WO2013037852A2 - Procédé et appareil de navigation pour sélectionner une destination - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil de navigation pour sélectionner une destination Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013037852A2
WO2013037852A2 PCT/EP2012/067875 EP2012067875W WO2013037852A2 WO 2013037852 A2 WO2013037852 A2 WO 2013037852A2 EP 2012067875 W EP2012067875 W EP 2012067875W WO 2013037852 A2 WO2013037852 A2 WO 2013037852A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
map
location
destination
user
navigation apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/067875
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2013037852A3 (fr
Inventor
Kewal Singh SHIENMAR
Gerardus Johannes CARLIER
Joost Cornelis Frederik VOOGT
Hayley Louise GAULTON
Michel Alders
Hendrik Ziezold
Dalila SZOSTAK
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.
Publication of WO2013037852A2 publication Critical patent/WO2013037852A2/fr
Publication of WO2013037852A3 publication Critical patent/WO2013037852A3/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
    • G01C21/3605—Destination input or retrieval
    • 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
    • G01C21/3605—Destination input or retrieval
    • G01C21/3614—Destination input or retrieval through interaction with a road map, e.g. selecting a POI icon on a road map

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, and a navigation apparatus arranged to carry out such methods.
  • Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to portable navigation devices (so-called PNDs), in particular PNDs that include Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality.
  • PNDs portable navigation devices
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the invention is also applicable to a navigation apparatus, and methods for operating such apparatus, which forms part of an integrated navigation system, e.g. an in-vehicle navigation system.
  • the present invention is directed to a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus, and to a navigation apparatus arranged for carrying out the steps of the methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
  • the navigation apparatus may comprise navigation apparatus of any suitable form as discussed above, and in more detail below.
  • One illustrative embodiment of the apparatus is a portable navigation device.
  • Portable navigation devices 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.
  • modern PNDs comprise a processor, memory (at least one of volatile and nonvolatile, and commonly both), and map data stored within said memory.
  • the processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be 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) to additionally 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
  • Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
  • Wi-Max GSM Wireless Fidelity
  • PND devices 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 device 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.
  • PDA Portable Digital Assistant
  • Route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software.
  • routes.tomtom.com provides an on-line route planning and navigation facility, which allows a user to enter a start point and a destination whereupon the server to which the user's PC is connected 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 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 typically 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. Additionally, 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 re-calculation 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.
  • route calculation and navigation functions are fundamental to the overall utility of PNDs, it is possible to use the device purely for information display, or "free-driving", in which only map information relevant to the current device location is displayed, and in which no route has been calculated and no navigation is currently being performed by the device. Such a mode of operation is often applicable when the user already knows the route along which it is desired to travel and does not require navigation assistance.
  • Devices of the type described above for example the GO LIVE 1005 model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B.V., provide a reliable means for enabling users to navigate from one position to another.
  • a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of an intermediate location;
  • a navigation apparatus comprising:
  • a display for displaying information to a user
  • the apparatus further comprising:
  • the present invention thus also extends to a navigation apparatus arranged to carry out a method in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments. It will be appreciated that any of the method steps of the invention described herein may be carried out by the navigation apparatus, and the method may comprise causing the navigation apparatus to carry out any of the steps described.
  • the apparatus may comprise a set of one or more processors arranged to carry out any or all of the steps mentioned. Any step may be carried out by any one of the processors, or by multiple processors. Different steps may be carried out by the same or different sets of processors.
  • the present invention further extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable to perform a method in accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments.
  • the invention relates to using an initial input from a user on a navigation device, e.g. a selection of an area, a point of interest (POI) or other point location, on an electronic map (as will be discussed in more detail below), to display a portion of an electronic map on the navigation device.
  • This portion of the electronic map which includes the location selected by the user, and which is typically a more detailed view of a smaller geographic area than that previously seen by the user, is utilised by the user in selecting a final destination location.
  • a route is then calculated by the navigation apparatus to the destination location from the current location of the apparatus or from any other origin desired by the user, and, for example, suitable navigation instructions provided to the user based on the determined route.
  • the present invention allows the user to enter a more general destination and then refine their choice using a map of this general destination. Selecting a destination in this manner had numerous advantages, particularly in countries, such as India, China, Mexico and South America, where, for example, buildings often do not have numbers associated with them and navigation is typically performed in relation to important landmarks within an area, e.g. markets, major road intersections, river crossings, well known buildings, etc.
