[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2010040400A1 - Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt - Google Patents

Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010040400A1
WO2010040400A1 PCT/EP2008/063480 EP2008063480W WO2010040400A1 WO 2010040400 A1 WO2010040400 A1 WO 2010040400A1 EP 2008063480 W EP2008063480 W EP 2008063480W WO 2010040400 A1 WO2010040400 A1 WO 2010040400A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
interest
navigation
density
user
area
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2008/063480
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sjoerd Aben
Erik Thomassen
Teun De Haas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TomTom International BV
Original Assignee
TomTom International BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TomTom International BV filed Critical TomTom International BV
Priority to PCT/EP2008/063480 priority Critical patent/WO2010040400A1/fr
Priority to TW097141088A priority patent/TW201017114A/zh
Publication of WO2010040400A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010040400A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G01C21/34—Route searching; Route guidance
    • G01C21/36—Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
    • G01C21/3605—Destination input or retrieval
    • G01C21/3614—Destination input or retrieval through interaction with a road map, e.g. selecting a POI icon on a road map
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/26—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
    • G01C21/34—Route searching; Route guidance
    • G01C21/36—Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
    • G01C21/3679—Retrieval, searching and output of POI information, e.g. hotels, restaurants, shops, filling stations, parking facilities
    • G01C21/3682—Retrieval, searching and output of POI information, e.g. hotels, restaurants, shops, filling stations, parking facilities output of POI information on a road map

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to navigation methods and devices providing navigation to points of interest.
  • Portable computing devices for example Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) that include GPS (Global Positioning System) signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • a modern PND comprises a processor, memory (at least one of volatile and non-volatile, and commonly both), and map data stored within said memory.
  • the processor and memory cooperate to provide an execution environment in which a software operating system may be established, and additionally it is commonplace for one or more additional software programs to be provided to enable the functionality of the PND to be controlled, and to provide various other functions.
  • these devices further comprise one or more input interfaces that allow a user to interact with and control the device, and one or more output interfaces by means of which information may be relayed to the user.
  • output interfaces include a visual display and a speaker for audible output.
  • input interfaces include one or more physical buttons to control on/off operation or other features of the device (which buttons need not necessarily be on the device itself but could be on a steering wheel if the device is built into a vehicle), and a microphone for detecting user speech.
  • the output interface display may be configured as a touch sensitive display (by means of a touch sensitive overlay or otherwise) additionally to provide an input interface by means of which a user can operate the device by touch.
  • Devices of this type will also often include one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which power and optionally data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device, and optionally one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, GSM, UMTS and the like.
  • wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, GSM, UMTS and the like.
  • PNDs of this type also include a GPS antenna by means of which satellite- broadcast signals, including location data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current location of the device.
  • the PND may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted.
  • location information derived from the GPS signal, velocity and relative displacement of the device and thus the vehicle in which it is mounted typically, such features are most commonly provided in in-vehicle navigation systems, but may also be provided in PNDs if it is expedient to do so.
  • PNDs The utility of such PNDs is manifested primarily in their ability to determine a route between a first location (typically a start or current location) and a second location (typically a destination). These locations can be input by a user of the device, by any of a wide variety of different methods, for example by postcode, street name and house number, previously stored "well known" destinations (such as famous locations, municipal locations (such as sports grounds or swimming baths) or other points of interest), and favourite or recently visited destinations.
  • PNDs of this type may be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, but may also be formed as part of an on-board computer of the vehicle radio or indeed as part of the control system of the vehicle itself.
  • the navigation device may also be part of a hand-held system, such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant), a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the normal functionality of the hand-held system is extended by means of the installation of software on the device to perform both route calculation and navigation along a calculated route.
  • PDA Portable Digital Assistant
  • PNDs During navigation along a calculated route, it is usual for such PNDs to provide visual and/or audible instructions to guide the user along a chosen route to the end of that route, i.e. the desired destination. It is also usual for PNDs to display map information on-screen during the navigation, such information regularly being updated on-screen so that the map information displayed is representative of the current location of the device, and thus of the user or user's vehicle if the device is being used for in- vehicle navigation.
  • An icon displayed on-screen typically denotes the current device location, and is centred with the map information of current and surrounding roads in the vicinity of the current device location and other map features also being displayed. Additionally, navigation information may be displayed, optionally in a status bar above, below or to one side of the displayed map information, examples of navigation information include a distance to the next deviation from the current road required to be taken by the user, the nature of that deviation possibly being represented by a further icon suggestive of the particular type of deviation, for example a left or right turn.
