WO2011044922A1

WO2011044922A1 - Navigation device with warning about right of way of other users

Info

Publication number: WO2011044922A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/063260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Thomassen; Sjoerd Aben; Teun De Haas; Hayley Gaulton
Original assignee: Tomtom International B.V.
Priority date: 2009-10-12
Filing date: 2009-10-12
Publication date: 2011-04-21

Abstract

A navigation device comprising a receiver for receiving position signals, memory having stored therein map data which comprises a map of navigable paths, an output device and a processor. The map data may further comprise characteristics on the navigable paths, such as rights of way given to different users of the navigable paths. The processor may be arranged to determine a current position on the navigable paths from the position signals, determine based on the current position whether the navigation device is likely to cross a right of way of another user of the navigable paths and, if the user is likely to cross a right of way of another user, cause the output device to output a warning. The processor may be further arranged for determining a route along the navigable paths to a destination, the route comprising one or more manoeuvres, and determining if there is a potential hazard in completing the one or more manoeuvres as a result of one or more of the characteristics of navigable paths involved in the one or more manoeuvres and, if a said potential hazard is identified, causing the output device to output a warning.

Description

NAVIGATION DEVICE WITH WARNING ABOUT RIGHT OF WAY OF OTHER USERS

Field of the Invention

5 This invention relates to navigation devices and to methods for navigation devices.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention relate to portable navigation devices (so- called PNDs), in particular PNDs that include Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal reception and processing functionality. Other embodiments relate, more generally, to any type of processing device that is configured to execute 10 navigation software so as to provide path planning, and preferably also navigation, functionality.

Background to the Invention

15 Portable navigation devices (PNDs) that include GNSS signal reception and processing functionality are well known and are widely employed as in-car or other vehicle navigation systems.

In general terms, a modern PNDs comprises a processor, memory (at least one of 20 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 25 various other functions.

Typically 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. Illustrative examples of 30 output interfaces include a visual display and a speaker for audible output.

Illustrative examples of 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. In a particularly preferred arrangement the output interface display may be configured as a touch sensitive display (by means of a touch sensitive overlay or otherwise) to additionally provide an input interface by means of which a user can operate the device by touch.

Devices of this type will also often include one or more physical connector interfaces by means of which power and optionally data signals can be transmitted to and received from the device, and optionally one or more wireless transmitters/receivers to allow communication over cellular telecommunications and other signal and data networks, for example Wi-Fi, Wi-Max GSM, CDMA and the like. PND devices of this type also include a GNSS antenna by means of which satellite- broadcast signals, including location positioning data, can be received and subsequently processed to determine a current position of the device.

The PND device may also include electronic gyroscopes and accelerometers which produce signals that can be processed to determine the current angular and linear acceleration, and in turn, and in conjunction with position information derived from the GNSS 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 PND devices if it is expedient to do so.

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.

Typically, the PND is enabled by software for computing a "best" or "optimum" route between the start and destination address locations from the map data. A "best" or "optimum" route is determined on the basis of predetermined criteria and need not necessarily be the fastest or shortest route. The selection of the route along which to guide the driver can be very sophisticated, and the selected route may take into account existing, predicted and dynamically and/or wirelessly received traffic and road information, historical information about road speeds, and the driver's own preferences for the factors determining road choice (for example the driver may specify that the route should not include motorways or toll roads).

In addition, the device may continually monitor road and traffic conditions, and offer to or choose to change the route over which the remainder of the journey is to be made due to changed conditions. Real time traffic monitoring systems, based on various technologies (e.g. mobile phone data exchanges, fixed cameras, GPS fleet tracking) are being used to identify traffic delays and to feed the information into notification systems.

PNDs of this type may typically be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle, but may also be formed as part of an on-board computer of the vehicle radio or indeed as part of the control system of the vehicle itself. The navigation device may also be part of a hand-held system, such as a PDA (Portable Digital Assistant) a media player, a mobile phone or the like, and in these cases, the normal functionality of the hand-held system is extended by means of the installation of software on the device to perform both route calculation and navigation along a calculated route. Route planning and navigation functionality may also be provided by a desktop or mobile computing resource running appropriate software. For example, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) provides an on-line 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 to which the user's PC is connected calculates a route (aspects of which may be user specified), generates a map, and generates a set of exhaustive navigation instructions for guiding the user from the selected start point to the selected destination. The facility also provides for pseudo three- dimensional rendering of a calculated route, and route preview functionality which simulates a user travelling along the route and thereby provides the user with a preview of the calculated route. In the context of a PND, once a route has been calculated, the user interacts with the navigation device to select the desired calculated route, optionally from a list of proposed routes. Optionally, the user may intervene in, or guide the route selection process, for example by specifying that certain routes, roads, locations or criteria are to be avoided or are mandatory for a particular journey. The route calculation aspect of the PND forms one primary function, and navigation along such a route is another primary function.

