Detailed Description
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
In describing the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner.
Example embodiments of the present patent application are described below with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Fig. 1 illustrates an example view of a Global Positioning System (GPS) usable by a navigation device, including a navigation device of an embodiment of the present application. Such systems are known and used for a variety of purposes. In general, GPS is a satellite radio-based navigation system capable of determining continuous position, velocity, time, and (in some cases) direction information for an unlimited number of users.
The GPS, previously known as NAVSTAR, incorporates a plurality of satellites that operate with the earth in extremely precise orbits. Based on these precise orbits, GPS satellites can relay their position to any number of receiving units.
The GPS system is implemented when a device specially equipped to receive GPS data begins scanning radio frequencies for GPS satellite signals. Upon receiving radio signals from GPS satellites, the device determines the precise location of the satellites via one of a number of different conventional methods. In most cases, the device will continue to scan for signals until it has acquired at least three different satellite signals (note that other triangulation techniques are not typically (but can be) used to determine position with only two signals). By implementing geometric triangulation, the receiver utilizes three known positions to determine its own two-dimensional position relative to the satellites. This can be done in a known manner. In addition, obtaining a fourth satellite signal will allow the receiving device to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner by the same geometric calculation. The position and velocity data can be continuously updated in real time by an unlimited number of users.
As shown in fig. 1, the GPS system is generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. A plurality of satellites 120 are in orbit about the earth 124. The orbit of each satellite 120 is not necessarily synchronized with the orbits of the other satellites 120 and is in fact likely to be out of synchronization. The GPS receiver 140, which may be used in embodiments of the navigation device of the present application, is shown receiving spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from various satellites 120.
The spread spectrum signals 160 continuously transmitted from each satellite 120 utilize a highly accurate frequency standard achieved through an extremely accurate atomic clock. Each satellite 120 transmits a data stream indicative of that particular satellite 120 as part of its data signal transmission 160. As is understood by those skilled in the relevant art, the GPS receiver device 140 typically obtains spread spectrum GPS satellite signals 160 from at least three satellites 120 for the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its two-dimensional position by triangulation. The acquisition of additional signals, which results in signals 160 from a total of four satellites 120, permits the GPS receiver device 140 to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known manner.
Fig. 2 illustrates an example block diagram of electronic components of a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application in block component format. It should be noted that the block diagram of the navigation device 200 does not include all of the components of the navigation device, but is merely representative of many example components.
The navigation device 200 is located within a housing (not shown). The housing includes a processor 210 connected to an input device 220 and a display screen 240. Input device 220 may include a keyboard device, a voice input device, a touch panel, and/or any other known input device for inputting information; and display device 240 may comprise any type of display screen, such as an LCD display. In at least one embodiment of the present application, the input device 220 and the display device 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device that includes a touchpad or touchscreen input, wherein a user need only touch a portion of the display device 240 to select one of a plurality of display options or to activate one of a plurality of virtual buttons.
In addition, other types of output devices 260 may also include (including but not limited to) audio output devices. Because the output device 260 can generate audible information to the user of the navigation device 200, it should also be understood that the input device 240 can also include a microphone as well as software for receiving input voice commands.
In the navigation device 200, the processor 210 is operatively connected to the input device 240 via a connection and is arranged to receive input information from the input device 240 via the connection and to operatively connect to at least one of the display device 240 and the output device 260 via the connection to output information to the at least one. Additionally, the processor 210 is operatively connected to the memory 230 via a connection, and is further adapted to receive/send information from/to an input/output (I/O) port 270 via a connection, wherein the I/O port 270 is connectable to an I/O device 280 external to the navigation device 200. External I/O device 270 may include, but is not limited to, an external listening device, such as a headset. The connection to the I/O device 280 may further be a wired or wireless connection to any other external device, such as a car stereo unit, for hands-free operation and/or for voice-activated operation, for example, for connection to a headset or headphones, and/or for connection to a mobile phone, for example, where the mobile phone connection 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 at least one embodiment, the navigation device 200 includes an internal modem 290 connected to the processor 210 and memory 230 for establishing a data connection as will be described below. The modem 290 may be further connected to a transceiver 300, the transceiver 300 for transmitting information to the server 302 and receiving information from the server 302. The transceiver 300 is further connected to the processor 210.
In at least one embodiment, the navigation device 200 can establish a "mobile" network connection with the server 302 via an external mobile device not shown, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device having mobile phone technology, establishing a digital connection, such as a digital connection via known bluetooth technology for example. Thereafter, through its network service provider, the mobile device may establish a network connection (e.g., through the internet) with the server 302. As such, a "mobile" network connection may be established between the navigation device 200 (which may be and typically is mobile when traveling alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302 in order to provide a "real-time" or at least very "up-to-date" gateway for information.