  • the method of the present invention allows a user to select a destination in a stepwise manner such that the user can browse the map down to a destination area, and select a point within the area as a destination to which a route is to be calculated.
  • the present invention accordingly involves an input being made, e.g. by a user, to the navigation apparatus using suitable input means which causes selection of an intermediate location.
  • intermediate location is used herein to refer to any location that is used to subsequently arrive at a final, different, location or destination.
  • the intermediate location can for example be an area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (POI), landmark, road crossing, etc).
  • POI point of interest
  • location in the context of this invention refers to any one of a point feature, a linear feature or a map area feature for which a set of corresponding map data is stored in storage means of a navigation apparatus.
  • the input causing the selection of an intermediate location can be made in any suitable and desired manner.
  • the input or selection of a location can comprise typing information, e.g. one or more alphanumeric characters, representative of the location into the navigation apparatus.
  • the information can be, for example, a city name, street name, postcode, house number or landmark or POI name (or a portion thereof, such as the beginning portion of a city name, street name, postcode, house number or landmark or POI name).
  • Inputting alphanumeric characters to cause the selection of an intermediate location can be made, for example, by means of any real or virtual buttons, or real or virtual keyboards, external to or integrated with a navigation apparatus.
  • touching and/or tapping on the screen can be used as a means of input, either alone or in combination with other means for input.
  • the input means on the touchscreen can be, for example, a name, position, or icon on the map or any user interface screen.
  • the user may input a character or string of characters using any combination of real or virtual buttons, icons, etc, which are representative of: a type of map feature, street name, POI name, area name, house number or the like.
  • the user may alternatively or additionally cause the selection of the intermediate location by selecting a portion of an electronic map, e.g. where the navigation apparatus comprises a touchscreen by touching a certain area of the screen representative of a desired point or area.
  • the electronic map is preferably divided into a plurality of regions or map areas.
  • the map areas can be predefined based, for example, on natural or geographic borders. In other words, the map areas can be representative of continents, countries, states, provinces, cities, localities or the like. Alternatively, the map areas can be defined based on map features, e.g. landmarks, cities, points of interest, etc, such that there is a particular type of map feature in each region (e.g. using Voronoi tessellation techniques). For example, a map containing a group of landmarks can be divided into regions such that each region contains one or more, but preferably only one, of the landmarks.
  • Each region can therefore be said to be representative of the landmark within the region. It will be appreciated, however, that if a region contains two or more landmarks (or other similar map features) in close vicinity to each other, then a region may be defined such that the region is representative of the two or more landmarks within the region.
  • the map features used to divide the map into regions can be individually selected, e.g. by a user, or can be selected based on matching one or more criteria, e.g. entered by a user. For example, a user may input one or more alphanumeric characters that are used to filter features of the electronic map, and the regions are defined such that each region includes at least one, and preferably only one, of the filtered map features.
  • regions can be defined and displayed to a user concurrently with the input or selection of the filter parameters, thereby improving the user experience when selecting a desired region, i.e. the intermediate location.
  • the step of receiving an input which causes selection of an intermediate location comprises: receiving an input indicating at least one map feature; displaying the map divided into regions in accordance with map features matching the input; and receiving a selection of one of the regions.
  • the selected region or a point within the selected region can form the intermediate location as desired.
  • a portion of an electronic map is, preferably automatically, displayed to the user on the display.
  • the portion of the electronic map displayed is based on the intermediate location, and includes the intermediate location.
  • the portion of the electronic map should be understood as representing a part of the electronic map stored on the navigation apparatus or that is available for use by the user.
  • the map portion will be of a larger scale or higher zoom level that a map previously viewable by the user.
  • the portion of the electronic map displayed to the user is dependent on the type of the selected intermediate location.
  • the map portion can be a map of the selected intermediate location (e.g. when the intermediate location is a region), or the map portion can be a map displaying the selected intermediate location with its surroundings (e.g. when the intermediate location is a linear or point map feature).
  • the map portion will comprise an area, such as a 1 km by 1 km area, centred around a point map feature, e.g. POI or landmark, selected by a user.
  • the portion of the electronic map can be displayed to the user in any suitable form, e.g. as a two or three dimensional representation.
