U.S. patent number 7,171,304 [Application Number 10/847,744] was granted by the patent office on 2007-01-30 for navigation method and apparatus to define favorite spot and extract information concerning the favorite spot.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alpine Electronics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hikaru Wako.
United States Patent |
7,171,304 |
Wako |
January 30, 2007 |
Navigation method and apparatus to define favorite spot and extract
information concerning the favorite spot
Abstract
A method and apparatus for use with a navigation system allows a
user to define and edits a favorite spot and retrieves points of
interest (POI) information or other information associated with the
favorite spot. The method includes the steps of creating a favorite
spot by selecting a location on a map image displayed on the
navigation system and setting a size of the favorite spot,
selecting one of the favorite spots created in the navigation
system, and retrieving information associated with the selected
favorite spot. The navigation is able to inform the user that the
user has entered a favorite spot or has left a favorite spot.
Inventors: |
Wako; Hikaru (Redondo Beach,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Alpine Electronics, Inc.
(Tokyo, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
35376274 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/847,744 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050261822 A1 |
Nov 24, 2005 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/438;
340/995.1; 701/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C
21/3682 (20130101); G09B 29/007 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01C
21/26 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;701/200-202,208-209,23,25,26,117 ;340/995.1,988 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Beaulieu; Y.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Muramatsu & Associates
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of defining a favorite spot and retrieving information
concerning the favorite spot for use with a navigation system,
comprising the following steps of: creating one or more favorite
spots by selecting a location on a map image displayed on the
navigation system and setting a size of the favorite spot;
selecting one of the favorite spots created in the navigation
system; retrieving information associated with the selected
favorite spot; and notifying a user that the user enters the
favorite spot when the user reaches any part of the location of one
of the favorite spots.
2. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said step of creating the favorite spot includes a step of setting
a shape of the favorite spot, and a step of assigning a name of the
favorite spot.
3. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said step of creating the favorite spot includes a step of
registering the favorite spot in a list of favorite spot names.
4. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said step of selecting one of the favorite spots created in the
navigation system includes a step of displaying a list of favorite
spot names.
5. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 1, wherein
said step of retrieving the information associated with the
selected favorite spot includes a step of specifying a category of
information to be searched for said favorite spot, a step of
retrieving the information of the selected category within the
favorite spot, and a step of displaying a list of retrieved
information.
6. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 5, wherein
said category of information within said favorite spot is point of
interest information.
7. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 5, wherein
said category of information within said favorite spot is event
information.
8. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 5, wherein
said category of information within said favorite spot is traffic
incident information.
9. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a step of editing the data on the favorite spot by
changing a size, location, or name of the favorite spot or deleting
the favorite spot.
10. A method for a navigation system as defined in claim 9, wherein
said step of editing the data on the favorite spot includes a step
of selecting a favorite spot to be edited, a step of selecting an
item of the favorite spot to be edited, and a step of changing
values of the selected item.
11. An apparatus for defining a favorite spot and retrieving
information concerning the favorite spot for use with a navigation
system, comprising: means for creating one or more favorite spots
by selecting a location on a map image displayed on the navigation
system and setting a size of the favorite spot; means for selecting
one of the favorite spots created in the navigation system; means
for retrieving information associated with the selected favorite
spot; and means for notifying a user that the user enters the
favorite snot when the user reaches any part of the location of one
of the favorite spots.
12. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 11,
wherein said means for creating the favorite spot includes means
for setting a shape of the favorite spot, and means for assigning a
name of the favorite spot.
13. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 11,
wherein said means for creating the favorite spot includes means
for registering the favorite spot in a list of favorite spot
names.
14. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 11,
wherein said means for selecting one of the favorite spots created
in the navigation system includes means for displaying a list of
favorite spot names.
15. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 11,
wherein said means for retrieving the information associated with
the selected favorite spot includes means for specifying a category
of information to be searched for said favorite spot, means for
retrieving the information of the selected category within the
favorite spot, and means for displaying a list of retrieved
information.
16. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 15,
wherein said category of information within said favorite spot is
point of interest information.
17. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 15,
wherein said category of information within said favorite spot is
event information.
18. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 15,
wherein said category of information within said favorite spot is
traffic incident information.
19. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 11,
further comprising a step of editing the data on the favorite spot
by changing a size, location, or name of the favorite spot or
deleting the favorite spot.
20. An apparatus for a navigation system as defined in claim 19,
wherein said means for editing the data on the favorite spot
includes means for selecting a favorite spot to be edited, means
for selecting an item of the favorite spot to be edited, and means
for changing values of the selected item.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for use with a
navigation system for retrieving information, and more
particularly, to a method and apparatus for defining and editing a
favorite spot and retrieving points of interest (POI) information
or other information associated with the favorite spot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A navigation system, typically a vehicle navigation system,
performs travel guidance for enabling a user to easily travel to a
selected destination. Such a navigation system detects the position
of the user or a vehicle having the navigation system, reads out
map data pertaining to an area from a data storage medium, for
example, a CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory) or a DVD (digital
videodisc) or a hard disc. The current user (vehicle) position is
determined by a combination of a self-contained navigation sensors
(distance traveled sensor, bearing sensor, etc.) and a global
positioning system (GPS) satellite.