Establishing a network connection between the mobile device (via a service provider) and another device, such as server 302, using, for example, the internet, can be done in a known manner. This may include, for example, the use of a TCP/IP layered protocol. The mobile device may utilize any number of communication standards, such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
As such, an internet connection enabled via a data connection (e.g., via mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200) may be utilized. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This may be done, for example, by a mobile phone or other mobile device and a GPRS (general packet radio service) connection (a GPRS connection is a high speed data connection for mobile devices provided by a telecommunications carrier; 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 in a known manner, such as via existing bluetooth technology, wherein the data protocol can utilize any number of standards, such as GSRM, a data protocol standard for the GSM standard.
For GRPS phone settings, bluetooth enabled devices may be used to work correctly with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., for example model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200. The data stored for this information may be updated in the manner discussed in any of the previous or subsequent embodiments.
The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (e.g. including an antenna, wherein the internal antenna of the navigation device 200 may further be used instead). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above and/or can include an insertable SIM (subscriber identity module) card, provided with, for example, the necessary mobile phone technology and/or antenna. As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, via, for example, the internet, in conjunction with the modem 290, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device. It should be noted that this modem 290 may be internal to the navigation device 200, or external thereto, such as in an Adapter (see U.S. application No. 11/907,254 entitled "Enhanced Cigarette Lighter Adapter") and filed 10/2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). If located in the adapter, power may be supplied to the navigation device 200 after the adapter is inserted into, for example, a vehicle. Additionally, modem 290 may then be triggered to establish a network connection with server 200, sending information to and receiving information from server 200.
Fig. 2 further illustrates an operative connection between the processor 210 and the antenna/receiver 250, wherein the antenna/receiver 250 may be, for example, a GPS antenna/receiver. It will be appreciated that the antenna and receiver represented by reference numeral 250 are schematically combined for illustration, but may be separately located components, and the antenna may be, for example, a GPS patch antenna or a helical antenna.
In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic components shown in FIG. 2 are powered by a power source (not shown) in a conventional manner. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, different configurations of the components shown in fig. 2 are considered to be within the scope of the present application. For example, in one embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 2 may communicate with each other via wired and/or wireless connections and the like. Thus, the scope of the navigation device 200 of the present application includes portable or handheld navigation devices 200.
Figure 3 illustrates an example block diagram of a server 302 of an embodiment of the present application and a navigation device 200 of the present application (via a general communication channel 318). The server 302 and the navigation device 200 of the present application can communicate when a connection via the communication channel 318 is established between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 (note that such a connection can be a data connection via a mobile device, a direct connection via a personal computer via the internet, a data connection via the modem 290, etc.).
The server 302 includes, among other components that may not be illustrated, a processor 304, the processor 304 operatively connected to a memory 306 and further operatively connected to a mass data storage 312 via a wired or wireless connection 314. The processor 304 is further operatively connected to the transmitter 308 and the receiver 310 to transmit information to the navigation device 200 and to send information from the navigation device 200 via the communication channel 318. The signals sent and received may include data, communications, and/or other propagated signals. The information received by the server 302 may include, but is not limited to, received information regarding changes in position and speed of the vehicle housing the navigation device 200; and the information sent by the server 302 may include, but is not limited to, traffic information calculated about potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located and/or other information. The transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be selected or designed according to the communication requirements and communication technology used in the communication design for the navigation system 200. Additionally, it should be noted that the functions of transmitter 308 and receiver 310 may be combined into a signal transceiver 309.
The server 302 is further connected to (or includes) a mass storage device 312, noting that the mass storage device 312 can be coupled to the server 302 via a communication link 314. The mass storage device 312 contains a large amount of navigation data and map information, and may likewise be a separate device from the server 302, or may be incorporated within the server 302.
The navigation device 200 is adapted to communicate with the server 302 through any communication channel generally represented by 318, and includes a processor, memory, etc. as previously described with respect to fig. 2, as well as a transmitter 320 and receiver 322 to send and receive signals and/or data through the communication channel 318, noting that these devices can further be used to communicate with devices other than the server 302. In addition, the transmitter 320 and receiver 322 are selected or designed according to the 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 300.
Software stored in the server memory 306 provides instructions to the processor 304 and allows the server 302 to provide services to the navigation device 200, such as the calculation and transmission of traffic information and/or other information regarding potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located. One service provided by the server 302 includes processing requests from the navigation device 200 and transmitting navigation data from the mass data storage 312 to the navigation device 200. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, another service provided by the server 302 comprises processing navigation data using various algorithms for a desired application (e.g., calculation of traffic information and/or other information about potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle in which the navigation device 200 is located) and sending the results of these calculations to the navigation device 200.