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, determined by the PND using a GNSS receiver. 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. As previously mentioned, user interaction with the device may be by a touch screen, or additionally or alternately by steering column mounted remote control, by voice activation or by any other suitable method. A further important function provided by the device is automatic route recalculation in the event that: a user deviates from the previously calculated route during navigation (either by accident or intentionally); real-time traffic conditions dictate that an alternative route would be more expedient and the device is suitably enabled to recognize such conditions automatically, or if a user actively causes the device to perform route re-calculation for any reason.

It is also known to allow a route to be calculated with user defined criteria; for example, the user may prefer a scenic route to be calculated by the device, or may wish to avoid any roads on which traffic congestion is likely, expected or currently prevailing. The device software would then calculate various routes and weigh more favourably those that include along their route the highest number of points of interest (known as POIs) tagged as being for example of scenic beauty, or, using stored information indicative of prevailing traffic conditions on particular roads, order the calculated routes in terms of a level of likely congestion or delay on account thereof. Other POI-based and traffic information-based route calculation and navigation criteria are also possible.

Although the 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 720T model manufactured and supplied by TomTom International B.V., provide a reliable means for enabling users to navigate from one position to another.

A problem with such devices is that a user, such as a driver, may follow instructions without due attention to the traffic rules and/or hazards resulting from a nature of the road. For example, if a route that is being travelled is shared by another vehicle, such as a tram, trolley bus or emergency vehicle, there are road rules associated with these vehicles having the right of way on such routes and the driver needs to be careful when crossing the right of way to ensure that these rules are observed. Failure to observe these rules could result in an accident.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a navigation device comprising a receiver for receiving position signals, memory having stored therein map data, which comprises a map of navigable paths and rights of way given to other users of the navigable paths, an output device and a processor for determining a current position on the navigable paths from the position signals, determining based on the current position and the map data whether the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user, causing the output device to output a warning.

The map data may comprise points on the navigable paths comprising tram and/or trolley lines and the processor may determine based on the current position and direction of travel whether the navigation device is likely to cross one or more of the tram or trolley lines and, if the navigation device is likely to cross one or more of the tram or trolley lines, cause the output device to output the warning. The processor may determine that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths based on a direction of travel of the navigation device. For example, if the direction of travel is such that, if the navigation device continues in that direction along a navigable path the navigation device would cross a right of way of the other user then the processor may issue a warning.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor may determine that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths if the current position is within a predetermined distance of the right of way of the other user, such as a tram or trolley bus line, for example tens or hundreds of metres. The right of way may be a route the other user, who has right of way on the navigable paths, plans to travel. Accordingly, the navigation device may have a further receiver for receiving data on a route the other user, who has right of way on the navigable paths, plans to travel and uses this data to establish the rights of way of the map data. The other user that has right of way on the navigable paths may be an emergency vehicle. The navigation device may receive updates, such as periodic updates, on routes other users, such as emergency vehicles, plan to travel.

By warning the user of the possible hazard associated with a right of way, such as a tram and/or trolley line and/or emergency vehicle, before the user crosses the right of way, the navigation device may make the user more aware of the hazard posed by the right of way such that the user takes appropriate measures to avoid the hazard when crossing the right of way. In this way, the navigation device may reduce the likelihood of an accident. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a navigation device comprising a first receiver for receiving position signals, a second receiver for receiving data on a position of another user, an output device and a processor arranged for determining a current position of the navigation device from the position signals, determining, based on the current position and the position of the other user whether the navigation device is likely to cross a route the other user is travelling and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross the route the other user is travelling, causing the output device to output a warning.

The navigation device may comprise memory having stored therein rules concerning rights of way given to users of the navigable paths and the processor is arranged to determine from the rules whether the other user across whose path the navigation device is likely to travel has right of way and cause the output device to output the warning if the other vehicle has the right of way.

The processor may deem that the navigation device is likely to cross a route of the other user if the current position is within a predetermined distance of the position of the other user, for example within tens or hundreds of metres. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may deem that the navigation device is likely to cross a route of the other user if the current position is within a predetermined distance of a route of the other user.