  • the navigation device may also further comprise means for switching between two dimensional and three dimensional map representations, e.g. based on an input from a user.
  • the steps of receiving an input which causes selection of an intermediate location and displaying a portion of the map based on the selected intermediate location are repeated twice or more.
  • a map is displayed for and after every intermediate location is selected, such that further repeating of these steps yield a larger scale and/or more detailed map when compared to the previously displayed map.
  • the user can browse down in a map from a level of zoom or detail covering a relatively larger area to a level of zoom or detail covering a relatively smaller area.
  • a user can search the electronic map on the navigation apparatus down to a desired zoom level or scale by making consecutive selections of intermediate locations. After each selection of a new intermediate location, the user is provided with a smaller and/or more detailed portion of the previously displayed map. This allows the user to access a sufficiently detailed map and select a destination even when they do not know the address details of the destination but only have a rough idea, for instance with reference to a nearby location.
  • the steps of selecting an intermediate location and displaying a more detailed and/or smaller portion of the map corresponding to the most recent selection are repeated more than once for a series of intermediate locations, until the user wants to make a selection of a destination location with the help of the latest portion of the map displayed.
  • the intermediate locations and selection methods can be any combination of the methods and types discussed above. For example, a user may input one or more alphanumeric characters to identify a first intermediate location and a subsequent intermediate location is selected by touching an appropriate region of the displayed map portion.
  • a further input is received on the navigation apparatus that causes the selection of a destination location on or using the displayed portion of the map.
  • the selection of the destination location is made in respect of the last displayed map portion (e.g. the largest scale or most detailed map portion).
  • the destination location once selected, or a point associated therewith, is then used in a route calculation algorithm to determine a navigable route from an origin, e.g. the current position of the navigation apparatus, to the selected point.
  • a "destination location” can be distinguished from an "intermediate location” in that the destination location is used to determine the destination point used in the route calculation algorithm, whereas the intermediate location is not used in the route calculation algorithm but in the selection of a further location (i.e. either another intermediate location or the destination location).
  • the destination location can be an area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (POI), landmark, road crossing, etc).
  • area e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc
  • linear map feature such as road, river or the like
  • point location or map feature e.g. point of interest (POI), landmark, road crossing, etc.
  • the destination location can be selected by the user in any suitable and desired manner, e.g. using one or more of the techniques described above in relation to selecting an intermediate location using an electronic map.
  • the user may touch the part of the touchscreen associated with the desired destination location.
  • the displayed portion of the electronic map that is used in the selection of the destination location may be a static map.
  • the displayed map portion may be modified, e.g. by being panned or zoomed.
  • panning herein takes on its usual meaning, and refers to shifting or translation of the displayed map up, down, sideways or along another line.
  • the destination location is chosen by selecting a desired point or region on the initially displayed portion of the electronic map (that is generated in view of the or the last selected intermediate location). For example, in a preferred embodiment, a user touches or selects a point on the displayed map portion to choose the selected point as the destination location.
  • the displayed map portion may be static or variable.
  • the destination location is chosen by selecting a desired point or region using the displayed portion of the electronic map.
  • the step of selecting a destination location may involve the user first manipulating the displayed portion of the electronic map, e.g. panning and/or zooming, and then selecting a desired point or region on the manipulated, e.g. moved and/or enlarged, displayed portion of the electronic map.
  • the input means of the navigation apparatus e.g. touchscreen, one or more real and/or virtual buttons, icons, etc, is preferably configured to allow a user to pan and/or zoom the displayed portion of the electronic map. This allows a user to manipulate the displayed map portion as desired such that a suitable destination location can be selected.
  • the or each intermediate location selected by a user may be associated with a particular zoom level, degree of detail or area in the map portion to be displayed on the navigation apparatus.
  • a user wishing to select a destination location at an intermediate zoom level or in a region outside that currently shown can do so by panning or zooming the displayed map portion as necessary.
  • the actions of manipulating a displayed digital map by "panning" and “zooming” do not directly result in a location being selected, and are thus different from, for example, a zooming action that is caused by selecting an intermediate location to display a larger scale version of a previously displayed map portion.
  • a point associated with the destination location which is referred to herein as the "destination point" is used in a route calculation algorithm.
  • the route may be calculated automatically, e.g. by the navigation apparatus, and, for example, may take into account user specified criteria, historical traffic data, live traffic data and/or predicted traffic data.
