WO2018049538A1

WO2018049538A1 - Navigation device

Info

Publication number: WO2018049538A1
Application number: PCT/CA2017/051102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reynold BOUCHER; Jason BUIE; Donald Wayne Ablitt
Original assignee: Jannatec Technologies
Priority date: 2016-09-19
Filing date: 2017-09-19
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Also published as: CA2942309A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a navigation device having a user interface for receiving input specifying a destination location, a memory for storing the destination location and for storing map data, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for determining a current location of the navigation device, a compass for determining an orientation, a processor for computing a route from the current location to the destination location and for computing, using the orientation, a direction toward the destination location, and a laser for emitting a laser beam in the direction.

Description

NAVIGATION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to navigation technologies and, more particularly, to GNSS-based navigation devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technologies, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), capture radiofrequency signals transmitted by orbiting GNSS satellites to provide location information. GNSS-based navigation technologies are increasingly found in automobiles and smart phones. [0003] These navigation devices, whether in-vehicle navigation devices or navigation-capable smart phones, are typically pre-loaded with digital map data or, alternatively, have the ability to download digital map data over a cellular data network. In some circumstances, however, the physical surroundings make it difficult for a user of the navigation device to determine which direction to take to follow the navigation instructions. This is particularly true of handheld devices being used in the wilderness, at night, in bad weather, or in places where there are no easily identifiable landmarks.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide a navigation device that facilitates navigation in these circumstances. SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some aspects or embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [0006] In general, the present invention provides a navigation device that emits a laser beam in a direction toward a destination location so as to facilitate GNSS- based navigation.

[0007] In accordance with one inventive aspect of the present disclosure, a navigation device includes a user interface for receiving input specifying a destination location, a memory for storing the destination location and for storing map data, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for determining a current location of the navigation device, a compass for determining an orientation, a processor for computing a route from the current location to the destination location and for computing, using the orientation, a direction toward the destination location, and a laser for emitting a laser beam in the direction.

[0008] In accordance with another inventive aspect of the present disclosure, a method of navigation using a navigation device entails receiving input via a user interface for specifying a destination location, storing in a memory the destination location and map data, determining a current location of the navigation device using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, and determining an orientation using a compass. The method further entails computing, using a processor, a route from the current location to the destination location and computing, using the orientation, a direction toward the destination location. The method further entails emitting a laser beam in the direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which: [0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a navigation device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an example of a navigation device emitting a laser pointing in a direction of navigation. [0012] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a navigation device providing visual, audible and vibratory cues that the orientation of the device matches a direction of navigation.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a flowchart outlining a method of navigating using the navigation device.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a more detailed implementation of the method in accordance with one embodiment.

[0015] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In general, the present invention provides a navigation device that points in a direction toward a destination location. Exemplary embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the figures and described below. It will be appreciated that the invention may include other embodiments and variants that implement the inventive concept.

[0017] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , a navigation device generally designed by reference numeral 10. For the purposes of this specification, the expression "navigation device" shall be construed broadly to mean any handheld device, such as a pointer, portable computer, computing device, wireless communications device, smart phone, mobile communication device, personal digital assistant, portable media player, portable navigation device, personal navigation device, tablet, phablet, or any other navigation-capable device that includes the hardware necessary to indicate a direction using a laser or laserlike beam of light. In one embodiment, the device resembles a pen or pointer that can be easily carried in the pocket of the user. In another embodiment, the navigation device is a component in adventure video camera system. In this embodiment, if the user of the adventure video camera system becomes lost or disoriented, the user can engage the navigation device to locate a route back to a marked destination. Although the navigation device is primarily intended to be portable or handheld, it will be appreciate that the navigation device may be mounted to a vehicle or boat, or integrated within a vehicle or boat to facilitate vehicle-based navigation. It will also be appreciated that the expression "navigation device" is meant to include any combination of hardware components or subsystems that are connected together to form the navigation device. [0018] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device which is generally designed by reference numeral 100 includes a processor 1 10. The processor 1 10 may be a microprocessor or a microcontroller or a plurality of microprocessors or microcontrollers. The microprocessors may be dual-core processors, multi-core processors, etc. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 1 10 is configured to receive, process and output data. The processor 1 10 is configured to execute a navigation application that displays a route to a destination location on a map. The processor 1 10 in the navigation device 100 is configured to compute the route from the current location to a destination location. The processor 1 10 is also configured to compute, using an orientation from a compass, a direction toward the destination location, as will be explained in greater detail below.