By warning the user of the possible hazard associated with another user having the right of way, such as a tram and/or trolley line and/or emergency vehicle, before the user crosses the route of the other vehicle, the navigation device may make the user more aware of the hazard posed by the other vehicle such that the user takes appropriate measures to avoid the hazard. In this way, the navigation device may reduce the likelihood of an accident.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a navigation device comprising memory having stored therein map data which comprises a map of navigable paths in an area and characteristics of the navigable paths, a processor arranged for determining a route along the navigable paths to a destination, the route comprising one or more manoeuvres, and determining if there is a potential hazard in completing the one or more manoeuvres as a result of one or more of the characteristics of the navigable paths involved in the one or more manoeuvres and, if a said potential hazard is identified, causing the output device to output a warning.

The one or more characteristics may be traffic rules for the navigable paths involved in the manoeuvre, in particular, a right of way given to another path user, such as another road user. For example, the traffic rule may concern the right of way given to trams or trolleys that share the path and the warning may be that the manoeuvre requires the user to cross a path wherein a tram or trolley has the right of way. Alternatively, the traffic rule may relate to a right of way given to another entity, such as a pedestrian crossing, railway or other vehicle crossing and the like.

Alternatively, the traffic rules that result in the generation of a warning may be a restriction on the use of the path, for example, weight, height or width of vehicle allowable on the path, the engine size of vehicles allowable on the path, the type of vehicles allowable on the path or the like. In this way, the user may be warned about travelling along a path on which the user's vehicle is not allowed. The processor may be arranged to maintain a log of a number of times each traffic rule has been encountered by a user of the navigation device when using the navigation device, determine if the number of times the one or more traffic rules associated with a determined potential hazard have been encountered by the user is below a predetermined threshold and cause the output of a warning for the potential hazard if the number of times the one or more traffic rules have been encountered by the user is below the predetermined threshold. Accordingly, if the number of times the one or more traffic rules have been encountered by the user is above the predetermined threshold, the warning is not output. In this way, the user of the navigation device is only warned about potential hazards resulting from "rare" traffic rules with which the user is not familiar. The one or more characteristics may be the topography of the navigable path and the processor may determine whether the topography of the navigable paths involved in a manoeuvre poses a potential hazard, for example, if the navigable path involves a sharp bend, side road after a hill crest, hill side cliff, a soft verge, gravel or other potentially hazardous surface or the like.

By warning the user of a possible hazard before completing a manoeuvre, the navigation device may make the user more aware of the possible hazard such that the user takes appropriate measures to avoid the hazard when completing the manoeuvre. In this way, the navigation device may reduce the likelihood of an accident.

In one embodiment, the processor may be arranged to, automatically or on request, recalculate a route to reduce or minimize a number of potential hazards on the recalculated route relative to the previously calculated route. This may be advantageous as the user may wish to be provided with an alternative route that avoids the potential hazards, such as crossing tram lines or the like.

The warning may be an audible warning and/or a visual warning. Accordingly, the output device may be a microphone and/or a display. The warning may further include a tactile warning, for example vibration of an object, such as a steering wheel of a vehicle. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the processor may be arranged to cause the output of a signal for causing activation of a tactile warning. The processor may be arranged to determine one or more directional instructions instructing a user to carry out the one or more manoeuvres and cause the output device to output the directional instructions together with the warning. The directional instructions may be instructions to turn left, turn right, carry straight on, take a specified exit on a roundabout, turn around or the like.

Alternatively, the processor may be arranged to cause the output device to output the warning before a user begins travelling the determined route. The warning may be a reminder of the traffic rules when encountering the hazard. Alternatively, the warning may be an alert concerning the approach of the hazard and optionally, a reminder of the traffic rules.

The navigation device may determine directional instructions and warnings in advance of the user travelling the route, the directional instructions and warnings being stored in memory and the processor is arranged to retrieve each directional instruction and warning from memory and cause the directional instruction to be output by the output device when the current position corresponds to a specific position on the route. Alternatively, each directional instruction and warning may be generated as the navigation device travels a predetermined route.

The navigation device may comprise a receiver for receiving position signals and the processor may be arranged to determine a current position on the navigable routes of the map data using the position signals. The receiver may be a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver for receiving GNSS signals or alternatively, a receiver for receiving position signals from position sensors, such as gyroscopes or accelerometers. Accordingly, the navigation device may be a portable navigation device that provides dynamic updates of the user's position on the navigable paths and directional instructions to the user as the user follows the route.