  • the destination point can be automatically determined once the destination location has been selected.
  • the destination point can be determined only after a further input, e.g. from the user using the input means, is provided to the navigation apparatus that a route is to be calculated.
  • the input to begin a route calculation can be of any suitable and desired form.
  • the input may involve touching or pressing a real or virtual button or icon.
  • a characteristic of the input used to select the destination location can be used to infer that this input should cause the destination point to be determined and a route calculated.
  • the characteristic can be, for example: the number of touches on the portion of the displayed map portion representative of the destination location (e.g. two or more touches within a certain time period); the duration of the touch on the portion of the displayed map portion representative of the destination location (e.g. a touch of a first duration represents the selection of a destination location, whereas a touch of a second, longer duration will also result in the destination point being determined and a route calculated).
  • the destination location itself can be used as the destination point, e.g. when the destination location is a point location, such as a POI, landmark, etc.
  • the destination point is a point associated with or derived from the destination location.
  • the destination location is a linear map feature, such as a street
  • a point associated with the linear map feature is preferably used as the destination point, e.g. the midpoint of the street or the point on the street closest to the current position of the navigation apparatus.
  • the destination location is an area, such as a city
  • a point associated with the area is preferably used as the destination point, e.g. the city centre or the point on the city boundary closest to the current position of the navigation apparatus.
  • a destination location may have only one associated destination point, e.g. a city will have associated city centre that is used as the destination point.
  • a destination location may have a plurality of associated destination points, and, for example, a further input, e.g. from a user, is required to select a desired destination point from the plurality of options.
  • a destination location can be associated with a plurality of map features, such as a POI, landmark, street, junction or the like, that are within a certain area around the destination location (when the destination location is a point or linear map feature) or within the destination location (when the destination location is an area of the map).
  • map features such as a POI, landmark, street, junction or the like
  • the associated destination points represent POIs, landmarks, etc that are nearby or within a selected destination location.
  • the plurality of destination points can be displayed to the user on the display of the navigation apparatus in list or on the displayed portion of the electronic point (e.g. at positions corresponding to their real positions). In some embodiments, the distance to each of the listed destination points to the current position of the navigation apparatus is also displayed.
  • the plurality of destination points may be limited to a certain threshold number, which may be predefined or selected by a user, with, for example, only the closest destination points to the current position of the navigation apparatus or the highest user-rated points being shown. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the closest twelve map features to the destination location may be listed or displayed.
  • the threshold number may be fixed, or in some embodiments it can be varied by the user. For example, the user may wish to increase the number of destination points associated with the destination location, e.g. by increasing the size of the area around the destination location (when the destination location is a point or linear map feature).
  • the method further comprises the steps of:
  • the selected map feature in such embodiments, is used as the destination point when calculating a route.
  • a method for selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus comprising: receiving an input which causes the selection of a location; displaying a portion of the map on the navigation apparatus based on the selected location, wherein said portion includes said location; receiving a request to display one or more map features within a vicinity of the selected location; displaying the one or more map features on the navigation apparatus in response to said request;
  • a navigation apparatus comprising:
  • a display for displaying information to a user
  • the apparatus further comprising:
  • the location can be, for example, area (e.g. country, state, city, neighbourhood, etc), linear map feature (such as road, river or the like) or point location or map feature (e.g. point of interest (POI), landmark, road crossing, etc).
  • the input causing the selection of a location can comprise typing information representative of the location into the navigation apparatus and/or touching a portion of the touchscreen associated with the location.
  • the plurality of map features can be displayed to the user on the display of the navigation apparatus in list or on the displayed portion of the electronic map (e.g. at positions corresponding to their real positions).
  • the methods of the present invention in any of its aspects or embodiments may further comprise the step of providing navigation instructions to guide a user along the calculated route.
  • the invention may comprise navigation along a determined route.
  • References to "travel along a route” herein refer to any time during which travel occurs with the aim of moving from an origin to a destination taking into account of or, preferably, following the determined route. For example, there may be periods of deliberate or unintentional deviations from the determined route.
  • the destination point selected by a user, and to which a route is calculated is their final desired destination
  • the user may first choose and travel to a location in the vicinity of their desired final destination (i.e. an approximate destination), and then choose and travel to a second destination closer to their desired final destination, and so on as necessary until they finally reach their desired destination.
