TW201028661A - Mapping system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A navigation or mapping system comprises a portable navigation or mapping apparatus (200) that comprises a location determination unit (250, 255, 210) for determining the location of the apparatus (200), and a user input device (220, 240) for receiving input from a user representative of a map feature observed by the user, and a processor (210) operable to identify the observed map feature in dependence on the determined location of the apparatus (200) and to process the user input to obtain user observation data representative of at least one property of the observed map feature.

Description

201028661 VI. Description of the Invention: [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a navigation or mapping system and method, and in particular to a correction or correction of map data and/or a position determined by a navigation device or method Correction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to portable navigation devices. [Prior Art]

Portable navigation devices (PNDs), including Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reception and processing functionality, are well known and widely used as in-vehicle or other transportation tool navigation systems. In general, modern PNDs include processors, memory (the velocities of volatile and non-volatile memory, and usually both) and map data stored in the memory. The processor cooperates with the memory to provide an execution environment in which a soft system can be built and, in addition, often - or multiple additional software programs are provided to enable the functionality of the coffee to be controlled' and provide various other functions. Usually, 'these steps include steps that allow the user to interact with the device and control the device's - or multiple input interfaces, &_ or multiple output interfaces: from the or the output interface' The relay is passed to the user. Illustrative examples of output interfaces include visual displays and speakers for audio output. Illustrative examples of input interfaces include control or other features - or multiple entities that are built-in = • J tools, such buttons may not be self-producing on the device, or on the disk A microphone that measures the user's words. In 1 set, 137836.doc 201028661 can configure the output interface display as a touch-sensitive display (via touch-sensitive overlay or other) to provide an input interface by which the user can touch To operate the device. Devices of this type will also typically include one or more physical connector interfaces through which power signals and conditional signals can be transmitted to and received from the device. Signal and optionally receive data signals; and, where appropriate, one or more wireless transmitters/receivers, allowing them to be allowed in cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks (eg, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max GSM and its Communication on a similar network). This type of PND device also includes a GPS antenna through which satellite broadcast signals including location data can be received and subsequently processed to determine the current location of the device. The PND device can also include an electronic gyroscope (gy) that generates signals and an accelerometer that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in conjunction with positional information derived from the GPS signal to determine the device. # and hence the speed and relative displacement of the vehicle on which the device is installed. Typically, these features are most commonly provided in the navigation system of the vehicle, but may also be provided in the PND device (if this is advantageous). • The utility of these calendars is mainly manifested in their ability to determine the route between the first position (usually, the ^ position (usually the 'destination'). These positions can be made by the user of the device through a wide variety of different Any of the methods to enter, for example, by postal code, street name and house number, previously stored "familiar" destinations (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as stadiums or swimming pools) ) or other interests 137836.doc 201028661 points) and favorite destinations or destinations that have been recently visited. Usually 'PND(4) calculates the "best" between the location of the departure address and the location of the destination address based on the map data. ; or "Best,, the function of the software of the route J is the best " or "best" route is determined based on predetermined criteria and is not defined as the fastest or shortest route. The choice of route can be very complex, and the selected route can take into account existing, predicted and dynamically and/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about road speed. The driver's own preferences for determining the factors of the road alternative (eg 'driver can mean; t route should not include highways or toll roads.) In addition, the device can continuously monitor road and traffic conditions and provide or due to changing conditions Choose to change the route on which the remaining travel lights will be used. Instant traffic monitoring systems based on various technologies (eg, mobile phone data exchange, fixed camera, GPS fleet tracking) are being used to identify traffic delays and feed information To the notification system. This type of PND can usually be installed on the dashboard or windshield of the transport, but it can also be formed as part of the onboard computer of the transport radio or actually formed into the control system of the transport itself. The navigation device can also be part of a palm-sized system such as a pDA (portable digital assistant), a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the conventional functionality of the handheld system is The software is mounted on the device to perform route calculations and to extend along the calculated route navigation. Line planning and navigation functionality can also be provided by desktop or mobile computing resources running appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides online route planning and navigation at http://www.rac.co.uk Facility, the 137836.doc 201028661 facility allows the user to type in the starting point and destination, so the server (the user's pc is connected to it) calculates the route (the aspect of which can be specified by the user), generates a map, and generates a A detailed set of navigation instructions is used to direct the user from the selected starting point to the selected destination. The facility also provides pseudo-three-dimensional rendering and route preview functionality of the calculated route, the route preview functional simulation along The route travels to the user and thereby provides the user with a preview of the calculated route. In the case of a PND, once the route is calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route from the list of proposed routes, as appropriate. Depending on the situation, the user may intervene or direct the route selection process, for example by specifying that for certain journeys, certain routes, roads, locations or guidelines must be followed to form a primary function, and along the route calculations, Navigation of this route is another major feature. During navigation along the calculated route, such PNDs often provide visual and/or audio commands to direct the user along the selected route to the end of the route, i.e., the desired destination. The pND also often displays map information on the screen during navigation. This information is periodically updated on the screen so that the displayed map is the current location and therefore represents the current location of the user or the vehicle using the vehicle. (If the device is being used for navigation within the vehicle). The icon displayed on the screen usually indicates the current device position and is centered. The ten is also displaying the map information and other maps of the current i-foot road near the current device. £_ Solid will be levied. In addition, depending on the situation, navigation information may be displayed in the status bar of the displayed map information, such as the seven parties, *ΤΓ*4»., below or on one side, 137836.doc 201028661 Examples of navigation information include deviation from the user The nature of distance and deviation, this property can be determined from == to down-type (for example, 'the left or the right turn to the specified energy can also determine the content of the voice command,' the picture is not shown. Navigation work instructions to follow the route The user 1 can use the simple instructions of the transfer to require a large number of positions, and the interaction between the left and the device after the %(10)m can be controlled by: controlling the lever-mounted remote controller, by placing the S> or Other means of driving. By means of ... sound activation or by any other suitable:::: condition another important function provided by the device is the automatic route \ user during the navigation period (four) from the previously calculated route ( Accidental or intentional); immediate traffic conditions indicate that the alternate route would be more advantageous and the device month is sufficient to automatically identify such conditions, or if the user actively causes the device to perform route recalculation for any reason. It is also known to allow the calculation of routes according to user-defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer a scenic route calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any C-path that may occur, is expected to occur, or is currently occurring. The device software will then calculate the various routes and more along the route = the route with the highest number of points of interest (called p〇I), which are (for example) beautiful, or use instructions The stored information of the parental condition on the particular road is sorted according to the possible blockage or the level of delay due to blockage. Other P0I and traffic information based route calculation and navigation criteria are also available. Possible. Although the route calculation and navigation functions are important for the PND system, 137836.doc 201028661 may use the device purely for information display or "free driving", which only displays map information related to the current device location. And the route has not been calculated and the device is currently not performing navigation. This mode of operation is often applicable when the user knows that the trip is Along the route and without the need for navigation aids, devices of the type described above (e.g., Model 720T manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B.V.) provide a reliable means of enabling a user to navigate from one location to another.