Alternatively, the navigation device may be a remote computer to which the user has access over a network, for example the Internet.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor to determine a current position on the navigable paths from position signals received from a receiver of the navigation device, determine based on the current position and map data, the map data comprising a map of navigable paths and a right of way given to other users of the navigable paths, whether the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user, cause the output device of the navigation device to output a warning.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor to determine a current position of the navigation device from position signals received from a first receiver, determine, based on the current position and position of another user received from a second receiver whether the navigation device is likely to cross a route the other user is travelling and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross the route the other user is travelling, cause the output device to output a warning. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor to determine using map data, the map data which comprises a map of navigable paths and characteristics on the navigable paths, a route along the navigable paths to a destination, the route comprising one or more manoeuvres, and determine if there is a potential hazard in completing the one or more manoeuvres as a result of one or more of the characteristics on navigable paths involved in the one or more manoeuvres and, if a said potential hazard is identified, cause an output device of the navigation device to output a warning. According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided map data comprising a map of navigable paths and data on a right of way given to different types of users of the navigable paths.

The map data according to the invention may be advantageous as it can be used in the navigation device according to the first aspect of the invention. One of the types of users may be tram and/or trolleys and the other type of user may be motor vehicles. In one embodiment, map data comprises tram and/or trolley paths in an area that cross and/or share the navigable paths. According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a server comprising a receiver for receiving route data from navigation devices, an output for outputting updated map data, memory having stored therein primary map data comprising navigable paths and a processor for generating the updated map data from the primary map data and the received route data, wherein the updated map data comprises the navigable paths and routes the navigation devices have planned along the navigable paths.

The routes may constitute rights of way that are given to the users of the navigation devices. For example, the navigation devices that send route data to the server may be associated with vehicles, such as emergency vehicles, that have the right of way over other vehicles, such as non-emergency vehicles.

It will be understood that the term "right of way" as used herein means a right of one user of the navigable path to take precedence over the other, for example the requirement that one user gives way to allow another user to pass along the navigable path.

Brief Description of the Drawings Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a navigation device communicating with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS); Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of electronic components arranged to provide a navigation device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the manner in which a navigation device may receive information from a server over a wireless

communication channel;

Figures 4A and 4B are illustrative perspective views of a navigation device;

Figure 5 shows a method carried out by the navigation device in

accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is an example of a situation on a navigable path that could be confusing to a user;

Figures 7a and 7b are examples of particular warnings according to embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 8 is a menu of a user interface of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to a PND. It should be noted, however, that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to PNDs but are universally applicable to other types of navigation devices that locates a current position on a map. It follows therefore that in the context of the present application, a navigation device is intended to include (without limitation) navigation devices, irrespective of whether that device is embodied as a PND, a navigation device built into a vehicle, or indeed a computing resource (such as a desktop or portable personal computer (PC), mobile telephone or portable digital assistant (PDA)) executing route planning and navigation software. With the above provisos in mind, Fig. 1 illustrates an example view of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 100, usable by navigation devices 140. In general, GNSS is a satellite-radio based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and in some instances direction information. A GNSS comprise a plurality of satellites 120 in orbit about the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronous with the orbits of other satellites 120 and, in fact, is likely asynchronous. The GNSS satellites relay their location to receiving units 140 via signals 160. The GNSS receiver 140 receives the spread spectrum GNSS satellite signals 160 and determines its position from the position information relayed by the satellites.

The navigation device of the invention may use GPS, formerly known as NAVSTAR, Galileo, GLOSNASS, or any other suitable GNSS. The GNSS incorporates a plurality of satellites 120 which orbit the earth in extremely precise orbits.

The spread spectrum signals 160, continuously transmitted from each satellite 120, utilize a highly accurate frequency standard accomplished with an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120, as part of its data signal transmission 160, transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 120. It is appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that the GNSS receiver device 140 generally acquires spread spectrum GNSS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GNSS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. Acquisition of an additional signal, resulting in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GNSS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner. The GNSS system is implemented when a device, specially equipped to receive GNSS data, begins scanning radio frequencies for GNSS satellite signals. Upon receiving a radio signal from a GNSS satellite, the device determines the precise location of that satellite via one of a plurality of different conventional methods. The device will continue scanning, in most instances, for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (noting that position is not normally, but can be determined, with only two signals using other triangulation techniques). Implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes the three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. Additionally, acquiring a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three dimensional position by the same geometrical calculation in a known manner. The position and velocity data can be updated in real time on a continuous basis by an unlimited number of users.