FIGS. 1A 1H show an example of overall procedure and screen display
involved in the navigation system. FIG. 1A shows an example of
locator map screen of the navigation system when the destination is
not specified. Typically, the navigation system displays a street
on which the vehicle (current vehicle position VP) is running on a
map image and a name of the street. Other information such as a
north pointer NP, a map scale and a current time may also be
illustrated on the display screen. The navigation system does not
perform the route guidance function until a destination is
specified.
FIGS. 1B 1D show an example of process for specifying a destination
in the navigation system. A main menu screen such as shown in FIG.
1B displays menu items including a "Destination" menu for entering
the destination. When selecting "Destination", the navigation
system displays a "Find Destination by" screen as shown in FIG. 1C
for specifying an input method for selecting the destination. The
"Find Destination By" screen lists various methods for selecting
the destination including "Address" for specifying the city and
address of the destination, "Intersection" for specifying the names
of two streets which intersect with one another, and "Point of
Interest" (POI) for selecting the programmed destination based on
the name, category or telephone number. Other methods in the "Find
Destination by" screen include "Recent Route" for specifying the
destination based on the recent history of destinations saved in
the navigation system, and "Address Book" for selecting the address
of the destination out of the prescribed address list stored in the
system.
When selecting, for example, the "Point of Interest" method in FIG.
1C, the navigation system displays selection methods of point of
interest (POI) either by "Place Name" or "Place Type" in FIG. 1D.
The "Place Name" is to specify a name of POI, and the "Place Type"
is to specify a category of POI. If the "Place Name" is selected in
FIG. 1D, the navigation system shows an "Enter Place Name" screen
such as shown in FIG. 1E. The screen of FIG. 1E is basically a
keyboard for inputting the name in an input box on the monitor
screen. The user inputs the name of the desired POI in the input
box through the keyboard.
FIG. 1F shows a "Confirm Route" screen of the navigation system for
confirming the destination. In this example, the "Confirm Route"
screen lists the name, address and phone number of the destination
(i.e., the POI specified by the user). If this is the correct
destination, the user enters an "OK to Proceed" key to proceed to
the next procedure.
In FIG. 1G, the navigation system calculates and determines a
guided route to the destination, i.e., the selected POI. The
navigation system determines a route to the destination based on,
for example, the shortest way to reach the destination, the route
using as much freeway as practical or the route without using toll
road, and the like. In this example, the navigation system displays
a progress scale of the calculation of the route. After determining
the guided route, the navigation system starts the route guidance
as shown in FIG. 1H. Typically, the navigation system shows the
intersection which is highlighted to show the next turn and a
direction of the turn. Such route guidance by the navigation system
is also given by voice instructions.
As noted above, in setting a destination, the user may select a
particular destination by selecting, for example, a point of
interest (POI) on a display or by inputting a particular
destination by using a keyboard screen display as noted above. In
some cases, it is beneficial to search a particular destination
within a specific area. For example, a user may want to dine at a
restaurant within a particular area when he knows that the traffic
condition is favorable in that area.
In the conventional navigation system, a function is provided that
allows the user to limit the search of points of interest within a
particular city. However, it could not accommodate the situation
where the user wish to search an area that crosses a multiplicity
of cities or any desired area. In many cases, an area of a city is
too large to effectively limit the area to be searched or too small
to effectively retrieve desired information. Moreover, the user may
wish to know whether he has entered into a particular area as
opposed to reaching a particular point.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus for use
with a navigation system that allows the user to freely specify and
modify an area for effectively retrieving points of interest (POIs)
information or other information within the specified area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a
method and apparatus for a navigation system that allows the user
to freely define an arbitrary area on a map image as a favorite
spot for retrieving a point of interest or other information within
the favorite spot.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for defining a favorite spot by allowing the user to
freely set a location, size and name of the favorite spot on the
map image.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
favorite spot specifying function for a navigation system that
allows the navigation system to search points of interest, event
information or traffic associated with the selected favorite
spot.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for defining a favorite spot and modifying
preexisting data on favorite spots by changing a size, name or
other parameters of the favorite spot.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
favorite spot defining method and apparatus for a navigation system
that informs the user that the user has entered into the favorite
spot.
The method and apparatus of the present invention for use with a
navigation system allows a user to define a favorite spot and
retrieves the desired data associated with the favorite spot. The
user is able to define an area on a map image and use the specified
spot for retrieving data within the specified area. Such data
include points of interest (POIs) for selecting a destination of a
travel, or other information such as event information and traffic
incident information within the favorite spot.