While devices of the type described may have significant utility, the uncertainty of the location of the user or the erroneous or omission of the map data may result in omissions, omissions, or even erroneous steering instructions, or unnecessary Rerouting or an inaccurate estimate of the time of arrival. Navigation and map matching depend on the accuracy of the determined accurate GPS position and underlying map data. It is known that when the GPS signal is weak or unavailable, an additional sensor (e. g., an accelerometer or gyroscope) is used to determine the position. However, these additional senses are generally not as accurate as the GPS system in terms of position determination. When the head is wrong, the map data is corrected centrally. However, map data correction is often laborious and cannot be quickly marketed, making calibration difficult, costly, and time consuming. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, a navigation or mapping system is provided, comprising: a portable navigation or mapping device, the device includes a location determining unit for determining a location of the device and - a user input state for receiving a map feature from the user indicating the map feature observed by the user 137836.doc 201028661 and a processor operable to determine the determined position of the device And identifying the observed map feature and processing the user input to obtain user observation data of at least one characteristic of the map feature observed in Table (4).

The processor may be included in the portable navigation or mapping device or may be included in a separate device (eg, a server port) remote from the portable navigation or mapping device. The portable navigation or mapping device may be portable Navigation device (PND) or mobile phone. The processor may include a map feature determination module for identifying the observed map feature and processing the user input to obtain user observation data. The step includes: storing the memory of the map data, and the processor is operable to compare the user view (4) with the map material representing the observed map feature. The map feature may be the location system identified by the map material or the map. Any feature of the map feature may include at least one of the following: road features, such as traffic lanes, circular roadways, traffic lights, or traffic intersections; points of interest (POI); buildings; or natural geographic features, such as mountains a hill, a mountain, or a river. The processor can be configured to modify the map material depending on the comparison. The lesser feature may include the location of the map feature. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one characteristic may include at least one of an appearance, a size, or a function of the map feature. The user input may represent at least one of: The presence or absence of a map feature relative to the location of the user and/or phase 137836.doc -9- 201028661 for at least one other map feature; or the appearance, size or function of the map feature At least one aspect of the processor. The processor is configurable to process the user input to obtain the user observation data based on a location of the device determined by the location determining unit and the user observation data is A location determined by a user of the map feature. The processor is configurable to compare a location of the map feature obtained from the map material with a location determined by the user of the map feature. Configuring to determine a position offset by the position determining unit depending on the comparison. The processor is operable to: according to a representation of the map feature A plurality of user inputs and corresponding plurality of determined device locations obtained from the plurality of navigation devices to determine the location determined by the user of the map feature, and depending on the location determined by the user and a location represented by the map material Determining a positional offset of the map feature between a comparison. • The processor may be operable to: determine a distribution of locations of map features determined based on the plurality of user inputs and the determined device locations, And determining the location of the map feature based on the distribution. • The processor is configurable to: determine a location determined by a plurality of user features of the map feature based on user input to the navigation device, and compare each map feature The location determined by the user and one of the map features obtained from the stored map data, and a position offset indicating a difference between the location obtained from the map material and the location determined by the user is determined. The processor can be configured to modify at least one of: 137836.doc -10· 201028661 depending on the positional offset: map material; and the location determined using the position shirt unit. The processor can be configured to select the map feature and (4) can further include - an output device for requesting user input indicative of the selected map feature. The output device can include an audio and/or video device for providing an audio and/or visual output. The output device can be configured to provide visual or acoustic recognition of one of the map features. The output device can be configured to request the user to provide an input at the location of the map feature. The input device and the output device can be combined in a single input/output device. The user input device is sensitive to at least one of a conversation, a text, and a touch. The input device can include at least one of a touch screen device, an electromechanical device, and a microphone. The processor may be operative to control the output device to request the user input 0 at a time determined by the location of the device and/or the travel speed. The processor is configurable to depend on the location of the device and / or depending on a route selected by the user to select or identify the map feature. The processor can be configured to select at least one map area and select the map feature to be within the selected at least one map area. The processor can be configured to select the map feature and/or the at least one depending on navigation errors and/or resolution of map data associated with the map feature and/or the at least one map region Map area. These navigation errors can be historical navigation errors caused by the user and/or other users or other navigation devices 137836.doc 201028661. The processor can be configured to receive data indicative of such navigation errors from a server. The navigation device can include communication circuitry for transmitting data to a server and/or receiving data from a feeder, and the processor is configured to use the pass k circuit to indicate a determined location of the map feature, Data of at least one of the user input and the determined location of the device is transmitted to the server.