Figure 2 is an illustrative representation of electronic components of a navigation device 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 is not inclusive of all components of the navigation device, but is only representative of many example components.

The electronic components of the navigation device 200 are located within a housing such as that shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The navigation device includes a processing device 210 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen, in this embodiment an LCD 240, comprising a backlight driver 241 connected with the processing device 210 . The input device 220 can include a keyboard device, voice input device, touch panel and/or any other known input device utilised to input information; and the display screen 240 can include any type of display screen such as an LCD display, for example. In this arrangement the input device 220 and display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device, including a touchpad or touch screen input so that a user need only touch a portion of the display screen 240 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.

The navigation device may include an output device 260 to 262, for example a loudspeaker 261, an audio amplifier 262 and audio codec 260. The audio device 260 to 262 can produce audio commands for directing the user in accordance with a determined navigable path.

In the navigation device 200, processing device 210 is operatively connected to and set to receive input information from input device 220 via a connection 225, and operatively connected to at least one of display screen 240 and output device 260, via output connections 245 and 246, to output information, including a current location, thereto. Further, the processing device 210 is operably coupled to a memory resource 230 via connection 235. The memory resource 230 comprises, for example, a volatile memory, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a non- volatile memory, for example a digital memory, such as a flash memory. The memory resource has stored therein map data which comprises a map of navigable paths in an area, for example, a map of navigable paths in a country, such as roads in UK or the Netherlands and characteristics of the paths, such as points on the navigable paths that are crossed/shared by tram and/or trolley lines, the topology of the paths and traffic rules of the navigable paths. In this embodiment, each path of the map data is segmented with each segment having data associated therewith that defined attributes of that segment, for example speed limits, traffic profiles, other road regulations, etc.

Figure 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processing device 210 and a GNSS antenna 250 and receiver 251 via connection 255. The antenna may be a GNSS patch antenna or helical antenna for example. The navigation device 200 further comprises a connection (a further, second receiver) 270 for detachably connecting to a cellular modem 280, such as a mobile telephone, for receiving broadcast signals, such as BCCH, from base stations of cellular networks. The connection 270 may be used to establish a data connection between the navigation device 200 and the Internet or any other network for example, and/or to establish a connection to a server via the Internet or some other network for example. In another embodiment, device 280 may be a portable television receiver or a radio receiver that can receive TMS/RDS information.

Further, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the electronic components shown in Figure 2 are powered by power source 290, in this case a power management integrated circuit 290, in a conventional manner.

A wired connection 276, in this embodiment a USB connection, is also provided for connecting the processing device 210 to a computer or the like. Such a connection can be used for software/firmware updates and/or map updates. The navigation device 200 comprises a receiver 295, in this embodiment a connector for connecting to position sensors, in this embodiment a gyroscope 296 and accelerometer 297, such that the CPU 210 can receive signals from the gyroscope 296 and accelerometer 297. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, different configurations of the components shown in Figure 2 are considered to be within the scope of the present application. For example, the components shown in Figure 2 may be in communication with one another via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes a portable or handheld navigation device 200.

In addition, the portable or handheld navigation device 200 of Figure 2 can be connected or "docked" in a known manner to a vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorbike, a car or a boat for example by using the mounting device 292/294 shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Such a navigation device 200 is then removable from the docked location for portable or handheld navigation use. Referring now to Figure 3, the navigation device 200 may establish a "mobile" or telecommunications network connection with a server 302 via the cellular modem 280 establishing a digital connection (such as a digital connection via known Bluetooth technology for example). Thereafter, through its network service provider, the cellular device can establish a network connection (through the Internet for example) with a server 302. As such, a "mobile" network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which can be, and often times is mobile as it travels alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 to provide a "realtime" or at least very "up to date" gateway for information.

The establishing of the network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device such as the server 302, using the Internet (such as the World Wide Web) for example, can be done in a known manner. This can include use of TCP/IP layered protocol for example. The mobile device can utilize any number of communication standards such as DVB-H, DVB-T, CDMA, GSM, Wi-Max, TMC/RDS, etc.

As such, an Internet connection may be utilised which is achieved via data connection, via a mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 for example. For this connection, an Internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This can be done, for example, through a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)-connection (GPRS connection is a high-speed data connection for mobile devices provided by telecom operators; GPRS is a method to connect to the Internet).