  • a user may select a region as their destination location and begin travelling to the destination point associated with that region.
  • the user may select a new destination location, e.g. based on new information obtained whilst travelling to the first destination point, and then travel to the destination point associated with this new location, i.e. a "second destination point".
  • the new information might be obtained from road signage, by asking locals for directions, or the like.
  • one or more intermediate points on the calculated route between the start point and the destination point may be stored on the navigation device, and preferably a warning is output by the navigation device when one of these intermediate points is reached.
  • a warning may be output when the navigation device is determined to be a certain distance or time from the destination point.
  • the warning may be in the form of one or more of an audio, visual or haptic alert, and the navigation apparatus is provided with means for generating and outputting such a warning. The user is therefore reminded to decide or ask for their next destination area and/or point as there are close to or have arrived at their previous destination area and/or point.
  • the apparatus comprises a display for displaying a digital map to a user and a processor configured to access digital map data and cause a digital map to be displayed to a user via the display.
  • the apparatus further comprises a user interface operable by a user to enable the user to interact with the apparatus.
  • the navigation apparatus is an apparatus of a portable navigation device (PND).
  • PND portable navigation device
  • the navigation apparatus referred to in the aspects and embodiments of the invention above is a portable navigation device.
  • the invention is also applicable to navigation apparatus which is provided as part of an integrated navigation system.
  • the apparatus may form part of an in-vehicle integrated navigation system .
  • a navigation apparatus used in accordance with the present invention may comprise a processor and memory.
  • Digital map data accessed and used by the digital map data may be obtained from any source or sources, local or remote, accessible to the navigation apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, however, the digital map data is stored within said memory of the navigation apparatus.
  • the processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established.
  • One or more additional software programs may be provided to enable the functionality of the apparatus to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.
  • a navigation apparatus of the invention may preferably include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality for determining the current location of the navigation apparatus using satellite-broadcast signals.
  • the apparatus may comprise one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user.
  • the output interface(s) may include a speaker for audible output in addition to the visual display.
  • the apparatus may comprise input interfaces including one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the apparatus.
  • the navigation apparatus may be implemented by means of an application of a processing device which does not form part of a specific navigation device.
  • the invention may be implemented using a suitable computer system arranged to execute navigation software.
  • the system may be a mobile or portable computer system, e.g. a mobile telephone or laptop, or may be a desktop system.
  • the present invention extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable to perform a method according to any of the aspects and embodiments of the invention, or to cause a navigation apparatus to perform such methods.
  • the present invention extends to a computer program product comprising computer readable instructions executable when run on a navigation apparatus in accordance with any of the embodiments of the invention to cause a set of one or more processors of the navigation apparatus to perform the steps of a method according to any of the aspects or embodiments described above.
  • a navigation apparatus e.g. a processing device that is configured to execute navigation software so as to provide route planning and navigation functionality, and includes a step of calculating a route to the selected destination
  • similar methods and techniques could be utilised to search for specific places, points of interest, etc within a digital map.
  • a different action is performed such as returning or displaying information concerning the selected location to a user.
  • FIG 1 is a schematic illustration of a Global Positioning System (GPS);
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of electronic components arranged to provide a navigation device
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which a navigation device may receive information over a wireless communication channel
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a navigation device
  • Figure 5 is an exemplary screen for inputting a desired intermediate location according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6 shows a map portion displayed to a user once an intermediate location is selected on the screen of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 shows the displayed map portion of Figure 6, but where the user has selected a different location
  • Figure 8 shows the displayed map portion of Figure 6, together with details of the selected location
  • Figure 9 shows a list of destination points displayed to a user when the "What's nearby" icon in Figure 8 has been selected;
  • Figure 10 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 1 shows a map portion displayed to the user based on the information input in Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 13 to 15 show map portions displayed to the user based on the information input in Figures 12 to 14, respectively;
  • Figure 16 is an exemplary screen for inputting the start of a desired intermediate location according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • a navigation device is intended to include (without limitation) any type of route planning and navigation device, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into a vehicle, or indeed a computing resource (such as a desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile telephone or portable digital assistant (PDA)) executing route planning and navigation software.