The device can be a portable navigation device (PND). The processor, memory and/or output device can be included in the portable navigation device. In another independent aspect of the present invention, a portable navigation or mapping device is provided, comprising: a location determining unit for determining a location of the device; a receiving a representation from a user a user input device for inputting a map feature observed by a user; and a processor operative to identify the observed map feature and process the user input depending on the determined location of the device Obtaining user observations indicative of at least one characteristic of the observed map feature. In another independent aspect of the present invention, a mapping or navigation method is provided that includes: determining a location of a user; receiving an input from the user indicating a map feature observed by the user; Identifying the observed map feature at the determined location of the user; and processing the user input to determine at least one characteristic of the observed map feature. In another independent aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer executable instructions executable to perform the methods as claimed or described herein. Any feature of one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention in any suitable combination. In particular, device features can be applied to method features, and method features can be applied to device features. [Embodiment] At least one embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. However, it should be borne in mind that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs, but rather are generally applicable to any type of processing device that is configured to execute navigation software to provide route planning and navigation functionality. Thus, it can be seen that, in the context of the present application, the navigation device is intended to include, without limitation, any type of route planning and navigation device, whether the device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into the vehicle, It is also the computing resource that actually implements route planning and navigation software (such as desktop or portable personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, or portable digital assistants (PDAs)). As will become apparent hereinafter, the teachings of the present invention are effective even in situations where the user does not seek guidance on how to navigate from one point to another and only wishes to provide a view of a given location. In such cases, the "destination" location selected by the user does not have to have the corresponding departure location from which the user wishes to navigate, and therefore, in this article, the "destination" location or the actual pair" The reference to the destination "view should not be interpreted as meaning that the route must be traveled to "destination" must occur, or indeed the existence of the destination needs to specify the corresponding departure location. 137836.doc -13 - 201028661 With the above conditions in mind, Figure 1 illustrates an example diagram of a Global Positioning System (GPS) that can be used by navigation devices. These systems are known and used for various purposes. In general, 'GPS is based on satellite radio A navigation system that is capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and (in some cases) direction information for an unlimited number of users. GPS previously referred to as NAVSTAR incorporates a plurality of GPS- orbiting operations in extremely precise orbits Satellite. Based on this

With precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their position to any number of receiving units. A GPS system is implemented when a device that is specifically equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. After receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the exact location of the satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. In most cases, the device will continue to scan the signal until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (note that it is usually not (but can) use other triangulation techniques to determine position by only two signals) . After performing the geometric triangulation, the receiver uses its three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellite. This determination can be made in a known manner. In addition, obtaining a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. Location and speed data can be continuously updated in real time by an unlimited number of users. As shown in Figure i, the 'GPS system is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1〇〇. A plurality of satellite i2Gs are in orbit around the Earth 124. The track of each satellite (3) is not necessarily synchronized with the orbits of other satellites, and is actually likely to be different. Which receiver has just been shown to receive the spread spectrum (4) satellite signal 160 from various satellites 12 。. I37836.doc 14 201028661 The spread spectrum signal 160 continuously transmitted from each satellite 120 utilizes a highly accurate frequency standard achieved by a very accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120 transmits a data stream indicative of its particular satellite 120 as part of its data signal transmission 160. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the GPS receiver device 140 typically acquires the spread spectrum GPS satellite signal 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two dimensional position by triangulation. 'Addition of additional signals (which cause signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120) ❶ Allows the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner. 2 is an illustrative representation of an electronic component of a navigation device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 2 不 does not include all of the components of the navigation device, but only a number of example components. The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 coupled to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. Input device 220 can include a keyboard device, a voice input device, a touch panel, and/or any other known input device for inputting information; and display screen 240 can include any type of display screen, such as an lcd display. In one configuration, the input device 220 and the display screen 24 are integrated into an 'integrated input and display device, and the integrated input and display device includes a _ touchpad or a touch screen input, so that the user only needs Touching one of the display screens 240 selects one of a plurality of display options or activates one of the plurality of virtual buttons. The navigation device can include an output device 26, such as an audio wheeling device (e.g., a speaker). Since the output device 26 can be used for navigation devices, it is understood that the input device 240 can include microphones and software for receiving input voice commands as well. In navigation device 200, processor 210 is operatively coupled to input device 220 via connection 225 and is configured to receive input information from input device 220 via connection 225 and operatively coupled to display screen 240 via output connection 245 And at least one of the output devices 260 to output information to the at least one. In addition, processor 210 operatively couples φ to memory resource 230 via connection 235 and is further adapted to receive information from input/output (I/O) 埠 270 via connection 275 / to send information to the input/output (1/〇) 珲 270 'where 1/〇埠 270 can be connected to I/O device 280 external to navigation device 200. For example, 'memory resources 23' include: volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM); and non-volatile memory such as digital memory such as flash memory. The external T/Ο device 28A can include, but is not limited to, an external listening device, such as an earpiece. The connection to the 1/〇 device 28〇 can additionally be a wired or • wireless connection to any other external device (such as a car stereo unit), for example for hands-free operation and/or for voice-activated operation, for use in an earpiece Or a connection to a headset and/or for example to a connection to a mobile phone, wherein a mobile phone connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and, for example, the Internet or any other network, - And/or to establish a connection to a server via, for example, the Internet or some other network. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between processor 21 〇 and antenna/receiver 250 via connection 255, where antenna/receiver II 250 can be, for example, a GPS antenna/receiver. It will be understood that for illustrative purposes, 137836.doc • 16 - 201028661 antenna and receiver are indicated by reference numeral 250, but the antenna and receiver may be separately positioned components, and the antenna may be, for example, a Gps sheet. Antenna or helical antenna. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic components illustrated in Figure 2 are powered by one or more power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, it is contemplated that the various configurations of the components illustrated in Figure 2 are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the components shown in Figure 2 can be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Accordingly, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200. In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 2 of Figure 2 can be connected to or "connected to" a vehicle such as a bicycle, bicycle, car or boat. This navigation device 200 can then be removed from the articulated position for portable or handheld navigation purposes. Referring now to Figure 3, the navigation device 200 can establish an "action," or telecommunications network connection with the server 302 via a mobile device (not shown, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology). Thus establishing a digital connection (such as via a digital connection such as known Bluetooth technology) the mobile device can establish a network connection with the word processor 322 via its network service provider (e.g., via the Internet). Thus, an "action" network connection between the navigation device 200 (when it travels alone and/or while traveling in the vehicle) and the server 302 is established to provide information for the "; instant "or at least very" new "gateway. Can be used in a known manner using, for example, the Internet (such as the World Wide Web) 137836.doc • 17- 201028661 in mobile devices (via service providers) and The establishment of a network connection between another device, such as server 302. This may include, for example, the use of a TCP/Ip layered protocol. The mobile device may utilize any number of communication standards, such as CDM. A, GSM, WAN, etc. Thus, the Internet connection can be made, for example, via a data connection, via a mobile phone or a mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200. For this connection, the server 302 and navigation are established. Internet φ connection between devices 200. For example, it can be connected via a mobile phone or other mobile device and GPRS (Integrated Packet Radio Service) (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators) GBRS is the method used to connect to the Internet. The navigation device 200 can further complete the data connection with the mobile device via the existing Bluetooth technology in a known manner and finally complete the Internet and server. Data connection of 302, wherein the data agreement may utilize any number of standards, such as GSRM, a data agreement standard for the GSM standard. ❹ The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology (including, for example, an antenna, within the navigation device 200 itself). Or use the internal antenna of the navigation device 2 as the case may be.) The mobile device in the navigation device 200 The technology may include internal components as specified above and/or may include an insertable card (eg, a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card) that is equipped with, for example, the necessary mobile phone technology and/or Or an antenna. Thus, the mobile phone technology within the navigation device 2 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 2 and the server 302 via, for example, the Internet, in a manner similar to any action. The way the device is. 137836.doc -18- 201028661 For GPRS phone settings, the dragon-budable navigation device can be used to work forward with the ever-changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc. 'Examples' model / Manufacturer specific settings can be stored on the navigation device 200. The information stored for this information can be updated. In FIG. 3, navigation device 2 is depicted as being in communication with server 302 via a general communication channel 318, which may be implemented by any of a number of different configurations. When establishing a connection between the feeder 302 and the navigation device 2 • via the communication channel 318 (note that this connection can be a data connection via a mobile device, a direct connection via a personal computer via the Internet, etc.) The server 302 is in communication with the navigation device 200. Server 302 includes (in addition to other components not otherwise described) a processor 304 operatively coupled to memory 3〇6 and further operatively coupled to a large via wired or wireless connection 3 14 Capacity data storage device 312. The processor 〇4 is further operatively coupled to the transmitter 308 and the receiver 310 to transmit information to the navigation device Φ via the communication channel 318 and to receive information from the navigation device 2A. The signals transmitted and received may include data, communications, and/or other propagating signals. The transmitters 3〇8 and receivers 310 can be selected or designed according to the communication requirements and communication techniques used in the communication design of the navigation device 200. Additionally, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 can be combined into a signal transceiver. The server 302 is further coupled to (or includes) a large capacity storage device 312. Note that the mass storage device 312 can be interfaced to the word processor 302 via the communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains storage of navigational data and map information, and may also be a device separate from the server 3〇2, or may be incorporated in the server 302 by 137836.doc -19- 201028661. The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 via the communication channel 318 and the navigation device 200 includes the processor, memory, etc. as described previously with respect to FIG. 2, and the transmitter 320 and the receiver 322 to communicate via the communication channel 3 18 Signals and/or data are transmitted and received, noting that such devices can be further utilized to communicate with devices other than server 302. In addition, transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed in accordance with communication requirements and communication techniques used in the communication design of navigation device 200, and the functions of transmitter 32 and receiver 322 can be combined into a single transceiver. The software stored in the server memory 306 provides instructions to the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 20A. A service provided by the server 3 〇 2 includes processing requests from the navigation device 2 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. Another service provided by the feeder 302 includes using various algorithms for processing the navigation data for the desired application and transmitting the results of such calculations to the navigation device 200. The communication channel 318 generally indicates the connection of the navigation device 2 and the service. The media or path of the device 302. Both server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data via a communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted by the communication channel. Communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. In addition, communication channel gig is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, 'channel 318 may include several communication links using various techniques. For example, communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communication, and the like. 137836.doc -20- 201028661 and 'communication channel 318 includes (but is not limited to) - or a combination of the following: 'circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial electrical gauges, fiber optic grids, converters Radio frequency (RF) waves, atmosphere, blanks, etc. Further, communication channel 318 may include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers. In an illustrative configuration, communication channel 3 18 includes telephone networks and computer networks. In addition, 'communication channel 318 can accommodate wireless communications, such as shooting

Frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communications. Communication signals transmitted via communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals that may be required or desired for a given communication technology. For example, the signals may be suitable for use 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. Both digital and analog signals can be transmitted via communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted, and/or compressed signals that may be desirable for the techniques. Server 302 includes a remote server that is accessible by navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. Server 302 can include a network feeder located on a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN), and the like. The server 302 can include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer and the communication channel 318 can be an electrical sneak connected between the personal computer and the navigation device. Alternatively, a personal computer can be connected between the navigation device 2A and the servo 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 137836.doc 21 201028661. Alternatively, a mobile phone or another handheld device can establish a wireless connection to the Internet to connect the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the Internet. The information from the server 3〇2 can be provided for the navigation device 2 via the information download, and the information can be updated periodically after the user or the user connects the navigation device 200 to the feeding device 3〇2. Downloading, and/or downloading the stomach and tcp/ip connection via, for example, a wireless device, and after the sinker 3〇2 and the navigation device 2 are more or less connected, the information download can be more For the dynamic. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 3〇4 in the server 302 can be used to handle a large amount of processing needs, however, the processor 21 of the navigation device 200 can also handle many processes and often independently of the connection to the server 302. Calculation. As indicated above in FIG. 2, the navigation device 2A includes a processor 21A, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. The input device 22 and the display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable information input (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and information, for example, via the touch panel screen. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the screen can be, for example, a touch input LCD screen. In addition, the navigation device 2A can also include any additional input device 220 and/or any additional output device 241, such as an 'audio input/output device. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the navigation device 200. As shown in FIG. 48, the navigation device 200 can be an integrated input and display device 29 (eg, a touch panel screen) and other components of FIG. 2 (including but not limited to an internal GPS receiver 250, microprocessor 21). Units of 〇, power supply, memory system, etc.). The navigation device 200 can be located on the arm M2 and can be used to fasten the arm 292 from the 137836.doc -22· 201028661 body to the vehicle dashboard/window/etc. The arm 292 is an example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be coupled. As shown in Figure 4A, the navigation device 2 can be coupled or otherwise coupled to the arm 292 of the docking station by attaching the navigation device 2A to the buckle of the arm 292. The navigation device 200 can then be rotated on the arm 292 as shown by the arrow of Figure 4β. For example, to release the connection between the navigation device 2 and the docking station, the button on the navigation device 2 can be pressed. Other equally suitable configurations for decoupling the navigation device φ to the docking station and decoupling the navigation device from the docking station are well known to those skilled in the art. Referring now to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, the memory resource 230 stores a boot loader program (not shown) that is executed by the processor 21 to load an operating system from the memory resource 230. 47〇 is used by the functional hardware component 460, which provides an environment in which the application software can operate. Operating system 470 is used to control functional hardware component 46 and is resident between application software 480 and functional hardware component 46A. Application Software • 480 provides - a working environment that includes a GUI that supports the core functions of the navigation device (eg, map view, route planning, navigation functions, and any other functions associated therewith), as described in more detail below In an embodiment, the application software 48 includes a map feature determination module 49A. When the user opens the device 200, the device 200 acquires the GPS position and calculates (in a known manner) the current position of the device. The position determining unit is configured to include an antenna/receiver 250, a connection 255, and a position determining module included in the processor 21A (not shown in FIG. 6). The touch screen display 240 presents to the user pseudo three-dimensional 137836.doc -23· 201028661 a view of the local environment 5〇2 in which the navigation device 200 is determined, and one of the displays 24 below the local environment A series of control and status messages are presented in area 5.4. Device 200 provides route planning to the user depending on user input provided by a series of interconnected soft or virtual buttons and menu screens that may be displayed on display 240, Map margining and navigation functions. • The user can use the buttons and the menu screen to select a destination, and the device 200 calculates a route to the destination. Once the user begins their journey, the device 200 is based on the device 200. The determined change in location to update the map, and if a destination or route has been selected, then device 2 provides visual navigation instructions to the user and optionally Navigation instructions. It has been found that, in practice, navigation devices displayed on the display 240 are due to errors or uncertainties in the map material or due to poor GPS reception in a particular area and/or due to atmospheric conditions or other factors. There may be uncertainty in location 'This means that the ability to use GPS signals to determine location may be lost or the accuracy of this capability may be reduced for several periods of time. Additional sensors (eg, accelerometers and gyroscopes (not shown) Illustrated)) may be included in or associated with device 2. In operation, if Gps is lost for a period of time, processor 2〇2 is programmed to use the additional sense to determine The relative movement of the navigation device 200 since the last GPS positioning. However, the longer the GPS location is lost, the more estimated the location using the additional sensors becomes less accurate. Based on the possibility of inaccurate map data and The potential inaccuracy of the location determination performed by the navigation device 2, the device 200 is configured to receive 137836.doc • 24-201028661 Users of the map features And modifying the operation or modifying the map data depending on the user input. For example, an offset may be applied to the position determined according to the signal received by the antenna/receiver 250 to offset the GPS uncertainty. This results in a more accurate location. The functions of the device 2 are controlled by the map feature determination module 490 included in the application software 480 of the processor 210.

