal measure conforms to a predetermined temporal criterion, the predetermined temporal criterion being assessed with respect to at least part of a temporal data component of the point of interest data entry retrieved.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to receive data relating to the user selection associated with the point of interest.
  • a navigation system comprising: the navigation apparatus as set forth above in relation to the first aspect of the invention; and the server apparatus as set forth above in relation to the second aspect of the invention.
  • a method of providing point of interest information comprising: a user interface supporting user selection associated with a point of interest; and storing point of interest data according to a data structure, the data structure supporting recordal of an identity of the point of interest and temporal data associated therewith; retrieving from a data store a point of interest data entry stored in accordance with the data structure in response to the user selection associated with the point of interest; and determining whether a temporal measure conforms to a predetermined temporal criterion, the predetermined temporal criterion being assessed with respect to at least part of a temporal data component of the point of interest data entry retrieved.
  • a computer program element comprising computer program code means to make a computer execute the method as set forth above in relation to the fourth or fifth aspects of the invention.
  • the computer program element may be embodied on a computer readable medium.
  • a navigation apparatus, a server apparatus and a method therefor capable of providing POI information that is of greater quality than POI information based solely on location of the POI.
  • POI information of improved accuracy and usefulness is thus provided. Indeed, a facility is provided that enables a user to maximise the likelihood of arriving at the point of interest in good time or at least in time. Furthermore, the user does not waste time travelling to POIs that are unavailable, inaccessible or no longer in existence due to the POI relating to an event that is transitory in nature. Similarly, when a user is en-route, the user is provided with an opportunity to select another POI in the event of a delay being encountered en-route that would result in the initial POI selected not being reached in time.
  • the apparatus, system and method also provide useful information as to the reliability of the POI information provided. The apparatus and method thus provide an improved user experience in relation to the navigation apparatus, as well as the possibility of saving the user time and inconvenience.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary part of a Global Positioning System (GPS) usable by a navigation apparatus;
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communications system for communication between a navigation apparatus and a server apparatus;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of electronic components of the navigation apparatus of Figure 2 or any other suitable navigation apparatus;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of mounting and/or docking a navigation apparatus
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an architectural stack employed by the navigation apparatus of Figure 3
  • Figure 6 is flow diagram of a method of providing POI information used by the navigation apparatus of Figures 2 and 3 and constituting an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a checking process for the method of Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a flow diagram of another checking process for the method of Figure
  • Figure 9 is a flow diagram of another method of providing POI information constituting a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is a flow diagram of yet another checking process for the methods of Figures 6 and 9 and constituting yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 1 is a flow diagram of a method of generating POI information constituting yet a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 12 to 22 are screen shots from the navigation apparatus during performance of the method of Figure 6.
  • a navigation apparatus is intended to include (without limitation) any type of route planning and navigation apparatus, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a vehicle such as an automobile, or indeed a portable computing resource, for example a portable personal computer (PC), a mobile telephone or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) executing route planning and navigation software.
  • PC personal computer
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • the "destination" location selected by a user need not have a corresponding start location from which the user wishes to start navigating, and as a consequence references herein to the "destination” location or indeed to a “destination” view should not be interpreted to mean that the generation of an initial route is essential, that travelling to the "destination” must occur, or indeed that the presence of a destination requires the designation of a corresponding start location.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users.
  • NAVSTAR the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.
  • the GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal allows the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.
  • the GPS system 100 comprises a plurality of satellites 102 orbiting about the earth 104.
  • a GPS receiver 106 receives spread spectrum GPS satellite data signals 108 from a number of the plurality of satellites 102.
  • the spread spectrum data signals 108 are continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, the spread spectrum data signals 108 transmitted each comprise a data stream including information identifying a particular satellite 102 from which the data stream originates.
  • the GPS receiver 106 generally requires spread spectrum data signals 108 from at least three satellites 102 in order to be able to calculate a two-dimensional position. Receipt of a fourth spread spectrum data signal enables the GPS receiver 106 to calculate, using a known technique, a three-dimensional position.
  • a navigation system comprises a navigation apparatus 200 capable of communicating, if desired in an embodiment, with a server 150 via a communications channel 152 supported by a communications network that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements.
  • the communication channel 152 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation apparatus 200 and the server 150.
  • the server 150 and the navigation apparatus 200 can communicate when a connection via the communications channel 152 is established between the server 150 and the navigation apparatus 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.).