The navigation device 200 can further complete a data connection with the mobile device, and eventually with the Internet and server 302, via existing Bluetooth technology for example, in a known manner, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as the GSRM, the Data Protocol Standard for the GSM standard, for example. For GPRS phone settings, a Bluetooth enabled navigation device may be used to correctly work with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200 for example. The data stored for this information can be updated.

In Figure 3 the navigation device 200 is depicted as being in communication with the server 302 via a generic communications channel 318 that can be implemented by any of a number of different arrangements. The server 302 and a navigation device 200 can communicate when a connection via communications channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (noting that such a connection can be a data connection via mobile device, a direct connection via personal computer via the internet, etc.). The server 302 includes, in addition to other components which may not be illustrated, a processing device 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected, via a wired or wireless connection 314, to a mass data storage device 312. The processing device 304 is further operatively connected to transmitter 308 and receiver 310, to transmit and send information to and from navigation device 200 via communications channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communication, and/or other propagated signals. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communications requirement and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Further, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver.

Server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 may be coupled to the server 302 via communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a store of navigation data and map information, and can again be a separate device from the server 302 or can be incorporated into the server 302. The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through communications channel 318, and includes processing device, memory, etc. as previously described with regard to Figures 2 and 3, as well as transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communications channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than server 302. Further, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation device 200 and the functions of the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 may be combined into a single transceiver.

Software stored in server memory 306 provides instructions for the processing device 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200. One service provided by the server 302 involves processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. Another service provided by the server 302 includes processing the navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.

The communication channel 318 generically represents the propagating medium or path that connects the navigation device 200 and the server 302. Both the server 302 and navigation device 200 include a transmitter for transmitting data through the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted through the communication channel.

The communication channel 318 is not limited to a particular communication technology. Additionally, the communication channel 318 is not limited to a single communication technology; that is, the channel 318 may include several communication links that use a variety of technology. For example, the communication channel 318 can be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communications, etc. As such, the communication channel 318 includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: electric circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, converters, radio-frequency (RF) waves, the atmosphere, empty space, etc. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 can include intermediate devices such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers, for example.

In one illustrative arrangement, the communication channel 318 includes telephone and computer networks. Furthermore, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communication such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communication, etc. Additionally, the communication channel 318 can accommodate satellite communication.

The communication signals transmitted through the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals as may be required or desired for given communication technology. For example, 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. Both digital and analogue signals can be transmitted through the communication channel 318. These signals may be modulated, encrypted and/or compressed signals as may be desirable for the communication technology.

The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated automatically or upon a user connecting navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection being made between the server 302 and navigation device 200 via a wireless mobile connection device and TCP/IP connection for example. For many dynamic calculations, the processing device 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the bulk of the processing needs; however, processing device 210 of navigation device 200 can also handle much processing and calculation, oftentimes independent of a connection to a server 302.

Figs 4 A and 4B are perspective views of a navigation device 200. As shown in Fig. 4A, the navigation device 200 may be a unit that includes an integrated input and display device 290 (a touch panel screen for example) and the other components of Figures 2 and 3 (including but not limited to internal GPS receiver 250, processing device 210, a power supply, memory systems 230, etc.). The navigation device 200 may sit on an arm 292, which itself may be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.

As shown in Figure 4B, the navigation device 200 can be docked or otherwise connected to an arm 292 of the docking station by snap connecting the navigation device 292 to the arm 292 for example. The navigation device 200 may then be rotatable on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of Figure 4B. To release the connection between the navigation device 200 and the docking station, a button on the navigation device 200 may be pressed, for example. Other equally suitable arrangements for coupling and decoupling the navigation device to a docking station are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

When this user switches on their PND, the device acquires a GNSS fix and calculates (in a known manner) the current position of the PND.

Referring now to Figure 5, in step 401 the user inputs information, including a destination, into the navigation device 200 via the input device 220 to cause the processor 210 to determine a route. Using a start location (typically the current location) and the map data the processor 210 determines a route along navigable paths of the map data to the destination in accordance with conventional algorithms. Once the route has been calculated in step 402 the processor 210 determines whether the route crosses a path wherein another user has right of way, for example a tram line or trolley bus line. If the route does cross such a path, the processor 210 may cause the display 240 to display a warning, for example such as those shown in Figures 7a and 7b. In Figure 7a, the warning is a display that makes the user aware that the route involves crossing of tram lines. In Figure 7b, the warning also gives the user the option of reviewing the traffic rules, in this embodiment road rules, regarding trams, the user being able to select "Yes" or "No". If the user selects "Yes" then the processor 210 causes the display 240 to display the road rules for trams.