  • a computing resource such as a desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile telephone or portable digital assistant (PDA)
  • FIG 1 illustrates an example view of Global Positioning System (GPS), usable by navigation devices.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • 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 will allow 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 is denoted generally by reference numeral 100.
  • a plurality of satellites 102 are in orbit about the earth 104. The orbit of each satellite 102 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 102 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous.
  • a GPS receiver 106 is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 108 from the various satellites 102.
  • the spread spectrum signals 108 continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock.
  • Each satellite 102 as part of its data signal transmission 108, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 102.
  • the GPS receiver device 106 generally acquires spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 108 from at least three satellites 102 for the GPS receiver device 106 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 108 from a total of four satellites 102, permits the GPS receiver device 106 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.
  • Figure 2 is an illustrative representation of electronic components of a navigation device 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.
  • the navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown).
  • the housing includes a processor 202 connected to an input device 204 and a display screen 206.
  • the input device 204 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information; and the display screen 206 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example.
  • the input device 204 and display screen 206 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input 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 buttons.
  • the navigation device 200 may include an output device 208, for example an audible output device (e.g. a loudspeaker).
  • output device 208 can produce audible information for a user of the navigation device 200, it is should equally be understood that input device 204 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.
  • processor 202 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 204 via a connection 210, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 206 and output device 208, via output connections 212, to output information thereto. Further, the processor 202 is operably coupled to a memory resource 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 device 200.
  • I/O input/output
  • the memory resource 214 comprises, for example, a volatile memory, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory, for example a digital memory, such as a flash memory.
  • 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 ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example, wherein the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some 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 ear piece or head phones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone for example
  • the mobile phone connection may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the internet or some other network for example.
  • Figure 2 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 2 are powered by power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner.
  • power sources not shown
  • different configurations of the components shown in Figure 2 are considered to be within the scope of the present application.
  • the components shown in Figure 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like.
  • the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.
  • the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Figure 2 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.
  • Figure 4 shows a navigation device 200 that 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 device 200 can be docked.
  • the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to the arm 252 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device to the arm, for example.
  • a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example.
  • Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation device to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the navigation device 200 may establish a "mobile" or
  • a mobile device such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology
  • a digital connection such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example.
  • the mobile device can establish a network connection (through the internet for example) with a server 302.
  • a "mobile” network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a "real-time" or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
  • the establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using an internet (such as the World Wide Web) for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example.
  • the mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
  • an internet connection may be utilised which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example.
  • an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General
  • GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the internet).
  • the navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the internet and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example.
  • the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example.
  • the navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, or optionally using the internal antenna of the navigation device 200).
  • the mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable card (e.g. Subscriber Identity Module or SIM card), complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example.
  • mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via the internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device.
  • a Bluetooth enabled navigation device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc; model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200, for example. The data stored for this information can be updated.
  • the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 302 via a generic communications channel 318 that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements.
  • the server 302 and a navigation device 200 can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 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 server 302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312.
  • the processor 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318.
  • the signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals.
  • the transmitter 308 and receiver 310 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 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver.
  • Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314.
  • the mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302.
  • the navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through
  • communications channel 318 includes processor, memory, etc as previously described with regard to Figure 2, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302.
  • the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.
  • Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200.
  • One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200.
  • Another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.
  • the communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. Both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.
  • the communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology.
  • the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology.
  • the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc.
  • the communication channel 318 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, empty space, etc.
  • the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
  • the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication.
  • the communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 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 318.
  • These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.
  • the server 302 includes a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel.
  • the server 302 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 302 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200.
  • a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200.
  • a mobile telephone or other handheld device may establish a wireless connection to the internet, for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet.
  • the navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example.
  • the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs, however, processor 210 of navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.
  • the present invention provides improved techniques for selecting a destination on an electronic map for navigation purposes.
  • the method allows a user to select a destination on a navigation apparatus, such as the navigation device 200 described above, in a stepwise manner such that the user can browse the map down to a desired destination location, upon which a route is calculated to a point associated with said destination location.
  • the electronic map comprises a database of point address data.
  • each point address in an electronic map comprises an address number, a street name and a geographical region; thereby allowing a user to find and select a desired point destination by entering a building number, street name and city (or other geographical region), such a map format becomes substantially less useful in countries where buildings are often not numbered, such as Japan, India, Turkey, etc.