[0019] The navigation device 100 includes a memory 120 that is operatively coupled via a data bus to the processor 1 10. The memory 120 may include volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), DRAM, DDR SDRAM, SRAM, or equivalent. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), Mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, NVRAM, Flash memory, Solid-state storage, nvSRAM, FeRAM, MRAM, PRAM or equivalent. Memory may also include magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical disc drive, or any other suitable data-storage device or medium. The memory 120 stores the navigation application and digital map data along with label data for labels for street names, cities, bodies of water, landmarks, points of interest, etc.

[0020] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 includes a user input device 130, which may include a push-button, keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive display, speech-recognition module, etc. enabling a user of the navigation device to provide input to the navigation device. The user may use the user input device 130 to enter a destination location by manually entering an address or location coordinates or by selecting a pre-loaded location, POI or address book location. The user input device 130 may be used to mark a specific location, select one of a plurality of suggested routes proposed by the navigation application, to configure the navigation application, or to perform other navigation-related tasks. [0021] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 optionally includes a display 140 which may use any suitable display technologies, e.g. LCD, LED, OLED, etc. The display may be a touch-sensitive display screen. The display 140 receives displayable data from the processor and displays this data onscreen. The display 140 displays the digital maps, labels for street names, cities, bodies of water, landmarks, points of interest, etc. The display also displays icons or symbols representing the current location and the destination location as well as any waypoints along the route. The route may be displayed in a distinct colour on the map. The display also presents arrows, cues or other information to facilitate navigation. [0022] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver (chip) 150 such as, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The GNSS receiver 150 has an integrated antenna to receive radiofrequency signals from orbiting GNSS satellites from which location coordinates are determined by the GNSS receiver 150. The GNSS receiver 150 supplies location data to the navigation application executing on the processor 1 10. References herein to "GNSS" or "GPS" are meant to include Assisted GNSS/GPS and Aided GNSS/GPS. GNSS includes not only GPS but other satellite-based systems used around the world including the Beidou (COMPASS) system being developed by China, the multi-national Galileo system being developed by the European Union, in collaboration with China, Israel, India, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, Russia's GLONASS system, India's proposed Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS), and Japan's proposed QZSS regional system.

[0023] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 also includes a compass 160, e.g. a solid state compass. The solid state compass includes a magnetometer for providing an orientation, i.e. a compass heading or bearing (which is herein referred to as the orientation). The solid state compass may include one or more accelerometers or gyros.

[0024] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 includes a laser 170 or any equivalent laser-like emitter for emitting a laser beam or other highly collimated ("laser-like") beam of light. The laser emits a beam of light in the direction to be traveled so as to visually guide the user in the correct direction. The laser may be configured to remain on permanently, for a prescribed period of time, to blink, change colour, or to provide any desired optical effect. The processor may be configured to re-activate the laser if the user veers off-course.

[0025] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 optionally includes a light 180, e.g. an LED light, that illuminates to signify or indicate that the navigation device is oriented in the correct direction. In another embodiment, a visual cue may be provided onscreen, e.g. by a visual display, alert, notification or the like presented on the display of the device.

[0026] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 optionally includes a speaker 190 to produce a sound to signify or indicate that the navigation device is oriented in the correct direction. The sound may include any suitable chime, buzz, or audible notification including spoken alerts. [0027] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 optionally includes a vibration generator 200 that vibrates to signify or indicate that the navigation device is oriented in the correct direction.