Once the user has selected to continue after display of the warning and begins to travel along the determined route, in steps 403 to 407 the processor 210 repeatable updates the current position using GNSS signals from the GNSS receiver and displays a map on LCD display 240 showing the change in position.

For changes in position the processor 210 determines if directional instructions are required using conventional algorithms. Directional instructions may be required to inform the user of a manoeuvre (such as a left or right turning) that the user needs to carry out to continue on the route.

If instructions are required, the processor 210 in step 404 also determines whether the manoeuvre involves a hazard, such as the crossing of a tramway or trolley line, and, if it does, the processor 210 in step 205 generates navigation instructions including both the directional instructions and a warning of the hazard when carrying out the manoeuvre.

These warnings may have been predetermined based on the map data when the route was determined in step 401, the processor 210 retrieving the warnings from memory 230 when the current position coincides with a specific location on the route, or may be determined "on the fly" based on the map data and the current position. In either case, the processor 210 analyses the navigable paths of the map data that are involved in the manoeuvre to determine whether the navigable paths comprise one or more hazards for which a user should be warned. A warning may be generated if the manoeuvre passes in the vicinity of a hazard, for example a children's playground, or may be generated if the manoeuvre involves crossing, (not simply being in the vicinity of ), a hazard, such as the path of another type of user that has right of way, for example a tram or trolley bus line or a pedestrian crossing. An example of such a situation is shown in Figure 6 where motor vehicles 501 turning right have to cross tram lines 502. The combined directional instructions and warning may be an audible or visual message, such as "Turn left and take care while crossing the tram lines", "Turn left but lookout for the trolley bus" or "Turn left and cross tram line; beware of possible trams, these have right of way". The warning may also include a change in colour of the display to indicate that the route crosses a tram or trolley bus line or a sign, such as a "give way" sign, for example in a corner of the display.

By warning the user of the possible hazard of a tram and/or trolley path before the user crosses the tram and/or trolley path, the navigation device may make the user more aware of the possible hazard such that the user takes appropriate measures to avoid the hazard when crossing the tram and/or trolley path. In this way, the navigation device may reduce the likelihood of an accident.

In another embodiment, the processor 210 may also provide warnings when in a "free-driving" mode, in which only map information relevant to the current position is displayed and no route has been calculated. In this mode, the processor 210 may predict the future direction of travel of the user and if this future projection of the direction of travel involves crossing a hazard, such as the path, wherein another user has right of way, for example a tram or trolley bus line or a pedestrian crossing, the processor generates a warning. For example, the warning may be a message, such as "beware of possible trams, these have right of way" without any directional instructions. Referring to Figure 8, the user interface of navigation device 200 may comprise menu screens that allow a user to select preferences, including as safety preferences. One of the safety preferences may be the preference for a warning of rights of way; for example in Figure 8, the preference for the navigation device 200 to warn for trams and trolley buses. The user of the device 200 can select and deselect the preference by touching the appropriate areas 601 of the screen 240. If this preference is deselected the navigation device will not output the warnings, as described above. In another embodiment, the navigation device 200 may receive real-time updates of the position and/or routes of other vehicles that share the navigable paths and have the right of way. For example, these updates could be position data and/or updated map data received from central server 302. The server may be arranged to receive position data and/or route data from navigation devices 200 of other vehicles that have right of way on the road, for example emergency vehicles, and either forward this data onto navigation devices 200 of other vehicles (such as vehicles that do not have right of way) or process the data before sending the processed data to the navigation devices 200. The processing of the data may comprise generating updated map data from primary map data stored in memory 306 and the received route data, wherein the updated map data comprises the navigable paths and routes along the navigable paths the emergency vehicles plan to travel. The routes constitute rights of way.

The navigation device 200 of this embodiment is arranged to determine whether the planned route crosses any the routes of the emergency vehicles that are contained in the updated map data and, if it does, generate a warning and/or a reminder of the traffic rules associated with emergency vehicles. For example, the warning may be a display of the text "Warning: your route may require you to give way to an emergency vehicle. Do you wish to review the traffic rules regarding emergency vehicles?". The user can then interact with the touch screen to select whether or not he/she wants to review the traffic rules. Once the user starts travelling the route, the navigation device 200 may receive updates of the position of emergency vehicles from the server 302 and the processor 210 determines whether the navigation device 200 is within a predetermined distance of the emergency vehicle. If the processor 210 determines that an emergency vehicle is within a predetermined distance, the processor causes the navigation device 200 to generate a warning, such as a display of the text "Warning: An emergency vehicle is approaching" or, if a more detailed analysis can be made on the direction from which the emergency vehicle is coming "Warning: An emergency vehicle is approaching from the left, give right of way".