One aspect of the present invention is a method of defining a
favorite spot and retrieving information concerning the favorite
spot. The method is comprised of the steps of: creating a favorite
spot by selecting a location on a map image displayed on the
navigation system and setting a size of the favorite spot;
selecting one of the favorite spots created in the navigation
system; and retrieving information associated with the selected
favorite spot.
Preferably, the step of creating the favorite spot includes a step
of setting a shape of the favorite spot, and a step of assigning a
name of the favorite spot. Further, the step of creating the
favorite spot includes a step of registering the favorite spot in a
list of favorite spot names. The step of selecting one of the
favorite spots created in the navigation system includes a step of
displaying a list of favorite spot names.
In the method of the present invention, the step of retrieving the
information associated with the selected favorite spot includes a
step of specifying a category of information to be searched for
said favorite spot, a step of retrieving the information of the
selected category within the favorite spot, and a step of
displaying a list of retrieved information.
Preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises a
step of editing the data on the favorite spot by changing a size,
location, or name of the favorite spot or deleting the favorite
spot. Further, the step of editing the data on the favorite spot
includes a step of selecting a favorite spot to be edited, a step
of selecting an item of the favorite spot to be edited, and a step
of changing values of the selected item.
Another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus of defining
a favorite spot and retrieving information concerning the favorite
spot. The apparatus is comprised of various means for implementing
the steps defined in the method noted above. The favorite spot
defining and data retrieving apparatus of the present invention
includes means for creating a favorite spot by selecting a location
on a map image displayed on the navigation system and setting a
size of the favorite spot; means for selecting one of the favorite
spots created in the navigation system; and means for selecting
type of information and retrieving the information associated with
the selected favorite spot.
According to the present invention, the user can freely define an
area on a map image as a favorite spot and use the favorite spot to
search points of interest located within the favorite spot.
Moreover, the user can search event information such as movie,
sports, concert, etc., or traffic incident information such as
accident, congestion, construction, etc., in the favorite spot. The
navigation system of the present invention can inform the user that
the user has entered into the favorite spot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A 1H are schematic diagrams showing an example of process
and screen display of a navigation system for specifying one or
more destinations, determining a route to the destination, and
guiding the user to the destination.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of structure in a
vehicle navigation system for implementing the present invention
for defining a favorite spot and retrieving points of interest or
other information associated with the favorite spot.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a basic structure of
the apparatus of the present invention for defining a favorite
spot, modifying the favorite spot and retrieving data regarding the
favorite spot.
FIGS. 4A 4F are display examples depicting the procedure to define
a favorite spot of a desired location and size on a map image in
the navigation system of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows the
location of the user's vehicle on the map image, FIG. 4B shows a
particular point that the user has specified on the map image, FIG.
4C shows a list of choices and address information of the selected
point, FIG. 4D shows a square representing an area of a favorite
spot defined by the user, FIG. 4E shows another square representing
a favorite spot larger than that of FIG. 4D defined by the user,
and FIG. 4F shows a circle representing an area of a favorite spot
defined by the user by a different shape of area mark.
FIGS. 5A 5E are display examples depicting the procedure of setting
a name of the favorite spot in the present invention. FIG. 5A shows
an example of list of favorite spot names, FIG. 5B shows another
example of list of favorite spot names, FIG. 5C shows an input
screen, FIG. 5D shows another input screen when assigning a new
favorite spot name, and FIG. 5E shows a message indicating that the
same name already exists.
FIGS. 6A 6D are display examples showing a procedure for using the
favorite spot function of the navigation system where FIG. 6A shows
a main menu screen from which the user can select a particular
entry, FIG. 6B shows a list of favorite spot names, FIG. 6C shows a
list of place type within a predetermined range or distance when a
"Type" is selected in FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6D shows a list of place
name when the place type is selected in FIG. 6C.
FIGS. 7A 7D are display examples of the present invention showing
the map image and the associated favorite spot and a list of
choices. FIG. 7A shows a list of favorite spots registered in the
navigation system, FIG. 7B shows an example of map image of the
selected favorite spot and a list of activities where "Find POI" is
selected, FIG. 7C shows a case where "Download Event Information"
is selected from the list of activities, and FIG. 7D shows a case
where "View Traffic Information" is selected.
FIGS. 8A 8D are display examples showing a procedure for finding
points of interest (POIs) within the favorite spot selected in FIG.
7A. FIG. 8A shows a list of place types for searching POIs, FIG. 8B
shows an example of display informing the user that the search is
in progress, FIG. 8C shows an example of display when no POI is
found within the selected favorite spot, and FIG. 8D shows the
display listing POI names found within the favorite spot selected
in FIG. 7A.