  • the communication channel 152 is not limited to a particular communication technology.
  • the communication channel 152 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 152 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology.
  • the communication channel 152 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc.
  • the communication channel 152 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, free space, etc.
  • the communication channel 152 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
  • the communication channel 152 is supported by telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 152 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication, for example, infrared communications, radio frequency communications, such as microwave frequency communications, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 152 can accommodate satellite communication.
  • the communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 152 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology.
  • the signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication technology such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.
  • TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
  • FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 152.
  • These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 comprising or coupled to the GPS receiver device 106, is capable of establishing a data session, if required, with network hardware of a communications network, for example a "mobile" communications network via a wireless communications terminal (not shown), such as a mobile telephone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile telephone technology, in order to establish a digital connection, for example a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology.
  • a wireless communications terminal not shown
  • the mobile terminal can establish a network connection (through the Internet for example) with the server 150.
  • a "mobile” network connection can be established between the navigation apparatus 200 (which can be, and often times is, mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 150 to provide a "real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 is a Bluetooth enabled navigation apparatus in order that the navigation apparatus 200 can be agnostic to the settings of the wireless communications terminal, thereby enabling the navigation apparatus 200 to operate correctly with the ever changing spectrum of mobile telephone models, manufacturers, etc.
  • Model/manufacturer specific settings may, for example, be stored on the navigation apparatus 200. The data stored for this information can be updated.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 can, of course, comprise mobile telephone technology, including an antenna, for example, or optionally using an internal antenna of the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the mobile telephone technology within the navigation apparatus 200 can also include an insertable card (e.g. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card).
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • mobile telephone technology within the navigation apparatus 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation apparatus 200 and the server 150, via the Internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any wireless communications-enabled terminal.
  • the establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 150, using the Internet for example, can be done in a known manner.
  • any number of appropriate data communications protocols can be employed, for example the TCP/IP layered protocol.
  • the mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA2000, GSM, IEEE 802.1 1 a/b/c/g/n, etc.
  • the internet connection may be utilised, which can be achieved via a data connection using the mobile telephone or mobile telephone technology.
  • the server 150 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 154 operatively connected to a memory 156 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 158, to a mass data storage device 160.
  • the mass storage device 160 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 150 or can be incorporated into the server 150.
  • the processor 154 is further operatively connected to transmitter 162 and receiver 164, to transmit and receive information to and from navigation apparatus 200 via the communications channel 152.
  • the signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals.
  • the transmitter 162 and receiver 164 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 162 and receiver 164 may be combined into a single transceiver.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 can be arranged to communicate with the server 150 through communications channel 152, using transmitter 166 and receiver 168 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 152, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than the server 150.
  • the transmitter 166 and receiver 168 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation apparatus 200 and the functions of the transmitter 166 and receiver 168 may be combined into a single transceiver as described above in relation to Figure 2.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 comprises other hardware and/or functional parts, which will be described later herein in further detail.
  • Software stored in server memory 156 provides instructions for the processor 154 and allows the server 150 to provide services to the navigation apparatus 200.
  • One service provided by the server 150 involves processing requests from the navigation apparatus 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 160 to the navigation apparatus 200.
  • Another service that can be provided by the server 150 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the server 150 constitutes a remote source of data accessible by the navigation apparatus 200 via, for example, a wireless channel.
  • the server 150 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • VPN virtual private network
  • the server 150 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 152 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation apparatus 200.
  • a personal computer may be connected between the navigation apparatus 200 and the server 150 to establish an internet connection between the server 150 and the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 may be provided with information from the server 150 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting the navigation apparatus 200 to the server 150 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 150 and navigation apparatus 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example.
  • the processor 154 in the server 150 may be used to handle the bulk of processing needs, however, a processor (not shown in Figure 2) of the navigation apparatus 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to the server 150.
  • a processor not shown in Figure 2
  • the block diagram of the navigation apparatus 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation apparatus, but is only representative of many example components.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 is located within a housing (not shown).
  • the navigation apparatus 200 includes a processing resource comprising, for example, the processor 202 mentioned above, the processor 202 being coupled to an input device 204 and a display device, for example a display screen 206.
  • the input device 204 represents any number of input devices, including a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information.
  • the display screen 206 can include any type of display screen such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for example.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • one aspect of the input device 204, the touch panel, and the display screen 206 are integrated so as to provide an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input 250 ( Figure 4) to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through the touch panel screen so that a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 206 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual or "soft" buttons.