  • the navigation function also determines the content, duration and timing of audible instructions by means of which the user can be guided along the route. As can be appreciated a simple instruction such as "turn left in 100 m" requires significant processing and analysis.
  • user interaction with the device may be by a touch screen, or additionally or alternately by steering column mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method.
  • route calculation and navigation functions are fundamental to the overall utility of PNDs, it is possible to use the device purely for information display, or "free-driving", in which only map information relevant to the current device location is displayed, and in which no route has been calculated and no navigation is currently being performed by the device. Such a mode of operation is often applicable when the user already knows the route along which it is desired to travel and does not require navigation assistance.
  • Devices of the type described above for example the 920T model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B. V., provide a reliable means for enabling users to navigate from one position to another. Such devices are of great utility when the user is not familiar with the route to the destination to which they are navigating.
  • some navigation devices allow a user to select a POI, such as a restaurant, night club, car park or shop and the navigation device determines a route to the selected POI.
  • a POI such as a restaurant, night club, car park or shop
  • the navigation device determines a route to the selected POI.
  • the user is often unsure if a particular POI meets their expectations, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the POI or the area in which they are looking. This can lead to long additional journeys to an alternative POI if the first selected POI is not acceptable.
  • the user may also have to use a map functionality of the navigation device to display the POIs on a map and manually hunt for a close alternative POI. Manual searching is particularly disadvantageous in transport based PNDs as this requires significant manual input from the user and/or requires the user's attention for an extended period.
  • navigation and/or mapping apparatus comprising: an input device for receiving input from a user for selecting a category of point of interest; and a device for indicating areas dependent on the density of points of interest in the selected category.
  • the apparatus may comprise a processing resource operably coupled to a data store.
  • the data store may store point of interest data.
  • the processing resource may be arranged to determine the density of points of interest.
  • the processing resource may be adapted to determine the number of points of interest belonging to the selected category per area or distance they are apart.
  • the device for indicating may be a display for displaying areas having a high density of the selected point of interest type.
  • the displayed areas may be areas having a density of selected point of interest type above a specified threshold.
  • the display of each area may vary with the density of POI within that area.
  • the display of areas may be in the form of a list. The list may be ordered by density of point of interest.
  • a display feature may be provided for each point of interest. At least one of the colour and highlighting of the displayed areas and/or the display features may be varied in dependence upon the density of points of interest.
  • the processing resource may be configured to plan a route between each point of interest in each area, and displaying the planned route to the user.
  • the input device may be adapted to receive input from a user for selecting a region in which to determine the density of points of interest.
  • the region may be the current vicinity of the user, a specified city or town or along a route.
  • the input device may be adapted to receive user input selecting an area from the displayed areas.
  • the processing resource may be adapted to calculate a route to the selected area.
  • the navigation and/or mapping apparatus may be adapted to determine a current location of a user.
  • the navigation and/or mapping device may be adapted to calculate a route from the current location to the selected area.
  • a navigation system comprising: a navigation apparatus as set forth above in relation to a first aspect of the invention; wherein the data store is remotely located from the navigation apparatus and accessible via a communications network.
  • a method of operating a navigation and/or mapping apparatus comprising: selecting a category of point of interest data and providing an indication of areas depending on the density of points of interest in the selected category.
  • the method may comprise determining the density of points of interest in the selected category. The determination may be made by dividing the number of points of interest belonging to the selected category by the space they are apart.
  • the method may comprise displaying areas having a high density of the selected point of interest type.
  • the area may be an area having a density of selected point of interest type above a specified threshold.
  • the display of areas may be in the form of a list.
  • the list may be ordered by density of point of interest.
  • the method may comprise selecting a region in which to determine the density of points of interest.
  • the region may be the current vicinity of the user, a specified city or town or along a route.
  • the method may comprise receiving input from the user indicating an area having a high density of the selected point of interest type.
  • the method may comprise calculating a route to the indicated area.
  • a computer program element comprising computer program code means to make a computer execute the method as set forth above in relation to the third aspect of the invention.
  • the computer program element may be embodied on a computer readable medium.
  • navigation devices of the present invention allow a user to navigate to areas having the best choice of POIs in a region of interest. Such areas may be displayed and quickly identified with the minimum of distraction to the user. The user may then select an area with a high density of the required POI and the navigation device navigates the user to it. Once at the area, the user can walk or drive around the area, view the POIs and select an individual POI that meets their preferences from among a wide range of choices.
  • improved navigation is provided, as the user is navigated to an area having a wide choice of alternate points of interest in close proximity, which in turn minimises any onward travel should an individual POI prove undesirable.