The map feature determination module 490 is operatively coupled to an integrated input and display device in the form of a touchscreen display 240, to an output device 260, and to a memory 230. The antenna/receiver 25 and the components of the processor 2 10 are configured to cooperate to operate as a position determining unit to use the GPS signal received by the antenna/receiver 250 to assert the location of the device 200 and The location of the device is provided to a map feature determination module 490. The touch screen display device 24 includes a microphone for receiving voice input from the user or receiving a voice input from the user instead of the touch screen input, and the map feature determining module 49 includes processing for processing via the microphone The received utterance input provides an utterance recognition software for automatic utterance recognition (asr). In operation, map feature determination module 49 can: receive and process user input via touch screen display 24, and control refers to ", request or other information via output device (10) to the user's output. The map feature determination module includes text-to-speech (TTS) software that can be used to provide utterances output by output device 260. The map feature determination module 490 is also capable of receiving the data stored in the memory 23 (in detail, the map data) and the location data from the location determining unit indicating the location of the device 200 to determine the device 2 relative to the first The map location 137836.doc -25· 201028661 The map feature determination module 490 can also enable user input to be associated with the location. In operation, the map feature determination module 490 receives map material from the memory 230 about the area around the current location of the device 200 and/or along the route along which the user is traveling, and selects a map near the current location or route. Features (for such map features, the user input device 200 is typically installed in the vehicle. When the vehicle is traveling, the map feature determination module 490 selects a map feature that is close to the current location or is approaching on the current route, And transmitting a signal to the output device 26 to cause the output device to identify the selected map feature to the user and request user input regarding the selected map feature. The map feature determination module 490 is dependent on the speed of the device 200 and/or The trajectory and the map features obtained from the map data control the timing and the inner valley of the output from the output device relative to the trajectory and/or the position of the other map features. If the device 200 is traveling fast, the map is • The levy determination module 490 outputs a prediction about the expected arrival time of a map feature that is approaching A request for a map feature to ensure that the user does not miss the map feature. The map feature determination module 490 controls the input from the user in response to the output from the output device 26, and causes the input and reception to come from The user's input is associated with the location of the device 2's determined by the location determining unit. The operation of the device in relation to the verification of the map data is illustrated in an overview manner in the flow chart of Figure 7. The manner illustrates an example of the receipt and processing of a request and 4 input from a user regarding map features 137836.doc -26 « 201028661. In this example device 200 is mounted on a transport 510 that is traveling along road 512. The map feature determination module 49 selects a map feature (in this case, a church) along the route of the vehicle 51(), the map feature having an expected location 514 determined from the map material. The expected location 514#near Road 512 and re-route 516 of another road 518. ^ (4) Feature determination module 49G causes output device 260 to output to the user - 您 您 you pass adjacent to your left At the intersection of the church, please say, now." The message is output to the user at a time dependent on the current speed and trajectory of the device 200. In this example, the expected arrival at the location B prior to the vehicle The message is output at a time of 1 sec., position b is the closest point of the device 200 to the church. In this example, the order of the message depends on the location and trajectory of the device (the message identifies the church) Will be on the left side and other map features (the message identifies the church adjacent to the fork). • & graph feature determination module 490 monitors and processes the input at the microphone of touch screen display 240 and identifies the user input Time (in this case, the user observes the church and says "now" time). The map feature disc is fixed. & 4 9 G at the time based on the position data received from the position determining unit - the position of the device 200 is determined, and thus the location of the map feature is obtained from the user input. The location determined by the user is stored as user observation data. In the example of Fig. 8, the user input is received when the vehicle is in position A, and the position of the church determined according to user input 52 is different from the position 514 obtained from the map material. 137836.doc • 27- 201028661 The map feature determination module 490 is capable of comparing the location 520 of the map feature determined from the user input with the expected location 514 of the map feature from the map material and determining the offset between the two locations. The determined offset can then be used to modify the map material or modify the location determined by the location determining unit of device 200. In the event that the GPS position has been lost and the navigation device 200 is determining its position depending on the measurements made by the accelerometer and/or the gyroscope or other sensor, the position determination by the device 200 is expected to be less than stored. The map data is accurate 'and in these cases, the determined offset will typically be used to correct the position of the device determined using the accelerometer and/or gyroscope. If the GPS data is being received normally, the offset between the location of the map feature determined from the user input and the location of the map feature from the map material may indicate an operational error or offset of the GPS measurement of the navigation device 200. Or an error in the map material about the location of the map feature. In particular, the location of a single map feature obtained from a single user input may be inaccurate if the vehicle is moving quickly as the user inputs it. Thus, prior to modifying the map material to correct the location of a particular map feature or prior to correcting the operation of a particular device 200, a number of user inputs and/or user input regarding a number of different map features will typically be obtained. In the case of map data correction, although the map data stored in the memory 214 can be locally updated or corrected, it is more common that the server 3〇2 performs map data correction depending on the user observation data, the user The observations represent the location or other attributes of a particular map feature obtained from many different users. In the example of FIG. 8, the offset between the position 520 of the church and the location 514 obtained from the map material based on the user input 137836.doc -28-201028661 is along with a map feature identifier identifying the church. It is sent to the server 302 via the communication channel 318. Similar offset data is received from many other users regarding the location of the church, and the server 3 8 combines data from all of the users and analyzes the distribution of the offsets. If the average of the distribution of offsets is not zero, it may indicate that the map data representing the location of the church is erroneous, and server 318 corrects the map material and transmits the corrected map material to device 200. In the case of correcting the operation of a particular device 200, user input regarding a number of different map features will typically be requested under normal GPS conditions before determining that the location determining unit is not correctly determining the location of the device. If the map feature determination module 490 determines that there is a consistent offset between the location of the user-observed data and the different map features represented by the map material, the map feature determination module 490 directs the location determining unit to apply an offset to All of the determined locations, or more commonly, provide an error message and/or direct the user to repair the device 200. The example described with respect to Figure 8 relates to the location of the church, but the device 2 can be used to determine or verify the location of any type of map feature including, for example, road features (e.g., lanes, roadways, traffic lights) , traffic, intersections, or relative positions of lanes on the road; landmarks; points of interest (POI); buildings; and/or natural geographic features (eg, hills, mountains, or rivers). An example is illustrated in Figure 9, in which device 200 is used to determine the location of road layout features. The navigation device 200 is mounted in a transport vehicle 137836.doc • 29 - 201028661 with a position 52 on the duai carriageway road 522 (two lanes in each direction) at the first time〇 And at a second, later time, at a location 524 on the exit lane 526 that exits the road 522. When the vehicle is in position 520, map feature determination module 49 controls the output