  • the processor 202 supports a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in conjunction with the touchscreen.
  • GUI Graphical User Interface
  • the processor 202 is operatively connected to and capable of receiving input information from input device 204 via a connection 210, and operatively connected to at least one of the display screen 206 and the output device 208, via respective output connections 212, to output information thereto.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 may include an output device 208, for example an audible output device (e.g. a loudspeaker).
  • an audible output device e.g. a loudspeaker
  • input device 204 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 can also include any additional input device 204 and/or any additional output device, such as audio input/output devices for example.
  • the processor 202 is operatively connected to memory 214 via connection 216 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O) ports 218 via connection 220, wherein the I/O port 218 is connectible to an I/O device 222 external to the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the external I/O device 222 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device, such as an earpiece for example.
  • connection to I/O device 222 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an earpiece or headphones, and/or for connection to a mobile telephone for example, wherein the mobile telephone connection can be used to establish the data connection between the navigation apparatus 200 and the server 150 via the Internet or any other network for example.
  • any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an earpiece or headphones, and/or for connection to a mobile telephone for example, wherein the mobile telephone connection can be used to establish the data connection between the navigation apparatus 200 and the server 150 via the Internet or any other network for example.
  • Figure 3 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 202 and an antenna/receiver 224 via connection 226, wherein the antenna/receiver 224 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example.
  • the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 224 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch antenna or helical antenna for example.
  • the electronic components shown in Figure 3 are powered by one or more power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner.
  • the components shown in Figure 3 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 described herein can be a portable or handheld navigation device 200.
  • the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Figure 3 can be connected or "docked" in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorbike, a car or a boat for example. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 may be a unit that includes the integrated input and display device 206 and the other components of Figure 2 (including, but not limited to, the internal GPS receiver 224, the microprocessor 202, a power supply (not shown), memory systems 214, etc.).
  • the navigation apparatus 200 may sit on an arm 252, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc, using a suction cup 254.
  • This arm 252 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation apparatus 200 can be docked.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to the arm 252 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation apparatus 200 to the arm 252 for example.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 252.
  • a button (not shown) on the navigation apparatus 200 may be pressed, for example.
  • Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation apparatus 200 to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the processor 202 and memory 214 cooperate to support a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 262 that functions as an interface between functional hardware components 260 of the navigation apparatus 200 and the software executed by the device.
  • BIOS Basic Input/Output System
  • the processor 202 then loads an operating system 264 from the memory 214, which provides an environment in which application software 266 (implementing some or all of the above described route planning and navigation functionality) can run.
  • the application software 266 provides an operational environment including the GUI that supports core functions of the navigation apparatus 200, for example map viewing, route planning, navigation functions and any other functions associated therewith.
  • part of the application software 266 comprises a POI information module 268.
  • the POI is recorded in a database of POIs stored in the memory 214, constituting a data store.
  • the database of POIs comprises a plurality of POI entries and is organised in accordance with a data structure that supports the recordal of both spatial and temporal information concerning the POIs, the temporal information of a POI entry constituting a temporal data component.
  • the data structure is arranged to accommodate a name of the POI, coordinates, expressed for example as longitude and latitude, and any temporal characteristics associated with the POI.
  • each entry in the database of POIs includes a description for the POI and image data.
  • the data structure can support the inclusion of other information, for example altitude and telephone numbers. Similarly, the data structure need not support storage of all types of data described above.
  • Table I One example data structure is as shown in Table I below:
  • the temporal characteristics mentioned above are, in this example, hours of business, such as opening times.
  • the temporal data need not relate to hours of business and can relate to other operating times, for example periods of availability and/or accessibility.
  • the temporal characteristics can be more sophisticated than a set of hours of business that apply for all weeks in a year, for example some restaurants have weekly and/or seasonally varying opening times, or are even closed during some seasons.
  • the seasonal data can therefore be included in the temporal information recorded in accordance with the data structure.
  • recordal of other temporal information can be accommodated by the data structure as will become apparent from other examples described later herein.
  • the user configures a route as follows. Referring to Figures 12 to 22, the user undertakes an illustrative destination location input process described hereinbelow. Although not shown, the user uses a settings menu option supported by the application software 266 in order to select view generation in a three-dimensional mode.