Claims

1. A navigation device comprising a receiver for receiving position signals, memory having stored therein map data which comprises a map of navigable paths and rights of way given to other users of the navigable paths, an output device and a processor for determining a current position on the navigable paths from the position signals, determining based on the current position and the map data whether the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user, causing the output device to output a warning.

2. A navigation device according to claim 1, wherein the map data comprises points on the navigable paths comprising tram and/or trolley lines and the processor determines based on the current position whether the navigation device is likely to cross one or more of the tram or trolley lines and, if the navigation device is likely to cross one or more of the tram or trolley lines, causes the output device to output the warning.

3. A navigation device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the navigation device has a further receiver for receiving data on a route the other user, who has right of way on the navigable paths, plans to travel and uses this data to establish the rights of way of the map data.

4. A navigation device comprising a first receiver for receiving position signals, a second receiver for receiving data on a position of another user, an output device and a processor arranged for determining a current position of the navigation device from the position signals, determining, based on the current position and the position of the other user whether the navigation device is likely to cross a route the other user is travelling and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross the route the other user is travelling, causing the output device to output a warning.

5. A navigation device according to claim 4, comprising memory having stored therein rules concerning rights of way given to users of the navigable paths and the processor is arranged to determine from the rules whether the other user across whose path the navigation device is likely to travel has right of way and cause the output device to output the warning if the other vehicle has the right of way.

6. A navigation device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the processor deems that the navigation device is likely to cross a route of the other user if the current position is within a predetermined distance of the position of the other user.

7. A navigation device comprising memory having stored therein map data which comprises a map of navigable paths in an area and characteristics of the navigable paths, a processor arranged for determining a route along the navigable paths to a destination, the route comprising one or more manoeuvres, and determining if there is a potential hazard in completing the one or more manoeuvres as a result of one or more of the characteristics of navigable paths involved in the one or more manoeuvres and, if a said potential hazard is identified, causing the output device to output a warning.

8. A navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is arranged to determine one or more directional instructions instructing a user to carry out the one or more manoeuvres and cause the output device to output the directional instructions together with the warning.

9. A navigation device according to claim 7, wherein the processor is arranged to cause the output device to output the warning before the navigation device begins travelling the determined route.

10. A navigation device according to any on of claims 7 to 9, wherein the one or more characteristics are traffic rules on the navigable paths involved in the manoeuvre and the traffic rules may be rights of way given to users of the navigable paths.

11. A navigation device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the characteristics are the topography of the navigable paths and the processor is arranged to determine whether the topography of navigable paths involved in a manoeuvre poses a potential hazard.

12. A data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor to determine a current position on the navigable paths from position signals received from a receiver of the navigation device, determine based on the current position, a direction of travel and map data, the map data comprising a map of navigable paths and rights of way given to other users of the navigable paths, whether the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user of the navigable paths and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross a said right of way of another user, cause the output device of the navigation device to output a warning.

13. A data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor determining a current position of the navigation device from position signals received from a first receiver, determine, based on the current position and position of another user received from a second receiver whether the navigation device is likely to cross a route the other user is travelling and, if the processor determines that the navigation device is likely to cross the route the other user is travelling, cause the output device to output a warning.

14. A data carrier having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a navigation device, cause the processor to determine using map data, the map data comprising a map of navigable paths and characteristics on the navigable paths, a route along the navigable paths to a destination, the route comprising one or more manoeuvres, and determine if there is a potential hazard in completing the one or more manoeuvres as a result of one or more of the characteristics of navigable paths involved in the one or more manoeuvres and, if a said potential hazard is identified, cause an output device of the navigation device to output a warning.

15. Map data comprising a map of navigable paths and data on the right of way given to different users of the navigable paths.

16. Map data according to claim 15, wherein data on the right of way given to different users comprises a right of way given to trams and/or trolleys relative to motor vehicles.

17. A server comprising a receiver for receiving route data from navigation devices, an output for outputting updated map data, memory having stored therein primary map data comprising navigable paths and a processor for generating the updated map data from the primary map data and the received route data, wherein the updated map data comprises the navigable paths and routes the navigation devices have planned along the navigable paths.