  • the point addresses whilst the electronic map continues to comprise a database of point address data, the point addresses preferably now comprise: a building/house number, a street name and a city/region; or a first street name, a second street name (crossing the first) and a city/region.
  • the point addresses may also represent named nodes, such as landmarks, points of interest (POIs), market places, etc, and wherein the point address comprises a node name and a city/region.
  • a user wishes to input a destination into the navigation device
  • he or she is first taken to a screen on the navigation device 200 having a virtual keyboard 400 on which they enter the name of the locality, city or postcode of their desired destination.
  • the user is next taken to a screen, as shown in Figure 5, where they enter the name of either a landmark or street 404 using the virtual keyboard 400, and are shown a list of streets or landmarks 402 (in the locality or city matching the term entered on the previous screen) that begin or include the entered name.
  • the user enters the phrase "Mutha T" (in Puna, India), and is shown two possible selectable landmarks: "Mutha Tower” and "Mutha Apartment".
  • the next screen displayed on the device 200 is a portion of the electronic map centred at the point address 406 associated with the selected landmark.
  • the map may show a 1 km by 1 km area around the landmark. This is shown in Figure 6, where the user has selected the landmark "Mutha Tower" from the displayed list.
  • the point address 406 in this context would be an "intermediate location".
  • the displayed map portion also shows any landmarks 408 or POIs 410, e.g. restaurants, shops, etc, in the vicinity of the selected intermediate location 406.
  • the user can also pan the map, e.g. by dragging a finger across the screen, and/or zoom the map, e.g. by using the slider icon 412, to show adjacent areas of the map.
  • the user can select another landmark, POI or street on the displayed map portion as desired, e.g. by tapping the screen at an appropriate location.
  • the user has selected a new position on the map - shown by the pushpin 414 - which in this instance is a new position to the west of the Mutha Tower along the Don Bosco Road.
  • an information panel can be displayed on the screen showing the selected street, landmark, or POI name, and if applicable the POI category, e.g. in a similar way to panel 420 in Figure 8.
  • the distance between the selected intermediate location and the new position, or the distance from an origin/current location of the navigation device 200 to the new position, can also be shown in or along with the panel 420.
  • a panel 420 (see Figure 8) can be shown giving the user the option to touch an icon named "What's nearby".
  • this function is selected, a list of landmarks, streets and POIs 422 within the vicinity of the currently selected position is shown to the user. Any number of map features can be included in the list, although in a preferred example the twelve (12) nearest streets, POI and landmarks are displayed. An exemplary screen showing such a list can be seen in Figure 9. The list may also include the distance from the selected position to each of the named map features in the list. If a user selects one of the named map features, he or she is returned to the map screen, e.g. that of Figure 6, but with the map now being centred on the position of the selected map feature.
  • a selected position on the map e.g. the position 406 of Figure 6, the position 414 of Figure 7 or a position selected using the "What's nearby” function
  • a route from an origin position, which can be the current position of the navigation device 200, to the destination is subsequently calculated, and navigation instructions given to the user to direct them to the destination.
  • FIG. 10 A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in relation to Figures 10 and 1 1.
  • the user is presented with a screen having virtual keyboard 500, and on which a desired destination region 502 can be input, e.g. a city or postal area.
  • a desired destination region 502 can be input, e.g. a city or postal area.
  • a list of cities or areas 504 beginning with the input alphanumeric characters is shown to the user. This list is continually refreshed as the user continues to type new characters in the search box 502.
  • the user has entered the search term "Bo" into the box 502 (which is configured to search cities in Germany) leading to the search results "Bobeck" and
  • a map is displayed to the user in which the search results are shown in their appropriate geographic location. For example, and as shown in Figure 1 1 , a map 505 of Germany is displayed showing only cities starting with the characters "Bo".
  • the areas are defined by Voronoi cells.
  • a Voronoi cell associated with a particular location e.g. the city shown by point 506, consists of all points closer to that location than to any of the other locations in the area, e.g. the other displayed cities in Germany.
  • a user can then select one of the defined areas, e.g. by tapping the screen within the area, and is taken to a subsequent screen (not shown) displaying a portion of the electronic map, e.g.
  • This screen could, for example, be similar to that of Figure 6.
  • the user can use this screen to select a final destination, e.g. as discussed above in relation to the first embodiment.