  • areas having a high density of point of interest within a category rather than individual points of interest and prioritising the presentation of the areas by density of point of interest, information is communicated in a clear manner and minimises user intervention, thereby reducing instances of driver confusion, insecurity, hesitation and hence driver workload resulting in a safer driving experience.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary part of a Global Positioning System (GPS) usable by a navigation device;
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a communications system for communication between a navigation device and a server;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of electronic components of the navigation device of Figure 2 or any other suitable navigation device;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement of mounting and/or docking a navigation device
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an architectural stack employed by the navigation device of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method of operation of a navigation device of Figure 3 and constituting a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 7 to 9 are screen shots from the navigation device in accordance with a part of the method of Figure 6;
  • a navigation device is intended to include (without limitation) any type of route planning and navigation device, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a vehicle such as an automobile, or indeed a portable computing resource, for example a portable personal computer (PC), a mobile telephone or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) executing route planning and navigation software.
  • PC personal computer
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • the Global Positioning System (GPS) of Figure 1 and the like are used for a variety of purposes.
  • the GPS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information for an unlimited number of users.
  • NAVSTAR the GPS incorporates a plurality of satellites that orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their location to any number of receiving units.
  • the GPS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GPS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GPS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal allows the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.
  • the GPS system 100 comprises a plurality of satellites 102 orbiting about the earth 104.
  • a GPS receiver 106 receives spread spectrum GPS satellite data signals 108 from a number of the plurality of satellites 102.
  • the spread spectrum data signals 108 are continuously transmitted from each satellite 102, the spread spectrum data signals 108 transmitted each comprise a data stream including information identifying a particular satellite 102 from which the data stream originates.
  • the GPS receiver 106 generally requires spread spectrum data signals 108 from at least three satellites 102 in order to be able to calculate a two-dimensional position. Receipt of a fourth spread spectrum data signal enables the GPS receiver 106 to calculate, using a known technique, a three-dimensional position.
  • a navigation device 200 comprising or coupled to the GPS receiver device 106, is capable of establishing a data session, if required, with network hardware of a "mobile" or telecommunications network via a mobile device (not shown), for example a mobile telephone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile telephone technology, in order to establish a digital connection, for example a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology.
  • a mobile device for example a mobile telephone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile telephone technology
  • the mobile device can establish a network connection (through the Internet for example) with a server 150.
  • a "mobile” network connection can be established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is, mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 150 to provide a "real-time” or at least very “up to date” gateway for information.
  • the establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 150, using the Internet for example, can be done in a known manner.
  • any number of appropriate data communications protocols can be employed, for example the TCP/IP layered protocol.
  • the mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as CDMA2000, GSM, IEEE 802.1 1 a/b/c/g/n, etc.
  • the internet connection may be utilised, which can be achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example.
  • the navigation device 200 may, of course, include its own mobile telephone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (including an antenna for example, or optionally using the internal antenna of the navigation device 200).
  • the mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components, and/or can include an insertable card (e.g. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card), complete with necessary mobile phone technology and/or an antenna for example.
  • SIM Subscriber Identity Module
  • mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 150, via the Internet for example, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device.
  • a Bluetooth enabled navigation device may be used to work correctly with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example.
  • the data stored for this information can be updated.
  • the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 150 via a generic communications channel 152 that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements.
  • the communication channel 152 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 150.
  • the server 150 and the navigation device 200 can communicate when a connection via the communications channel 152 is established between the server 150 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.).
  • the communication channel 152 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 152 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 152 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, the communication channel 152 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 152 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, free space, etc. Furthermore, the communication channel 152 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.
  • RF radio-frequency
  • the communication channel 152 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 152 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication, for example, infrared communications, radio frequency communications, such as microwave frequency communications, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 152 can accommodate satellite communication.
  • the communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 152 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology.
  • the signals may be adapted to be used in cellular communication technology such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.
  • TDMA Time Division Multiple Access
  • FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
  • Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 152.
  • These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.
  • the server 150 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processor 154 operatively connected to a memory 156 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 158, to a mass data storage device 160.
  • the mass storage device 160 contains a store of navigation data and map information, including point of interest (POI) information, and can again be a separate device from the server 150 or can be incorporated into the server 150.
  • the processor 154 is further operatively connected to transmitter 162 and receiver 164, to transmit and receive information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 152.
  • the signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals.
  • the transmitter 162 and receiver 164 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 162 and receiver 164 may be combined into a single transceiver.