FIGS. 9A 9D are display examples of the present invention showing
the procedure of retrieving and displaying event information for
the favorite spot selected in FIG. 7A. FIG. 9A shows that event
information is being downloaded, FIG. 9B informs that no event
information is available for the selected favorite spot, FIG. 9C
shows an example of display listing event information, and FIG. 9D
shows an example of display for confirming a destination selected
in FIG. 9C.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are display examples in the favorite spot
defining and data retrieving method and apparatus of the present
invention showing traffic information associated with the favorite
spot.
FIGS. 11 11C are display examples showing the procedure of
selecting a particular favorite spot for editing the same where
FIG. 11A is a main menu of the navigation system for selecting an
"Edit" menu, FIG. 11B shows a list of entries in the edit screen
that can be edited by a user, and FIG. 11C shows the list of
favorite spots registered in the navigation system.
FIGS. 12A 12B are display example of the present invention listing
entries of the favorite spot that can be edited and map image of
the selected favorite spot where FIG. 12A shows that the favorite
spot size is 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile, and FIG. 12B shows that the
favorite spot size is 1 mile by 1 mile.
FIGS. 13A 13B are display examples of the present invention showing
the procedure to delete the favorite spot where FIG. 13A lists
entries of the favorite spot that can be edited and a map image of
the favorite spot, and FIG. 13B shows a confirmation screen when
the user selected to delete the particular favorite spot.
FIGS. 14A 14D are display examples of the present invention showing
the procedure to rename an existing favorite spot name where FIG.
14A lists entries associated with the favorite spot that can be
edited and map image of the favorite spot, FIG. 14B shows an
example of input screen, FIG. 14C is an another example of input
screen, and FIG. 14D shows an example of warning indicating that
the same name already exists.
FIG. 15 is a display example involved in the favorite spot defining
and data retrieving method and apparatus of the present invention
which informs that the user has entered into the favorite spot
registered in the navigation system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The method and apparatus of the present invention for defining a
favorite spot or a favorite area and retrieving the desired data
associated with the favorite spot will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanied drawings. The present invention allows
the user of a navigation system to define an area on a map image
and use the specified favorite area or spot for retrieving data
within the specified area. Such data include points of interest
(POIs) for selecting a destination of a travel, or other
information such as event information and traffic incident
information within the favorite spot.
The navigation system of the present invention is advantageously
applicable to a vehicle navigation system. FIG. 2 shows an example
of structure of a vehicle navigation system implementing the
present invention. It should be noted that the present invention
can also be applied to a portable navigation device such as a one
implemented by a PDA (personal digital assistant) device, a lap-top
computer, or other hand-held devices.
In the block diagram of FIG. 2, the navigation system includes a
map storage medium 31 such as a CD-ROM, DVD, hard disc or other
storage means (Hereafter "DVD") for storing map information, a DVD
control unit 32 for a controlling an operation for reading the map
information from the DVD, a position measuring device 33 for
measuring the present vehicle position. The position measuring
device 33 has a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a moving
distance, a gyroscope for detecting a moving direction, a
microprocessor for calculating a position, a GPS receiver, and
etc.
The block diagram of FIG. 2 further includes a map information
(data) memory 34 for storing the map information which is read out
from the DVD 31, a database memory 35 for storing database
information such as point of interest (POI) information which is
read out from the DVD 31, a remote controller 37 for executing a
menu selection operation, an enlarge/reduce operation, a
destination input operation, etc. and a remote controller interface
38.
The navigation system further includes a bus 36 for interfacing the
above units in the system, a processor (CPU) 39 for controlling an
overall operation of the navigation system, a ROM 40 for storing
various control programs such as a route search program and a map
matching program necessary for navigation control, a RAM 41 for
storing a processing result such as a guide route, a display
controller 43 for generating map image (a map guide image and an
arrow guide image) on the basis of the map information, a VRAM
(Video RAM) 44 for storing images generated by the display
controller, a menu/list generating unit 45 for generating menu
image/various list images, a synthesizing unit 46, a favorite spot
operation controller 47, a buffer memory 48, a wireless receiver
49, and a monitor (display) 50.
The favorite spot operation controller 47 performs the essential
function of the present invention for specifying and editing the
favorite spot and retrieving the information within the favorite
spot such as points of interest (POIs) information, event
information, or traffic information. The favorite spot operation
controller 47 receives map data including POI (point of interest)
information and current position data created within the navigation
system. The favorite spot operation controller 47 also receives
information created outside of the navigation system from remote
data servers such as an event data server and a traffic information
server.