The communication channel 318 generally represents the propagation medium or path connecting the navigation device 200 with the server 302. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, both the server 302 and the navigation device 200 comprise a transmitter for transmitting data over the communication channel and a receiver for receiving data that has been transmitted over 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, channel 318 may include several communication links using a variety of techniques. For example, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 may be adapted to provide a path for electrical, optical, and/or electromagnetic communication, among others. Thus, the communication channel 318 includes (but is not limited to) one or a combination of the following: electrical circuits, electrical conductors such as wires and coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, transducers, radio frequency (rf) waves, the atmosphere, vacuum, and the like. Further, according to at least one various embodiment, the communication channel 318 may include intermediate devices, such as routers, repeaters, buffers, transmitters, and receivers.
For example, in at least one embodiment of the present application, the communication channel 318 includes a telephone network and a computer network. Further, in at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 may be capable of accommodating wireless communications such as radio frequency, microwave frequency, infrared communications, and the like. In addition, according to at least one embodiment, the communication channel 318 may accommodate satellite communications. In addition, the communication channel 318 may accommodate multiple independent satellite systems and GPS receivers capable of multiple frequencies and signal acquisition, in accordance with at least one embodiment. (covers the upcoming addition of multi-satellite systems including, but not limited to, the Russian Global navigation satellite System (GLONASS), GPS 2, GPS 2.5-3, Galileo System (Galileo), and China Star (China Sat)).
The communication signals transmitted over the communication channel 318 include, but are not limited to, signals that may be required or desired for a given communication technology. For example, the signals may be suitable for use in cellular communication techniques such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), global system for mobile communications (GSM), and the like. Both digital and analog signals may be transmitted over the communication channel 318. According to at least one embodiment, these signals may be modulated, encrypted, and/or compressed signals as may be required for the communication technology.
The mass data storage 312 includes sufficient storage for the desired navigation application. Examples of mass data storage 312 may include magnetic data storage media (e.g., hard drives), optical storage media (e.g., CD-roms), charged data storage media (e.g., flash memory), molecular memory, and so forth.
According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 comprises a remote server accessible by the navigation device 200 via a wireless channel. According to at least one other embodiment of the present application, the server 302 may comprise a network server located on a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Virtual Private Network (VPN), or the like.
According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the server 302 may comprise a personal computer such as a desktop or laptop computer, and the communication channel 318 may be a cable connected between the personal computer and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a personal computer may be connected between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 to establish an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. Alternatively, a mobile phone or other handheld device (and/or a modem, such as modem 290) can establish a wireless connection to the internet for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via the internet.
The navigation device 200 may be provided with information from the server 302 via information downloads which may be periodically updated upon a user connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 and/or may be more dynamic upon a more constant or frequent connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 via, for example, a wireless mobile connection device and a TCP/IP connection. For many dynamic calculations, the processor 304 in the server 302 may be used to handle the large amount of processing needs, however, the processor 210 of the navigation device 200 may also handle many processes and calculations, oftentimes independent of a connection to the server 302.
The mass storage device 312 connected to the server 302 may include a greater amount of mapping and route data, including maps and the like, than can be maintained on the navigation device 200 itself. For example, the server 302 may use a set of processing algorithms to process the majority of the devices of the navigation device 200 that travel along the route. In addition, mapping and route data stored in the memory 312 may operate on signals originally received by the navigation device 200 (e.g., GPS signals).
As indicated above in fig. 2 of the present application, a navigation device 200 of an embodiment of the present application includes a processor 210, an input device 220, and a display screen 240. In at least one embodiment, the input device 220 and the display screen 240 are integrated into an integrated input and display device to enable both information input (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and information display (e.g., through a touch panel screen). This screen may be, for example, a touch input LCD screen, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the navigation device 200 can also include any additional input devices 220 and/or any additional output devices 240, such as audio input/output devices.
Fig. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a practical implementation of an embodiment 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 (e.g., a touch panel screen) and the other components of fig. 2, including but not limited to an internal GPS receiver 250, a microprocessor 210, a power supply, a memory system 220, etc.
The navigation device 200 may be located on an arm 292, which may itself be secured to a vehicle dashboard/window/etc. using a large suction cup 294. This arm 292 is one non-limiting example of a docking station to which the navigation device 200 can be docked.
As shown in fig. 4B, the navigation device 292 may be docked or otherwise connected to the arm 292 of the docking station by, for example, snapping the navigation device 200 to the arm 292 of the docking station (this is just one example, as other known alternatives for connecting to a docking station are within the scope of the present application). The navigation device 200 can then be rotated on the arm 292, as shown by the arrow of fig. 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 (this is just one example, as other known alternatives for disconnecting from the docking station are within the scope of the present application).