device to output a question to the user " Are you in the left or right lane?". The map feature determination module 490 monitors the response from the user and determines if the user has indicated that it is in the left or right lane. The ground level determination module 490 determines the position of the device obtained from the GPS positioning by the position determining unit when the user responds, and thus determines the exact position of the left or right lane. In the example 10 of Figure 9, the vehicle is in the right lane of the eastbound lane. At a second, later time when the vehicle is at location 524, map feature determination module 490 determines based on GPS location and map data that the vehicle is in a sub-region (in this case, an exit lane) of road 522. The map feature determination module 490 controls the output device 260 to ask the user " Are you in the • exit lane? If the user answers "Yes", the map feature determination module 490 can determine the location of the exit lane based on the GPS positioning by the location determining unit at the time of the response. Or, if the user answers "No, The map feature determination module 490 can determine the location of the main lane of the road 522. In other instances of road layout, when the road is multi-level (eg, at a large highway intersection), or in a fast lane (transit) If there is a lane, you can request user input. In other instances, you can ask the user " Are you in the fast lane?" or "Do you choose to drive out of the ramp? Usually it will indicate GPS Positioning data, user response and/or processed I37836.doc • 30- 201028661 User observations are transmitted back to server 302. Server 3〇2 analyzes responses from many different users in order to obtain lanes, ramps or High resolution representation of other road features. Map data typically does not provide a detailed representation of the relative positions of lanes, ramps, and other road features. The user input obtained for the features can be used to augment the map data with additional information. Additional information about the map features observed by the user from the user input also includes, for example, the functionality of a particular building. (for example, an indication that a building is a store, garage, restaurant, school, or church), a hierarchy of map features (such as 'restaurants, resorts, or other grades') and the size or shape of map features (for example, The number of layers of the building.) This additional information may not otherwise be available to the device 200. The map feature determination module 490 is typically configured to request a relatively small number of maps in a manner that avoids disturbing or interfering with the user. User input of the feature. The user input can be requested at a predetermined minimum time and/or the user input can be requested at a predetermined maximum rate. The user can also configure the device to cut off the request for input. Or limit the number of requests. If the current map matches the location is uncertain (for example, if the GPS location is not available • Get or compare And/or if the user is approaching a critical location on the route (such as a turn), the map feature determination module 490 typically requests input, or otherwise elicits a response from the user to give feedback regarding the correct location. The map feature determination module 490 also typically requests input in an area where the map data is less reliable or has a lower resolution of the parent. In a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the map 137836 stored in the memory 214 .doc -31 - 201028661 The data includes an indication of which areas of the map and/or which map features may have lower resolution or reliability. The map feature determination module 49 is configured to request information from the user about such Map features or inputs about map features belonging to those regions. An indication of which regions of the map and/or which map features may have lower resolution or reliability may be provided by the server 302. An example of the selection of map features is illustrated in Figure 10, which shows a route 530 through an area 532 represented by map data of relatively low resolution. The map feature determination module 490 identifies map features 534, 536, 538, 540, 542 that are present in the low resolution region 532. The mantle feature determination module 490 also identifies that one of the map features 542 is on or near the route 530. When the user's vehicle approaches the expected location of the map feature 472, the map feature determination module 490 requests input from the user regarding the presence or absence of the map feature 472 and/or the location of the map feature 472. In the above example, the 'user input is used to determine or verify the location of a particular map φ feature' or to provide additional information about the map feature. use

The input can also be used to determine if the map feature is observable. For example, if all or most of the users indicate that a particular expected map feature is not visible, then the map material may be updated to remove the feature D from the map, although various aspects and embodiments of the present invention are already It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration set forth herein, but is intended to cover all such modifications and changes and modifications. For example, although the invention is illustrated as a portable navigation device, it should be understood that route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by desktop or mobile computing resources running appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) at hUP:/AvWW.rac.C (Kuk provides an online route planning and navigation facility that allows users to type in the starting point and destination, so the servo $ (user's computing resources) Communicate with) calculating the route (which can be specified by the user), generating a map, and generating a detailed set of navigation instructions for directing the user from the selected starting point to the selected destination. The embodiments described herein refer to Gps, but it should be noted that 'navigation devices may utilize any type of position sensing technology as an alternative to Gps (or indeed, in addition to GPS, navigation devices may utilize other global navigation Satellite systems, such as the European system (Game〇), the Russian GLONASS system, the Chinese Beid〇u system, or the Indian system. Similarly, 'it is not limited to satellite-based, but easy to use ground-based beacons or other Any system that enables the device to determine its geographic location (eg, cell t〇wer triangulation) to function. The example can be implemented as a computer program for use in a computer system, such as a series of computer instructions stored in a tangible form such as a magnetic disk, CD_R〇M, R〇M or a fixed disk. The data recording medium or embodied in a computer data signal that transmits the series of computer instructions via tangible media or wireless media (eg, microwave or infrared) to form all or part of the functionality described above, and It can be stored in any memory device (volatile or non-volatile), such as semiconductor memory devices, magnetic memory devices, optical CMOS devices or other memory devices. 137836.doc •33- 201028661 — It will also be readily understood by those skilled in the art that while the embodiments described herein implement a certain functionality by software, the functionality may equally be implemented only in hardware (eg, by one or more ASICs) (Special application integrated circuit)) or actually implemented by a mixture of hardware and software. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be considered to be limited to soft implementation. It will be understood that the invention is described above by way of example only, and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. ❿ a may be provided independently or in any suitable combination in an embodiment and (if appropriate) Each of the features disclosed in the patent scope and drawings. Finally, it should be noted that although the scope of the appended claims claims a particular combination of features described herein, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific Combinations, and the scope of the present invention extends to include any combination of features or embodiments disclosed herein, regardless of whether or not the specific combination has been specifically recited in the scope of the accompanying claims. Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a Global Positioning System (GPS) that can be used by a navigation device; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the electronic components of the navigation device; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication system including communication channels for communicating with the navigation device; 4a and 4b are explanatory perspective views of the navigation device; FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the architectural stack of the navigation device of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is from FIG. An illustrative screen of the navigation device; FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a map drawing method based on user input 137836.doc-34-201028661 in an overview manner; FIG. 8 is a diagram for determining the position of a map feature based on user input. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a situation in which the location of a road layout feature is determined based on user input; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing features in a selected area of the route for which user input is required for the map features. Schematic diagram.