Such event information and traffic information downloaded from the
remote server may be stored in the buffer memory 48. The data
regarding the favorite spot may also be stored in the buffer memory
48. The favorite spot operation controller 47 evaluates the
favorite spot data, current position data, event data, and traffic
data, and associates those data with the current position each time
when the position of the user changes. The event information and
traffic information will be supplied from the corresponding servers
directly through the wireless receiver 49 and an antenna or
indirectly through public communication networks. As noted above,
the map information and POI data are extracted from the DVD 31 and
stored in the map memory 34.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of basic
structure of the apparatus of the present invention for defining
and modifying the favorite spot and retrieving data concerning the
favorite spot. The structure of FIG. 3 is illustrated by the
components in the block diagram of FIG. 2 that are directly related
to the operation of the present invention. The components of the
apparatus of the present invention includes a monitor 50 for
interfacing with the user, and a favorite spot operation controller
47 for controlling an overall operation of the apparatus of the
present invention.
The block diagram of FIG. 3 further includes a map data storage 31
such as DVD or hard disc for storing map data, map memory 34 for
storing map data from the map data storage 31, wireless receiver 49
for wireless communication with remote data servers, position
measuring device 33 for detecting the current position of the user,
and buffer memory 48 for temporarily storing various types of data
for operation of the apparatus. The favorite spot operation
controller 47 can be implemented by the CPU 39 in FIG. 2 or by a
separate controller such as a microprocessor. Further, the buffer
memory 48 can be implemented by RAM 41 in FIG. 2 or other
memory.
As shown in FIG. 3, the navigation system is able to retrieve the
map data such as POI (point of interest) information from the map
memory 34 and map data storage 31. The navigation system is also
able to receive event information and traffic incident information
from the remote data servers through the wireless communication
network. An example of such wireless communication data service
includes an FM radio data service and a satellite radio data
service. The event information and traffic incident information are
received through the antenna and the wireless receiver 49 and are
downloaded in the buffer memory 48 or other data storage in the
navigation system.
On the map image displayed on the monitor 50, the user creates a
favorite spot and edits the data concerning the favorite spot. The
favorite spot operation controller 47 controls the screen display
on the monitor 50 to assist the user for defining and editing the
favorite spots. Such data concerning the favorite spot may be
stored in the buffer memory 48, or the map data storage 31 when the
map data storage is configured by a hard disc, or other rewritable
storage. The favorite spot operation controller 47 applies the
favorite spot information to the POI information, the current
position, the route to the destination, the event information, or
traffic incident information.
FIGS. 4A 4F are examples of screen display of the navigation system
of the present invention showing the steps of defining a favorite
spot on a map image. Through this procedure, the user is able to
define an arbitrary area on a map image as a favorite spot. The
navigation system also provides the user to modify the size and
location of the favorite spot on the map image. Then, the user can
extract information such as POIs (points of interest) or other
information including traffic incident information such as
congestion, accident, construction, etc., or event information such
as movie, concert, sports, etc.
FIG. 4A is an example of display showing the location of the user's
vehicle on the map image. In this example, the location of the
user, typically a current vehicle position, is represented by a
current vehicle position mark 51. A scale indicator 59 on the map
image is shown at the lower right corner of the screen to indicate
the map scale. The user is able to select a particular point on the
display by, for example, operating a cursor (point marker) on the
screen or dire ctly pressing the point on the map image on the
surface of the touch screen.
FIG. 4B shows a display example of the navigation system of the
present invention where the user selected a particular point by
moving a cursor 53 on the screen. As is well known in the art, the
user can move the cursor point on the screen freely with use of a
remote controller (FIG. 2) or other means. In the example of FIG.
4B, it is so designed that when the cursor 53 points a certain
meaningful image on the map, such as a street image or a POI icon,
etc. on the map image, a balloon message will show up.
Thus, in FIG. 4C, a balloon message 55 indicating a street address
of the selected point will be displayed. The balloon message may
further include a name of the place if applicable (such as when the
cursor point is on a point of interest), or a latitude and
longitude of the cursor point. Preferably, the display screen of
the navigation system further shows several menu keys to prompt the
user to select one of the activities.
Examples of menu keys in FIG. 4C include a "Set as Destination" key
for selecting the cursor point as a destination of the travel, a
"View POI Icon List" key for displaying POI icons within the area
of the cursor 53, a "Find Local POI" key for searching POIs within
a predetermined size of area pointed by the cursor 53, and a "Set
as Waypoint" key for selecting the location of the cursor point as
a waypoint of the travel. The example of FIG. 4C further includes a
"Save Position" key for recording the location in the memory, a
"Add to Favorite" key for creating a favorite spot in accordance
with the present invention, and "Avoid Area" and "Avoid Road" keys
for removing the location of the cursor point 53 from the route to
the destination.
As noted above, the "Add to Favorite" key is directly related to
the following operation to pursue the favorite spot function of the
present invention. When pressing this key, the navigation system
displays a screen of FIG. 4D for the user to determine an area size
of a favorite spot. In this example, a favorite spot is defined by
a square area mark 60 on the screen although other shapes such as a
circle, an ellipse or a polygon are also possible. The screen of
FIG. 4D also shows a spot scale indicator 61 for showing a size of
the square area which is 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile in this example.