  • the navigation device 200 can be arranged to communicate with the server 150 through communications channel 152, using transmitter 166 and receiver 168 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 152, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 150.
  • the transmitter 166 and receiver 168 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 166 and receiver 168 may be combined into a single transceiver as described above in relation to Figure 2.
  • the navigation device 200 comprises other hardware and/or functional parts, which will be described later herein in further detail.
  • Software stored in server memory 156 provides instructions for the processor 154 and allows the server 150 to provide services to the navigation device 200.
  • One service provided by the server 150 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 160 to the navigation device 200.
  • Another service that can be provided by the server 150 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.
  • An example of such processing is determining densities of points of interest (POI) in various categories of point of interest.
  • the server 150 constitutes a remote source of data accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel.
  • the server 150 may include a network server located on a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), virtual private network (VPN), etc.
  • the server 150 may include a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 152 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200.
  • a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 150 to establish an internet connection between the server 150 and the navigation device 200.
  • the navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 150 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 150 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 150 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example.
  • the processor 154 in the server 150 may be used to handle the bulk of processing needs, however, a processor (not shown in Figure 2) of the navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 150.
  • the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.
  • the navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown).
  • the navigation device 200 includes a processing resource comprising, for example, the processor 202 mentioned above, the processor 202 being coupled to an input device 204 and a display device, for example a display screen 206.
  • a processing resource comprising, for example, the processor 202 mentioned above, the processor 202 being coupled to an input device 204 and a display device, for example a display screen 206.
  • the input device 204 represents any number of input devices, including a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information.
  • the display screen 206 can include any type of display screen such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for example.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • one aspect of the input device 204, the touch panel, and the display screen 206 are integrated so as to provide an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touchscreen input 250 ( Figure 4) to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through the touch panel screen so that a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 206 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual or "soft" buttons.
  • the processor 202 supports a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in conjunction with the touchscreen.
  • GUI Graphical User Interface
  • the processor 202 is operatively connected to and capable of receiving input information from input device 204 via a connection 210, and operatively connected to at least one of the display screen 206 and the output device 208, via respective output connections 212, to output information thereto.
  • the navigation device 200 may include an output device 208, for example an audible output device (e.g. a loudspeaker).
  • an audible output device e.g. a loudspeaker
  • input device 204 can include a microphone and software for receiving input voice commands as well.
  • the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input device 204 and/or any additional output device, such as audio input/output devices for example.
  • the processor 202 is operatively connected to memory 214 via connection 216 and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to input/output (I/O) ports 218 via connection 220, wherein the I/O port 218 is connectible to an I/O device 222 external to the navigation device 200.
  • the external I/O device 222 may include, but is not limited to an external listening device, such as an earpiece for example.
  • connection to I/O device 222 can further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an earpiece or headphones, and/or for connection to a mobile telephone for example, wherein the mobile telephone connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the Internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the Internet or some other network for example.
  • any other external device such as a car stereo unit for hands-free operation and/or for voice activated operation for example, for connection to an earpiece or headphones, and/or for connection to a mobile telephone for example
  • the mobile telephone connection can be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the Internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the Internet or some other network for example.
  • Figure 3 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 202 and an antenna/receiver 224 via connection 226, wherein the antenna/receiver 224 can be a GPS antenna/receiver for example.
  • the antenna and receiver designated by reference numeral 224 are combined schematically for illustration, but that the antenna and receiver may be separately located components, and that the antenna may be a GPS patch antenna or helical antenna for example.
  • the electronic components shown in Figure 3 are powered by one or more power sources (not shown) in a conventional manner.
  • the components shown in Figure 3 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like.
  • the navigation device 200 described herein can be a portable or handheld navigation device 200.
  • the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Figure 3 can be connected or "docked” in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorbike, a car or a boat for example. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use.
  • the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes the integrated input and display device 206 and the other components of Figure 2 (including, but not limited to, the internal GPS receiver 224, the microprocessor 202, a power supply (not shown), memory systems 214, etc.).
  • the navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 252, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc, using a suction cup 254.
  • This arm 252 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.
  • the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to the arm 252 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device 200 to the arm 252 for example.
  • the navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 252.
  • a button (not shown) on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example.
  • Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation device 200 to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the processor 202 and memory 214 cooperate to support a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) 282 that functions as an interface between functional hardware components 280 of the navigation device 200 and the software executed by the device.
  • BIOS Basic Input/Output System
  • the processor 202 then loads an operating system 284 from the memory 214, which provides an environment in which application software 286 (implementing some or all of the above described route planning and navigation functionality) can run.