In at least one embodiment, the navigation device 200 can establish a "mobile" network connection with the server 302 via a mobile device 400 (e.g., a mobile phone, PDA, and/or any device with mobile phone technology), establishing a digital connection (e.g., a digital connection via, for example, known bluetooth technology). Thereafter, the mobile device 400 may establish a network connection (e.g., over the Internet) with the server 302 through its network service provider. As such, a "mobile" network connection is established between the navigation device 200 (which may be and typically is mobile when traveling alone and/or in a vehicle) and the server 302, providing a "real-time" or at least very "up-to-date" gateway for information.
Establishment of a network connection between the mobile device 400 (via a service provider) and another device, such as the server 302, may be accomplished in a known manner using, for example, the internet 410. This may include, for example, the use of a TCP/IP layered protocol. The mobile device 400 can utilize any number of communication standards, such as CDMA, GSM, WAN, etc.
As such, internet connections, such as accomplished via data connections, via mobile phone or mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200, may be utilized. For this connection, an internet connection between the server 302 and the navigation device 200 is established. This establishment can be done, for example, by 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 a telecommunications operator; GPRS is the method used to connect to the internet).
The navigation device 200 may further complete a data connection with the mobile device 400 and eventually with the internet 410 and server 302 in a known manner, such as via existing bluetooth technology, wherein the data protocol may utilize any number of standards, such as GSRM, a data protocol standard for the GSM standard.
The navigation device 200 may include its own mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 itself (e.g. including an antenna, where the internal antenna of the navigation device 200 may alternatively be used in addition). The mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can include internal components as specified above, and/or can include an insertable SIM card and modem 290, equipped with the necessary mobile phone technology and/or antenna, for example. As such, mobile phone technology within the navigation device 200 can similarly establish a network connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 via, for example, the internet 410, in a manner similar to that of any mobile device 400.
For GRPS phone settings, bluetooth enabled devices may be used to work correctly with the ever changing spectrum of mobile phone models, manufacturers, etc., for example model/manufacturer specific settings may be stored on the navigation device 200. The data stored for this information may be updated in the manner discussed in any of the previous and subsequent embodiments.
In an embodiment of the present application, a method comprises: connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via a modem connection; receiving information from the server 302; determining whether criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met; and connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via an alternative connection upon determining that the criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met.
In an embodiment of the present application, a navigation device 200 includes: a modem 290 to connect the navigation device 200 to a server 302; a receiver 322 to receive information from the server 302; a processor 210 to determine whether criteria for disconnecting a connection via the modem 290 will be met; and an alternative connection means, such as a bluetooth device for paired mobile device connection, to connect the navigation device 200 to the server 302, the alternative connection means being used upon the processor 210 determining that criteria for disconnecting the modem 290 will be met.
In an embodiment of the present application, the mobile phone technology of the navigation device 200 itself can include a modem 290, either internal to the navigation device 200 or external thereto, such as in an adapter. Additionally, a SIM card (e.g., enabled for GPRS data services) can be included in the navigation device 200 to allow the modem 290 to connect to the server 302. When the modem 290 is located inside the navigation device 200, network data traffic between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 is recorded by an enabled Mobile Network Operator (MNO).
In at least one embodiment, a navigation device company (e.g., tomtomtom) may act as a Virtual Mobile Network Operator (VMNO), and individual users may pay for services based on unrestricted services within their package (e.g., subscription). For example, if a user subscribes to a national package, data traffic may have unlimited use (to a predefined maximum extent), for example, for data services between the navigation device 200 using the modem 290 and a SIM card registered with its account. Thus, a connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 can be established at any time after the navigation device 200 is powered up.
When the modem 290 is external to the navigation device 200, network data traffic between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 can be recorded by the customer's or user's mobile network operator and use a SIM card and account, for example, that are not controlled by the navigation device company. In this embodiment, there is no billing or usage agreement negotiation between the navigation device company and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO).
In an embodiment of the present application, once the navigation device 200 is purchased and turned on, a data (e.g., internet) connection between the modem 290 and the server 302 can be established to permit receipt of service information from the server 302, such as information about potential delays along a route of travel of a vehicle housing the navigation device 200 (e.g., traffic information). However, because the data connection with the server 302 is established in this automatic manner, the server 302 may therefore receive information from a plurality of navigation devices 200 regarding changes in speed and location (determined in a known manner), and may therefore use more accurate data to perform calculations regarding potential delays along the route of travel, but typically perform the calculations themselves in a known manner. The information received by the navigation device may include, but is not limited to, LTO information, traffic camera information, updated or new map information, and the like.
The reception of any information by the navigation device 200 can only occur when the connection is maintained. While the connection via the modem 290 in conjunction with the SIM card and transceiver 300 may be better than a bluetooth connection of an external modem in an external mobile device paired with the navigation device 200 (because potentially unpredictable charges, such as "roaming" charges on a mobile network, may be avoided), this wireless connection, like any other wireless connection, suffers from dropped areas or areas of weak signal strength or areas of network variation that will cause the modem connection to be lost and/or degraded to the point where data information transfer with the server 302 will fail. The inventors have found that in the sense that these areas can be detected or predicted in advance, at least one embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining whether criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met, and for connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via an alternative connection.