[0028] The navigation device 100 may optionally include the light, speaker and vibration generator to provide all three or any subset of these alerts to the user. [0029] The navigation device 100 may be user-configurable, e.g. via a settings or preferences page, to activate or deactivate the visual, audible and vibratory alerts.

[0030] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the navigation device 100 includes a data communication port 210, which may be a wireless interface for receiving map data over the air. The data communication port may be cellular transceiver, satellite transceiver, Wi-Fi® transceiver, Bluetooth® transceiver, or any other suitable wireless transceiver. The data communication port 210 may also be used to receive map data updates, software updates, etc. [0031] FIG. 2 shows by way of example a navigation device 100 in the form of a handheld mobile communication device having a laser 170 (held in place by a laser holder) that is attached to the bottom of the handheld mobile communication device. The laser holder may have a data connection to receive a drive signal from the processor and a power connection to receive power from the battery of the handheld mobile communication device. In addition to any navigation instructions and map presented on the display 140, the laser 170 emits a laser beam to indicate the direction for the user to take toward the destination location. It will be appreciated that if the route calculated by the navigation application is not a straight-line route, the laser will point in the direction for the user to take in order to complete the first leg of the journey. In other words, a route may comprise a sequence of route segments defined by a series of waypoints. For such a route, the laser will point toward the first waypoint of the route. Upon arrival at the first waypoint, the laser will point toward the second waypoint of the route. Upon arrival at the second waypoint, the laser will point toward the third waypoint. This process will be repeated until the final waypoint is the destination location. Thus, the laser will point the user in the direction to travel so as to guide the user incrementally toward the destination location.

[0032] FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment in which the navigation device provide visual, audible or vibratory cues to the user when the navigation device is properly aligned (oriented) with the direction to be taken. In other words, if the compass of the navigation device indicates that the heading (orientation) matches the direction required by the navigation application, then the navigation device can notify the user visually, audibly or tactilely. In FIG. 3, the navigation device 100 provide a visual cue 310 by displaying a light onscreen. Alternatively, the light may be an LED light outside of the screen. In FIG. 3, the navigation device also provides tactile feedback 320 in the form of a vibration. In FIG. 3, the navigation device 100 also provide audible notification 330 by producing a sound (e.g. chime, bell, buzz, etc.) or by providing spoken confirmation. The angular tolerance of the navigation device may be preset or user-reconfigurable to permit some minor variance between the compass reading and the desired direction.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention is a method of navigating using a navigation device. As outlined in FIG. 4, the method 400 entails a step 410 of receiving input via a user interface for specifying a destination location, a step 420 of storing in a memory the destination location and/or map data, and a step 430 of determining a current location of the navigation device using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. As depicted in FIG. 4, the method 400 further entails a step 440 of determining an orientation using a compass and a step 450 of computing, using a processor, a route from the current location to the destination location and computing, using the orientation, a direction toward the destination location. The method 400 concludes with a step 460 of emitting a laser beam in the direction. [0034] In one implementation of this method, there is a further step of vibrating a vibration generator in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

[0035] In another implementation of this method, there is a further step of illuminating a light coupled in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

[0036] In another implementation of this method, there is a further step of producing a sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction. [0037] These steps (or acts or operations) may be performed in the sequence described above or in the a different suitable sequence. In other implementations some of these steps may overlap or partially overlap some of the other steps.