  • the application software 286 provides an operational environment including the GUI that supports core functions of the navigation device, for example map viewing, route planning, navigation functions and any other functions associated therewith.
  • the device is operable to navigate a user to an area having a high density of POI, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the GUI presented via touch-screen 250 is operable to allow the user to indicate which mode he wishes to use the device in, including an option to indicate that he wishes to navigate to an area of interest.
  • the device is arranged to provide a global area selection screen, as shown in Figure 7.
  • the global area selection acts as a guide indicating a macro-area, within which to search for smaller areas of interest within the global area.
  • Examples of global area options shown in Figure 7 include "POI near you” 702 (i.e. within a predetermined distance of the present location of the navigation device), "POI in city” 704 (which searches within a city specified by the user), "POI near home” 706 (i.e. within a predetermined distance of the user's home), “POI near destination'” 708 (within a predetermined range of a destination previously provided by the user, such as an address or postcode), and if a route has already been planned, "POI along route” 710 (i.e. within a predetermined maximum distance off the planned route).
  • the options shown in Figure 7 are merely examples, and are not representative of all possible options. Alternate terms may also be used to describe each option.
  • a POI category input interface screen 802 is displayed as a GUI on touch-screen 250, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the POI category input interface screen 802 comprises selection means, such as a text input box 804, virtual or soft buttons (not shown) and/or a list of categories 806, which may be a scrollable list, as is known in the art.
  • the user uses the selection means, via touch screen 250, to input or select a category of POI, such as "restaurant area”.
  • the destination and category of POI required is received by processor 202 and relevant pre-calculated POI density data is retrieved from device memory 214 and/or from server 150 via communication channel 152.
  • individual POI data and map data is retrieved from the memory 214 and/or mass storage device 160 as appropriate and the device processor 202 and/or server processor 154 are adapted to determine POI density data for the destination region and category of POI specified by the user. It will be appreciated that pre-determining POI density data allows quicker provision of such data but requires greater memory resource, whilst determining the data in response to a request or user input allows minimisation of memory usage at the expense of increase time to provide such data.
  • the device processor 202 and/or server processor 154 are adapted to use a varying calculation for determining the density of POI depending on the type of POI selected. For example, as a default, the processor 202, 154 determines the POI density by dividing the number of POIs of the selected category by the space they are apart. This method is particularly suitable for determining the density of small POIs such as bars and restaurants. Other methods, as would be known to a person skilled in the art, may be used to determine the density of larger POIs, such as football stadiums.
  • the GUI is arranged to present the areas within or in the vicinity of the selected destination that have the highest density of POIs of the selected category.
  • the GUI displays 902 the areas as a list 904, with the highest density of POI at the top of the list, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the areas with the greatest choice of the selected POI category can be easily selected by a user by pressing on an area at the top of the list 904 on the GUI via the touch screen 250.
  • Further information to assist the user in selecting an area is also displayed, such as the density of POI in that area, the distance from the user's current position to each area, whether or not the POI is currently open (opening hours), the level of traffic in the region and/or other information, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
  • Another option for display of the areas having a high density of POI involves highlighting the areas having a high density of POI on a map 1002, as shown in Figure 10.
  • a map of at least part of the global area is displayed on touch screen 250.
  • Outlines 1004, 1006 of a contrasting colour can be displayed around areas having a high density of POI.
  • the weight of the outline 1004, 1006 is varied depending on the size of the area, with large areas having heavy outlines 1004 and smaller areas having a lighter outline 1006. Alternatively, the weight of the outline can vary by density of POI.
  • Individual POIs within each area are displayed as icons 1008. The user can select an area that he wishes to navigate to by touching the touch screen 250 within the area bounded by the appropriate outline or alternatively selected from a list.
  • a further option for display of the areas having a high density of POI is providing the area as displayed on a map 1 102 on the touch screen 250 with shading 1 104 of a contrasting colour, as shown in Figure 1 1 .
  • the density of shading 1 104 is proportional to the density of POI within the area.
  • No shading 1 104 is provided for areas having a POI density below a pre-determined cut-off threshold.
  • individual POIs are displayed as icons 1 106 and a particular area from the displayed options is selected by touching the touch screen 250 within the shaded area 1 104.
  • the navigation device 200 is then operable to calculate a route from an origin, such as the present location of the user as determined using the GPS functionality, a home location or another specified origin location, to the selected area having a high density of POI.
  • an origin such as the present location of the user as determined using the GPS functionality, a home location or another specified origin location
  • the user then commences their journey and the navigation device 200 guides the user, in a known manner, by displaying and updating a map in accordance with determined changes in location of the navigation device 200, and by providing the user with visual and, optionally, audible navigation instructions.