By selecting keys 62 and 63, the size of the favorite spot mark 60
can be freely changed. Thus, FIG. 4E shows a similar display where
the user can choose an area size of a favorite spot larger than
that of FIG. 4D. Thus, the spot scale indicator 61 on the screen
indicates that the size of the square area mark 60 is 1 mile by 1
mile. As noted above, although the favorite spot is defined by a
square area mark in the displays of FIGS. 4D and 4E, other shapes
are also feasible. For example, FIG. 4F shows a circle representing
an area of a favorite spot defined by the user by a different shape
of area mark 160. In FIG. 4F, the spot scale indicator 61
preferably shows a diameter or a radius of the circle shaped area
mark 160.
FIGS. 5A 5E are examples of display on the screen of the navigation
system of the present invention involved in the procedure for
assigning a name to the favorite spot. When the user has selected
the location and size of the favorite spot in the procedure shown
in FIGS. 4A 4F, the navigation system prompts the user to enter a
specific name of the favorite spot. Thus, the user assigns a name
of the favorite spot in the steps of FIGS. 5A 5E.
FIG. 5A is an example of display showing the list of favorite
spots. The favorite spot defined in FIGS. 4A 4F is listed on the
fourth row of the entries in FIG. 5A which is indicated by a
reference numeral 91 as "Favorite 4". Each name also includes a
size of the spot such as 1/2 mile, 2 mile, or 1 mile in a small
box. In this example, the name of the city where the spot is
located is displayed as a default name. Since "Favorite 4" has not
been assigned with a name, the city name of "Redondo Beach" is
shown as a default name. The user may choose to accept or change
the default name. the user can see other entries in the list by
pressing the scroll keys 93.
In FIG. 5B, the user has selected the entry for the favorite spot
to be named as shown by highlighting the newly created favorite
spot entry 91. Then the navigation system displays the keyboard
screen as shown in FIG. 5C so that the user can input a favorite
spot name. The user can input a desired name by selecting numeral
and alphabetical keys on the keyboard of FIG. 5C which will be
displayed in a text window 71 on the screen.
The characters being input on the display are shown in FIG. 5D. In
this example, the user has input the word "BEACH" as shown in the
text window 71 to register the name of the favorite spot. When the
user presses the "Save" button, the favorite spot is registered
with the assigned name. Although a touch screen input method is
used in this specific example, other input means such as a voice
recognition system or a remote controller may also be used.
In the case where the same spot name exists, the navigation system
will alert the user that the same name already exists in the system
as shown in FIG. 5E. In this manner, the navigation system prompts
the user to input a different name or modify the name of the
preexisting favorite spot. Typically, the user inputs the name
different from that registered in the navigation system and presses
the "Save" key to register the new name.
Next, the procedure to extract the information associated with the
favorite spot defined in the above procedure is explained for the
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6A 6D are display
examples showing a procedure for using the favorite spot function
provided in the navigation system of the present invention. FIG. 6A
shows a main menu screen from which the user can select a
particular entry, FIG. 6B shows a list of favorite spot names when
a "Favorite" button denoted by a reference number 77 is selected in
FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows a list of favorite spot type when a "Type"
is selected in FIG. 6B without selecting the name of the favorite
spot, and FIG. 6D shows a list of place names when the favorite
type is selected in FIG. 6C.
In the main menu shown in FIG. 6A, the user can select a desired
menu button from among several items of the main menus of the
navigation system. In this example, the user has selected a
"Favorite" button to use the favorite spot function. In response,
the navigation system displays a list of favorite spots registered
as shown in FIG. 6B, so that the user can select one of the names
of the favorite spot. In FIG. 6B, rather than selecting the
favorite spot name from the name list, the user may select a
favorite "Type" button on the screen.
In response, the navigation system displays a list of favorite
types as shown in FIG. 6C. This list of favorite types is similar
to a list of points of interest (POI). In other words, the
navigation system can produce a list of favorite POI types
registered in the navigation system by the user. When the user
selects the favorite type such as "Italian Restaurant", the
navigation system displays a list of Italian restaurants within the
predetermined distance from the current position or the
predetermined number in FIG. 6D so that the user can select one of
the place names.
FIGS. 7A 7D are display examples of the present invention showing
the map image of the selected favorite spot and a list of
information types, i.e., activities. FIG. 7A shows a list of
favorite spots registered in the navigation system. FIG. 7B shows
an example of map image of the selected favorite spot and a list of
information types or activities where "Find POI" is selected. FIG.
7C shows a case where "Download Event Information" is selected from
the list of information types. FIG. 7D shows a case where "View
Traffic Information" is selected from the list of information types
(activities).