[0038] FIG. 5 depicts a more detailed implementation of the navigation method introduced in FIG. 4. The method 500 shown in FIG. 5 entails a start step 502, a step 504 of monitoring request inputs, a decision 506 is made as to whether a request has been made. If a request has been made, a further decision 508 is made as to whether the request is a navigation request. If the request is not a navigation request, the "home" position is acquired using the GNSS receiver (step 509) and stored in the memory of the device (step 509a). The method 500 then proceeds to step 514 in which the heading to the "home" position is calculated.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, if the request is not a navigation request (referring to decision 508), the device then determines (at decision 510) if a "home" position is stored in memory. The "home position" may be the destination location. If yes, the current position is acquired using the GNSS receiver at step 512. At step 514, the heading is calculated using the current position and the "home" position. At step 516, the current heading is read from the compass. At decision 518, the device determines if the calculated heading matches the current heading. If no, the method cycles back to step 516. If yes, the primary and/or secondary outputs are enabled at step 520 (i.e. the laser, light, speaker, vibration generator) to signify that the heading is correct. A timer is started at step 522. At step 524, the device determines if the timer has elapsed. If no, the method cycles back to step 524. If yes, the primary and secondary outputs are disabled at step 526. The method continues at step 528 in which the current position is acquired using the GNSS receiver. At step 530, the separation distance between the "home" position and the current position is calculated. If the device determines at decision 532 that the separation distance is less than a predetermined value n, the method concludes by enabling the arrival alarm with the primary and secondary outputs at step 534. Navigation thus ends, i.e. the method stops at step 536. If the separation distance is not less than the predetermined value n, the method proceeds by returning to step 504.

[0040] As further shown in FIG. 5, if the device determines (at decision 506) that no request has been made, the device determines (at decision 505) whether the device is in navigation mode. If yes, the method proceeds to step 528. If no, the method proceeds to step 504, as shown in the flowchart. [0041] All or parts of the methods described above may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware or any suitable combination thereof. Software implementations of any part of the methods may be performed by computer- readable code stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be any means that contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device. The computer-readable medium may be electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or any semiconductor system or device. For example, computer executable code to perform the methods disclosed herein may be tangibly recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium including, but not limited to, a CD-ROM, DVD, RAM, ROM, EPROM, Flash Memory or any suitable memory card, etc. The method may also be implemented in hardware. A hardware implementation might employ discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logic functions on data signals, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0042] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a device" includes reference to one or more of such devices, i.e. that there is at least one device. The terms "comprising", "having", "including" and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e. , meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of examples or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") is intended merely to better illustrate or describe embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. [0043] This invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, implementations and configurations which are intended to be exemplary only. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, having read this disclosure, that many obvious variations, modifications and refinements may be made without departing from the inventive concept(s) presented herein. The scope of the exclusive right sought by the Applicant(s) is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

A navigation device comprising:

a user interface for receiving input specifying a destination location;

a memory for storing the destination location and for storing map data;

5 a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for determining a current location of the navigation device;

a compass for determining an orientation;

a processor for computing a route from the current location to the destination location and for computing, using the orientation, a0 direction toward the destination location; and

a laser for emitting a laser beam in the direction.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a vibration generator coupled to the processor to vibrate in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction. 5

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a light coupled to the processor to be illuminated in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising a speaker coupled to the processor to produce sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor o determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a vibration generator coupled to the processor to vibrate in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and 5 a light coupled to the processor to be illuminated in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a vibration generator coupled to the processor to vibrate in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and a speaker coupled to the processor to produce sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a speaker coupled to the processor to produce sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and a light coupled to the processor to be illuminated in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a vibration generator coupled to the processor to vibrate in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; a speaker coupled to the processor to produce sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and a light coupled to the processor to be illuminated in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

9. A method of navigating using a navigation device, the method comprising: comprising:

receiving input via a user interface for specifying a destination location; storing in a memory the destination location and map data;

determining a current location of the navigation device using a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver;

determining an orientation using a compass;

computing, using a processor, a route from the current location to the destination location and computing, using the orientation, a direction toward the destination location; and

emitting a laser beam in the direction.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising vibrating a vibration generator in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

1 1. The method of claim 9 further comprising illuminating a light coupled in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising producing a sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising: vibrating a vibration generator in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and illuminating a light coupled in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising: vibrating a vibration generator in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and producing a sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising: illuminating a light coupled in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and producing a sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.

16. The method of claim 9 further comprising: vibrating a vibration generator in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; illuminating a light coupled in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction; and producing a sound in response to a signal from the processor when the processor determines that the orientation of the compass corresponds to the direction.