  • the device 200 When the user nears the area of interest, the device 200 is adapted to inform the user could that they are about to enter the area of interest.
  • the device 200 is arranged to navigate the user to the centre of the selected area and once there, inform the user that they have reached their destination.
  • the navigation device 200 is arranged to provide the user with a 'looping- route' 1202 within the selected area of interest 1204.
  • the looping route 1202 is a route that navigates the user in a continuous circuit within the selected area until they have scouted all the POI options (maybe several times). The user can choose where to park closest to their selected POI.
  • the device 200 is arranged to navigate the user to car parking within the area or close to the user's preferred POI.
  • the described embodiments may provide improved functionality, in that a user may be navigated to an area having the widest choice of alternate POIs, not just one specific POI.
  • it results in a device that is simpler to operate and requires less user input than devices that simply offer a list of individual POIs or where a user was forced to scroll around a map manually in order to identify further POIs. This is particularly advantageous in PND's, such as those used in cars, where any distraction of the user is unfavourable.
  • route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software.
  • the Royal Automobile Club provides an online route planning and navigation facility at http://www.rac.co.uk, which facility allows a user to enter a start point and a destination whereupon the server with which the user's computing resource is communicating calculates a route (aspects of which may be user specified), generates a map, and generates a set of exhaustive navigation instructions for guiding the user from the selected start point to the selected destination.
  • the navigation device may utilise any kind of position sensing technology as an alternative to (or indeed in addition to) GPS.
  • the navigation device may utilise using other global navigation satellite systems such as the European Galileo system. Equally, it is not limited to satellite based but could readily function using ground based beacons or any other kind of system that enables the device to determine its geographic location.
  • Alternative embodiments of the invention can be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system, the computer program product being, for example, a series of computer instructions stored on a tangible data recording medium, such as a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk, or embodied in a computer data signal, the signal being transmitted over a tangible medium or a wireless medium, for example, microwave or infrared.
  • the series of computer instructions can constitute all or part of the functionality described above, and can also be stored in any memory device, volatile or non-volatile, such as semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory device.
  • POIs such as restaurants, nightlife, parking, bars and football stadiums
  • device and method can be equally applied to other POIs such as shopping areas, starting points for walking routes, mountain peaks, parks and the like.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de navigation et/ou de mappage (200), lequel comprend un dispositif d'entrée (204) pour recevoir les entrées provenant d'un utilisateur pour sélectionner une catégorie de points d'intérêt; et un dispositif (206) pour indiquer des zones qui dépendent de la densité des points d'intérêt dans la catégorie sélectionnée. (Figure 6)
PCT/EP2008/063480 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt Ceased WO2010040400A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2008/063480 WO2010040400A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt
TW097141088A TW201017114A (en) 2008-10-08 2008-10-24 Navigation apparatus and method of providing points of interest

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2008/063480 WO2010040400A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010040400A1 true WO2010040400A1 (fr) 2010-04-15

Family

ID=41066380

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2008/063480 Ceased WO2010040400A1 (fr) 2008-10-08 2008-10-08 Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt

Country Status (2)

Country Link
TW (1) TW201017114A (fr)
WO (1) WO2010040400A1 (fr)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2468194A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-01 Boeing Co Magnifying relevant information on a terminal chart
CN102176206A (zh) * 2011-01-18 2011-09-07 宇龙计算机通信科技(深圳)有限公司 兴趣点周边查找方法及装置
EP2395461A1 (fr) * 2010-06-08 2011-12-14 Deutsche Post AG Système d'optimisation des trajets de réception et/ou de livraison
WO2012072115A1 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Tomtom International B.V. Procédés et systèmes de navigation
WO2012106171A1 (fr) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-09 Mapquest, Inc. Systèmes et procédés de génération de présentations cartographiques électroniques avec informations sur des points d'intérêt
CN102695119A (zh) * 2011-03-22 2012-09-26 上海盛畅网络科技有限公司 Poi的显示方法
CN102750078A (zh) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-24 索尼公司 信息显示装置、信息显示方法和程序