By using the modem 290 within the navigation device 200 and/or external thereto (e.g., in an adapter of the navigation device 200), information can be received by the navigation device 200, transmitted from the server 302 (throughout this application, "internal" or the navigation device modem 290 can be a modem within the navigation device 200 and/or within an adapter of the navigation device 200, such as an "onboard" power adapter (see, e.g., U.S. application No. 11/907,254, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.) in one embodiment, once the navigation device 200 is switched on and/or connected to a power source through the adapter, the navigation device 200 can attempt to establish a GPRS connection, such as using the modem 290, a network connection to the server 302 can be provided via a SIM card inserted into the navigation device 200, thereby establishing a network address for a network connection such as modem 290.
In fig. 5, such a SIM card and modem 290 is shown within the navigation device 200. The user may be provided with a SIM card in exchange for a fixed fee paid to the manufacturer of the navigation device 200, for example, for booking traffic services (e.g., the navigation device manufacturer tomtomtom may negotiate with a network service provider such as wadaone to permit tomtom tom to connect via the modem 290 to provide a fixed price connection service for the owner of the navigation device). By default, if modem 290 is internal to navigation device 200, modem 290 may be enabled at all times upon device power up to establish a network connection with server 302, and/or if modem 290 is included in an adapter of a navigation device, modem 290 may be enabled upon connecting the adapter to a vehicle to establish such a connection.
A network connection to the server 302 can be provided via a SIM card inserted into the navigation device 200, establishing a network address for the network connection of, for example, the modem 290. In an embodiment of the present application, the mobile phone technology of the navigation device 200 itself can include the modem 290, either internal to the navigation device 200 or external thereto, such as in an adapter. Additionally, a SIM card (e.g., enabled for GPRS data services) can be included in the navigation device 200 to allow the modem 290 to connect to the server 302.
In an embodiment, the navigation device 200 further comprises an additional modem to connect the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via a SIM card included inside the navigation device 200 upon determination by the processor 210, which may be obtained by the paired mobile device via a bluetooth connection, for example. Both modems can communicate technology specific for terrestrial networking data, such as the primary terrestrial data technologies GSM or CDMA. For example, the internal modem 290 may be a GSM/GPRS based modem that allows access to a particular frequency band of a terrestrial data transfer network. Navigation device manufacturers may provide for the determination of signal frequencies based on geographic location and other commercial and non-commercial criteria. Additionally, for example, the internal modem 290 may be a CDMA/1X based modem, allowing access to a particular frequency band of a terrestrial data transfer network. Navigation device manufacturers may provide for the determination of signal frequencies based on geographic location and other commercial and non-commercial criteria.
By accessing multiple modem connections (both internal and external to the navigation device 200), the navigation device 200 can allow multiple access to specific frequency bands for more options for terrestrial data transfer networks. The navigation device manufacturer may provide an internal default modem 290 and may grant access to external determination of signal frequencies based on geographic location and other commercial and/or non-commercial criteria, as well as use of priority sequencing for internal modems relative to external modem usage. In addition, the processor 210 may be used to determine a list containing detailed manufacturer-provided priority sequencing of internal modem usage versus external modem usage, via, for example, a SIM card included internal to the navigation device 200. This list may contain default reference rules governing internal modem to external modem switching.
When the modem 290 is located inside the navigation device 200, network data traffic between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 is recorded by an enabled Mobile Network Operator (MNO). For internal use, a navigation device 200 user may use a particular SIM card provided by, for example, the device manufacturer. This SIM card can use ANTI-THEFT technology to ensure that: the user can only use the SIM card provided by the manufacturer in the navigation device 200 and the user cannot use the provided SIM card in other GPRS enabled devices. In both cases, only the joint manufacturer provides the navigation device 200, and the manufacturer-provided SIM cards can be combined to form a communication channel connection to the server 290 via the modem 290, but this is a predefined IP channel.
In this embodiment, the navigation device manufacturer (e.g., tomtomtom) may act as a Virtual Mobile Network Operator (VMNO), and the individual users may receive a SIM card of the brand tomtom, which contains additional code and an ANTI-THEFT initial use start sequence. In addition, this SIM card may contain a list of allowed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and their priority order. This order may determine preferred network usage and default network selection.
Also included in this SIM card is the possibility of a separate list containing detailed manufacturer-provided priority sequencing of internal modem usage relative to external modem usage. This list may then be a default reference list that manages rules associated with internal modem to external modem handoffs.