As shown in FIG. 7A, the navigation system displays the name list
of the favorite spots which is basically the same as that shown in
FIG. 6B. In other words, when selecting the favorite "Spot" at the
bottom of the screen in FIG. 7A, rather than selecting the favorite
"Type" (FIG. 6B), the navigation system provides the user to select
one or more favorite spot for further proceeding to use this
function. In this example, the user selects the favorite spot name
"BEACH" to extract information associated with this favorite
spot.
In response, as shown in FIG. 7B, the navigation system displays a
map image 57 of the selected favorite spot "BEACH" and a list of
activities for collecting the information on the selected favorite
spot. In this example, the list of activities includes "Find POI"
for searching points of interest within the favorite spot,
"Download Event Information" for retrieving event information such
as movie, sports, concert, etc. within the favorite spot from a
remote service provider, and "View Traffic Information" for
retrieving traffic incident information such as accident,
congestion, construction, etc. within the favorite spot from a
traffic data server.
In FIG. 7B, the "Find POI" key is activated to retrieve the POI
information such as place types and place names in the favorite
spot, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8A
8D. In FIG. 7C, the "Download Event Information" key is activated
to retrieve the event information through the wireless receiver in
the navigation system, which will be described in detail later with
reference to FIGS. 9A 9D. In FIG. 7D, the "View Traffic
Information" key is activated to retrieve the traffic incident data
through the wireless receiver in the navigation system, which will
be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 10A and
10B.
FIGS. 8A 8D show the display examples for finding points of
interest within a particular favorite spot. The process of FIGS. 8A
8D starts when the user selects the activity "Find POI" in FIG. 7B
after specifying the favorite spot "BEACH". In FIG. 8A, the
navigation system displays a list of categories (place types) of
points of interest (POI) within the favorite spot "BEACH". Then the
user may select, for example, the place type "AIRPORTS" to search
any airport located within the favorite spot. The scroll keys 93 at
the right side allow the user to scroll the list to see other
categories.
In the example of FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the category for
"FAST FOOD (RESTAURANT)" which does not exist within the area of
the specified favorite spot is selected by the user. The navigation
system of the present invention searches the points of interest
that are under the category of "RESTAURANT" within the favorite
spot "BEACH". While the search is in progress, the navigation
system displays a screen indicating that the navigation system is
searching points of interest as shown in FIG. 8B.
FIG. 8C shows an example of a display when the points of interest
for "FAST FOOD (RESTAURANT)" category are not found within the
favorite spot "BEACH". In this example, the navigation system
displays a message on the screen that no POI type specified by the
user is found in the selected favorite spot. If one or more points
of interest which match the specified place type are found for the
selected favorite spot, the navigation system displays a list of
POI place names within the favorite spot as shown in FIG. 8D.
FIGS. 9A 9D are display examples of the present invention where the
user has selected the activity "Download Event Information" in the
process of FIG. 7C after specifying the favorite spot "BEACH". The
event information refers to information on events such as movies,
concerts, sports, parades, etc., that are held within the
particular favorite spot. Because the event information changes by
date, time, etc., the navigation system that can constantly extract
information from a data server is advantageously used to download
the information through the wireless receiver 49 (FIGS. 2 and
3).
When the "Download Event Information" key is pressed as shown in
FIG. 7C, the navigation system informs the user that the system is
downloading the event information from the remote event data server
as shown in FIG. 9A. Typically, such downloading the data from the
event data server is made through a wireless communication using,
for example, an FM radio network or a satellite radio system. After
downloading the event information, the navigation system displays
the relevant event information. In the case where there is no event
within the specified favorite spot, the navigation system announces
a message such as shown in FIG. 9B to inform the user that there is
no event information available with respect to the particular
favorite spot.
When the navigation system is able to extract the event information
for the particular favorite spot, the navigation system displays a
list of event information as shown in FIG. 9C. In this example, the
navigation system displays a list of different event types within
the favorite spot so that the user can select a type of event to
see the detailed information of the selected event. It is also
possible to reserve the seat and purchase a ticket of the event
through the wireless communication with the event data server.
If the user decides to go to a particular event such as a concert
in the situation of FIG. 9C by highlighting this event and pressing
an enter key, the navigation system moves to a screen to confirm
the destination as shown in FIG. 9D. When the user presses an "OK
to Proceed" key, the navigation system calculates a route to the
destination and guides the user to the destination.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are display examples in the navigation system of
the present invention involved in extracting traffic information
regarding the specified favorite spot. The process of FIGS. 10A 10B
starts when the user selects the activity "View Traffic
information" in the process of FIG. 7D after specifying the
favorite spot "BEACH". Here, the traffic information refers to
information as to whether there is an accident, construction,
congestion, stalled vehicle, etc. Typically, such traffic
information is available from a traffic information server through
a wireless communication using, for example, an FM radio network or
a satellite radio system.