US8681022B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2014-03-25 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest based on density thresholds
US8810437B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2014-08-19 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest information based on reference locations
WO2015119371A1 (fr) * 2014-02-05 2015-08-13 에스케이플래닛 주식회사 Dispositif et procédé pour la fourniture d'informations de poi au moyen d'un regroupement de poi
EP2995909A1 (fr) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-16 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Appareil, système et procédé pour le regroupement des points d'intérêt dans un système de navigation
EP2995908A1 (fr) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-16 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Appareil, systeme et procede pour le regroupement des points d'interet dans un systeme de navigation
WO2016144920A3 (fr) * 2015-03-08 2016-11-03 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Recherche le long du trajet
CN106681996A (zh) * 2015-11-05 2017-05-17 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 确定地理范围内兴趣区域、兴趣点的方法和装置
WO2017173930A1 (fr) * 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 Procédé et appareil de recherche d'emplacement cible
CN108628896A (zh) * 2017-03-22 2018-10-09 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 签到行为热度处理方法及装置
US10444954B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2019-10-15 Here Global B.V. Distinguishable geographic area presentation
CN112585426A (zh) * 2018-08-14 2021-03-30 大众汽车（中国）投资有限公司 导航方法和装置
US20230086016A1 (en) * 2021-09-17 2023-03-23 Hyundai Motor Company User Interface for Displaying Point of Interest of Mobile Device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6397143B1 (en) * 2000-10-26 2002-05-28 George Peschke Layout based method for map navigation
US20050177303A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Han Maung W. Display method and apparatus for navigation system for performing cluster search of objects
US20090024315A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 Yahoo! Inc. Techniques for representing location information
WO2009066393A1 (fr) * 2007-11-22 2009-05-28 Pioneer Corporation Dispositif, programme et procédé de recherche de carte et support d'enregistrement

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6397143B1 (en) * 2000-10-26 2002-05-28 George Peschke Layout based method for map navigation
US20050177303A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Han Maung W. Display method and apparatus for navigation system for performing cluster search of objects
US20090024315A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2009-01-22 Yahoo! Inc. Techniques for representing location information
WO2009066393A1 (fr) * 2007-11-22 2009-05-28 Pioneer Corporation Dispositif, programme et procédé de recherche de carte et support d'enregistrement

Cited By (44)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2468194A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-01 Boeing Co Magnifying relevant information on a terminal chart
GB2468194B (en) * 2009-02-27 2011-03-16 Boeing Co Zoomed viewing of terminal charts
EP2395461A1 (fr) * 2010-06-08 2011-12-14 Deutsche Post AG Système d'optimisation des trajets de réception et/ou de livraison
US10860975B2 (en) 2010-06-08 2020-12-08 Deutsche Post Ag System for optimizing collection and/or delivery trips
EP3324350A1 (fr) * 2010-06-08 2018-05-23 Deutsche Post AG Système d'optimisation des trajets de réception et/ou de livraison
WO2012072115A1 (fr) * 2010-11-30 2012-06-07 Tomtom International B.V. Procédés et systèmes de navigation
CN102176206A (zh) * 2011-01-18 2011-09-07 宇龙计算机通信科技(深圳)有限公司 兴趣点周边查找方法及装置
US9746342B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2017-08-29 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest based on density thresholds
WO2012106171A1 (fr) * 2011-02-02 2012-08-09 Mapquest, Inc. Systèmes et procédés de génération de présentations cartographiques électroniques avec informations sur des points d'intérêt
US8681022B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2014-03-25 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest based on density thresholds
US8810437B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2014-08-19 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest information based on reference locations
EP2840359A1 (fr) * 2011-02-02 2015-02-25 Mapquest, Inc. Systèmes et procédés de génération de présentations cartographiques électroniques avec informations sur des points d'intérêt
US9791292B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2017-10-17 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest information based on reference locations
US9228849B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2016-01-05 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest based on density thresholds
US9829330B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2017-11-28 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points of-interest information
US9885582B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2018-02-06 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest information based on reference locations