Thus, in at least one embodiment, the navigation device 200 comprises a modem 290 to connect the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via a SIM card included inside the navigation device 200, and via a terrestrial networking data transfer specific technology. In at least one embodiment, the internal modem 290 is a GSM/GPRS based modem, allowing access to specific frequency bands of the terrestrial data transfer network. In at least one other embodiment, the internal modem 290 is a CDMA/1X based modem, allowing access to a particular frequency band of the terrestrial data transfer network. In either embodiment, a navigation device manufacturer may provide for the determination of signal frequency based on geographic location and other commercial and/or non-commercial criteria.
When the modem 290 is located outside the navigation device 200 (e.g., in a separate mobile device paired with the navigation device 200 via, for example, a bluetooth connection), the network data traffic between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 can be a function of the user's or customer's Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and can use a SIM card for accounts that are not controlled by the navigation device manufacturer. In this embodiment, there may be a pre-determination of network, or modem, priority type between the navigation device manufacturer and the Mobile Network Operator (MNO).
With respect to internal modem to external modem switching, the processor 210 may determine a list containing detailed, e.g., manufacturer-provided, priority sequencing of the use of the internal modem 290 over the external modem 290 via a SIM card included inside the navigation device 200. This list may contain default reference rules governing internal modem to external modem switching.
In at least one embodiment, after internal calculations of the processor 210 determine that a network change is about to occur (e.g., network coverage is below/is about to fall below a preset signal level, and/or an upcoming end of an internal network service is about to occur), a handoff may be performed between an internal default network connection and an external secondary network connection (e.g., via a mobile phone/bluetooth connection). Data transfer information between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 via the internal modem 290 is turned off, such as by a power-off sequence, and a new connection is initiated, such as via a modem of an adapter connected to the navigation device, and/or data communication via a wireless protocol such as bluetooth, or by a direct connection, such as via a modem in a secondary adapter. In this embodiment, the modem 290 may operate in cooperation with the transceiver 300 to transfer information between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 upon the processor 210 determining that network area coverage of an external modem (e.g., via a mobile phone/bluetooth connection) will permit data information transfer.
In this embodiment, the information transmitted between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 in the initial start-up sequence may default to the internal modem 290 and thus to the internal modem network type and overlay. When the internal modem 290 does not provide coverage, or when an upcoming network change is to occur on the planned route, the navigation device 200 then switches the default modem to the external modem.
A SIM card may be provided to the user in exchange for a fixed fee paid to the manufacturer of the navigation device 200 for subscribing to, for example, transportation services (e.g., the navigation device manufacturer tomtomtom may negotiate with a network service provider such as wadamon to permit tomtom tom to connect via the modem 290 to provide a fixed price connection service for the owner of the navigation device). In this negotiation, manufacturers such as tomtomtom may take advantage of economic scales that simply have greater purchasing power than individuals, and may implement cost optimized network system constraints. As a technical attribute of navigation device to server activity; manufacturers may reduce the internal data usage and associated costs of the activity.
For example, Block Size rounding (Block Size rounding), Group Data aggregation (Group Data aggregation), and session periods and conditions may all be encoded into rules governing internal modem usage. By default, if the modem 290 is internal to the navigation device 200, the modem 290 may be enabled at all times after the device is powered up to establish a network connection with the server 302, and/or if the modem 290 is included in an adapter of the navigation device 200, the modem 290 may be enabled after the adapter is connected to a vehicle to establish such a connection.
In an embodiment of the present application, traffic and/or information regarding potential delays along the route of travel of the vehicle, and/or any other network service information the user may have subscribed to receive, may be periodically transmitted by the server 302 and subsequently received by the navigation device 200. The periodic receipt of this information may be, for example, every three minutes. Information may be sent/received via modem 290 and transceiver 300, with data packets sent/received to the IP address of modem 290. The modem 290 may be dual integrated, for example, for both GPS and GPRS. By establishing a constant connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302, such as via the modem 290, information, such as information regarding changes in the position and speed of the vehicle, may be transmitted from the navigation device 200 to the server 302 at the same or different times as the receipt of traffic or other information regarding potential delays.
In addition, not only can such information be sent/received via the navigation device's modem 290, but in at least one embodiment, alternative connections can be used. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a method of an embodiment of the present application. In S600, a method of an embodiment of the application includes connecting the navigation device 200 to the server 302 via a modem connection (e.g., using the modem 290, which may be within the navigation device 200, within an adapter of the navigation device 200, etc.). Thereafter, in S610, information is received from the server 302, including, but not limited to, traffic or any other service subscription information that the user may have signed up to receive, LTO file information (to enable faster determination of the location of the navigation device 200 upon device power-up), map information, and the like.
During operation of the navigation device 200, in S620 the processor 210 determines whether criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met. This determination may be made, for example, at periodic intervals. For example, the processor 210 may monitor network signal strength information to determine if the signal strength falls below a threshold level required to maintain a good data connection via the modem 290. Alternatively, the determination by the processor 210 of whether the criteria will be met may comprise using network coverage information included or embedded within the map information of the navigation device 200.