  • the apparatus 200 When the user switches on the navigation apparatus 200, the apparatus 200 acquires a GPS fix and performs a self-location determination by calculating (in a known manner) the current location of the navigation apparatus 200. The user is then presented, as shown in Figure 12, with a display 300 showing in pseudo three- dimensions: a local environment 302 in which the navigation apparatus 200 is determined to be located and, in a region 304 of the display 300 below the local environment 302, a set of control and status messages.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 updates the display 300 by displaying (as shown in Figure 13) a series of virtual or soft buttons 306 by means of which the user can, inter alia, input a destination to which the user wishes to navigate.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 switches to display (as shown in Figure 14) a plurality of virtual buttons that are each associated with a different category of selectable destinations.
  • the display 300 shows a "Home” button that if pressed would set the destination to a stored home location.
  • a "Favourite” soft button if pressed, reveals a list of destinations that the user has previously stored in the navigation apparatus 200 and if one of these destinations is then selected the destination for the route to be calculated is set to the selected previously stored destination.
  • An "Address” virtual button commences a process by which the user can input the street address of the destination to which the user wishes to navigate.
  • a "Recent destination” soft button if pressed, reveals a list of selectable destinations held in the memory of the navigation apparatus 200 and to which the user has recently navigated. Selection of one of the destinations populating this list would set the destination location for the route to the selected (previously visited) location.
  • the triangular “arrow” shaped virtual button provides access to additional sub- menu options relating to the "Navigate to " menu option.
  • a "Point of interest” virtual button 310 if pressed, reveals a number of options by means of which a user can opt to navigate to any of a plurality of locations, such as Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), petrol stations or tourist attractions, which have been pre-stored in the navigation apparatus 200 as locations to which the user of the navigation apparatus 200 might want to navigate, as described above.
  • ATMs Automatic Teller Machines
  • petrol stations petrol stations
  • tourist attractions which have been pre-stored in the navigation apparatus 200 as locations to which the user of the navigation apparatus 200 might want to navigate, as described above.
  • the "Point of Interest" virtual button 310 is operated by touching the button displayed on the touchscreen (Step 400), whereupon (as shown in Figure 15) the user is presented with a series of POI options.
  • the display 300 shows a "POI near you” virtual button 312, a "POI in city” virtual button, a "POI near Home” virtual button, a “POI along route” virtual button, a "POI near destination” virtual button and a quick selection virtual button relating to a recently selected POI, for example a petrol station.
  • the user touches the "POI near you” virtual button 312 whereupon the user is then presented, as shown in Figure 16, with a series of further POI options.
  • the display 300 is updated to show an "Any POI category" virtual button that permits the user to type a name of a particular POI, as well as specific POI categories using a "Restaurant” POI virtual button 314, a "Petrol Station” POI virtual button, an "Airport” virtual button, and a "Hotel/motel” virtual button.
  • the triangular "arrow” shaped virtual button provides access to a prompt to allow the user to enter a name of a POI category not currently displayed.
  • the user selects (Step 402) the "Restaurant" POI virtual button 314 and the navigation apparatus 200 switches to display (as shown in Figure 17) a list of restaurants 316, constituting POIs, in the vicinity of the current location of the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the user finds that the restaurant sought is not listed and so the user presses a find button (not shown in Figure 17), whereupon the navigation apparatus 200 updates the display 300 (as shown in Figure 18) in order to show a virtual keypad 320 and prompts the user, by means of a prompt 322, to enter the name of the POI sought.
  • the user therefore begins to type the name of the restaurant, for example the first three letters of the name of the restaurant, using the virtual keypad 320 until the name of the restaurant appears (Step 404) in a results space 324 located between the prompt 322 and the virtual keypad 320.
  • the user wishes to visit a restaurant called "Acquarello” and the results space 324 contains a results entry 326 entitled "Acquarello restaurant”.
  • the user selects the restaurant by touching the results entry 326 and the navigation apparatus 200 updates the display 300 (as shown in Figure 19) in order to show a location 328 of the results entry 326 relative to neighbouring streets, as well as other details relating to the results entry 326, in this example the restaurant called "Acquarello” in Kunststoff.
  • the display 300 also shows a "Back" virtual button, a "Dial” virtual button where telephone integration support is provided and a "Select” virtual button 330.
  • the processor 200 access the database of POIs and retrieves the POI data relating to the restaurant selected and that is stored in the data store according to the data structure.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 calculates (Step 406) a route between the current location of the navigation apparatus 200 and the selected POI destination.