US9400189B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2016-07-26 Aol Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points-of-interest information
US8669884B2 (en) 2011-02-02 2014-03-11 Mapquest, Inc. Systems and methods for generating electronic map displays with points of-interest information
CN102695119A (zh) * 2011-03-22 2012-09-26 上海盛畅网络科技有限公司 Poi的显示方法
CN102750078A (zh) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-24 索尼公司 信息显示装置、信息显示方法和程序
US10444954B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2019-10-15 Here Global B.V. Distinguishable geographic area presentation
WO2015119371A1 (fr) * 2014-02-05 2015-08-13 에스케이플래닛 주식회사 Dispositif et procédé pour la fourniture d'informations de poi au moyen d'un regroupement de poi
CN105606100A (zh) * 2014-09-10 2016-05-25 大众汽车有限公司 导航系统中用于聚类感兴趣点的装置、系统及方法
EP2995908A1 (fr) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-16 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Appareil, systeme et procede pour le regroupement des points d'interet dans un systeme de navigation
EP2995909A1 (fr) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-16 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Appareil, système et procédé pour le regroupement des points d'intérêt dans un système de navigation
CN105606100B (zh) * 2014-09-10 2020-08-07 大众汽车有限公司 导航系统中用于聚类感兴趣点的装置、系统及方法
US9464909B2 (en) 2014-09-10 2016-10-11 Volkswagen Ag Apparatus, system and method for clustering points of interest in a navigation system
CN105403224A (zh) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-16 大众汽车有限公司 用于收集导航系统中兴趣点的装置、系统和方法
CN111024109A (zh) * 2014-09-10 2020-04-17 大众汽车有限公司 用于收集导航系统中兴趣点的装置、系统和方法
US10281289B2 (en) 2015-03-08 2019-05-07 Microsoft Technology Licnensing, LLC Search along the route
WO2016144920A3 (fr) * 2015-03-08 2016-11-03 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Recherche le long du trajet
CN106681996B (zh) * 2015-11-05 2019-03-26 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 确定地理范围内兴趣区域、兴趣点的方法和装置
CN106681996A (zh) * 2015-11-05 2017-05-17 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 确定地理范围内兴趣区域、兴趣点的方法和装置
KR20180128058A (ko) * 2016-04-07 2018-11-30 알리바바 그룹 홀딩 리미티드 타깃 위치 검색 방법 및 장치
US11151210B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2021-10-19 Advanced New Technologies Co., Ltd. Target location search method and apparatus
WO2017173930A1 (fr) * 2016-04-07 2017-10-12 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 Procédé et appareil de recherche d'emplacement cible
TWI696922B (zh) * 2016-04-07 2020-06-21 香港商阿里巴巴集團服務有限公司 目標位置搜尋方法和裝置
KR102204930B1 (ko) 2016-04-07 2021-01-20 어드밴스드 뉴 테크놀로지스 씨오., 엘티디. 타깃 위치 검색 방법 및 장치
CN108628896A (zh) * 2017-03-22 2018-10-09 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 签到行为热度处理方法及装置
CN108628896B (zh) * 2017-03-22 2023-04-07 腾讯科技（深圳）有限公司 签到行为热度处理方法及装置
CN112585426A (zh) * 2018-08-14 2021-03-30 大众汽车（中国）投资有限公司 导航方法和装置
EP3837865A4 (fr) * 2018-08-14 2022-06-08 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Procédé et dispositif de navigation
US20230086016A1 (en) * 2021-09-17 2023-03-23 Hyundai Motor Company User Interface for Displaying Point of Interest of Mobile Device
US12366456B2 (en) * 2021-09-17 2025-07-22 Hyundai Motor Company User interface for displaying point of interest of mobile device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW201017114A (en) 2010-05-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2010040400A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant d'obtenir des points d'intérêt
US9739633B2 (en) Navigation device and method
US10161755B2 (en) Navigation device and method
US20110125398A1 (en) Navigation apparatus, server apparatus and method of providing point of interest data
WO2010040385A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et son procédé d'utilisation
JP2013510300A (ja) ナビゲーション装置及び方法
WO2010040386A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et procédé de détermination d’un trajet pour celui-ci
WO2009036844A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et procédé pour celui-ci
US8606502B2 (en) Navigation device and method
WO2010075874A1 (fr) Commande de circulation d'air d'un véhicule
WO2010040387A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et procédé permettant de fournir des instructions
US20100256905A1 (en) Navigation device and method
WO2010076045A1 (fr) Dispositif de navigation à itinéraire chronométré
US8843310B2 (en) Navigation device communications with points of interest and update method
WO2010075875A1 (fr) Assistant de navigation personnel
WO2009132679A1 (fr) Dispositif et procédé de navigation
WO2010081538A2 (fr) Dispositif et méthode de navigation
WO2010040382A1 (fr) Appareil de navigation et son procédé d'utilisation
WO2010012295A1 (fr) Appareil et procédé de navigation et logiciel d'ordinateur destiné à être utilisé dans ceux-ci
WO2012022365A1 (fr) Dispositif et procédé de navigation
WO2010081543A2 (fr) Système et méthode de navigation
WO2010075876A1 (fr) Système de navigation avec des moyens destinés à indiquer la position latérale
WO2011003465A1 (fr) Dispositif de navigation sensible à des signaux d'état de véhicule et procédé associé
HK1138061A (en) Navigation device and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08875163

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 08875163

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1