In one embodiment of the present application, network coverage and usage type information may be stored, for example, as map vendor map attributes, with respect to network coverage information included or embedded within map information of the navigation device 200. For example, these attributes may be similar to current navigation map attributes and stored as geographically relevant regional data, e.g., in memory 230, as part of a map data (attributes) database, for example. This data may be supplied by the map vendor (TeleAtlas, NAVTEQ, etc.), by the 3 rd party (POI, map data vendor), or by the manufacturer (thomson, anymy tour (Garmin), etc.).
As in the current implementation, the data supplied by the map vendor may be included in an already existing distribution facility and may follow, for example, the season-per-season distribution period currently followed by all primary navigation quality map vendors. This data can be extended and adjusted by standard for a particular navigation device and/or manufacturer. In addition, as in the current embodiment, for example, after a map vendor publishes a navigation map product for a season release period, the 3 rd party and manufacturer supplied data may be added. This data may be first accumulated, then collated, and transmitted in map attribute format, and combined with navigation map data to form a complete data set when augmented and adjusted to a particular navigation device and/or manufacturer level.
In this implementation, both of these scenarios allow for updates every season and allow the user of the navigation device 200 to update their map data by using current over-the-air update methods and/or to update, for example, when the device is docked to a home computer via a home docking cradle.
Thereafter, in S630, upon the processor 210 determining that the criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met, the processor 210 may instruct the navigation device 200 to be connected to the server 302 via an alternative connection, such as a bluetooth connection via a mobile phone paired with the navigation device 200.
Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the method can further comprise downloading information at least to the navigation device 200 and/or uploading information at least into the server 302 via at least one of the modem 290 and an alternative connection (e.g., a bluetooth connection). The information for at least uploading and at least downloading may include at least one of LTO information, traffic information, map information, and the like. The processor 210 can then calculate the best modem alternatives along the route and can preplank modem switching, optimizing network data transfer and/or end user cost/availability functions. In this embodiment, upon the processor 210 determining, for example, that default network area coverage of the modem 290 (e.g., the internal modem 290) will permit data information transfer, the modem 290 may operate in cooperation with the transceiver 300 to transfer information between the navigation device 200 and the server 302.
In S620, explained above, the processor 210 determines whether the criterion for disconnecting the modem connection will be met. In other words, it would be better for the processor 210 to determine in advance when a modem connection will fail, and thus when to switch to an alternate, but less desirable, alternate connection.
Within the navigation device 200, a route of travel of a vehicle may be determined by, for example, the processor 210 based at least on a desired destination (e.g., a destination entered by a user of the navigation device 200) and a current location of the vehicle (e.g., a location determined by a GPS/GPRS receiver within the navigation device 200). Thereafter, upon receiving information regarding potential delays along the route of travel of the vehicle, the processor 210 within the navigation device 200 can determine a modified route of travel based on the received information. This route information may further be used by the processor 210 to determine whether criteria for disconnecting the modem connection will be met.
In at least one embodiment, the transmitted information may be used in the normal operation of the navigation device 200, and/or additional rules may be evaluated to limit or restrict certain activities between the server 302 and the navigation device 200. For example, when using an external modem (e.g. of a paired mobile phone), the use may win additional network coverage beyond the internal modem 290 of the navigation device 200, but the cost structure may be and/or likely higher for data transfer. Thus, after a handoff from the internal modem 290 to an external modem of a paired mobile device, for example, occurs, the user of the navigation device 200 may not want to download or transfer higher data elements, such as map updates or location history files. In addition, the identity of the navigation device 200 and the intended vehicle use and user type may also be used to determine the associated QOS settings, correlating these activities with quality/cost calculations, in particular [ data access/network data costs ]. The QOS is then available by class to the processor 210 to determine the sequence of mathematical activities and availability.
In at least one embodiment, the satellite positions can be used to further determine the transmitted information and reduce network disruption along the vehicle's travel route. The GPS chipset calculation may enable the navigation device 200 to determine planned and/or expected network availability and thus to plan downloads based on expected modem switching between the internal modem 290 and an external modem (e.g., of the paired navigation device 200). This may be a function such as adding navigation map attributes where a layer of navigation map data may contain information about the geographic availability of the allowed ground data network, in particular a mobile network operator in at least one embodiment.
The processor 210 may then calculate the best modem alternatives along the route and may pre-plan modem switching, optimizing network data transfer and/or end user cost/availability functions. As one non-limiting example, a simple rule-based management system may be used to do this, the navigation device 200 may request, for example, an LTO file from the server 302 within the network coverage of the internal modem 290 for a duration of time that extends through the internal modem coverage area. This may then allow for variations in cost/availability optimizations such as: LTO file request frequency, LTO file length, and LTO file geographic coverage. Additionally, if the user of the navigation device 290 is currently in the netherlands and enters a route to spain, the navigation device 200 should request a short LTO for the netherlands, and depending on network coverage parameters (e.g., cost, proximity to network changes, etc.), the navigation device 200 may request a longer file for the spain. The navigation device 200 can thus manage LTO files, reduce to a minimum network data cost, and optimize TtFF (time to first fix) calculations, and can accurately travel based on the received information.