  • the processor 202 calculates a journey time associated with the route calculated.
  • the journey time is estimated. The estimation can involve use of traffic data and any other data available, for example road speed limit data.
  • the processor 202 accesses the temporal information concerning the POI from the POI data entry and current time information that is maintained by the navigation apparatus 200 as a result of setting the current time during initial setup of the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the POI information module 268 of the navigation apparatus 200 uses a time assessment module to perform a temporal checking process (Step 400) in order to determine conformance of a temporal measure to a predetermined temporal criterion.
  • a temporal checking process (Step 400) in order to determine conformance of a temporal measure to a predetermined temporal criterion. Examples of the temporal measure and the predetermined temporal criterion are set out below. As will become apparent, the predetermined temporal criterion is assessed with respect to at least part of the temporal data component of the point of interest data entry retrieved from the data store 214.
  • the temporal checking process calculates an estimated arrival time using the current time retrieved and the estimated journey time calculated, the estimated arrival time constituting the temporal measure, and compares the estimated arrival time with the temporal information retrieved (Step 420).
  • the temporal information for the sake of simplicity and clarity of description herein, comprises a closing time, constituting a temporal limit.
  • the temporal limit is used to assess whether the user can arrive at the restaurant during the opening hours, namely before the closing time of the restaurant.
  • the temporal limit can change on a daily and/or seasonal basis as suggested above, depending upon the practices of the owners of the restaurant. Consequently, the application software selects, from the temporal information stored, the temporal limit appropriate to, or aligned with, a current time period, for example day.
  • the POI information module 268 determines (Step 422) whether the user will arrive in time. If the estimated arrival time exceeds the temporal limit, in this example the closing time, the POI information module 268 determines that it is necessary to provide the user with a warning (Step 424) of this eventuality. In contrast, if the estimated arrival time does not exceed the temporal limit, then the POI information module 268 determines that it is not necessary to provide the user with the warning (Step 426).
  • another temporal limit can be an opening time, and a similar check can be made by the POI information module 268 in order to ensure that the user does not arrive at the restaurant prior to opening of the restaurant.
  • the POI information module 268 can verify that the user is going to arrive during a time range, for example hours of business, in particular opening hours of the restaurant selected.
  • the processor 202 updates the display 300 in order to provide the user with a visual and/or an audible warning (Step 414).
  • the POI information module 268 provides the user with an opportunity to select another POI (Step 416) via the user interface.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 updates the display to show the results previously provided as a result of selection of the "Restaurant" POI virtual button 314 ( Figure 16) and the above-mentioned selection and calculation processes are repeated (Steps 404 to 416) until an acceptable POI has been selected to which the user can arrive at a time compatible with useful times associated with the POI selected, for example opening hours.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 can update the display 300 to show another part of the menu structure of the user interface, for example to allow the user to select different POI vicinity options of the type shown in Figure 15.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 continues by displaying the route 332 calculated, as shown in Figure 20, on a relatively low magnification map that shows the entire route.
  • the user is also provided with: another "Done" virtual button 334 that the user can press to indicate the calculated route is acceptable, a "Find alternative” button 336 that the user can press to cause the navigation apparatus 200 to calculate another route to the selected destination, and a "Details" button 338 that a user can press to reveal selectable options for the display of more detailed information concerning the currently displayed route 334.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 guides (Step 418) the user, in a known manner, by updating the map in accordance with determined changes in location of the navigation apparatus 200, and by providing the user with visual and, optionally, audible navigation instructions.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 via the processor 202 and the GPS receiver 224 constituting a location determination unit, monitors the location of the navigation apparatus 200. Once the navigation apparatus 200 has progressed a sufficient distance along the route planned by the application software 286 of the navigation apparatus 200, it is necessary to update the three-dimensional view displayed by the display device 206, 250.
  • the application software 286 accesses map data and retrieves terrain data, land use data and road data and renders a three- dimensional view using this information.
  • the navigation apparatus continues to provide guidance to the user, and assuming the user follows the instructions provided by the navigation apparatus 200, the navigation apparatus 200 eventually identifies the location of the destination (in this instance: the restaurant "Acquarello") by a chequered flag 342 ( Figure 22).
  • the above simple example is augmented by taking into account a temporal margin that is appropriate in order to ensure arrival at the POI in good time.
  • arrival at a restaurant or other POI shortly prior to closing time is usually of limited value.