  • selecting a defined area in this manner means that a user no longer needs to manually zoom the map to a desired level of detail.
  • FIG. 12 A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described using Figures 12 to 15.
  • this embodiment which again allows the user to select a search for a destination may selecting a series of defined areas.
  • a user is firstly shown a map of Europe on the navigation device 200, wherein each country can be individually selected by tapping the screen at the appropriate position.
  • the user selects the region 600 indicative of Germany.
  • the map is automatically panned and zoomed to show only the selected country on the screen.
  • the country is again divided into individually selectable areas representing the counties or states, and the user can select the appropriate area containing their desired destination. For example, in the specific example shown in Figure 13, the user selects the Hessen area 602 of Germany.
  • the map is again automatically zoomed and panned based on the selection made by the user, e.g. as shown in Figure 14.
  • the selected region is shown to the user with the main cities being highlighted and individual areas are defined around each city, e.g. as discussed above in relation to Figure 1 1.
  • the user selects one of the defined areas, e.g. by tapping the screen within the area, and is taken to a subsequent screen, e.g. as shown in Figure 15, displaying a portion of the electronic map, e.g. including the city within the selected area and its surrounding region.
  • the user has selected the area 604 containing the city Darmstadt.
  • the user can use this screen to select a final destination, e.g. as discussed above in relation to the first embodiment.
  • a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described using Figure 16.
  • a user has selected the city of Paris as a destination city, e.g. using any suitable method, such as one of those described above.
  • a map of Paris is displayed to the user showing landmarks, major tourist attractions or the like within the city.
  • the POI marked as "2" represents the location of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Individual areas 700 are defined around each of the landmarks, e.g. using the Voronoi techniques detailed above, and displayed to the user. The user, by tapping one of the areas, selects this area and the associated landmark is used as the final point address to which a route is to be calculated.
  • each of the areas or at least all neighbouring areas
  • the point address to which a route is calculated will typically be the user's final destination.
  • the user may ask for a route to be calculated to a point address associated with a region, and then select a refined destination once have reached or be in the vicinity of the original destination.
  • the navigation device 200 can issue a warning, e.g. a visual, audio and/or haptic alert, to let them know they are nearing their destination.
  • an exemplary case of selecting a destination can be as follows:
  • the user either does not know the exact address of his destination but vaguely knows a POI nearby the address; or he does not have an exact destination in mind but wants to go to the vicinity of the POI, e.g. for sightseeing.
  • the selected city in this case, is the destination location and the city map includes POIs located in the city for selecting the destination location.
  • the user by tapping on a point on the map (e.g. the POI he had in mind), can select this point as the destination location and a route from his current location to the selected point is calculated.
  • a point on the map e.g. the POI he had in mind
  • Another exemplary case of selecting a destination can be as follows:
  • the user is presented with a map on a high zoom level, wherein country borders are highlighted and clearly defined.
  • a route is calculated from user's current location to the selected address (i.e. the destination location or a point associated with the destination location).
  • 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 other global navigation satellite systems, such as the European Galileo system. Equally, it is not limited to satellite-based systems, but could readily function using ground-based beacons or other kind of system that enables the device to determine its geographic location.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de sélection d'une destination sur un appareil de navigation (200), l'appareil de navigation comprenant une carte électronique à utiliser dans une sélection de destination. Selon le procédé, une entrée (402, 404) entraînant la sélection d'un emplacement intermédiaire (406) est reçue et une partie de la carte comprenant l'emplacement intermédiaire sélectionné est affichée sur l'appareil de navigation. Ces deux étapes peuvent être répétées une fois ou plus si nécessaire. Une autre entrée est reçue, laquelle entraîne la sélection d'un emplacement de destination (414, 422) à l'aide de la partie affichée de la carte. Un itinéraire est ensuite calculé d'un point de départ, qui peut être l'emplacement courant de l'appareil de navigation, à un point associé à l'emplacement de destination sélectionné (414, 422).
PCT/EP2012/067875 2011-09-13 2012-09-12 Procédé et appareil de navigation pour sélectionner une destination WO2013037852A2 (fr)

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GB1115824.3A GB2494649A (en) 2011-09-13 2011-09-13 Selecting a destination on a navigation apparatus
GB1115824.3 2011-09-13

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WO2013037852A3 WO2013037852A3 (fr) 2013-05-30

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