In at least one embodiment, the information may be transmitted upon determining the device type of the navigation device 200, such as the navigation device 200 for commercial, consumer (vehicle), motorcycle, and/or pedestrian uses, for example. The internal modem 290 coverage may extend to a known point. For example, as part of a map vendor navigating map attributes, a particular user of the navigation device 200 may want to extend the function past this point. For example, commercial users and their owners may want to extend the location tracking (Track and Trace) functionality over the ground data coverage area. Additionally, if the user of the navigation device 200 is in a multi-network environment, there may be QOS file settings that then set the usage criteria for internal modem to external modem behavior based on the usage type class of the navigation device 200, and then may use the data obtained from the navigation device 200 to determine modem behavior and expected location tracking availability with an enhanced accuracy and predictive approach due to increased signal availability.
Additionally, in at least one embodiment, once a network interface protocol [1022] connection between the navigation device 200 and the server 302 is established, the connection is identified as part of the protocol with, for example, the modem 290 and the network transfer type, the navigation device 200-to-modem data transfer activity can be adjusted to best fit the criteria of the connection type.
In at least one embodiment of the present application, the method of at least one embodiment expressed above may be implemented as a navigation device 200. In an embodiment of the present application, the navigation device 200 includes: a modem 290 to connect the navigation device 200 to a server 302; a receiver 320 to receive information from the server 200; a processor 210 to determine whether criteria for disconnecting a connection via the modem 290 will be met; and an alternative connection means to connect the navigation device 200 to the server 302, the alternative connection means being used after the processor 200 determines that the criteria for disconnecting the connection of the modem 290 will be met. The modem 290 can be a modem within the navigation device 200 and/or within an adapter of the navigation device 200. An alternative connection means may comprise a bluetooth connection means for connecting to an external modem in a paired mobile device, for example.
Still further, any of the foregoing methods may be embodied in the form of a program. The program may be stored on a computer readable medium and adapted to perform any of the aforementioned methods when run on a computer device (a device comprising a processor). Thus, the storage medium or computer readable medium is adapted to store information and to interact with a data processing facility or computer device to perform the method of any of the above-mentioned embodiments.
The storage medium may be a built-in medium installed inside the computer device main body or a removable medium arranged to be separable from the computer device main body. Examples of built-in media include, but are not limited to, rewritable non-volatile memory such as ROM and flash memory, and hard disks. Examples of removable media include (but are not limited to): optical storage media such as CD-ROM and DVD; magneto-optical storage media, such as MO; magnetic storage media including, but not limited to, floppy diskettes (trademark), tape cassettes, and removable hard drives; media with built-in rewritable non-volatile memory, including (but not limited to) memory cards; and media with built-in ROM, including (but not limited to) ROM cartridges; and the like. Further, various information (e.g., characteristic information) about the stored image may be stored in any other form, or it may be provided in other ways.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure, the electronic components of the navigation device 200 and/or the components of the server 302 may be embodied as computer hardware circuits or as a computer readable program, or as a combination of both.
The systems and methods of embodiments of the present application include software operating on a processor to perform at least one of the methods according to the teachings of the present application. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand, upon reading and comprehending this disclosure, the manner in which a software program can be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer based system to execute the functions found in the software program. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the various programming languages that may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform at least one of the methods of the present application.
The programs may be constructed object-oriented in an object-oriented language including, but not limited to, JAVA, Smalltalk, C + +, etc., and may be constructed program-oriented in a programming language including, but not limited to, COBOL, C, etc. The software components may communicate in any number of ways well known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, through Application Program Interfaces (APIs), interprocess communication techniques (including, but not limited to, reporter calls (RPCs), common object request broker structures (CORBA), Component Object Models (COM), Distributed Component Object Models (DCOM), Distributed System Object Models (DSOM), and remote method calls (RMI)). However, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, the teachings of the present application are not limited to a particular programming language or environment.
The above systems, devices and methods have been described by way of example, and not by way of limitation, with respect to improving accuracy, processor speed, and user interaction simplicity, etc. for the navigation device 200.
Additionally, elements and/or features of different example embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.
Still further, any of the above-described and other exemplary features of the invention may be embodied in the form of apparatuses, methods, systems, computer programs, and computer program products. For example, the foregoing methods may be embodied in the form of a system or device that includes, but is not limited to, any structure for performing the methods illustrated in the figures.
Having thus described the example embodiments, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.