  • the memory 214 can store a predetermined temporal margin, for example 2 hours, and the temporal margin is used when assessing whether the user needs to be provided with a warning concerning arrival at the POI.
  • temporal margin or window Whilst, in this example, a single temporal margin or window is, for the sake of clarity and conciseness of description herein, stored in the memory 214, a number of different temporal margins can be retrieved and employed by the navigation apparatus 200 depending upon the category of the POI selected.
  • Steps 400 to 418 The process described above in relation to Figure 6 for the previous embodiment is therefore followed (Steps 400 to 418), but varied as follows.
  • the estimated arrival time is calculated, in this example added to the temporal margin, before being compared with the opening hours (Step 420) identified in the temporal information retrieved and associated with the POI selected.
  • the POI information module 268 determines (Step 428) whether the user will arrive at an appropriate time by assessing the estimated arrival time and the temporal margin retrieved in combination relative to the temporal information retrieved, i.e. the POI information module 268 determines whether the sum of the estimated arrival time and the temporal margin results in a combined time that exceeds the temporal limit mentioned above.
  • the warning is provided to the user in the manner already described above in relation to Figures 6 and 7.
  • the determination can also be made on the basis of consideration of the opening time or opening hours described above, if desired.
  • the user can be permitted to set and/or modify the temporal margin, for example during initial setup of the navigation apparatus 200.
  • the data structure can support storage of temporal margins specific to certain POIs.
  • the temporal margin can be provided by the owners or a representative of the POI in order to both assist visitor and to minimise arrivals of visitors at inappropriate or unwanted times.
  • some or all of the temporal margins can additionally or alternatively be set by the user.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 monitors (Step 430) traffic information received via any known suitable technique and determines (Step 432) whether a delay is likely to be encountered en-route.
  • the navigation apparatus 200 determines that a delay exists on the route being followed, for example due to a road traffic accident, and the POI information module 268 recalculates (Step 434) the estimated arrival time and performs any of the POI checking processes described above in relation to the previously described examples, for example: the assessment of estimated arrival time relative to the temporal limit associated with the POI selected or the assessment of estimated arrival time plus a temporal margin relative to the temporal limit.
  • Step 412 the user is warned (Sep 414) in the manner already described above and the navigation apparatus 200 behaves in the same manner as described above following a warning concerning a potential out of hours arrival.
  • the user is thus provided (Step 416) with an opportunity to select another POI in the category selected, if desired. Indeed, the user can optionally even be permitted to select a different POI vicinity option. Otherwise, the navigation apparatus 200 continues (Step 438) navigation to the POI selected.
  • the POI information module 268 can optionally choose to recalculate the route to the POI selected and make the above-described assessment as to whether a new estimated time of arrival associated with the recalculated route will result in the user arriving at the POI selected at a time compatible with the operating hours of the POI selected.
  • the assessment can include the temporal margins if desired.
  • the temporal information supported by the data structure can include an expiry date indicative of a period of validity of a given POI.
  • This type of temporal information is useful for POIs that are transitory in nature, for example sporting events, shows, exhibitions, parades, festivals and music concerts, because parties involved in the transitory POI can promote the transitory POI through an entry in the POI database of the navigation apparatus and the user is not inconvenienced by being allowed to select transitory POIs that are no longer current or "stale" as they are no longer present and/or taking place.
  • the POI database consequently comprises transitory POIs, but includes an expiry date for each transitory POI.
  • the POI checking process can provide analysis of the expiry information alone, separately but in addition to the POI checking process described above, or in combination with any of the checking processes described above.
  • the POI information module 268, in this example compares an expiry date featured in the temporal data associated with the selected POI with a current date.
  • the expiry date can be a "timestamp" of varying degrees of detail depending upon a desired application, for example the timestamp can simply specify a "use by" date or a precise time.
  • the expiry date of the POI selected is compared with the current date and the POI information module 268 determines (Step 442) whether the POI selected has expired. If the current date, and possibly time, exceeds the timestamp of the POI selected, the POI selected is deemed to have expired and the POI information module 268 determines that a warning or alert needs to be given to the user (Step 424). Alternatively, if the POI selected is not determined to have expired, the POI information module 268 determines that no warning or alert is necessary (Step 426).
  • the POI information module 268, via the user interface, warns (Step 414) the user that the POI has expired and provides the user with an opportunity (Step 416) to select another POI.