In the example of FIG. 10A, the navigation system displays the
traffic information by traffic incident icons 81 and 82 on the map
image. The traffic incident icon 81 shows the construction on the
road within the area mark 60 of the specified favorite spot. The
traffic incident icon 82 shows the stalled vehicle on the road
within the specified favorite spot. Many other ways of displaying
the traffic information are possible. In the example of FIG. 10B,
the display of the navigation system also includes information on
traffic speed associated with the traffic incidents such as 15
miles per hour because of the construction or 25 miles per hour
because of the stalled vehicle. The user can decide whether to
visit the favorite spot based on the traffic information or
instruct the navigation system to avoid a location of the traffic
incident when calculating a route to the destination.
The process of editing the favorite spot will be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 11 15. FIGS. 11A 11C show a basic
process of selecting the favorite spot to be edited in the
navigation system of the present invention. The user starts the
edit process by selecting an "Edit" menu on the main menu screen of
FIG. 11A which is the same as that shown in FIG. 6A.
Then the navigation system displays a list of items used in the
navigation system as shown in FIG. 11B to prompt the user to select
one of the items for the edit process. When the user selects the
"Favorite Types", the user can specify the favorite type of points
of interest so that the navigation system can display the list such
as shown in FIG. 6D when the "Type" key is pressed in FIG. 6B. When
the user selects the "Favorite Spots" indicated by a numeral 75,
the navigation system displays a list of favorite spots registered
in the system as shown in FIG. 1C. The user can select a favorite
spot to be edited by pressing the favorite spot. In this example,
the favorite spot named "BEACH" is selected for editing.
The navigation system then displays the map image of the selected
favorite spot along with categories of edit operation for the
favorite spot as shown in FIG. 12A. In this example, the navigation
system provides three different categories of edit operation, i.e.,
rename, spot size, and delete. The rename operation is to change
the name of the favorite spot, the spot size operation is to change
the size of the favorite spot, and the delete operation is to
remove the registered favorite spot from the system. Although not
shown, the location of the favorite spot can also be modified by
changing the center position of the area mark 60.
In the example of FIG. 12A, the category indicating the size of the
favorite spot as indicated by a reference number 103 is
highlighted. In this example, the user may change the size of the
selected favorite spot "BEACH" by pressing the size indicator 103
and arrow keys 162 and 163. The size may be changed to a
predetermined set of sizes, such as, 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 2 mile, etc.
per side length when the favorite spot is square shaped. In FIG.
12A, the arrow key 163 is pressed to increase the area size of the
favorite spot "BEACH". In FIG. 12B, the arrow key 162 is used to
decrease the area size of the favorite spot.
FIGS. 13A and 13B show examples of display in the procedure to
delete the selected favorite spot in the present invention. In this
case, the user deletes the favorite spot "BEACH" selected in the
step of FIG. 11C by pressing the delete key indicated by a
reference number 105. The navigation system prompts the user to
confirm the choice to delete the favorite spot, to which the user
can respond by pressing either a "Yes" or "No" button as shown in
FIG. 13B. If the "Yes" button is pressed, the entry of favorite
spot is deleted, and if the "No" button is pressed, it will cancel
the procedure to delete the favorite spot.
FIGS. 14A 14D show examples of display in the procedure to rename
the selected favorite spot in the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 14A, the user selects to rename the favorite spot by pressing
the rename button indicated by a reference number 101. The
navigation system displays the keyboard screen as shown in FIG. 14B
so that the user can input a new name. In FIG. 14B, the original
name is shown from which the user can modify to a new name. It is
also feasible to display the input screen where the original name
is automatically cleared to allow the user to input the name
anew.
FIG. 14C indicates an input screen where the user has input
"REDONDO BEACH PIER" as a new name. When the user presses the save
button, the new name is saved in the navigation system, thereby
replacing with "BEACH" that has been previously named. If the same
name already exists as a favorite spot name, the navigation system
prompts the user to input a different name as shown in FIG. 14D. It
may also be feasible to allow the user to overwrite the preexisting
name by the new name.
The favorite spot function of the present invention can also be
used to inform the user that the user has entered into a favorite
spot. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the user has set up a
favorite spot where many wineries are located, the navigation
system will inform the user as soon as the user enters into the
favorite spot or has left the favorite spot. The user can look
around to enjoy the view and find points of interest, such as a
winery in the favorite spot without fail.
As has been described above, because the present invention allows
the user to set an arbitrary size and location on a map image as a
favorite spot, the navigation system of the present invention can
make a flexible guidance based on the user's preference. The user
can search points of interest, event information, and traffic
information within a particular favorite spot. The favorite spot
function may also be used to inform the user that the user has
entered a favorite spot.
Although the invention is described herein with reference to the
preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be
within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their
equivalents.
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