[Main component symbol description] 120 Satellite 124 Earth 140 GPS receiver device 160 Spread spectrum GPS satellite signal 200 Navigation device 210 Processor 220 Input device 225 Connection 230 Memory resource 235 Connection 240 Display screen 245 Connection 250 Antenna/receiver 255 Connection 260 Output Device 270 Input/Output (I/O)埠137836.doc -35- 201028661 275 280 290 292 294 302 304 306 308 3 10 312

314 318 320 322 460 470 480 490 502 504 510 Connecting External I/O Devices Integrated Input and Display Devices Absorber Servo Processor Memory Transmitter Receiver Bulk Data Storage Device / Bulk Data Storage Wired or Wireless Connection /Communication Link Communication Channel Transmitter Receiver Function Hardware Component Operating System Application Software Map Feature Determination Module Local Environment Area Transportation Tool Road 137836.doc -36- 512 201028661 514 Expected Location 516 Fork 518 Road 520 User Input / Location 522 Two-way Separated Lane Road 524 Location 526 Exit Lane 530 Route 532 Low Resolution Area 534 Map Features 536 Map Features 538 Map Features 540 Map Features 542 Map Features 137836.doc -37-

Claims (1)

201028661 VII. Patent Application Range: 1. A navigation or mapping system comprising: a portable navigation or mapping device (200) comprising a position determining unit (25) for determining the position of the device (200) 〇, 255, 21〇) and a user input device (22〇, 24〇) for receiving input from a user indicating a map feature observed by the user; and a processor (210) 'It is operable to: identify the observed map feature depending on the determined location of the device (2〇〇), and process the user input to obtain at least one characteristic indicative of the observed map feature User observations. 2. The navigation or mapping system of claim 1, further comprising a memory (24〇) for storing map data, wherein the processor (21〇) is operable to compare the user observation data with the representation Map data of the observed mantle characteristics. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21〇) is configured to modify the map material depending on the comparison. 4. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one characteristic of the observed map feature comprises a location of the map feature. 5. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21A) is configured to depend on a location of the device (200) determined by the location determining unit (250, 255, 210) The user input is processed to obtain the user observation data' and the user observation data includes a location determined by a user of the map feature. 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the processor (21A) is configured to compare a location of the map feature obtained from the map material from 137836.doc 201028661 with a location determined by the user of the map feature. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor (21A) is operable to: determine, according to a plurality of user inputs representing the map feature and a plurality of determined device locations obtained from the plurality of navigation devices (200) Determining a location determined by the user of the map feature and determining a positional offset of the φ map feature based on a comparison between the location determined by the user and a location represented by the map material. 8. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21A) is configured to: determine a location determined by the user of the plurality of map features based on user input to the navigation device (200), Comparing the location determined by the user of each map feature with the location of one of the map features obtained from the stored map data and determining a difference between the location obtained from the map material and the location determined by the user The position is offset. 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor (21A) is configured to modify at least one of the following map data and use the location determining unit (250, 255) depending on the location offset , 210) and the determined location. 10. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (2) is configured to select the map feature, and the device (2) further includes a request for representation - the selected map feature The output device (240, 260) input by the user. U. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor (210) is operative to control the output device (240, 260) to be determined at a location and/or travel speed dependent on the device (200) - time Request this user input. 137836.doc • 2 - 201028661 12. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21〇) is configured to depend on the location of the device (200) and/or depending on a use by the device The map is selected by selecting the route. 13. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor (21A) is configured to: select at least one map area' and select the map feature to be within the selected at least one map area. 14. The system of claim 2*2, wherein the processor (21〇) is configured to rely on φ for navigation errors and/or map data associated with the map feature and/or the at least one map region The map feature and/or the at least one map area is selected for resolution. 15. As requested! Or a system of 2 where the device (2〇〇) is a portable navigation device (PND). 16. A portable navigation or mapping device (2A) comprising: a position determining unit (250, 255, 210) for determining the position of the device (200); I a user input device (220, 240) for receiving input from a user indicating a map feature observed by the user; and a processor (210) operable to: depend on the device (2〇〇 The determined map feature is identified by the determined location, and the user input is processed to obtain user observations indicative of at least one characteristic of the observed map feature. 17. A method of mapping or navigating, comprising: determining a location of a user; receiving a representation from the user - an input of a map 137836.doc 201028661 observed by the user; depending on the user Identifying the observed map feature by the determined location; and processing the user input to determine at least one characteristic of the observed map feature. 18. A computer program product comprising executable to perform, for example, a request entry Computer readable instructions of the method. 137836.doc