  • the POI information module 268 provides the user with any other warnings relating to tardy or early arrival necessary as described above in relation to any of the above examples, prior to providing guidance (Step 418) to the POI selected.
  • the ability to analyse temporal information associated with POIs can be used to filter POI entries when generating a list of POIs, for example as described above in relation to Figure 6.
  • the checking process described in any of the above examples can be performed by the POI information module 268 in respect of the POI database, for example in relation to the POI category selected, in order to select for presentation only those POI entries that are valid and/or of use.
  • the need to provide an initial warning prior to setting a POI as a destination can be obviated though such warnings are, of course, useful when delays are encountered.
  • the POI information module 268 can be arranged to provide warnings when expiry of the POI entry is soon to occur, for example, within a predetermined temporal margin. Thus a user planning a route prior to, for example, a day of departure can be warned in case the POI selected is due to expire soon, possibly on the date of departure. Additionally, or alternatively, the POI information module 268 can be arranged to interrogate the user, via the user interface, to obtain a departure date and/or approximate departure time in order to be able to determine whether the POI selected will have expired on the departure date and/or time.
  • the ability to analyse temporal information associated with the POIs can be used to purge or otherwise render unusable POIs that have expired.
  • the POI information module 268 can perform the following process.
  • the POI information module 268 can detect (Step 444) the event, for example the elapse of the predetermined period of time and, upon elapse of the predetermined period of time, can access (Step 446) the memory 214 and analyse in turn each POI stored in the database of POIs and having an expiry date stored therewith. A first POI having a first expiry date stored therewith is therefore accessed (Step 446) and the POI information module 268 determines (Step 448) whether the POI retrieved has expired relative to a current time and/or date.
  • the POI information module 268 deletes (Step 450) the POI entry from the database. Alternatively, if the POI entry is unexpired, no action is taken. In both cases, the POI information module 268 then determines (Step 452) whether the POI database contains other POI entries that require review. In the event that the database contains further POI entries, the POI information module 268 retrieves another POI entry from the database of POIs and the above assessment is repeated (Steps 446 to 452) in respect of the subsequently retrieved POI entry. Once all POIs have been assessed, the above process ceases and the POI information module 268 reverts to determining when the predetermined event occurs next (Step 444).
  • the POIs that have expired need not be deleted and can, instead, simply be flagged as unusable or otherwise disabled in order to prevent use of the expired POIs for route generation purposes or map display.
  • the expired POIs can thus be excluded from any lists that can be generated as a result of selection of a POI category.
  • the ability to analyse temporal information associated with the POIs can be used to provide a user with information concerning reliability of the POI selected.
  • the data structure supports recordal of respective issue times and/or dates associated with the POIs stored.
  • the POI information module 268 is thus able to assess the age of the POI entry selected by the user and use this information to provide a reliability rating or factor.
  • the value can be expressed, if desired by a colour code and/or the rating system can be courser in order to accommodate a traffic light type colour code.
  • the method of Figure 6 is modified so that the POI entries displayed as a result of selection of the POI category results in estimated times of arrival being calculated for each POI entry to be listed, the POI information module 268 being arranged to order the results and optionally display calculated time information.
  • the POI information module 268 can order the results by estimated arrival time, estimated journey time, time relative to a temporal limit, for example opening time or closing time. In the latter cases, the POI information module 268 calculates the time remaining between the estimated time of arrival of the user and the temporal limit.
  • the temporal margin appropriate to the POI category selected and described above can be used by the POI information module 268 to calculate the time remaining between the temporal limit and the estimated arrival time as modified by the temporal margin. It should, of course, be appreciated that this embodiment can be applied to the generation of any suitable POI list.
  • the functionality associated with provision of the POIs from a selected POI category can be outsourced to the server 150 and a message sent from the navigation apparatus 200 to the server 150 requesting the POI information based upon the selection made by the user.
  • the server 150 performs the above-mentioned calculations in order to yield a list of POIs, optionally ordered by time.
  • the POI can be any other POI having temporal properties associated therewith, for example municipal locations or public amenities, such as museums, libraries, parks, recycling centres, or commercial establishments, such as shops, bars, public houses (pubs), parking garages and petrol stations.
  • Municipal locations or public amenities such as museums, libraries, parks, recycling centres, or commercial establishments, such as shops, bars, public houses (pubs), parking garages and petrol stations.
  • the navigation apparatus may utilise any kind of position sensing technology as an alternative to (or indeed in addition to) GPS.
  • the navigation apparatus may utilise using other global navigation satellite systems such as the European Galileo system. Equally, it is not limited to satellite based but could readily function using ground based beacons or any other kind of system that enables the device to determine its geographic location.
  • Alternative embodiments of the invention can be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system, the computer program product being, for example, a series of computer instructions stored on a tangible data recording medium, such as a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk, or embodied in a computer data signal, the signal being transmitted over a tangible medium or a wireless medium, for example, microwave or infrared.
  • the series of computer instructions can constitute all or part of the functionality described above, and can also be stored in any memory device, volatile or non-volatile, such as semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory device.

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Abstract

L’invention concerne un appareil de navigation (200) comportant une ressource de traitement (202) conçu pour prendre en charge une interface utilisateur, l’interface utilisateur prenant en charge, lors de l’utilisation, le choix d’un utilisateur (402) associé à un point d’intérêt. L’appareil comporte également une mémoire (214) qui est couplée de manière fonctionnelle à la ressource de traitement (202) et qui est conçue pour stocker des données de point d’intérêt selon une structure de données, la structure de données prenant en charge l’enregistrement d’une identité du point d’intérêt et des données temporelles qui y sont associées. La ressource de traitement (202) est également capable de retrouver (408), lors de l’utilisation, dans la mémoire (214) une entrée de données de point d’intérêt stockée selon la structure de données en réponse au choix de l’utilisateur (402) associé au point d’intérêt. La ressource de traitement (202) est en outre capable de déterminer (410) si un composant de données temporelles de l’entrée de données de point d’intérêt retrouvée est conforme à un critère temporel prédéterminé.
PCT/EP2008/063485 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation, serveur et procédé servant à indiquer des informations d’intérêt WO2010040405A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2008/063485 WO2010040405A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation, serveur et procédé servant à indiquer des informations d’intérêt
TW097141058A TW201017109A (en) 2008-10-08 2008-10-24 Navigation apparatus, server apparatus and method of providing point of interest information

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2008/063485 WO2010040405A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation, serveur et procédé servant à indiquer des informations d’intérêt

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WO2010040405A1 true WO2010040405A1 (fr) 2010-04-15

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CN103134503A (zh) * 2011-12-02 2013-06-05 上海博泰悦臻电子设备制造有限公司 兴趣点显示方法及装置、车载导航系统
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US10579939B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-03-03 Apple Inc. Mobile device with predictive routing engine
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US9857193B2 (en) 2013-06-08 2018-01-02 Apple Inc. Mapping application with turn-by-turn navigation mode for output to vehicle display
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US10769217B2 (en) 2013-06-08 2020-09-08 Apple Inc. Harvesting addresses
US11354023B2 (en) 2013-06-09 2022-06-07 Apple Inc. Location-based application recommendations
DE102015203446B4 (de) * 2014-03-03 2017-07-06 Apple Inc. Kartenanwendung mit verbesserten Navigationswerkzeugen
US10113879B2 (en) 2014-03-03 2018-10-30 Apple Inc. Hierarchy of tools for navigation
DE102015203446A1 (de) * 2014-03-03 2015-11-26 Apple Inc. Kartenanwendung mit verbesserten Navigationswerkzeugen
US11035688B2 (en) 2014-03-03 2021-06-15 Apple Inc. Map application with improved search tools
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US10161761B2 (en) 2014-03-03 2018-12-25 Apple Inc. Map application with improved search tools
US9706518B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2017-07-11 Apple Inc. Location based application feature notification
CN110530381B (zh) * 2018-05-23 2022-01-25 腾讯大地通途（北京）科技有限公司 基于导航数据的地图现势性检测方法、装置及存储介质
CN110530381A (zh) * 2018-05-23 2019-12-03 腾讯大地通途（北京）科技有限公司 基于导航数据的地图现势性检测方法、装置及存储介质
US11499838B2 (en) * 2019-10-25 2022-11-15 Here Global B.V. Method, system, and computer program product for providing traffic data
US20210123758A1 (en) * 2019-10-25 2021-04-29 Here Global B.V. Method, system, and computer program product for providing traffic data
CN115344790A (zh) * 2022-10-17 2022-11-15 北京高德云信科技有限公司 配送资源的采集调度方法、电子设备及存储介质
CN115344790B (zh) * 2022-10-17 2022-12-27 北京高德云信科技有限公司 配送资源的采集调度方法、电子设备及存储介质

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